Patent Publication Number: US-2023158825-A1

Title: Attachment system, components thereof, and method for using

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to a system and method for attaching one or more devices together, in particular, to attaching one or more school and/or office supplies together. 
     BACKGROUND 
     School and office supplies and accessories are available in a number of formats, including folders, notebooks, binders, filers, filler paper, and storage pouches. The various formats may have different sizes and functionalities. Students continue to desire additional storage space and the flexibility to carry multiple devices of different formats and to have all materials with them over the course of a busy day. Existing devices, however, may not provide the ability and flexibility to attach and combine multiple formats. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a top perspective view of an attachable notebook including a swing clip, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG.  2    is a top plan view of the attachable notebook of  FIG.  1   , showing the swing clip in a closed position; 
         FIG.  3    is a top plan view of the attachable notebook of  FIG.  1   , showing the swing clip in an open position; 
         FIG.  4    is a bottom plan view of the attachable notebook of  FIG.  1   , showing the swing clip in a closed position; 
         FIG.  5    is a bottom plan view of the attachable notebook of  FIG.  1   , showing the swing clip in an open position; 
         FIG.  6    is a top perspective view of an attachable folder, including a swing clip; 
         FIG.  7    is a top plan view of the attachable folder of  FIG.  6   , showing the swing clip in a closed position; 
         FIG.  8    is a top plan view of the attachable folder of  FIG.  6   , showing the swing clip in an open position; 
         FIG.  9    is a bottom plan view of the attachable folder of  FIG.  6   , showing the swing clip in a closed position; 
         FIG.  10    is a bottom plan view of the attachable folder of  FIG.  6   , showing the swing clip in an open position; 
         FIG.  11    is a top perspective view of an attachable binder including a swing clip, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG.  12    is a top plan view of the attachable binder of  FIG.  11   , showing the swing clip in a closed position; 
         FIG.  13    is a top plan view of the attachable binder of  FIG.  11   , showing the swing clip in an open position; 
         FIG.  14    is a bottom plan view of the attachable binder of  FIG.  11   , showing the swing clip in a closed position; 
         FIG.  15    is a bottom plan view of the attachable binder of  FIG.  11   , showing the swing clip in an open position; 
         FIG.  16    is a top perspective view of an attachable pouch including a swing clip, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG.  17    is a top plan view of the attachable pouch of  FIG.  16   , showing the swing clip in a closed position; 
         FIG.  18    is a top plan view of the attachable pouch of  FIG.  16   , showing the swing clip in an open position; 
         FIG.  19    is a bottom plan view of the attachable pouch of  FIG.  16   , showing the swing clip in a closed position; 
         FIG.  20    is a bottom plan view of the attachable pouch of  FIG.  16   , showing the swing clip in an open position; 
         FIG.  21    is a top perspective view of an attachable binder, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG.  22    is a top perspective view of the attachable binder of  FIG.  21   , further including an attachable notebook coupled thereto; 
         FIG.  23    is a top perspective view of the attachable binder of  FIG.  21   , further including an attachable notebook coupled thereto; 
         FIG.  24    a top perspective view of the attachable binder of  FIG.  21   , further including an attachable notebook coupled thereto; 
         FIG.  25    is a top perspective view of the attachable binder of  FIG.  21   , further including an attachable notebook and an attachable pouch coupled thereto, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  26    is a top perspective view of another embodiment of an attachable binder including snap features. 
         FIG.  27    is a bottom perspective view of the attachable binder of  FIG.  26   . 
     
    
    
     Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present teachings. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present teachings. Certain actions and/or operations may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not intended to be limiting. Although the sheet of material shown in the drawings is primarily illustrated as a sheet of lined notebook paper, it should be understood that other types of paper or other mediums may also be scanned in the manner provided herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Generally speaking, attachment systems, devices, and methods are provided herein useful for attaching or combining devices, such as school and/or office supplies, of different formats. The attachment systems, devices, and methods use a combination of attachment, anchor, or retention mechanisms to secure components to one another. For example, the systems, devices, and methods may employ a combination of flap(s), swing clip(s), snap(s), and notch feature(s) incorporated into one or more devices to provide the ability and flexibility to attach or combine devices of multiple formats. It is also contemplated that other mechanisms such as snaps, hooks and loops, bungee cords, and the like or combinations thereof may be employed to secure components to one another. The attachment systems described herein include at least one attachable device that includes at least one panel having a flap and a swing clip on a free edge thereof. The swing clip is moveable between a closed position where the swing clip engages the flap and an open position wherein the swing clip does not engage the flap. By some approaches, the attachment systems described herein include at least one attachable device having at least one panel with a notch formed on a free edge thereof. The attachable devices may be attached to each other in a configuration where the notch is aligned with the flap and the swing clip is in a closed position such that the notch and the flap are nested within the swing clip. 
     When devices or components are connected-together in series or in a connected, attached, or partially nested configuration using the attachment systems, devices, and methods described herein, the devices may be fully functional and accessible. Fully functional as used herein means that a user is able to access contents of the device and use the device for its intended purpose. In one example, a notebook may be fully functional when a user is able to access and write on pages of the notebook. In another example, a folder may be fully functional when a user is able to access internal pockets on one or more panels of the folder. In yet another example, a binder may be fully functional when a user is able to access internal pockets, to access a binding mechanism (e.g., to add or remove pages from the binding mechanism) on in interior of the binder, and/or to write on one or more pages coupled to the binding mechanism. Further, a pouch may be fully functional when a user is able to access the contents of at least one storage compartment of the pouch. 
