GB2424209A

GB2424209A - Binder mechanism and cover

Info

Publication number: GB2424209A
Application number: GB0605097A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Clive Selwyn-Smith; Matthew James Selwyn-Smith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-03-15
Filing date: 2006-03-15
Publication date: 2006-09-20
Also published as: GB0505241D0; GB0605097D0

Abstract

A binder mechanism has a strip 12 of sheet material, the strip of sheet material defining a back portion 22 and a front portion 24; two or more elongated tabs 42 extend from the back portion at longitudinally spaced locations 32, the elongate tabs being adapted to engage through holes punched in sheets of paper, transparent pockets or the like, and being folded over to retain the sheets of paper, transparent pockets, etc. Means are provided to retain the front portion 24 in overlapping relationship with the back portion 22, thereby sandwiching the folded elongate tabs therebetween. The binder also has spine portion 28 and locking portion 26. The portions are defined by score lines 14,16,18,20. Locking portion 26 is tucked under front portion 24 to secure the binder. Also disclosed is a folder or wallet comprising a cover with front and rear portions, with a pair of side flaps extending from transverse edges of front and/or rear portions. Means for releasably attaching a binder mechanism to each of the flaps are provided.

Description

BINDER MECHANISMS AND FOLDERS

The present invention relates to binder mechanisms and in particular binder mechanisms comprising two or more elongate tabs spaced from one another, the tabs engaging through holes punched in sheets of paper, transparent pockets or the like, and being folded over to retain the paper/transparent pockets etc. The invention in addition relates to folders incorporating such binder mechanisms.

With such binder mechanisms, the folded tabs are engaged by clips, for example as disclosed in patent specification GB2323562, by which they are retained in position to clamp the papers/transparent pockets etc. attached thereto.

Hitherto, the tabs and clips attached thereto have been visible to the front of the open folder.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a binder mechanism comprises a strip of sheet material, the strip of sheet material defining a back portion and a front portion; two or more elongated tabs extending from the back portion at longitudinally spaced locations, the elongate tabs being adapted to engage through holes punched in sheets of paper, transparent pockets or the like, and being folded over to retain said sheets of paper, transparent pockets, etc.; and means being provided to retain the front portion in overlapping relationship with the back portion, thereby sandwiching the folded elongate tabs therebetween.

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According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the strip of sheet material defines a locking portion, the front portion being disposed between the back portion and the locking portion. Transverse elongate slots, extend from the longitudinal free edge of the locking portion, towards the front portion, at longitudinally spaced locations corresponding to the locations of the elongate tabs.

With this preferred embodiment, after engaging the tabs of the binder mechanism through holes punched in the paper, transparent pockets etc. which are to be mounted on the binder mechanism, and the elongate tabs have been folder over, the strip of sheet material is folded, so that the front portion overlies the back portion and the folded tabs, the locking portion is then folded under the front portion, so that the portions of the locking portion between the elongate slots locate beneath the folded elongate tabs. The front portion thus covers the tabs, improving the appearance of the binder mechanism. Moreover, the folded tabs are clamped between the front portion and locking portion and are prevented from opening, until the locking portion is released. The strip of sheet material will thereby retain the tabs in the closed position, although clips may be used in addition, if required.

Preferably the strip of sheet material is scored longitudinally to define front, rear and locking portions. Moreover the front and rear portions may be separated by a spine portion, which will provide clearance therebetween, when the front portion is folded over, in order to accommodate the paper/transparent pockets etc. secured by the tabs. A spine portion may also be provided between the front portion and locking portion of the strip of sheet material in order to facilitate folding of locking portion under the front portion.

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In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, a coating of adhesive may be provided on the front portion strip of sheet material, by which the front portion may be adhered to the upper sheet on the binder mechanism and over the folded elongate tabs, thereby retaining the front portion in overlapping relationship with the back portion.

