Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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RING BINDER MECHANISM SPRING BIASED TO A LOCKED POSITION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a ring binder mechanism
for retaining loose-leaf pages, and in particular to an
improved mechanism for opening and closing ring members and
for readily and securely locking closed ring members together.
[0002] A ring binder mechanism retains loose-leaf pages,
such as hole-punched pages, in a file or notebook. It has
ring members for retaining the pages. The ring members may be
selectively opened to add or remove pages or closed to retain
pages while allowing them to be moved along the ring members.
The ring members mount on two adjacent hinge plates that join
together about a pivot axis for pivoting movement within an
elongated housing. The housing loosely holds the hinge plates
so they may pivot relative to the housing. The undeformed
housing is slightly narrower than the joined hinge plates when
the hinge plates are in a coplanar position (180 ). So as the
hinge plates pivot through this position, they deform the
resilient housing and cause a spring force in the housing
urging the hinge plates to pivot away from the coplanar
position either opening or closing the ring members. Thus,
when the ring members are closed the spring force resists
hinge plate movement and clamps the ring members together.
Similarly, when the ring members are open, the spring force
holds them apart. An operator may typically overcome this
force by manually pulling the ring members apart or pushing
them together. Levers may also be provided on both ends of
the binder for moving the ring members between the open and
closed positions.
[0003] One drawback to these typical ring binder
mechanisms is that when the ring members close, the housing's
spring force snaps them together rapidly and with a force that
might cause fingers to be pinched between the ring members.
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The substantial spring force required to keep the ring members
closed also makes pivoting the hinge plates through the
coplanar position (180 ) difficult so that it is hard to both
open and close the ring members. Another drawback is that
when the ring members are closed, they do not positively lock
together. So if the mechanism is accidentally dropped, the
ring members may unintentionally open. Still another drawback
is that over time the housing may begin to permanently deform,
reducing its ability to uniformly clamp the ring members
together and possibly causing uneven movements or gaps between
closed ring members.
[0004] To address these concerns, some ring binder
mechanisms include a control slide attached directly to the
lever. These control slides have inclined cam surfaces that
project through openings in the hinge plates for rigidly
controlling the hinge plates' pivoting motion both when
opening and closing the ring members. Examples of these types
of mechanisms are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,566,817,
4,571,108, and 6,276,862 and in U.K. Pat. No. 2,292,343. Some
of these cam surfaces have a stop for blocking the hinge
plates' pivoting motion when the ring members are closed and
for locking the closed ring members together. These
mechanisms require the operator to move the lever to lock the
rings closed. The operator must manually move the lever to
move the control slide stops into position to block the hinge
plates from pivoting. Failure to do this could result in the
rings inadvertently opening and pages falling out. Any
solution to this issue should be made so as to keep the
construction simple and economic, and avoid causing the rings
to snap closed.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for an efficient ring
binder mechanism that readily locks when ring members close
for retaining loose-leaf pages and has ring members that
easily open and close.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one aspect, the present invention is directed
to a ring binder mechanism generally comprising a housing, a
first hinge plate, and a second hinge plate. The hinge plates
are supported by the housing for pivoting motion relative to
the housing. Rings for holding the loose-leaf pages include a
first ring member and a second ring member. The first ring
member is mounted on the first hinge plate and moveable with
the pivoting motion of the first hinge plate relative to the
second ring member between a closed position and an open
position. In the closed position, the two ring members form a
substantially continuous, closed loop for allowing loose-leaf
pages retained by the rings to be moved along the rings from
one ring member to the other. In the open position, the two
ring members form a discontinuous, open loop for adding or
removing loose-leaf pages from the rings. A lever is in
direct contact with the hinge plates and moveable relative to
the housing for controlling the pivoting motion of the hinge
plates. The lever has a locking position for locking the
first and second hinge plates in the closed position. A
biasing member engages the lever for biasing the lever toward
the locking position.
[0007] In another aspect, the present invention is
directed to a ring binder mechanism generally comprising a
first hinge plate and a second hinge plate. Rings for holding
the loose-leaf pages include a first ring member mounted the
first hinge plates and moveable with the pivoting motion of
the first hinge plate. Each ring further includes a second
ring member mounted on the second hinge plate. The first ring
member is movable relative to the second ring member so that
in a closed position the two ring members form a substantially
continuous, closed loop for allowing loose-leaf pages retained
by the rings to be moved along the rings from one ring member
to the other. In an open position, the two ring members form
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a discontinuous, open loop for adding or removing loose-leaf
pages from the rings. A housing supports the first and second
hinge plates for pivoting motion relative to the housing for
moving the ring members between the open position and the
closed position. The housing is adapted to bias the first and
second hinge plates so that the ring members are urged toward
the closed position. A locking member has a locking position
for locking the first and second hinge plates from movement
when the ring members are in the closed position. A biasing
member associated with the locking member biases the locking
member toward the locked position.
[0008] In yet another aspect, the present invention is
direct to a ring binder mechanism generally comprising a first
hinge plate and a second hinge plate. Rings for holding the
loose-leaf pages include a first ring member mounted on a
first hinge plate and moveable with the pivoting motion of the
first hinge plate. Each ring further includes a second ring
member mounted on the second hinge plate. The first ring
member is movable relative to the second ring member so that
in a closed position the two ring members form a substantially
continuous, closed loop for allowing loose-leaf pages retained
by the rings to be moved along the rings from one ring member
to the other. In an open position the two ring members form a
discontinuous, open loop for adding or removing loose-leaf
pages from the rings. A housing supports the first and second
hinge plates for pivoting motion relative to the housing for
moving the ring members between the open position and the
closed position. A lever associated with the first and second
hinge plates moves the ring members between the open position
and the closed position. The lever has a first position
corresponding the open position of the ring members and a
second position corresponding to the closed position of the
ring members. A biasing member biases the lever toward its
second position.
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[0009] Other features of the invention will be in part
apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective of a notebook
incorporating a ring binder mechanism according to a first
embodiment of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective of the ring binder
mechanism shown in FIG. 1 at a closed and locked position;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective similar to FIG. 2 with the
mechanism at an open position;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective of the ring
binder mechanism;
[0014] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective of a carrier
link of the mechanism;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective of the mechanism at
the closed and locked position;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective similar to FIG. 6 with the
mechanism at the open position;
[0017] FIG. 8A is an enlarged fragmentary perspective of
the mechanism at the closed and locked position with a portion
of a housing and lever along with a ring member removed to
show internal construction;
[0018] FIG. 8B is a side view of the mechanism of FIG. 8A
with portions of lever hinge pins removed;
[0019] FIG. 8C is a transverse section taken on line 8C-
8C of FIG. 8B;
[0020] FIG. 9A is a fragmentary perspective similar to
FIG. 8A with the mechanism at the open position;
[0021] FIG. 9B is a side view thereof with portions of
lever hinge pins removed;
[0022] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective of a ring
binder mechanism according to a second embodiment of the
invention;
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[0023] FIG. 11A is a fragmentary longitudinal section of
the mechanism of FIG. 10 at a closed and locked position and
with hinge plates and ring members removed;
[0024] FIG. 11B is a section similar to FIG. 11A with the
mechanism at an open position;
[0025] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective of a ring
binder mechanism according to a third embodiment of the
invention;
[0026] FIG. 13A is a fragmentary longitudinal section of
the mechanism at a closed and locked position with hinge
plates and ring members removed;
[0027] FIG. 13B is a section similar to FIG. 13A with the
mechanism at an open position;
[0028] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective of a ring
binder mechanism according to a fourth embodiment of the
invention;
[0029] FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective of a travel bar of
the mechanism;
[0030] FIG. 16A is a perspective of the mechanism of FIG.
