Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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64725-1026E
r
A TRAVEL BAR FOR USE WITH A RING MECHANISM
Cross Reference to Related Application
[0001] This application is a divisional of
Canadian Patent Application No. 2,524,791 filed October 28,
2005 and entitled "A Travel Bar for Use With a Ring
Mechanism".
Background of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to a ring
mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages and, more
particularly, to an improved mechanism for opening and
closing ring members and for locking closed ring members
together.
[0003] A ring mechanism typically retains^loose-
leaf pages, such as hole-punched papers, in a file or
notebook. A pair of hinge plates are supported within a
housing in joined relation for loose pivoting motion
relative to the housing. The housing is generally narrower
than the joined hinge plates when they are in a coplanar
position (180 ). So as the hinge plates pivot through the
coplanar position, they deform the housing and cause a
spring force that urges them to pivot either upward or
downward. Ring members mounted on the hinge plates move
with the pivoting movement of the hinge plates. The ring
members open when the hinge plates pivot upward and close
when the hinge plates pivot downward.
[0004) Some ring mechanisms include structure
(e.g., control slides) located between the housings and the
hinge plates to lock the ring members together when they
close. The control slides engage upper surfaces of the
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hinge plates and block the hinge plates from pivoting upward
when it is desired to hold the closed ring members together.
The control slides move out of engagement with the hinge
plates and allow the hinge plates to pivot freely when it is
desired to open the ring members. These control slides,
however, may have complex
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shapes or unique parts in order to allow them to interact with
the hinge plates to block or allow the pivoting movement of
the hinge plates. Therefore, they may be harder to fabricate
or may require multiple components for proper operation (e.g.,
a travel bar and separate blocking elements). Thus, ring
mechanisms incorporating these known control slides can be
time consuming and costly to produce. ,
[0005] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a
ring mechanism that is easy to make and that includes a
simplified travel bar.
Summary of the Invention
[0006] In one aspect, the present invention is directed
to a ring mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages. The
mechanism generally comprises a housing having a longitudinal
axis, a top portion and an open bottom generally opposed to
the top portion. Hinge plates are supported by the housing
for pivoting movement relative to the housing. Each ring for
holding loose-leaf pages includes a first ring member and a
second ring member. The first ring member is mounted on a
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 thin, flat travel bar includes a major surface lying
generally in a plane parallel to or coincident with a plane
including the longitudinal axis of the housing and
intersecting the top portion and open bottom of the housing.
[0007] In another aspect, a ring mechanism generally
comprises a housing having a guide. Hinge plates are
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supported by the housing for pivoting movement relative to the
housing. The hinge plates pivot through a co-planar position.
Each ring for holding loose-leaf pages includes a first ring
member and a second ring member. The first ring member is
mounted on a 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 travel bar is restrained by the guide
for movement relative to the housing.
[0008] In yet another aspect, a ring mechanism generally
comprises a housing, and hinge plates supported by the housing
for pivoting movement relative to the housing. Each ring, for
holding loose-leaf pages, includes a first ring member and a
second ring member. The first ring member is mounted on a
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. An actuator is supported by the housing and has a back
side generally facing away from the housing. A spring
engageable with the back side of the actuator biases the
actuator.
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64725-1026E (S)
In still another aspect, there is provided a ring
mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages, the mechanism
comprising: a housing having a guide; hinge plates supported
by the housing for pivoting movement relative to the
housing, the hinge plates pivoting though a co-planar
position; rings for holding loose-leaf pages, each ring
including a first ring member and a second ring member, the
first ring member being mounted on a 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 forming 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 open position the two ring members forming a
discontinuous, open loop for adding or removing loose-leaf
pages from the rings; and a travel bar formed as one piece
of material having an upper portion slidably received in and
held by the guide and a lower portion engaging the hinge
plates, the travel bar being restrained by the guide for
movement relative to the housing.
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Brief Description of the Drawings
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective of a notebook
incorporating a ring mechanism according to a first embodiment
of the invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a top side perspective of the ring
mechanism with ring members in a closed and locked position;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross section taken in the plane of
line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a top side perspective of the ring
mechanism with ring members in an open position;
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective of the ring
mechanism;
[0013] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective of a travel bar
of the ring mechanism;
[0014] FIG. 7 is an enlarged and fragmentary top side
perspective of a rearward end of the ring mechanism of FIG. 2
with part of a housing broken away and ring members removed
to show internal construction;
[0015] FIG. 8 is an enlarged and fragmentary side view of
a rearward portion thereof with a lever shown in section and a
hinge plate removed;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a bottom side perspective of the ring
mechanism of FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 10 is an enlarged and fragmentary top side
perspective similar to FIG. 7 with the ring members in the
open position;
[0018] FIG. 11 is an enlarged and fragmentary side view
similar to FIG. 8 with the ring mechanism in the open position
and with ring members removed;
[0019] FIG. 12 is a bottom side perspective of the ring
mechanism with the ring members in the open position;
[0020] FIG. 13 is a top side perspective of a ring
mechanism according to a second embodiment with ring members
in the closed and locked position;
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[0021] FIG. 14 is a cross section taken in the plane of
line 14-14 of FIG. 13;
[0022] FIG. 15 is a top side perspective of the ring
mechanism with ring members in the open position;
[0023] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective of the ring
mechanism;
[0024] FIG. 17 is an enlarged and fragmentary top side
perspective of the rearward end of the ring mechanism of FIG.
