Abstract: An event planning system of the type having a plurality of index-tabbed planning stage sections containing instruction sheets, preprinted forms and storage containers assembled in a book-like form within a cover is provided.

Abstract: By providing integrated circuit constructed for recording, retaining, and delivering an audible message upon demand and securely retaining the circuit means in a housing, a unique, multi-purpose, audible message delivery system is attained for use either independently or in cooperative relationship with a plurality of alternate products. In the preferred embodiment, the integrated circuit is constructed to provide ease of message re-recording upon demand. In this way, any desired message can be substituted for an existing message whenever desired. As a result, repeated use of the audible message delivery system is realized, with the system being used independently or in association with other products, such as picture flames, medicine packages, folders, notebooks, etc. In this way, specific messages can be easily transmitted between individuals in a manner previously unattainable.

Abstract: A file folder which remains neatly open and neatly closed is comprised of a front, a back cover and a spine made in one piece and connected along two folds, and a groove milled along at least one of these folds.

Abstract: In order to personalize a product of the planning calendar/appointment book type, a binder is disclosed having a flexible cover with top, bottom, and a pair of opposed side edges in a flat, unfolded position. The cover has a plurality of pairs of holes disposed along at least one, and preferably a pair, of hole-locating axes extending generally between the top and bottom edges in parallel relation to one another. The hole-locating axes are disposed generally to one side of and parallel to a cover bisecting axis but nearer the cover bisecting axis than a nearest one of the opposed side edges of the cover. The binder kit also includes a plurality of separate binding components, a flexible cord, and a button-like fastener. The binding components may comprise rings each of which is adapted to be associated with one of the pairs of holes in the cover for binding an insert to the cover.

Abstract: A binder made from a single piece of injection molded plastic material. The binder includes an elongated dorsal part having a first lateral side and a second lateral side. A plurality of fingers are formed integrally with and extend from the first side of the dorsal part. Each of the fingers has a free end. The fingers curl toward the second side to form rings which extend through holes in the sheets to secure the sheets on the binder. A plurality of teeth are formed integrally with and are spaced along the second side of the dorsal part. The free ends of the fingers extend close enough to the first side of the dorsal part to prevent the sheets from unintentionally sliding out of the binder. Optionally, the punch binder includes a spine removably disposed along a length of the dorsal part for preventing the fingers and teeth from separating. The spine can be attached to both the dorsal part and to the ring-shaped fingers or to only one of the two.

Abstract: A file comprises a rectangular cover having a front wing, a rear wing, and a spine between the wings. A lever arch mechanism is secured to the rear wing close to the spine to receive and retain thereon punched paper sheets. The side edges of the spine are inclined to the lower edge of the spine at a small angle. The file is extremely stable when standing on its lower edges. Another file has the cover in the form of a parallelogram with the side edges of the wings and spine parallel and inclined at a small angle to the top and bottom edges. A third file has its wings of rectangular shape with the lower edge of the spine inclined relative to the side edges of the spine.

Abstract: A document support stand (2) for removably mounting and locking a document holder (14) on the stand includes a main body (4) which may be formed in the shape of a rectangular solid. The body includes a viewing side (6) having an elongated bracket defining a T-slot (24) mounted on it or formed in its surface. Additionally, the stand includes an apperture (19) formed in its body to cooperate with a lock (90) carried by the document holder. The document holder includes an elongated member configured as a T-shaped rail (52) which is slidably received by the bracket of the stand so that the document holder may be mounted on the stand. The document holder further includes an actuator (41) for releasably retaining documents (42). The lock is capable of locking the mounted holder to the stand and of activating and locking the retaining rings (39) of the mounted holder in a closed position.

Abstract: An album including a rectangular case consisting of a rectangular bottom shell and a rectangular cover shell pivoted to one side of the rectangular bottom shell, a stack of pocket-designed blank pages received inside the rectangular case for holding pictures, and a binding plate having a plurality of upright retainer rods spaced at one side and respectively inserted through respective binding holes in the middle of the stack of pocket-designed blank pages and then fitted into respective binding holes on an upright wall of the cover shell to hold down the stack of pocket-designed blank pages in place.

