WO2002028664A1

WO2002028664A1 - Binder spine and removable insert

Info

Publication number: WO2002028664A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/031308
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sumir Kapur; Scott Kouri; John James Dwyer; Michael Albertini; Stephan Peter James Pfanner; Joshua Paul Goldfarb; Shaun Fynn
Original assignee: Acco Brands, Inc.
Priority date: 2000-10-04
Filing date: 2001-10-04
Publication date: 2002-04-11
Also published as: AU2002211481A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a binder (10) including front (12) and back (14) covers and a spine (16) therebetween with a hinge line that is non-linear with respect to the axis of the spine. The spine includes three panels that are pivotally connected together and at least one of the panels has a width that varies along a longitudinal direction of the spine. A binding mechanism is secure to the binder by rivets and is spaced from an interior surface of the binder at a distance sufficient to provide space for an insert to be secured between the binding mechanism and the interior surface of the binder. A preferred binder insert includes a sheet material having a mounting portion with first and second openings which face at an angle with respect each other. The insert can include a folder portion with a pocket extending from the mounting portion and the folder portion can be larger than a sheet that the binding mechanism is configured to bind. The binder includes a pocket sheet secured to the interior surface of the front and back covers to define a pocket and includes an aperture disposed intermediately on the pocket sheet that is spaced from the opening, and both the opening and the aperture have a width sufficient to receive sheets of the same size which the binding mechanism is configure to bind.

Description

BINDER SPINE AND REMOVABLE INSERT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a binder for holding sheets. More particularly, the invention relates to a binder which includes a spine having a hinge line with a bend and an insert securable between a binding mechanism and an interior surface of the binder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Binders are typically constructed from three pieces of straight edge rectangular board joined together at front and rear hinge lines by lamination between an inside cover sheet and an outside cover sheet. These binders have straight hinge lines creating a sharp, transition of surface in the spine area, and when they are stood in a row on a shelf or desk they are difficult to grasp.

Other binders have employed spines with varied geometries. For example, U.S. Patent No. 281, 657 to Bowman discloses a book-back scored longitudinally to form a series of parallel strips. The parallel strips support sections of paper secured to the back of the book to form leaves. Also, U.S. Patent No. 4,856,817 to Moor relates to an easy grip binder. The binder has opposed spine recesses and matching cutouts on the front and back . covers for ease of grasping. The spine recesses have a ribbed contour to facilitate finger gripping. U.S. Patent No. 5,219,437 to Moor et al. discloses a book cover having a fabric spine. The spine is made by stitching an inside fabric surface and an outside fabric surface together with a plurality of longitudinally parallel seams.

As binders can be used for holding any number of different sets of materials, labels to identify the binder or its contents are typically placed on a cover or spine of a binder. U.S. Patent No. 5,711,627 to Chapman discloses a loose leaf binder having a flexible spine, a window pocket on the spine and a removably insertable spine stifFener which also serves as a content label or label bearing member. A transparent vinyl pocket is attached to the spine which is open at the top for insertion therein of a label or label bearing insert. The insert is a stiff member that is suitably labeled by the user and then inserted into the pocket. Labeling information may be made directly on the insert or a separate label may be adhesively or otherwise attached thereto. Also, U.S. Patent No. 3,814,527 to Lawes discloses a loose leaf binder having an outer curved spine and a flat inner spine. Paper retaining means are provided on the inner spine and a portion of the outer spine is removable to form a window through which a label inserted between the outer and inner spines is visible.

Despite these disclosures, there still remains a need for binders that have improved hinge mechanisms, gripping mechanisms and paper holding portions or pockets. The present invention resolves this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a binder including a first cover, a second cover and a spine pivotally connected to the first and second covers, and the spine has at least one hinge line disposed between the first and second covers, wherein the hinge line is non-linear with respect to the axis of the spine and includes a bend. The hinge line can include first and second portions disposed at an obtuse angle with respect to each other or the hinge line can include an arcuate portion.

