U.S. patent application number 10/757739 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-21 for illuminated notebook binder.
Invention is credited to Beuselinck, Steven K., Friedland, Robert J..
Application Number | 20050157486 10/757739 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34749407 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050157486 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Beuselinck, Steven K. ; et
al. |
July 21, 2005 |
Illuminated notebook binder
Abstract
An illuminated notebook binder (10) having a front cover (12)
and a rear cover (14) with each cover having inner ends (22) that
are attached by an integral spine (28). Encircling the two ends of
the spine (28) is a notebook closure flap (42) that is opened and
closed by means of an encircling zipper (46). The inner surface
(18) of the front cover (12) and/or the rear cover (14) includes a
set of compartments (34), pockets (36) and pencil/pen retaining
loops (38). The outer surface (16) of the front cover (12) includes
indicia (50) that is illuminated by a set of light emitting diodes
(DS1-DS5) that are activated by either a first switch (S1) or a
second switch (S2). The switches are connected to an electronic
control circuit (66) that controls the operation and illumination
of the indicia (50). The circuit (66) is housed in an enclosure
(64) that is attached to the inner surface (18) of the front cover
(12) opposite the indicia (50).
Inventors: |
Beuselinck, Steven K.;
(Rancho Santa Marg., CA) ; Friedland, Robert J.;
(Pasadena, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALBERT O COTA
5460 WHITE OAK AVE
SUITE A-331
ENCINO
CA
91316
US
|
Family ID: |
34749407 |
Appl. No.: |
10/757739 |
Filed: |
January 15, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
362/98 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 15/06 20130101;
A45C 11/24 20130101; B42D 3/123 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/098 |
International
Class: |
A47B 019/00 |
Claims
1. An illuminated notebook binder comprising: a) a front cover and
a rear cover with each cover having: (1) an outer surface, (2) an
inner surface, (3) an outer end, (4) an inner end, (5) an upper
edge, and (6) a lower edge, b) a spine interconnecting the inner
ends of the front and back covers, and c) indicia located adjacent
a corner of the front cover, wherein said indicia is illuminated by
at least one LED that is activated and controlled by a
binder-integral electronic control circuit.
2. The illuminated notebook binder as specified in claim 1 wherein
said binder is comprised of a three-ring binder having on the inner
surface of the front and/or rear covers a plurality of
compartments, pockets and pencil/pen retaining loops.
3. The illuminated notebook binder as specified in claim 1 further
comprising a notebook closure flap that encircles the spine
extending across the upper edges, the outer ends and the lower
edges of said binder, wherein said closure flap further comprises a
flap closure means.
4. The illuminated notebook binder as specified in claim 3 wherein
the flap closure means comprises a zipper.
5. The illuminated notebook binder as specified in claim 1 wherein
said indicia is comprised of plastic images located on said
binder's front cover at a corner bordered by the lower edge and the
outer end of said binder.
6. The illuminated notebook binder as specified in claim 1 wherein
said indicia is comprised of plastic images located on said
binder's front cover at a corner bordered by the upper edge and the
outer end of said binder.
7. The illuminated notebook binder as specified in claim 5 wherein
said indicia is comprised of a solid central image that includes a
series of sequential lines that resemble and progress outward from
the solid central image.
8. The illuminated notebook binder as specified in claim 7 wherein
said solid central figure and the sequential progressive lines
resemble a heart.
9. The illuminated notebook binder as specified in claim 8 wherein
the central image and the sequential progressive lines are made of
plastic with each segment having attached an outward extending slat
that comprises a light-transfer ribbon having outer ends, wherein
the outer ends are positioned proximate to said LEDs that
edge-light the ribbon which in turn, transfers the light from said
LEDs to the central image and the progressive lines, wherein said
LEDs are activated and controlled by said electronic control
circuit.
10. The illuminated notebook binder as specified in claim 1 wherein
said indicia is comprised of a plurality of sequential, plastic
images located on the outer surface and adjacent the outer end of
said front cover, wherein on the inner surface of said front cover
and behind each pair of said plastic images is located an LED
cavity that is dimensioned to retain an LED that is substantially
centered behind each pair of images, wherein said LEDs are
activated ad controlled by said electronic control circuit.
11. The illuminated notebook binder as specified in claim 1 wherein
said electronic control circuit is packaged in an enclosure that is
located on the corner of the inner surface of the front cover
opposite said indica.
12. The illuminated notebook binder as specified in claim 1 wherein
said electronic control circuit has means for selectively
energizing said set of LEDs.
