Sheet Retainer With Base Or Depository Patents (Class 402/70)
  • Patent number: 6257621
    Abstract: A kit and assembly are provided for organizing, viewing and locating photographs, for example, on pages of a photo album or scrap book. The kit or assembly may include a camera, a recorder, a digital organizer, a pen or pens, a mounting device, scissor and/or a stamp pad or the like. In addition, the kit or assembly may incorporate a magnifying sheet to assist in viewing the content of the pages of the photo album or scrap book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Eversharp Pen Company
    Inventor: Paul A. Smith
  • Patent number: 6250834
    Abstract: A binder with at least one exterior pocket that extends along the outer exposed side of the binder is disclosed to provide additional capacity to provide easy access to selected papers, or to securely hold oversize sheets of paper, or items that are too bulky or excess items that would not fit between the binder covers. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an elastic cord may be coupled along the opening of the exterior pocket to provide additional tension along the pocket opening to securely seal the items held in the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Wien
  • Patent number: 6241414
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a variety of pockets associated with a binder. In one embodiment, a ruler pocket that is formed from a mesh is sewn to the spine of a binder. Another embodiment discloses a mesh pocket formed over a VELCRO flap which is designed to strap the binder closed. There are two VELCRO closures involved with the flap, one VELCRO closer serving to close the pocket, and the other VELCRO pair serving to hold the two binder covers together. Yet another embodiment discloses a pocket inside of the binder where the front side of the pocket is made of fabric, the back side is made of mesh, with a center divider forming two pockets. Each pocket may be securely closed by a VELCRO book and loop system or a zipper mechanism to open and close the pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Wien
  • Patent number: 6234701
    Abstract: An improved binder formed of two cover portions made of rigid material joined together with a living hinge is disclosed. A closure flap with a second living hinge joins the free ends of the cover opposite the binder spine. An improved method of attaching a pocket to the binder is also disclosed. The use of such a technique on rigid polypropylene material allows roll feeding of materials, eliminates the need for a chipboard, allows existing printing and sealing machinery to be employed in the manufacture of the binder, and provides improved durability and aesthetics at a low cost. One cover portion may be adapted with number design features to properly align one cover portion relative to the other cover portion. A pocket formed of rigid material may also be coupled to one of the cover portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Stuart Karten, Paul Kirley, Dennis Schroeder
  • Patent number: 6220632
    Abstract: A binder device for holding and protecting papers while having elastic hinges for the addition of additional dividers. The binder device includes a plurality of plates. Each of the plates has a top edge, a bottom edge, a front edge and a back edge. A coupling means removably couples a plurality of plates together. The coupling means includes a plurality of pairs of slots in the plates. Each of the pairs of slots extends into the back edge of the plates. A plurality of binding members removably binds the plates together. Each of the binding members forms a loop. One of the loops is placed in a pair of slots in a first plate and in a corresponding pair of slots in a second plate such that the first and second plates are hingedly coupled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: John C. Rosebush
  • Patent number: 6213669
    Abstract: The present invention provides an inflatable binder which has multiple air pockets which can be inflated by one or more air inlets. The binder is secured closed with a zipper or other enclosure. The material of the binder is a plastic sheet material or the like which provides for a water resistant binder. The inflated binder also provides cushioning to protect contents of the binder if dropped. In one embodiment, the front cover of the binder may have a central flat area surrounded by inflatable areas defining a frame, such that visual materials may be displayed from an inner pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Norman C. Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6213668
    Abstract: A folder that has a spine that is hinged to two covers. At least one of the covers has a support portion that extends outwardly with respect to a portion of the cover pivotably attached to the spine. The support portion is located between the hinged portion and another portion disposed opposite therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Acco Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Julian Francis Brown, Timothy John Parsey, Timothy Edward McKeown, Fred Edward Cecala
  • Patent number: 6209917
    Abstract: The invention includes novel unibody binder constructions and the process of making same. The binder is composed of two plastic sheets comprising such material as polyvinyl chloride, polyolefin, polypropylene, polyvinyl acetate or other similar plastics. An uncompromised single piece of board or similar rigid material, such as chipboard, microflute board, corrugated board, fiberboard, etc., or a synthetic substrate, is then coated with a glue such as a resin glue, a U.V. adhesive, etc., on both sides and sandwiched between the plastic sheets. This sandwich is then formed into the unibody construction by welding the entire outer perimeter. At the time of welding, the air between the plastic sheets and the board is pressed or vacuumed out. To create the hinges on the binder, the unibody construction is then hydraulically creased to the extent necessary by using three moving blades to provide living hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Stephen R. Welch
  • Patent number: 6206602
    Abstract: A cost effective binder provides high visual impact by employing a binder cover material which is transparent, and which has imprinted thereon a frame, and which is also provided with a pocket formed of thin plastic material on the inside of the cover. Visual material may be slid into this pocket and may be visible through the front cover of the binder, and is set off and emphasized by the frame formed by the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Norman Yamamoto, Bruce Allen Carter, Tom Wien
  • Patent number: 6200056
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching an electronic device to one or more of the retaining elements of a loose-leaf support assembly. The attachment apparatus includes a securing element and an attachment element. The securing element mutually engages a corresponding feature of the electronic device, such as a slotted recess proximate, adjacent, or in a peripheral edge of the electronic device. The attachment element includes apertures to facilitate the loose attachment of the attachment apparatus to the retaining elements of a loose-leaf support assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Franklin Covey Co.