The spine can include first and second hinge lines, each of which is non-linear with respect to the axis of the spine and includes a bend, wherem the spine is connected to the first cover along the first hinge line and to the second cover along the second hinge line. The first and second hinge lines are non-parallel to each other. The hinge lines are disposed generally symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the spine.

The spine can include three panels that are pivotally connected together. At least one of the panels has a width, which varies along a longitudinal axis of the spine. The first and second covers can have concave portions disposed adjacent the spine and the hinge lines can be living hinges. The spine can additionally include a cutout at one end for gripping by a user's finger.

In an exemplary embodiment, a binding mechanism can be secured to the binder and the binding mechanism can be spaced from an interior surface of the spine. The binding mechanism is secured at a distance from the interior surface of the spine, and the distance is sufficient to provide space for an insert to be secured between the binding mechanism and the interior surface of the spine. The binding mechanism can be attached with at least one rivet, and the at least one rivet can include a support member to support the binding mechanism at the sufficient distance.

A preferred binder insert includes a sheet material having a mounting portion with first and second openings which open along a perimeter and face in first and second directions oriented at an angle with respect each other. The first and second directions are preferably disposed at an angle of more than about 30° with respect to each other. The material is elongated and has a wider width at first and second ends adjacent the first and second openings than at a central portion therebetween. In another embodiment, the first and second directions are generally perpendicular to each other. The first opening can face generally longitudinally and the second opening can face laterally. The first opening can open at the perimeter at a bottom edge of the insert and the second opening can open at the perimeter at a lateral edge thereof.

In another embodiment, the insert has a mounting portion receivable between a cover and a binding mechanism attached to the cover. The insert can include a folder portion with a pocket extending from the mounting portion and the folder portion can be larger than a sheet that the binding mechanism is configured to bind. The pocket can be of a sufficient size to hold A4 or 8 Vz x 11 size paper. The binding mechanism can be secured to the binder with at least one rivet and the insert can be rotatably secured to the rivet to allow the folder to be rotated out to insert contents therein.

In another embodiment, a binder has front and back covers pivotally connected to each other and has an interior surface with a binding mechanism configured to bind sheets of predetermined dimensions, and a pocket sheet secured to the interior surface to define a pocket. The pocket sheet defines an opening adjacent a peripheral edge of the binder and includes an aperture disposed intermediately on the pocket sheet that is spaced from the opening, and both the opening and the aperture have a width sufficient to receive sheets of the predetermined dimensions within the pocket. The opening can be defined between the peripheral edge of the pocket sheet and the cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a binder constructed according to the present invention;

Fig.2 is an end view of the spine of the binder of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a view of the binder of Fig. 1 in an open position; Fig.4 is a view similar to Fig.3 with a spine insert pivotally moved out from the spine of the binder; Fig. 5 is a partial perspective view showing the lower portion of the insert removably secured to the binder;

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI- VI showing the spine insert in place relative to the spine; Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line NH-VII showing the spine insert in place relative to the spine;

Fig. 8 is a partial perspective view showing the upper portion of the spine insert removably secured to the binder;

Fig.9 is a front view of the spine insert; Fig. 10 is a view of a second embodiment of the insert;

Fig. 11 is a view thereof secured in the binder of Fig. 1 ; and

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 3 illustrating a single sheet in position in a pocket of the binder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring initially to Fig. 1, a preferred embodiment of the binder 10 of the present invention includes a front cover 12, a back cover 14, and a spine 16 therebetween. In the preferred embodiment, spine 16 includes a peripheral spine 18 and a central spine 20. The peripheral spine 18 includes first and second panels 22, 24 spaced on opposite sides of and pivotally connected to central spine 20. The first panel 22 is pivotally connected to the front cover 12 along a first hinge 26 and the second panel 24 is pivotally connected to the back cover 14 along a second hinge 28. The central spine 20 includes a central spine panel 25 which is pivotally connected to the first panel 22 along a third hinge 30 and pivotally connected to the second panel 24 along a fourth hinge 32. The spine 16 is preferably integrally constructed with the front and back covers 12, 14 such that the spine 16 forms an intermediate portion of the front and back covers 12, 14. Most preferably, the front cover 12, back cover 14 and spine 16 are of unitary construction from a single sheet of material. The spine 16, however, may be constructed separately and attached to the front and back covers 12, 14 using known securing mechanisms such as adhesives, mechanical fasteners, stitches, tape or the like.

