Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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RING BINDER MECHANISM HAVING PLASTIC HOUSING
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a ring binder
mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages, and in
particular to a ring binder mechanism having a housing
constructed in part from plastic.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[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 the pages to be
moved along the ring members. The ring members mount on
two adjacent hinge plates that join together about a pivot
axis.
[0003] A housing - typically metal and elongated -
loosely supports the hinge plates within the housing and
holds the hinge plates together so they may pivot relative
to the housing. The housing has a generally C-shaped
cross-section, with bent-under rims that hold the hinge
plates within the housing. The hinge plates are disposed
within and extend across the open part of the cross-
sectional "C," spaced from the back wall of the "C," and
the ring members extend through notches or openings in the
housing.
[0004] The undeformed housing is slightly narrower
than the joined hinge plates when the hinge plates are in
a coplanar position (1800). So as the hinge plates pivot
through this position, they deform the resilient housing
and cause a spring force in the housing that urges the
hinge plates to pivot away from the coplanar position,
either opening or closing the ring members. Thus, when
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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 one or both ends of the housing for moving the
ring members between the open and closed positions.
[0005] Conventionally, the housing is mounted to the
file or notebook with the open part of the housing cross-
sectional "C" facing the file or notebook. Thus, the
hinge plates are covered by the back wall of the cross-
sectional "C." This configuration presents a generally
solid metal surface (the exterior surface of the back wall
of the cross-sectional "C") as the exposed surface of the
housing.
[0006] This exposed surface often has a nickel-
containing coating, to which some people may be sensitive.
Additionally, it is difficult and/or more costly to print
on a metal surface - particularly where the metal surface
is nickel-coated - in a manner that the printing is
retained on the surface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one embodiment, a ring binder mechanism for
holding loose-leaf pages generally comprises an elongate
housing including an upper, plastic housing element and a
lower housing element underlying the upper housing
element. A ring support is disposed between the upper and
lower housing elements and supported by the housing for
movement relative to the housing. Rings for holding the
loose-leaf pages are supported by the ring support. In
particular, each ring includes a first ring member and a
second ring member, with the first ring member being
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mounted on the ring support for movement relative to the
second ring member between a closed position and an opened
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, and in the
opened position the two ring members form a discontinuous,
open loop for adding or removing loose-leaf pages from the
rings.
[0008] Provision of a plastic upper housing element
facilitates color-coding notebooks or files in which the
ring binder mechanism is incorporated, and it facilitates
printing on the housing, e.g., with raised or imprinted
lettering or with inks that adhere more easily and less
expensively to plastic than to metal. Furthermore, a
plastic upper housing element reduces exposure to
potentially allergenic nickel plating.
[0009] Other features will be in part apparent and in
part pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a notebook
incorporating a first embodiment of a ring binder
mechanism;
[0011] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the
ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 1;
[0012] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the ring
binder mechanism shown in Figure 1, partially
disassembled;
[0013] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the ring
binder mechanism shown in Figure 1 in an open
configuration;
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[0014] Figure 5 is a longitudinal section view of the
ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 1, with the
mechanism, in a closed configuration;
[0015] Figure 6 is a fragmentary lateral section view
of the ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 1, with the
mechanism in its closed configuration, and with portions
removed to reveal internal construction;
[0016] Figure 7 is a fragmentary lateral section view
similar to fig. 6, with the mechanism show in its open
configuration;
[0017] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a
second embodiment of a ring binder mechanism;
[0018] Figure 9 is a longitudinal section view of the
ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 8, with the
mechanism in a closed configuration;
[0019] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a
third embodiment of a ring binder mechanism;
[0020] Figure 11 is a longitudinal section view of the
ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 10, with the
mechanism in a closed configuration;
[0021] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of a
fourth embodiment of a ring binder mechanism;
[0022] Figure 13 is a longitudinal section view of the
ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 12, with the
mechanism in a closed configuration;
[0023] Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of a
fifth embodiment of a ring binder mechanism;
[0024] Figure 15 is a longitudinal section view of the
ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 14, with the
mechanism in a closed configuration;
[0025] Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of a
sixth embodiment of a ring binder mechanism;
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[0026] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the ring
binder mechanism shown in Figure 16, partially
disassembled;
[0027] Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view of a
seventh embodiment of a ring binder mechanism;
[0028] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the ring
binder mechanism shown in Figure 18, partially
disassembled;
[0029] Figure 20 is a perspective view of the ring
binder mechanism shown in Figure 18 in a closed
configuration;
[0030] Figure 21 is a perspective view of the ring
binder mechanism shown in Figure 18 in an open
configuration;
[0031] Figure 22 is an exploded perspective view of an
eighth embodiment of a ring binder mechanism;
[0032] Figure 23 is a perspective view of the ring
binder mechanism shown in Figure 22, partially
disassembled;
[0033] Figure 24 is a fragmentary lateral section view
of the ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 22, with the
mechanism in a closed configuration;
[0034] Figure 25 is a longitudinal section view of the
ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 22, with the
mechanism in the closed configuration;
[0035] Figure 26 is a fragmentary lateral section view
of the ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 22, with the
mechanism in an open configuration;
[0036] Figure 27 is a longitudinal section view of the
ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 22, with the
mechanism in the open configuration;
[0037] Figure 28 is an exploded perspective view of a
ninth embodiment of a ring binder mechanism;
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[0038] Figure 29 is a perspective view of the ring
binder mechanism shown in Figure 28, partially
disassembled;
[0039] Figure 30 is a fragmentary lateral section view
of the ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 28, with the
mechanism in a closed configuration;
[0040] Figure 31 is a fragmentary lateral section view
similar to fig. 30, with the mechanism in an open
configuration;
[0041] Figure 32 is an exploded perspective view of a
tenth embodiment of a ring binder mechanism;
[0042] Figure 33 is a perspective view of the ring
binder mechanism shown in Figure 32, partially
disassembled;
[0043] Figure 34 is a perspective view of the ring
binder mechanism shown in Figure 32, with the mechanism in
a closed configuration;
[0044] Figure 35 is a fragmentary lateral section view
of the ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 32, with the
mechanism in the closed configuration;
[0045] Figure 36 is a longitudinal section view of the
ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 32, with the
mechanism in the closed configuration;
[0046] Figure 37 is a fragmentary lateral section view
of the ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 32, with the
mechanism in an open configuration;
[0047] Figure 38 is a longitudinal section view of the
ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 32, with the
mechanism in the open configuration;
[0048] Figure 39 is a perspective view of the ring
binder mechanism shown in Figure 32, with the mechanism in
the opened configuration;
[0049] Figure 40 is an exploded perspective view of an
eleventh embodiment of a ring binder mechanism;
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[0050] Figure 41 is a perspective view of the ring
binder mechanism shown in Figure 40, with the mechanism in
a closed configuration;
[0051] Figure 42 is an exploded perspective view of a
twelfth embodiment of a ring binder mechanism;
[0052] Figure 43 is a perspective view of the ring
binder mechanism shown in Figure 42, with a portion of the
upper housing element broken away;
[0053] Figure 44 is a bottom perspective view of the
ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 42;
[0054] Figure 45 is an exploded perspective view of a
thirteenth embodiment of a ring binder mechanism;
[0055] Figure 46 is a perspective view of the ring
binder mechanism shown in Figure 45, partially
disassembled;
[0056] Figure 47 is a fragmentary lateral section view
of the ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 45, with the
mechanism in a closed configuration;
[0057] Figure 48 is a longitudinal section view of the
ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 45, with the
mechanism in the closed configuration;
[0058] Figure 49 is a fragmentary lateral section view
of the ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 45, with the
mechanism in an open configuration;
[0059] Figure 50 is a longitudinal section view of the
ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 45, with the
mechanism in the open configuration;
[0060] Figure 51 is an exploded perspective view of a
fourteenth embodiment of a ring binder mechanism;
