Binder device releasably engaging aperture or notch of sheet – Depository
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-18
2001-04-10
Wellington, A. L. (Department: 3722)
Binder device releasably engaging aperture or notch of sheet
Depository
C402S070000, C281S051000, C281S029000, C281S031000, C281S036000, C281S037000, C281S021100, CD19S026000, CD19S027000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06213669
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a binder which can be inflated.
2. Description of the Related Art
Three ring binders, manufactured in a number of configurations, are well known in the art. Examples include binders with plastic exterior covers (U.S. Pat. No. 5,069,568), cloth covers (U.S. Pat. No. 5,219,437), and transparent outer sheets forming display pockets (U.S. Pat. No. Des. 350,365). Such covers serve not only to make binders more durable but also enhance the aesthetic appearance of the binder.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A general object of the present invention is to provide a binder of the ring type which is inflatable. The greater portion of the outer surface of said binder is covered with a layer which encloses trapped gas, preferably air, in air pockets which may be interconnected. Such a binder (1) provides a water resistant and floating cover to protect binder contents from liquid damage, (2) provides a binder cover with additional “cushioning” protection to protect binder contents from dropping and, (3) the quilted look of the binder provides a pleasing, whimsical appearance.
In one preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the binder may be formed of two thin flexible layers of plastic which are bonded together at their edges, and which are also bonded together along lines extending across the surface of the two sheets so that it has a “quilted” appearance and is divided into sections which may be intercoupled. The outer inflatable portion is preferably formed of radio frequency (RF) weldable material such as polyvinyl chloride or other such RF weldable material.
In another embodiment, a central area may be left flat, providing a transparent “window” through the cover, or providing a pocket with a transparent view through the cover, or providing a pocket with a transparent outer layer with a surrounding inflatable border providing a picture frame effect.
A closure such as a zipper may extend around three sides of the perimeter of the binder, away from the spine of the binder. This closure may be provided with adjacent sealing flaps, or may otherwise be made substantially water resistant.
The binder may be provided with one, two or more inlets through which air may be supplied under pressure to inflate the inter-coupled, quilted sections or pockets of the binder. These inlets can, for example, be in the form of a valve through which air may be blown to inflate the binder. Alternatively, the inflatable binder may be pre-inflated at the point of manufacture, for example, and then tightly sealed.
In accordance with one specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, the inflatable binder may have front and rear covers with the rear cover pivotally connected to a spine, with a ring binder for holding pages fastened to the binder near the spine. The front and rear covers are preferably transparent or translucent, but may be opaque. Air pockets are provided which cover the greater portion of the outer surface of the binder. The air pockets may be formed of an air pocket assembly including two layers of thin flexible plastic sheet material bonded together along their edges, and with lines of bonding over the surface of said binder to form interconnected air pockets. The air pocket assembly is secured to the outer surfaces of the binder, and this may be accomplished by providing two inner flexible plastic layers extending inward from the outermost two edges of the air pocket assembly to form big open pockets into which the front and rear covers extend, thus forming the complete inflatable binder assembly.
The resultant binder has a soft, resilient “feel” and may present a tinted transparent appearance. With the many air pockets and the closure on the open sides, the binder is water-resistant and has positive flotation properties such that said binder would float if accidentally dropped into a body of water. Also, with the resilient outer air pockets, the binder may be dropped without being damaged.
This object as well as other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.
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Avery Dennison Corporation
Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelley
Thurston Alisa L.
Wellington A. L.
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