Patent ID: 9102187
Filing Date: 2015-08-11
Classification: B42F

Abstract:
1. A ring binder mechanism for securing loose leaf pages, the ring binder mechanism comprising: a housing that defines a housing interior, first and second hinge boards positioned in the housing interior and configured to pivot relative to the housing, wherein the first and second hinge boards cooperate to define a slot, wherein the slot includes opposite ends that include a closing edge and an opening edge, the first and second hinge boards being pivotable between a closed position and an open position, a plurality of pairs of semi-rings, each semi-ring including a first ring member mounted on the first hinge board and moveable with the pivoting motion of the first hinge board and a second ring member moveable with the pivoting motion of the second hinge board, the first and second ring members each being pivotable between a closed position and an open position and extending through an opening in the housing, a travel bar positioned below the hinge boards and moveable linearly with respect to the housing and the hinge boards between an open position and a closed position, wherein the travel bar includes at least one top bar extending from a top surface thereof, wherein the top bar includes an inclined opening surface and an inclined closing surface, wherein at least a portion of the top bar extends through the slot in the first and second hinge boards, and wherein the travel bar is biased wherein the travel bar is biased toward the open position by a spring that extends between the travel bar and one of the first and second hinge boards toward the open position, wherein the inclined opening surface of the top bar contacts the opening edge of the slot to pivot the first and second hinge boards to the open position or the inclined closing surface of the top bar contacts the closing edge of the slot to pivot the first and second hinge boards to the closed position, wherein the travel bar is biased toward the open position by a spring that extends between the travel bar and one of the first and second hinge boards.