[0061] Figure 52 is a perspective view of the ring
binder mechanism shown in Figure 51, partially
disassembled;
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[0062] Figure 53 is a perspective view of the ring
binder mechanism shown in Figure 51, with the mechanism in
a closed configuration;
[0063] Figure 54 is a bottom perspective view of the
ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 51, with the
mechanism in the closed configuration;
[0064] Figure 55 is a fragmentary lateral section
view of the ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 51, with
the mechanism in the closed configuration;
[0065] Figure 56 is a longitudinal section view of the
ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 51, with the
mechanism in the closed configuration;
[0066] Figure 57 is a fragmentary lateral section view
of the ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 51, with the
mechanism in an open configuration;
[0067] Figure 58 is a longitudinal section view of the
ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 51, with the
mechanism in the open configuration;
[0068] Figure 59 is a perspective view of the ring
binder mechanism shown in Figure 51, with the mechanism in
the open configuration;
[0069] Figure 60 is a perspective view of a notebook
incorporating a fifteenth embodiment of a ring binder
mechanism;
[0070] Figure 61 is an exploded perspective view of
the ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 60;
[0071] Figure 62 is a perspective view of the ring
binder mechanism shown in Figure 60, partially
disassembled;
[0072] Figure 63 is a bottom perspective view of the
ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 60, with the
mechanism in a closed configuration;
[0073] Figure 64 is a longitudinal section view of the
ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 60;
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[0074] Figure 65 is a bottom perspective view of the
ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 60, with the
mechanism in an open configuration;
[0075] Figure 66 is an exploded perspective view of a
sixteenth embodiment of a ring binder mechanism;
[0076] Figure 67 is a perspective view of the ring
binder mechanism shown in Figure 66, partially
disassembled;
[0077] Figure 68 is an exploded perspective view of a
seventeenth embodiment of a ring binder mechanism;
[0078] Figure 69 is a perspective view of the ring
binder mechanism shown in Figure 68, partially
disassembled;
[0079] Figure 70 is an exploded perspective view of an
eighteenth embodiment of a ring binder mechanism;
[0080] Figure 71 is a perspective view of the ring
binder mechanism shown in Figure 70, partially
disassembled;
[0081] Figure 72 is a bottom view of a nineteenth
embodiment of a ring binder mechanism;
[0082] Figure 73 is a side view of the ring binder
mechanism shown in Figure 72;
[0083] Figure 74 is a top view of the ring binder
mechanism shown in Figure 72;
[0084] Figure 75 is a bottom view of a twentieth
embodiment of a ring binder mechanism;
[0085] Figure 76 is a side view of the ring binder
mechanism shown in Figure 75;
[0086] Figure 77 is a top view of the ring binder
mechanism shown in Figure 75;
[0087] Figure 78 is a top side perspective view of a
twenty-first embodiment of a ring binder mechanism;
[0088] Figure 79 is a bottom side perspective view of
the ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 78;
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[0089] Figure 80 is an exploded perspective view of
the ring binder mechanism shown in Figure 78;
[0090] Figure 81 is a partially and longitudinally
cross-sectional view of the ring binder mechanism shown in
Figure 78, in which the ring binder mechanism is attached
to a cover;
[0091] Figure 82 is a partially and transversely
cross-sectional view of the ring binder mechanism shown in
Figure 78, in which the ring binder mechanism is attached
to a cover;
[0092] Figure 83 is an alternative configuration of an
intermediate connector and a locking system; and
[0093] Figure 84 is an exploded perspective view of
the configuration shown in Figure 83.
[0094] Corresponding reference numbers indicate
corresponding parts throughout the views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0095] Referring to the drawings, Figures 1-7
illustrate a first embodiment of a ring binder mechanism,
generally indicated at 100. In Figure 1, the mechanism
100 is shown mounted on a notebook designated generally at
10. Specifically, the mechanism 100 is shown mounted on
the back cover 12 of the notebook 10 by means of rivets
113 (Figure 5), generally adjacent to and aligned with the
spine 14 of the notebook 10. The front cover 16 of the
notebook 10 is hingedly connected to the spine 14 and
moves to selectively cover or expose loose-leaf pages (not
shown) retained by the mechanism 100 in the notebook 10.
Ring binder mechanisms mounted on notebooks in other ways
(e.g., on the spine) or on surfaces other than a notebook
(e.g., a file) do not depart from the scope of this
invention.
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[0096] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, a housing,
designated generally at 102, supports three rings (each
designated generally at 104) and a lever (broadly, an
"actuator," and designated generally at 106). The rings
104 retain loose-leaf pages on the ring binder mechanism
100 in the notebook 10 while the lever 106 operates to
open and close the rings 104 so that pages may be added or
removed.
[0097] As best shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5, the
housing 102 includes an upper housing element 110 and a
lower housing element 112 underlying the upper housing
element 110. The upper housing element 110 is suitably
constructed of a plastic material. Examples of suitable
plastic materials include, without limitation
polypropylene and polycarbonate. The lower housing
element 112 is made from metal so as to provide a suitable
spring force to the housing, as explained in greater
detail below.
[0098] In the first embodiment 100, the lower housing
element 112 is shaped as an elongated rectangle with a
uniform, roughly C-shaped cross section. A first
longitudinal end 114 of the lower housing element 112 is
generally open, and a second, opposite longitudinal end
116, while also generally open, has inwardly spaced,
upstanding lever-mounting wall elements 118. Bent-in rims,
each designated at 120 (Figures 2, 3, and 5), extend
lengthwise along longitudinal edges of the lower housing
element 112 from the first longitudinal end 114 to the
second longitudinal end 116. Notches 122 are formed in
the bent-in rims to accommodate the rings 104 of the
binder mechanism 100, as best shown in Figure 3.
Attachment holes 123 are formed through the base portion
125 of the lower housing element 112, near both of the
longitudinal ends, to receive the rivets 113 or other
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means by which the housing 102 is secured to the notebook
10.
[0099] The three rings 104 of the ring binder
mechanism 100 are substantially similar and are each
generally circular in shape. As shown in Figures 2, 4,
and 5, the rings 104 each include two generally semi-
circular ring members 124 formed from a conventional,
cylindrical rod of a suitable material (e.g., steel). The
ring members 124 include free ends 126 formed to secure
the ring members 124 against transverse misalignment when
they are closed together. The rings 104 could be D-shaped
as is known in the art, or shaped otherwise within the
scope of this invention. Ring binder mechanisms with ring
members formed of different material or having different
cross-sectional shapes, for example, oval shapes, do not
depart from the scope of this invention.
[00100] As also shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5, the
first embodiment 100 of a ring binder mechanism includes
two generally identical - but substantially mirror-image
of each other - hinge plates 128 (broadly, a "ring
support") supporting the ring members 124. The hinge
plates 128 of the first embodiment 100 are each generally
elongate, flat, and rectangular in shape, and are each
somewhat shorter in length than the lower housing element
112 as shown in Figure 3. A finger 130 extends
longitudinally away from a first end of each of the hinge
plates 128 (to the right in Figures 2 and 3). The fingers
130 are each narrower in width than the main body portion
of their respective hinge plate 128 and are positioned
with their inner longitudinal edges generally aligned with
the inner longitudinal edges of the main body portions of
the hinge plates 128. Cutouts 131 are formed in the inner
longitudinal edges of the hinge plates 128, near the ends
from which the fingers 130 extend, to provide access to
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the attachment hole 123 near that end of the housing. The
hinge plates 128 are short enough that the attachment hole
123 near the opposite end of the housing remains
accessible, as best shown in Figure 3. It is contemplated
and understood that a moveable ring support other than
hinge plates may be used in this and any of the other
embodiments set forth herein without departing from the
scope of this invention.
[00101] As best shown in Figures 6 and 7, the lever
106 includes a grip 132, a body 134 attached to the grip
132, and an upper lip 136 and lower lip 138 extending from
the body 134. The grip 132 is somewhat broader than each
of the body 134, upper lip 136, and lower lip 138 and
facilitates grasping the lever 106 and applying force to
move the lever 106. In the illustrated ring binder
mechanism 100, the body 134 is formed as one piece with
the grip 132 for substantially conjoint movement with the
grip 132.
[00102] As noted above, the upper housing element
110 is suitably made from plastic. This allows the upper
housing element to be fabricated in a variety of different
colors, which is useful for color-coding notebooks.
Additionally, printed text (either raised or imprinted)
may be molded into or otherwise formed in the upper
housing element 110 if so desired.
[00103] In the first embodiment 100, the upper
housing element 110 is generally rectangular and
elongated, and is approximately the same length as the
lower housing element 112. A first longitudinal end 140
of the upper housing element is generally open to
accommodate the lever 106, while a second, opposite
longitudinal end 142 of the upper housing element may be
closed. Slots 144 are formed in the lateral sides of the
upper housing element 110 to accommodate the rings 104, as
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best shown in Figure 4, and access holes 146 are formed in
the upper, midline portion of the upper housing element to
provide access to the rivets 113 or other means by which
the housing 102 is secured to the notebook 10.
