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 other embodiments, methods for forming the label pocket are provided.

Abstract: A binder comprising a detachable article holder is described. The article holder comprises hangers that may be extended to detach the article holder from the binder and/or configure the article holder for hanging on support rails. Also described is a method of extending hangers of the article holder to both detach the article holder from the binder shell and configure the article holder for hanging.

Abstract: A ring binder has a standard ring assembly having a ring base and upstanding rings, a ring assembly support having a plurality of indents positioned along its sides, a binder connector having a plurality of upstanding tabs, and a plurality of binder covers each having a center spine with a plurality of slots configured to accept each of the plurality of binder connector tabs. The ring binder is assembled by the insertion of the binder connector tabs into slots of the binder cover and then into the indents of the ring assembly support. The ring binder can be sold assembled or as a kit, which would include a plurality of interchangeable binder covers.

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 recyclable ring binder apparatus comprises a ring metal incorporating a set of binder rings that are formed of a pair of ring halves. The ring metal can be firmly fastened to a spine section of a binder hardcover by utilizing a post and a small arched snap clamp with a tap. The tap of the snap clamp can be pressed around a neck of the post utilizing a quick release clipping mechanism. The snap clamp can be accessed with an index finger and slid away from the post to remove the ring metal from the hardcover. The ring metal, the hardcover, the snap clamp and the post can be quickly separated into their perspective categories due to the clipping mechanism. Hence, it retains conformance of all components of the ring binder apparatus for recycling without increasing development and production cost.

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 recyclable ring binder apparatus comprises a ring metal incorporating a set of binder rings that are formed of a pair of ring halves. The ring metal can be firmly fastened to a spine section of a binder hardcover by utilizing a post and a small arched snap clamp with a tap. The tap of the snap clamp can be pressed around a neck of the post utilizing a quick release clipping mechanism. The snap clamp can be accessed with an index finger and slid away from the post to remove the ring metal from the hardcover. The ring metal, the hardcover, the snap clamp and the post can be quickly separated into their perspective categories due to the clipping mechanism. Hence, it retains conformance of all components of the ring binder apparatus for recycling without increasing development and production cost.

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: A movable buckle device of a file box contains a movable buckle device of a file box comprised of an upper cover, a lower cover, a side lid, wherein the side lid includes a groove in which two through holes are defined on an upper end and a lower end of the groove respectively and two orifices are defined on two sides of the groove individually, each orifice is used to insert a hook member, the hook member includes a first stop piece and a second stop piece formed on one side of the first stop piece, the second stop piece includes an elongated aperture 33 formed thereof; the groove is served to receive a binder seat, and the binder seat includes two openings defined on two ends thereof respectively to correspond to the two through holes of the groove individually.

Abstract: A binder assembly for receiving and retaining articles and that includes a cover having a spine portion and at least one cover leaf portion and a first binder element and a second binder element having a plurality of first and second retaining fingers, respectively. The first and second binding elements are moveable between 1) an open position wherein articles are permitted to be removed from or mounted to the binder assembly, and 2) a closed position wherein articles mounted to the binder assembly are prevented from being removed. The binder assembly further includes an elongated retainer/lock constructed to releasably attach to the first and second binding elements in the closed position thereof with the spine portion of the cover therebetween for locking the first and second binding elements in the closed position and securing the first and second binding elements to the spine portion of the cover.

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: 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 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 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 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 modular locking binder system is disclosed having a channel is coupled to the binder spine. The channel has an open end and a constricted region. A channel block is located at the open end of said channel and is configured to block and unlock the channel opening. The modular locking binder system is configured to removably hold a document module within the channel. The document module includes a module spine having a widened portion configured to operatively engage and be restrained by the constricted region of the channel. By either obstructing or un-obstructing the channel with the channel block, it is possible to removeably secure the document module within the channel when the widened ends of the document module are operatively engaged and restrained by the constricted portions of the channel.

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: A ring binder mechanism that retains loose-leaf pages and has ring members that are easy to open and close and that readily lock together when closed. The mechanism comprises a housing that supports two hinge plates for loose pivoting motion. The hinge plate motion moves the ring members between an open position for loading pages and a closed position for retaining pages. A control structure is movable by a lever, which is pivotally mounted on the housing, between a first and second position. In the first position, pivoting motion of the hinge plates is blocked, and in the second position, the hinge plates can freely pivot. In one aspect of the invention, a spring is engageable with the lever for urging the lever to move the control structure toward the first position.

