Abstract:
A binder arrangement comprising a pair of covers hingably carried by a spine and containing at least one binder carried by one of the covers further comprising a case that encompasses the binder arrangement that includes flexible sidewalls that each comprise a skirt that extends along the side edges of each cover with one of the skirts releasably attached to the other one of the skirts by a fastening arrangement that is elastically anchored to the spine by a stretchable gather wherein the fastening arrangement has an angular displacement with respect to the pair of covers such that the fastening arrangement is not parallel to either of the pair of covers when the covers are in a closed position, and wherein the width from the fastening arrangement to the side edges of each cover of both of the skirts that are releasably attached to the other one of the skirts, varies along the length of the fastening arrangement.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/542,962 filed Oct. 4, 2006. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to binders, and more specifically to one or more binders that can be part a case. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In the past, binder arrangements consisted of a pair of covers each joined to a spine by a hinge with at least one binder, such as a three ring binder, attached to an inside surface of one of the covers. In previous binder arrangements, the hinge was a conventional hinge that is a separate component that attaches to the spine and one of the covers. Unfortunately, use of a separate hinge is not only more costly to produce, but it also increases assembly costs because it requires more assembly steps. More recently, living hinges formed by a break or weakness in a board of one-piece construction have been used to break the board up into a pair of covers and a spine. However, such a hinge only permits the cover to bend relative to the spine along a single line. Where the storage volume of the binder is at or greater than the storage capacity of the binder, closing the binder becomes more difficult. In fact, repeated closings of an overfilled binder can create a crease elsewhere in one or both binder covers. Over time, such a crease can develop into a crack that leads to premature failure of the binder cover, ultimately requiring replacement of the binder. 
         [0004]    Binders often include a hold down cover whose function is to help hold down the contents being held by the binder to keep the contents of the binder more organized. Unfortunately, hold down pages typically are themselves not tied down or otherwise anchored, making them largely ineffective. In addition, hold down pages often warp, curl or become bent over time because of this. As a result, hold down pages are often a nuisance and many times are discarded. 
         [0005]    Binder arrangements can be packaged in the configuration of a case that can be opened using a zipper that has one end attached to the spine. Unfortunately, over time, repeated openings and closings of the zipper can tear the end of the zipper from the spine or tear the zipper such that the zipper teeth will no longer properly engage thereby making it difficult, if not impossible, to close the case. 
         [0006]    Finally, binder arrangements that have a pair of opposed binders often are difficult to close because the rings of one of the binders often interferes against the rings of the other one of the binders. Repeated interference can cause binder rings to bend making it difficult to open and close them. Just as bad, interference between the rings can cause creasing of one or both covers if excessive force is applied, such as what can happen out of frustration, when closing the binder arrangement. 
         [0007]    What is needed is an improved binder arrangement that can be configured as a case that addresses at least one of these problems. What is further needed is a binder arrangement that opens and closes more smoothly, that is more robust, and that lasts longer. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The invention is directed to a binder arrangement that can be configured as a case. The binder arrangement has a pair of covers connected to a spine by hinges. The inner surface of one or both covers can be equipped with a binder that has a plurality of rings capable of opening to receive sheets of material and closing to retain the sheets of material. 
         [0009]    In one preferred embodiment, the binder arrangement includes a board or panel of one piece, unitary and homogenous construction from which the covers and spine are formed. The board or panel includes a plurality of hinges each of which is located between one of the covers and the spine. Each hinge preferably is formed of a plurality of pairs of scores formed in a surface of the board that preferably is an interior surface. Each score preferably is a slit that extends from adjacent one edge of the board to adjacent the other edge of the board. Each score is a depression formed in a surface of the board that does not extend completely through the board but which weakens the board along the score permitting the board to bend at least somewhat along each score. Collectively, the group of scores form a hinge that need not bend in an abrupt manner like prior art binder hinges, but rather which bends a little bit along a plurality of scores to impart a radius of curvature to the bend. 