[00104] As best shown in Figure 5, the upper housing
element 110 has a generally concave cross-sectional
configuration, with a central portion 148 and lateral
sides 150 extending downwardly along either side of the
central portion 148. The lateral sides 150 are spaced
apart by a distance that is essentially the same as the
width of the lower housing element 112, but ridges 152
protrude slightly inwardly. This configuration allows the
upper housing element 110 to be snap-fit connected to the
lower housing element 112.
[00105] The ring binder mechanism 100 in assembled
form will now be described. As illustrated in Figures 3,
6, and 7, the lever 106 is mounted to the second
longitudinal end 116 of the lower housing element 112. In
particular, the body 134 of the lever 106 is positioned
between the lever-mounting wall elements 118, with passage
135 extending through the body 134 (Figure 2) aligned with
holes 119 in the wall elements 118. Pivot pin 121 passes
through the passage 135 and holes 119 to pivotally mount
the lever 106 to the lower housing element 112.
[00106] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the hinge
plates 128 are interconnected in parallel arrangement
along their inner longitudinal edge margins, forming a
central hinge 154 having a pivot axis. This is done in a
conventional manner known in the art. As will be
described, the hinge plates 128 can pivot about the hinge
154 upward and downward. The lower housing element 112
supports the interconnected hinge plates 128 within it.
The outer longitudinal edge margins of the hinge plates
128 loosely fit behind the bent-in rims 120 of the lower
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housing element 112 for allowing them to move within the
rims when the hinge plates 128 pivot. As shown in Figures
3, 6, and 7, the fingers 130 of the hinge plates 128
extend into the space 139 between the upper lip 136 and
the lower lip 138 of the lever 106 so that lower surfaces
of the hinge plate fingers 130 are engageable by the lower
lip 138 and upper surfaces of the hinge plate fingers 130
are engageable by the upper lip 136.
[00107] The ring members 124 are each mounted on
upper surfaces of respective ones of the hinge plates 128
in generally opposed fashion with their free ends 126
facing, and they are accommodated in the notches 122
formed in the bent-in rims 120. The upper housing element
110 is snap-fit connected to the lower housing element 112
so as to cover the hinge plates 128 and enclose the
housing 102, and the ring members 124 extend through
respective slots 144 along the sides of the upper housing
element 110 so that the free ends 126 of the ring members
can engage above the housing 102. In the first embodiment
100, the ring members 124 are rigidly connected to the
hinge plates 128 as is known in the art and move with the
hinge plates when they pivot. Although in the illustrated
ring binder mechanism 100 both ring members 124 of each
ring 104 are each mounted on one of the two hinge plates
128 and move with the pivoting movement of the hinge
plates 128, a mechanism in which each ring has one movable
ring member and one 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).
[00108] Operation of the ring binder mechanism 100
will now be described. As is known, the hinge plates 128
pivot upward and downward relative to the lower housing
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element 112, about the central hinge 154, and move the
ring members 124 mounted thereon between a closed position
(e.g., Figures 1, 3, 5, and 6) and an open position (e.g.,
Figures 4 and 7). The hinge plates 128 are wider than the
lower housing element 112 when in a co-planar position
(1800), so as they pivot through the co-planar position,
they deform the lower housing element 112 which creates a
small spring force in the lower housing element 112. The
housing spring force biases the hinge plates 128 to pivot
away from the co-planar position, either downward or
upward. The ring members 124 close when the hinge plates
128 pivot downward (i.e., the hinge 154 moves toward the
lower housing element 112 as shown in Figure 5); the ring
members 124 open when the hinge plates 128 pivot upward
(i.e., the hinge 154 moves away from the lower housing
element 112.
[00109] In Figures. 3, 5, and 6, the ring binder
mechanism 100 is in a closed configuration. The hinge
plates 128 are pivoted downward, toward the lower housing
element 112, so that the ring members 124 of each ring 104
are together in a continuous, circular loop, capable of
retaining loose-leaf pages. The lever 106 is vertical
relative to the housing 102, with the upper surface of the
lower lip 138 of the lever engaging the lower surfaces of
the hinge plate fingers 130.
[00110] To unlock the ring binder mechanism 100 and
open the ring members 104, an operator applies force to
the grip 132 of the lever 106 and pivots it outwardly
(i.e., to the right, as shown in Figures 6 and 7). This
causes the upper surface of the lower lip 138 of the lever
to press upward against the lower surfaces of the hinge
plate fingers 130 and pushes the central hinge 154
upwardly. Given sufficient force applied to the grip 132,
the spring force of the lower housing element 112 will be
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overcome, and the hinge plates 128 will pivot upwardly
through their co-planar position into the open
configuration, which opens the ring members 124 as best
shown in Figure 4. (Depending on the specific geometry of
the hinge plates 128 and the hinge plate fingers 130, the
hinge plate fingers 130 may flex slightly relative to the
main body portions of the hinge plates 128 before the
hinge plates 128 pivot upwardly through their co-planar
position.) Conversely, to close the ring binder mechanism
100 and close the ring members 104, an operator applies
force to the grip 132 of the lever 106 and pivots it
inwardly (i.e., to the left, as shown in Figures 6 and 7).
This causes the lower surface of the upper lip 136 of the
lever to press downward against the upper surfaces of the
hinge plate fingers 130 and pushes the central hinge 154
downwardly. Given sufficient force applied to the grip
132, the spring force of the lower housing element 112
will be overcome, and the hinge plates 128 will pivot
downwardly through their co-planar position into the
closed configuration (Figures 3 and 5), which closes the
ring members 124. In the illustrated mechanism 100, the
ring members 124 can also be opened and closed by manually
pulling and pushing the free ends 126 of the ring members
124 apart and together, respectively.
[00111] A second embodiment 200 of a ring binder
mechanism with a plastic upper housing element 210 is
illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. The second embodiment 200
is substantially identical to the first embodiment 100,
and corresponding components are labeled with reference
numbers that have been incremented by 100, i.e., that are
in the 200's. Operation of the two embodiments 100 and
200 is identical.
[00112] The only difference between the first and
second embodiments is that in the second embodiment 200,
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the material surrounding the access hole 246 at each end
of the plastic upper housing element 210 is thickened for
reinforcement as at 258, and a support post 260 surrounds
and extends downwardly from the thickened portion around
each access hole 246. By using a longer rivet 213 which
engages the upper surface of the thickened portion and the
bottom surface of the structure to which the ring binder
mechanism is attached (e.g., the back cover 12 of a
notebook 10) and clamps the support post 260 therebetween,
the ring binder mechanism 200 can be secured to the
structure in a manner that prevents the upper housing
element 210 from being removed from the lower housing
element 212. (Compare Figure 9 to Figure 5; in the first
embodiment 100, the upper housing element 110 can be
removed from the lower housing element 112.)
[00113] A third embodiment 300 of a ring binder
mechanism with a plastic upper housing element 310 is
illustrated in Figures 10 and 11. The third embodiment
300 is substantially identical to the second embodiment
200, and corresponding components are labeled with
reference numbers that have been incremented by 100, i.e.,
that are in the 300's. Operation of the two embodiments
200 and 300 is identical.
[00114] The only difference between the second and
third embodiments is that in the third embodiment 300, no
support post extends from the thickened portion 358
surrounding the access holes 346. Rather, to support the
upper housing element 310 and prevent it from crushing
into the lower housing element, double-walled rivets 313
are used, with the double-walled rivets 313 clamping the
thickened portions 358 at the upper ends of the rivets and
with the lower housing element 312 being clamped to the
support surface 12 between rivet flanges 315 and 317 at
the lower ends of the rivets, as shown in Figure 11.
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[00115] A fourth embodiment 400 of a ring binder
mechanism with a plastic upper housing element 410 is
illustrated in Figures 12 and 13. The fourth embodiment
400 is substantially identical to the third embodiment
300, and corresponding components are labeled with
reference numbers that have been incremented by 100, i.e.,
that are in the 400's. Operation of the two embodiments
300 and 400 is identical.
[00116] The only difference between the third and
fourth embodiments is that in the fourth embodiment the
mechanism 400 has raised annular shoulders 464 surrounding
the attachment holes 423 in the lower housing element 412.
Thus, the rivet flanges 415 fit underneath the raised
annular shoulders 464, between the bottom of the lower
housing element 412 and the surface 12 to which the ring
binder mechanism 400 is attached as shown in Figure 13.
[00117] A fifth embodiment of a ring binder
mechanism 500 with a plastic upper housing element 510 is
illustrated in Figures 14 and 15. The mechanism 500 of
this fifth embodiment is substantially identical to that
of the fourth embodiment, and corresponding components are
labeled with reference numbers that have been incremented
by 100, i.e., that are in the 500's. Operation of the two
mechanisms 400 and 500 is identical.