14 with a portion of a housing cut away and one ring member
removed to show internal construction of the mechanism at a
closed and locked position;
[0031] FIG. 16B is an enlarged and fragmentary side
elevation thereof;
[0032] FIG. 17A is a perspective similar to FIG. 16A with
the mechanism at an open position;
[0033] FIG. 17B is an enlarged and fragmentary side
elevation thereof;
[0034] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective of a ring
binder mechanism according to a fifth embodiment of the
invention;
[0035] FIG. 19 is a perspective of the mechanism of FIG.
18 at a closed and locked position;
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[0036] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective of a ring
binder mechanism according to a sixth embodiment of the
invention;
[0037] FIG. 21 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective of
the mechanism of FIG. 20 with a portion of a housing and a
first ring member of a ring removed to show internal
construction of the mechanism at a closed and locked position;
[0038] FIG. 22 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal
section of the mechanism with hinge plates and ring members
removed;
[0039] FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 21 with the
mechanism at an open position;
[0040] FIG. 24 is a section similar to the section shown
in FIG. 22 but with the mechanism at the open position;
[0041] FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective of a ring
binder mechanism according to a seventh embodiment of the
invention;
[0042] FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective of a ring
binder mechanism according to an eighth embodiment of the
invention;
[0043] FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective of a ring
binder mechanism according to a ninth embodiment of the
invention;
[0044] FIG. 28 is an enlarged perspective of two levers
shown in FIG. 27;
[0045] FIG. 29 is a bottom perspective of the mechanism
at a closed and locked position;
[0046] FIG. 30 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective of
the ring binder mechanism at the closed and locked position
with a portion of a housing removed to show internal
construction;
[0047] FIG. 31 is enlarged longitudinal section of the
ring binder mechanism taken on line 31-31 of FIG. 29;
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[0048] FIG. 32 is a perspective similar to FIG. 27 with
the mechanism at an open and unlocked position;
[0049] FIG. 33 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective of
the ring binder mechanism at the open and unlocked position
with a portion of a housing removed to show internal
construction;
[0050] FIG. 34 is enlarged longitudinal section of the
ring binder mechanism taken on line 34-34 of FIG. 32;
[0051] FIG. 35 is a perspective of a ring binder
mechanism according to a tenth embodiment of the invention;
and
[0052] FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective of the ring
binder mechanism of FIG. 35.
[0053] Corresponding reference characters indicate
corresponding parts throughout the views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0054] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to
Fig. 1, a ring binder mechanism according to a first
embodiment of the invention for retaining loose-leaf pages
(the pages are not shown in the drawings) is indicated
generally at reference numeral 1. The mechanism 1 is shown
mounted on a spine 3 of a notebook (the notebook being
indicated generally at reference numeral 5) having a front
cover 7 and a back cover 9 hingedly attached to the spine.
The front and back covers 7 and 9 move to selectively cover or
expose retained pages. Ring binder mechanisms mounted on
surfaces other than a notebook, however, do not depart from
the scope of this invention.
[0055] As shown in Figs 2 and 3, the mechanism 1 includes
an elongate plate, also termed a housing and indicated
generally at reference numeral 11, supporting three rings,
each indicated generally at reference numeral 13 (Fig. 2). A
lever (broadly, "an actuator"), designated generally at
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reference numeral 15, is pivotally mounted on a first
longitudinal end of the housing 11 for moving the rings 13
between a closed position (Fig. 2) in which loose-leaf pages
are retained on the rings and an open position (Fig. 3) in
which loose-leaf pages (the loose-leaf pages are not shown in
the drawings) may be added or removed, as will be described in
greater detail hereinafter. The lever 15 is also movable to
lock the rings 13 in the closed position as will be described
in greater detail hereinafter. In the illustrated mechanism
1, a second longitudinal end of the housing 11 has no
actuating lever. But it is understood that a mechanism having
an actuating lever at both ends of a housing does not depart
from the scope of the invention. Moreover, actuators other
than levers (e.g., a push button) could be used within the
scope of the invention. Further, a mechanism with a different
number of rings, greater or fewer than three, does not depart
from the scope of this invention. Still further, the ring
mechanism of the invention may be used by itself with
supporting structure other than a notebook.
[0056] As shown in Figs. 4 and 8C, the housing 11 is
shaped as an elongated rectangle with a uniform, generally
arch-shaped elevated cross section having at its center a
plateau 17. Two openings 19a and 19b are provided in the
plateau 17 for receiving and attaching first and second
mounting posts 21a and 21b to secure the mechanism 1 to the
notebook 5 (see Fig. 1). The housing 11 also has a
longitudinal axis 23, two generally opposite longitudinal
edges, and the two opposite transverse ends of which the first
(where the lever 15 is mounted) is generally open. A bent
under rim 25 is formed along both longitudinal edges, and six
holes (only three of which are visible), each designated by
reference numeral 27, are positioned in the bent under rims
along the longitudinal edges to receive the rings 13 through
the rim. Mechanisms having housings of other shapes,
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including irregular shapes, or housings that are integral with
a file or notebook do not depart from the scope of this
invention.
[0057] Two substantially similar hinge plates, designated
by reference numerals 29a and 29b, are supported by the
housing 11 for pivoting movement during operation, as will be
described in greater detail hereinafter. Each hinge plate 29a
and 29b is a thin, elongate sheet having inner and outer
longitudinal edge margins and two longitudinal ends. Three
pairs of aligned notches 31 are formed in the inner edge
margins of the hinge plates 29a and 29b, and corresponding
locating cutouts 33 are formed along the outer longitudinal
edge margins, each serving a purpose that will be described
hereinafter.
[0058] Sill referring to Fig. 4, ring members 35 of each
ring 13 are mounted on an underside of one of the two opposing
hinge plates 29a and 29b. The ring members 35 are movable
with the hinge plates 29a and 29b during operation between a
closed position (Figs. 1 and 2) wherein each ring member forms
a continuous, D-shaped closed loop for retaining loose-leaf
pages, and an open position (Fig. 3) wherein each ring member
35 forms a discontinuous, open loop suitable for adding or
removing pages. The ring members 35 are formed from a
conventional, cylindrical rod of a suitable material such as
steel. Ring members having different cross-sections or ring
members that form different shapes when closed (e.g., a
circular loop as illustrated in later embodiments) do not
depart from the scope of the invention. Although both ring
members 35 of each ring 13 are movable in the illustrated
embodiment, a mechanism in which each ring has a movable ring
member and a fixed ring member does not depart from the scope
of this invention (e.g., a mechanism in which only one of the
ring members.of each ring is mounted on a hinge plate with the
other ring member mounted, for example, on a housing).
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.