    Inventors: Cherell Jordin, Gary E. Hogge, Jeffery O. Brown
  • Patent number: 6196591
    Abstract: An office binder, having a surface made of board, paper, coated paper, paperboard, or plastic film, on which a transparent film is attached over part of it surface via attachment surfaces in order to form a film pocket. A method for equipping the office binder, having a surface made of board, paper, coated paper, or plastic film, with a film pocket, in which a film having an adhesive side is laid onto the surface and is attached over part of the surface via adhesive attachment surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Wolfgang H. Lieth
  • Patent number: 6186690
    Abstract: An improved strap connection system for releasably binding pages together within covers in a lay flat condition including a pair of cover pieces and a strap having one end anchored to one cover piece, the other end extending away from the cover piece and an arrangement for releasably securing the extending end of the strap to the other cover piece. In a preferred embodiment, the improved strap connection system is utilized in an album including a front album cover, a rear album cover and a pair of flexible strap members with one end fixedly secured to the rear cover and with the other end extending away from the rear cover. The arrangement for releasably securing the extending ends of the strap members preferably comprises a retaining sheet attached to and forming a pocket with the front cover and the extending ends may include a textured surface for frictionally retaining the ends within the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Napco, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel D. Duncan
  • Patent number: 6179333
    Abstract: A notebook or similar page element that includes a plurality of bound pages, a first page provided with a limited friction surface, with the function of supporting and serving as a computer mouse pad, and a second page prepared with non-slip surface located on an extremity of the plurality of pages. The first page is arranged with a controlled-friction surface opposite to the non-slip surface of the second page.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Lediberg S.p.A.
    Inventors: Franco Luini, Nicol{grave over (o)} Lurani
  • Patent number: 6179508
    Abstract: A ring binder (100) has a center spine (102) and end leafs (104). The spine section has jaws (108) formed on each side which extend the length of the spine section. Each end leaf has one end (104a) insertable into one of the jaws and thereafter held in place by serrations (110) forming the jaws and which frictionally engage the one end of the leaf to keep it permanently in place. A binder ring assembly (10) includes binder rings (18-22) and a mechanism (14,16) for opening and closing the rings. The spine section includes rivets (72) integrally formed at each end of the spine section and the binder ring assembly includes a cover (12) having corresponding openings (68a,68b) for attaching the binder ring assembly to the spine section. This binder construction allows different width end leafs to be used with a common spine section to form a variety of different size binders using a common spine section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: U.S. Ring Binder Corporation
    Inventor: Charles B. Coerver
  • Patent number: 6168338
    Abstract: A ring binder notebook is described which utilizes readily openable and closable snap rings and one or more covers that, unlike standard ring binder notebooks, are not restricted to either a closed (0°) or a half-open (180°) position—but may be fully opened (360°) back to front. This flexibility, previously possible only with standard spiral bound notebooks, is now achieved while still retaining the ability to readily add, remove, or rearrange the contents of the notebook. A notebook ring assembly is also described. The ring assembly has a shell, a pair of back plates, and one or more sets of longitudinally aligned binder ring members. Each binder ring member attached to the first back plate is transversely aligned with an opposing binder ring member attached to the second back plate. Each binder ring member attached to the first back plate is attached so that it extends away from the upper surface of the first back plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Clifford Kenneth Young
  • Patent number: 6168337
    Abstract: The pliable, readily flattenable loop binder for retaining loose-leaf sheets has a mounting strip with an elongated spine, an adhesive on the back of the spine, and a removable liner over the adhesive. Paired transversely aligned loop-forming elements project outward from opposing longitudinal edges of the spine. Off one edge are pliable and readily bendable straps. Off the other edge are strap receivers. The strap of a pair is threaded through a punched hole of punched paper and drawn over the spine and then threaded through its receiver so that the back surface of the strap faces the back surface of the receiver. Each loop formed by a pair of loop-forming elements is teardrop in contour and is flattenable toward the front surface of the spine with a single folded bend in said strap. Locking structures on straps engage the receivers to resist shifting of straps in their receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: F. Kendall Adams
  • Patent number: 6168339