[00118] The difference between the fourth and fifth
embodiments is in the height of the raised annular
shoulders 564 surrounding the attachment holes 523 in the
lower housing element 512 and in the manner in which the
double-walled rivets 513 engage the various components
together.
[00119] A sixth embodiment of a ring binder
mechanism 600 with a plastic upper housing element 610 is
shown in Figures 16 and 17. This mechanism 600 is
generally identical to that of the first embodiment, and
19
CA 02604740 2007-09-27
corresponding components are labeled with reference
numbers that have been incremented by 500, i.e., that are
in the 600's. Operation of the two mechanisms 100 and 600
is identical. The upper housing element 610 may be
identical to any of the upper housing elements 110, 210,
310, 410, or 510.
[00120] The difference between the first and sixth
embodiments is that in the sixth embodiment 600, the lower
housing element is comprised of multiple pieces 612a,
612b, and 612c, the endmost ones of which (i.e., 612a and
612c) are secured to the structure on which the ring
binder mechanism 600 is mounted. Suitably, one lower
housing element piece is provided in the region of each
ring 604, such that the number of lower housing element
pieces is the same as the number of rings in the
mechanism, e.g., two, three (as shown), four, etc.
Advantageously, this configuration reduces material costs
associated with the lower housing element.
[00121] A seventh embodiment of a ring binder
mechanism 700 with a plastic upper housing element 710 is
illustrated in Figures 18-21. The ring binder mechanism
700 is substantially identical to that of the first
embodiment, and corresponding components are labeled with
reference numbers that have been incremented by 600, i.e.,
that are in the 700's. Operation of the two mechanisms
100 and 700 is essentially identical.
[00122] The difference between the first and seventh
embodiments is that in this seventh embodiment, a lever
706 is mounted at each end of the ring binder mechanism
700 to increase actuation versatility. To support that
feature, lever-mounting wall elements 718a, 718b are
provided at each end 716, 714 of the lower housing element
712, and both ends 740, 742 of the upper housing element
710 are open (as compared to end 142 of the upper housing
CA 02604740 2007-09-27
element 110 in the first mechanism 100, which is closed).
Fingers 730a, 730b are provided at both ends of the hinge
plates 728 (and are engaged by the levers 706 in the same
manner as described above with respect the ring binder
mechanism 100). Furthermore, cutouts 731a, 731b are
formed in the inner longitudinal edges of the hinge plates
728 near both ends of the hinge plates to provide access
to the attachment holes 723 near both ends of the housing.
[00123] An eighth embodiment of a ring binder
mechanism 800 with a plastic upper housing element 810 is
illustrated in Figures 22-27. The eighth embodiment 800
substantially similar to the first embodiment, and
corresponding components are labeled with reference
numbers that have been incremented by 700, i.e., that are
in the 800's. Operation of the mechanisms 100 and 800 is
generally identical; structure that is different between
the two embodiments is described below.
[00124] In particular, as best shown in Figures 22
and 23, the sidewalls of the lower housing element 812
have a series of notches 866 formed therein, extending
along the length of the lower housing element 812. This
defines a series of tabs 868 between the notches 862,
extending along the length of the lower housing element
812. Accordingly, the bent-in rims are constituted by a
plurality of bent-in rim segments 870 extending inwardly
from each of the tabs 868. This configuration reduces
material costs and increases manufacturing efficiency
associated with producing the lower housing element 812,
as multiple lower housing elements can be stamped from a
sheet of metal with the tabs 868 of adjacent lower housing
element "blanks" to be stamped from the sheet being
interleaved.
[00125] Similarly, the hinge plates 828 are
constructed in a manner which reduces material costs and
21
CA 02604740 2007-09-27
increases manufacturing efficiency in much the same way as
costs are reduced and efficiency is increased with respect
to the lower housing element 812. In particular, the
hinge plates 828 may be referred to as "skeletonized" -
i.e, reduced to a minimal amount of material - and are
fabricated in generally sinusoidal or serpentine shapes,
as illustrated in Figures 22 and 23, which consist of
alternating peaks and valleys or crests and troughs 872,
874, respectively. As best shown in Figure 23, the hinge
plates 828 are retained in the lower housing element 812
by virtue of the laterally outer edges of the peaks/crests
872 being engaged under the bent-in rim segments 870, and
the central hinge 854 is constituted by interleaved
abutment of the laterally inner edges of the
valleys/troughs 874 (as also shown in Figures 27 and 27).
[00126] Furthermore with respect to the hinge plates
828, rather than fingers, they include inwardly protruding
tabs 876 (Figure 22). The tabs 876 are positioned
laterally outwardly on the hinge plates 828 by a
sufficient amount that they do not abut against each other
when the ring binder mechanism is assembled.
[00127] As shown in Figures 22, 24, and 26, the
lever 806, which may conveniently be formed from a bent
piece of material such as metal, has a generally J-shaped
profile. The grip portion 832 of the lever is formed at
the top of the upstanding stem portion of the "J," and two
ears 805 extend perpendicularly to the stem portion of the
"J," near the base of the "J," with a mounting hole 835
formed in each ear 805. Across from the stem of the "J,"
the upturned crook 807 of the "J" has a notch 809 formed
in each side of it. The lever 806 is positioned at the
longitudinal end 816 of the lower housing element 812,
between the lever-mounting wall elements 818 with the
mounting holes 835 in the ears 805 aligned with holes 819
22
CA 02604740 2007-09-27
in the wall elements 818. The lever 806 is pivotally
mounted to the lower housing element 812 by means of pivot
pin 821, which passes through the holes 819 and 835.
[00128] As best shown in Figure 23, the inwardly
protruding tabs 876 near the ends of the hinge plates 828
are positioned within the notches 809 in the sides of the
upturned crook portion of the lever "J." Lower surfaces
of the notches 809 press against lower surfaces of the
tabs 876 when the lever 806 is pivoted outwardly (i.e., to
the right as shown in Figures 24 and 26) to open the ring
binder mechanism 800; upper surfaces of the notches 809
press against upper surfaces of the tabs 876 when the
lever is pivoted back inwardly (i.e., to the left as shown
in Figures 24 and 26) to close the ring binder mechanism
800.
[00129] A ninth embodiment of a ring binder
mechanism 900 with a plastic upper housing element 910 is
illustrated in Figures 28-31. The ninth embodiment is
substantially identical to the first embodiment, and
corresponding components are labeled with reference
numbers that have been incremented by 800, i.e., that are
in the 900's. Operation of the two mechanisms 100 and 900
is identical.
[00130] The only difference between the first and
ninth embodiments is in the lever 906. The lever 906,
which may conveniently be formed from a bent piece of
material such as metal, has a generally J-shaped profile.
The grip portion 932 of the lever is formed at the top of
the upstanding stem portion of the "J," and two ears 905
extend perpendicularly to the stem portion of the "J,"
near the base of the "J," with a mounting hole 935 formed
in each ear 905. Additionally, an arm 911 extends forward
from each side of the lever 906, just above each ear 905,
and the arms 911 converge inwardly as shown in Figure 28.
23
CA 02604740 2007-09-27
The arms 911 extend forwardly from the stem of the "J"
approximately the same distance as the base of the "J"
extends forwardly, as best shown in Figures 30 and 31.
The lever 906 is positioned at the longitudinal end 916 of
the lower housing element 912, between the lever-mounting
wall elements 918 with the mounting holes 935 in the ears
905 aligned with holes 919 in the wall elements 918. The
lever 906 is pivotally mounted to the lower housing
element 912 by means of pivot pin 921, which passes
through the holes 919 and 935.
[00131] Fingers 930 extending from the hinge plates
928 extend into the gap between the arms 911 and the tip
of the upturned crook portion 907 of the lever "J." The
upper surface of the tip of the crook presses against
lower surfaces of the fingers 930 when the lever 906 is
pivoted outwardly (i.e., to the right as shown in Figures
30 and 31) to open the ring binder mechanism 900; lower
surfaces of the ends of the arms 911 press against upper
surfaces of the fingers 930 when the lever is pivoted back
inwardly (i.e., to the left as shown in Figures 30 and 31)
to close the ring binder mechanism 900.
[00132] Figures 32-39 illustrate a tenth embodiment
of a ring binder mechanism with a plastic upper housing
element 1010. The tenth embodiment is substantially
similar to the first embodiment 100, and corresponding
components are labeled with reference numbers that have
been incremented by 900, i.e., that are in the 1000's.
Overall operation of the two mechanisms 100 and 1000 is
essentially the same.