[0059] A control structure of the invention, indicated
generally at reference numeral 37, controls the pivoting
movement of the hinge plates 29a and 29b that moves the ring
members 35 between the closed and open positions. It also
operates to lock the ring members 35 together when they are in
the closed position. The control structure 37 includes the
actuating lever 15, an intermediate connector 39, an elongate
travel bar 41, and three connecting links 43, all of which are
movable relative to the housing 11 and each of which are
designated generally by their reference numeral. A mechanism
having more or fewer than three connecting links does not
depart from the scope of the invention.
[0060] The actuating lever 15 is located at the first,
open longitudinal end of the housing 11. It includes an
enlarged head 53, which facilitates gripping and applying
force to the lever 15, extending from a narrow body 55. The
head 53 may be integral with the lever body 55 or attached
separately thereto, and a mechanism having a lever shaped
differently than illustrated does not depart from the scope of
the invention. The intermediate connector 39 is located
between the lever 15 and the travel bar 41 and is elongate and
beam shaped. One end of the connector 39 is generally wider
than the other end with the narrower end including an enlarged
head 59 projecting therefrom. An elongate slot 61 formed in
the intermediate connector 39 allows the connector to move
while receiving the first mounting post 21a through the slot.
The travel bar 41 extends away from the connector 39 generally
lengthwise of the housing 11 and parallel to the longitudinal
axis 23 of the housing. The travel bar 41 is generally flat
and elongate, and one end is bent down to form a shoulder 63
having a slot 65 that is elongate in the lengthwise direction
of the travel bar. Three sets of stops 69 and 71 are
uniformly arranged along the travel bar 41 with portions of
each stop being formed on opposite longitudinal sides of the
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travel bar. The stops 69 and 71 can be formed, for example,
by punching and folding a portion of the travel bar downward
(only portions of stops on one side of the travel bar 41 are
visible in the drawings).
[0061] A coiled torsion spring, or shank spring, 45 is
located adjacent the lever 15 and interacts with the control
structure 37 to urge it to a locked position when the ring
members 35 are closed. In the illustrated embodiment, the
torsion spring 45 includes a coiled body 47 and two free ends
49 and 51. Its interaction with the control structure 37 will
be described in greater detail hereinafter. The three
connecting links 43 are spaced uniformly apart at locations
along the mechanism 1 closely adjacent respective pairs of
ring members 35. As shown better in Fig. 5, each connecting
link 43 has a tongue 73 projecting from a top center of the
link at an angle relative to the link, as shown at line 75.
An upper peripheral edge 77 of the tongue 73 is generally
straight and flat. A pair of locating arms, each designated
by reference numeral 79, extend laterally outward from
opposite sides of the connecting link 43, and a tab 81 and two
lugs, each lug being designated by reference numeral 83,
depend from a lower center of the link. The tab 81 is located
between the two lugs 83 and includes a retainer 85 angling
outward from the tab in a direction generally opposite to the
direction in which the tongue 73 extends. The retainer 85 is
wider than the tab 81, the reason for which will be described
in greater detail hereinafter.
[0062] Referring now to the ring binder mechanism 1 in
assembled form and in particular to Figs. 6 and 7, the housing
11 loosely supports the hinge plates 29a and 29b in parallel
arrangement such that the outer longitudinal edge margin of
each hinge plate is received in the corresponding bent under
rim 25 of the housing 11. The inner longitudinal edge margins
of hinge plates 29a and 29b engage each other and form a hinge
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87. In this arrangement, the outer edge margins are free to
move within the rim 25 as the plates 29a and 29b pivot about
the hinge 87. The hinge moves down (i.e., away from the
housing 11 as shown in Fig. 6) when the plates 29a and 29b
pivot to close the rings 13 (closed position), and it moves up
(i.e., toward the housing 11 as shown in Fig. 7) when the
hinge plates pivot to open the rings (open position). In the
illustrated mechanism 1, the housing 11 provides a small
spring force to bias the hinge plates 29a and 29b to pivot
away from a co-planar position of the plates (i.e., to pivot
toward either the closed position or the open position).
However, the biasing force provided by the housing 11 is
substantially smaller than on conventional ring binder
mechanisms. Preferably, the housing 11 provides a force which
is as small as it can be while still supporting the hinge
plates 29a and 29b.
[0063] Now referring to Figs. 8A and 8B, it can be seen
that the lever 15 is pivotally mounted on the first
longitudinal end of the housing 11 by hinge pin 89 through
holes 91 of the lever and holes 92 of the housing (holes 91
and 92 are shown in Fig. 4) in a position readily accessible
for grasping the enlarged head 53 and pivoting the lever 15.
As also seen, the travel bar 41 is disposed behind the plateau
17 of the housing 11 and is connected to the lever 15 by the
intermediate connector 39. The wider end of the intermediate
connector 39 is pivotally connected to the lever 15 by hinge
pin 95 through holes 96 of the lever 15 and holes 97 of the
connector 39 (see Fig. 4) at a location below where the lever
is mounted on the housing 11 by pin 89. The enlarged head 59
of the narrower end of the connector 39 is received in the
slot 65 in the shoulder 63 of the travel bar 41, allowing the
intermediate connector to push against the shoulder of the
travel bar while the enlarged head 59 is engageable with the
other side of the shoulder 63. This allows the intermediate
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connector 39 to freely pivot up and down with respect to the
travel bar 41, and the travel bar to freely move up and down
without hindrance from the connector. The elongate slot 61 in
the intermediate connector 39 is positioned around the first
mounting post 21a so that the connector can move
longitudinally while receiving the first mounting post through
the slot. Force is therefore transmitted from the lever 15,
around the post 21a, and to the travel bar 41 while keeping
direction of the force along a centerline of the connector 39.
Thus, the connector is able to transmit force from the lever
15 to the travel bar 41 such that application of force to the
lever produces the translational movement of the travel bar.
It should be understood that pivotal motion of a lever, such
as that shown in the illustrated embodiments, provides for
application of a lesser force by an operator when moving a
travel bar than would be necessary to translate the bar
directly as by pushing or pulling, and does so without the
travel bar protruding from a housing. A mechanism in which a
pivoting lever is directly connected to a travel bar does not
depart from the scope of the invention.
[0064] Figures 8A and 8B also illustrate orientation of
the torsion spring 45 relative to the control structure 37.
As can be seen, the torsion spring 45 is connected to the
housing 11 by the hinge pin 89, which also mounts lever 15 on
the housing, through the coiled body 47 of the torsion spring.
The first free end 49 of the torsion spring 45 (Fig. 8B)
engages the lever 15 while the second free end 51 engages the
housing 11 and intermediate connector 39. Thus, the torsion
spring 45 is oriented to resist movement of the control
structure 37 in a direction tending to open the ring members
35. In particular, the torsion spring 45 resists pivoting
movement of the lever 15 outward and downward (i.e., movement
of the first end 49 of the spring 45 toward the second end
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51), which, as will be described in greater detail
hereinafter, operates to open the ring members 35.