Abstract: A binder assembly is used to receive computer disks therein and includes a cover unit with rigid back and front covers, a spine portion interconnecting the back and front covers, and a retaining set provided on an inner side of the spine portion. A loose-leaf sheet includes a punching unit for engaging removably the retaining set on the spine portion, and a pouch unit which is connected to the punching unit at one side and which has at least one pouch. Each pouch includes a plastic backing sheet portion, a plastic front sheet portion and a foldable retaining flap. The front sheet portion has top and bottom ends and opposite side edges. The front sheet portion is connected sealingly to the backing sheet portion at the side edges and at the bottom end. The front sheet portion cooperates with the backing sheet portion to define a disk receiving space that is adapted to receive a computer disk therein.

Abstract: An organizer notebook having front and rear covers hingedly secured to one another. The inner face of one of the covers has pockets for receipt and retention of personal items such as pens, pencils and the like. The inner surface of the other cover has document retention means in the form of a pair of opposed flaps foldably secured to the cover beneath which papers and other documents can be placed in an organized manner. The flaps are securable to one another by a closure.

Abstract: A discount coupon organizer for storing and displaying discount coupons redeemable at grocery stores including a breakback notebook having a back and two (2) sides and configured when in an open condition to fit within the child's seat of a grocery shopping cart. A multi-ring structure is mounted to the notebook and a plurality of plastic sheets are supported on the ring structure. Each of the plastic sheets is provided on both sides with a plurality of clear plastic pockets for receiving and viewing discount coupons. The binder sides and back are divided into upper and lower portions which are at least partially foldable upon each other. The ring structure is secured only to the upper portion of the back and a strap is connected to a lower portion of the ring structure and to the lower portion of the binder to limit the movement between the upper and lower portions of the binder and thus to provide structure for enabling the binder to be self-supporting on a level surface.

Abstract: A binding file includes a front sheet, a rear sheet and a back. At the inside of the back, at only one edge of the back, the binding file includes a binding connection part having a free edge. This part is provided with one row of perforations which enables a binding element, incorporating ring-shaped closed binding rings, to be connected thereto so that sheets can be bundled interchangeably.

Abstract: This invention relates to a kit for assembly into a portfolio folder. The kit includes a separate first panel comprising a first rectangular sheet having a first elongate spline portion along a first side edge thereof delineated, from a remaining first rectangular portion of the first panel, by a hinge-forming scoreline parallel to the first side edge. The first spline portion has a longitudinally spaced plurality of first openings. The kit includes a like separate second panel comprising a second rectangular sheet having a second elongate spline portion along a second side edge thereof delineated, from a remaining second rectangular portion of the second panel, by a hinge-forming scoreline parallel to the second side edge. The second spline portion has a longitudinally spaced plurality of second openings. Elongate inner binding means are provided for retaining one side edge of bound sheet material in an assembled portfolio between the first and second panels.

Abstract: A portfolio is formed from a blank of relatively rigid sheet material that includes front and rear covers hingedly connected for enclosing a multiple-page document. A document securement flap extends as an integrally formed member from the top edge of the rear cover. The document securement flap includes multiple panels defined by parallel fold lines. Folding of the panels about the fold lines creates a pocket for receiving and securing the upper marginal edge of the multiple-page document, and creates a structure that permits the document so secured to pivot about the fold line at which the document securement flap joins the rear cover.

Abstract: A book binding comprises a hard cover and a plurality of wire elements connected to the hard cover. The hard cover includes a front side, a back side, and a backbone bridging the front and back sides. The back side includes a plurality of pairs of apertures located adjacent and generally parallel to the backbone. The back side further includes a hinge spaced slightly away from the backbone and extending from a top edge to a bottom edge of the back side. The hinge is positioned between the plurality of pairs of apertures such that one aperture in each of the pairs of apertures is located on one side of the hinge and the other aperture in each of the pairs of apertures is located on the other side of the hinge. Each of the wire elements engages an associated pair of the plurality of pairs of apertures such that an arc-like section of each of the wire elements is located adjacent an outer surface of the back side.

Abstract: This ring binder (10) includes a first cover (12) and a second cover (14) interconnected by a ring element (16). The first cover (12) is divided into mirror image sections (24) each having a pocket (30) on at least one face (20). The second cover (14) is also divided into mirror-image sections (44) each having a pocket (50) on at least one face (42).

Abstract: An album includes first and second shells hingedly connected together and defining a storage cavity therebetween. A plurality of leaves for mounting pictures are connected to the album and held in the storage cavity between the shells. Retaining members are provided on each of the shells so that, in the open position of the album, a portion of the leaves will be held against one of the shells and another portion of the leaves will be held against the other one of the shells. A cover over the exterior of the shells provides the album with a soft, cushioned feel. The album stores pictures securely for travel, yet may be used as a picture frame when opened and set on end.

