Abstract: A picture album can include a picture frame and has a front cover panel, back cover panel, and four side panels, all in a rectangular shape and covered by a material. The edges of the sides and the front cover have embedded magnets that allow the album to open flat and recover its original shape through engaging magnetic force when closed. Multiple picture sheets can be stored in the album using a multi-ring binder spine hardware. A display window is located on the front cover panel where a picture insertion sheet can be attached to the back of the display window by magnetic force so that a picture located in the picture insertion sheet can be viewed through the display window located on the front cover panel.

Abstract: A case assembly of a media binder includes a front surface board and a back surface board. Each surface board includes an inwardly facing surface and an outwardly facing surface and a cover sheet, and each cover sheet is wrapped around the outwardly facing surface of one of the surface boards. A marginal edge is attached to the inwardly facing surface of the surface board, and another marginal edge is unattached to the inwardly facing surface of the surface board. An end of the unattached marginal edge includes an extra edge extended from the unattached marginal edge, and the extra edge is folded against the unattached marginal edge. The unattached marginal edge is attached to the inwardly facing surface of an adjacent surface board to form a corner wrap around a corner of the adjacent surface board.

Abstract: A ring mechanism has pivoting hinge plates supported by a housing so pivoting of the hinge plates can open and close rings for holding the loose-leaf pages. The mechanism has an actuator including a lower arm for moving the hinge plates to open the rings and an upper arm for moving the hinge plates to close the rings. The upper arm has a hook thereon. An intermediate connector comprises a cross bar captured by the hook on the actuator. The intermediate connector connects a travel bar to the actuator so movement of the actuator to pivot the hinge plates causes longitudinal movement of the travel bar in the housing. A locking element is moveable with the travel bar between a locking position and non-locking position.

Abstract: A document management system and method for efficiently managing documents across multiple subject areas of personal record-keeping, and for allowing a user to quickly identify and process documents that may require future action. An example system includes a first container or organizer having one or more dividers therein, the dividers retaining documents in separate categories, and further includes document retention guidelines aimed at identifying documents that may be removed from the organizers and discarded. The document retention guidelines may specify particular retention actions for managing the documents, and time periods for retaining particular documents in the organizers.

Abstract: A desk leaf base has a base formed of a trapezoidal tubular body in a trapezoidal shape in a side view, closed from a bottom surface to a certain height in both sides, and opened in an upper portion therefrom. An inclined front wall of the tubular body is removed from one side to the other side, in a range from the height to a higher height lower than a top surface. A binder mounted along an elongated top surface of the base has an elongated body and rings. The elongated body is mounted along the top surface of the base with an approximately same width as the top surface. The rings are mounted on the body and capable of opening and closing. Each ring includes linear portions that protrude from the body inclining upward on front and back sides when closing.

Abstract: A ring mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages includes a housing and ring members for holding loose-leaf pages that are moveable relative to the housing between an open and closed position. An actuation system moves the ring members and includes hinge plates pivotally mounted on the housing and an actuator actuating pivoting movement of the hinge plates. A travel bar of the actuation system is moveable by the actuator between a locked position blocking pivoting movement of the hinge plates and an unlocked position allowing pivoting movement of the hinge plates. The actuation system is adapted to deform while moving the travel bar from the locked position toward the unlocked position to delay the pivoting motion of the hinge plates from the movement of the actuator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an item holding assembly that may include a binder and portfolio with one releasably attached to the other enabling quick and easy separation for use of one independent of the other. In a preferred embodiment, binder and portfolio panels can overlie one another, particularly when releasably engaged in a manner that releasably attaches them. A flap, such as part of the panel or the panel of one is received in a pocket formed in the panel of the other to facilitate and preferably provide releasable attachment.

Abstract: A binding cover having a transparent overlay cover disposed over and around the spine of the binding is configured to provide a label pocket on the spine portion of the binding cover wherein a label may be inserted easily without tools or rigid label material. In several embodiments the label pocket provides a fixed label space. In another embodiment the label pocket opens along the spine when the binding cover is opened, and returns to a closed position when closed, thereby retaining a label inserted therein. In another embodiment a method for forming the label pocket is provided.

Abstract: A cover (10) is disclosed for holding objects such as papers and reports. The cover (10) is formed of a member (20) having a front cover (22), a spine (24) and a back cover (26). A first portion (32) and a second portion (38) are folded over to encapsulate a prong fastener (12). The second portion (38) is then fastened to the back cover (26) with adhesive tape (58). The first and second portions (32, 38) can be part of a fastener assembly (70) having a third portion (72) that is secured to the inner surface (62) of the back cover (26). In a modification, a flap (128) can be hinged to the side of the back cover (126).