     In some embodiments, an attachment system comprises a first component and a second component. The first component comprises a first panel that includes at least one free edge having a flap that defines a flap opening between the flap and the first panel. A swing clip is coupled to the first panel adjacent to the flap, the swing clip being moveable between a closed position wherein the swing clip engages the flap and an open position wherein the swing clip does not engage the flap. The second component comprises a second panel having at least one free edge with a notch formed therein. The second component is attachable to the first component in a first configuration wherein the free edge of the second panel is positioned within the flap opening such that the notch is aligned with the flap opening and wherein the swing clip is in the closed position such that the notch and the flap are nested within the swing clip. 
     In some embodiments, an attachment system, comprises a first component and a second component. The first component comprises a first front panel that includes at least one free edge having a first flap that defines a first flap opening between the first flap and the first front panel. A first swing clip is coupled to the first front panel adjacent to the first flap, the first swing clip being moveable between a closed position wherein the swing clip swing clip engages the flap and an open position wherein the swing clip does not engage the flap. The first component further comprises a first back panel that includes at least one free edge with a first notch formed therein. The second component comprises a second front panel that includes at least one free edge having a second flap that defines a second flap opening between the second flap and the second front panel. A second swing clip is coupled to the second front panel adjacent to the second flap, the second swing clip being moveable between a closed position wherein swing clip engages the flap and an open position wherein the swing clip does not engage the flap. The second component further comprises a second back panel including at least one free edge with second notch formed therein. The second component is attachable to the first component in a first configuration wherein the at least one free edge of the second back panel is positioned within the first flap opening such that the second notch is aligned with the first flap opening and wherein the first swing clip is in the closed position such that the notch and the first flap are nested within the first swing clip. 
     In some embodiments, a method of attaching at least two components together is provided. At least one component comprises a clip panel including at least one free edge, the free edge having a swing clip coupled thereto and a flap folded over the clip panel. The swing clip is moveable between a closed position wherein the swing clip engages the flap and an open position wherein the swing clip does not engage the flap. Additionally, at least one component comprises a notch panel having at least one free edge with a notch formed therein. The method comprises inserting the notch panel under the flap of the clip panel such that the notch is aligned with the flap. The method further includes moving the swing clip to the closed position such that the flap and at least a portion of the notch panel are nested within the swing clip. 
     In some embodiments, an attachment system includes at least one component. The at least one component comprises a first panel that includes a first free edge, a second free edge, a third free edge, and a secured edge. The first free edge is opposite the third free edge. The second free edge is opposite the secured edge. A flap is disposed on the first free edge. The flap defines a flap opening between the flap and the first panel. A swing clip is coupled to the first panel along the first free edge adjacent to the flap. The swing clip is moveable between a closed position wherein the swing clip engages the flap and an open position wherein the swing clip does not engage the flap. At least one corner pocket is disposed at a corner of the first panel where the second free edge and the third free edge meet. The at least one component further comprises a second panel. The second panel includes at least one free edge with a notch formed therein. The notch is aligned with the swing clip and the flap on the first panel. A sheet of paper or another component is attachable to the front panel via the flap, the swing clip, and the at least one corner pocket. 
       FIGS.  1 - 6    illustrate a first embodiment of an attachable device. The first embodiment is an attachable notebook  100 . The attachable notebook  100  includes a front panel  112  and a rear panel  114 . The front panel  112  and the rear panel  114  are coupled together along a hinged, folded edge or spine  116 . The spine  116  may include a binding, such as, e.g., a wire binding, that holds the front panel  112  and the rear panel  114  together. In other configurations, the front panel  112  and rear panel  114  may be connected by a folded crease. As illustrated, one or more papers are coupled to the spine  116  and secured within the attachable notebook  100  between the front panel  112  and the rear panel  114 . 
     The front panel  112  includes a first free edge  118 , a second free edge  120 , a third free edge  122 , and a secured edge  124 . The first free edge  118  is opposite the third free edge  122 . The second free edge  120  is opposite the secured edge  124 . In some aspects, the first free edge  118  is generally parallel to the third free edge  122  and the second free edge  120  is generally parallel to the secured edge  124 . The first free edge  118  meets the secured edge  124  at a corner  126  of the front panel  112 . The secured edge  124  is secured to the spine  116  of the attachable notebook  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the front panel  112  also includes a flap  128 . By some approaches, the flap  128  is coupled to the first free edge  118  of the front panel  112 . The flap  128 , as shown, is positioned adjacent to the corner  126  at which the first free edge  118  and the secured edge  124  meet. In some aspects, the flap  128  may be generally rectangular in shape, though other shapes may be employed. The flap  128  is folded along a fold line X that is aligned with the first free edge  118 . In a folded configuration, the flap  128  is folded over an outer face of the front panel  112  (i.e., over a face of the front panel  112  on the exterior of the attachable notebook  100 ). However, it is also contemplated that the flap  128  may be folded over an inner face of the front panel  112  (i.e., over a face of the front panel  112  facing the interior of the attachable notebook  100 ). In some aspects, the flap  128  is integral with the front panel  112  (see  FIG.  3   ). In other aspects, the flap  128  may be connected to the front panel  112  via any suitable means, for example, by welding, sewing, stitching, staples, heat sealing, adhesive, mechanical fasteners, or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the flap  128  may have a length between about 1 in. and about 6. in, between about 2 in. and about 5 in., and, in some aspects, between about 3 in. and about 5 in. Further, in some embodiments, the flap  128  may have a height between about 0.1 in. and about 4 in. and, in some aspects, between about 0.4 in. and about 2 in. It is also contemplated that the width of the flap  128  may be greater than the width of the swing clip  130  such that the flap  128  overhangs the swing clip  130  when the swing clip  130  engages the flap  128 . 
