Patent ID: 7597498
Filing Date: 2009-10-06
Classification: B42F

Abstract:
1. A ring binder mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages, the ring binder mechanism being adapted to be fastened to a cover using at least one fastener, the mechanism comprising: a housing having longitudinal ends and a top surface; hinge plates supported by the housing for pivoting motion about a pivot axis relative to the housing; rings for holding loose-leaf pages, each ring including a first ring member mounted on a first hinge plate and moveable with the pivoting motion of the first hinge plate, each ring further including a second ring member, the first ring member being movable relative to the second ring member so that in a closed position the two ring members form a substantially continuous, closed loop for allowing loose-leaf pages retained by the rings to be moved along the rings from one ring member to the other, and in an open position the two ring members form a discontinuous, open loop for adding or removing loose-leaf pages from the rings; and a control structure supported by the housing and movable relative to the housing, the control structure producing the pivoting motion of the hinge plates in at least one direction; wherein the control structure comprises an actuating lever pivotally connected to the housing and disposed generally above the top surface of the housing, the actuating lever being formed for receiving said fastener therethrough for connecting the housing to said cover, and wherein the control structure further includes a travel bar, movable in translation relative to both the housing and the hinge plates, and a locking element, pivotally connected to the housing and to the travel bar.