Abstract: A writing kit including a plastic sheet, a binding and a case with a closing element to hold the plastic sheet in the case. The case has at least one hole at a center portion of the case and the sheet has at least one hole in the sheet. A binding comprising a flexible cord is laced through the hole in the sheet and the case and a clasp slidingly engages the cord.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an organizer comprising a unique structural configuration to house and store both non-perforated documents and perforated documents. The organizer comprises a ring binder that is associated with an expandable compartment that is arranged peripheral to the ring binder.

Abstract: A flexible spine having a number of pivotally connected spine modules. A first detent lock portion included on a first spine module and a second detent lock portion included on a second adjacent spine module for releasably interlocking adjacent spine modules. An accessory channel included in at least one of the spine modules. An accessory module including a hinge connector adapted for being received into the accessory channel and carrying an accessory panel. At least one retainer prong disposed in the accessory channel engaging the hinge connector for resisting movement of the hinge connector in the accessory channel.

Abstract: A binder includes a back part disposed between ring parts, each of the ring parts being openable and closable. to constitute a binder. A penetration hole is formed at a portion of the ring parts intersecting with the back part, thereby allowing the binder to expand and contract to a certain degree in a longitudinal direction thereof.

Abstract: A binding device includes a plurality of binding rings, a holding member which enables the binding rings to be disposed with a spacing therebetween, an operating member having a surface to which base portions of the binding rings are secured such that the binding rings are disposed with a spacing therebetween, the operating member including a pair of operating pieces movable in the holding member in a longitudinal direction of the holding member, and an opening-closing member which causes the binding rings to be changed in an opening direction. The opening-closing member includes an elastic member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an organizer comprising a unique structural configuration to house and store both non-perforated documents and perforated documents. The organizer comprises a ring binder that is associated with an expandable compartment that is arranged peripheral to the ring binder.

Abstract: A book has a front cover having a first edge which is unconnected, and an opposing second edge which is connected to a spine. A back cover has a first edge which is connected to the spine and an opposing second edge which is connected to flexible joint or fold-line. The book has a third cover having a first edge which is connected to flexible joint and an opposing second edge which is connected to binding which contains pages and a stabilizing sheet.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism includes an elongate plate having a longitudinal axis. Hinge plates are supported by the plate for pivoting relative to the elongate plate. Ring members are mounted on the hinge plates and moveable between a closed position and an open position. A control structure is supported by the elongate plate and controllably pivots the hinge plates to move the ring members between the closed and open positions. The control structure has a travel bar connected to the hinge plates for moving the hinge plates between the closed and open positions. A spring biases the travel bar toward the closed position.

Abstract: A cover (10) is disclosed for holding objects such as papers and reports. The cover (10) is formed of a member (12) having a front cover (14), a spine (16) and a back cover (18), a ring binder (22) and a paper surround (24). The paper surround (24) encapsulates the ring binder (22) and secures it to the member (12). The cover can be either a top bound or side bound cover.

Abstract: A binder for releasably retaining loose-leaves. The binder has a front cover that lies flatly beneath its back cover when the binder is open 360 degrees. The rings of the binder can rotate around an edge of the flatly-folded cover to enable loose-leaves to lie flat above and below the cover. The binder also has a skeleton with a minimal cross-section spine which may be partially or completely embedded in a cover and rotates in relation to parallel front and back covers when the binder is open 360 degrees. The front cover, middle cover and back cover are connected in a way so that they do not interfere with the rotation of the rings. Mechanisms to open and close the rings of the skeleton to allow addition or removal of loose-leafs, and ring shapes to optimize or stabilize the capacity of the binder during operation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A file folder includes an external layer, an internal layer, and a laminate encapsulated between the external and internal layers. The laminate includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a plurality of arc-shaped support members connected between the top and bottom walls. A specific value of a thickness of the laminate to a pitch between the support members is larger than or equal to 0.8. Accordingly, the file folder is lightweight and structurally strong.

Abstract: A folder is disclosed having one or more bound edges and one or more free edges, one or more folder tabs extending from one or more free edges, and a plurality of pages bound to the folder. The pages may be bound to the folder using adhesive, string, staples or other attachment mechanisms. The folder may fit within a traditional file drawer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an organizer comprising a unique structural configuration to house and store both non-perforated documents and perforated documents. The organizer comprises a ring binder that is associated with an expandable compartment that is arranged peripheral to the ring binder.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism having at least one pair of half-ring members that are movable between a first position, wherein the half-ring members are closed, and a second position, wherein the half-ring members are open, and at least one generally tubular member to facilitate alignment and securement of the at least one pair of half ring members when moved from the second, open position to the first, closed position.