     The front panel  112  also includes a swing clip  130 . It is contemplated that the swing clip  130  may be any form of clip or closure. For example, the swing clip  130  may be any rotatable or hinge clip. The swing clip  130  includes a first jaw portion  130 A and a second jaw portion  130 B. The swing clip  130  may be any suitable shape and, in some aspects, the bottom and side edges of the swing clip  130  (e.g., the bottom and side edges of the first jaw portion  130 A) may be angled such that they correspond to the angles of the flap  128 . The swing clip  130  is coupled to the front panel  112  along the first free edge  118  and adjacent to the flap  128 . Any suitable rotatable attachment means  132  that allows the swing clip  130  to pivot, such as a rivet or a screw and nut, may be used to couple the swing clip  130  to the front panel  112 . In some approaches, the swing clip  130  may also be heat-staked to the front panel  112 . The swing clip  130  and the flap  128  are arranged such that the swing clip  130  may receive the flap  128  and fasten the flap  128  between the first jaw portion  130 A and the second jaw portion  130 B. The swing clip  130  is rotatably coupled to the front panel  112 . The swing clip  130  is moveable between an open position and a closed position. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3  and  5   , the swing clip  130  is in the open position. When the swing clip  130  is in the open position, the swing clip  130  is not aligned with the first free edge  118 . In the open position, the first jaw portion  130 A and the second jaw portion  130 B do not engage the flap  128  and, consequently, a sheet of paper, a panel of a device, or a portion thereof may be easily inserted or removed from a space between the front panel  112  and the flap  128 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  4   , the swing clip  130  is in the closed position. When the swing clip  130  is in the closed position, the swing clip  130  is aligned with the first free edge  118 . In the closed position, the first jaw portion  130 A and the second jaw portion  130 B engage the flap  128  and, consequently, a sheet of paper, a panel of a device, or a portion thereof are secured within a space between the front panel  112  and the flap  128 . 
     The swing clip  130  may be made of any suitable material including plastic materials, metallic materials, or combinations thereof. By one approach, the swing clip  130  is molded, such as by injection molding. By another approach, the swing clip  130  may be cut or stamped and then bent or otherwise formed into its final configuration. The materials forming the swing clip  130  may be treated or coated (before or after formation of the swing clip  130 ) to provide antimicrobial properties or to improve ease or comfort gripping the swing clip  130 . The swing clip  130  may further include one or more gripping structures, such as ridges, roughened areas of the materials, or contoured areas to improve the ease of gasping the swing clip  130  and to facilitate opening and closing the swing clip  130 . In some examples, the swing clip  130  may include a rubber or other soft or high coefficient of friction material to improve the ease of grasping and operating the swing clip  130 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the front panel  112  further includes a pocket flap or panel  134  to form a retaining flap or pocket between the front panel  112  and the pocket panel  134 . The pocket panel  134  is on the outside of the front panel  112 , that is, a surface of the of the front panel  112  that is on an external surface of the attachable notebook  100 . The pocket panel  134 , in one illustrative embodiment, is positioned diagonal to, adjacent, or over the corner  126  of the front panel  112  such that the pocket panel has an edge that extends from one edge of the panel front panel  112  to another edge. The pocket panel  134  is coupled to the front panel  112  along a first side portion  136  of the pocket panel  134 . The pocket panel  134  may be coupled to the front panel  112  using a wide variety of methods such as heat welding, sonic welding, stitching, adhesive, staples, rivets, or other mechanical fasteners. In particular, the pocket panel  134  is coupled to the second free edge  120  of the front panel  112 . In this manner, the pocket panel  134  forms a pocket opening that is facing at least the spine  116  and the first free edge  118 . 
     Further, in some configurations, the pocket panel  134  includes a second side portion  138  that is not coupled to the front panel  112  (though in other configurations the pocket panel  134  may be coupled or secured along two edges). By having the pocket panel  134  attach along a single edge, the pocket flap or panel  134  is free or unsecured to the front panel  112  along an edge of the pocket panel  134  opposite the swing clip  130 . As a result, a sheet of paper or a device (or a panel thereof) that is longer than the attachable notebook  100  may be positioned within the pocket opening and secured to the swing clip  130 . For example, the swing clip  130  may attach the top end of a device (or panel thereof) that is longer than the attachable notebook  100  to the front panel  112 . When the top end of the device (or a panel thereof) is attached to the front panel  112  in this manner, the bottom end of the device (or a panel thereof) is able to overhang the attachable notebook  100  at a when positioned within the pocket opening, since the bottom edge of the pocket panel  134  is free. It is contemplated that a pocket configured in this fashion may be employed in any one of the devices described herein. In one approach, by having swing clip  130 , a top flap  128 , a corner pocket or flap  134 , available to retain objects to the attachable notebook  100 , several points of securement are employed. For example, one or more pieces of loose-leaf paper may be coupled to the attachable notebook  100  by the first flap  124 , the second flap or pocket  134 , and the swing clip  130 . 