13 with a housing and ring members removed;
[0025] FIG. 18 is an enlarged and fragmentary side view
of the ring mechanism of FIG. 13 with part of the housing
broken away and parts of the mechanism removed;
[0026] FIG. 19 is a bottom side perspective of the ring
mechanism of FIG. 13;
[0027] FIG. 20 is an enlarged and fragmentary top side
perspective similar to FIG. 17 with the ring members in the
open position;
[0028] FIG. 21 is an enlarged and fragmentary side view
similar to FIG. 18 with the ring mechanism in the open
position and ring members removed;
[0029] FIG. 22 is a bottom side perspective of the ring
mechanism of FIG. 15;
[0030] FIG. 23 is a top side perspective of a ring
mechanism according to a third embodiment with ring members in
the closed and locked position;
[0031] FIG. 24 is a cross section taken in the plane of
line 24-24 of FIG. 23;
[0032] FIG. 25 is an enlarged and fragmentary top side
perspective of the rearward end of the ring mechanism;
[0033] FIG. 26 is an enlarged and fragmentary side view
of the rearward end of the ring mechanism with part of a
housing broken away and parts of the mechanism removed to show
internal construction;
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[0034] FIG. 27 is a top side perspective of a ring
mechanism according to a fourth embodiment with ring members
in the closed and locked position;
[0035] FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective of the ring
mechanism;
[0036] FIG. 29A is a bottom side perspective of a travel
bar of the ring mechanism;
[0037] FIG. 29B is a top side perspective thereof;
[0038] FIG. 30 is a cross section taken in the plane of
line 30-30 of FIG. 27;
[0039] FIG. 31 is a bottom side perspective of the ring
mechanism of FIG. 27;
[0040] FIG. 32 is an enlarged and fragmentary top side
perspective of the rearward end of the ring mechanism of FIG.
27 with part of a housing broken away and ring members
removed;
[0041] FIG. 33 is an enlarged and fragmentary side view
of the rearward portion thereof with a lever shown in section
and a hinge plate and ring members removed;
[0042] FIG. 34 is an enlarged and fragmentary top side
perspective similar to FIG. 32 with the ring members in the
open position;
[0043] FIG. 35 is an enlarged and fragmentary side view
similar to FIG. 32 with the ring mechanism in the open
position; and
[0044] FIG. 36 is a bottom side perspective of the ring
mechanism with the ring members in the open position.
[0045] Corresponding reference characters indicate
corresponding parts throughout the several views of the
drawings.
Detailed Description
[0046] Referring now to the drawings, Figs. 1-12 show a
ring mechanism according to a first embodiment of the
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invention generally at 1. The mechanism is shown in Fig. 1
mounted on a notebook, indicated generally at 3. In
particular, it is shown mounted on a spine 5 of the notebook 3
between a front cover 7 and a back cover 9. The front and
back covers are hingedly attached to the spine 5 for moving to
selectively cover or expose loose-leaf pages (not shown in the
drawings) retained by the mechanism 1. A ring mechanism
mounted on a surface other than a notebook, for example a
file, does not depart from the scope of this invention.
[0047] The terms "forward" and "rearward" are used herein
for convenience to describe relative orientation of components
of ring mechanism 1. "Forward" refers to the left of the ring
mechanism 1 as viewed in Fig. 1 and "rearward" refers to the
right of the ring mechanism. These terms do not limit the
invention in any way. Similarly, the terms "vertical" and
"horizontal" may be used for convenience to describe the
orientation of parts when the ring mechanism 1 and cover 3 are
laid open flat on the horizontal surface of a table. However,
these terms do not limit the invention to having any
particular orientation.
[0048] As shown in Figs. 1-4, the ring mechanism 1
generally includes a housing indicated generally at 11, a
lever indicated generally at 13 (broadly, an "actuator"), and
three rings, each indicated generally at 15. As is generally
known in the art, the housing 11 supports the lever 13 and
rings 15 for operation of the rings between a closed position
(Figs. 1-3) and an open position (Fig. 4). In the closed
position, the rings 15 form a continuous, closed, D-shaped
loop (Fig. 3) for retaining loose-leaf pages. In the open
position, the rings 15 form a discontinuous, open loop for
adding or removing pages. A ring mechanism with more or fewer
than three rings, or with rings that form a different shape
(e.g., a circular shape) when in a closed position does not
depart from the scope of this invention.
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[0049] Referring to Figs. 2-5, the housing 11 is elongate
with a longitudinal axis LA and a uniform, generally arch-
shaped cross section having at its center a raised plateau 17.
The plateau includes a longitudinal channel 19, or guide,
projecting up from the plateau 17 and extending a substantial
part of the length of the housing 11. The longitudinal
channel 19 will be described in greater detail with regard to
operation of the ring mechanism 1. It is understood that the
housing plateau 17 could be omitted. For example, the upper
surface of the housing 11 could be rounded, with the housing
channel 19 elevated above the rounded upper surface.