    Abstract: There is disclosed a ring binder adapted to be secured to a cover, the ring binder including an upper plate with a longitudinal axis; a pair of elongate plates supported by the upper plate; a number of ring members mounted to the elongate plates; and two rivets for securing the ring binder to the cover, in which each of the rivets includes a cylindrical body in direct engagement with the upper plate for attaching the rivet to the upper plate and an abutment plate adapted to abut the cover when the ring binder is secured to the cover; and a number of claws for securing the ring binder to the cover, in which the abutment plate includes a major surface, and the abutment plate includes at least one side edge from which a ridge member extends away from the major surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: World Wide Stationery Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventor: Chun Yuen To
  • Patent number: 6161979
    Abstract: A binder assembly has a partition or intermediate panel separating a ring binder compartment from a storage compartment. The binder assembly includes a spine, a rear cover, a front cover, and an intermediate panel. The rear cover and front cover are pivotally or flexibly mounted adjacent the spine. The rear cover and intermediate panel define a ring binder space for holding pages, closed on one side where the rear and front cover are secured to the spine, and being selectively open on the other three sides. A ring binder is mounted in the ring binder space near the spine. A front cover is pivotally mounted to the intermediate panel. The intermediate panel and the front cover define a storage space closed on one side where the front cover is secured to the intermediate panel and being selectively open on the other three sides. First and second zippers extend around the three open sides of the binder and storage space, respectively, to fully enclose contents of the binder assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Norman Yamamoto, Bruce Allen Carter, Thomas M. Wien
  • Patent number: 6119383
    Abstract: A card holder providing a stand, the stand having a base portion, a support portion projecting upwardly from the base portion, and at least one wing projecting outwardly from an upper end of the support portion; a head portion, the head portion being substantially loop-shaped and having a longitudinal slit therethrough, the slit being sized to receive the upper end of the support portion therethrough for removable attachment thereto, the head portion being adaptable to removably receive at least one card, the at least one card being slidingly moveable about the head portion between a first position and a second position thereof; the at least one wing having a U-shaped cut-out therethrough adjacent to the upper end of the support portion for receiving the head portion; and, the upper end having a tapered portion defining at least one slot for receiving an edge of the head portion slit therebehind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Albert H. Gruneisen, III
  • Patent number: 6116651
    Abstract: The folder is made with a pair of sections, each of which is provided with an inside panel to form a pocket. The inside panel and the front panel of each section of the folder is provided with vertical and horizontal score lines adjacent the respective edges of the folder to permit expansion of the pockets when filled with paper or the like. The folder is also provided with a pair of score lines on opposite sides of the vertical fold line to allow the folder to triangulate along the vertical fold line when the folder is filled to capacity. When filled to capacity, the folder retains a flat appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Pama Enterprises
    Inventors: Marvin A. Makofsky, Jerome B. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 6109812
    Abstract: An insert for a window formed in a binder spine. The insert can be separate or part of a binder sheet. The insert is readily removable from said spine to be relabeled to indicate the materials located in the binder. The insert can be pivotally mounted relative to the spine or can be provided with openings that resiliently connect the insert to the rivets that secure the spine to the ring holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: ACCO Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen R. Welch
  • Patent number: 6106015
    Abstract: A binder for storing collectibles in holder pages of a material dissimilar to the binder cover. The sheets of pages are fastened to each other and to the binder cover by ultrasonically sealing the sheets directly or indirectly through the internal surface of the cover to a concealed anchoring rib of the same material as the holder pages, which anchoring rib is disposed and secured in the spine of the cover. A method of manufacturing a binder for storing collectibles is also disclosed in which a series of sheets of pages is superimposed over the internal surface of the binder cover and then the sheets are fastened by ultrasonically sealing them to the cover by means of ultrasonic sealing tools which pierce and fuse the sheets along the desired line of attachment to form a single booklet, and then continue directly or indirectly through the internal surface of the cover to contact a concealed anchoring rib of the same material disposed in the spine of the binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Enor Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Udwin, Marshall L. Weingarden, David Tarica
  • Patent number: 6095564