In the preferred embodiment, the spine 16 has an arcuate cutout 34 extending along a top end 36 of the spine 16. A bottom end 38 of the spine 16 is preferably straight. The bottom end 38 may also have an arcuate cutout similar to that of the top end 36. The cutout is shaped to receive a finger to facilitate gripping the binder, e.g., to remove it from among other binders on a shelf.

First and second hinges 26, 28 define first and second hinge lines 40, 42. The first and second hinge lines 40, 42 extend generally longitudinally along the spine 16 from the bottom edge 38 of the spine 16 to the top edge 36 of the spine 16 and are preferably disposed in a non-parallel relation with respect to each other. Preferably, first and second hinge lines 40, 42 define non-straight lines with a bend or gradual curve toward a spine axis 43 between the ends 36, 38. In this way, first and second hinge lines 40, 42 are non-linear with respect to spine axis 43 and are spaced closest to the axis 43 and closest together at the center 45 of the binder. In the preferred embodiment, the shape of each hinge line is symmetrical with respect to the center 45 of the binder and either end of each hinge line is equi-distant from the spine axis 43. Thus, first and second hinge lines 40, 42 together define a generally hourglass-like shape about the longitudinal axis 43 of the spine 16. Hinge lines 40, 2 can alternatively include a plurality of linear portions disposed at obtuse angles with respect to each other or the hinge lines can include portions having an arcuate curve.

Third and fourth hinges 30, 32 define third and fourth hinge lines 44, 46 that extend generally longitudinally along the spine 16 from the bottom end 38 of the spine 16 to the top end 36 of the spine 16 and are preferably non-parallel relative to each other and non- parallel relative to the first and second hinge lines 40, 42. Preferably, third and fourth hinge lines 44, 46 define non-straight lines and each line has a bend or gradual curve away from the spine axis 43 as the hinge line nears the longitudinal center 45 of the binder. In this way, third and fourth hinge lines 44, 46 are spaced furthest from the spine axis 43 and furthest apart at the center 45 of the binder. In the preferred embodiment, the shape of each hinge line is symmetrical with respect to the center 45 of the binder and the ends of each hinge line are equi-distant from the spine axis 43.

Referring to Fig. 2, an end view of the spine 16 of binder 10 is shown. Central spine panel 25 has a width 47 defined by the distance between third and fourth hinge lines 44, 46. Width 47 varies along the longitudinal length of the spine 16 corresponding to the contour of hinge lines 44, 46. Width 47 of the central spine panel 25 is narrowest at the ends 36, 38 of the spine 16 and widest at the center 45 of the spine. First panel 22 has a width 48 defined by the distance between first and fourth hinge lines 40, 46. Second panel 24 has a width 49 defined by the distance between second and third hinge lines 42, 44. Widths 48, 49 also vary along the longitudinal length of the spine 16. Widths 48, 49 are widest at the ends 36, 38 of the spine 16 and narrowest at the center 45 of the spine. Preferably, widths 48, 49 are symmetrical about spine axis 43 such that width 48 and width 49 are substantially identical along the longitudinal axis of the spine 16. Spine 16 has an overall width 17 which measures from first hinge line 40 to second hinge line 42 and includes widths 47, 48, and 49 and spans across the first and second panels 22, 24 and central spine panel 25. Spine width 17 also varies along the longitudinal length of the spine 16. Width 17 is widest at the longitudinal ends adjacent the top and bottom edges 36, 38 of the spine 16 and narrowest at the longitudinal center 45 of the binder. The ratio of width 47 to spine width 17 is preferably about 0.25 at the longitudinal ends of spine 16 and preferably about 0.67 at the longitudinal center 45 of the binder.