     As shown, the pocket panel  134  is smaller than the front panel  112 . In some configurations, the pocket panel  134  may be about 1/10 the size of the front panel  112 , up to about ¼ the size of the front panel  112 , or even up to about ½ the size of the front panel  112 . In yet other configurations the pocket panel  134  may be about between about ¾ the size of the front panel  112 . The pocket panel  134  may be sized such that, when another item such as a panel of another device, is inserted into the pocket, the pocket panel  134  does not interfere with the function of the inserted item. For example, if an item that has a pocket is inserted into the pocket formed by the pocket panel  134 , the pocket of the inserted item would still be accessible. In this manner, the pocket formed by the pocket panel  134  may be used to secure an item to the front panel  112  without interfering with the functionality of the item 
     The pocket panel  134  may be made of any suitable materials, including but not limited to plastics (such as polypropylene or vinyl), cardboard, fabric, paper, paperboard, plastic encased cardboard, or any other planar rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible sheet material. In some aspects, the pocket panel  134  is formed from a material that is translucent or transparent such that the contents of the pocket are at least partially visible through the pocket panel  134 . 
     The rear panel  114  includes a first free edge  140 . In some aspects, the first free edge  140  of the rear panel  114  is aligned with the first free edge  140  of the front panel  112 . The first free edge  140  includes a notch  142  formed therein. The notch  142  is positioned relative to the flap  128  and the swing clip  130  on the front panel  112 . In some approaches, the notch  142  in the first free edge  140  of the rear panel  114  is aligned with the flap  128  on the first free edge  118  of the front panel  112 . In some aspects, the notch  142  begins at a position on the rear panel  114  that corresponds to the position of rotatable attachment means  132  on the front panel  112 . The notch  142  may allow two items of the same or about the same height to be coupled to each other without panels of the devices bulging or bubbling-up. The notch  142  is spaced from the second free edge  120 . A distance between the second free edge  120  and the beginning of the notch  142  may be adjusted, for example, to accommodate attaching devices of different widths to each other. In some embodiments, the notch  142  may have a length between about 1 in. and about 6. in, between about 2 in. and about 5 in., and, in some aspects, between about 3 in. and about 5 in. Further, in some embodiments, the notch  142  may have a depth between about 0.01 in. and about 1 in. and, in some aspects, between about 0.1 in. and about 0.5 in. 
     In some aspects, the front panel  112  and/or the rear panel  114  may include pre-punched holes, for example, for engaging the rings of a binder. The pre-punched holes may be circular, “D”-shaped, or, in some approaches, generally triangular in shape. 
     The front panel  112  and the rear panel  114  of the attachable notebook  100  may be about the same size (though, in some configurations, there may be some difference or variation between the front and rear panel). The front panel  112  and/or the rear panel  114  may have a height of between about 8 in. and about 14 in., between about 9 in. and about 13 in., and, in some aspects, between about 10 in. and about 12 in. The front panel  112  and/or the rear panel  114  may have a width between about 5.5 in. and about 11.5 in., between about 6.5 in. and about 10.5 in., and, in some aspects, between about 8.5 in. and about 9.5 in. 
     The front panel  112  and/or the rear panel  114  may be made of any suitable materials, including but not limited to plastics (such as polypropylene or vinyl), cardboard, paperboard, plastic encased cardboard, fabric, paper, or any other planar rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible sheet material. In some aspects, the front panel  112  and/or the rear panel  114  may be made of material that is sufficiently stiff and/or rigid to support a stack of devices such, as several pounds, thereon without significant deformation. In other aspects, the front panel  112  and/or the rear panel  114  are formed from a material that is translucent or transparent such that the contents of the attachable notebook  100  are at least partially visible through the pocket panel  134 . The materials may be treated or coated based on manufacturing and/or user preferences. For example, the materials may be treated or coated to provide antimicrobial or anti-slip properties, to improve durability, or to resist liquids such as water or ink. In some examples, the front panel  112  and/or the rear panel  114  may include a rubber or other soft or high coefficient of friction material to allow the panels or portions thereof to grip to a surface or minimize slipping. It is to be understood that the front panel  112  and the rear panel  114  may be comprised of the same or different materials. 
     Although  FIGS.  1 - 5   , depict the flap  128  and the swing clip  130  on the first free edge  118  of the front panel  112  and the notch  142  at the first free edge  140  of the rear panel  114  (e.g., at a top of the attachable notebook  100 ). It is contemplated that the flap  128 , the swing clip  130 , and the notch  142  may be coupled to any free edges of the attachable notebook  100  and along any position on such free edges, for example, as long as the notch  142  is aligned with the flap  128 . 
     In operation, the swing clip  130  may be easily moved between the open position (see  FIGS.  3  and  5   ) and the closed position (see  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  4   ). In the open position, one or more sheets of paper or portions of the devices described herein may be inserted under the flap  128 . For example, a sheet of paper or panel of one or more of the devices described herein may be positioned under the flap  128  in a space between the flap  128  and the front panel  112 . In the closed position, the flap  128  is tucked under the swing clip  130  and the swing clip  130  engages the flap  128  to grip or apply pressure to the outside of the flap  128 . In this manner, the first jaw portion  130 A and the second jaw portion  130 B of the swing clip  130  may secure a sheet of paper or panel of a device in the space between the flap  128  and the front panel  112 . 