[0065] Referring now to Figs. 8A-8C, each connecting link
43 (only one connecting link is shown in the drawings) is
positioned between the travel bar 41 and the hinge plates 29a
and 29b, and together the three links pivotally support the
travel bar above the plates, in effect operatively connecting
the travel bar to the hinge plates. The tongue 73 of each
link 43 is loosely and pivotally received between the stops 69
and 71 of the travel bar 41 such that the angle of the tongue
is generally toward the lever 15. As best seen in Fig. 8B,
the stops 69 and 71 are directionally configured for limiting
angular pivotal motion of the connecting links 43 relative to
the travel bar 41 during operation. The angle of stops 69
differs from the angle of the opposing stops 71 such that a
maximum relative angle between the connecting links 43 and
travel bar 41 may be greater in one longitudinal direction
than in the opposite longitudinal direction (compare Figs. 8B
and 9B). This is described in greater detail hereinafter.
[0066] Referring now particularly to Fig. 8C and the
orientation of the connecting links 43, the lugs 83 of each
link engage upper surfaces of the two hinge plates 29a and 29b
adjacent the hinge 87 (see Fig. 8A) while the tab 81 loosely
fits through opening 99 formed by the aligned notches 31 at
the hinge 87. In this position, the tab retainer 85 is
located under the hinge plates 29a and 29b. The retainer 85
is wider than the corresponding hinge plate opening 99 and
thus prevents the tab 81 from being fully withdrawn from the
opening during operation. The locating arms 79 of each link
43 extend through the corresponding locating cutouts 33 in the
outer edge margins of the hinge plates 29a and 29b. The arms
79 are received sufficiently loosely in the locating cutouts
33 so as not to interfere with the pivoting motion of the
connecting link 43. This helps attach the links 43 to the
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plates 29a and 29b and locate the links against canting
movement (e.g., movement about a vertical axis 24 of the link
43 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 23 of the housing
11). Accordingly, the connecting links 43, and thus the
travel bar 41, are always in connection with the hinge plates
29a and 29b. The loose fit of the tab 81 and locator arms 79
with the hinge plates 29a and 29b allows the tab retainer 85
to move toward and away from the underside of the hinge plates
while permitting the connecting link 43 to pivot with respect
to the hinge plates. Thus, in operation the links 43 can
pivot on the hinge plates 29a and 29b in an angular motion
relative to both the hinge plates and the housing 11 when the
travel bar 41 moves lengthwise; more specifically, the
connecting links can pivot about an axis transverse to each
the longitudinal axis 23 of the housing and the vertical axis
24 of the link 43.
[0067] Operation of the mechanism 1 for moving ring
members 35 between the open and closed positions will now be
described with reference to Figs. 8A-9B. As shown in Figs.
8A-8C, when the ring members 35 are closed, the mechanism 1 is
locked and the lever 15 is in an upright position with the
hinge plates 29a and 29b hinged down and away from the housing
11. The connecting links 43 (only one is shown) are in an
over center position, generally angling toward the lever 15.
As best shown in Fig. 8B, a typical angle Al of each
connecting link 43 relative to the housing 11 is about 95 to
about 100 . The lugs 83 firmly engage the hinge plates 29a
and 29b and block pivoting motion of the plates. Any force
tending to open the ring members 35 is firmly opposed by the
three connecting links 43.
[0068] To open the ring members 35, an operator applies
force to the lever 15 and progressively pivots it outward and
downward. This moves the first free end 49 of the torsion
spring 45 toward the second free end 51 (compressing the
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torsion spring) and pushes the intermediate connector 39 and
travel bar 41 away from the end of the housing 11 having the
lever 15. The travel bar movement simultaneously and
pivotally begins moving the connecting links 43 from their
over center position, through a generally vertical position,
and to a position angling away from the lever 15. The preset
angle of each connecting link tongue 73 inhibits occurrence of
the link 43 becoming stopped at a vertical position with
little or no tendency to move away from that position. During
this initial opening operation, the torsion spring 45 resists
the pivoting movement of the lever 15. So if the lever is 15
is released before the ring members open, the torsion spring
45 immediately urges the lever back to the upright position,
pulling the intermediate connector 39, travel bar 41, and
connecting links 43 back to the locked position (Fig. 8B).
[0069] As the operator continues to pivot the lever 15,
the travel bar 41 continues to move away from the lever and
further pivots each connecting link 43 generally away from
lever 15. Pivoting movement of the links 43 positions the
retainer 85 of each link in engagement with a bottom surface
of the hinge plates 29a and 29b. So as the links 43 pivot,
they pull the hinge plates 29a and 29b upward and through the
co-planar position of the plates, opening the ring members 35
(Figs. 9A and 9B). In this open position, a typical angle A5
of the links 43 relative to the housing 11 is about 30 to
about 45 (Fig. 9B). The hinge plates 29a and 29b are in an
upwardly hinged position and, under the spring force (clamping
force) of the housing 11, hold the connecting links 43 in the
position shown in Figs. 9A and 9B against the force of the
torsion spring 45 urging the lever 15 to the upright position
and tending to close the ring members 35 (and move the control
structure 37 to the locked position). The over center
orientation of the connecting links 43 also helps to resist
the urging force of the torsion spring 45. But this
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CA 02550751 2006-06-21
resistance is small, and alone is not sufficient to resist the
spring's urge. Primary resistance to the urging force of the
torsion spring 45 is from the housing 11.
[0070] To close the open ring members 35 and return the
mechanism 1 to the locked position, the operator may either
pivot the lever 15 upward and inward or manually push the ring
members 35 together. Pivoting the lever 15 pulls the
intermediate connector 39 and travel bar 41 toward the lever.
This correspondingly pivots the connecting links 43 generally
back toward lever 15. The connecting link lugs 83 push down
on the hinge plates 29a and 29b, causing them to pivot
downward and through the co-planar position. As soon as the
hinge plates 29a and 29b pass through the co-planar position
(and the housing spring force biases them fully downward to
their closed position), the ring members 35 close and the
torsion spring 45 automatically urges the lever 15 to pivot
toward its upright position. This lever movement pulls the
travel bar 41 which pivots the connecting links 43 back to
their over center position toward lever 15, blocking pivoting
motion of the hinge plates that opens the ring members 35
(Figs. 8A-8C). The preset angle of each connecting link
tongue 73, combined with the bias form the torsion spring 45,
inhibits occurrence of the link 43 becoming stopped at a
vertical position with little or no tendency to move away from
that position during this closing and locking operation. A
mechanism with connecting links forming different angles Al
and A5 than described and illustrated herein does not depart
from the scope of the invention.
[0071] The several benefits of the ring binder mechanism
1 of the invention should now be apparent. For example, the
torsion spring 45 directly acts on the actuating lever 15 when
urging it to move the control structure 37 to the locked
position. More specifically, the spring 45 is mounted
generally adjacent a pivot axis of the lever 15 and is
18
CA 02550751 2006-06-21
oriented to urge the lever to pivot to move the control
structure 37. Accordingly, the spring 45 utilizes the
mechanical advantage associated with the pivoting lever 15 to
automatically lock the mechanism 1.
[0072] Another advantage of the mechanism 1 of the
invention is that torsion spring 45 can be mounted on the
housing 11 in an operable position adjacent the lever using
the hinge pin 89 used to mount the lever 15. Additional parts
are not necessary to accommodate the spring 45 in the
mechanism, which may reduce manufacturing costs for the
mechanism. Furthermore, parts of the mechanism 1 do not need
to be specially formed to accommodate the spring 45 (e.g., no
additional openings need be formed in the travel bar 41 or
hinge plates 29a and 29b). This may also reduce manufacturing
costs. These advantages generally apply to each embodiment
described herein.