[0050] The rings 15 each include first and second
separable ring members 21a, 21b moveable relative to each
other between the closed position and the open position of the
rings 15. The first ring members 21a are each positioned
relatively toward the bottom of the ring mechanism 1 in Figs.
2, 4, and 5 and have roughly semi-circular, C-shaped profiles.
The second ring members 21b are each positioned relatively
toward the top of the mechanism 1 in these figures and have
more squared-off, half box-shaped profiles such as is common
for D-rings. This is also shown in the section view of Fig. 3
where the first ring member 21a is on the left of the
mechanism 1 and the second ring member 21b is on the right.
It is envisioned that the ring members 21a, 21b are formed
from a conventional, cylindrical rod of a suitable material
such as steel. But ring members having different cross-
sections or formed from different materials do not depart from
the scope of the invention.
[0051] Free ends 73, 75 of respective ring members 21a,
21b are shown with mating structure capable of securely
holding the ring members together against misalignment when in
the closed position of the rings 15. In the illustrated
mechanism 1, the free end 75 of each of the second ring
members 21b is formed as a convex projection (Fig. 4) and the
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free end 75 of each of the first ring members 21a is formed as
a concave bore (Fig. 12) sized to receive the convex
projection. It is understood that a ring mechanism with ring
members having different free end mating structures to
securely hold closed ring members together (or no such
structures) does not depart from the scope of the invention.
[0052] Referring now to Fig. 5, the ring members 21a, 21b
are shown each mounted on one of two mirror image hinge plates
indicated generally at 23a, 23b. The first ring member 21a of
each ring 15 mounts on a first hinge plate 23a, and the second
ring member 21b of each ring mounts on a second hinge plate
23b. In the illustrated mechanism 1, the ring members 21a,
21b are mounted on a lower surface of each hinge plate 23a,
23b as is common in the art. A ring mechanism with only one
ring member of each ring mounted on a hinge plate and the
other ring member mounted, for example, on a housing is within
the scope of this invention.
[0053] The hinge plates 23a, 23b are each thin and
generally rectangular in shape, and each have opposite
longitudinal ends and opposite longitudinal edge margins. A
rearward end of each hinge plate 23a, 23b includes a finger 25
extending longitudinally away from the plate. The finger 25
is somewhat narrower than the rest of the hinge plate 23a, 23b
and is aligned generally with an inner longitudinal edge
margin of the plate. Each hinge plate 23a, 23b also includes
two mounting post cutouts 27a, 27b and three locking element
cutouts 29a-c along its inner longitudinal edge margin. The
mounting post cutouts 27a, 27b are located toward opposite
ends of the hinge plates 23a, 23b while the locking element
cutouts 29a-c are located in spaced apart relation inward and
between the mounting post cutouts. The cutouts 27a, 27b, 29a-
c will be described in greater detail hereinafter.
[0054] Figure 5 also illustrates the lever 13 of the ring
mechanism 1. The lever 13 includes an enlarged mushroom-
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shaped head 31 and a narrow stem-shaped body 33. The head 31
and body 33 are both generally flat and lie in a common plane,
with the head extending longitudinally away from a top end of
the body. In the illustrated ring mechanism 1, the head 31 is
integral with the body 33. But the two may be formed
separately and attached together within the scope of the
invention. A lever cover 35 fits over the lever head 31 to
facilitate comfortably gripping and applying force to the
lever 13. It is envisioned that the cover 35 is formed from a
plastic or rubber material, but may be formed from any
acceptable material.
[0055] The lever 13 also includes closing and opening
structure which, as will be described, allow it to interact
with the hinge plates 23a, 23b to move the ring members 21a,
21b between the closed and open positions. The closing
structure comprises two mirror image, spaced apart closing
arms, each designated 37. The closing arms 37 each extend
forward from opposite lateral sides of the lever body 33 and
each have narrowed ends indicated at 39, bent inward and
toward each other. The narrowed ends 39 are generally taller
than they are thick so that the arms 37 are reinforced against
bending during operation of the ring mechanism 1. In use, the
closing arms 37 engage respective ones of the hinge plate
fingers 25 for moving the hinge plates 23a, 23b to the closed
position. The opening structure of the lever 13 comprises a
flat opening arm 41 below the two closing arms 37. The
opening arm 41 is located at a bottom end of the body 33 and
is about as thick as each of the two closing arms 37. The
opening arm 41 extends forward from the body 33 about the same
distance as the closing arms and at an angle of about 90
relative to the body in spaced apart relation with the
narrowed ends 39 of the two closing arms 37. In use, the
opening arm 41 engages the fingers 25 of the hinge plates 231,
23b to move the hinge plates to the open position.