Abstract: A new and improved modular sheet display album apparatus includes a plurality of sheet display modules and an album binder assembly. An individual sheet display module includes a frame assembly for framing and retaining a sheet within the module, and complementary first connectors (tongues) and second connectors (grooves), attached to opposite sides of the module, for connecting adjacent modules to each other to form a page in the album. The album binder assembly supports the plurality of sheet display modules in album form. The album binder assembly includes a spine element and a support assembly, connected to the spine element, for supporting a plurality of module support bars. The module support bars include apertures for connecting the module support bars to the support assembly and which also include third connectors on the support bars which are complementary to the first connectors, for connecting the support bars to the first connectors on the display modules.

Abstract: A loose leaf binder for holding papers and supplies comprising a top cover having an exterior surface and an interior surface; a bottom cover having an exterior surface and an interior surface; a spine having an exterior surface and an interior surface; a hinge mechanism connecting the spine to the top cover and the spine to the bottom cover; a retaining mechanism coupled to the interior surface of the spine for holding papers; and a storage compartment coupled to the exterior surface of the spine for holding writing supplies therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for holding photograph albums in localized association with photo negatives corresponding to the photoprints in the respective albums. The holder preferred embodiment includes three substantially rectangular panels, a first spine pivotally connecting a first one of the panels and a second one of the panels, and a second spine longitudinal parallel to the first spine pivotally connecting the second panel and a third one of the panels. Album retaining means are carried by the panels for retaining the photo albums thereon, and negatives storage means are also carried by the panels for storing photo negatives in respective localized association with the album retaining means.

Abstract: A pocket-size personal financial organizer for monitoring, controlling and reducing spending. The organizer provides means for projecting spending in various categories by month and by week, recording daily, weekly, and monthly spending by category, determining spending differentials between projected and actual spending, determining monthly net cash flow, determining how much money to set aside for future spending, recording debt payments, and recording tax deductible spending. Analytical means for determining spending differentials and net cash flow provides necessary financial information for adjusting projected and actual spending to maintain positive spending differentials and net cash flow. The invention further provides means for calculating six month summaries of actual spending relative to income. The invention is contained within a convenient portable booklet and can be used up to twelve months.

Abstract: A loose-leaf binder (40) or other bound work has a slot (44) defined between the outer surface of a cover or spine (48) thereof, and a transparent overlay (46) attached over the spine (48) into which a label (54) can be inserted. The overlay (46) is sealed to the spine (48) along its longitudinal edges. An elongated, flexible label leader (42) extends through the slot (44) and protrudes therefrom at its opposite ends. An adhesive portion (52) is formed on a surface (42e) of an end portion (42b) of the leader (42). The label (54) may be inserted into the slot (44) by releasably adhering an end of the label (54) to the adhesive portion (52) of the leader (42), and pulling on an opposite end portion (42c) of the leader (42), thereby pulling the attached label (54) into the slot (44). A loop portion (42f) extends from the end portion (42b) of the leader (42), and is folded back and adhered to an opposite surface (42d) of the end portion (42b).

Abstract: A swatch book for displaying sample swatches of paper. The book has non-integral front and rear covers of paper. The rear sheet has integral panels which are folded to form a sleeve which encompasses the front cover and the swatches of paper. Grommets extend through the sleeve, the cover sheets and the sample swatches to form a permanently bound book.

Abstract: A notebook-type personal organizer comprises a multi-ring binder to which a plurality of leaves is connected. Plastic bags are connected to the binder, and each bag contains a pad of adhesive-backed paper sheets. The bags are adhered to a stiff posting sheet by means of a releasable adhesive to keep the bags from sagging and tearing. The user removes the pads from the bags and inserts them into pockets formed in a front panel of the organizer. Once a note is written on a paper sheet, the paper sheet can be removed from the pad and then adhered to the posting sheet for future reference. The posting sheet can be removed from, and inserted onto, the binder rings without opening those rings, and can be used as a straight edge or a distance-measuring ruler, and also to mark the proper day among the calendar pages of the organizer.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for making a binder self-supporting has a right-angular shaped side wall (20) of a height approximately equal to the width of the spine (34) of a binder (30). The right-angular shaped side wall is perpendicularly connected to a right-angular shaped bottom wall (22). The right-angular shaped bottom wall (22) is affixed to the inside surface (38) of either the front or back cover (36) of the binder (30). Once the apparatus (10) is affixed to the binder (30), the open edge of the binder (30), which is opposite the spine (34), presents a box-like configuration. The edge (24) of the right-angular shaped bottom wall (22) is bevelled so that sheets filed in the binder (30) more easily pass over that edge (24).