Referring again to Fig. 1, binder 10 is shown in the closed position with outer peripheral edges 108 of front and back covers 12, 14 substantially adjacent. When the binder 10 is in the closed position, spine 16 has an ergonomic shape to facilitate grasping. Spine 16 has an overall curved contour provided by the configuration of peripheral panels 22, 24 and central spine pane panel 25. The central panel 25 is generally perpendicular to the back cover 14. Peripheral panels 22, 24 extend generally angularly from central panel 25 to the front and back covers 12, 14 respectively. Panels 22, 24, and 25 are preferably flat, however, they can be formed of a generally flexible material and exhibit a slight curvature. The front and back covers 12, 14 are slightly concave adjacent the first and second hinges 26, 28 corresponding to the curvature of the first and second hinge lines 40, 42. Preferably the contour of spine 16 varies along the length of the spine, thus varying the grasping characteristics along the spine. Referring to Figs. 6 and 7, cross-sectional views of the spine 16 are shown toward the longitudinal end and center of the binder respectively. As can be seen in Fig. 7, spine 16 has a lower profile contour at the center 45 of the spine than toward the ends 36, 38 of spine 16 as shown in Fig. 6. Also, first and second panels 22, 24 are disposed at angle 27 with respect to the central panel 25 toward the ends 36, 38 of spine 16 and as seen in Fig. 7, first and second panels 22, 24 are disposed at a sharper angle 29 with respect to the central panel 25 at the longitudinal center 45 of the binder. In an alternative embodiment, the spine may comprise a single spine panel and have a similarly varying contour with a slight curvature toward the center and a greater curvature towards the ends of the spine. Hinges 26, 28, 30, 32 allow front and back covers 12, 14 to rotate with respect to one another between a closed position as shown in Fig. 1, and an open position, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, with interior surfaces 50, 52 of the front and back covers 12, 14 substantially lying in the same plane. The hinges can be a single hinge such as a piano-type hinge or a plurality of discrete hinges and can either be integrally formed with the front and back covers 12, 14 or constructed of separate parts that are attached to the respective cover layer. In this embodiment, the hinges are formed from scored lines that are made along respective edges between the front and back covers 12, 14 and the peripheral spine panels 22, 24 and between the peripheral spine panels 22, 24 and the central spine panel 25. In addition to scored lines, other types of hinges, such as living hinges are suitable for use with the invention.

The front and back covers 12, 14 of the binder 10 are sized to accommodate the size of the papers to be fastened therein. The binder 10 is preferably dimensioned to accommodate conventionally sized sheets of paper 53 (Fig. 1) with sufficient clearance to fully protect the sheets held therein from impact or abrasion with external elements. An example of such sheets of paper is the standard 854 x 11 inch sheets of paper, commonly used in the U.S., or A4 size. To accommodate standard 8/2 x 11 inch sheets of paper, the front and back covers 12, 14 preferably measure 10-1/4 x 11-5/8 inches. In addition to accommodating the size of the sheets contained in the binder 10, the overall width 17 of the spine 16 is selected to accommodate the variable thicknesses of the desired contents that may be held within the binder 10.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, the binder 10 of the preferred embodiment is shown as a loose-leaf binder that comprises a ring binding mechanism 54, which is preferably a ring binder as shown, but may otherwise be other known mechanisms for securing sheets. The binding mechanism 54 preferably has at least one ring 58, and more preferably three rings, for holding at least one sheet between the front and back covers 12, 14. The binding mechanism 54 is preferably secured to the interior surface 56 of the spine 16, however, the binding mechanism 54 may alternatively be secured to the interior surface 52 of the back cover 14 adjacent the spine 16. Suitable structures for attaching the binding mechanism 54 to the interior surface 56 of the spine 16 include, for example, a plurality of rivets 60 extending through apertures in the spine 16 to facilitate attachment of the binding mechanism 54.