[00133] This tenth embodiment includes skeletonized
hinge plates 1028 that are virtually identical to the
hinge plates 828 of the eighth embodiment 800 and that
include inwardly protruding tabs 1076. Like the hinge
plates 828 of the eighth embodiment 800, the tabs 1076 are
24
CA 02604740 2007-09-27
positioned laterally outwardly on the hinge plates 1028 by
a sufficient amount that they do not abut against each
other when the ring binder mechanism is assembled.
[00134] The lower housing element 1012, on the other
hand, does not have a series of tab-defining notches in
the sidewalls as does the lower housing element 812 of the
eighth embodiment 800 (although it could, if desired).
Rather, the lower housing element 1012 is similar to the
lower housing element 112 of the first embodiment 100.
The lower housing element 1012 differs from that lower
housing element 112, however, in the specific arrangement
of the longitudinal end 1016. In particular, the
longitudinal end 1016 includes an end extension portion
1017, and the lever-mounting wall elements 1018 extend
vertically from the end extension portion 1017. A hole
1019 is formed in each of the lever-mounting wall elements
1018.
[00135] The lever 1006 in the tenth embodiment 1000
is somewhat different in configuration than those
described previously. As best shown in Figures 35 and 37,
the lever 1006, which may conveniently be formed from a
bent piece of material such as metal, includes an
upstanding grip 1032. (The grip 1032 may include a
plastic or rubber grip cover 1033 to improve comfort, as
shown, if so desired.) A protruding bulge-out portion
1037 is formed at the base of the grip 1032, and a tab
1041 depends from the bottom wall of the bulge-out portion
1037. A notch 1043 is formed in either side of the tab
1041. Bent-back ears 1005 are provided on either side of
the bulge-out portion 1037, extending back from the front
wall of the bulge-out portion toward the grip 1032, and a
hole 1035 is formed in each ear 1005.
[00136] The lever 1006 is positioned at the
longitudinal end 1016 of the lower housing element 1012
CA 02604740 2007-09-27
between the wall elements 1018, as best shown in Figures
33 and 39, with the holes 1035 in the ears 1005 aligned
with the holes 1019 in the wall elements 1018. A pivot
pin 1021 passes through the holes 1035 and 1019, behind
the bulge-out portion 1037, to pivotally attach the lever
1006 to the lower housing element 1012. When the ring
binder mechanism 1000 is assembled, the ends 1077 of the
hinge plates 1028 fit within the notches 1043 in the sides
of the tab 1041 depending from the lever bulge-out
portion, with the hinge plate tabs 1076 positioned behind
the depending tab 1041. This configuration prevents the
lever 1006 from pivoting too far forward, i.e., in a
direction away from the opening direction.
[00137] As shown in Figures 35 and 37, a torsion
spring 1045 is provided around the pivot pin 1021, between
the bent-back ears 1005. One end 1047 of the torsion
spring 1045 bears against the undersurface of the top wall
of the lever bulge-out portion 1037, generally beneath the
grip 1032, and the other end 1049 of the torsion spring
1045 bears against the very end of one of the hinge plates
1028. The torsion spring 1045 biases the lever 1006
toward the upright position, as shown in Figure 35.
[00138] To open the ring binder mechanism 1000, the
lever 1006 is pivoted outwardly, i.e., to the right as
shown in Figures 35 and 37. As the lever 1006 pivots,
bottom surfaces of the notches 1043 in the depending tab
1041 press against lower surfaces of the ends of the hinge
plates 1028. Depending on the specific geometry of the
hinge plates 1028, the end portions of the hinge plates
may flex upward slightly relative to the majority of the
length of the hinge plates before the hinge plates are
driven through their co-planar position, thus allowing the
lever 1006 to pivot outwardly by a slight amount before
the rings 1004 actually open. If the lever 1006 is
26
CA 02604740 2007-09-27
released before the hinge plates pass through their co-
planar position, the hinge plates will relax and the
torsion spring 1045 will return the lever 1006 to its
upright position. Given sufficient continued pressure,
however, the hinge plates will overcome the spring force
generated by the lower housing element 1012 and pivot into
their open position, as shown in Figures 37 and 38. In
that position, the return torsional force generated by the
torsion spring 1045 is insufficient to overcome the spring
force of the of the lower housing element 1012, and the
ring binder mechanism 1000 will remain in the open
position.
[00139] The ring binder mechanism 1000 may then be
closed by pivoting the lever 1006 back toward the upright
position, i.e., to the left as shown in Figures 35 and 37.
As the lever 1006 pivots, upper surfaces of the notches
1043 in the depending tab 1041 press against upper
surfaces of the ends of the hinge plates 1028 to drive the
hinge plates 1028 back to their closed position, as shown
in Figure 36.
[00140] An eleventh embodiment of a ring binder
mechanism 1100 with a plastic upper housing element 1110
is illustrated in Figures 40 and 41. The eleventh
embodiment is virtually identical to the tenth embodiment
1000, and corresponding components have been labeled with
reference numbers that have been incremented by 100, i.e.,
in the 1100's.
[00141] The ring binder mechanism 1100 differs from
that of the tenth embodiment in that it includes a lever
1106a, 1106b at each end of the housing. An end extension
portion 1117a, 1117b is provided at each longitudinal end
of the lower housing element 1112, with each end extension
portion 1117a, 1117b being identical to the end extension
portion 1017 in the tenth embodiment. Each lever 1106a,
27
CA 02604740 2007-09-27
1106b is identical to, is mounted in the end extension
portion of and operates in the same manner as the lever
1006 of the ring binder mechanism 1000 of the tenth
embodiment. Thus, opening and closing of the ring binder
mechanism 1100 may be effected from either end of the
mechanism.
[00142] Figures 42-44 illustrate a twelfth
embodiment of a ring binder mechanism 1200 with a plastic
upper housing element 1210. The ring binder mechanism
1200 is virtually identical to that of the tenth
embodiment, and corresponding components have been labeled
with reference numbers that have been incremented by 200,
i.e., in the 1200's. Operation of the ring binder
mechanism 1200 is identical to operation of that of the
tenth embodiment.
[00143] The difference between the tenth and twelfth
embodiments is that in the twelfth embodiment, the end
extension portion 1217 of the lower housing element is
provided by means of a separate extension piece 1227,
which is attached to the underside of the lower housing
element 1212, e.g., by means of rivets 1229 as shown in
Figure 44. The lever 1206 is configured the same as the
lever 1006 of the ring binder mechanism 1000. It mounts
to the lever-mounting wall elements 1218 and engages the
ends of the hinge plates 1228.
[00144] A thirteenth embodiment of a ring binder
mechanism 1300 with a plastic upper housing element 1310
is illustrated in Figures 45-50. The thirteenth
embodiment is virtually identical to the tenth embodiment,
and corresponding components have been labeled with
reference numbers that have been incremented by 300, i.e.,
in the 1300's. Operation of the ring binder mechanism
1300 is virtually identical to operation of the ring
binder mechanism 1000 of the tenth embodiment.
28
CA 02604740 2007-09-27
[00145] The difference between the tenth and
thirteenth embodiments is that in the thirteenth
embodiment, the hinge plates 1328 are not "skeletonized."
Rather, they are formed as generally elongated,
rectangular plates. The ends 1377 and inwardly protruding
tabs 1376 of the hinge plates 1328 are, however,
essentially identical to those of the hinge plates 1028 in
the tenth embodiment 1000. The lever 1306 is identical to
the lever 1006 of the tenth embodiment and is mounted to
the end extension portion 1317 in the same manner as in
the tenth embodiment, but the ring binder mechanism 1300
does not include a torsion spring around the pivot pin
1321. The ends 1377 of the hinge plates 1328 are engaged
by the lever 1306 in the same manner as the ends of the
hinge plates are engaged by the lever in the ring binder
mechanism 1000; accordingly, opening and closing operation
of the lever 1306 is the same in the thirteenth embodiment
as it is in the tenth embodiment, except for the fact that
no lever-returning spring action is provided in the event
the lever is released before the rings open.
[00146] A fourteenth embodiment of a ring binder
mechanism 1400 with a plastic upper housing element 1410
is illustrated in Figures 51-59. The fourteenth
embodiment is generally similar to the tenth embodiment,
but it incorporates features disclosed in the twelfth and
thirteenth embodiments as well. Overall operation of the
fourteenth embodiment is generally the same as operation
of the tenth embodiment.