The tabs may be formed integrally of the strip of sheet material, by punching the tabs out of the back portion thereof. Alternatively, the tabs may be formed separately by a strip of material, which engages through apertures in the back portion of the strip of sheet material. Binder mechanisms of the type disclosed above may be used on their own to secure bundles of papers/transparent pockets etc. Alternatively, the binder mechanisms may be used in folders or wallets, which define front and rear covers, which are hinged together. The binder mechanism is normally located adjacent and parallel to the hinge formation and may be secured to the cover in any suitable manner. For example, the binder mechanism may be secured to the front or rear cover by means of the elongate tabs or by other means, for example releasable fastenings or bonding. Alternatively, the strip of the binder mechanism may be formed as part of the front or rear cover of the folder or wallet.

Alternatively the front cover may be omitted to provide a clipboard.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a folder or wallet comprises a cover formed from sheet material, the cover defining a front cover portion and a rear cover portion, the front cover portion being joined to the rear cover portion along adjacent longitudinal edges, a pair of side flaps extending from transverse edges of at least one of the front and rear cover portions and a binder mechanism, the binder mechanism being releasable secured transverse to the longitudinal edges of the front and rear cover portions, to each of the pair of side flaps.

:: : : *.* *i,t * *1* *3 * With the folder/wallet construction described above, the binder mechanism when secured to the side flaps stabilises the folder/wallet structure, providing a pocket formation.

The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a binder mechanism in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of a strip of sheet material used in the binder mechanism illustrated in figure 1; Figures 3a to 3d illustrate use of the binder mechanism illustrated in figure 1; Figure 4 is a sectional perspective view showing the binder mechanism of figure 1, along the line IV-IV of figure 3d; Figure 5 shows a view similar to figure 1 of a modified binder mechanism in accordance with the present invention; Figure 6 is a plan view of the binder mechanism illustrated on figure 5; Figure 7 is a view similar to figure 4 of the binder mechanism illustrated in figure 5; Figure 8 shows a view similar to figure 1 of a further embodiment of a binder mechanism in accordance with the present invention;

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I * * I 5 I I I * I S. * d I I. I. * * II Figure 9 is a view similar to figure 4 of the binder mechanism illustrated in figure 8; Figure 10 shows a view similar to figure 1 of a further embodiment of a binder mechanism in accordance with the present invention; Figure 11 is a part sectional view similar to figure 4 of the binder mechanism illustrated in figure 1 0; Figure 1 2 shows a plan view of the blank of a folder or wallet, incorporating a binder mechanism in accordance with the present invention; Figure 1 3 shows a perspective view of the folder or wallet of figure 8; Figure 1 4 shows a side elevation of the folder or wallet of figure 8; Figure 1 5 shows a plan view of the blank of a modified folder or wallet, for use with a binder mechanism in accordance with the present invention; Figure 1 6 shows a plan view of the blank of an easel attachment for use with the folder or wallet illustrated in figure 1 5; and Figure 1 7 shows a perspective view of the folder or wallet illustrated in figure 15 with the easel attachment illustrated in figure 16.

As illustrated in figures 1 to 4, a binder mechanism 10 comprises a strip 1 2 formed from plastics sheet material. The strip 1 2 is scored along longitudinal lines 14,16,18 and 20, to divide the strip 12 into; a back portion 22, a front portion 24 and a locking portion 26, the front portion * : * * * - * I I * I III * * II 24 being disposed between the back portion 22 and the locking portion 26. Spine portions 28 and 30 are disposed between the back portion 22 and front portion 24, and between the front portion 24 and locking portion 26, respectively.

Four, "i" shaped slits 32 are formed in the back portion 22, of the strip 1 2, the slits 32 extending transversely and being spaced evenly longitudinally of the strip 1 2 at, for example, 80mm intervals.

Elongate transverse slots 34 extend from the free longitudinal edge 36 of the locking portion 26, the slots 34 being spaced longitudinally at locations corresponding to the locations of the slits 32 in the back portion 22.

As illustrated in figure 1, narrow strips 40 of sheet material, for example thin metal or flexible plastics material, are engaged through adjacent pairs of the slits 32, so that the ends thereof extend upwardly from the upper face of the back portion 22, so that the ends of the strips 40 form a pair of tabs 42.