[0073] A second embodiment of the ring binder mechanism
of the invention is shown generally at reference numeral 101
in Figs. 10-11B. Parts of this embodiment corresponding to
parts of the mechanism 1 of the first embodiment are
designated by the same reference numerals, plus "100". The
mechanism 101 of this embodiment is substantially similar to
the mechanism 1 of the first embodiment except that a spring
plate 144 is used for urging control structure 137 (through
lever 115) toward a locked position when ring members 135 are
moved to a closed position. The spring plate 144 is a
generally elongate, flat piece of metal that is bent into a
general L-shape. A mounded channel, the purpose of which will
become apparent shortly, is formed along a width of the plate
144 adjacent the bend. First and second free ends 146 and
148, respectively, are located on opposite sides of the
mounded channel and are relatively oriented at about 90 .
[0074] As best shown in Fig. 11A, the spring plate 144 is
mounted on the housing 111 by hinge pin 189, which also mounts
19
CA 02550751 2006-06-21
the lever 115 on the housing. The mounded channel of the
plate 144 is received on the pin 189 and the first free end
146 of the spring plate engages lever 115 while the second
free end 148 engages the housing 111 under plateau 117.
Pivoting movement of the lever 115 outward and downward (Fig.
11B) tending to open the ring members pivots the spring plate
144 about the hinge pin 189 and moves the two ends 146 and 148
of the spring plate closer together. This creates a tension
in the spring plate 144 that tends to urge the lever 115 back
to the full, upright, and locked position, similar to the
urging force provided by the previously described torsion
spring 45 of the first embodiment.
[0075] A third embodiment of the ring binder mechanism of
the invention is shown generally at reference numeral 201 in
Figs. 12-13B. Parts of this embodiment corresponding to parts
of the mechanism 1 of the first embodiment are designated by
the same reference numerals, plus "200". The mechanism 201 of
this embodiment is again substantially similar to the
mechanism 1 of the first embodiment except that a rubber
spring 250 is used for urging control structure 237 (through
lever 215) toward a locked position when ring members 235 are
moved to a closed position. The rubber spring 250 is
generally a solid mass of plastic or rubber, or other bendable
elastic material, formed into an L-shape. First and second
free ends 252 and 254, respectively, of the spring 250 are
relatively oriented at about 90 , and a ridge extends
widthwise across the spring 250 between the two ends 252 and
254. An opening is located in the ridge passing through the
rubber spring 250, the reason for which will be shortly
described.
[0076] As shown in Fig. 13A, the rubber spring 250 is
mounted on housing 211 by hinge pin 289, which also mounts
lever 215 on the housing, through the opening in the spring's
ridge. The first free end 252 of the rubber spring 250
CA 02550751 2006-06-21
engages lever 215 on the travel bar side of the lever while
the second free end 254 engages the housing 211 under plateau
217. As with the previous embodiments, pivoting movement of
the lever 215 outward and downward (Fig. 13B) opens the ring
members 235. This pivoting movement also pivots the rubber
spring 250 about hinge pin 289, compressing the material of
the rubber spring and moving the two ends 252 and 254 of the
spring closer together. A tension is formed in the spring 250
that tends to urge the lever 215 to pivot and move the control
structure 237 back to the locked position in similar fashion
to the springs of the previously described embodiments. It
should be understood that the tension in the rubber spring 250
results both from moving the ends of the spring closer
together and from compressing the material of the spring.
[0077] Figures 14-17B show a forth embodiment of the ring
binder mechanism generally at reference numeral 301. The
mechanism of this embodiment is again similar to the mechanism
1 of the first embodiment, and parts of this mechanism 301
corresponding to parts of the mechanism of the first
embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, plus
"300". As shown in Fig. 14, housing 311 of this embodiment
includes two additional openings 318a and 318b in plateau 317,
located relatively inward from openings 319a and 319b,
respectively, for receiving and attaching grooved mounting
rivets 320a and 320b to the housing 311, the purpose of which
will be explained hereinafter. Also in this embodiment, hinge
plates 329a and 329b include four pairs of aligned cutouts
along their inner edge margins; cutouts of three pairs are
indicated by reference numeral 322 and cutouts of one pair by
reference numeral 326, each pair of cutouts serving a purpose
that will become apparent hereinafter. Outer edge margins of
the hinge plates 329a and 329b are free of cutouts, and in the
illustrated embodiment, ring members 335 of each ring 313
mount on upper surfaces of the hinge plates.
21
CA 02550751 2006-06-21
[0078] Control structure 337 of this embodiment is also
shown in Fig. 14 and is modified compared to that of the
previous embodiments to include three blocking elements, each
designated generally by reference numeral 328. In addition,
lever 315 of the control structure 337 is bowed generally away
from the housing 311 and includes a closing arm 330 and an
opening arm 332. The closing arm and opening arm extend away
from the lever 315 and are generally vertically opposed to one
another. The arms 330 and 332 may be integral with the lever
315 or may be attached separately, and a mechanism having a
lever shaped differently than illustrated does not depart from
the scope of the invention.
[0079] As also seen in Fig. 14, the intermediate
connector 339 is located between the lever 315 and travel bar
341 and is illustrated as a wire bent into an elongate,
rectangular form. One end 339a of the connector 339 is open
and the other end includes an elongate, rectangular extension
338 protruding therefrom that is narrower than the connector
itself. The travel bar 341 extends away from the intermediate
connector 339 lengthwise of the housing 311 and in line with
longitudinal axis 323 of the housing. The travel bar 341 is
relatively flat and elongate and includes a channel 340 in its
upper surface at one longitudinal end. Two elongate openings
342a and 342b are formed at recessed positions in the travel
bar 341. The elongate openings 342a and 342b slidably receive
the grooved mounting rivets 320a and 320b therethrough.
Mounts 356 in the top of the travel bar 341 are formed when
making the travel bar. The illustrated travel bar 341 is
formed by an injection mold process. But it could be formed
by a different process without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0080] Still referring to Fig. 14, a coiled torsion
spring 358 is included in this embodiment adjacent the lever
315. The spring 358 is similar to the torsion spring 45 of
22
CA 02550751 2006-06-21
the first embodiment, but is located toward a bottom of the
lever 315, near the closing and opening arms 330 and 332 and
toward one side of the lever. It includes a coiled body 360
and two arms 362 and 364, and its interaction with the control
structure 337 will be described in further detail hereinafter.
[0081] Referring now to Fig. 15, the three blocking
elements 328 can be seen uniformly spaced along the bottom of
the travel bar 341. The blocking elements 328 are formed as
one piece with the travel bar 341, but could be formed
separately without departing from the scope of the invention.
Surfaces 366 of the blocking elements 328, facing away from
the travel bar channel 340, are angled, the reason for which
will be described in greater detail hereinafter. Blocking
elements shaped differently than illustrated do not depart
from the scope of the invention.
[0082] Referring now to the ring binder mechanism 301 in
assembled form, and in particular that illustrated in Figs.