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[0056] Figures 5 and 6 show a travel bar of the ring
mechanism 1 generally at 43 for use in locking the ring
members 21a, 21b together when they are closed, as will be
described. The travel bar 43 is thin and flat in shape and is
oriented in a substantially vertical plane as illustrated in
the drawings. It includes a flat upper edge and a shaped
lower edge. The shaped lower edge includes three integral,
inverted L-shaped projections, or locking elements each
indicated generally at 45, extending downward from the travel
bar 43 within the plane of the travel bar. Each locking
element 45 is spaced apart longitudinally along the travel bar
43 with one locking element 45 located adjacent each
longitudinal end of the travel bar 43 and one located
therebetween toward a center of the travel bar. The locking
elements 45 are each similar in shape and each include an
arcuate rearward edge 47, a flat shoulder 49, and a lower arm
51. The locking elements 45 will be described in greater
detail with regard to operation of the ring mechanism 1.
[0057] The travel bar 43 and integral locking elements 45
are formed in a single step. They are formed by stamping a
sheet of metal to the desired form (Fig. 6). Subsequent steps
of forming locking elements on a travel bar (e.g., as by
bending a travel bar) or connecting separately formed locking
elements to a travel bar are not required. It is envisioned
that multiple travel bars can be made by feeding a sheet of
material (e.g., metal) through a machine where preformed dies
repeatedly stamp multiple travel bars at once from the sheet.
It is understood that the machine and the dies may be formed
in a suitable manner, such as is known in the art. It is
submitted that this process of forming travel bars for ring
mechanisms may be quicker and more efficient than other known
methods such as, for example, casting components from a mold
and then subsequently assembling them. However, travel bars
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may be made using multiple steps within the scope of the
present invention.
[0058] The assembled ring mechanism 1 will now be
described with reference to Figs. 7-9, which illustrate the
ring members 21a, 21b of each ring 15 in the closed position.
As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the lever 13 connects to the travel
bar 43 by an intermediate connector, indicated generally at
53. The intermediate connector 53 is formed from a wire bent
into an elongate, generally rectangular form having a rearward
open end and a forward closed end (Fig. 5). The closed end is
narrower than the open end and angles slightly upward from the
open end. The open end connects to the travel bar 43 by
looping through a rearward opening 55 of the travel bar and
threading through the opening until the closed end is
positioned in the opening. The open end then connects to the
lever 13 at openings 57 in a respective one of the two closing
arms 37 of the lever.
[0059] As can be seen in Figs. 7 and 9, the linked lever
13 and travel bar 43 mount on the housing 11 via the lever at
the housing's rearward longitudinal end at mounting tabs 59 on
opposite sides of the housing (only one mounting tab is
visible, Fig. 5 illustrates both tabs). Corresponding
mounting tabs 61 (Fig. 5) project forward from the body 33 of
the lever 13, and openings in the lever mounting tabs 61 align
with openings in the housing mounting tabs 59 for receiving a
hinge pin 63 therethrough to pivotally mount the lever 13 on
the housing 11. A torsion spring, indicated generally at 65,
fits substantially between the lever mounting tabs 61 with the
hinge pin 63 passing through the spring 65 and secure it to
the lever 13. A first arm 65a of the spring 65 engages the
body 33 of the lever 13, and a second arm 65b of the spring
engages an underside of the housing plateau 17 (see Fig. 8).
As will be descried in greater detail with respect to
operation of the ring mechanism 1, the spring 65 is positioned
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to urge the lever 13 to pivot to an upright position and to
resist movement of the lever outward and downward.
[0060] As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the travel bar 43
extends forward from the lever 13 in an upright position
longitudinally of the housing 11. The travel bar 43 is
oriented so that a generally vertical plane including a
longitudinal axis of the housing 11 is generally parallel to a
major surface of the travel bar. Broadly, travel bar 43 is
oriented generally in a plane parallel to or coincident with a
plane intersecting the central top portion and open bottom of
the housing. The travel bar 43 aligns with the longitudinal
channel 19 in the raised plateau 17 of the housing 11 and fits
generally within the channel. The channel 19 is longer than
the travel bar 43 and accommodates longitudinal movement of
the travel bar (the travel bar is shown at a rearward end of
the channel in Fig. 8 and at a forward end in Fig. 11). The
channel 19 guides the travel bar movement during operation,
loosely holds the travel bar 43 against lateral movement
relative to the housing 11, and supports the travel bar in the
upright position.
[0061] As shown in Figs. 7-9, the first and second hinge
plates 23a, 23b join together in parallel arrangement under
the travel bar 43. The plane containing the travel bar 43 is
oriented generally perpendicular to the hinge plates 23a, 23b
when they are in a co-planar position (180 ). The inner
longitudinal edge margins of the hinge plates 23a, 23b engage
and form a central pivoting hinge 67. The outer longitudinal
edge margins of the hinge plates 23a, 23b loosely fit behind
bent under rims 69 of the housing 11. It is understood that
mounting of the hinge plates 23a, 23b on the housing 11 is
essentially standard. The fingers 25 of the mounted hinge
plates 23a, 23b extend rearward of the housing 11 and fit
between the narrowed ends 39 of the closing arms 37 of the
lever 13 and the flat opening arm 41 of the lever. Other
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mounting arrangements may be used within the scope of the
present invention.