Abstract: A lightweight binder for securing papers, the binder being constructed from a polyfoam material and having a closure to secure the binder panels and paper together, a mesh pocket also being provided with a closure for storing items therein. The polyfoam layer may be laminated with other layers which form the a binder surfaces.

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 binder has a substrate and a ring binder mechanism including a housing and at least one ring supported by the housing for mounting loose leaf paper. At least one clip is adapted to secure the clip to a substrate and thereby mount the ring binder mechanism on the substrate. The clip has a first portion, a second portion spaced from the first portion, and an intermediate portion connecting the first and second portions. The first portion has an attachment member for attaching the clip to the housing. At least one of the portions is a wire.

Abstract: A book has a top book cover, a bottom book cover and a spine as well as a least two separate rings secured to the spine and/or to one of the book covers for threading on sheets, the rings each having a slot for the introduction of sheets, and the separate rings are of rigid construction and are individually fastened, secured against rotation, to the spine and/or to one of the book covers. The rings furthermore have an inwardly projecting bearing surface for threaded-on sheets, the bearing surface being designed so that the bottom sheet in each case, on both sides of the opened book, rests on the bearing surface with its edge region protruding into the ring.

Abstract: A device for fastening prongs in binders, where the prongs are secured to a prong plate arranged to be fastened to the inner sections of a binder spine. Fastening mechanisms are arranged in rows along the binder spine sections. The fastening mechanisms are releasably connectable to supplementary fastening devices located on the respective prong plates. A device for fastening binder sides is also disclosed.

Abstract: A binding device of a file is attached to a cover configured to be bendable at the central portion in the width direction of a spine. The binding device includes a synthetic resin first main body and a synthetic resin second main body which are arranged to be openable and closable. A synthetic resin locking member having two hook portions is integrally provided with the first main body, and a metal first prong member is mounted to the first main body. A metal second prong member is mounted to the second main body. Furthermore, a synthetic resin lever member is slidably provided in the second main body.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism comprises a housing, at least one ring for mounting loose leaf paper, and at least one mounting post extending outwardly from the housing. A base plate is adapted to be attached to a ring binder cover and has a surface adapted to receive the mounting post of the ring binder mechanism. A key can be received by the base plate into an affixing position with respect to the base plate and mounting post for securing the mounting post to the base plate.

Abstract: A holder for loose leaf documents suitable for binding within a document is disclosed, having a pocket portion that is secured to a backer sheet along the bottom and outside edges thereof only and terminating such that the apertures provided to secure the holder to the binding mechanism appear only on a binding strip along the inside edge of the backer sheet, leaving the pocket free to flap open and shut along its inside extent for easy insertion and removal of loose leaf materials, even when the holder is bound within a document. Preferably, the holder is manufactured out of a single sheet of paper stock, suitably die cut for economic and easy manufacture, while remaining environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A binder 1A is provided with: ring portions 3A to be inserted into binding holes formed in sheets of paper to bind the sheets of the paper; and a spine portion 2A which is configured by a member independent from the ring portions 3A and to which the ring portions 3A are attached. Each ring portion 3A has a plurality of engagement holes 6A which are attached to the spine portion 2A and arranged in a longitudinal direction of each ring portion 3A, and is cut depending on the number of the sheets of paper to be bound. The spine portion 2A has engagement protrusions 5A corresponding to the binding holes in the sheets of paper and the ring engagement holes 6A at both ends of each loop-shaped ring portion are attached to the engagement portions 5A.

Abstract: A file extension plate apparatus for a file folder, comprising vertically aligned pairs of stakes for the purpose of increasing the number of paper bundles readily visible to the user, and to allow the simple and uncomplicated accessibility, addition or extraction of pages or files therein. The stakes are preferably arranged in substantially horizontal groups of two, and upon each group of stakes at least one paper bundle may be attached. The file extension plate apparatus includes a primary file plate affixed to a file folder front, back, or partition, and a series of extension plates attached thereto in an overlapping fashion. The vertically aligned pairs of stakes extend outward from the series of extension plates and the primary file plate, and are each configured to receive a paper bundle such that each bundle is accessible to a user without disturbing the other bundles.

Abstract: A file (100), provided with at least a front cover (2), a back cover (3), a spine (4) and at least one arch for fastening paper and the like, wherein the front cover (2), the back cover (3) and the spine (4) are manufactured in one piece, preferably by injection molding from plastic, hinges (5, 6) being co-formed for connecting the covers with the spine (4), coupling means being provided for fastening the or each arch to one of the covers (3,4) or the spine (4).