13. The illuminated notebook binder as specified in claim 1 wherein
said electronic control circuit is further comprised of a HOLTEK
HT-2884 integrated circuit, which includes a total of sixteen pins,
wherein: a) pin 1 is power ground b) pins 2, 9-12 are not used, c)
pins 3-7 are each connected to the anode of said set of LEDs
(DS1-DS5) with the cathode of the LEDs connected to ground via a
first resistor (R1), d) pin 8 is connected to a d-c power source,
e) pins 13 and 14 are connected across a second resistor (R2) that
is selected to set the activation time for the set of LEDs, f) pin
15 is connected to a first switch (S1) that, when closed, said LEDs
automatically illuminate in a selectable sequence, and g) pin 16 is
connected to a second switch (S2) that, when closed, said LEDs
illuminate one LED at a time in sequence each time the second
switch (S2) is closed.
14. The illuminated notebook binder as specified in claim 13
wherein said HOLTEK HT-2884 integrated circuit includes an
automatic power-off feature that shuts-off the power to said LEDs
after a pre-selected time has elapsed.
15. The illuminated notebook binder as specified in claim 1 wherein
said power source comprises a "coin cell battery" (BT1) having an
output ranging from 2.4 to 3.4 volts d-c.
16. The illuminated notebook binder as specified in claim 1 further
comprising a sound circuit that is connected to pin 10 of said
HOLTEK HT-2884 integrated circuit, wherein said sound circuit is
comprised of an NPN transistor (Q1) having a base (B) connected via
a current limiting resistor (R3) to pin 10, an emitter (E)
connected to ground and a collector (C) connected to a loudspeaker
(LS1) that is located on the front cover adjacent said indicia.
17. The illuminated notebook binder as specified in claim 16
wherein said loudspeaker (LS1) is comprised of a piezo-electric
transducer.
18. The illuminated notebook binder as specified in claim 16
wherein said sound circuit can be programmed to provide up to five
sounds that are selected by an end user.
19. The illuminated notebook binder as specified in claim 1 wherein
pin 2 is connected internally to an open collector transistor that
can be used to trigger a second integrated circuit.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention pertains to the general field of notebook
binders and more particularly to a notebook binder having on its
front cover indicia that is illuminated and controlled by a
binder-integral electronic control circuit.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] The use of paper binders, such as three-hole notebooks, has
long been a standard practice for students as well as individuals
in industrial/commercial establishments. Current notebooks are
typically dimensioned to hold and easily remove paper that is
loosely held in place by two or three "C", "D" or "slant" rings or
other edge binding devices.
[0003] The instant invention, in addition to having a similar basic
structure and utility of the current notebooks also has:
[0004] 1. A plurality of compartments, pockets and pencil/pen
retaining loops located on the inner surface of the front and/or
back covers.
[0005] 2. A closure flap that extends across the open ends of the
notebook. The flap, which can be easily opened or closed by means
of a zipper, secures and safeguards the contents of the
notebook.
[0006] 3. Indicia in the form of a fanciful image or logo that can
be illuminated by a set of LEDs. The LEDs are manually energized by
a user-controlled switch that is connected to a binder-integral
electronic control circuit that further controls the operation of
the switch and the LEDs.
[0007] A search of the prior art did not disclose any literature or
patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention.
However, the following U.S. patents are considered related:
1 PATENT NO. INVENTOR ISSUED 5,632,566 Korzilius 27 May 1997
5,242,237 Wagner 7 September 1993 4,865,483 Snook 12 September
1989
[0008] The U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,566 discloses a notebook reinforcing
device consisting of two flat, rectangular, pre-slotted, backing
boards with the anterior backing board containing six receiving
strips (hooks). The hooks are affixed in a parallel manner, with an
equal number located above and below the centerline. The posterior
backing board contains between two and six binding straps. One end
of the binding strap is permanently affixed to the posterior
backing board, with an equal number affixed above and below the
centerline, and affixed to the hooks attached to the anterior
backing board.
[0009] The U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,237 discloses a notebook binder with
an integral book band for holding sheets of paper, loose books or
other objects affixed to the interior and exterior faces of a cover
of the notebook binder. The objects are held against the cover of
the notebook binder by the use of an adjustable strap which
encircles the objects with two loops that are substantially
perpendicular to one another.
[0010] The U.S. Pat. No. 4,865,483 discloses a blow-molded notebook
binder that provides protection from mechanical shock and abuse.
When antistatic and/or conductive agents are blended into the
polymeric material to make up the parison for the notebook binder,
protection from electrostatic discharge is also provided.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The illuminated notebook binder in its basic design
configuration is comprised of a front and back cover with each
cover having an outer surface, an inner surface, an outer end, an
inner end, an upper edge and a lower edge. The inner end of the
front and back covers are interconnected by an integral, seamless
spine that adds to the structural integrity and the aesthetics of
the binder. Adjacent the lower or upper corner of the front cover
is located indicia that can be illuminated at selectable times.