[0062] Respective mounting post cutouts 27a, 27b and
locking element cutouts 29a-c in each hinge plate 23a, 23b
align to form corresponding mounting post openings 27a, 27b
and locking element openings 29a-c with the hinge 67 extending
through each opening. The locking element openings 29a-c
align with the locking elements 45 of the travel bar 43. When
the ring mechanism 1 is closed, the flat shoulder 49 of each
locking element 45 rests above the hinge 67 of the hinge
plates 23a, 23b in engagement with upper surfaces of the hinge
plates, and the lower arm 51 of each locking element 45
protrudes through the respective locking element opening 29a-c
to a position below the hinge plates.
[0063] The ring members 21a, 21b extend away from the
hinge plates 23a, 23b through ring openings 71 along lower
longitudinal edges of the housing 11. The free ends 73, 75 of
respective ring members 21a, 21b engage generally above the
raised plateau 17 and securely hold the ring members in
alignment.
[0064] As shown in Figs. 2 and 9, two mounting posts 77a,
77b connect to the housing 11 for mounting the ring mechanism
1 on a notebook (e.g., Fig. 1). A first mounting post 77a
connects at a first mounting post opening 79a and extends
downwa.rd through the intermediate connector 53 (not visible in
Figs. 2 and 9, but shown in Fig. 7) and through the first
mounting post opening 27a of the hinge plates 23a, 23b. A
second mounting post 77b similarly connects to the housing 11
at a second mounting post opening 79b and extends downward
through the hinge plates 23a, 23b at a second hinge plate
mounting post opening 27b. The mounting post openings 27a,
27b allow the hinge plates 23a, 23b to pivot about the hinge
67 relative to the mounting posts 77a, 77b without contacting
them. In addition, the shape of the intermediate connector 53
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allows it to move relative to the first mounting post 77a
without contacting it, transmitting pivoting movement of the
lever 13 around the mounting post 77a to the travel bar 43. A
ring mechanism without an intermediate connector, for example
one in which a travel bar is pivotally connected directly to a
lever, or a mechanism with an intermediate connector shaped
differently does not depart from the scope of this invention.
[0065] As is known regarding operation of ring
mechanisms, the hinge plates 23a, 23b of the illustrated
mechanism 1 pivot relative to the housing 11 about the hinge
67 downward and upward as the outer edge margins of the hinge
plates move within the bent under rims 69 of the housing. The
ring members 21a, 21b mounted on the hinge plates 23a, 23b
move with the pivoting movement of the hinge plates together
and apart. The housing 11, which is narrower than the hinge
plates 23a, 23b when the plates are in the co-planar position,
provides a small spring force that biases the hinge plates to
pivot fully downward or fully upward. But the spring force of
the housing 11 of this ring mechanism 1 is generally smaller
than that of traditional mechanisms. When the hinge plates
23a, 23b pivot downward, the ring members 21a, 21b close; when
the hinge plates 23a, 23b pivot upward, the ring members 21a,
21b open.
[0066] Figures 1-3 and 7-9 illustrate the ring mechanism
1 with the ring members 21a, 21b in the closed position, and
Figs. 4, 10-12 illustrate the mechanism 1 with the ring
members 21a, 21b in the open position. In the closed position
of the ring members 21a, 21b, the hinge plates 23a, 23b are
hinged downward, away from the housing 11, so that the first
and second ring members 21a, 21b of each ring 15 are together.
The lever 13 is generally vertical and the torsion spring 65
adjacent the lever is minimally tensioned, but still resisting
movement of the lever 13 outward and downward. The travel bar
43 is in a locked position toward the lever 13. The locking
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elements 45 are each located with its flat shoulder 49 behind
the hinge plates 23a, 23b, blocking upward movement, and with
its lower arm 51 through the respective locking element
opening 29a-c. The hinge plates 23a, 23b support the locking
elements 45 and travel bar 43 above the plates. Any upward
movement of the hinge plates 23a, 23b causes the hinge plates
to bear against the flat shoulder 49 of each locking element
45 and push upward on the travel bar 43 within the housing
channel 19. But the travel bar 43 does not move upward
because it is already in contact with the housing 11. The
hinge plates 23a, 23b have nowhere to pivot around the locking
elements 45 and travel bar 43 and are held in their downward
pivoted position. Thus, the ring members 21a, 21b are locked
closed.
[0067] To unlock the ring mechanism 1 and open the ring
members 21a, 21b, the lever 13 is pivoted outward and downward
against the tension of the torsion spring 65 (i.e., against
the resistance of the first spring arm 65a to move toward the
second spring arm 65b). The opening arm 41 of the lever 13
moves upward, against the fingers 25 of the hinge plates 23a,
23b, and pushes the intermediate connector 53 forward. The
intermediate connector 53 pushes the travel bar 43 forward,
sliding it within the longitudinal channel 19.