    Abstract: A binder assembly having a partition separating a ring binder compartment from a storage compartment. The binder assembly includes a spine, a rear cover, and a front cover. The rear cover and front cover are pivotally mounted to the spine. The rear and front cover define a ring binder space for holding pages, closed on one side where the rear and front cover are secured to the spine, and being selectively open on the other three sides. A ring binder is mounted in the ring binder space near the spine. A storage cover is pivotally mounted to the front cover. The storage cover and the front cover define a storage space closed on one side where the storage cover is secured to the front cover, and being selectively open on the other three sides. First and second zippers extend around the three open sides of the binder and storage space, respectively, to fully enclose contents of the binder assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas M. Wien
  • Patent number: 6086105
    Abstract: A clamshell blister package permits packaging of activity pieces with a book in an activity kit. The package is reclosable and see-through and extends through and is connected to the cover for holding the activity pieces such that the package may be removed (and later replaced) so as not to interfere with the pages when the book is being used. The package is configured to friction fit into an aperture in the front cover of the book so that the package can be removed and reinstalled into the cover. The package includes a top and a bottom connected together by a hinge. The bottom includes an integrally formed platform which releasably engages a ledge and ledge wall of the top for holding the top closed onto the bottom in a reclosable fashion. The top defines a receptacle into which the activity pieces are stored when not in use, within or outside the book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Learning Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Woldenberg, Lisa Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6082770
    Abstract: A fastening device for schedule folder covers with a side plate to join two covers of schedule folder, wherein both ends of the side plate is connected with a side chain band similar to a metallic watchband and identical to the width thereof, and a connecting zipper fitted to both sides of the side chain band and the edge of the covers, and wherein a closed state between two covers and the side chain band is created by means of the connecting zipper while a soft parting member can be mounted inside of the side chain band, if necessary, for dividing the internal space of the folder in accordance with the using requirements and for enhancing the flexible using of the whole internal space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Jack K. L. Lin
  • Patent number: 6076989
    Abstract: A casing board for use as an information displaying and storage device, which may be formed into a binder, a storage box or be used as a flat board includes a substrate, an opaque intermediate covering layer affixed to the substrate and a transparent outer layer affixed to at least one of the substrate and the opaque covering layer at predetermined affixation locations to define a pocket intermediate the transparent layer and the opaque layer characterized by folded flaps defining turned-edge corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventors: Jerry W. Pearce, J. Rockland Proffit
  • Patent number: 6076990
    Abstract: A binder for sheets of paper comprises a bendable cover and a binding system secured centrally of the cover. The binding system has a one piece plastic construction comprising a base portion with first and second bosses formed from and located to either side of the base portion. The first boss has a plurality of spaced apart recesses and the second boss has a plurality of spaced apart posts which lock into the recesses of the first boss when the binder is folded upon itself in a binding position. Also provided are first and second sets of ribs again formed from the base between the first and second bosses. The ribs are hollow and are open from beneath to ease the bending of the binding system when the binder is folded to the binding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Gerry Jahn
  • Patent number: 6050404
    Abstract: A multifunctional storage case comprising a case with a hollow accommodation in the center thereof at whose side has side opening which is provided with a elongating side edge at two sides thereof, wherein the inner side of the elongating side edge is respectively fitted with a number of protruding warped members which are vertically paralleled, and wherein a side fastening cover is pivoted at the bottom end of side opening while a binding element for loose-leaves is fixed inside of the side fastening cover for holding thin loose-leaf envelopes to accommodate CDs, other articles, and wherein two sides of the side fastening cover is provided with corresponding resilient fasteners in the middle section thereof is fitted with outwards protruding warped members which are engaged in the middle hollow member between protruding warped members, and wherein a cover is pivoted at the top side of the casing and an arch hook is disposed at the moving side of the cover for being hooked at the outer edge after the opening
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Hsiu-Hui Lee
  • Patent number: 6039494
    Abstract: A casing board for organizing, storing, protecting and displaying communications media, such as papers, audio and video cassettes and compact discs, includes a substrate made of a relatively rigid material. The substrate includes a front cover portion, a rear cover portion and a spine portion positioned between and hingedly connected to the front cover portion and the rear cover portion. The casing board further includes an outer wrap made of a flexible, polyolefin material and sized to have longitudinal and lateral dimensions slightly greater than the longitudinal and lateral dimensions of the substrate. The outer wrap is positioned adjacent the exterior surface of the substrate with the longitudinal and lateral edges of the outer wrap turned over the periphery of the substrate and affixed, preferably with an adhesive, to the interior surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Jerry W. Pearce