Abstract: A expandable loose leaf binder having a rigid front cover and a rigid back cover. A flexible flap being affixed to the back cover and having two rows of apertures extending from an edge of the back cover. The sheets are retained by post members extending through the front and back covers and a selected pair of apertures in the flap.

Abstract: A combination binder/book rest having front and rear covers (10, 12) pivotally connected along opposed edges of a spine (14). A support element (52) is pivotally connected to the front cover to support the front cover at a selected angle of inclination. A page retention mechanism (86, 88; 98, 100; 106, 108) rotatably connected to the spine bears against pages of a book (110) supported by the inclined front cover. An adjusting mechanism (56, 74, 76) is provided for adjusting the cover's angle of inclination. When not functioning as a book rest, the device may be configured in a storage position in which it functions as a conventional three-ring loose-leaf binder. The binder's contents (27) may be easily removed for reference while the device is functioning as a book rest. The book rest aspect of the device provides improved support by utilizing one of the binder's covers to support the open book. The page retention mechanism may be adjusted to accommodate books of many sizes.

Abstract: A notebook binder with an integral book band for holding sheets of paper, loose books or other objects affixed to the interior and exterior faces of a cover of the notebook binder. The objects are held against the cover of the notebook binder by the use of an adjustable strap which encircles the objects with two loops that are substantially perpendicular to one another. The strap passes through a strap slot in a cover of the binder. The apparatus has the multiple, simultaneous, advantages of consolidating a group of papers, books or other objects onto the face of a binder cover with a single strap, maintaining the strap attached to the binder in a prealigned, readily usable, perpendicular loop configuration and discouraging unintended uses of the strap.

Abstract: A portfolio binder has a jacket including a front panel, and a rear panel foldably joined to the front panel along a jacket fold line. A front flap is foldably joined to the rear panel and secured with a fastening means to the front panel for maintaining the portfolio binder in a closed condition. A plurality of portfolios are individually retained in the jacket, each by an elastic band encircling the jacket fold line and extending between the front and rear covers of the associated portfolio and along a fold line joining the front and rear covers.

Abstract: A binder includes a notebook, a rotatable mounting assembly and an electronic processor secured to the notebook by the mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a frame pivotally connected to an outer edge of a notebook cover and a slip case pivotally attached to the frame. The slip case releasably secures an electronic processor such that the processor can be rotated relative to the cover to any position between a retracted position adjacent the cover inside surface and a fully extended position adjacent the cover outside surface. At the same time, the electronic processor can be selectively rotated within the frame to face any desired direction.

Abstract: A binder having a rectangular stiffener board and a sheet retaining assembly. The stiffener board is provided in its first surface with at least three spaced parallel channels medially located between the side edges of the board. Each channel defines a hinge line extending along the height of the stiffener board. The sheet retaining assembly is mounted on the first surface of the board adjacent to the channels but outside the medial section of the board where the channels are located. The binder thus structured allows the stiffener board to define front and rear cover of the binder interconnected by the medial section which is foldable conformingly about the retaining assembly.

Abstract: A notebook type investor document carrying folder, for an investor to organize, file, keep and carry a variety of financial documents needed in investment decision making, accounting and counseling, having three folding sections with flip-up pocket pages attached to each of the outer section interior surfaces, with labels for various categories of documents, and another labelled folder for account statements attached to the interior surface of the central section. The exterior surface of the device bears upon the front cover and spine the printed name of the financial institution which provides the device to customers, and a transparent business card pocket. The investment year may also be printed upon the spine.

Abstract: A cardboard blank has a plurality of fold lines dividing the blank into section for folding into a loose leaf folder or a box file. The fold lines define two cover sections between which there is a spine portion having multiple spine fold lines defining a binding zone which can be formed as a double thickness ridge to which papers can be attached. The fold lines additionally define various flaps which can be folded flat onto the cover portions to form a loose leaf file or which can extend to form a box shape with the cover portions and spine portion.

Abstract: A binder comprises front and rear rectangular cover panels, a sheet retaining assembly, and a spine sheet. The rear cover panel has a width between its first and second opposite side margins. The retaining assembly is mounted on the rear cover panel adjacent to the first side margin of the rear panel and extends along the first side margin. The front cover panel has a width between its first and second opposite side margins. The first side margin of the front panel is disposed parallel to the first side margin of the rear panel. The front panel is less in width than the rear panel, and the difference in width between the front and rear panels is greater than the transverse dimension of the sheet retaining assembly. The spine sheet extends between and foldably joined along fold lines to the first side margins of the front and rear panels, and has a width between the first side margins of the front and rear panels.