[0068] The intermediate connector 53 creates a dynamic
connection between the lever 13 and travel bar 43. The
connection at the lever 13 is pivotal in nature so that the
intermediate connector 53 can freely pivot with respect to the
lever 13 while moving conjointly with the lever in translation
along the longitudinal axis LA (Figs. 2 and 4) of the housing
11. Similarly, the intermediate connector 53 may pivot freely
with respect to the travel bar 43 while moving the travel bar
conjointly with the intermediate connector 53 in translation
along the longitudinal axis LA of the ring mechanism 1. Thus,
pivoting the lever 13 either pushes the travel bar 43 away
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from the lever or pulls it toward the lever. However, this
connection is still loose enough to allow the intermediate
connector 53 to pivot relative to the travel bar 43 to
accommodate small amounts of pivoting movement of the
connector occurring when the lever 13 pivots and moves the
connector 53.
[0069] The locking elements 45 move with the travel bar
43 so that the flat shoulder 49 of each locking element moves
from behind the hinge plates 23a, 23b into registration over
each respective locking element opening 29a-c. If the lever
13 is released, the spring 65 automatically urges the lever 13
to move back to its vertical position, pulling the travel bar
43 and locking elements 45 back to the locked position.
[0070] The lever opening arm 41 pushes the hinge plates
23a, 23b just through the co-planar position, and the housing
spring force pivots the hinge plates 23a, 23b to their full
upward position. The locking element openings 29a-c in the
hinge plates 23a, 23b pass over the respective locking
elements 45. Rearward edges of each opening 29a-c engage the
arcuate rearward edge 47 of each respective locking element
(Fig. 11), supporting the travel bar 43 above the hinge plates
within the housing channel 19. It will be understood that a
travel bar may be supported other than by hinge plates within
the scope of the present invention. Moreover, a travel bar
may be located below hinge plates of a ring mechanism. The
ring members 21a, 21b open, and the lever 13 can be safely
released. The torsion spring 65 recoils slightly and pivots
the lever 13 slightly upward and inward, moving the lever's
closing arms 37 into contact with upper surfaces of the hinge
plates 23a, 23b. The travel bar 43 and locking elements 45
move only slightly because the arcuate rearward edge 47 of
each locking element is already engaging the rearward edge of
the respective locking element opening 29a-c. The housing
17
CA 02586165 2007-05-07
spring force holds the hinge plates 23a, 23b upward and the
ring members 21a, 21b open.
[0071] To close the ring members 21a, 21b and lock them
together, either the lever 13 can be pivoted upward and inward
or the ring members can be pushed together. Pivoting the
lever 13 causes the lever closing arms 37 to push the hinge
plates 23a, 23b downward while the lever 13 simultaneously
pulls the travel bar 43 rearward. The shape of the arcuate
rearward edge 47 of each locking element 45 causes the hinge
plates 23a, 23b to slide down along the arcuate edges as the
locking elements move, partly camming the hinge plates
downward (in addition to the downward force provided by the
closing arms 37). These combined downward forces push the
hinge plates 23a, 23b to the co-planar position where the
housing spring force biases them to their full downward
position. The torsion spring 65 then pivots the lever 13 to
its vertical position, which in turn pulls the travel bar 43
and locking elements 45 to the locked position.
[0072] The ring members 21a, 21b can also be closed by
pushing the ring members together, which directly pivots the
hinge plates 23a, 23b downward. The opening arm 41 of the
lever 13 is moved down by the hinge plates 23a, 23b and the
rearward edges of the hinge plate locking element openings
29a-c slide down the arcuate rearward edges 47 of the
respective locking elements 45 (as the locking elements are
incrementally moved by the spring-biased lever). When the
hinge plates 23a, 23b reach the co-planar position, the
housing spring force biases them to their full downward
position. The torsion spring 65 simultaneously pivots the
lever 13 to its full vertical position. The lever 13 pulls
the travel bar 43 and locking elements 45 to the locked
position (i.e., with the shoulders 49 engaging the upper
surfaces of the hinge plates 23a, 23b).
18
CA 02586165 2007-05-07
[0073] In this ring mechanism 1, the opening arm 41 of
the lever 13 is initially spaced slightly below the hinge
plates 23a, 23b (Fig. 8). So when the lever 13 pivots to open
the ring members 21a, 21b, the travel bar 43 and locking
elements 45 move immediately and prior to the opening arm 41
engaging and pivoting the hinge plates 23a, 23b. In addition,
after the opening arm 41 of the lever 13 engages the hinge
plates 23a, 23b, the opening arm slides a short distance
forward along the hinge plates before actually pivoting them
upward. This lost motion action allows the locking elements
45 to move into registration over respective hinge plate
cutout openings 29a-c before the hinge plates 23a, 23b pivot
upward. Accordingly, the locking elements 45 do not impede
the pivoting movement of the hinge plates 23a, 23b to open the
ring members 21a, 21b. It is only after the flat shoulders 49
of the locking elements 45 register over the respective
openings 29a-c that the opening arm 41 moves the hinge plates
23a, 23b upward.
[0074) It is understood that a ring mechanism with levers
at both longitudinal ends of a housing is within the scope of
the invention. It is also understood that actuators other
than levers, for example, push buttons, could be used without
changing the scope of the invention.
[00751 Figures 13-22 show a ring mechanism according to a
second embodiment generally at 101. Parts of this mechanism
corresponding to parts of the ring mechanism 1 of the first
embodiment of Figs. 1-12 are identified by the same reference
numerals, plus "100." With the exception of the modifications
described below, it is understood that the mechanism 101 of
this embodiment is the same as the mechanism 1 of the first
embodiment.