16A and 16B, the lever 315 is pivotally mounted on the housing
311 by hinge pins 389a and 389b (only pin 389b is visible)
through holes 391a and 391b of the lever (see Fig. 14, only
hole 391b is visible) and holes 392a and 392b of the housing
(again see Fig. 14, only hole 392b is visible). As best shown
in Fig. 16B, fingers 368 of the hinge plates 329a and 329b fit
between the closing and opening arms 330 and 332 of the lever
315, while the open end 339a of the intermediate connector 339
is received in apertures 396 in the closing arm 330 of the
lever 315. The extension 338 of the connector 339 is received
in the travel bar channel 340 (Fig. 16A).
[0083] Referring now particularly to Fig. 16A, the
grooved mounting rivets 320a and 320b slidably connect the
travel bar 341 to the housing 311 through the recessed slots
342a and 342b of the travel bar and the additional openings
318a and 318b in the housing plateau 317. The blocking
elements 328 face the hinge plates 329a and 329b and are
23
CA 02550751 2006-06-21
generally aligned with the hinge 387 of the interconnected
plates at locations adjacent openings formed by cutouts 322
and adjacent ring members 335. A first mounting post 321a
passes through the hinge plates 329a and 329b and intermediate
connector 339 at an opening formed by cutouts 326 near the
lever 315. This mounting post 321a, along with mounting post
321b, acts to secure the mechanism 301 to a cover of a binder
(not shown).
[0084] Figures 16A and 16B also illustrate orientation of
the torsion spring 358 relative to the control structure 337.
As can be seen, the torsion spring 358 is connected to the
housing 311 by hinge pin 389b, which also mounts lever 315 on
housing 311, through the coiled body 360 of the spring. The
first free end 362 of the torsion spring 358 engages an outer
side of the lever 315 while the second free end 364 engages
the underside of hinge plate 329b. The torsion spring 358 is
oriented to resist movement of the lever 315 tending to move
the control structure 337 to open the ring members 335. In
particular, the torsion spring 358 resists pivoting movement
of the lever 315 outward and downward (i.e., movement of the
first end 362 of the spring counterclockwise away from the
second end 364), which, as will be described in greater detail
hereinafter, operates to open the ring members 335.
[0085] Operation of the mechanism 301 of this embodiment
can be seen with reference to Figs. 16A-17B. As in the
previous embodiments, the control structure 337 selectively
moves the ring members 335 between the closed and open
positions. When the ring members are in the closed position
as shown in Figs. 16A and 16B, the mechanism 301 is locked and
the blocking elements 328 are positioned between the hinge
plates 329a and 329b and travel bar 341, substantially out of
registration with the hinge plate cutout openings 322. The
blocking elements 328 are in contact with an upper surface of
the hinge plates and, together with travel bar 341,
24
CA 02550751 2006-06-21
effectively block pivoting motion of the hinge plates tending
to open the ring members 335.
[0086] To move the ring members 335 to the open position
shown in Figs. 17A and 17B, an operator progressively pivots
the lever 315 outward and downward. This pulls the
intermediate connector 339 and travel bar 341 toward the lever
315. The blocking elements 328 move out of their position
blocking pivoting motion of the hinge plates 329a and 329b and
into registration with the hinge plate cutout openings 322.
The first free end 362 of the torsion spring 358 moves with
the lever 315 away from the second free end 364 of the spring
(producing tension in the spring) and the opening arm 332 of
the lever engages the underside of the hinge plates 329a and
329b. During this initial opening operation, torsion spring
358 tends to resists the lever movement and, if the lever is
released before the ring members 335 open (i.e., before the
hinge plates pivot upward through the co-planar position and
overcome the spring force of the housing), the spring will
automatically urge the lever 315 back to the upright position,
pushing the intermediate connector 339, travel bar 341, and
blocking elements 328 back to the locked position (Figs. 16A
and 16B).
[0087] As the operator continues to pivot the lever 315,
the opening arm 332 biases the hinge plates 329a and 329b to
pivot upward toward the housing 311, and through the co-planar
position of the plates (overcoming the housing spring force
holding the plates in the closed position). The hinge plate
cutout openings 322 pass over the corresponding blocking
elements 328 and the ring members 335 open. In this open
position, the torsion spring 358 still tends to urge the lever
315 to pivot upward and inward for closing the ring members
335 and moving the travel bar 341 and blocking elements 328
toward the locked position. This lever movement is resisted,
though, by the hinge plates 329a and 329b being held in their
CA 02550751 2006-06-21
upwardly hinged position by the spring force of the housing
311. Specifically, the closing arm 320 of the lever 315
engages fingers 368 of the hinge plates 329a and 329b, which
hold the lever against further pivoting movement by the
torsion spring 358 (Fig. 17B). In addition, a portion of the
angled surface 366 of each blocking element 328 frictionally
engages a portion of the hinge plates 29a and 29b at the
respective hinge plate cutout opening 332, helping to hold the
lever against further pivoting movement (Fig. 17B).
[0088] To close the ring members 335 and return the
mechanism 301 to the locked position (Fig. 16A and 16B), the
operator may either pivot the lever 315 upward and inward or
manually push the ring members 335 together. Either action
requires overcoming the spring force of the housing 311
holding the ring members open. If the operator pivots the
lever 315, the closing arm 330 engages the upper surfaces of
hinge plates 329a and 329b and pivots them downward, through
the co-planar position, and over blocking elements 328. As
soon as the hinge plates 329a and 329b pass through the co-
planar position and the angled surfaces 366 of the blocking
elements 328 clear the forward edges of the cutout openings
322, the torsion spring 358 immediately contracts and
automatically urges the lever 315 to pivot toward its upright
position. This pushes the travel bar 341 and blocking
elements 328 away from the lever 315 back to the locked
position. Similarly, if the ring members 335 are manually
pushed together, the hinge plates 329a and 329b directly pivot
downward and through the co-planar position, pushing the
opening arm 332 downward and moving the cutout openings 322
over the corresponding blocking elements 328. The torsion
spring 358 immediately contracts and automatically urges the
lever 315 to pivot toward its upright position, pushing the
travel bar 341 and blocking elements 328 back to the locked
position.
26
CA 02550751 2006-06-21
[0089] Figures 18 and 19 illustrate a ring binder
mechanism according to a fifth embodiment of the invention
shown generally at reference numeral 401. This mechanism is
substantially the same as the mechanism 301 of the fourth
embodiment, and parts of the mechanism 401 of this embodiment
corresponding to parts of the mechanism 301 of the fourth
embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, plus
"100". In this mechanism 401, lever 415 is mounted on housing
411 by a lever mount, designated generally by reference
numeral 470, formed as a separate piece from the housing. As
can be seen in Fig. 19, the lever mount 470 is connected to
the housing 411 by rivets 472 so that arms 474a and 474b of
the mount fit in slots 476a and 476b of the housing. In all
other aspects, the mechanism 401 is the same as the mechanism
301 of the fourth embodiment.
[0090] A sixth embodiment of the ring binder mechanism of
the invention is shown in Figs. 20-24 generally at reference
numeral 501. The mechanism of this embodiment is similar to
the mechanism 301 of the fourth embodiment, and parts of this
mechanism 501 corresponding to parts of the mechanism 301 of
the fourth embodiment are designated by the same reference
numerals, plus "200". As shown in Fig. 20, in this mechanism
501 housing 511 includes one additional opening 518b in
housing plateau 517, located relatively inward from opening
519b for receiving and attaching grooved mounting rivet 520b
to the housing 511 to support movement of travel bar 541
lengthwise of the housing. In addition, the housing 511
includes a slit 578 adjacent lever 515, the purpose for which
will be described in further detail hereinafter. As also
shown in Fig. 20, ring members 535 of each ring 513 mount on
an underside of hinge plates 529a and 529b and are shaped to
form a generally D-shape when in the closed position (not
shown).