     The flap  128  and the swing clip  130  also may be used to attach one or more sheets of paper to the attachable notebook  100 . Additionally, the flap  128  and the swing clip  130  may be used to couple or attach another device (or a portion thereof), such as the other attachable devices described herein, or a panel thereof to the attachable notebook  100 . It is also contemplated that the notch  142  may be used to attach the attachable notebook  100  to one or more of the other attachable devices described herein (e.g., the attachable folder  200 , the attachable binder  300 , the attachable pouch  400 ), as will be discussed further below. For example, the notch  142  may be positioned under the flap of another attachable device and the swing clip of another attachable device may secure the rear panel  114  of the attachable notebook  100  to the other attachable device. Thus, the flap  128 , the swing clip  130 , and the notch  142  provide the flexibility to both configure the attachable notebook  100  with other devices or supplies in a number of ways. 
     In some approaches, the pocket panel  134  may also operate to secure a piece of paper or a panel of a device to the attachable notebook  100 . For example, when a piece of paper or a panel of a device is held on the front panel  112  by the flap  128  and the swing clip  130 , the piece of paper or panel of a device may also be inserted into the pocket opening. In this manner, the pocket panel  134  acts to further hold or secure the piece of paper or panel of a device to the attachable notebook  100 . Accordingly, the pocket panel  134  may offer additional stability and securement when multiple devices are attached to each other. 
       FIGS.  6 - 10    illustrate a second embodiment of an attachable device. In the second embodiment, the attachable device is an attachable folder  200 . Elements in the second embodiment that are similar to those in the first embodiment have been given similar reference numbers in the two-hundred series and only the general differences will be discussed below. For example, the swing clip  130  described in the first embodiment is numbered as swing clip  230  in the second embodiment. The attachable folder  200  includes a front panel  212  and a rear panel  214 . The attachable folder  200  is similar in many respects to the attachable notebook  100  with a difference being the interior of the attachable folder  200  does not include sheets of paper secured between the front panel  212  and the rear panel  214  and, instead, includes one or more pockets for storage. 
     The front panel  212  includes a flap  228 , a swing clip  230 , and a pocket panel  234 . In some configurations, the flap  228  is similar to the flap  128  in the first embodiment, and the swing clip  230  is similar to the swing clip  130  in the first embodiment. The pocket panel  234  is coupled to the front panel  212  along both a first side portion  236  and a second side portion  238 . In particular, the first side portion  236  is secured to the front panel  212  at or adjacent to the second free edge  220 . Additionally, the second side portion  238  is secured to the front panel  212  at or adjacent to the third free edge  222 . In this manner, the pocket panel  234  forms a pocket opening that is secured long the second free edge  220  and the third free edge  222 . It is contemplated that coupling the second side portion  238  to the third free edge  222  of the front panel  212  may prevent materials from falling out of the pocket opening as a user may generally orient the attachable notebook  100  such that the first free edge  118  above the third free edge  222 . 
     The rear panel  214  includes a notch  242  formed therein. The notch  242  is similar to the notch  142  in the first embodiment. The rear panel  214  is couplable to the front panel  212  along the spine  216 . In some aspects, the front panel  212  and the rear panel  214  may be formed by folding a single piece of material and, consequently, the spine  216  is formed along a fold line. 
     The front panel  212  and the rear panel  214  of the attachable folder  200  may be about the same size (though, in some configurations, there may be some difference or variation between the front and rear panel). The front panel  212  and/or the rear panel  214  may have a height of between about 8 in. and about 16 in., between about 9 in. and about 15 in., and, in some aspects, between about 11 in. and about 13 in. The front panel  212  and/or the rear panel  214  may have a width between about 6 in. and about 12 in., between about 7 in. and about 11 in., and, in some aspects, between about 9 in. and about 10 in. It is contemplated that the attachable folder  200  may be wider and/or longer than the attachable notebook  100 . 
     Like the attachable notebook  100  in the first embodiment, the attachable folder  200  may be attached to and configured with other devices or supplies in a number of ways via the flap  228 , the swing clip  230 , and the notch  242 . The pocket panel  234  may also be used, along with the flap  228  and the swing clip  230 , to couple a device to the attachable folder  200 . Further, the pocket panel  234  may also provide added retention, for example for sheets of paper, when the pocket panel  234  is not being used to attach devices together. 
       FIGS.  11 - 15    illustrate a third embodiment of an attachable device. In the third embodiment, the attachable device is an attachable binder  300 . Elements in the third embodiment that are similar to those in the first embodiment have been given similar reference numbers in the three hundred series, and only the general differences will be discussed below. For example, the swing clip  130  described in the first embodiment is numbered as swing clip  330  in the second embodiment. The attachable binder  300  includes a front panel  312  and a rear panel  314 . The attachable binder  300  is similar in many respects to the attachable notebook  100  of the first embodiment with a difference being the interior of the attachable binder  300  does not include sheets of paper secured in the spine  316  between the front panel  312  and the rear panel  314  and, instead, includes a binding mechanism  311  coupled to an interior surface of the attachable binder  300 . In some aspects, the interior surface of the attachable binder  300  also includes one or more pockets, for example, to facilitate the storage of papers or other items therein. 