Abstract: A display system includes a binder, a header, a retaining bracket and an extension assembly. The binder includes a plate, a plurality of sheets and an attachment assembly. The plate has a front surface, a rear surface and an edge. The attachment assembly secure the sheets at the front surface of the plate and maintains and displays information. The header includes indicia and is adapted to be positioned in a retracted position where the header is substantially obscured from view by the plate and an extended position where the header extends substantially from the edge of the plate. The retaining bracket is attached to the rear surface of the plate. The extension assembly is adapted to engage the retaining bracket to maintain the header in the extended position.

Abstract: Binders and binder spines are disclosed that provide for easy insertion of labels into binder slots and also easy removal and replacement of labels in the binder slots. One printed material binder according to the present invention comprises a hardcover binder having front and back binder panels that are joined at a binder spine. The spine has a transparent cover and the spine comprises a spine support that is longitudinally foldable to open a space between binder spine and transparent cover. This open space allows for insertion of labels between the binder spine and transparent cover. When the spine support is returned flat, the label is held between the binder spine and transparent cover.

Abstract: A file with a card-receiving recess is disclosed. The file comprises a first panel comprising a first layer and a backing layer, that contains an opening extending from the first layer to the backing layer, and a second panel hingedly associated with the first panel. The backing layer is configured to support a displayed sheet element in a position such that it is visible through the opening of the first layer, and the displayed sheet element is at least partially received within the thickness of the first surface and the backing layer. The backing layer contains an adhesive disposed thereon within the opening for securing the displayed sheet element to the backing.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism has a housing supporting first and second hinge plates and rings, each ring including first and second ring members. The first ring member is mounted one of the hinge plates and moveable with the hinge plate relative to the second ring member between closed and open positions. An actuating lever for opening the rings is mounted on a pin secured to the housing. Pivoting of the actuator moves a travel bar relative to the hinge plates. A blocking element is secured to the travel bar for conjoint movement therewith between a locking position in which the blocking element blocks pivoting movement of the hinge plates to open the rings and a non-locking position in which the blocking element does not block pivoting movement of the hinge plates to open the rings. A torsion spring on the pin biases the actuating lever to its closed position.

Abstract: A binder including a first cover and a second cover pivotally coupled to the first cover, both of the covers being generally flat and planar and having a first and second opposite sides thereof. The binder further includes a pocket coupled to the first cover, wherein the pocket can be accessed from both the first and second sides of the first cover.

Abstract: An embedded recycled container sheet binder includes a front cover and a back cover, the front cover and the back cover being connected to one another for opening and closing, at least one of the front cover and the back cover being, at least in part, a plurality of flattened recycled containers embedded in a plastic base, and each of the plurality of flattened recycled containers being visibly recognizable. The plurality of flattened recycled containers is preferably embedded between a base substrate of plastic and a top layer of plastic. The base substrate is a recycled plastic base substrate selected from the group consisting of clear plastic, opaque plastic, colored plastic and combinations thereof. In some preferred embodiments, the embedded recycled container sheet binder the top layer is a recycled plastic selected from the group consisting of clear plastic, opaque plastic and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A ring mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages includes a housing and hinge plates supported by the housing. Rings for retaining the loose-leaf pages are mounted on the hinge plates for movement with the hinge plates between an open and closed position. A lever is mounted on the housing and includes a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is disposed to engage the hinge plates and move the rings from the closed to the open position. The hinge plates are supported by the housing so that at least one of the hinge plates is in continuous engagement with the second portion of the lever when the rings are in the closed position. The at least one hinge plate has an upper surface facing toward the housing and a lower surface facing away from the housing and is in continuous engagement with the second portion of the lever.

Abstract: A cover for the binding of a bundle of sheets, includes a spine with flaps attached thereto, the cover including in addition a loose binding profile with a bottom and two legs between which a bundle of sheets can be clasped. The binding profile is made from a springy or other material or comprises a hinge that allows the legs to move toward or away from one another and which binding profile can be attached to the spine of the cover after the bundle of sheets has been clasped.

Abstract: A cover (10) is disclosed for holding objects such as papers and reports. The cover (10) is formed of a member (12) having a front cover (14), a spine (16) and a back cover (18), a ring binder (22) and a paper surround (24). The paper surround (24) encapsulates the ring binder (22) and secures it to the member (12). The cover can be either a top bound or side bound cover.