         [0010]    In a preferred embodiment, each hinge is formed by a region of scores that also compresses the board in that region and between the scores. In a preferred embodiment, the scored region is formed from between five and twelve scores that are equidistantly spaced apart. Preferably, the scored region has a width of between one half inch and one and one half inches thereby permitting the hinge to more smoothly bend. By providing a wider hinge, the storage volume of the binder is advantageously increased by as much as 40% because the hinge can bend in a plurality of places to accommodate larger storage volumes. In addition, where the binder arrangement has multiple binders, each hinge can better accommodate binder ring clashing because each hinge has more give. 
         [0011]    In a preferred embodiment, the binder arrangement is equipped with a pair of generally opposed binders that are offset such that one of the binders does not directly overlies the other one of the binders during closing thereby preventing binder ring clashing. In one preferred embodiment, one binder is offset relative to the other binder such that the one binder is spaced farther away from a centerline of the spine than the other binder. 
         [0012]    Each binder can be equipped with a hold down sheet that has an adjustable latch arrangement that is self-adjusting to accommodate varying binder storage volumes. The latch arrangement includes a latch strap that preferably is of flexible construction that engages with a latch receiver. One of the latch strap and latch receiver has a hook strip of a hook and loop fastener arrangement and the other one of the latch strap and latch receiver has a loop strip of a hook and loop fastener arrangement. The latch strap preferably is anchored to one of the binder covers and the latch receiver preferably comprises either a hook strip or a loop strip that is fixed directly to the hold down page. 
         [0013]    In one preferred embodiment, the binder arrangement is configured as a case that has sidewalls extending about the outer edges of the binder covers that are releasably joined by a fastening arrangement that permits skirts of the sidewalls to be separated to enable the binder arrangement to be opened or closed. The fastening arrangement preferably is attached to the spine by a stretchable gather that preferably is of elastomeric construction. The case preferably is formed of an outer covering that is fixed to the binder covers and spine that terminates in sidewall skirts that extend outwardly beyond the peripheral edges of the binder covers. A preferred fastening arrangement is a zipper that has one end anchored to the spine by gather such that the gather stretches as needed when the zipper is being opened or closed to reduce tension at the zipper end. 
         [0014]    In a further preferred embodiment, the binder arrangement of the present invention provides a pair of covers hingably carried by a spine and containing at least one binder carried by one of the covers and an expandable compartment carried by the other one of the covers further comprising a case that encompasses the binder arrangement that includes flexible sidewalls that each comprise a skirt that extends along the side edges of each cover with one of the skirts releasably attached to the other one of the skirts by a fastening arrangement that is elastically anchored to the spine by a stretchable gather and a second fastening arrangement for providing access to the expandable compartment. The bind arrangement further comprises a pair of covers hingably carried by a spine and containing at least one binder carried by one of the covers further comprising a case that encompasses the binder arrangement that includes flexible sidewalls that each comprise a skirt that extends along the side edges of each cover with one of the skirts releasably attached to the other one of the skirts by a fastening arrangement that is elastically anchored to the spine by a stretchable gather wherein the fastening arrangement has an angular displacement with respect to the pair of covers such that the fastening arrangement is not parallel to either of the pair of covers when the covers are in a closed position, and wherein the width from the fastening arrangement to the side edges of each cover of both of the skirts that are releasably attached to the other one of the skirts, varies along the length of the fastening arrangement. 
         [0015]    Objects, features and advantages of the invention include a binder arrangement equipped with hinges having a width and contour that permits bending to take place simultaneously at a plurality of locations thereby better accommodating binder ring clash and providing increased binder storage capacity; a binder arrangement that includes binder covers, hinges and a spine formed of a board of economical one-piece, unitary and homogenous construction; a binder arrangement that has hinges which permit bending at a plurality of pairs of locations along the hinge thereby producing a bend having a smooth radius instead of an abrupt transition; a binder arrangement with hinges that make opening and closing easier under a wide variety of binder loading conditions; a binder arrangement having a plurality of generally opposed binders that prevents, if not eliminates, binder ring clashing by offsetting one of the binders relative to the other one of the binders; a binder arrangement that is configured as a case that has a zipper end mounted to the binder arrangement by a resilient and elastomeric shock absorbing arrangement that stretches as needed to take up, transfer and absorb stresses transmitted through the zipper during case opening and closing; a binder arrangement equipped with a hold down page latch arrangement that is positively locking and that is adjustable; and a binder arrangement that is of economical construction, that is robust, that is reliable, that is long-lasting, that is more durable, that is of simple construction, and which is economical to make and use. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The drawings illustrate the best mode currently contemplated of practicing the present invention. 