The tabs 42 may be engaged through holes punched in sheets of paper, transparent pockets or similar media 44 and the tabs folded over, to retain the sheets of paper, transparent pockets etc. 44. The tabs 42 may then be clipped into a channel section strip 46, so that the sides of the channel section 46 resiliently grip the tabs 42, in order to lock the binder mechanism 1 0. Other known forms of clip may be used to engage the tabs 42 when they are folded over.

The strip 1 2 is then folded along the score line 1 4, so that the spine portion 28 is disposed at substantially 90 to the back portion, to allow for the thickness of papers, transparent pockets etc. 44 mounted on the :: Is; tabs 42. The strip 12 is then folded along score lines 16,18 and 20, so that the cover portion 24 lies substantially parallel to the back portion 22 and the locking portion 26 underlies the cover portion 24, the portions 38 of the locking portion 26 between adjacent slots 34, engaging under the folded ends of tabs 42. As illustrated in figures 4, the leading edges of portions 38 may be folded out of the plane of the locking portion 26 in order to facilitate engagement of portions 38 under the folded tabs 42.

In order to release the binder mechanism 1 0, the cover portion 24 and locking portion 26 are flicked upwardly about score line 16.

Formations, for example holes 48, are provided in the back portion 22 of strip 12, by which the binder mechanism 10 may be attached by suitable fastening means, for example the male portion of a press stud 50, to a board or cover, to form a clip board, folder or wallet. Similar formations may be provided in the cover portion 24 of the strip 1 2, whereby two or more binder mechanisms 1 0 may be stacked on one another. The holes 48 may preferably be of key-hole shape to facilitate engagement of the fastening means. Alternatively, the fastening means, for example press studs may be permanently secured to the binder mechanism 10, board or cover.

While in the above embodiment, clips are provided to engage the folded ends of the tabs 42, these may be dispensed with, the ends of the tabs 42 being retained in the folded position, between the cover portion 24 and portions 38 of the locking portion 26.

In the modified binder mechanism 60 illustrated in figures 5 to 7 an additional score line 62 divides the back portion into two portions 64,66.

Back portion 66 is punched to form two pairs of tabs 68 spaced longitudinally of one another. The tabs 68 are pushed out of the plane of S * S S *S* * S I S S S S * I S S S S I S II I S S ** * I S S I 5 55 IS S 515 55 5 back portion 66, so that they extend downwardly from the lower face thereof. Back portion 66 is then folded along score line 62, so that it overlies back portion 64, the tabs 68 extending upwardly so that they may engage papers, transparent pockets etc. 44 in the manner disclosed above. The binder mechanism 60 may then be closed in the manner disclosed above.

In this embodiment, the back portion 64 will serve to strengthen the binder mechanism and will also close the apertures in the back portion 66 left by the tabs 68. According to an alternative embodiment the strip 1 2 may define a single back portion 22 as in the first embodiment, the tabs being punched out of the back portion 22 and folded upwardly from the upper face thereof.

The embodiment illustrated in figures 8 and 9 is similar to that illustrated in figures 5 and 6. However only one pair of tabs 68 are punched out of the back portion 66. Moreover instead of using a channel section strip 46 or similar clip, the tabs 68 are locked in the folded position, to retain the papers etc. 44 mounted thereon, by means of the front portion 24 of the binder mechanism 1 0.

In this embodiment, a slit 29 is provided in the spine 28 between back portion 64 and front portion 24. A tongue formation 67 extending from the edge of back portion 66 remote from back portion 64 engages through the slit 29, thereby retaining the two portions 64,66 of the back in overlapping relationship. A hole 69 may be provided in the tongue formation 67, by which the binder mechanism 10 and papers etc. 44 attached thereto, may be hung.