[0012] The illuminated binder is preferably comprised of a
three-ring binder having on the inner surface of the front and/or
rear covers a set of pencil and pen retaining loops and a plurality
of compartments and pockets that can be utilized to hold various
items. One of the pockets is transparent and is dimensioned to
safely and visibly hold a CD or a DVD. The binder is also designed
to incorporate a notebook closure flap that commences on one end of
the spine and continues across the upper edges, the outer ends, the
lower edges and terminates on the opposite end of the spine. The
closure flap is easily opened and closed by a combination hook and
loop fastener or preferably by a zipper.
[0013] The indicia is preferably comprised of a solid central image
that can consist of various geometric figures or fanciful images
such as a heart. From the border of the central image extends
outward a progression of sequential lines that resemble the central
image. The central and outward-progressing lines are made of
plastic and include an edge that is attached to a light-transfer
ribbon that is edge-lighted by a set of LEDs. The LEDs are
activated and controlled by an electronic control circuit that is
packaged in an enclosure located on the corner of the inner surface
of the front cover opposite the indicia.
[0014] The electronic control circuit, which is comprised of a
single integrated circuit such as a HOLTEK HT-2884 or a REALTEK
RTS951, integrates all the necessary elements to activate and
control the operation of the set of LEDs. The electronic control
circuit can be designed with two pushbutton switches, each of which
is accessible from the enclosure located on the inner surface of
the front cover. When the first switch is pressed, the LEDs
automatically illuminate in a selectable sequence. The second
switch allows the LEDs to illuminate one LED at a time each time
the second switch is pressed.
[0015] In view of the above disclosure, the primary object of the
invention is to produce an illuminated notebook binder that is
attractive, has added utility by adding to the binder's inner
surfaces a plurality of compartments, pockets and pencil/pen
retaining loops and that includes on its front cover indicia that
can be selectively illuminated by an end user.
[0016] In addition to the primary object of the invention, it is
also an object of the invention to produce a notebook binder having
illuminated indicia that:
[0017] Can be applied to various sizes and designs of notebooks and
other types of books,
[0018] can be illuminated by itself or in combination with various
user selected sounds,
[0019] is operated by an off-the-shelf electronic control circuit
that requires minimal external components, and
[0020] is cost effective from both a manufacture's and consumer's
point of view.
[0021] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed
description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the front cover of the
illuminated notebook binder showing illuminated indicia located on
a corner of the notebook's front cover. An optional loudspeaker is
also shown in broken lines.
[0023] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the rear cover of the
illuminated notebook binder.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an illuminated binder
consisting of a three-ring binder. The binder is shown in an open
configuration showing various compartments, pockets, pencil/pen
retaining loops and an enclosure that houses the electronic control
circuit.
[0025] FIG. 4 is an elevational-sectional view of a light transfer
ribbon having a first end attached to the indicia and a second end,
which receives the illumination provided by a set of LEDs.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a partial front elevational view of a front cover
having a plurality of illuminated indicia located on the outer
surface and adjacent the outer end of the front cover.
[0027] FIG. 6 is an elevational-sectional view of the illuminated
indicia shown in FIG. 5.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a typical electronic control
circuit connected to various elements that operate a set of LEDs
that illuminated the indicia on the notebook binder. The block
diagram also shows in broken lines an optional sound circuit and a
second integrated circuit.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0029] The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in
terms of a preferred embodiment for an illuminated notebook binder
10 (hereinafter "INB 10"). The preferred embodiment, as shown in
FIGS. 1-5, is comprised of the following major elements: a front
cover 12, a rear cover 14, indicia 50 and an electronic control
circuit 66 that controls the operation of a set of LEDs DS-1, DS-2,
DS-3, DS-4 and DS-5.
[0030] The front cover 12 and the rear cover 14, as shown in FIGS.
1, 2 and 3, are each comprised of an outer surface 16, an inner
surface 18, an outer end 20, an inner end 22, an upper edge 24 and
a lower edge 26. The inner ends 22 of the front and back covers
12,14 are interconnected by an integral spine 28, as shown best in
FIGS. 1 and 2. Preferably, the INB 10 is comprised of a three-ring
binder 32, as shown in FIG. 3, that has on the inner surface 18 of
the front cover 12 and/or the rear cover 14 a plurality of
compartments 34, pockets 36 and pencil/pen retaining loops 38.