           [0017]    In the drawings: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a binder arrangement constructed according to the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is an end plan view of the binder arrangement of  FIG. 1  in a closed position; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the binder arrangement of  FIG. 1  in a closed position; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the binder arrangement of  FIG. 1  in an open position; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a fragmentary top plan view of a portion of the opened binder arrangement showing a hold down page in a latched condition; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a fragmentary top plan view of the hold down page unlatched; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a fragmentary top plan view of a portion of the opened case illustrating zipper anchor gather or gusset; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a panel that forms the skeleton or base of the binder arrangement that includes a pair of covers each separated from a spine by a hinge that defines a radiused bend and which is capable of bending along a plurality of pairs of locations; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a top plan view of the panel with the covers shown in an open position; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the panel with the covers shown in an open position depicting the shape memory imparted to the panel after formation of the hinges; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged fragmentary end view of the panel illustrating in more detail each hinge being constructed of a plurality of pairs of scores in an interior surface of the panel; 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of another preferred hinge embodiment that is formed by scores that are slits pressed into the surface of the panel; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  is an enlarged fragmentary end view of the panel depicting offsetting of binder anchors punched in the panel so as to offset the binder attached to one cover relative to the binder attached to the other cover such that binder ring clashing preferably is prevented. 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the present invention depicting an another embodiment of the present invention with an internal index file. 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  is a side view of the present invention depicting an another embodiment of the present invention with an internal index file. 
           [0033]      FIG. 16  is a top view of the present invention depicting an another embodiment of the present invention with an internal index file. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0034]      FIGS. 1-4  illustrate a preferred embodiment of a binder arrangement  30  of the invention that preferably includes at least one binder  32  ( FIG. 4 ) and flexible fabric sidewalls  34  that retain the binder arrangement  30  in a closed position via a fastening arrangement  36 . When disposed in the closed position with the fastening arrangement engaged, such as is shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the binder arrangement  30  preferably forms a case  38  that houses and protects the binder contents. 
         [0035]    The binder arrangement  30  has a front cover  40  that overlies a rear cover  42  with the front and rear covers each respectively joined by a hinge  44 ,  46  to a spine  48  that carries a handle  50  and a pair of strap attachment loops  52 ,  54 . As is shown in  FIG. 3 , each sidewall  34  is interrupted by and releasably joined together by a fastening arrangement  36  that preferably is a zipper  56  dividing the sidewall  34  into an upper skirt  35  and lower skirt  37 . To facilitate opening and closing, a slide  58  of the zipper  56  has a zipper pull tab  60  to which a lanyard  62  is attached. The lanyard  62  preferably includes a handle  64  at its free end that a user can conveniently grasp. 
         [0036]      FIG. 4  shows the case  38  in an opened position. As is shown in  FIG. 4 , the case  38  has a plurality of opposed binders, each of which preferably is a three ring binder  66  and  68 . Each binder  32  has a mounting post  70  that is attached to one of the covers by a plurality of spaced apart fasteners  72 ,  74 , each of which preferably is a rivet. Each binder  66  and  68  has a plurality of pairs of separable ring halves  76 ,  78  used to releasably retain pages of material. The binders  66  and  68  are spaced apart by the spine  48 , the width of which preferably is selected to permit the case  38  to be closed without the binders  66  and  68  interfering with case closure or each other. 
         [0037]    As is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , each binder  66  and  68  has a hold down page  80  that is used to keep binder contents in place while the case  38  is in use and in transit. Each hold down page  80  is releasably latched in a closed position in  FIGS. 4 and 5  by an adjustable latch  82  that includes an anchor strap  84  that is anchored to part of the case  38  and a latch receiver  86  that is attached to the hold down page  80 . 