Abstract: A fastening system for securing a ring mechanism on a substrate has a tubular support post, an expansible retainer, and a generally pin-shaped expansion member. The tubular support post has a sidewall with an inner surface defining a central passage through the support post. The expansible retainer has a head portion with a hole therethrough, and at least two flexible fingers extending longitudinally from the head portion. The flexible fingers collectively have an inner surface that together with the hole defines a central passage extending through the expansible retainer and have a cross-sectional dimension. The expansion member has a cross-section that is greater than the cross-sectional dimension of at least a portion of the central passage of the expansible retainer to urge and retain the flexible fingers transversely outward from a relaxed condition to a deflected condition in engagement with the sidewall of the support post.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward folder embodiments with base plates and ring assemblies capable of being removably attached to the spine portion of the folder. The present invention is also directed toward folder embodiments with attachment means on the exterior outside of the binder/folder for attaching various objects.

Abstract: A printed material binder, comprising a hardcover binder having front and back binder panels that are joined at a spine having and inside and outside surfaces. A binder mechanism is removably mounted to said spine inside surface by a mounting mechanism providing at least one removable connection point between said binding mechanism and said spine. Many different mounting mechanisms can be used including, but not limited to, socket and stud fasteners, string/strap and hole arrangements, clip-in and shank fasteners, and ball and socket fasteners.

Abstract: A report cover, which can secure papers therein and may itself be secured into a ring binder. The interior portion of the spine, which lies between the front and back pages of the cover, includes a securing device for loose papers. The securing device can be cooperating pronged fasteners and apertures, clamps or clasps. The exterior portion of the spine includes a plurality of apertures, which are spaced apart from each other. The distance between the apertures is adapted to be complementary to the spacing between the prongs of a ring binder, more specifically prongs of a three-ring binder. The apertures in the spine may be formed within the exterior portion of the spine or may be offset therefrom, by spring clips, which are movably attached to the exterior portion of the spine. The apertures in the exterior portion of the spine receive the prongs of the ring binder.

Abstract: An accessory for a writing board, a file or the like, characterized in that it at least consists of a holder (4) which can be provided to a file or the like (3) whereby this holder (4) works in conjunction with or can work in conjunction with a binding mechanism (5) of the type comprising elements over which documents (8) that are provided with openings (9) can be threaded on the one hand, and whereby this holder (4) can be manually attached to a file or the like (3) on the other hand.

Abstract: Ring binder mechanism with special pronged fasteners secured thereto for fastening it to a binder, the special fastener per se, and a method of making the fasteners involving sheet metal stamping.

Abstract: An optical storage media management system and process for storing and organizing a relatively large collection of optical discs in the form of a display binder with a plurality of display sheets including associated indicia matching a positional identifier indicating the location of the disc. In one embodiment, the binder is used in conjunction with a table of contents indicating the position of individual optical discs in relation to the binder contents and a centralized database for storing optical disc information in a categorized format in cooperation with a computerized table of contents generator for generating the table of contents for the binder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sheet-retaining system for securing sheets on a sheet carrier, in particular for securing paper sheets in a cover, having a retaining and connecting device for securing at least one sheet at the sheet edge and for connecting the at least one sheet to the sheet carrier indirectly via the retaining and connecting device. According to the invention, the retaining and connecting device has a retaining bar which is connected to the at least one sheet, may possibly be subdivided into separate sections and extends along the sheet edge which is directed towards the sheet carrier.

Abstract: An optical storage media management system and process for storing and organizing a relatively large collection of optical discs in the form of a display binder with a plurality of display sheets including associated indicia matching a positional identifier indicating the location of the disc. In one embodiment, the binder is used in conjunction with a table of contents indicating the position of individual optical discs in relation to the binder contents and a centralized database for storing optical disc information in a categorized format in cooperation with a computerized table of contents generator for generating the table of contents for the binder.

Abstract: A loose-leaf type storage device includes a pivot shaft (20), a plurality of storage cases, each storage case having a plurality of barrels axially aligned in a line at one side and respectively coupled to the pivot shaft, and a loose-leaf positioning structure provided between the pivot shaft and the storage cases for enabling the storage cases to be turned about the pivot shaft and selectively positioned in one of a series of angles.

Abstract: A divider for use in a binder having a binding mechanism, the divider including a generally rigid inner portion shaped to be coupled to the binding mechanism. The divider further includes a pocket outer portion, the outer portion being coupled to the inner portion and including an inner cavity for storing loose items.