     The front panel  312  includes a flap  328 , a swing clip  330 , and a pocket panel  334 . The flap  328  is similar to the flap  128  in the first embodiment. The swing clip  330  is similar to the swing clip  130  in the first embodiment. The pocket panel  334 , however, may be similar to the pocket panel  224  described in the second embodiment or pocket flap or panel  134  from the first embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG.  11   , the pocket panel  334  is coupled to the front panel  312  along both a first side portion  336  and a second side portion  338 . In some aspects, the pocket panels described herein  134 ,  234 ,  334  may include one or more cut-outs formed therein. Such cut-outs, for example, may reduce stresses on the pocket panel  134 . For example, a corner of the front panel  312  may create stresses on a corner of the pocket panel, creating a point of wear. Positioning a cut-out at the corner of the pocket panel may eliminate this point of wear. In addition, cut-outs in the pocket panels  123 ,  234 ,  334  may accommodate a rounded corner of the front panel  312  and/or may reduce stresses at the corner of the front panel  312 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  14  and  15    (and in  FIG.  21   ), the rear panel  314  includes a notch  342  formed therein. The notch  342  is similar to previously described notches. The rear panel  314  is coupled to the front panel  312  along the spine  316 . In some aspects, the front panel  312  and the rear panel  314  may be formed of single piece of material and, consequently, the spine  316  may be formed from a series of creases in the piece of material. In some configurations, the binding mechanism  311  is coupled to an interior surface of the rear panel  314 , that is, a surface of the rear panel  314  facing the inside of the attachable binder  300 . However, it is also contemplated that binding mechanism  311  may alternatively be coupled to an interior surface of the front panel  312  or the spine  316 . 
     The front panel  312  and the rear panel  314  of the attachable binder  300  may be about the same size (though, in some configurations, there may be some difference or variation between the size and shape of the panels). The front panel  312  and/or the rear panel  314  may have a height of between about 8 in. and about 16 in., between about 9 in. and about 15 in., and, in some aspects, between about 11 in. and about 13 in. The front panel  312  and/or the rear panel  314  may have a width between about 6 in. and about 15 in., between about 8 in. and about 13 in., and, in some aspects, between about 9 in. and about 11 in. It is contemplated that the attachable binder  300  may be wider and/or longer than the attachable notebook  100 . 
     Like the attachable notebook  100  in the first embodiment, the attachable binder  300  may be attached or configured with other devices or supplies in a number of ways via the flap  328 , the swing clip  330 , and the notch  342 . The pocket panel  334  may also be used, along with the flap  328  and the swing clip  330 , to couple a device to the attachable binder  300 . Further, the pocket panel  334  may also provide added retention, for example for sheets of paper, when the pocket panel  334  is not being used to attach devices together. 
       FIGS.  16 - 20    illustrate a fourth embodiment of an attachable device. In the fourth embodiment, the attachable device is an attachable pouch  400 . Elements in the fourth embodiment that are similar to those in the first embodiment have been given a similar reference number in the four-hundred series, and only the general differences will be discussed below. For example, the swing clip  130  described in the first embodiment is numbered as swing clip  430  in the second embodiment, with a difference being that the swing clip  430  is positioned in a different orientation (i.e., with a first jaw portion  430 A oriented towards a rear side of the panel  412  and a second jaw portion  430 B oriented towards a front side of the panel  412 ). The attachable pouch  400  is similar in many respects to the attachable notebook  100  of the first embodiment, with a difference being that the attachable pouch  400  includes a single panel  412  having at least one storage pouch  444  coupled thereto or incorporated therewith. 
     In one illustrative approach, the panel  412  is generally “L”-shaped. The panel  412  comprises a first leg  412 A and a second leg  412 B. In some aspects, the first leg  412 A is perpendicular to the second leg  412 B. The first leg  412 A includes a first peripheral edge  418 . The first peripheral edge  418  includes a notch  442  formed therein. The notch  442  is similar to the notch  142  described in the first embodiment. The second leg  412 B includes a second peripheral edge  420 . The second peripheral edge  420  includes a flap  428  and a swing clip  430  coupled thereto. The flap  428  is similar to the flap  428  described in the first embodiment, a difference being that the flap  128  is folded towards a rear side of the panel  412  as opposed to a front side. The swing clip  430  is similar to the swing clip  130  described in the first embodiment. 
     By one approach, the storage pouch  444  is coupled to the panel  412  in a space between the first leg  412 A and the second leg  412 B. The storage pouch  444  be coupled to the panel  412  using a wide variety of methods such as heat welding, sonic welding, stitching, adhesive, staples, rivets, or other mechanical fasteners. The storage pouch  444  may include one or more compartments  446 A,  446 B,  446 C accessible via openings. Openings of the compartments  446 A,  446 B,  446 C may be releasably secured through the use of zippers, magnets, clasps, buttons, ties, magnets, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, resealable adhesives, or the like. It is also contemplated the openings of the compartments  446 A,  446 B,  446 C may be configured in any suitable manner, for example, the openings may be parallel with the first leg  412 A or the second leg  412  and, in some aspects, may even be oriented diagonally. 
     In some aspects, the panel  412  may include pre-punched holes, for example, for engaging the rings of a binder. The pre-punched holes may be circular, “D”-shaped, or, in some approaches, generally triangular in shape. It is to be understood that the pre-punched holes may be included on one or more of the first leg  412 A and the second leg  412 B. In some approaches, the pre-punched holes may be coupled to the first leg  412 A, or the leg of the panel  412  that does not include the swing clip  430 . In this manner, the swing clip  430  may be operated (e.g., moved between the open and closed positions) when the holes are coupled to a binding mechanism. 
