Books – strips – and leaves – Book – element thereof – or accessory therefor – Covers
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-29
2001-08-21
Fridie, Jr., Willmon (Department: 3722)
Books, strips, and leaves
Book, element thereof, or accessory therefor
Covers
C281S037000, C402S070000, C402S073000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06276722
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a portfolio or binder for holding papers, books, school supplies, etc., which includes a gusset made of neoprene or a similar elastic material disposed substantially between the front and back covers of the binder. The gusset is capable of expanding to accommodate any large or oversized items that may be placed within the binder. More particularly, the present invention relates to a binder wherein an expandable gusset is incorporated between the front and back covers of the binder, the gusset has a front portion and a back portion corresponding to the front and back covers of the binder, and the gusset includes a closure means which releasably fastens the two portions of the gusset together, thereby enclosing the contents of the binder.
In the past there have been binders and portfolios having zippered closures for retaining loose items in the binder. An example of this type of binder is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,778,397 which illustrates a cover for a loose leaf notebook or the like. The cover is composed of a unitary piece of leather and is closed by means of a zipper U.S. Pat. No. 2,755,837 discloses a brief case for holding personal papers having a back portion with a pair of side panels that are connected by a slide fastener. Yet another example is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,173,120 which discloses a brief case having front and rear flexible panels, preferably made of leather, that are spaced apart by a split flexible gusset having a zipper mechanism for closing the gusset. A strengthening member is employed to help the flexible components and gusset to retain their desired shape.
While many of these prior art binders have advantages, there continues to be a need to design binders having which are flexible, durable, sturdy, and inexpensive to manufacture. Furthermore, it would be desirable to have a binder that is capable of holding a large amount of material, to the point of being filled to greater than normal capacity, without endangering the structural integrity of the binder. It is further desired to have a binder which includes a gusset that stands generally upright when the binder is fully opened thus allowing easy access to the contents of the binder.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a binder or portfolio is provided which has an expandable gusset made of an elastomeric material. More particularly, the invention provides a binder or portfolio comprising a front and back cover foldably joined to a central spine having an expandable gusset substantially formed from a flexible, elastic material. The gusset has a front portion attached to the periphery of the underside of the front cover, and a back portion attached to the periphery of the underside of the back cover, wherein the two portions of the gusset may be releasably fastened to one another when the front cover is folded over on the back cover.
The binder of the present invention is equipped with a ring type closure for securing loose leaf papers. However, in the portfolio the ring closure is omitted so that the covers enclose a generally open area for the carrying of loose objects and papers. While the discussion which follows references the embodiment of the invention which is a binder, those skilled in the art will recognize that the discussion applies equally to portfolios. In a preferred embodiment, the covers of the binder include a cushioning member made of a suitable material, such as high density pearlized foam, attached to a rigid polyethylene board which is covered in a durable fabric, such as nylon. Preferably, the front and back portions of the gusset are incorporated into the binder in a way so as to allow the gusset to stand up when the binder is fully opened thereby providing unfettered access to the contents. While it is contemplated that many different closure means may be used to secure the front and back portions of the gusset together when the binder or portfolio is folded to a closed position, in a preferred embodiment a zipper type closure is employed. This zipper closure can be one of any number of different configurations, including closed-end type, open-end type, or a combination of the two.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the elastic material is also incorporated into a window in the front and/or back cover of the binder to provide still additional expansion capability. Also within the scope of the invention is an embodiment wherein the front and back covers are covered almost entirely from the elastic material. One of ordinary skill would recognize that this embodiment, while useful in conjunction with the expandable and outwardly-biased gussets described herein, would be useful in binder applications not incorporating expandable or outwardly-biased gussets.
REFERENCES:
patent: 6045161 (2000-04-01), Ashcraft et al.
patent: 6059478 (2000-05-01), Moor
patent: 6086106 (2000-07-01), Joe et al.
Fridie Jr. Willmon
The Mead Corporation
Thompson Hine LLP
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