(1) A device including a sheet retainer* in the form
of means which passes through the thickness dimension of a sheet* or
a group of sheets to secure the same in either geometrically congruent
relation (see (1) Note below) or in haphazard arrangement and cooperates
with structure (e.g., hole, peripheral incised opening, etc.) of
the sheet(s) to releasably retain such sheet(s) therein or thereto
in such a manner that removal thereof, in the manner intended, from
the means may be accomplished without mutilation (e.g., tearing,
deforming, etc.) of any portion of either the means or the sheet(s).
(2) such sheet retainer, per se.
(3) a depository* or other perfecting feature intended for
attachment to and serving to perfect a sheet retainer* and
its proximate function as set forth under (1) above, or
(4) a sheet, per se, notched or apertured to accommodate a
sheet retainer of this class.
(1)
Note. Such a device having structure limiting its use to,
or combined with sheets disposed in a particular arrangement for exhibition
(e.g., overlapped, side-by-side arrangement, etc.) is classified
elsewhere (see search notes below referencing this note or see the
appropriate container class).
SCOPE OF THE CLASS
Class 402 is intended as the locus for devices and subcombination
thereof the proximate function of which is the retention of sheets* by
sheet retainer* means which passes through the thickness
dimension* of the sheets to releasably retain the sheets.
The subject matter for the most part represents what is generally
known as the loose-leaf binder "art".
STRUCTURE OF THE CLASS
The first-line subclasses of the class are based on the mode
of operation of the sheet retainer*, where possible, with
the remainder of the subclasses based on the structure (generally
static) of the device.
Provided in this class are cross-reference art collections
based on disclosed use or particular characteristics as indicated
in the titles and definitions thereof. These collections of disclosures
are not exhaustive but are intended as aids to a search based on ultimate
function or use, as a supplement to a search of other subclasses
in this class, or as an indication of further related fields of search
inside or outside this class.
GENERAL NOTES
This class (402) is restricted to the subject matter defined
above in this Class Definition. The definition set forth above
should, however, be read in the light of further limitations imposed
thereon by the other sections and by any SEARCH CLASS notes in the
subclass definitions.
Figure 1 appearing in connection with certain defined terms
in the Glossary is intended as an aid in comprehension of the limitations
of the concepts incorporated in such term in the subclass titles
and definitions. The details illustrated in such figure are not
to be considered as constituting a structural limitation on the
subject matter defined.
An asterisk (*) has been applied to certain terms
throughout this Class Definition to indicate that such terms have
specific limitations in this class as set forth in the definitions
of such terms in the Glossary, for which see. Where such asterisk
is employed in a subclass definition, it will not be repeated in
any subclass indented thereunder.
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
A. SPECIFIC RELATION TO CERTAIN COMBINATION CLASSES:
A combination of a specific sheet retainer* of the
type provided for in this class (402) with a nominal depository* (e.g., "wall(s)" and "bottom",
etc.) will be placed in this class (402), however, the combination
of such sheet retainer with a particular depository (e.g., terraced receptacle;
rack; compartmented receptacle; cabinet; pocketbook or other receptacle
including a compartment which may accommodate a sheet retainer;
etc.) will be placed in the appropriate class providing for such
depository, for which see References to Other Classes, below, that
reference this section.
B. SPECIFIC RELATION TO CERTAIN SUBCOMBINATION CLASSES:
This class provides for a device including means providing
the retention of and the nondestructive removal therefrom of a sheet.
However, a device generally known as a clamp or fastener for holding
a sheet or an assembly of sheets in assembled relation will be placed in
that class providing for such subject matter for which see the classes
in References to Other Classes, below, referencing this section.
Miscellaneous Hardware (e.g., Bushing, Carpet Fastener, Caster, Door Closer, Panel Hanger, Attachable or Adjunct Handle, Hinge, Window Sash Balance, etc.), appropriate subclasses for (1) a hinge, per se,
including two or more hinge leaves with means to attach the leaves
to adjoining bodies or (2) a hinge including two or more leaves
in combination with nominally recited bodies. (See Lines With Other
Classes, "B. Specific Relation To Certain Subcombination
Classes" above).
Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc., for a device of that class which is of general utility.
Note particularly
subclasses 703.2+ which provides for a device which may penetrate
the thickness dimension of a sheet or assembly of sheets which device
is intended to permanently remain
therewith. A sheet retention device of the type provided for in
this class (402) with additional means to clamp the sheet on the sheet
retention means will be placed in this class (402). (See Lines With
Other Classes, "B. Specific Relation To Certain Subcombination Classes" above).
Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, appropriate subclass for a device which retains two or
more sheets or an assembly of sheets for display purposes,
subclasses 377+ and 493+ for rotatable carriers and subclasses
388+ and 530+ for hinged sheets. (See the Class
Definition, 4, (1) Note; Also see Lines With Other Classes, "A. Specific
relation to certain combination classes" above).
Trunks and Hand-Carried Luggage, for a device of that class (190) which may include
a sheet retainer. (See Lines With Other Classes, "A. Specific
relation to certain combination classes" above).
Locks,
subclasses 456+ for a key retainer (i.e., key ring) which may have
structure similar to a sheet retainer of this class (402). (See
Lines With Other Classes, "B. Specific Relation To Certain
Subcombination Classes" above).
Special Receptacle or Package,
subclasses 38+ for a combined pocket or personal use package; subclasses
39+ for a pocket case to hold tickets, cards, stamps, etc.;
subclass 232 for a combined package including a record means, subclass
425 for a file for plural cards or sheets; subclasses 449+ for
a plate plural cards or sheets; or sheet package; subclass 560 for
a tray-type container including a content latch means; and subclass
565 for a tray-type container including an article retainer means.
(See Lines With Other Classes, "A. Specific relation to
certain combination classes" above).
Supports: Racks, note particularly
subclasses 7 , 45+, 49.1+, 123+, 125,
and 170+ for a support rack which may include a sheet retainer providing
either destructive or nondestructive recovery of a sheet. (See Lines
With Other Classes, "A. Specific relation to certain combination
classes" above).
Wooden Receptacles, for a device of that class which may include a sheet
retainer. (See Lines With Other Classes, "A. Specific relation
to certain combination classes" above).
Receptacles, see
subclasses 600+ for a receptacle including a partition or movable
wall (e.g., follower, etc.). (See Lines With Other Classes, "A.
Specific relation to certain combination classes" above).
Supports, note particularly
subclasses 441.1+ for support means (e.g., easel, etc.) which may incorporate
a sheet retainer; subclasses 301, 303, and 304+ for a bracket
including a hook which may be used to retain a sheet. (See Lines With
Other Classes, "A. Specific relation to certain combination
classes" above).
Books, Strips, and Leaves, note
subclass 19.1 and 29+ for a sheet depository (e.g.,
book cover) provided with means to secure the subject matter of
that class therein. (See Lines With Other Classes, "A.
Specific relation to certain combination classes" above).
Printed Matter, for an article "the physical structure
of which, except strips, books, and leaves, is not a part of the
inventions or is deemed to be conventional, bearing indicia which
primarily effect intellectual impressions other than the esthetic,
and combinations of such strips, books and leaves with other things not
classifiable elsewhere". (See Lines With Other Classes, "A.
Specific relation to certain combination classes" above)
Supports: Cabinet Structure,
subclasses 183+ for a device of this class (402) (1) positioned within
a receptacle or enclosure, or (2) positioned upon an article support
(e.g., drawer, rack, shelf, etc.) of that class (312) and disposed
within an enclosure. (See Lines With Other Classes, "A.
Specific relation to certain combination classes" above)
Books, Strips, and Leaves for Manifolding,
subclasses 71+ for a sheet binder device facilitating a manifolding
operation. (See Lines With Other Classes, "A. Specific
relation to certain combination classes" above).
SECTION IV - GLOSSARY
DEPOSITORY
An article adapted to include a sheet retainer*,
of this class, for the retention of apertured sheets* and
intended to receive both (1) the nonthickness surface (See Fig.
1) and (2) the thickness surface (See Fig. 1) of the sheet or either
(1) or (2) above.
KEEPER
An element or mechanism which cooperates with a sheet
retainer to releasably secure a sheet* thereon.
SHEET
A three dimensional body having all opposed surfaces thereof
disposed in substantially parallel relation each nonthickness surface
(See Figure 1 below) of which has a greater surface area than the
area of any one surface of the two remaining pairs of opposed surfaces.
(1)
Note. A composite sheet including means such as an apertured
or notched tab or strip attached thereto for cooperation with a sheet
retention means is considered the equivalent of a one piece sheet
likewise notched or apertured. Note particularly subclass 500 for
a device of this class employed to releasably retain such composite
sheet.