Abstract: A system including a bound component comprising a plurality of sheets of paper and a binding mechanism binding the plurality of sheets of paper together. The system further includes a divider configured to be directly releasably coupled to the binding mechanism such that the divider can be positioned between adjacent ones of the sheets of paper. The divider is made of a polymer material. The system further includes a permanent writing instrument configured to dispense permanent markings on the divider when the divider is written upon by the writing instrument. The system further includes an erasing means for erasing permanent markings from the divider.

Abstract: The present invention provides a binder arrangement comprising a pair of binder covers pivotable about a single axis into an opposed orientation, a single set of binder rings attached to said binder covers, a pair of hinges for pivoting the pair of covers into an opposed orientation; and a hold down page of multifunction construction.

Abstract: A cover (10) is disclosed for holding objects such as papers and reports. The cover (10) is formed of a member (20) having a front cover (22), a spine (24) and a back cover (26). A first portion (32) and a second portion (38) are folded over to encapsulate a prong fastener (12). The second portion (38) is then fastened to the back cover (26) with adhesive tape (58). The first and second portions (32, 38) can be part of a fastener assembly (70) having a third portion (72) that is secured to the inner surface (62) of the back cover (26). In a modification, a flap (128) can be hinged to the side of the back cover (126).

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages includes an elongate plate supporting two hinge plates for pivoting movement relative to the elongate plate. Ring members move with the pivoting movement of the hinge plates between a closed position for retaining loose-leaf pages on the mechanism and an open position for adding or removing pages from the mechanism. An actuating lever is mounted on the elongate plate for moving the ring members between their closed and open positions and for moving a travel bar in translation lengthwise of the elongate plate. A connector connects the lever to the travel bar so that the pivoting movement of the lever causes the translational movement of the travel bar. The connector is shaped to transfer force from the lever to the travel bar around a mounting post.

Abstract: A retaining assembly of a binder comprises a layering and a lodging body. Two sides of the layering are provided with a clip notch respectively. The lodging body is lodged to the layering. The lodging body has connection pieces, hooks and hook pieces. The connection pieces are connected to the hooks. The connection piece is formed by bending one end of the hook to reach an angle. The hook piece is formed by bending another end of the hook to reach the angle. Since the hook pieces pass through the through holes of the loose leaf binder, the through holes are fit to the hooks. Afterward, when the connection pieces and the hook pieces are lodged in the corresponding clip notches, the loose leaf binder is positioned on the lodging body.

Abstract: Media binder systems with datum stops for registering physical media sheets are described. A media binder system that includes a cover, a binding system, and a datum stop. The cover includes an outwardly facing side and an inwardly facing side. The binding system is attached to the inwardly facing side of the cover and is operable to bind a spine end of a collection of physical media sheets to the cover. The datum stop protrudes away from the inwardly facing side of the cover and includes a datum stop surface against which a head end or a tail end of the collection is registerable prior to binding the collection to the cover. Methods of making media binder systems also are described.

Abstract: A retractable writing surface system including a binding mechanism and a pocket directly bound to the binding mechanism, the pocket having an inner cavity. The system further includes a polymer writing surface at least partially received in the pocket. The writing surface is movable between an extended position wherein at least part of the writing surface is exposed for writing upon by a writing instrument, and a retracted position wherein less of the writing surface is exposed for writing upon by the writing instrument compared to when the writing surface is in the extended position. At least part of the writing surface is located in the cavity when the writing surface is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A binder for holding documents is disclosed. The binder has a spine with a pair of cover flaps attached to each side of the spine. Attached to the spine is a latching device, also referred to as a locking device, that includes a first retaining member, a latching member, and a second retaining member. The first and second retaining members are parallel to each other and extend perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the spine. The binder is configured to hold a plurality of document modules, each of which hold a set of documents, which are flexible sheets of material, such as paper or plastic. Each module has first and second ends. The first end is contoured to mate with a portion of an external profile of the first retaining member. The second end attaches to the second retaining member. The latching member moves between a latched position where it engages the first end of the module and an unlatched position where it is not engaged to the first end of said module.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to articles such as media binders. In an embodiment the media binder includes spine clamps for securing physical media where the spine clamps define an interior cavity for receiving the physical media; a datum stop for aligning the physical media, the datum stop disposed proximal to one end of the spine clamp; a tension sheet for transmitting an opening force to the spine clamp, the tension sheet affixed with the spine clamp; and a cover affixed with the tension sheet, the cover configured to open such that an opening force is applied to the spine clamp when the cover is opened from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A collapsible ring binder includes a plurality of selectively openable and closable rings that releasably retain hole-punched documents within the binder. The rings may be collapsed and/or detached from the binder to flatten the binder for transportation and/or storage. The rings are easily moved from their collapsed and/or detached configuration to their upright and usable configuration so that an end user can easily ready the collapsed binder for use.