     The configuration of the attachable pouch  400  provides several options for attachment with other devices. In one approach, the attachable pouch  400  may be coupled to another device via the flap  428  and the swing clip  430 , for example, by securing a panel of the device within the flap  428  and the swing clip  430 . In another approach, the attachable pouch  400  may be secured to a device having a binding mechanism, such the binding mechanism  311  in the attachable binder  300 , via the pre-punched holes. In other embodiments, the notch  442  of attachable pouch  400  may be positioned under the flap of one of other attachable devices described herein such that the panel  412  may be secured to the other attachable device via its swing clip. Accordingly, the attachable pouch  400  provides the flexibility to attach or couple to a variety of devices using a variety of means. 
     Although the swing clips and flaps are included on the front panel and the notches are included on the rear panel in the attachable devices depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 15   , it is also contemplated that this orientation may be reversed. That is, the swing clips and flaps may be included on the rear panel and the notch may be included on the front panel. 
       FIGS.  21 - 25    illustrate the manner in which one of more of the devices described herein may be attached or otherwise coupled to each other using the swing clip, flap, and notch features described herein. 
     Turning to  FIG.  21   , the attachable binder  300  is illustrated with the swing clip  330  in the open position. The flap  328  is folded over towards the outer face of the front panel  312 . The flap  328  is positioned in such a pre-folded configuration when the attachable binder  300  is assembled. When the attachable binder  300  is configured as shown in  FIG.  21   , a sheet of paper or panel of a device may be received under the flap  328 . 
     Turning to  FIG.  22   , the attachable folder  200  is coupled to the attachable binder  300 . In particular, the rear panel  214  of the attachable folder  200  is disposed underneath the flap  328  of the front panel  312  of the attachable binder  300  such that the swing clip  330  may be rotated downward to couple the attachable folder  200  to the attachable binder  300 . More particularly, a portion of the rear panel  214  is inserted under the flap  328  of the attachable binder  300  such that the notch  242  aligns the with flap  328 , and the free edge of the rear panel  214  of the attachable folder  200  aligns with the first free edge  318  of front panel  312  of the attachable binder  300 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  22   , the position of the notch  242  on the rear panel  214  of the attachable folder  200  and the position of the flap  328  and the swing clip  330  on the front panel  312  of the attachable binder  300  ensure proper alignment of the two devices when coupled together. That is, the notch  242 , the flap  328 , and the swing clip  330  are positioned such that the peripheral edges of the attachable folder  200  approximately align with the peripheral edges of the attachable binder  300  when the attachable folder  200  is coupled to the attachable binder  300 . It is contemplated that the attachable devices described herein may have notches, flaps, and swing clips positioned in a complementary manner to ensure proper alignment of the devices when one or more devices are attached to each other. 
     Turning to  FIG.  23   , the attachable folder  200  is illustrated as attached to the attachable binder  300 . The swing clip  330  is in the closed position to attach the rear panel  214  of the attachable folder  200  to the front panel  312  of the attachable binder  300 . Thus, the attachable folder  200  and the attachable binder  300  can be transported or stored together as a single unit. The flap  328 , swing clip  330 , and the notch  242  are configured where the notch  242  is aligned with the flap  328  and the swing clip  330  is in a closed position such that the notch  242  and the flap  328  (or portions thereof) are nested within the swing clip  330 . It is contemplated that the notch  242  allows the top of the flap  328  to sit flush with the first free edge  318  of the front panel  312  when the flap  328  is nested within the swing clip  330 . This may prevent, for example, the flap  328  from bulging out from the free edge  318  and may result in the swing clip  330  more securely engage the flap  328 . Attaching one device to another in manner depicted in  FIG.  23    may improve the convenience of handing or travelling with multiple devices, for example, by preventing slipping. 
     Further, when the attachable folder  200  and the attachable binder  300  are attached as shown in  FIG.  23   , the spine  216  of the attachable folder  200  and the spine  316  of the attachable binder  300  are aligned and, in some aspects, are approximately parallel. Additionally, the openings of the attachable folder  200  and the attachable binder  300  face the same direction such that the contents of the attachable folder  200  and the attachable binder  300  may be accessed from the same side when the two devices are attached to each other. 
     Turning to  FIG.  24   , the attachable folder  200  is attached to the attachable binder  300 . The front panel  212  of the attachable folder  200  is depicted in an open position to show the interior of the attachable folder  200 . In addition to being to the attachable binder  300  via the flap  328  and the swing clip  330 , the attachable folder  200  is secured to the attachable binder  300  using the pocket panel  334 . A corner of the rear panel  214  of the attachable folder  200  is positioned in the pocket opening formed by the pocket panel  334 . Because the pocket panel  334  is secured to the front panel  312  along two sides  336 ,  338 , the pocket panel  334  may prevent the rear panel  214  from slipping to the side or the bottom or from becoming dislodged from the swing clip  330 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  24   , the notch  242  allows the attachable folder  200  and the attachable binder  300 , which are the same or about the same height, to be coupled to each other without the rear panel  214  and/or the front panel  312  bulging or bubbling-up. For example, without the notch  242 , the rear panel  214  may bulge when the rear panel  214  is partially nested within the flap  328 /swing clip  330  and pocket panel  334 . The notch  242  allows the first free edge  218  the rear panel  214  to be positioned slightly higher than front panel  312  to allow the rear panel  214  to nest within the flap  328 /swing clip  330  and the pocket panel  334  without bulging. 