  • Patent number: 6036395
    Abstract: A reusable adhesive based notebook organizer that conveniently holds loose notes, papers and other similar items within the notebook is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Leonardo Dona Dalle Rose
  • Patent number: 6033144
    Abstract: A ring binder mechanism adapted to be secured to a cover is disclosed as including a substantially rigid curved cover supporting a pair of plates to which a plurality of half-rings are mounted, and a pair of rivets for engagement with the cover, and the plates are pivotably movable between a first configuration in which the half-rings are closed, and a second configuration in which the half-rings are open, and each rivet includes an anchor plate adapted to abut the cover, and a row of three outer claws depend from each of two side edges of the anchor plate to secure the ring binder mechanism to the cover. Two rows of inner claws depending from the underside surface of the rivet, each row being adjacent to a respective row of outer claws, are also included to enhance the gripping action. The row of outer claws and the adjacent row of inner claws may point towards the same direction, or towards different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: World Wide Stationary Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Weng Io Ng, Chun Yuen To
  • Patent number: 6007265
    Abstract: A fastener (30) for fastening a paper retaining binder mechanism (18) to the spine (16) of a binder (10) and remaining entirely concealed from an outer surface of the binder. The fastener includes a circular anchor plate (38) and a vertically extending attachment post or eyelet (34). The post is a truncated cone of uniform taper. The anchor plate includes a circumferential reinforcing lip (48). The fastener is secured to the spine by a number of spurs (50) uniformly spaced about the circumference of the anchor plate. The eyelet extends perpendicular of the anchor plate and the binder mechanism seats on the eyelet by an opening (26, 28). The upper end of the eyelet is then deformed about the opening to secure the binder mechanism in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Ringbinder Corp.
    Inventor: Paul Whaley
  • Patent number: 6007266
    Abstract: A binder assembly includes a sheet retaining device having a plurality of rings for engaging corresponding holes in sheets of material retained by the sheet retaining device. The sheet retaining device is attached to a cover member by a fastener having a portion which is insertable into apertures in the sheet retaining device and securable thereto by pressing. The fastener includes a rectangular base having deformable claws which become embedded in the cover member when installed to securely hold the sheet retaining device to the cover member. The embedded claws are concealed from an outer surface of the cover member, thereby improving the exterior appearance of the binder assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: World Wide Stationery Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung Yu Cheng, Chun Yuen To, Weng Io Ng
  • Patent number: 5988926
    Abstract: The filing device in which a binding fastener 2 fixedly attached to a folder body 1 can be demounted from the folder body 1 with accompanying plastic deformation or destruction of the parts of the filing device, and is characterized by that the binding fastener 2 is fixedly attached to the folder body 1 by a binding mechanism 3 which fastens the binding fastener 2 to the folder body 1 and which enables the binding fastener 2 to be released from the folder body 1 with a relative movement of the binding fastener 2 to the folder body 1, and an engaging lock mechanism 4 which prohibits the relative movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Kokuyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takio Kiyomi
  • Patent number: 5967689
    Abstract: A binder for storage of sheet materials, particularly large sheet materials, such as maps, blueprints and the like, in a flat configuration. An elongated frame element, which supports the sheet materials along a marginal edge in a hanging orientation, is provided with a pivoting hand grip mounted on the frame and movable between vertical and horizontal orientations. The hand grip, of which there may be more than one, enables the binder and its contents to be conveniently removed from a storage rack and re-positioned for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: The Planhold Corporation
    Inventor: Don William Fleischauer
  • Patent number: 5967690
    Abstract: A ring capture mechanism of a loose-leaf binder includes a first plate having a U-shaped slot of continuous circumference designed to receive a ring of the binder through the slot within the circumference. The first plate moves across a second plate having a straight slot of continuous circumference designed to receive the ring of the binder, and locks the arms of a ring contained in both slots in the legs of the U-shaped slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Specialty Loose Leaf, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Tibbetts
  • Patent number: 5951189
    Abstract: This binder (10) includes a front cover (12), a rear cover (14) and a spine (16) and is provided with a transparent label holder (50) which extends across the spine (16) and is attached to at least one of the covers (12,14). The label holder (50) provides an open upper margin (52) and is attached at the side margins (60, 62) and at least partially attached at the lower margin (54) to retain the label (100) which thereby has an increased area for label information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: American Trading and Production Corporation