         [0038]    In the preferred embodiment shown in the drawing figures, the strap  84  and latch receiver  86  are comprised of a hook and loop fastener arrangement. As is shown in more detail in  FIG. 5  with the latch  82  disposed in an unlatched position, the strap  84  is a fabric strap to which a loop strip  88  is attached, and the latch receiver  86  is a hook strip  90  that is attached to the hold down page  80 . While a hook and loop fastener tape that is adhesively applied can be used, the loop strip  88  preferably is fixed, such as by stitching or the like, to the latch strap  84 , and the hook strip  90  preferably is fixed, such as by stitching or the like, to the hold down page  80 . 
         [0039]    The length of each strip  88  and  90  is selected so as to ensure positive engagement therebetween for a wide variety of binder thicknesses. For example, in one preferred embodiment, the loop strip  88  extends at least one inch beyond an end  92  of the hook strip  90  and preferably extends as much as two inches beyond the hook strip end  92  when the associated binder is empty. Additionally, the loop strip  88  is at least one and one-half times the length of the hook strip  90  to help ensure maximum engagement between the two strips  88  and  90 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 7  illustrates a bottom stop region  94  of the zipper  56  movably anchored to the spine  48  by an elastomeric gather  96  that preferably is made of an elastic band material or of an elastic rubber. A portion  98  of the elastomeric gather  96  adjacent one end of the gather  96  is fixed, preferably via stitching  100 , to the spine  48 , and the other end  102  of the gather  96  is fixed preferably via stitching (not shown) to fabric in the bottom stop region of the zipper  56 . In the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , the anchored portion  98  of the gather  96  underlies an outer covering  104  of the case  38  and is fixed to the spine  48  using a first stitch line  100  and a second stitch line  106  that is spaced from the first stitch line  100 . 
         [0041]    The stretchable gather  96  flexes to enable the binder arrangement  30 , when configured in case form, to be more conveniently used in an open position. In addition, the gather  96  stretches at least slightly to help accommodate opening of the case  38 , while preventing the stress and strain of repeated openings and closings from tearing the zipper bottom stop region  94  from the spine  48 . As such, the gather  96  acts as a shock absorber to accommodate repeated case openings and closings without tearing free of the spine  48  and without damaging or tearing any portion of the zipper  56 . 
         [0042]      FIGS. 8-13  illustrate a preferred embodiment of a board  108  used to form an integral binder front cover  40 ′, binder rear cover  42 ′, spine  48 ′ and hinges  44 ′ and  46 ′ that is of one-piece, unitary and homogenous construction. In a preferred embodiment, the board  108  is constructed of a fibrous material, such as, preferably kraftboard or the like. Each cover  40 ′ and  42 ′ has a plurality of spaced apart binder anchors  110  and  112 , each of which preferably is a perforation or bore that extends completely through its respective cover. 
         [0043]    As is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , each hinge  44 ′ and  46 ′ is integrally formed of a plurality of pairs of scores  114  (i.e., at least three) that each extend from adjacent a top side edge  116  of the board  108  to a bottom side edge  118  of the board  108 . While each score  114  can be a divot, like that shown in  FIG. 11 , each score  114  preferably is a slit, like that shown in  FIG. 12 , that extends to a depth that is greater than one-quarter the thickness of the board  108  and no greater than about one-half the thickness of the board  108 . The scores  114  preferably are equidistantly spaced apart. Preferably, the region of each hinge  44 ′ and  46 ′ is scored such that the scored region compresses the material of the board  108  at least one-sixty fourth of an inch such that a shape memory is imparted to each hinge that inherently forms a bend  120  in the board  108  at each hinge. The result is a hinge  44 ′ and  46 ′ that not only permits the front cover  40  and rear cover  42  to bend easily but which also helps form the board  108  into the shape of a binder. 
         [0044]    In one preferred embodiment, each hinge  44 ′ and  46 ′ consists of between five and twelve scores  114  and forms a hinge that extends from between one-half inch and one and one-half inches. In a preferred embodiment, each hinge  44 ′ and  46 ′ has at least five scores  114  and an extent of between three quarter of an inch and one and one-quarter inch. 