(2)
Note. A sheet-like body (e.g., "divider", "follower", "sheet
lifter", etc.) serving as a component of a device (e.g.,
container, depository, etc.) will not be considered a sheet as defined
above. Such body is a component of the device rather than a sheet intended
for temporary storage on or within the device.
SHEET RETAINER
an elongated element which passes through the thickness
dimension (See Figure 1 of the Glossary) of a sheet* or
a group of sheets to secure the same and cooperates with structure
(e.g., hole, peripheral incised opening, etc.) of the sheet(s) to
releasably retain such sheet(s) and may further cooperate with (1)
another elongated element or (2) a keeper*, to so retain
such sheet.
SHEET RETAINER WITH SEPARATE APERTURE MAKING DEVICE (E.G., PAPER PUNCH, ETC.)
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device in accordance with part (1) or part (2) thereof including
a discrete means for punching an opening through the thickness dimension
of a sheet* for the purpose of mounting such sheet on the
sheet retainer* means.
SHEET RETAINER WITH LOCK AND DISCRETE KEY OPERATED RELEASE MEANS
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device in accordance with part (1) or part (2) thereof
including a lock means (e.g., key-operated tumbler locks, etc.),
serving to hinder or preclude access to the contents of such device
by persons other than those possessing either a key or secret knowledge
of how to release such lock means.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device which comprises devices or elements in addition to
or combined with a sheet retainer* and (1) having functions
other than retaining notched or apertured sheets or (2) which serve
to perfect the sheet retainer for its intended purpose.
(1)
Note. See Lines With Other Classes for a statement of the
line between combinations provided for in this class (402), and combinations
appropriate to other classes.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device in accordance with part (1) or part (2) thereof including
an elongated sheet retainer* made of a series of pivotally
attached elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Device including a mechanical movement (e.g., linkage system,
spring, screw rod with nut, etc.) which retracts a portion of the
length of the sheet retainer to reduce the sheet storage capacity
of the device.
SHEET RETAINER ALSO SERVES TO INSERT BINDER STRAND THROUGH SHEET
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device in accordance with part (1) or part (2) thereof wherein
a first sheet retainer includes means for insertion of a pliant
elongated element (e.g., cord, etc.), through the thickness dimension
of a sheet*, which element may then serve as a sheet retainer* for
the sheet upon removal of the sheet from the first sheet retainer.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device in accordance with part (1) or part (2) thereof which
includes a sheet retainer* made up of a flexible, flaccid
or readily deformable material and which is either a slender endless
element (e.g., rubber band, etc.), or elongated element (e.g., string,
split prong fastener, etc.).
for a device including a sheet retainer in the form
of a resilient element requiring deflection for sheet removal which
retainer springs back into position after deflection.
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Device in combination with a separate mechanism or element
(e.g., rubber strip, etc.) disposed between the sheet retainer and
some other component of the device to exert a pull upon the sheet
retainer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Device wherein the pliant sheet retainer is pulled taut
by a drum-like element upon which the pliant sheet retainer is mounted.
Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding, appropriate subclass for a device of that class
for winding flexible material upon support means such as reels, bobbins
or spools for storage purposes.
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Device wherein the pliant sheet retainer is pulled taut
by a element in the form of (1) a series of notches or (2) a continuous
helical groove.
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Device wherein the sheet retainer is in the form of a slender
element having no end (e.g., rubber band, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Device where the sheet retainer is in the form of a limp
elongated element a portion of which is (1) wrapped upon itself
or some adjacent body or (2) compressed within a restricted opening
in a body to produce a releasable binding of such portion.
for a device including a pliant elongated element
of metal a first portion of which serves as a sheet retainer and a
second portion continuous with and folded relative to the first
portion serving as a keeper* therefore which second portion
may be intertwined, interlaced or wedged with some other body to
secure the same.
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Devices including an elongated sheet retainer which releasably
secures a sheet by means of readily bendable distal portion of such
retainer.
Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc.,
subclasses 703.2+ for a similar device disclosed for plural uses
one of which may be the retention of sheets with nondestructive
recovery thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Device wherein the distal end portion fits within the confines
of a "securing means (e.g., apertured keeper*)
to" releasably secure the end portion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Device wherein the holder is in the form of a rotatable
sheet-like body mounted upon an apertured body through which the
folded portion extends.
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Device wherein the sheet retainer is provided with supplementary
means, usually projections, to impale or grip a rigid base for support.