With the embodiments illustrated in figures 5 to 8, the binder mechanism may be made of transparent plastics sheet material and a label strip (not * I I * *I* * I I * * S S I * I I I I S I I SI S I S SI * * S S S S II SI S SI. *S S shown) may be inserted between the two back portions 64,66 and between the front portion 24 and locking portion 26, so that it is visible through the front portion 24, when the binder mechanism 10 is closed.

The label strip may be pre-printed and several labels may for example be provided on a perforated sheet.

The embodiment illustrated in figures 10 and 11 is similar to the embodiment illustrated in figures 5 and 6. However, in place of the locking portion 26 and spine portion 28, the upper surface 25 of the front portion 24 (as shown in figure 10), has a coating of adhesive, by which it may be adhered to the upper sheet of the papers etc., 44 secured by the binder mechanism 10, thereby locking the tabs 68 in the folded position.

This binder mechanism 1 0 may be used to provide a permanent binding for reports or the like. Alternatively, use of a re-sealable adhesive will is permit the binder mechanism to be re-opened to permit papers etc. 44 to be inserted or removed. The binder mechanism shown in figures 10 and 11 is preferably made of card or light plastics sheet material.

Figures 1 2 to 1 4 illustrate a folder or wallet 70 incorporating a binder mechanism 1 0 of the type disclosed with reference to figures 1 to 4.

The folder/wallet 70 is formed from a sheet 72 of resilient, plastics material or card. The sheet 72 is scored transversely to define a back portion 74, a lower cover portion 76 and an upper cover portion 78. The lower and upper cover portions 76,78 are separated from the back portion 74 by spine portions 80,82 respectively. Flaps 84 extend laterally from the side edges of the back portion 74. The flaps 84 extend longitudinally to overlap the spine portion 80 and part of the lower cover 76, a cut 86 separating each flap 84 from the spine portion 80 and lower cover 76.

* S I I S S S S * I S S S S S S

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* I S S S IS SS S 551 55 S The flaps 84 are scored along lines 86 to divide each flap 84 into and inner portion 90 and an outer portion 92. A second score line 94 which is a continuation of the score line between back portion 74 and spine portion 80, form flaps 96,98. The flaps 96,98 are separated by a cut along score line 86 upto score line 94. The flaps 96 extend longitudinally as far as the score line between the spine portion 80 and lower cover portion 76, while flaps 98 extends longitudinally so that the distance between the score line 94 and end of flap 98 is equal to the width if the outer portion 92 of flap 84.

A tab formation 1 00 extends laterally from the longitudinal edge of flap 98 and a slot 102 corresponding to the tab formation 100 is provided in flap 96 along the score line 94.

At the ends of the flaps 84 adjacent the upper cover 78, the end of the inner portion 90 is rounded and the outer portion 92 terminates short of the score line between the back portion 74 and spine portion 82. The spine portion 82 is scored transversely to allow it to be bent to the contour of the ends of the inner portions 90 of flaps 84.

As illustrated in figure 1 3, to assemble the cover/wallet 70, the inner portions 90 flaps 84 are folded at 90 to the back portion 74 and the outer portions 92 are folded inwardly along the score line 86, so that they are parallel to the back portion 74. The flaps 96 are then folded at 90 along the score line 94, and flaps 98 are folded inwardly along score lines 94, to over lie the flaps 96, the tabs 100 being folded at 90 and inserted through the slots 102 to retain the flaps 96,98 on position. The spine portion 80 may then be folded at 90 to the back portion 74; the lower cover portion 76 folded parallel to the back portion 74; the spine portion 82 folded to conform with the ends of the inner portions 90 of flaps 84; and the upper cover portion 78 folded parallel to the back * S * * IS.

* S I S * S I S S S I S I * I S SI S * 5 IS I

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portion 74, to close the folder/wallet. A tab formation 110 is punched out of the upper cover portion 78, for engagement of a slot 11 2 punched in the lower cover portion 76, in order to keep the folder/wallet closed.