Abstract: A three-ring binder has an actuator crank which closes the rings against the bias of a leaf spring. The crank is turned by means of a lever having a roller thereon that engages a throw of the crank. The roller is arranged on the lever so that it goes past center and locks the rings closed when the lever is fully depressed. Each of the throws of the crank may have its own actuating roller, in which case all the rollers are linked together so as to move in unison.

Abstract: Leaf retaining means for loosely retaining a multiplicity of leaves of material, such as sheets of paper. The leaf retaining means comprise a base portion, which is provided with at least one formation to enable it to be secured to a folder cover, and loop means, the latter has at least two points on its surface which two points are closest to an imaginary plane which does not pass through that position and which is perpendicular to the loop means, and which two points are spaced apart. The loop means are such as to enable a leaf of material, such as a sheet of paper, with a generally T-shaped aperture in it that is open at an edge of the leaf, to be releasably held by the loop means by pushing the aperture onto the loop means.

Abstract: A binder including a binding mechanism having at least one ring member for securing a plurality of pages within the binder; at least one spine member pivotally connected to the binding mechanism; and at least one cover pivotally connected to the at least one spine member. A pin may be provided to secure the at least one ring member to the binding mechanism. The binder may also include a sleeve mounted on the cover for maintaining the at least one cover and the at least one spine member in a fixed position in a single plane. Where two spine members and two covers are used, the two spine members and two covers are advantageously in close parallel relation when in a fully opened position and hide the binding mechanism when fully closed.

Abstract: A concealed, clinch (“crown”) fastener (30) includes a cylindrical body (32) closed at one end to form a surface (34) deformable to attach the fastener to a binder ring mechanism (18). A first set (40) of prongs (42) extend from the opposite, open end of the fastener body to attach the fastener to a binder spine material (M) when the prongs are driven into the material. A second set (50) of prongs (52) are also formed at this end of the fastener, intermediate adjacent prongs comprising the first set. These prongs are shorter in length than those comprising the first set, and while the prongs forming the first set extend from the body in one direction, the prongs forming the second set extend in the opposite direction. The fastener provides better holding strength than other concealed fasteners and better resists pulling and twisting forces which tend to pull the mechanism away from the binder cover than these other fasteners.

Abstract: A hardcover binder that can be interchanged with a variety of binding mechanisms. A binding mechanism is removably mounted in the binder hardcover allowing for removal of the binding mechanism for recycling or replacement of the binding mechanism or binder hardcover. The hardcover has a pair of interior pockets that are offset from and open towards the hardcover's spine. The invention comes with a pair of inserts that can be perforated and integrated with binding mechanisms such as plastic comb or spiral. In the case of a 3-ring binding mechanism, the inserts can be affixed to the binding mechanism or the binding mechanism can be mounted on a single section of insert material resulting in two insert flaps that function the same as the inserts. The inserts (or flaps) are removably inserted and fit snugly into the interior pockets to anchor the binding mechanism against the spine and between the hardcover.

Abstract: A cavity formed in a plate of a spine of a loose-leaf binder is open at the front of the cavity toward the back of the spine and is configured to hold a nut and prevent rotation of the nut in the cavity and to receive a threaded screw clearingly of the screw threads through the back of the cavity for threading the screw in the threads of the nut.

Abstract: This invention provides for a wire bound journal with a partially concealed spine. This invention offers a casebound journal cover having flexible hinges for forming the partially concealed spine portions. This invention provides for the formation of a hybrid cover hinge section for completely retaining the wire ring mechanism and works in concert with the spine and rear cover to entirely conceal the entire bottom portion of the wire and the entire orthogonally adjacent spine portion of the wire of such a semi-concealed wire spine journal. This invention offers such a semi-concealed construction where the front cover may be folded back into a substantially coincident position with the rear cover with zero hinge resistance from any of the hinge joints forming the spine and hybrid hinged cover portions.

Abstract: A device for automatically binding booklets (5) comprising a variable number of sheets (4), including means (3) for measuring the thickness (S) of each booklet (5) to be bound, and a binding line (33) arranged to automatically fix, at least about that edge (34) of said booklet (5) in which the sheets are secured together and about a portion (28) of the first (4A) and last sheet of the booklet, a cover element (8) comprising a first part (21C) arranged to adhere to said edge (34), and a second (21A) and third part (21B) arranged to adhere respectively to at least said portions (28) of the first and last sheet; said line comprising means (9, 13) arranged to generate, on the basis of the measured thickness of the booklet to be bound, for each booklet, a particular cover element (8) having dimensions and creasing lines (L1-L4) such that said three parts (21A-C) of the cover element perfectly follow said edge and said portions of the first and last sheet.

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.