[00147] In particular, the lower housing element of
hte ring binder mechanism 1400 is identical to that in the
ring binder mechanism 1200 in that the housing end
extension portion 1417 is provided by means of a separate
extension piece 1427, which is attached to the underside
of the lower housing element 1412, e.g., by means of
29
CA 02604740 2007-09-27
rivets 1429 as shown in Figure 54. Similarly, the hinge
plates 1428 are identical to the hinge plates 1328 of the
thirteenth embodiment.
[00148] The configuration of the lever 1406, on the
other hand, is different from (although somewhat similar
to) the levers 1006, 1106, 1206, and 1306 in the tenth,
eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth embodiments 1000, 1100,
1200, and 1300, respectively. As best shown in Figures 55
and 57, the lever 1406, which may conveniently be formed
from a bent piece of material such as metal, includes an
upstanding grip 1432. The grip 1432 may include a plastic
or rubber grip cover 1433 to improve comfort, as shown, if
so desired. A longitudinal jog-out portion 1437
(longitudinal with respect to the overall lengthwise
orientation of the ring binder mechanism 1400) is formed
at the base of the grip 1432, and a tab 1441 depends from
the forward end jog-out portion 1437. A notch 1443 is
formed in either side of the tab 1441. Bent-forward ears
1405 are provided on either side of the lever 1406, just
above the jog-out portion 1437, extending forward relative
to the grip 1432, and a hole 1435 is formed in each ear
1405.
[00149] The lever 1406 is positioned at the
longitudinal end 1416 of the lower housing element 1412 -
mounted to the extension piece 1427 - between the wall
elements 1418, as best shown in Figures 52, 53, and 59,
with the holes 1435 in the ears 1405 aligned with the
holes 1419 in the wall elements 1418. A pivot pin 1421
passes through the holes 1435 and 1419, in front of the
grip 1432 and just above the jog-out portion 1437, to
pivotally attach the lever 1406 to the lower housing
element 1412. When the ring binder mechanism 1400 is
assembled, the ends 1477 of the hinge plates 1428 fit
within the notches 1443 in the sides of the tab 1441
CA 02604740 2007-09-27
depending from the lever jog-out portion, with the hinge
plate tabs 1476 positioned behind the depending tab 1441.
(This configuration prevents the lever 1406 from pivoting
too far forward, i.e., in a direction away from the
opening direction.)
[00150] As best shown in Figures 52, 53, 55, 57, and
59, a torsion spring 1445 is provided around the pivot pin
1421, between the bent-forward ears 1405. One end 1447 of
the torsion spring 1445 bears against the front surface of
the depending tab 1441, as best shown in Figures 55 and
57, and the other end 1449 of the torsion spring 1445
hooks under one of the hinge plates 1428 at a position
slightly forward of the end 1477 of the hinge plates 1428,
as best shown in Figures 52, 55, and 57. The torsion
spring 1445 biases the lever 1406 toward the upright
position, as shown in Figure 55.
[00151] To open the ring binder mechanism 1400, the
lever 1406 is pivoted outwardly, i.e., to the right as
shown in Figures 55 and 57. As the lever 1406 pivots,
bottom surfaces of the notches 1443 in the depending tab
1441 press against lower surfaces of the ends of the hinge
plates 1428. Depending on the specific geometry of the
hinge plates 1428, the end portions of the hinge plates
may flex upward slightly relative to the majority of the
length of the hinge plates before the hinge plates are
driven through their co-planar position, thus allowing the
lever 1406 to pivot outwardly by a slight amount before
the rings 1404 actually open. If the lever 1406 is
released before the hinge plates pass through their co-
planar position, the hinge plates will relax and the
torsion spring 1445 will return the lever 1406 to its
upright position. Given sufficient continued pressure,
however, the hinge plates 1428 will overcome the spring
force generated by the lower housing element 1412 and
31
CA 02604740 2007-09-27
pivot into their open position, as shown in Figures 57 and
58. In that position, the return torsional force
generated by the torsion spring 1445 is insufficient to
overcome the spring force of the lower housing element
1412, and the ring binder mechanism 1400 will remain in
the open position.
[00152] The ring binder mechanism 1400 may then be
closed by pivoting the lever 1406 back toward the upright
position, i.e., to the left as shown in Figures 55 and 57.
As the lever 1406 pivots, upper surfaces of the notches
1443 in the depending tab 1441 press against upper
surfaces of the ends of the hinge plates 1428 to drive the
hinge plates 1428 back to their closed position, as shown
in Figures 55 and 56.
[00153] The preceding embodiments of ring binder
mechanisms all include one or more levers to assist with
opening and closing the ring binder mechanism. It will be
appreciated, however, that the inventive concept can be
applied to ring binder mechanisms that do not include
levers to open and close the ring binder mechanism. Some
examples of such embodiments are described below.
[00154] A fifteenth embodiment of a ring binder
mechanism 1500 with a plastic upper housing element 1510
is illustrated in Figures 60-65. The ring binder
mechanism 1500 includes components that are similar to
those employed in the first embodiment of a ring binder
mechanism 100, and corresponding components are labeled
with reference numbers that have been incremented by 1400,
i.e., in the 1500's.
[00155] In Figure 60, the mechanism 1500 is shown
mounted on a notebook designated generally at 10.
Specifically, the mechanism 1500 is shown mounted on the
back cover 12 of the notebook 10, generally adjacent to
and aligned with the spine 14 of the notebook 10. The
32
CA 02604740 2007-09-27
front cover 16 of the notebook 10 is hingedly connected to
the spine 14 and moves to selectively cover or expose
loose-leaf pages (not shown) retained by the mechanism
1500 in the notebook 10.
[00156] As is shown in Figures 61 and 63, the ring
binder mechanism 1500 includes a lower housing element
that is comprised of multiple pieces 1512a and 1512b.
Suitably, there are the same number of lower housing
element pieces as there are rings 1504, e.g., two (as
illustrated), three, four, etc.
[00157] Additionally, the ring binder mechanism 1500
includes a pair of hinge plates 1528 (broadly, a "ring
support"). The hinge plates 1528 are pseudo-skeletonized
(i.e, reduced to a minimum amount of material) for much
the same reasons of material cost savings and
manufacturing efficiency associated with the skeletonized
hinge plates described above. The skeletonized hinge
plates 1528 are, however, slightly more angular in form
than the skeletonized hinge plates described above, which
are more sinusoidal or serpentine in shape. The hinge
plates 1528 are supported by the lower housing element
pieces 1512a, 1512b, with the outer edges of peaks 1572
disposed just under bent-in rims 1520, as best shown in
Figure 64. Notches 1522 are provided in the bent-in rims
to accommodate the ring members 1524, as best shown in
Figure 62.
[00158] As shown in Figure 64, the upper housing
element 1510 includes a central portion 1548 and lateral
sides 1550 extending downwardly along either side of the
central portion 1548. The lateral sides 1550 are spaced
apart by a distance that is essentially the same as the
width of the lower housing element pieces 1512a, 1512b,
but ridges 1552 protrude slightly inwardly. This
configuration allows the upper housing element 1510 to be
33
CA 02604740 2007-09-27
snap-fit connected to the lower housing element pieces
1512a, 1512b. Slots 1544 are provided in the sides of the
upper housing element 1510 to accommodate the rings 1504.
[00159] As further illustrated in Figure 64, the
upper housing element 1510 is configured to cover the
lower housing element pieces 1512a, 1512b completely, with
lower edges of the upper housing element 1510 contacting
the surface on which the ring binder mechanism 1500 is
mounted. The longitudinal ends of the upper housing
element 1510 includes flats 1580, and mounting holes 1582
extend through the flats 1580 to facilitate mounting the
ring binder mechanism 1500 to the surface on which it is
mounted. (Additionally or alternatively, the ring binder
mechanism could be mounted via holes 1523 in the bottoms
of the lower housing element pieces 1512a, 1512b.)
[00160] As in the above-described embodiments, the
hinge plates 1528 abut along inner longitudinal edges in
interleaved fashion to form a central hinge 1554, as is
known in the art. The hinge plates 1528 pivot upward and
downward relative to the lower housing element pieces
1512a, 1512b about the central hinge 1554, and move the
ring members 1524 mounted thereon between a closed
position (e.g., Figures 63 and 64) and an open position
(e.g., Figure 65). The hinge plates 1528 are wider than
the lower housing element pieces 1512a, 1512b when in a
co-planar position (180 ), so as they pivot through the
co-planar position, they deform the lower housing element
pieces 1512a, 1512b, which creates a small spring force in
the lower housing element pieces. The spring force biases
the hinge plates 1528 to pivot away from the co-planar
position, either downward or upward. The ring members
1524 close when the hinge plates 1528 pivot downward
(i.e., the hinge 1554 moves toward the lower housing
element pieces 1512a, 1512b, as shown in Figure 64); the
34
CA 02604740 2007-09-27
ring members 1524 open when the hinge plates 1528 pivot
upward (i.e., the hinge 1554 moves away from the lower
housing element pieces 1512a, 1512b.