[0076] Referring to Figs. 13-16, a housing 111, rings
115, and hinge plates 123a, 123b are modified in this
embodiment. The housing 111 includes a relatively flat (not
19
CA 02586165 2007-05-07
raised) plateau 116 along its upper surface. Rings 115
include first and second ring members 121a, 121b that, in the
closed position, form a continuous closed circular-shaped loop
(Figs. 13 and 14). Free ends 174, 176 of the first and second
ring members 121a, 121b, respectively, are each formed with
mating structure comprising four fingers. The structure of
the second ring member 121b is rotated 45 relative to the
structure of the first ring member 121a. When the ring
members 121a, 121b close, the mating structure securely holds
the ring members together against lateral misalignment.
[0077] Referring to Fig. 16, first and second hinge
plates 123a, 123b of this embodiment do not each include a
mounting post cutout at the forward end of the hinge plate.
A second mounting post 177b at the forward end of the ring
mechanism 101 passes by the ends of the hinge plates 123a,
123b without engaging them (e.g., Figs. 19 and 22). Also in
this embodiment, first and second ring members 121a, 121b of
each ring 115 mount on upper surfaces of the respective first
and second hinge plates 123a, 123b. They extend upward from
the hinge plates 123a, 123b more directly than in the first
embodiment and thus require enlarged ring openings 171 along
longitudinal edge margins of the housing 111. The enlarged
openings 171 provide additional room for the ring members
121a, 121b to move relative to the housing 111 without
contacting it.
[0078] As shown in Fig. 16, the lever 113 is generally L-
shaped with an enlarged, flat head 131 and a C-shaped base
133. The base 133 is connected to the head 131 toward the
bottom of the head and includes a single upper closing arm 137
and a single spaced apart lower opening arm 141. The closing
and opening arms 137, 141 extend away from the head 131 in
generally perpendicular orientation to the head and in
generally parallel relation to each other. In operation, the
closing and opening arms 137, 141 receive fingers 125 of the
CA 02586165 2007-05-07
hinge plates 123a, 123b therebetween as previously described
for the lever 13 of the first embodiment to move the hinge
plates 123a, 123b downward and upward.
[0079] As also shown in Fig. 16, a biasing spring 165 is
illustrated as a torsion spring that includes a closed end
165c and two side arms 165a, 165b bent upward at an angle of
about 45 from the closed end. A loop is formed in each side
arm 165a, 165b adjacent where the arm bends upward for
connecting the torsion spring 165 to the lever 113 (Figs. 17-
19). The closed end 165c of the torsion spring 165 extends
around the base 133 of the lever 113 about where the base
extends from the head 131. The loop of each side arm 165a,
165b of the torsion spring 165 aligns on opposite sides of the
opening arm 141 of the lever 113 with an aperture 181 through
the opening arm.
[0080] The lever 113, along with the torsion spring 165,
attaches to a lever mount indicated generally at 183 that is
separate from the housing 111. Two arms 183a, 183b project
downward from the lever mount 183 (Fig. 16) and align with the
loops of each side arm 165a, 165b of the torsion spring 165
and with the aperture 181 through the opening arm 141 of the
lever 113 (Fig. 19). A hinge pin 163 fits through the aligned
openings to pivotally connect the lever 113 to the mount 183
and to securely hold the torsion spring 165 adjacent the
lever. The lever mount 183 is secured to the housing 111 at
the rearward end of the housing by two rivets, each indicated
at 185 (Fig. 16), extending through the plateau 117 of the
housing (Figs. 13 and 15). A mounting post opening 187 in the
lever mount 183 aligns with the rearward mounting post opening
179a of the housing 111. The opening 187 of the lever mount
183 is larger than the corresponding opening 179a of the
housing 111 so that a mounting post can be easily peened to
the housing when mounting the mechanism 101 on a notebook.
The side arms 165a, 165b of the torsion spring 165 extend
21
CA 02586165 2007-05-07
forward from the mounted lever 113 and engage an upper surface
of the hinge plates 123a, 123b, to the side of each hinge
plate finger 125 (Figs. 17 and 18). The side arms 165a, 165b
rest against longitudinal end edges of the hinge plates 123a,
123b adjacent the fingers 125.
[0081] When the lever 113 pivots to open the ring members
121a, 121b, the closed end 165c of the spring 165 engages the
exterior of the lever and moves with the lever. The side arms
165a, 165b of the spring 165 remain stationery against inner
sides of the housing 111. This creates a tension in the
spring 165 that resists the lever movement and urges the lever
113 to pivot upward and inward to its vertical (closed and
locked) position, as described for the first embodiment. An
intermediate connector 153 is connected to the lever 113 at
the closing arm 137 of the lever, above where the lever mounts
on the lever mount 183, so the lever 113 pulls the travel bar
143 rearward during opening operation. When the lever 113
pivots to close the ring members 121a, 121b, it pushes the
travel bar 143 forward. It can be seen that this operation of
the travel bar 143 is opposite to that of the first
embodiment. To account for this, the travel bar 143 is formed
with reversed locking elements 145 (as compared to the
orientation of the locking elements 45 of the first
embodiment). Arcuate edges 147 and flat shoulders 149 of the
locking elements 145 are on a forward side of the locking
element in this embodiment. In generally all other regards,
this embodiment operates the same as the first embodiment.