The binding mechanism 54 is preferably spaced from the interior surface 56 of the spine 16 to accommodate an insert 62. For example, in the preferred embodiment as shown in Fig. 6, the binding mechanism 54 is attached with rivets 60 of a length generally longer than standard fastening rivets, to space the binding mechanism 54 from the spine interior by a sufficient distance 59 to facilitate insertion and removal of the insert 62 between the spine 16 and the binding mechanism 54. A support member 61 is connected to each fastening rivet 60 and disposed between the interior surface 56 of the spine 16 and the binding mechanism 54. One embodiment of the support member 61 is shown in Fig. 6 as a cylinder 63 with flanges 65 on opposing ends of the support member 61 to contact the interior surface 56 and binding mechanism 54 respectively.

A preferred embodiment of the binder 10 includes an insert, such as a spine insert 64 or a folder insert 66. The spine insert 64 may be a contents identifier, or a user defined label, disposed between the binding mechanism 54 and the interior surface 56 of the spine 16. Referring to Fig. 9, a preferred spine insert 64 is shown. The spine insert 64 is preferably securable between the binding mechanism 54 and the interior surface 56 of the spine 16. In the preferred embodiment, the spine insert 64 is secured about the fastening rivets 60. The spine insert 64 defines a pivot opening 68 preferably at a first end and a hook opening 70 preferably at a second end. The pivot and hook openings 68, 70 are configured and dimensioned to engage the fastening rivets 60 and resiliently fit thereover to retain the insert 64 in position.

In the preferred embodiment, pivot and hook openings 68, 70 comprise key- hole shaped cutout portions 95, with a hole portion 96 to receive and releasably lock to the rivets 60, and an elongated portion 97 extending along an opening axis and communicating with hole portion 96 for receiving and releasing the rivet 60. Pivot opening 68 extends along a pivot opening axis 67 and preferably intersects the perimeter of spine insert 64 along a bottom end 72 thereof. Pivot opening 68 opens in a first direction, preferably longitudinally downward, at the bottom end 71 of insert 64. Hook opening 70 extends along a hook opening axis 69 and preferably intersects the perimeter of spine insert 64 along a lateral edge 74 thereof. Hook opening 70 opens in a second direction, preferably laterally outward, at a lateral side 73 of insert 64. In this way, when each opening 68, 70 is moved into a position to engage the fastening rivets 60, the spine insert 64 preferably clicks or snaps into position around the fastening rivet 60. At the same time, the key-hole shape of the cutout allows spine insert 64 to rotate about the fastening rivet 60 while the spine insert 64 is attached thereto by the pivot opening 68. Pivot opening axis 67 and hook opening axis 69 are preferably oriented at an angle to each other, i.e. not parallel, such that pivot opening 68 and hook opening 70 face different directions. Preferably pivot opening axis 67 and hook opening axis 69 are oriented at an angle greater than 30° with respect to each other, most preferably axes 67, 69 are oriented generally perpendicular to each other. In this way, securing the spine insert 64 to the fastening rivets 60 requires moving the spine insert 64 in more than one direction because the pivot and hook openings 68, 70 open in different directions. For example, spine insert 64 is only partially secured to the fastening rivets 60 when the spine insert 64 is laterally inserted between the binding mechanism 54 and the interior surface 56 of the spine 16. In this regard, when insert 64 is inserted laterally, the hook opening 70 is secured to the fastening rivet 60 and the lateral edge 74 adjacent the pivot opening 68 prevents pivot opening 68 from entering laterally around the fastening rivet 60. To fully secure the spine insert 64 to the fastening rivets 60, the pivot opening 68 of the spine insert 64 is secured first, and the spine insert 64 is rotated about that rivet and then the hook opening 70 is attached to the rivet 60. Similarly, in order to release the spine insert 64, the spine insert 64 is moved in more than one direction, first pivoted laterally about the fastening rivet 60 to remove the hook opening 70 and then in a radially outward direction with respect to the fastening rivet 60 that the pivot opening 68 is secured to. As a result, the inadvertent release of the spine insert 64 is more readily prevented. Of course, it may be desired that only the hook opening 70 be released so that the spine insert 64 may be rotated outward from behind the binding mechanism 54, for instance to change a label thereon, as shown in Fig. 4.