Abstract: A file, formed by a rear panel, a spine part and a front panel, interconnected by means of flexible strips (live hinges), a file mechanism being disposed on the rear panel, near the spine part. According to the invention the rear panel, the spine and the front panel are designed as a case made of plastic, provided with raised edges closing against each other, with a grip formed by two grip parts on the (long) side of the front and the rear panel facing away from the spine. A case for storing documents, made up of two shell parts of plastic which are both hingedly connected to a spine part, and which are provided with raised edges closing against each other, with a grip formed by two grip parts on the (long) side of each of the shell parts facing away from the spine. According to the invention a file mechanism is provided on one of the shell parts, near the spine part, while the width of the shell parts corresponds essentially to the width of A4 format plus the width of the file mechanism.

Abstract: A sample book for retaining a plurality of sample cards includes at least two retaining members for the sample cards disposed on opposite sides of a foldable spine. In the folded position of the spine, the retaining members are relatively close to one another, while in the unfolded position of the spine the retaining members are spaced from one another so that the sample cards can lie flatly therebetween.

Abstract: A ring binder (1) comprises a sheet of polypropylene material divided by score line (2, 3) into front and rear panels (4, 6) joined by a spine (5). The binder includes a pair of binder strips (7), each of which has a partly circular head (8). The strips (7) and heads (8) are cut from the sheet material so that the strips (7) extend from the spine (5) at a position adjacent the score line (3). The strips (7) are associated with apertures (11) formed in spine (5). The heads (8) can pass through apertures (11) without deformation.

Abstract: A ring-type binder having a spine comprising inner and outer laminations of sheet material fixedly secured together in face-to-face relation, a ring-type binder element secured to the inner spine lamination by at least two (2) threaded fasteners extending through the inner spine lamination and through the binder element and secured in place by T-nuts, front and rear piano-type hinge elements secured to the front and rear edges of the spine inner lamination by through fastener elements, and front and rear covers fixedly secured to respective ones of the front and rear piano-type hinge elements by through fasteners, wherein the outer spine lamination is totally devoid of through fasteners and/or fastener openings and completely overlies and conceals the threaded fasteners used to secure the ring-type binder element and the through fasteners used to secure the front and rear hinge elements to the spine inner lamination.

Abstract: A writing platform for a notebook, the writing platform including a writing table that can be elevated from a flat configuration to an elevated position along one edge adjacent the ring binder of the notebook so as to provide a slanted writing surface underneath one or more pages in the notebook. A riser is hingedly joined to the writing table and supports the edge of the writing table at a preselected elevation. Engagement means are included on the riser element and are used to releasably engage the rings of the ring binder to releasably support the writing table in a generally wedge-like orientation. The dimensional characteristics of the riser and the engagement means on the riser determine the elevation of the edge of the writing table.

Abstract: An adaptor for a ring separator is attached to a conventional ring separator mechanism and provides a means for attaching removable covers to form a binder. The adaptor has a plurality of slots on each side requiring a cover, with at least one slot on each side having an upwardly extending projection which is matable with a hole in a removable cover. The removable cover also has a notched edge with extending portions being receivable slots in the adaptor. When pressed into the slots, the projection engages the hole to hold the cover in place. Utilizing such an adaptor provides a simple efficient means of providing removable covers for a ring binder.

Abstract: A writing platform for a notebook, the writing platform including a writing table that can be elevated from a flat configuration to an elevated position along one edge adjacent the ring binder of the notebook so as to provide a writing surface underneath one or more pages in the notebook. A riser is hingedly joined between a basal element and the writing table and supports the edge of the writing table at a preselected elevation. Detent means are included on the basal element and are engaged by the writing table to releasably support the riser in a generally vertical orientation. The dimensional characteristics of the writing table, the riser, and the detent means determine the ultimate elevation of the edge of the writing table.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kit for a portfolio folder which is readily adapted to be purchased by a small photocopy or printing center. The front panel of the kit is sized to become comparable to that of normal paper sizes and readily adapted to have printed material applied to at least one side thereof by use of standard sized photographic or offset printing equipment. After application of indicia or printed matter to the front panel, the components of the kit are then assembled by securing the front panel to the rear panel. The kit may also include a binding apparatus for securing to either the front or rear panel for retaining sheet material in the assembled portfolio folder. The kit and method in accordance with the present invention permit small quantities of folders to be provided with customized printing on the front panel at relatively low cost.