         [0045]      FIG. 13  illustrates another preferred aspect of the invention where the binder anchors  110  and  112  of one cover  42 ′ are spaced farther away from a centerline  122  of the spine  48 ′ than the binder anchors  110  and  112  of the other cover  40 ′. In the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 13 , the distance, d.sub. 1 , between anchors  110  and  112  of cover  42 ′ is greater than the distance, d.sub. 2 , between anchors  110  and  112  of cover  40 ′. In one preferred embodiment, d.sub. 1  is between one-quarter inch and three-quarters of an inch greater than d.sub. 2  such that one binder  66  is offset relative to the other binder  68  a like amount. In one preferred embodiment, the offset is about one-half inch such that the difference between d.sub. 1  and d.sub. 2  is about one-half inch. As a result of this offset, where the binder arrangement  30  is a dual opposed binder arrangement, the binders  66  and  68  do not directly overlie one another when the binder arrangement  30  is closed. Such an offset advantageously facilitates closing the binder arrangement  30  without the binders  66  and  68  interfering with each other or closure of the binder arrangement. 
         [0046]    In use, a binder arrangement  30  of the invention is well suited for holding articles that include paper, media, photos, as well as other things. In a preferred embodiment, such as that shown in drawing  FIGS. 1-7 , the binder arrangement  30  is configured as a case  38  that preferably includes flexible sidewalls  34  releasably joined by a fastening arrangement  36 . If desired, the binder arrangement  30  can be configured so it is not a case such that it lacks sidewalls  34  and fastening arrangement  36 . 
         [0047]    In operation, where the binder arrangement  30  is configured as a case  38 , the case  38  can be closed such as in the manner shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . When the case  38  is disposed in a closed position, the case  38  can be grasped by its handle  50  and conveniently carried like a suitcase. If desired, a detachable shoulder strap (not shown) can be attached to the strap loops  52  and  54 , enabling the case  38  to be carried like a shoulder bag or the like. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the case  38  can be opened by grasping the zipper lanyard  62  and pulling the zipper slide  58  in a direction away from one end of the spine  48  of the binder arrangement  30 . To fully open the case  38 , the zipper slide  58  is pulled in a direction that causes each pair of opposed zipper teeth of the zipper  56  to disengage. The zipper slide  58  is pulled in this manner about the periphery of the case  38  until it stops adjacent the other end of the spine  48 . 
         [0049]    The case  38  is opened by grasping both covers  40  and  42  and pulling one away from the other until both covers  40  and  42  and the spine  48  are aligned in the manner depicted in  FIG. 4 . When the case  38  is nearly completely open, the sidewalls  34  of the case  38  that lie along the side of the case  38  where the zipper slide  58  resides become taught, thereby creating tension at the joint created where the zipper teeth meet in the zipper bottom stop region  94 . This tension is at least partially dissipated or relieved by the stretchable gather  96  used to anchor the zipper bottom stop region  94  to the spine  48 . As a result, the tension actually present where the zipper teeth meet in the zipper bottom stop region  94  is greatly reduced because at least a portion of it is transferred to and absorbed by the gather  96 . By the gather  96  providing stress or tension relief in this manner, tearing in the zipper bottom stop region  94  is prevented, which thereby also prevents zipper failure. In addition, by using a stretchable gather  96  to attach the zipper bottom stop region  94  to the spine  48 , it functions as a shock absorber that prevents the zipper bottom stop region  94  from tearing free of the spine  48 . 
         [0050]    To access the contents of one of the binders  66  or  68 , the hold down page  80  of that binder is unlatched and the hold down page  80  is pulled upwardly so it rotates on the ring halves  76  and  78  toward the spine  48 . To unlatch the hold down page  80 , the latch strap  84  is grasped and pulled away from the hold down page  80  until the loop strip  88  disengages from the hook strip  90 . When fully disengaged, the hold down page  80  can be manipulated in the manner previously discussed to expose and permit access to the binder contents underneath. 
         [0051]    Where the binder arrangement has two or more binders, such as binder arrangement  30  that is equipped with binders  66  and  68 , any pair of binders  66  and  68  that would overlie one another when the binder arrangement is closed is offset such that the binders  66  and  68  do not directly overlie one another when the binder arrangement  30  is closed. 