    Inventor: Debra Winzen
  • Patent number: 5951190
    Abstract: A die-cut sheet of material is folded in three and clamped by a ring binder mechanism so that two panels formed by the folding are pressed to a third panel that is between the folds, forming a binder cover leaf on each side of the mechanism. The ends of the folded panels are spaced from the fold lines, and may be fastened together to form a horizontal pocket, a vertical pocket, or horizontal and vertical pockets in both leafs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Specialty Loose Leaf, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert B. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5924736
    Abstract: A new Organizing and Planning Device For Weddings for providing a convenient system for organizing the multitude of information associated with planning a wedding. The inventive device includes a binder including a back cover, a front cover, and a spine portion hingedly joining the back cover and the front cover wherein the binder further includes a plurality of openable retaining rings mounted to the spine portion thereof. A plurality of pocketed dividers, a plurality of notational information sheets, a reference calendar, a plurality of monthly planning calendars, and a plurality of tabbed dividers are each removably and replacably retained in the binder by the plurality of openable retaining rings. Each of the plurality of pocketed dividers corresponds to an element of the wedding occasion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Inventor: Giacomo Russo
  • Patent number: 5924811
    Abstract: A fastener apparatus for releasably fastening a sheet retaining apparatus to a cover member includes a plate member secured to the cover member and having an aperture therein. A pin member is reciprocally mounted to the sheet retaining apparatus, with a portion of the pin member being selectively positionable in the aperture to secure the sheet retaining apparatus to the cover member. Thus, the sheet retaining apparatus is readily assemblable and disassemblable from the cover member repeatedly by a user. Thus, the sheet retaining apparatus and the cover member may be shipped in an unassembled condition in a very compact package for later assembly by the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: World Wide Stationery Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun Yuen To, Chun On William To, Weng Io Ng, Kung Cheng, Wen-Ming Xu
  • Patent number: 5911441
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved carrying case which is capable of storing a pad of fresh writing paper, wherein the pad of paper may be stored in a pocket that will enclose the pad and protect it from being exposed to the outside elements. The carrying case of the present invention provides the benefits that the notepad is easily accessible to the user, without having to open the case to expose the papers contained within the interior of the case. Thus, the user may write upon a fresh pad of paper without opening the interior of the carrying case. Further, the carrying case is sturdy enough so that the user can have a sufficiently stable surface to write upon the notepad without removing the notepad from its pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Norman Curtis Yamamoto, Bruce A. Carter
  • Patent number: 5908258
    Abstract: A variable volume file for documents, includes a folder, constituted by two flat parts and by a back, and a box, corresponding in shape and volume to the folder, having two larger bases and by three lateral surface faces. The folder and the box are made individually in two separate parts, which can be partly overlapped on one another in the width direction of the back. Each folder part includes a flat and a back wing; each box part includes one of the bases and lateral surface wings. Provided in the back wings of the folder and in the lateral surface wings of the box are structures for sliding engagement which interact with one another for the relative movement of one part in relation to the other and structures for mutual locking of the respective parts in prefixed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Roberto Boccacci
  • Patent number: 5888011
    Abstract: A binder for containing a plurality removable paper sheets and having a back portion with covers attached to each side thereof and an elongated spine portion attached to the inside of the back portion with a plurality of binder rings integrally formed with the elongated spine to form a single unit. The annular rings have an outer portion of a first width and an inner portion of a second smaller width that matingly engages die-cut recesses in each sheet that likewise have a first narrow portion extending inwardly from the edge of the sheet to a second portion having a greater width than the first narrow portion such that the paper sheets can be inserted and removed from attachment to the binder rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Williamson Printing Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick I. Reinbold, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5876143
