Binder stiffener
OwnerRonald A. Wilson, Robert V. Tuckerinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A loose-leaf binder stiffener, which has a body (20) with an integral U-shaped channel portion (28) that grips the upper edge of a binder for holding it in an open and flat position. The channel portion includes an upper leg (32) with a wedge shaped end (36) that is forced between the binders spine (22) and ring holding rigid strip (38). A C-shaped portion (56) of the body (20) holds and stores pens or pencils and a raised upright member (60) adds stiffness. Three embodiments of the upright member (60) include a card holder (62), a beam (68), and a second C-shaped member (56').
Claims15
A spined multi-ring loose-leaf binder stiffener for holding hinged covers of a binder open in a flat, rigid position, comprising:
- a stiffener body having a longitudinal length sufficient to interface with a binder spine and a portion of each cover,
- said body having an integral, springable U-shaped channel portion including a web, an upper leg and a lower leg, for resistably gripping an upper edge of a binder when forced thereupon,
- said channel portion upper leg having a wedge shaped end and said upper leg longer than said lower leg, the wedge end fashioned to penetrate between a binder's spine and ring holding rigid strip when disposed upon an upper edge of a binder,
- said body further having an integral C-shaped portion opposite said channel web, sized to springably receive writing utensils, permitting storage and accessibility thereof, and
- said body further having an integral raised nonpliant upright member adjoining said channel web and C-shaped portion, for linear rigidity and structural integrity of the binder stiffener.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.