         [0052]    To help compensate for any loss of binder storage volume that may occur because of the offset, the binder arrangement  30  preferably is equipped with hinges  44  and  46  of the type depicted in  FIGS. 8-13 . By equipping the binder arrangement  30  with at least one such hinge and preferably a pair of such hinges, binder storage volume is increased because the relatively wide width of each hinge  44  and  46  permits the hinge to change where it bends. As a result, its bending point automatically changes to accommodate whatever the binder storage volume is. As a result, a binder arrangement  30  equipped with a pair of such hinges  44  and  46  of the invention can accommodate as much as 40% greater binder storage volume than a binder arrangement equipped with conventional hinges. 
         [0053]    In a preferred method of manufacture, a press is used that is equipped with a die that includes a base in which the board  108  is located and held. The die includes an upper half that has ridged scorers that are pressed against the board  108  to form the scores  114  that define each one of the hinges  44  and  46 . The upper half of the die preferably also is equipped with punches that form each binder anchor  110  and  112  simultaneously with the scores  114 . 
         [0054]    In a preferred embodiment, the binder arrangement  30  includes an integral case  38  that is equipped with a covering that can be, for example, ballistic nylon or the like. To help increase durability, the covering overlies both sides of each cover  40  and  42  and the spine  48 . The covering preferably is attached to a board  108 , such as by stitching, an adhesive, fasteners, or a combination thereof. A band is attached to the spine  48  and carries the handle  50  and both strap loops  52  and  54  while preferably reinforcing the spine  48 . The band preferably is attached to the spine  48  using stitching, an adhesive, fasteners or the like. 
         [0055]    Each binder  66  and  68  includes a hold down page  80  that is equipped with a hold down page latch  82  made in accordance with the latch  82  shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . The case  38  also includes a fastening arrangement  36  that is anchored at one end using a stretchable gather  96 , such as the gather  96  shown in  FIGS. 4 and 7 . Additionally, each opposed pair of binders  66  and  68  are staggered or offset, preferably between one-fourth inch and three-quarters of an inch, to promote ease of closing of the binder arrangement  30 . The binder arrangement  30  is formed from a board  108  that includes scored hinges  44  and  46  of the type depicted in  FIGS. 8-13 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 14  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. In the alternate embodiment depicted, case  38  includes an internal accordion index file compartment  140  that is separated from the binder portion of case  38  by a divider  142 . The index file compartment  140  is an expandable accordion style file compartment adapted to receive papers of usual size, typically 8½ by 11, although one skilled in the art could make modifications to case  38  and compartment  140  to receive papers of alternate sizes. The index file compartment is divided into a number of separate expandable file sections, each with an individual index tabs,  143 ,  144 ,  145 ,  146 . While the embodiment depicted has four individual file sections and index tabs, any alternate number of index tabs and file sections may be provided. The index file compartment  140  is accessible from both the inside of the file binder and from the outside of the file binder through a separate opening  150 , which is closably secured by a fastening arrangement  152 , typically a zipper. 
         [0057]    Turning to  FIG. 15 , there is shown a side view of case  38  incorporating an opening  150  for accessing index file compartment  140 . The opening  150  can be selectively opened and closed by unsecuring the fastening arrangement. In the case of a zipper this is accomplished by moving the zipper tabs  152  along the zipper track to disengage or engage the zipper teeth as appropriate. Furthermore, in the embodiment depicted, case  38  has incorporated a fastening arrangement  36  that is offset on flexible fabric sidewalls  34 . 
         [0058]    As depicted in  FIG. 16 , the offset is provided by angling the fastening arrangement  36  toward the back cover  42 . In this way adequate space for opening  150  is provided on flexible fabric sidewall  34  for accessing compartment  140 . Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 14 , by angling fastening arrangement  36  toward back cover  42 , flexible fabric sidewalls  34  are primarily positioned adjacent front cover  40  when case  38  is in the open position. In this way, flexible fabric sidewalls  34  do not interfere with a users access of case  38  when writing, for example, on paper that is contained within case  38 . Of course, in the position depicted in  FIG. 14 , the flexible fabric sidewalls  34  are adjacent to the top cover  40 , or the left hand side as depicted. This orientation, provides a right handed user with unobstructed access to the contents. It would be obvious to one skilled in the art to modify the orientation of the present invention for a left handed user. 
         [0059]    Various alternatives are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as the invention.