[0082] The torsion spring 165 is uniquely located outside
the lever 113. This allows a traditional lever 113 with a
unitary closing arm 137 to be used with the mechanism 101
while still using the torsion spring 165 to bias the lever to
a closed and locked vertical position. The spring 165 is
symmetrically oriented around the lever 113 for providing
uniform force to the lever urging it to pivot upward and
22
CA 02586165 2007-05-07
inward. The lever 113 moves to the closed and locked position
and moves locking elements 145 to their position blocking
pivoting movement of the hinge plates 123a, 123b when the ring
members 121a, 121b close.
[0083] Figures 23-26 show a ring mechanism according to a
third embodiment generally at 201. Parts of this mechanism
corresponding to parts of the ring mechanism 1 of the first
embodiment of Figs. 1-12 are identified by the same reference
numerals, plus "200," and parts corresponding to parts of the
second embodiment of Figs. 13-22 are identified by the same
reference numerals, plus "100." With the exception of the
modifications described below, it is understood that the
mechanism 201 of this third embodiment is the same as the
mechanism 101 of the second embodiment.
[0084] In this embodiment, a housing 211 is modified to
include four pairs of bent under tabs (collectively forming a
guide), each tab indicated at 289, spaced apart longitudinally
along a plateau 216 of the housing. The tabs 289 form a
broken channel within the housing 211 extending along the
length of the housing between mounting post openings 279a,
279b of the housing. The tabs 289 are each rectangular in
shape (Figs. 25 and 26) and are formed directly from the
housing 211 by cutting part of the housing plateau 216 to
rectangular form and folding the cut part downward into the
housing. The tabs 289 of each pair of tabs are oriented in a
generally vertical position and in a generally parallel
relation to each other (Fig. 24). They are also each parallel
to a generally vertical plane containing a travel bar 243 of
the mechanism 201. The shape and arrangement of the tabs can
be other than described and shown in this embodiment without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
10085] As shown in Figs. 25 and 26, the travel bar 243 is
positioned longitudinally of the housing 211 in its upright
position between the two tabs 289 of each pair of tabs. As
23
CA 02586165 2007-05-07
was described regarding the channels 19, 119 of the first and
second embodiments, the tabs 289 of this embodiment loosely
hold the travel bar 243 against lateral movement relative to
the housing 211, support the travel bar in its upright
position during movement, and guide the travel bar during
operation.
[0086] Figures 27-36 show a ring mechanism according to a
fourth embodiment generally at 301. Parts of this mechanism
corresponding to parts of the ring mechanism 1 of the first
embodiment of Figs. 1-12 are identified by the same reference
numerals, plus "300." The ring mechanism 301 of this
embodiment is roughly similar to the ring mechanism 1 of the
first embodiment, with the exception of a travel bar 343.
[0087] As shown in Figs. 28-29B, three tongues, each
designated 391, are formed along a top edge of the travel bar
343. The tongues 391 are spaced longitudinally apart along
the travel bar 343 with two tongues located toward respective
end of the travel bar and one tongue located toward a center
of the travel bar. Upper surfaces of the tongues 391 are
generally co-planar and are oriented generally perpendicular
to a plane containing the travel bar 343. The tongues 391 are
formed as one piece with the travel bar 343. But tongues may
be formed separate from a travel bar and attached thereto. In
the illustrated embodiment, the travel bar 343 is made of
plastic and formed by a mold process. It is understood,
however, that the travel bar could be made from other
materials and formed from other processes.
[0088] As shown in Figs. 30, 32, and 33, the flats 391
fit within a raised channel 319 of a housing 311 for movement
within the channel in a longitudinal direction of the housing.
The channel 319 is substantially the width of a plateau 317 of
the housing 311 and supports the tongues 391 against lateral
movement of the housing. As in the previous embodiment, the
channel 319 holds the travel bar 343 in proper alignment
24
CA 02586165 2007-05-07
within the housing 311 as it moves and helps prevent the
travel bar from canting within the housing during operation.
[0089] Referring again to Figs. 28-29B, locking elements
345 of the travel bar 343 each include a gusset 393 having a
thick border 395. The gussets 393 provide strengthened
locking elements 345 for blocking pivoting movement of hinge
plates 323a, 323b. All other aspects of the ring mechanism
301, including operation, are substantially the same as
described for the ring mechanism 1 of the first embodiment.
[0090] Components of the ring mechanisms of the
embodiments described herein are made of a suitable rigid
material, such as a metal (e.g. steel). But mechanisms having
components made of a nonmetallic material, specifically
including a plastic, do not depart from the scope of this
invention. For instance, the travel bar 343 of the fourth
embodiment is preferably a molded, plastic piece.
[0091] When introducing elements of the embodiments,
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 "up" and "down" and variations of these
terms is made for convenience, but does not require any
particular orientation of the components.
[0092] 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.