Abstract: A binder for holding papers or other objects is described. The binder comprises a window which enables a user to identify the contents of the binder. The outer surface of the window may be substantially flush with the outer surface of the binder. At least one tab may be located behind the window which enables a user to load a label and holds the label such that it is viewable through the window.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to dividers with tabs adjustable along at least two edges of the binder. One embodiment is directed to a divider for use in a binder. The divider comprises a panel, the panel comprising a binding edge and a plurality of non-binding edges, and a tab. The panel comprises at least one binding feature adjacent the binding edge and at least one tab mating feature adjacent at least first and second edges of the plurality of non-binding edges. The tab is configured to mate with the at least one tab mating feature. The at least one tab mating feature is configured such that the tab is positionable in at least two longitudinal positions along the first non-binding edge and in at least two longitudinal positions along the second non-binding edge.

Abstract: A binder arrangement comprising a pair of covers hingably carried by a spine and containing at least one binder carried by one of the covers and an expandable compartment carried by the other one of the covers further comprising a case that encompasses the binder arrangement that includes flexible sidewalls that each comprise a skirt that extends along the side edges of each cover with one of the skirts releasably attached to the other one of the skirts by a fastening arrangement that is elastically anchored to the spine by a stretchable gather and a second fastening arrangement for providing access to the expandable compartment.

Abstract: A ring mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages comprises a housing and hinge plates supported by the housing for pivoting motion relative to the housing. Rings for retaining the loose-leaf pages comprise ring members mounted on the hinge plates for movement with the hinge plates between an open and closed position. An actuator mounted on the housing is moveable between a first position in which the ring members are open and a second position in which the ring members are closed. The actuator is in continuous engagement with the hinge plates when the ring members are closed resisting movement of the actuator. A travel bar is operatively connected to the actuator for movement with the actuator. The travel bar resists movement of the actuator when the ring members are open.

Abstract: A binder hold down page of multifunction construction. The hold down page is equipped with at least one article holder. The hold down page has a hold down surface opposite an outer surface, at least one of which is configured with an article holder of integral construction. A plurality of article holders can be provided, each for holding a different type of article. In one preferred embodiment, both surfaces are configured with at least one article holder. In another preferred embodiment, both surfaces are configured with a plurality of article holders. A hold down page constructed in accordance with the invention is retained along one side in a binder. The hold down page preferably also is releasably latched to the binder along a side of the page that is spaced from the side captured by the binder. Rings can be used to retain the hold down page in the binder.

Abstract: A binder arrangement that has a plurality of covers hingably connected to a spine that spaces apart each cover such that each cover can carry a binder and be closed one on top of the other without either binder interfering with each other or case closure. Each binder includes a hold down page that is releasably attached by a hold down page latch that accommodates the binder holding contents having different thicknesses. In a preferred embodiment, the hold down page latch comprises a hook and loop fastener that has a loop strip fixed to a latch strap and a hook strip that is fixed to the hold down page. To increase the number of opening and closing cycles the binder arrangement can endure, the binder arrangement has sidewalls joined by a fastening arrangement that is resiliently anchored at one end to the spine, preferably by an elastomeric connector. In one preferred embodiment, the fastening arrangement is a zipper that is resiliently anchored at its zipper bottom stop by a piece of elastic fabric.

Abstract: A ring mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages comprises a housing and ring members for holding loose-leaf pages that are moveable relative to the housing between an open and closed position. An actuation system moves the ring members and includes hinge plates pivotally mounted on the housing and a lever actuating pivoting movement of the hinge plates in at least one direction (e.g., moving the hinge plates and ring members to the open position). The lever is connected to a travel bar that moves lengthwise of the housing between a position blocking pivoting movement of the hinge plates and a position allowing pivoting movement of the hinge plates. At least one of the lever and the hinge plates deforms when the lever moves to delay pivoting movement of the hinge plates so that the lever may move the travel bar so that it does not block movement of the hinge plates.

Abstract: A ring mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages comprises a housing, hinge plates, and ring members mounted on the hinge plates for retaining pages on the mechanism. An actuating lever is pivotally mounted on the housing for engaging the hinge plates and pivoting them to selectively move the ring members between an open position and a closed position. A travel bar is operatively connected to the lever for selective movement between a position in which locking elements of the travel bar block the pivoting movement of the hinge plates and a position in which the travel bar allows the hinge plates to pivot. The lever is configured to deform when pivoting the hinge plates to close the ring members to delay movement of the travel bar and locking elements to the blocking position from the onset of pivoting motion of the hinge plates.