A hole 11 4 is punched in each of the outer portions 92 of the flaps 84, adjacent the upper end thereof. A binder mechanism 1 0, of the form disclosed with reference to figures 1 to 4, bridges the two outer portions 92 of the flaps 84, the binder mechanism 1 0 being secured at one end to the outer portion 92 of one flap 84 and at the other end to the other outer portion 92 of the other flap 84, by means of press studs 11 8 which engage through holes 48,114 in the binder mechanism 10 and outer portions 92 respectively. Interconnection of the outer portions 92 of flaps 84 in this manner stabilises the folder/wallet structure 70 and also forms an open fronted pocket, in which bundles of papers, transparent pockets etc. may be stored.

Longitudinal tabs 11 6 may be punched out of the outer portions 92 of flaps 84, the tabs 11 6 extending at 90 upwardly from the outer portions 92, to engage the side edges of papers, transparent pockets etc. 44 mounted on the binder mechanism, to further stabilise the folder/wallet construction 70.

In the folder or cover illustrated in figure 1 5, in place of the tab formation 110, a V-shaped cut 120 is made in the upper cover portion 78. A tongue 1 22 extends from the free edge of the upper cover portion 78, aligned with the V-shaped cut 1 20, by which the upper cover portion 78 may be flexed and the portion 1 24 defined by the V-shaped cut 1 20 moved out of the plane of the upper cover portion, to engage the slot 11 2 in the lower cover portion 76, to hold the cover portions 76,78 in the closed position.

* * a all * I I * a * * I * I I I I a * * II I S S aS * I a S I a S. The flaps 84 are additionally scored along lines 1 30, parallel to lines 86.

This permits the outer 92 portions of flaps 84 to be depressed at the ends thereof adjacent the upper cover portion as shown in figure 1 7. This provides additional clearance for a binder mechanism 10 which may be secured to the flaps 84 by means of press stud fasteners 1 32, in similar manner to that illustrated in figure 1 4. Depression of the flaps 84 in this manner will also provide lateral constraint of the papers etc. 44 attached to the binder mechanism 1 0, so that the flaps 11 6 may be dispensed with.

A pair of cuts 140 spaced inwardly of slots 102, are also formed in the outer portions 92 of the flaps 84. The cutsl40 extend parallel to the score line 94, but are spaced therefrom, the ends of the cuts 1 40 closing to the score line 94, so that when the flaps are folded along score line 94, an upstanding tab 1 42 with a slot 1 44,will be formed at the end of each the outer portion 92 of each flap 84.

A pair of male press stud fasteners 1 32 are secured to the outer portions 92 of the flaps 84, at the ends thereof adjacent the upper cover portion 76.

An easel attachment 1 50, as illustrated in figure 1 6, comprises a sheet of plastics material 1 52. The sheet 1 52 is scored along line 1 54, to divide the sheet 1 52 into a front portion 1 56 and a rear portion 1 58.

A pair of tab formations 1 60, extend from the edge of the front portion 1 56 remote from the score line 1 54 at each corner of the front portion 1 56. The tab formations are foldable relative to the front portion 1 56 along score lines 1 62. Male press stud fittings 1 64 are provided at each corner of the front portion 1 56 of the easel attachment 1 50, adjacent to score line 1 54.

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A pair of tab formations 1 70 extend from the edge of the rear portion 1 58 of easel attachment 1 50, adjacent each corner thereof. Score lines 1 72 are provided to permit the tabs 1 70 to be folded relative to the rear portion 1 58. Female press stud fasteners 1 74 are secured to the tabs 170.

A triangular cut out 1 76 is provided in the rear portion 1 58. The triangular cut out 1 76 is located centrally of the rear portion 1 58, its base coinciding with the score line 1 54.

As with the embodiment shown in figure 14, a binder mechanism 10 may be secured to the folder or cover illustrated in figure 1 7, female press stud fittings on the binder mechanism 10 engaging the male press stud fittings 146.