As can be seen in Figs. 1 and 6, the spine insert 64 preferably has a shape corresponding to the shape of the spine 16 and is configured to be secured beneath and behind the binding mechanism 54. Referring to Fig. 9, the spine insert 64 includes a center portion 75 and peripheral flange portions 76 disposed on opposing sides of the center portion 75. The peripheral flange portions 76 extend from upper and lower ends of the center portion 75 and have curved outer lateral edges 74. The curve of lateral edges 74 preferably corresponds to the curve of the first and second hinge lines 40, 42 so that the spine insert 64 is substantially contained within the spine 16 when spine insert 64 is secured to the binder 10. Similarly, a cutout portion 78 extends along the top edge 79 of spine insert 64 and has a shape corresponding to cutout 34 of spine 16. Referring to Fig. 6, the flange portions 76 extend at an angle 77 with respect to the center portion 75. Preferably, the angle 77 substantially corresponds to the angle that the first and second panels 22, 24 are disposed at relative to the central panel 25 when the binder 10 is in the closed position, as shown in Fig. 1 to generally follow the interior contour thereof.

Referring to Fig. 10, another embodiment of a folder insert 66 is shown and includes a pocket region 80 and a spine insertion region 82. The spine insertion region 82 is configured to be securable to the rivets 60 and is similar to that of the spine insert 64 described above. The spine insertion region 82 includes a pivot opening 84 which extends along a pivot opening axis 85 and preferably intersects the perimeter of spine insertion region 82 along a bottom edge 86 thereof. Pivot opening 84 opens in a first direction, preferably longitudinally downward. A hook opening 88 extends along a hook opening axis 87 and preferably intersects the perimeter of spine insertion region 82 along a lateral edge 90 of the spine insertion region 82 and opens in a second direction, preferably laterally outward. Preferably pivot opening axis 85 and hook opening axis 87 are oriented at an angle greater than 30° with respect to each other, most preferably opening axes 85, 87 are oriented generally peφendicular with respect to each other. Other relative angles between the opening axes 85, 87 can be used if desired. The pivot and hook openings 84, 88 are preferably configured and dimensioned to engage the attachment rivets 60 and resiliently fit thereover to retain the folder insert 66 in position. In the preferred embodiment, pivot and hook openings 84, 88 comprise key-hole shape cutout portions substantially similar to those described above with regard to spine insert 64.

The pocket region 80 includes at least one pocket layer 83 secured to a back layer 81 of the folder insert 66. The pocket layer 83 is secured along the peripheral edges to define a pocket 91 with a top opening 92. Such securement can be accomplished by any conventional methods known in the art including stapling, stitching, stamping, snapping, riveting, adhering, pressing and fastening, ultrasonic welding, or heating and the pocket can be made of a single sheet of material. Notches 93 are preferably disposed along the top opening 92 adjacent the fastened lateral peripheral portions to relieve stress upon the securement when the pocket 91 is being used. The pocket 91 is dimensioned to accommodate conventionally sized sheets of papers. Referring to Fig. 11, the folder insert 66 is securable to the binder 10 and the pocket 91 is positioned and configured to hold sheets of papers in alignment with any papers held within the binding mechanism 54. Similar to the spine insert 64, the folder insert 66 can be rotatably secured to at least one rivet 60 to allow the folder 66 to be rotated about this rivet.

