The Mead Corporation

Meadwestvaco Corporation

Jon R Wyant

Marc L Moor

A binder for receiving and retaining loose leaf papers comprising a cover, a binding mechanism coupled to the cover, and a hole punch coupled to the cover. The hole punch is configured to punch a set of holes in a sheet of paper such that the binding mechanism can be received through the set of holes to receive and retain the paper in the binder.

Binder with hole punch

An expandable outside pocket is provided on one panel of a binder. This pocket includes a releasable closure to control expansion of the pocket. In one configuration, the outside pocket includes a zippered gusset, where the zipper can be closed to prevent expansion of the pocket capacity. The gusset and zipper configuration enables the pocket to be expanded when it is desired to increase the size of the pocket in order to accommodate larger items such as books, but also enables the gusset to be held in a non-extendable position when the pocket does not need to be expanded, such as when the pocket is only used to carry papers or slim folders. A second zipper is preferably also provided in order to control access to the pocket. In another configuration, the outside pocket includes gussets along its sides which facilitate expansion of the pocket, and a single zipper provides access to the pocket interior when unzipped and also enables the pocket to expand when unzipped. The pocket can be expanded to provide simple access to the pocket interior, permitting convenient perusal of papers within the pocket without removal of the papers.

Binder with expandable outside pocket

A binder for receiving and retaining loose leaf papers including a cover, a binding mechanism coupled to the cover, and a hole punch mechanism coupled to the cover. The hole punch mechanism includes a base and a handle movable relative to the base. The handle includes a set of protrusions and the base includes a set of openings aligned with the protrusions such that each protrusion can be received in a corresponding opening to punch a hole in a sheet of paper. The base includes a top portion and a bottom portion forming a cavity therebetween for receiving the punched holes. The top portion is removable to provide access to the cavity, and the holes are formed in the top portion.

Binder

Binder or portfolio cover

Zipper organizer compartment for a binder

In accordance with the present invention, a school-use backpack is provided which is similar in styling to conventional school-use backpacks, is durable, and which can be expanded to increase the interior storage volume of the backpack when additional storage space is required. In particular, the backpack of the present invention includes front, back, and side panels which define a zippered main storage compartment, two shoulder straps, and a zippered gusset which is sewn into the side panel of the backpack.

Growing community of inventors

Spring Valley, OH, United States of America

Jon R Wyant