Alternatively, as illustrated in figure 1 7, the tab formations 1 60 on the front portion 1 56 of the easel attachment 1 50, may engage in the slots 1 44 in the outer flaps 92. The rear portion 1 58 of the easel attachment 1 50 is folded back, to support the front portion 1 56 in and inclined position, the female press stud fasteners 1 74 engaging the male press stud fasteners 1 46 on the flaps 84. The binder mechanism may then be attached to the front portion 1 56 of the easel attachment by press stud fasteners 1 64.

When not in use the rear portion 1 58 of the easel attachment 1 50 may be folded under the front portion 1 56 and the folder or cover may be closed, the binder mechanism 1 0 remaining attached to the front portion of the easel attachment 1 50.

* I I I I a I I * I I I a a I I

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* a a I I It *a S *$I St S In use, the triangular cut out 1 74 may be engaged with the tongue 1 22 on the upper cover portion 76, in order to reduce the incline of the front portion 1 56 of the easel attachment 1 50.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the invention.

For example while the folder/wallet 70 described with reference to figures 1 2 to 14 and 1 5 to 1 7, utilise a binder mechanism as described with reference to figures 1 to 4, they may alternatively utilise binder mechanisms as described with reference to figures 5 to 7, or any other suitable binder mechanism.

While press studs are described in the above embodiments, any suitable releasable fastening means may be used to attach the binder mechanism to the folder/wallet etc. or to connect two or more binder mechanisms together. Moreover other types of fastening means, for example press studs or hook and loop type fasteners may be used to fasten the covers of the folder/wallet.

The binder mechanisms and folder/wallets of the present invention may be made from any suitable sheet material, for example card or plastics sheet material with sufficient stiffness to retain their shape but which when scored will provide sharp folds, particularly when the binder mechanism is locked mechanically. With the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 0 and 11, where the front portion is adhered, lighter card or plastics sheet material may be used.

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SI S I I SI I

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Claims

Claims 1. A binder mechanism comprising a strip of sheet material, the

strip of sheet material defining a back portion and a front portion; two or more elongated tabs extending from the back portion at longitudinally spaced locations, the elongate tabs being adapted to engage through holes punched in sheets of paper, transparent pockets or the like, and being folded over to retain said sheets of paper, transparent pockets, etc.; and means being provided to retain the front portion in overlapping relationship with the back portion, thereby sandwiching the folded elongate tabs therebetween.
2. A binder mechanism according to claim 1 in which the strip of sheet material defines a locking portion, the front portion being disposed between the back portion and the locking portion, transverse elongate slots, extending from the longitudinal free edge of the locking portion, towards the front portion, at longitudinally spaced locations corresponding to the locations of the elongate tabs.
3. A binder mechanism according to claim 2 in which clips engage the folded elongate tabs to lock them in place, the front portion over lying the clips.
4. A binder mechanism according to claim 2 in which the folded tabs are locked in place between the front portion and locking portion of the binder mechanism.

* S * S **I S I I S S * I I I I I S S a S I

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5 0 0*5 5* 5 5. A binder mechanism according to claim 1 in which a layer of adhesive is provided on the front portion, whereby the front cover may be adhered to the upper surface of a sheet of paper, transparent pockets or the like mounted on the binder mechanism, to overlie the back portion and folded elongate tabs.
6. A binder mechanism according to claim 5 in which the adhesive is resealable. I0
7. A binder mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims in which a spine portion is provided between the back and front portions.
8. A binder mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 4 in which a spine formation is provided between the front and locking portions.
9. A binder mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims in which the back portion is divided into two portions, an outer back portion and an inner back portion, the elongate tabs extending from the outer back portion and the outer back portion being folded to over lie the inner back portion, so that the outer back portion will be disposed between the inner back portion and the front portion when the binder mechanism is closed.
10. A binder mechanism according to claim 9 when taken with any one of claims 2 to 4 in which the strip of sheet material is transparent and a label strip is located between the inner and outer back portions and between the front and locking portions.