As best seen in Fig. 3, front and back inner pockets 100, 102 are secured or fastened along a lateral inner portion 101, an opposed lateral outer portion 103, and a peripheral lower portion 105 of the interior surfaces 50, 52 of front and back covers 12, 14 respectively. Such securement can be accomplished by methods including stapling, stitching, stamping, snapping, riveting, adhering, pressing and fastening, ultrasonic welding, or heating or by forming the folder out of a single piece of material. At least a portion of an upper edge 104 of each of the front and back inner pockets 100, 102 is not permanently fastened to the front and back covers 12, 14 so as to define an opening 106 of the front and back inner pockets 100, 102. The pocket openings 106 may extend any distance along the interior of the front and back covers 12, 14, preferably including a length just long enough to hold sheets of paper to be secured up to a length comprising substantially the entire distance between the spine 16 and the outer edges 108 of the front and back covers 12, 14. The openings 106 of the front and back inner pockets 100, 102 are substantially parallel to the top and bottom edges 110, 112. The unsecured edges of the front and back inner pockets 100, 102, which define the opening 106 of each pocket, may be straight or arcuate, as shown in Fig. 3, to facilitate insertion and removal of papers to be stored. Each pocket preferably has at least one notch 114 along the peripheral edge and adjacent the secured portions 101, 103 to relieve stress upon the fastened portion when the pocket is being used. Preferably, a notch 114 is disposed adjacent to the inner and outer lateral fastened portions 101, 103.

As shown best in Fig. 3, the front and back inner pockets 100, 102 may extend over only a portion of the interior surfaces 50, 52 of the respective front and back covers 12, 14 so that the opening 106 of each pocket thereon is spaced inward from the top edge 110 of the front and back covers 12, 14. The extent of the front and back inner pockets 100, 102 along the respective covers, however, may be of any size sufficient to secure items such as sheets of paper in the pockets and to provide secure attachment of the inner pocket to the front and back cover 12, 14. Preferably, the same sized sheets of papers 53 (Fig. 1) can be held in rings 58, folder insert 66, or either of inner pockets 100, 102.

In the preferred embodiment, an aperture 120 is disposed intermediately with respect to the front and back inner pockets 100, 102. The aperture 120 is preferably located about within the middle third of the pocket longitudinally, and most preferably is generally near the center of the pocket. If desired, the aperture 120 may be located at virtually any other intermediate position with respect to the binder 10. The aperture 120 is spaced from the opening 106 and oriented at an angle with respect to the opening 106. The aperture 120 may be straight or arcuate.

Referring now to Fig. 12, the aperture 120 has a width 122 dimensioned to receive the same size papers or other contents that the inner pockets 100, 102 may receive. The aperture 120 is preferably elongate and extends substantially over the width of the pocket. In this way, contents such as paper 53, may be inserted into the pocket through the aperture 120 in addition to the opening 106. Also, paper may be partially held in the pocket to facilitate the viewing of part of the paper while another part of the paper is held in the pocket.

The binder 10 of the present invention may be constructed of a number of materials to protect the contents therein. Suitable materials for binder 10 include paper, cardboard, and plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene, and may either be opaque, translucent, transparent, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the binder 10 is formed of polypropylene because writing on paper stored therein will not transfer to the polypropylene. The front cover 12, back cover 14 and spine 16 of binder 10 is preferably constructed of a translucent material so the inner pocket or contents therein or the spine insert, such as a contents identifier, are at least partially visible from the outside of the binder 10. Inner pockets 100, 102 may be composed of the same stock as the front cover 12, back cover 14 and spine 16, however, the inner pockets 100, 102 are preferably formed of separate opaque plastic sheets providing protection while displaying the structure of the inner pocket through the translucent front and back covers 12, 14 and an at least partially preventing the viewing of any contents therein from the interior.

One of ordinary skill in the art can envision numerous variations and modifications to the invention disclosed herein. All of these modifications are contemplated by the true spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A binder comprising: a first cover; a second cover; and a spine pivotally connected to the first and second covers, the spine having a longitudinal axis and at least one hinge line disposed between the first and second covers, wherein the hinge line is non-linear with respect to the axis of the spine and includes a bend.

