Notebook Cover Tabs for Ring Binder Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bound components attached to ring-type binders often interfere with the binding mechanism, making it difficult to open and use them while attached, and existing tab systems do not allow for selective display or stable retention of tabs in a folded-out position.

Innovation Solution

A bound system with discreet tabs extending from the cover, integrally formed with the rest of the material, featuring openings to receive binder rings and allowing for easy attachment and detachment, enabling the component to be opened flat while attached and facilitating the removal of perforated pages without removing the notebook from the binder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the bound component is attached to the binder rings through holes in the cover, then the component can be secured to the binder, but the binding mechanism of the bound component interferes with the binder rings, preventing the component from opening flat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidopening flat

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the attachment function from the binding mechanism by introducing discrete tabs with openings that engage the binder rings independently of the bound component's binding mechanism. This segmentation allows the bound component to open flat while remaining securely attached to the binder.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If holes are drilled or punched through the entire notebook content, then sheets can be removed and placed on binder rings, but the bound component cannot be opened flat while linked to the multi-ring binder

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet removal capabilityVSAvoidopening while attached

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tabs serve as an intermediary element between the bound component and the binder rings. These tabs provide the attachment function while allowing the bound component's binding mechanism to operate independently without interference from the binder rings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If tabs are added to permit identification of sections, then organization is improved, but there is no system to selectively display tabs or retain them in a folded-out position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetab identificationVSAvoidtab display and retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tabs are designed with a fold line that allows them to be dynamically positioned - folded against the cover for storage or folded out for display. This dynamic capability enables selective display of tabs and stable retention in either position without requiring additional mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8702128B2Notebook cover with extending hole-punched tabs for facilitating attachment to ringed binder

Publication Date: 2014.04.22 ACCO BRANDS CORP

AI summary

A bound system including a plurality of pages and a cover and/or divider including a bound outer edge and a plurality of free outer edges. The cover and/or divider may be bound to the plurality of pages along the bound edge. The cover and/or divider may include one or more discreet tabs extending generally outwardly relative to one of the edges. Each tab may be integrally formed from a single piece of material with the rest of the cover and/or divider. Each tab further may have an opening formed therethrough and is configured to receive at least part of a binding device therethrough to thereby couple the cover and/or divider to the binding device.