    Abstract: A document binder is formed with front and back covers hinged together in articulated fashion with a spine located therebetween. An overlay is provided across the outer surface of at least the front cover and the spine and is secured by fusion to inner and outer, plastic cover sheets that encapsulate a flat, stiff, front cover core, spine, and back cover core therebetween. A front cover title sheet pocket is defined between the overlay and the outer, plastic cover sheet. The title sheet pocket is of a narrow enough width to readily accommodate title sheets printed on paper of standard width, such as eight and a half inches. The fabrication technique employed allows a title sheet pocket to be created for the front cover of the document binder which snugly confines the title sheet and prevents it from shifting laterally as occurs in conventional devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Bon S. Ong
  • Patent number: 5842807
    Abstract: A ring binder adapted to be secured to an article by at least one integral rivet, the ring binder comprising a substantially rigid integral upper plate supporting a pair of pivotable lower plates to which a plurality of ring members are mounted, the rivet comprising (1) a barrel that is in direct engagement with the upper plate and (2) a plurality of claws for securing the article, wherein at least 75% of said claws extend away from a longitudinal axis of the barrel. Also disclosed is a rivet adapted to secure a ring binder to an article, the rivet comprising (1) a barrel for engaging the ring binder and (2) a plurality of claws for securing the article, wherein at least a majority of the claws generally extend away from a longitudinal axis of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: World Wide Stationery Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventor: Chun Yuen To
  • Patent number: 5797630
    Abstract: A method and system for generating, inventorying, storing and managing records and record forms is disclosed. The record management system and method utilizes a system record generator which generates a plurality of policies, record forms and the like in response to a questionnaire record. Customized record forms and policies are generated and stored in a unique record receiver having indicia for clearly identifying forms therein. A record holder is also provided for storing, inventorying, and managing the record forms used. The method and system are particularly useful for managing and insuring that record forms are completed for employees in a company by providing convenient means for visually identifying record forms, such as employment applications and the like, for ascertaining when one or more forms is missing by the presence of an empty compartment in the record holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Direct Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph F. Conley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5772348
    Abstract: A ring binder (100, 200, 300) adapted to be secured to a cover (112, 212, 312) is disclosed as comprising a substantially rigid upper plate member (102, 202, 302) supporting two pivotable lower plates (104a, 104b, 204a, 204b, 304a, 304b) to which a plurality of rings (106, 206, 306) are mounted, and at least a set of claws (108, 208, 308) integrally formed with the ring binder (100, 200, 300) and adapted to secure the ring binder (100, 200, 300) to the cover (112, 212, 312).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: World Wide Stationary Company Limited
    Inventor: Simon Chun Yuen To
  • Patent number: 5755513
    Abstract: A ring binder is disclosed as being adapted to be secured to a cover by at least one rivet, the ring binder comprising a substantially rigid curved upper plate supporting a pair of pivotable elongate plates to which a plurality of ring members are mounted, and the rivet is engageable directly with the cover and the curved upper plate, and the rivet includes a cylindrical body with an inwardly bent upper end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: World Wide Stationary Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventor: Chun Yuen To
  • Patent number: 5738460
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a portfolio type device employing sealed plastic sheet protectors fastened together in a ringed binder, and enclosed by a durable outer shell this shell may be made of a suitable material such as leather, vinyl or nylon canvas. When in the closed position, the present invention employs a zipper on three sides to secure the shell, thereby completely encasing the documents and providing protection from wind, rain and other elements. On the fourth side of the device is attached a handle to facilitate portability of said device. The plastic sheet protectors may be of varying sizes to accommodate oversized documents such as blueprints, photographs, business cards or other documents. The oversized sheet protectors may be folded over to fit within the present invention when it in the closed position, although not causing permanent folds or curling of the edges of the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Dallas Edward Flynn
  • Patent number: 5722783
    Abstract: A file folder is provided which includes a pair of foldable front and rear covers 4 and 5, a back cover 6 integrally located between and connected to them via hinge sections 7, and a binding fastener 3 fixedly attached on the inner face of the back cover. An engaging projection 8 is formed on the inner face of at least one of the front and rear covers 4 and 5 for abutting engagement with the binding fastener when the file folder is closed. With this arrangement, the file folder having a plurality of loose papers bound together along their longer edges by the fastener 3 can be kept standing with its back cover 6 positioned above and horizontally oriented without causing the back cover 6 and hinge sections 7 to be distorted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Kokuyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takio Kiyomi