[00161] Operation of the ring binder mechanism 1500
is straightforward. To open the mechanism, the ring
members 1524 of one of the rings 1504 are manually pulled
apart with sufficient force to overcome the spring force
of the lower housing element pieces 1512a, 1512b, which
causes the hinge plates 1528 to pivot upwardly and open
the rings 1504. To close the mechanism, the ring members
1524 of one of the rings 1504 are pushed together with
sufficient force to overcome the spring force of the lower
housing element pieces 1512a, 1512b, which causes the
hinge plates 1528 to pivot downwardly and close the rings
1504.
[00162] A sixteenth embodiment of a ring binder
mechanism 1600 with a plastic upper housing element 1610
according to the invention is illustrated in Figures 66
and 67. The sixteenth embodiment is substantially
identical to the fifteenth embodiment, and corresponding
components are labeled with reference numbers that have
been incremented by 100, i.e., that are in the 1500's.
Operation of the two mechanisms 1500 and 1600 is
identical. The difference between the fifteenth and
sixteenth embodiments is that in the sixteenth embodiment,
the lower housing element 1612 is constituted by a single
elongated member that is approximately the same length as,
but slightly shorter than, the upper housing element 1610,
rather than separate lower housing element pieces.
[00163] Figures 68 and 69 illustrate a seventeenth
embodiment of a ring binder mechanism with a plastic upper
housing element 1710. This ring binder mechanism 1700 is
substantially identical to that of the sixteenth
embodiment, and corresponding components are labeled with
CA 02604740 2007-09-27
reference numbers that have been incremented by 100, i.e.,
that are in the 1600's. Operation of the two ring binder
mechanisms 1600 and 1700 is identical, with the only
difference being that the hinge plates 1728 of this
seventeenth embodiment are formed as generally rectangular
plates, rather than as pseudo-skeletonized members.
[00164] An eighteenth embodiment of a ring binder
mechanism 1800 with a plastic upper housing element 1810
is illustrated in Figures 70 and 71. This eighteenth
embodiment is substantially identical to the seventeenth
embodiment, and corresponding components are labeled with
reference numbers that have been incremented by 100, i.e.,
that are in the 1800's. Operation of the ring binder
mechanisms 1700 and 1800 is identical. The difference
between the seventeenth and eighteenth embodiments is that
in this eighteenth embodiment, the lower housing element
is constituted by multiple lower housing element pieces
1812a, 1812b (as in the ring mechanism 1500 of the
fifteenth embodiment), rather than a single elongated
member.
[00165] A nineteenth embodiment of a ring binder
mechanism 1900 with a plastic upper housing element 1910
is illustrated in Figures 72, 73, and 74. The nineteenth
embodiment is substantially the same as the fifteenth
embodiment, and corresponding components are labeled with
reference numbers that have been incremented by 400, i.e.,
that are in the 1900's. Operation of the ring binder
mechanisms 1500 and 1900 is identical. The only
difference between these mechanisms 1500, 1900 is that the
ring binder mechanism 1900 is longer than the ring binder
mechanism 1500 and includes four rings 1904 instead of
two. Additionally, the ring binder mechanism 1900
includes four lower housing element pieces 1912a, 1912b,
36
CA 02604740 2007-09-27
1912c, and 1912d - again the same number as the number of
rings 1904 - rather than two.
[00166] A twentieth embodiment 2000 of a ring binder
mechanism with a plastic upper housing element 2010
according to the invention is illustrated in Figures 75,
76, and 77. The twentieth embodiment 2000 is
substantially identical to the nineteenth embodiment 1900,
and corresponding components are labeled with reference
numbers that have been incremented by 100, i.e., that are
in the 2000's. Operation of the two mechanisms 1900 and
2000 is identical, with the only difference being that the
hinge plates 2028 are formed as generally rectangular
plates, rather than as pseudo-skeletonized members.
[00167] A twenty-first embodiment 2100 of a ring
binder mechanism with a plastic upper housing element 2110
according to the invention is illustrated in Figures 78-
82. The twenty-first embodiment 2100 is substantially
identical to the sixth embodiment except that a lever 2106
differs slightly from the lever 606 and a locking system
is provided. The corresponding components of the twenty-
first embodiment are labeled with reference numbers that
have been incremented by 1500, i.e., that are in the
2100's.
[00168] Referring to Figures 80 and 81, the lever
2106 includes a grip 2132, a body 2134 attached to the
grip, and an upper lip 2136 and a lower lip 2138 extending
from the body respectively. The grip 2132 is somewhat
broader than each of the body 2134, upper lip 2136, and
lower lip 2138 and facilitates grasping the lever 2106 and
applying force to move the lever. In the illustrated ring
binder mechanism 2100, the body 2134 is formed as one
piece with the grip 2132 for substantially conjoint
movement with the grip. The body 2134 may be formed
37
CA 02604740 2007-09-27
separately from the grip 2132 and attached thereto without
departing from the scope of the invention.
[00169] As shown in Figure 81, the lower lip 2138 of
the lever 2106 is attached to the body 2134 by a flexible
bridge 2139 (or "living hinge") formed as one piece with
the body and the lower lip. A mechanism having a lever in
which a bridge is formed separately from a body and/or
lower lip for connecting the body and lower lip does not
depart from the scope of the invention. The flexible
bridge 2139 is generally arch-shaped and defines an open
channel 2141 between the lower lip 2138 and the body 2134.
The lower lip 2138 extends away from the body 2134 at the
bridge 2139 and channel 2141 in general parallel alignment
with the upper lip 2136 and defines a C-shaped space
between the body 2134 and lower lip 2138. It is envisioned
that the lever 2106 is formed from a resilient polymeric
material by, for example, a mold process. But the lever
2106 may be formed from other materials or other processes
within the scope of this invention. A ring mechanism
having a lever shaped differently than illustrated and
described herein does not depart from the scope of the
invention. The lever 2106 is attached pivotably to the
upper housing element 2110 by a pivot pin 2121. The pivot
pin 2121 passes through holes 2119 in mounting walls 2118
formed at one end of the upper housing element 2110 and
the open channel 2141.
[00170] With reference to Figure 80, the ring binder
mechanism 2100 includes a travel bar 2151 and an
intermediate connector 2153 formed as one piece with the
travel bar. The travel bar 2151 includes an elongate bar
portion 2155 and three locking elements 2157 spaced along
a bottom surface of the bar portion. More specifically,
one locking element 2157 is located adjacent each
longitudinal end of the bar portion 2155, and one is
38
CA 02604740 2007-09-27
located toward a center of the bar portion. The elongate
bar portion 2155 and locking elements 2157 may be broadly
referred to as a "locking system".
[00171] The locking elements 2157 of the illustrated
bar portion 2155 are each substantially similar in shape.
As shown in Figures 80 and 81, each locking element 2157
includes a narrow, flat bottom 2159, an angled forward
edge 2161, a recessed hollow portion 2163, and a rearward
extension 2165. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking
elements 2157 each have a generally wedge shape. The
angled edges 2161 of the locking elements 2157 may engage
the hinge plates 2128 and assist in pivoting the hinge
plates down. To this end, three corresponding cutouts
2130a are formed in each of the hinge plates 2128 along an
inner edge margin of the hinge plate. In the illustrated
embodiment, the locking elements 2157 are formed as one
piece of material with the travel bar 2151 by, for
example, a mold process. But the locking elements 2157 may
be formed separately from the travel bar 2151 and attached
thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.
Additionally, locking elements with different shapes, for
example, block shapes (e.g., no angled edges or recessed
hollow portion), are within the scope of this invention.
