Patent ID: 7198422
Filing Date: 2007-04-03
Classification: B42B

Abstract:
1. A ring binder having a plurality of ring-forming constituents each comprising a one-piece flexible strap having a clasp at one end and free of any hinge along its length, said strap extending from the clasp and having a free end portion, said strap being adapted to have its said free end portion laced through holes in loose-leaf items to be bound and formed into a ring by inserting said free end portion in the clasp for holding it in the clasp, the clasp comprising a resiliently acting arm engageable with the strap for holding the strap in the clasp, the clasp also comprising a buckle, the resiliently acting arm comprising a tongue of the buckle having a detent thereon engageable in a hole of a series of holes in the strap, the buckle comprising a plastic frame having rearward and forward ends, opposite sides, top and bottom, the strap extending from the forward end, the frame having an opening therein, and a lug extending down from the frame generally at an end of the opening, the resiliently acting arm extending from a position generally adjacent a lower end of the lug, the ring binder further comprising strap guides on the bottom of the frame including a rearward strap guide positioned rearward of the opening and a forward strap guide positioned forward of the opening.