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I I S S S I ** S S S *5 S S S S S 4 I, S. 4 *5* *5 I 11. A binder mechanism according to claim 9 in which a tongue extending from the free edge of the outer back portion engages through a slot in a spine portion between the back and front portions, to lock the back portions in over lying relationship.
1 2. A binder mechanism according to claim 11 in which an aperture is provided in the tongue, by which the binder mechanism and sheets of paper, transparent pockets or the like may be hung.
1 3. A binder mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims in which the elongate tabs are cut and folded out of the back portion.
14. A binder mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 12 in which the elongate tabs are formed separately of the strip of sheet material, the elongate tabs being located through slits in the back portion.
1 5. A binder mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims in which the back, front, locking and/or spine portions are defined by scoring the strip of sheet material longitudinally.
1 6. A binder mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims in which means is provided for releasably securing the binder mechanism to a cover, folder, wallet and/or board.
1 7. A binder mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 1 5 in which the binder mechanism is formed integrally of a cover, folder, wallet and/or board.

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I S S IS IS S 554 II I 1 8. A binder mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims in which means is provided for releasably securing the binder mechanism to a second binder mechanism.
1 9. A binder mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims in which the strip of sheet material is a plastics sheet material or card.
20. A binder mechanism substantially as disclosed herein with reference to and as shown in figures 1 to 4, figures 5 to 7, figures 8 and 9, or figures 1 0 and 11 of the accompanying drawings.
21. A folder or wallet comprising a cover formed from sheet material, the cover defining a front cover portion and a rear cover portion, the front cover portion being joined to the rear cover portion along adjacent longitudinal edges, a pair of side flaps extending from transverse edges of at least one of the front and rear cover portions and means for releasably securing a binder mechanism to each of the pair of side flaps, transverse to the longitudinal edges of the front and rear cover portions.
22. A folder or wallet according to claim 21 and including a binder mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20.
23. A folder or wallet according to claim 21 or 22 in which spine portions are provided between the front and rear cover portions.
24. A folder or wallet according to any one of claims 21 to 23 in which upper and lower front cover portions are defined on opposite sides of the rear cover portion. * * a

* a I I a S I * * I - - I *1 I S S 55 S I S I * S SI Ia *I S* S
25. A folder or wallet according to claim 24 in which interengaging means are provided on the upper and lower front cover portions by which the front cover portions may be retained in a closed position.
26. A folder or wallet according to claim 25 in which a tab on one front cover portion engages a slot on the other front cover portion.
27. A folder or wallet according to any one of claims 21 to 26 in which press studs or like releasable fasteners or provided to secure the binder mechanism to the side flaps.
28. A folder or wallet according to any one of claims 21 to 27 in which an easel attachment is attached to the side flaps, the easel attachment being formed from a sheet of material defining a front portion and a rear portion, the free transverse edge of the front portion being located with respect to the side flaps adjacent one end thereof and the free longitudinal edge of the rear portion being located with respect to the side flaps adjacent to opposite end thereof, to support the front portion in an inclined position relative to the back cover portion.
29. A folder or wallet according to claim 28 in which in which tabs extending from the free longitudinal edge of the front portion of the easel attachment engage slots provided in the side flaps.
30. A folder or wallet according to claim 28 or 29 in which means attached adjacent the free longitudinal edge of the rear portion of the easel attachment engage the means associated with the side flaps for releasably securing the binder mechanism thereto.
31. A folder or wallet according to any one of claims 28 to 30 in which S S S S a

I I I I I I I I

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II I I I II I

I I I I I II

Is S II I means are provided adjacent the longitudinal edge of the front portion of the easel attachment which abuts the rear portion thereof, for attachment of a binder mechanism to the easel attachment.
32. A folder or wallet according to any one of claims 28 to 31 in which additional interengaging formations are provided on the easel attachment and/or the folder or wallet, to adjust the angle of incline of the front portion of the easel attachment.
33. A folder or wallet substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown in figures 1 2 to 1 4 and figures 1 5 to 1 7 of the accompanying drawings.

* . S * * * I I * S * * * I * 5 S S I II I I I ** S * . S S 5 5* 8S 5 (55 5l I