RESILIENT SHEET RETAINER REQUIRING DEFLECTION FOR SHEET REMOVAL
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device in accordance with part (1) or part (2) thereof wherein
the sheet retainer* is spring-like and temporary physical
distortion thereof from its normal sheet retaining state is intended
and necessary as a prerequisite to the removal of a sheet* disposed
thereon.
for a device including a coiled spring type sheet
retainer where deflection thereof may be incidental to but not a prerequisite
to removal of a sheet therefrom.
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Device including a pair of elongated sheet retainers contralaterally
disposed in either offset or aligned relation such that their distal
ends cooperate to secure a sheet in the device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Device including means to disengageably secure the distal
end portion of the sheet retainer, to a contralaterally disposed
keeper*.
for a device including a sheet retainer involving
arcuate travel and having an opposed keeper cooperating therewith where
no physical distortion is required, of the sheet retainer, for removal
of a sheet therefrom.
This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Device wherein the sheet retainer is fixed or pivotally
attached at one end thereof to a body, the end remote from such
fixed or pivotally attached end being disengageably held by the keeper.
This subclass is indented under subclass 22. Device wherein the pivotally attached end of the sheet retainer
is rotatably mounted on a separate and distinct pintle.
for device including opposed sheet retainer prongs
rotatable on discrete hinge pins where no physical distortion is
required for removal of a sheet therefrom.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device in accordance with part (1) or part (2) thereof including
means cooperating with a peripheral edge portion of the sheet* to
assist in the manipulation thereof on the sheet retainer*.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device in accordance with part (1) or part (2) thereof including
means which causes motion of a perforated or unperforated sheet* relative
to the sheet retainer* in such a direction that the sheet
retainer passes through the thickness dimension of the sheet.
for a sheet retention device which includes a separate
aperture making device no part of which cooperates with the sheet
retainer to make a hole in the sheet.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device in accordance with part (1) or part (2) thereof wherein
the physical structure of the sheet retainer* or a component
thereof is such that movement of the retainer or a component thereof
in a curvilinear path (e.g., pivotally mounted sheet retainer, etc.)
is prerequisite to (1) insertion or removal of the sheet* or
(2) manipulation of the sheet thereon.
This subclass is indented under subclass 26. Device wherein the sheet retainer or a component thereof
pivots about an axis which axis lies in the same plane as does the
major axis of the retainer or components.
This subclass is indented under subclass 27. Device wherein translation of the sheet retainer or a component
thereof is prerequisite to the arcuate travel.
This subclass is indented under subclass 26. Device wherein the sheet retainer or a component thereof
pivots about an axis disposed normal to a plane containing the major
axis of the retainer or component.
This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Device wherein the device includes a pair of sheet retainers
contralaterally disposed with their distal ends either in offset
or aligned relation, which retainers pass through the thickness dimension
of the sheet and cooperate to releasably secure the sheet.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Device wherein the lateral distance between either opposed
offset retainers or two spaced nonopposing retainers is changeable,
the purpose of which may be to accommodate various hole patterns
in a sheet(s).
This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Device wherein (1) the spacing between the distal ends of
the aligned retainers or (2) the amount of overlap or spacing between
the distal ends of offset retainers is changeable in predetermined
amounts.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Device wherein one of the opposed retainers travels an arcuate
path relative to its static second cooperating opposed retainer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Device wherein the movable retainer is urged toward or away
from its static counterpart by a discrete resilient element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Device wherein the proximate end portion of a sheet retainer
is pivotally mounted on an axis separate from the pivotal axis of
an opposing sheet retainer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Device wherein the oppositely disposed sheet retainer are
acted upon by a toggle joint means to bias the retainers against
rotational travel.
(1)
Note. The term TOGGLE JOINT as used in the above definition,
is defined as two bodies jointed together end-to-end or edge-to-edge
in a nonplanar relation (or the equivalent thereof), so that when
a force is applied tending to bring the bodies into a coplanar relation,
any member abutting or jointed to the distal end thereof will tend
to be forced apart.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Device supplemented by a cam or lever element to force the
oppositely disposed sheet retainers toward or away from one another.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Device wherein the proximate end portions of the opposed
sheet retainer are mounted upon complementary shaped bodies of a
toggle mechanism which bodies are disposed in contact relation and
pivot about a mutual axis at the point of contact.