[00172] The intermediate connector 2153 of the ring
binder mechanism 2100 includes a connecting portion 2167
adjacent the lever 2106, and a flexible hinge 2169 between
the bar portion 2155 and the connecting portion 2167. The
connecting portion 2167 is formed with an elongate opening
2167a for receiving a mounting post through the opening
and allowing the travel bar 2151 to move lengthwise of the
housing relative to the mounting post during operation of
the mechanism 2100. The connecting portion 2167 connects
to the lever 2106 at the upper lip 2136 of the lever by a
mounting pin so that pivoting movement of the lever
39
CA 02604740 2007-09-27
produces translational movement of the travel bar 2151. In
the illustrated embodiment, a connecting pin 2167b at one
end of the connecting portion 2167 inserts a groove 2136a
formed on the upper lip 2136 of the lever to connect the
connecting portion 2167 with the lever. The flexible hinge
2169 of the travel bar 2151 is thin and has a generally
flat "U" shape when relaxed. The flexible hinge 2169 is
capable of flexing, or bowing, to a more pronounced "U"
shape to allow the connecting portion 2167 of the travel
bar 2151 to move relative to and toward the locking
elements 2157. To facilitate bowing the flexible hinge
2169 more easily, an elongate slot 2171 is formed in the
middle of the flexible hinge 2169.
[00173] Figure 81 illustrates the ring binder
mechanism 2100 in a closed and locked position. The
locking elements 2157 of the bar portion 2155 are
positioned adjacent respective cutouts 2130a and above the
hinge plates 2128 generally aligned with the hinge 2154.
The locking elements 2157 are substantially out of
registration with the cutouts 2130a. The flat bottom 2159
rest on an upper surface of the plates 2128 and the
rearward extensions 156 extend through each respective
cutouts 2130a adjacent forward, downturned tabs 2130b of
the plates. Together, the bar portion 2155 and locking
elements 2157 oppose any force tending to pivot the hinge
plates 2128 upward to open the ring members 2124 (i.e.,
they lock the ring members closed).
[00174] To open the ring members 2124, the lever
2106 pivots outward and downward (in an anticlockwise
direction as indicated by the arrow in Figure 81). The
lower lip 2138 engages bottom surfaces of the fingers 2130
of the hinge plates 2128 inserted into the C-shaped space
of the lever 2106 and the upper lip 2136 pulls the travel
bar 2151 and thereby locking elements 2157 toward an
CA 02604740 2007-09-27
unlocked position. The lever 2106 is formed to pull the
locking elements 2157 from the locked position before
pivoting the hinge plates 2128 to open ring members 2124.
More specifically, the locking elements 2157 are moved
into registration over the respective cutouts 2130a of the
hinge plates 2128 before the hinge plates pivot. The
flexible hinge 2169 may slightly elongate under the
pulling tension from the upper lip 2136, but for the most
part it substantially retains its generally shallow "U"
shape. The flexible bridge 2139 between a body 2134 of
the lever 2106 and the lower lip 2138 of the lever flexes
and tensions. The open channel 2141 between the body 2134
and lower lip 2138 closes and the body moves into
engagement with the lower lip. Continued opening movement
of the lever 2106 causes the body 2134 to conjointly pivot
the lower lip 2138, pushing the hinge plates 2128 upward
through the co-planar position. This moves the ring
members 2124 to an open position.
[00175] To close the ring members 2124 and return
the mechanism 2100 to the locked position, an operator can
pivot the lever 2106 upward and inward. This moves the
upper lip 2136 of the lever 2106 into contact with the
upper surfaces of the fingers of the hinge plates 2128 (if
it is not already in contact with the hinge plate upper
surfaces). The upper lip 2136 engages the upper surfaces
of the hinge plates 2128 and begins pushing them downward,
but the spring force of the housing 111 resists the
initial hinge plate movement. The travel bar 2151 may
initially move forward with the movement of the upper lip
2136 to seat forward edges 2161 of the locking elements
2157 against tabs 2130b of the hinge plates 2128 (if the
locking elements are not already seated). As the lever
2106 continues to pivot, the seated locking elements 2157
resist further movement of the travel bar 2151. The
41
CA 02604740 2007-09-27
flexible hinge 2169 of the travel bar 2151 begins to bow
(or deflect downward to a more pronounced "U" shape) to
allow the lever 2106 to continue to pivot. This relative
movement between the connecting portion 2167 of the
intermediate connector 2153 and the locking elements 2157
causes tension in the flexible hinge 2169. At this instant
in the closing movement, if the lever 2106 is released
before the hinge plates 2128 pivot downward through their
co-planar position (i.e., before the ring members 2124
close), the tension in the flexible hinge 2169 will
automatically recoil (and push) the lever back to its
starting position.
[00176] Continued closing movement of the lever 2106
causes the upper lip 2136 to pivot the interconnected
hinge plates 2128 downward. Once the hinge plates 2128
pass just through the co-planar position, the housing's
spring force pushes them downward, closing the ring
members 2124. As the hinge plates 2128 pivot downward, the
angled forward edges 2161 of the locking elements 2157
allow the locking elements and travel bar 2151 to move to
the right (as viewed in Figure 81). The flexible hinge
2169 remains deformed and tensioned during this initial
movement. Once the hinge plates 2128 clear the angled
forward edges 2161 of the locking elements 2157, they no
longer operate to resist forward movement of the locking
elements and travel bar 2151. The locking elements 2157
now move conjointly with the lever 2106 to their locked
position behind the hinge plates 2128. At the same time,
the bridge 2139 flattens and the tension in the flexible
hinge 2169 recoils and further pushes the locking elements
2157 to the locked position. The bridge 2139 and flexible
hinge 2169 return to their relaxed positions. The ring
binder mechanism 2100 is again in the position shown in
Figure 81.
42
CA 02604740 2007-09-27
[00177] In this ring binder mechanism 2100, the
flexible hinge 2169 of the intermediate connector 2153
allows the lever 2106 to pivot to move the hinge plates
2128 downward to close the ring members 2124 before
pushing the locking elements 2157 to the locked position
behind the hinge plates. It also provides a flexible
connection between the connecting portion 2167 and bar
portion 2155. The flexible hinge 2169 receives slight
vertical movement from the lever 2106 (through the
connecting portion 2167) when the lever pivots and shields
the bar portion 2155 from the vertical movement so that
the locking elements 2157 remain stationary (vertically)
during operation.
[00178] In the embodiment of Figures 80 and 81, the
illustrated flexible hinge 2169 of the intermediate
connector 2153 is formed as one piece with the bar portion
2155 and the connecting portion 2167 of the travel bar
2151 generally between the bar portion and the connecting
portion. However, as shown in Figures 83 and 84, a
flexible hinge 2169' may be formed as a separate piece
from a bar portion 2155' of the travel bar 2151' and a
connecting portion 2167' of an intermediate connector
2153' and connected thereto. The flexible hinge 2169' is
formed with hook- shaped ends 2169a' that are received in
openings 2155a', 2167b' in the bar portion 2155' and in
the connecting portion 2167', respectively. The flexible
hinge 2169' may be connected to the bar portion 2155' and
connecting portion 2167' differently within the scope of
the invention. In operation, the flexible hinge 2169' of
Figures 83 and 84 is bowed similarly to the flexible hinge
2169 of Figures 80 and 81.
[00179] It is understood that a flexible hinge may
be shaped differently than illustrated herein and still be
within the scope of the invention. For example, the
43
CA 02604740 2007-09-27
flexible hinge may be resiliently collapsible in accordion
fashion to accommodate the longitudinal movement of the
connecting portion relative to the bar portion.
[00180] It is contemplated that each part of the
travel bar an intermediate connector is made from a
plastic material, but they may be made from another
suitable material such as a metal. In addition, different
parts of the travel bar may be formed from different
materials, but it is to be understood that the flexible
hinge is formed from spring steel, plastic, or other
flexible material.
[00181] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 82, the
material surrounding the access hole 2146 at each end of
the plastic upper housing element 2110 is thickened for
reinforcement as 2158, and a support post 2160 surrounds
and extends downwardly from the thickened portion around
each access hole 2146. The upper housing element 2110 may
also extend downwardly. Preferably, any two or all of the
lower end of the upper housing element 2110, the bottom of
the lower housing element 2112 and the lower end of the
support post 2160 are located on the same plane to improve
the strength of the ring binder mechanism.
[00182] It should be understood that the
intermediate connector and the locking system of this
embodiment may be incorporated into one ring binder
mechanism of other described embodiments as well.
[00183] When introducing elements of the ring binder
mechanisms herein, the articles "a", "an", "the" and
"said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of
the elements. The terms "comprising", "including" and
"having" and variations thereof are intended to be
inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements
other than the listed elements. Moreover, the use of
"forward" and "rearward" and variations of these terms, or
44
CA 02604740 2007-09-27
the use of other directional and orientation terms, is
made for convenience, but does not require any particular
orientation of the components.
[00184] As various changes could be made in the
above without departing from the scope of the invention,
it is intended that all matter contained in the above
description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall
be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting
sense.