27
CA 02550751 2006-06-21
[0091] The actuating lever 515 of this mechanism 501 is
also illustrated in Fig. 20 and includes an enlarged head 553
extending from a narrow body 555. A flat opening arm 532 is
located toward a bottom of the lever body 555, extending away
from the body, and may be integral with the lever body 555 or
may be attached to the lever body. A mechanism having a lever
or opening arm shaped differently than illustrated does not
depart from the scope of the invention. Also in this
mechanism 501, the intermediate connector 539 located between
the lever 515 and travel bar 541 is bent downward at the open
end 539a, while the travel bar, which extends away from the
connector 539, includes one elongate opening 542b recessed
into its top and bottom surfaces generally at a location
corresponding to the location of the additional opening 518b
in the housing plateau 517. In addition, a spring plate,
designated generally at reference numeral 544, and a core 580
interact with the lever 515 for urging it to move control
structure 537 to the closed and locked position. The spring
plate 544 is substantially similar to the spring plate 144
described for the mechanism 101 of the second embodiment,
while the core 580 is generally a solid mass of plastic or
hard rubber, or other similar generally rigid material capable
of supporting the spring plate for pivoting movement.
[0092] Referring now to the assembled ring binder
mechanism 501 fragmentally shown in Figs. 21-24, the lever 515
is pivotally mounted on the housing 511 by hinge pin 589
through holes 591 of the lever and holes 592 of the housing
(see Fig. 20). As best seen in Fig. 21, the opening arm 532
is positioned under the hinge plates 529a and 529b, and the
open end 539a of the intermediate connector 539 is received in
lower openings 596 of the lever 515 (only one opening 596 is
visible). The opposite, narrow extension 538 of the connector
539 is received in the square-shaped channel 540 of the travel
bar 541. The blocking elements 528 are below the travel bar
28
CA 02550751 2006-06-21
541, generally facing the hinge plates 529a and 529b, and are
aligned with the hinge 587 of the interconnected plates at
locations along the hinge adjacent cutout openings 522 and
generally adjacent the ring members 535. The angled surfaces
566 of the blocking elements 528 face the lever 515. The core
580 is connected to the housing 311 by hinge pin 589 through
an opening in the core. A forward notch in the core 580 fits
over upper plateau 517 of the housing 511 for providing
additional support to the core. The spring plate 544 mounts
on the core 580 for operation with the first free end 546 of
the spring plate engaging the lever body 555 and the second
free end 548 fitting through the slit 578 in the housing
plateau 517 for retention thereunder.
[0093] Operation of the mechanism 501 can be seen also
with reference to Figs. 21-24 and is substantially the same as
operation of the mechanism 301 of the fourth embodiment. An
important distinction is use of the core 580 and spring plate
544 to urge the lever 515 to pivot and move the control
structure 537 to a locked position. In addition, when an
operator pivots the lever 515 to open the ring members 535 and
unlock the mechanism 501, the intermediate connector 539,
travel bar 541, and blocking elements 528 move away from the
lever 515. Opening arm 532 of lever 515 engages an underside
of hinge plates 529a and 529b and initiates pivoting movement
of the plates upward and through the co-planar position (i.e.,
to open the ring members 535). During this opening operation,
the spring plate 544 pivots about core 580 which acts as a
pivot support for the spring plate. The first free end 546 of
the spring plate 544 moves with the lever 515 in a direction
generally toward the second free end 548 of the spring plate.
The ring members 535 open when the hinge plates 529a and 529b
pass through the co-planar position, similar to opening
operation of the fourth embodiment. If the lever is released
before the ring members open (and before the hinge plates move
29
CA 02550751 2006-06-21
upward through the co-planar position), the spring plate 544
urges the lever to pivot and move the control structure 537
back to the locked position.
[0094] Once the ring members 535 of this mechanism 501
are in the open position, tension in the spring plate 544
tends to urge the lever 515 to pivot for moving the control
structure 537 to close the ring members and lock the
mechanism. But this is resisted by the hinge plates 529a and
529b, which are held in an upwardly hinged position by the
spring force of the housing 511. In particular, a portion of
angled surface 566 of each blocking element 528 engages a
portion of hinge plates 529a and 529b at each corresponding
cutout opening 522 of the plates. The hinge plates 529a and
529b, under the spring force of the housing 511, resist the
cam force of the angled surfaces 566 of the blocking elements
528 and thus resist the urging force of the spring plate 544
to further pivot the lever.
[0095] To close the ring members 535 and lock the
mechanism 501, the operator may pivot the lever 515 upward and
inward or may manually push the ring members 535 together.
Pivoting the lever 515 pulls the intermediate connector 539
and travel bar 541 toward the lever and causes the angled
surfaces 566 of the blocking elements 528 to cam the hinge
plates 529a and 529b downward and through the co-planar
position (overcoming the spring force of the housing). As
soon as the hinge plates 529a and 529b pass though the co-
planar position and the blocking elements 528 clear the
forward edges of the cutout openings of the plates, the spring
plate 544 immediately expands and automatically pivots the
lever 515 to its upright position, which in turn pushes the
travel bar 541 and blocking elements 528 back to the locked
position.
[0096] A seventh embodiment of the ring binder mechanism
of the invention is shown generally at reference numeral 601
CA 02550751 2006-06-21
in Fig. 25. This mechanism is substantially similar in
operation and structure to the mechanism 501 of the sixth
embodiment, and parts of the mechanism 601 of this embodiment
corresponding to parts of the mechanism of the sixth
embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, plus
"100". In addition in this mechanism 601, a torsion spring
645 substantially identical to that of the first embodiment is
connected to the housing 611 by hinge pin 689 through openings
692 in the housing for urging the control structure 637 to the
closed and locked position. The first free end 649 of the
torsion spring 645 engages the lever 615 while the second free
end 651 engages the housing 611 at its plateau 617. Pivoting
movement of the lever 615 outward and downward moves the two
ends 649 and 651 of the torsion spring 645 closer together and
creates a tension in the spring tending to urge the lever back
to the full, upright, and locked position.
[0097] An eighth embodiment of the ring binder mechanism
of the invention is shown generally at reference numeral 701
in Fig. 26. This mechanism is substantially similar in
operation and structure to the mechanism 501 of the sixth
embodiment, and parts of the mechanism 701 of this embodiment
corresponding to parts of the mechanism of the sixth
embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, plus
"200". Blocking elements 728 are used to bias hinge plates
729a and 729b to pivot to move ring members 735 from an open
position to a closed position and to block pivoting motion of
the plates tending to open the ring members after they are
closed. In addition in this mechanism 701, a rubber spring
750 substantially similar to that of the mechanism 201 of the
third embodiment is used for urging the control structure 737
to the closed and locked position. As in the third
embodiment, the rubber spring 750 is connected to the housing
711 by hinge pin 789. A first free end 752 of the rubber
spring 750 engages the lever 715 while a second free end 754
31
CA 02550751 2006-06-21
engages the housing 711 at the plateau 717. Pivoting movement
of the lever 715 outward and downward compresses the rubber
spring 750 and moves the two ends 752 and 754 of the spring
closer together. This creates a tension in the spring tending
to urge the lever 715 back to the full, upright, and locked
position.