2. The binder of claim 1, wherein the hinge line comprises first and second portions disposed at an obtuse angle with respect to each other.

3. The binder of claim 1 , wherein the hinge line includes an arcuate portion.

4. The binder of claim 1, wherein the at least one hinge line includes first and second hinge lines, each of which is non-linear with respect to the axis of the spine and includes a bend, wherein the spine is connected to the first cover along the first hinge line and to the second cover along the second hinge line.

5. The binder of claim 4, wherein the first and second hinge lines are non-parallel to each other.

6. The binder of claim 4, wherein the hinge lines are disposed generally symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the spine.

7. The binder of claim 1 , wherein the spine includes three panels that are pivotally connected together.

8. The binder of claim 7, wherein at least one of the panels has a width which varies along the longitudinal axis of the spine.

9. The binder of claim 1 , wherein the first and second covers include concave portions disposed adjacent the spine.

10. The binder of claim 4, wherein the hinge lines are defined by living hinges.

11. The binder of claim 1 , wherein the spine has a cutout at least one end for gripping by a user's finger.

12. The binder of claim 4, further comprising a binding mechanism secured to the binder and spaced from an interior surface of the spine.

13. The binder of claim 12, wherein the binding mechanism is secured at a distance from the interior surface of the spine, and the distance is sufficient to provide space for an insert to be secured between the binding mechanism and the interior surface of the spine.

14. The binder of claim 13, wherein the binding mechanism is attached with at least one rivet, and the at least one rivet includes a support member to support the binding mechanism at said sufficient distance.

15. The binder of claim 14, further comprising an insert securable to the rivet, wherein the insert comprises a sheet of material that has lateral edges generally following the shape of the hinge lines.

16. A binder insert for securing to a binder comprising: a sheet material having a mounting portion that is elongated and has a perimeter, the mounting portion including first and second openings, and configured to receive and attach to supports that connect a binding mechanism to a cover of the binder; wherein the first opening is open along the perimeter facing a first direction and the second opening is open along the perimeter facing a second direction oriented at an angle with respect to the first direction.

17. The binder insert of claim 16, wherein the first and second directions are disposed at an angle of more than about 30° with respect to each other, and the sheet material is elongated and has a wider width at first and second ends adjacent the first and second openings than at a central portion therebetween.

18. The binder insert of claim 17, wherein the first and second directions are generally peφendicular to each other.

19. The binder insert of claim 16, wherein the first opening faces generally longitudinally and the second opening faces laterally.

20. The binder insert of claim 16, wherein the first opening is open at the perimeter at a bottom edge thereof.

21. The binder insert of claim 20, wherein the second opening is open at the perimeter at a lateral edge thereof.

22. A binder, comprising: the insert of claim 16; a cover; and a binding mechanism attached to the cover, wherein the insert has a mounting portion receivable between the cover and binding mechanism.

23. The binder of claim 22, wherein the insert includes a folder portion extending from the mounting portion and the folder portion is larger than a sheet that the binding mechanism is configured to bind, the folder portion including a pocket.

24. The binder of claim 23, wherein the pocket is configured and dimensioned to be of a sufficient size to hold A4 or 8 1 x 11 size paper.

25. The binder of claim 24, wherein the binding mechanism is secured to the binder with at least one rivet and the insert is rotatably securable to the at least one rivet to allow the folder to be rotated out to insert contents therein.

26. A binder comprising: front and back covers pivotally connected to each other and each having an interior surface; a binding mechanism configured for binding sheets of predetermined dimensions; and a pocket sheet secured to the interior surface of at least one of the front or back covers to define a pocket therein, the pocket sheet defining an edge opening adjacent a peripheral edge thereof and an aperture disposed intermediately on the pocket sheet and spaced from the opening; wherein both the edge opening and the aperture have a width sufficient to receive sheets of said predetermined dimensions within the pocket.

27. The binder of claim 26, wherein the edge opening is defined between said peripheral edge of the pocket sheet and the cover.