[0031] The three-ring binder 32, as shown best in FIG. 3, is
further comprised of a notebook closure flap 42 that encircles the
spine 28, and extends across the upper edges 24, the outer ends 20
and the lower edges 26 of the binder 32. The flap 42 is further
comprised of a flap closure means 44 that can consist of a
complimentary pair of hook and loop fasteners but preferably
consists of a zipper 46, as shown in FIG. 3.
[0032] The indicia 50, which can consist of a variety of plastic
images, is located on the front cover 12 of the IMB 10, preferably
at a corner bordered by the lower edge 26 and the outer end 20, as
shown in FIG. 1. Likewise, the indicia 50 can also be located on
the IMB's 10 front cover 12 at a corner bordered by the upper edge
24 and the outer end 20 (not shown). The indicia 50 is illuminated
and controlled by the binder-integral electronic control circuit
66, described infra. A typical indicia is comprised of a solid
central image 52 that includes a series of sequential lines 54 that
resemble and progress outward from the solid central image 52. As
shown in FIG. 1, the solid central image 52 and the sequential
progressive lines 54 resemble a heart 56, however, any fanciful
image or geometric figure, as shown in FIG. 4, can also be
utilized. The central image 52 and the sequential progressive lines
54 are each made of a plastic with each segment having attached an
outward extending slat 58 that comprises a light-transfer ribbon 60
having outer ends 62, as shown in FIG. 4. The outer ends 62 are
positioned proximate to the respective LEDs DS-1 to DS-5 that
edge-light the ribbon 60 which in turn, transfers the light from
the LEDs to the solid central image 52 and the progressive lines
54.
[0033] Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the indicia 50 can
be comprised of a plurality of sequential, plastic images located
on the outer surface 16 and adjacent the outer end 20 of the front
cover 12. On the inner surface 18 of the front cover 12 and behind
each pair of plastic images is located an LED cavity 65. The cavity
65 is dimensioned to retain an LED that is substantially centered
behind each pair of indicia 50 images. The LEDs are activated and
controlled by the electronic control circuit 66.
[0034] The electronic control circuit 66 is placed in an enclosure
64, as shown in FIG. 3, that is located on the corner of the inner
surface 18 of the front cover 12 opposite the indicia 50. The
circuit 66, which provides the means for selectively energizing the
set of LEDs is preferably, as shown in FIG. 7, comprised of a
HOLTEK HT-2884 integrated circuit which includes a total of sixteen
pins, wherein:
[0035] Pin 1 is power ground,
[0036] Pins 2, 9-12 are not used,
[0037] Pins 3-7 are each connected to the anode of the set of LEDs
(DS-1 to DS-5), with the cathode of the LEDs connected to ground
via a first resistor R1,
[0038] Pin 8 is connected to a d-c power source that preferably
consists of a "coin cell battery" (BT-1) that has an output ranging
from 2.4 to 3.3 volts d-c,
[0039] Pins 13 and 14 are connected across a second resistor (R2)
that is selected to set the activation time for the set of
LEDs,
[0040] Pin 15 is connected to a first switch (S1) that when closed,
the set of LEDs automatically illuminate in a selectable sequence,
and
[0041] Pin 16 is connected to a second switch (S2) that when
closed, the set of LEDs illuminate one LED at a time in sequence
each time the second switch (S2) is closed.
[0042] The HOLTEK HT-2884 includes an automatic power-off feature
that shuts-off the power to the set of LEDs after a pre-selected
time has elapsed.
[0043] The INB 10 can also be designed to include an optional sound
circuit 70 that is connected to Pin 10 of the HOLTEK HT-2884, as
shown by broken lines in FIG. 5. The sound circuit 70 is comprised
of an NPN transistor (Q1) having a base (B) that is connected, via
a current limiting resistor (R3) to Pin 10, an emitter (E)
connected to circuit ground and a collector (C) connected to a
loudspeaker (LS1), such as a piezo-electric transducer. The sound
circuit 70 can be programmed to provide up to five sounds that are
selected by the end user. Additionally, as also shown in FIG. 5,
Pin 2 of the HOLTEK HT-2884 integrated circuit is connected
internally to an open collector transistor that can be used to
trigger a second integrated circuit.
[0044] While the invention has been described in complete detail
and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be
limited to such details, since many changes and modifications may
be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and the
scope thereof. For example, in lieu of the HOLTEK HT-2884, a
REALTEK RTS 951 integrated circuit can be utilized that allows the
use of eight LEDs. Additionally, a light source consisting of
electroluminescent panel(s) ELP could also be used. Hence, it is
described to cover any and all modifications and forms, which may
come within the language and cope of the claims.
* * * * *