Abstract: A structur for containing incorporation documents and a corporate seal embosser the structure including a top element of a selected width defining the top and an angled display wall for carrying a sample of a corporate seal to identify the contents of the structure, a fixed side wall dependent from the top structure and of a substantially selected width, a fixed side dependent from both the top and the angled display wall rectangular but for an angled edge shaped to meet the display wall a bottom hinged to the fixed side and of substantially the selected width, a lid hinged to the bottom for movement with the bottom into position in engagement with the fixed side wall and the top element, the lid being of a similar shape to that of the fixed side, a collapsable side wall hinged to the fixed side and of substantially the selected width for movement to meet the lid and the top element when the structure is closed, wall closure means coupled to the collapsable side wall and to the top element to releasably retai

Abstract: A looseleaf binder having a protective envelope that encases the front and rear flaps and spine of the binder such that the binder can be opened to view the interior of binder while protecting the binder cover from dust and other substances. The protective envelope is wrapped around the binder prior to attaching a ring binder unit to the cover, and joined to itself along the periphery of the binder. The ring binder unit is then attached to the interior of the spine through the envelope so the front and rear flaps foldably enclose the ring binder unit. The protective envelope may be removed from the binder without damaging or blemishing the binder.

Abstract: A combination holder/enclosure for a multi-leaf folded article is disclosed, and includes a front cover, a back cover hinged to the front cover, and means for retaining a portion of the leaves against the inside surface of the front cover and the remaining portion of the leaves against the inside surface of the back cover when the holder/enclosure is open. The front and back covers have raised edges extending from their inside surfaces, and the means for retaining the leaves is clips on the edges and bands extending from the clip on a bottom raised edge to the clip on a top raised edge of the respective cover. The hinge is an elongated member, and the means for retaining the article includes at least one band extending the length of the hinge, and holding the fold portion of the multi-leaf article against the inside surface of the hinge. When the holder/enclosure is closed, a carrying case is formed, and the multi-leaf article can be stored within the enclosure, along with other items.

Abstract: A blank book attachment having a mark and sweep leaf with a fold out feature is provided. The leaf is pivotably retained along one edge on a frame, and the frame is pivotably retained at the binding spine of the host blank book. Pulling outward on the leaf causes the leaf to extend out and beyond the pages of the book allowing the pages to turn freely. When the leaf is placed within the host book, with the book open or closed, the leaf can be turned as a page, in which case it also acts as a mark to identify a specific position in the host book. Alternatively, the leaf may be pivoted on the frame to allow the host book pages to be turned past it in either direction.

Abstract: A writing platform for a notebook, the writing platform including a writing table that can be elevated from a flat configuration to an elevated position along one edge so as to provide a writing surface underneath one or more pages in the notebook. A riser is hingedly joined to the writing table and supports the edge of the writing table at a preselected elevation. Detent means are included to releasably support the riser in a generally vertical orientation. The dimensional characteristics of the writing table, the riser, and the detent means determine the ultimate elevation of the edge of the writing table.

Abstract: A book stiffener comprises a relatively flat, thin, elongated, ridged, rotatable strip (32) having a length dimension (38) substantially greater than a width (44) of a back binding (22) of a book cover (16) but less than a length (46) of the book cover and a width dimension which is less than the length (40) of the back binding and a swivel attachment (34, 30) for attaching the rotatable strip to a rear surface of the book cover so as to allow rotation of the rotatable strip relative to the book cover whereby the rotatable strip can be rotated to a position in which it extends across hinge seams (24, 26) of front and back flap covers (18, 20) of the book cover with the back binding off the book to thereby impinge upon the front and back flap covers to prevent them from being opened substantially beyond an approximate common plane.

Abstract: Provided is a snap ring assembly (100) for use in holding papers together such as in a two or three-ring looseleaf notebook or binder. Assembly (100) is preferably a one-piece molded construction including an elongate base portion (30) extending between sidewalls including respective proximate sections (32, 32') extending transversly therefrom and distal sections (34, 34') that are separated by respective hinge sections (38, 38') and respective free-ends that are configured to matingly engage to cause ring sections (38, 38') to snap together to provide a closed connection when distal sections (34, 34') are pivoted for a predetermined distance toward each other.