     Turning to  FIG.  25   , the attachable folder  200  is attached to the attachable binder  300  and, additionally, the attachable pouch  400  is attached to the attachable folder  200 . The attachable pouch  400  is attached to the attachable folder  200  via the flap  228  and the swing clip  230 . In particular, the front panel  212  of the attachable folder  200  is coupled to the panel  412  of the attachable pouch  400 . The notch  442  of the attachable pouch  400  is aligned with the flap  228 , and the swing clip  230  is positioned around the flap  228  and the notch  442  to secure a portion the panel  412  within the jaws of the swing clip  230 . 
     It is contemplated that any combination of the attachable devices described herein (i.e., the attachable notebook  100 , the attachable folder  200 , the attachable binder  300 , the attachable pouch  400 ) may be attached together in a manner similar to that described with reference to  FIGS.  21 - 25   . 
     Further, it is contemplated that when the attachable devices described herein are attached together, for example, using the flaps, swing clips, notches, and/or pocket panels described herein, the internal features of the attachable devices are accessible and/or useable. Accordingly, in an attached or partially nested configuration, sheets of paper in a notebook or binder, a binding mechanism, and/or internal pockets on an internal portion of the devices may accessed or used. In this manner, the attachable devices are functional and useable when the attachable devices are attached or otherwise coupled together using the attachment systems, devices, and methods described herein. 
     In some embodiments, one or more snaps may be employed instead of one or more of the flap, swing clip, and notch features described herein. Snaps may be incorporated onto one or more devices (such as notebooks, folders, binders, and/or pouches) to allow the devices to be attached to each other in various configurations. 
       FIGS.  26 - 27    illustrate another embodiment of an attachable binder  500 . The attachable binder  500  employs snap features such that the attachable binder  500  may be coupled other devices including complementary snap features. The attachable binder  500  includes a front panel  512 , a rear panel  514 , and a spine  516  coupling the front panel  512  to the rear panel  514 . The front panel  512  includes one or more snap female snap components  548 . The female snap components  548  at positioned adjacent to the spine  516  and the female snap components  548  are aligned with each other. In some aspects, the female snap components  548  are aligned in parallel with the spine  516 . It is also contemplated that the female snap components may be positioned adjacent to and, in some aspects parallel to, one or more of the free edges of the front panel  512 . 
     The front panel  512  further includes one or more pocket panels  534 A,  534 B positioned at the corners of the front panel  512 . The pocket panels  534 A,  524 B are coupled to the corners of the front panel  512  opposite the spine  516 . The pocket panels  534 A,  534 B form pocket openings between the pocket panels  534 A,  534 B and the front panel  512 . It is contemplated that the pocket panels  534 A,  534 B and pocket openings may provide additional retention and/or attachment functionality for the attachable binder  500 . For example, the pocket openings may receive a panel of a device (or portions thereof) to retain or otherwise attach the panel on the front panel  512  of the attachable binder  500 . In another example, the pocket openings may receive one or more sheets of paper to retain or otherwise attach the sheets of paper on the front panel  512  of the attachable binder  500 . In some embodiments, the pocket panels  534 A,  534 B and the female snap components  548  may be positioned on opposing sides or edges of the front panel  512 . 
     The rear panel  514  includes one or more male snap components  550 . The male snap components  550  are positioned adjacent to the spine  516  and are aligned with each other. Further, the male snap components  550  are aligned with the female snap components  548  on the front panel  512 . The male snap components  550  are complementary to the female snap components  548  such that the male snap components  550  may engage the female snap components to engage or interlock panels together. 
     In operation, the attachable binder  500  may be coupled to another attachable device including complementary snap features. In one example, two attachable binders  500  may be attached to each other. A first attachable binder  500  may be attached to a second attachable binder  500  using the snap features. The male snap components  550  on the rear panel  514  of the first attachable binder  500  may be aligned with the female snap components  548  on the front panel  512  of the second attachable binder  500 . Manual pressure may be applied to the female snap components  548  and or the male snap components  550  to interlock the male and female snap pairs together. 
     It is to be understood that the snap components described herein may be incorporated into any office and/or school devices including but not limited to notebooks, folders, and pouches. In this manner, the snap components described herein may be used to create various attachable devices that may be interchangeably attached or otherwise coupled to each other. 
     Further, although the female snap components  548  and the front panel  512  includes the male snap components  550  are depicted on the rear panel  514  of the attachable device  500 , it is also contemplated that the orientation may be reversed. That is, the female snap components  548  may be included on the rear panel  514  and the male snap components  550  may be included on the front panel  512 . 
     The terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. The word “or” when used herein shall be interpreted as having a disjunctive construction rather than a conjunctive construction unless otherwise specifically indicated. Further uses of singular terms such as “a,” and “an,” are intended to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms. It is intended that the phrase “at least one of” as used herein be interpreted in the disjunctive sense. For example, the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to encompass A, B, or both A and B. 
     The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended to illuminate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Any statement herein as to the nature or benefits of the disclosed device is not intended to be limiting. This invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited herein as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. No unclaimed language should be deemed to limit the invention in scope. Any statements or suggestions herein that certain features constitute a component of the claimed invention are not intended to be limiting unless reflected in the appended claims. Neither the marking of the patent number on any product nor the identification of the patent number in connection with any service should be deemed a representation that all embodiments described herein are incorporated into such product or service.