This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Device wherein a first sheet retainer, a second sheet retainer
and at least one body component of the toggle joint are made of
a continuous, elongated member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Device including separate means operable to force the oppositely
disposed sheet retainers toward or away from one another.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Device wherein the proximate ends of the opposed sheet retainers
or the body to which such retainers are mounted are rotatably mounted
on a pintle or plural separate and distinct coaxial pintles.
for a back member in combination with a face member
which back member is made up of two components and may be hinged
at their juncture on a discrete hinge pin.
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Device including at least two sets of contralaterally aligned
or offset sheet retainers with one or both retainers of each set
being separately manipulated between and overlapped or abutting
closed relation to cooperatively secure at least a portion of a
sheet and an open position permitting release of that portion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Device wherein the longitudinal axis of the distal end portions
of the opposed sheet retainers are in biaxial relation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Device including means to releasably secure the distal end
portion of a sheet retainer to a contralaterally disposed keeper*.
for a device including a first row of retainers
disposed either in contralaterally offset or aligned relation to
a second row of retainers which rows of retainers jointly serve
to releasably secure a sheet.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device in accordance with part (1) or part (2) thereof wherein
a first sheet retainer cooperates with a contralaterally offset
or aligned second sheet retainer to releasably secure the sheet* and
wherein the structure or disposition of at least one of the retainers
is such that a straight line motion thereof is prerequisite to the
insertion, manipulation or removal of the sheet.
for a device including a sheet retainer requiring
both an arcuate motion and a rectilinear motion to insert or remove
a sheet therefrom and especially subclass 30 where rectilinear motion
of the retainer precedes a curvilinear motion thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 46. Device including means for engaging an aperture or notch
of sheet disposed within the device and adapted to move the sheet
to a location remote from the device which means may also constitute
a sheet retainer of the device or be a separate entity.
This subclass is indented under subclass 46. Device wherein at least a portion of the first sheet retainer
fits and is translatable within the confines of the second sheet
retainer which device further includes means to translate or fix the
position of the first retainer relative to the second retainer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Device wherein the means to telescopically drive or secure
the first retainer relative to the second retainer is in the form
of a mechanism including rotatably mounted elongated members which
directly or indirectly interconnect the first and second retainers.
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Device wherein the means to telescopically drive or secure
the first sheet retainer relative to the second sheet retainer is
disposed on the device in a position spaced from the retainers.
This subclass is indented under subclass 50. Device wherein the remote means to drive or secure is in
the form of (1) a mechanism including a helically grooved elongated
element.
for a device wherein the means to telescopically
drive or secure the first sheet retainer relative to the second sheet
retainer includes a pivotal linkage system in combination with and directly
acted upon by a screw threaded means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Device wherein the means to drive or secure the opposing
telescopic first and second sheet retainers includes at least one
recess or aperture in a surface of one of the sheet retainers and means
associated with the other sheet retainer for engaging said recess
or aperture.
for a device including a keeper* cooperating
with a series of notches in a sheet retainer to secure a sheet thereon where
motion of the sheet retainer is not intended in the removal of sheet therefrom.
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Device wherein the means to telescopically drive or secure
the first sheet retainer relative to the second sheet retainer includes
a cam element which element applies force to at least one of the
sheet retainers either by direct contact therewith or through an
intermediate member.
for a similar device wherein the cam element or
such intermediate member selectively engages at least one of a series
of notches in one of the sheet retainers.
This subclass is indented under subclass 46. Device wherein the first and second sheet retainers are
in abutting co-axial relation when associated to jointly secure
a sheet and such relation is changeable by means permitting movement
of the first retainer to a position wherein the abutting portions
of the retainers are in a biaxial spaced relation in order to permit
removal of a sheet.
This subclass is indented under subclass 46. Device wherein the first and second sheet retainers are
in abutting co-axial relation when associated to jointly secure
a sheet and such relation is changeable by means permitting movement
of the first retainer to a position wherein the abutting portions
of the retainers are then in a co-axial spaced relation to permit removal
of a sheet.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device in accordance with part (1) or part (2) thereof wherein
the sheet retainer* is in the form of an elongated body
including an elastic strand (e.g., wire, etc.), coiled about the
longitudinal axis thereof which axis passes through the thickness
dimension* of the sheet*.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device in accordance with part (1) or part (2) thereof wherein
the sheet retainer* is in the form of an elongated composite
the length of which is made up of a plurality of assembled components
each of which serves as sheet retainers and from which one component
may be readily detached to decrease sheet storage capacity of the
device or to which a like element may be added to increase sheet
storage capacity of the sheet retainer.
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