[0098] A ninth embodiment of a ring binder mechanism of
the invention is shown generally at reference numeral 801 in
Figs. 27-34. Parts of the ring binder mechanism 801 of this
embodiment corresponding to parts of the mechanism of the
first embodiment are designated by the same reference
numerals, plus "800". A lever 815 is pivotally mounted on
each of the longitudinal ends of a housing 811 for moving
three rings 813 between a closed and locked position (Fig. 29)
in which loose-leaf pages are retained on the rings and an
open and unlocked position (Fig. 32) in which loose-leaf pages
(the loose-leaf pages are not shown in the drawings) may be
added or removed. Each ring 813 includes two ring members
835.
[0099] Since the two levers 815 are the same only one
will described in detail. As shown in Fig. 28, the lever 815
includes an enlarged head 853, which facilitates gripping and
applying force to the lever 815. A plastic or rubber cover
857 covers the enlarged head to enhance the gripping
properties of the enlarged head 853. It is understood that
other types of covers could be used or the enlarged head 853
could be used without a cover. Extending downward from the
enlarged head 853 is a narrow body 855. The narrow body
includes an upper straight portion 855a and a lower bent
portion 855b. Two ears 862 extend outwardly from the upper
portion of the 855a of the narrow body 855 at a location below
the enlarged head 853. Each of the ears 862 includes a hole
896 sized and shaped for receiving a hinge pin 889 for
32
CA 02550751 2006-06-21
pivoting mounting the lever on the housing 811 (Figs. 27, 28,
30, and 33).
[0100] Referring again to Fig. 28, the lower portion 855b
of the narrow body 855 includes a pair of notches 864, which
define two shoulders 865 and two lateral arms 867. Each of
the notches 864 is sized and shaped for capturing a respective
portion of each hinge plate 829a, 829b so that one of the
shoulders 865 is positioned above one of the hinge plates and
one of the arms 867 is positioned below the hinge plate (see,
Fig. 34). In operation to open the rings 813, the levers 815
are pivoted outward and downward to the position shown in
Figs. 32-34. As the levers 815 are pivoted, the arms 867
engage the bottom surface of the hinge plates 829a, 829b and
push the pivot axis of the plates upward.
[0101] To close the rings 813, the levers 815 are pivoted
upward and inward to the position shown in Figs. 29-31. This
position of the levers 815 is broadly referred to as the
locking position. As the levers 815 are pivoted, the
shoulders 865 engage the top surface of the hinge plates 829a,
829b and move the pivot axis of the plates downward. The
rings 813 are locked by the lever 815 in the closed position.
In other words, the rings 813 cannot be opened by manually
pulling the ring members 835 apart. If a pulling force is
applied to the ring members 835 in the closed position, the
shoulders 865 of the levers 815 engage and inhibit the
movement of the hinge plates 829a, 829b. The shoulders 865
prevent the pivot axis of the hinge plates 829a, 829b from
moving upward toward the housing 811, which would cause the
rings 813 to open.
[0102] Referring to Figs. 30, 31, 33 and 34, a coiled
torsion spring 845 is located adjacent each of the levers 815
and interacts with the levers to urge them to the locked
position when the rings 813 are closed. The torsion spring
845 includes a coiled body 847 and two free ends 849, 851.
33
CA 02550751 2006-06-21
The torsion spring 845 is connected to the housing 811 by the
hinge pin 889, which extends through the coiled body 847 of
the torsion spring. The first free end 849 of the torsion
spring 845 engages the lever 815 while the second free end 851
engages the housing 811. Thus, the torsion spring 845 is
oriented to resist movement of the lever 815 in a direction
tending to open the rings 813. In particular, the torsion
spring 845 resists pivoting movement of the lever 815 outward
and downward (i.e., movement of the first end 849 of the
spring 845 toward the second end 851), which opens the rings.
In other words, the torsion spring 845 resists movement of the
lever 815 from the lever position shown in Figs. 30 and 31 to
the lever position shown in Figs. 33 and 34.
[0103] To open the rings 813, an operator applies force
to the lever 815 and progressively pivots it outward and
downward. This moves the first free end 849 of the torsion
spring 845 toward the second free end 851 (compressing the
torsion spring). During the opening operation, the torsion
spring 845 resists the pivoting movement of the lever 815. So
if the lever is 815 is released before the rings 813 open, the
torsion spring 845 immediately urges the lever and thereby the
rings back to the closed and locked position (Fig. 29).
[0104] As the operator continues to pivot the lever 815,
the arms 867 of the lever pivot the hinge plates 829a, 829b
upward and through the co-planar position of the plates,
opening the rings 813 (Figs. 32 and 33). In the opened
position, the hinge plates 829a, 829b are in an upwardly
hinged position and, under the spring force (clamping force)
of the housing 811. The spring force of the housing 811 holds
the lever 815 in the downward and outward position against the
urging of the torsion spring 845, which is biasing the lever
815 to the upright position and tending to close the rings
813.
34
CA 02550751 2006-06-21
[0105] To close and lock the opened rings 813, the
operator may either pivot the lever 815 upward and inward or
manually push the ring members 835 together. Pivoting the
lever 815 causes the shoulders 865 of the lever to push down
on the hinge plates 829a, 829b, causing them to pivot downward
and through the co-planar position. As soon as the hinge
plates 829a, 829b pass through the co-planar position (and the
housing spring force biases the hinge plates downward to their
closed position), the torsion spring 845 automatically urges
the lever 815 to pivot toward its upright position and the
rings 813 close.
[0106] A tenth embodiment of the ring binder mechanism of
the invention is shown generally at reference numeral 901 in
Figs. 35 and 36. Parts of this embodiment corresponding to
parts of the mechanism 801 of the ninth embodiment (Figs. 27-
34) are designated by the same reference numerals, plus "100".
The mechanism 901 of this embodiment is substantially the same
as the mechanism 801 of the ninth embodiment except that only
one lever 915 is mounted to a housing 911 instead of two.
[0107] The embodiments described herein are given by way
of example and in no way limit the scope of the invention.
For example, a torsion spring, a spring plate, and a rubber
spring have been described for urging an actuating lever of a
ring binder mechanism to a position in which the mechanism is
locked. Other spring forms may be used without departing from
the scope of the invention.
[0108] It is to be understood that the components of the
ring binder mechanisms of the invention are made of a suitable
rigid material, such as a metal (e.g., steel). Mechanisms
with components made of non-metallic materials, specifically
including a plastic, do not depart from the scope of this
invention.
[0109] When introducing elements of the present invention
or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles "a",
CA 02550751 2006-06-21
"an", "the" and "said" are intended to mean that there are one
or more of the elements. The terms "comprising", "including"
and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there
may be additional elements other than the listed elements.
Moreover, the use of "up" and "down" and variations of these
terms is made for convenience, but does not require any
particular orientation of the components.
36
