Abstract:
A binder mechanism comprises a pair of prong plates pivotally connected by a retainer spring to toggle between a first raised position and a second lowered position. The prong plates include a plurality of ring segments affixed to the prong plates that are capable of forming loops. A cam mechanism is used to toggle the prong plates between the raised and lowered positions causing the ring segments to open or to close to form loops. The cam mechanism is preferably a slider located above the prong plates, the slider having ramps inserted through recesses between the prong plates. Preferably, the recesses are located adjacent to where the ring segments are attached to the prong plates. Cleats may hold the parts of the binder mechanism together and keep the mechanism attached to a binder assembly. Preferably, the retainer spring is in the form of a top spring covering both the slider and prong plates. A handle may be attached to both the top spring and slider such that when the handle is pivoted it moves the slider longitudinally away from the handle causing the ramps to contact the prong plates adjacent the recesses resulting in the prong plates moving upward or downward to open or close the ring segments to form loops.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to binders, and more particularly to loose-leaf binder mechanisms, which include a slider. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Loose-leaf binders include binder mechanisms for holding loose sheets of paper. Conventional loose-leaf binder mechanisms include ring segments that abut to form rings. The ring segments are separated to facilitate the insertion of paper to the binder or the removal of paper from the binder. Often, the ring mechanisms include actuators to separate the ring segments between the opened and closed positions. These can include actuating bars. Locking mechanisms protect against accidental opening of the rings, and possible damage to the papers stored in the binder that may occur should it accidently open. Typically, binder mechanisms require two-hands to operate. 
     Various forms of binder mechanisms have incorporated actuating bar mechanisms. U.S. Pat. No. 2,013,416 to McClure, teaches a snap-ring loose-leaf binder mechanism with a spring back plate with channels formed in its edges to receive a pair of prong plates, and semicircular rings secured to the prong plates that form rings in their closed position. An actuating bar includes cam members that receive tongue portions of the prong plates adapted to ride in cam slots of the cam members. When the actuating bar is slid, the tongue portions of the prong plates move in cam slots to move the prong plates and thereby cause the rings to open or close. The tongue portions are located distantly from the rings. The assembly includes a back plate on which the cam members slide. The actuating bar is exposed outside of the assembly and is pulled linearly beyond the edge of the binder. 
     Two similar references are U.S. Pat. No. 4,571,108 to Vogl and U.S. Pat. No. 4,566,817 to Barrett, Jr. Vogl, for instance, teaches a locking ring binder mechanism with a cover, a base, two hingedly connected plates located between the cover and the base. Rings are attached to the hingedly connected plates. A control slide is compressed between the cover and the base such that there is friction between their surfaces to prevent unintentional movement of the control slide. The control slide features a number of slants or incline surfaces and cam surfaces. These pass through openings in the plates. When the control slide is moved, the portions of the slide passing through the openings in the plates connect with the edges of the plates and force the plates up or down to move the rings to an open or closed position. The cam surfaces are located distally from the rings. The mechanism includes a base upon which the control slide moves and the control slide is compressed between the base and the cover to create friction between their surfaces. 
     Further, French Patent No. 656,338, discloses a handle that pivots to move a slider using an additional pivot arm. The construction disclosed uses an additional pivot arm. 
     Also, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,035,526 and 5,100,253 to Cooper et al. and Cooper respectively, disclose cleats that are used to secure the binder mechanism to a binder assembly. A plurality of plates having prongs or nail bursts are used for securing the plates to a backing or spine of a binder. An upstanding deformable rivet is mounted on each plate. The rivets secure the binder or ring mechanism with a support member to the backing of the binder assembly. Support member are used to attach the binder mechanism to the backing or spine of the binder. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A binder mechanism comprises a pair of prong plates pivotally connected by a retainer spring to toggle between a first raised position and a second lowered position. The prong plates include a plurality of ring segments affixed to the prong plates that are capable of forming loops. A cam mechanism is used to toggle the prong plates between the raised and lowered positions causing the ring segments to open or to close to form loops. The cam mechanism is preferably a slider located above the prong plates, the slider having ramps inserted through recesses between the prong plates. Preferably, the recesses are located adjacent to where the ring segments are attached to the prong plates. Cleats may hold the parts of the binder mechanism together and keep the binder mechanism attached to a binder assembly. 
     Another embodiment of a binder mechanism according to the present invention features a top spring and two prong plates that are held against each other by sides of the top spring and toggle toward and away from the top spring, opening and closing binder ring segments that are attached to the prong plates. Preferably, cleats of the binder have a flat base that is attached to the binder and rivets that hold the binder mechanism together. Preferably, a slider includes ramps extending through recesses between the prong plates and supported against the bases of the cleats, reducing wear to the folder caused by friction with the slider. A handle is pivotably attached to the top spring and the slider. The handle slides the slider longitudinally, causing the ramps to move the prong plates to open or close the ring segmnents. The ramps move the prong plates adjacent to the rings to minimize warping of the prong plates. 
     In another embodiment, the recesses of the prong plates include recess edges. The prong plates are held in place by the top spring and are wedged by the ramps on the slider. The handle is pivotally attached to the top spring and slider. When the handle is pivoted, the slider moves longitudinally away from the handle. As the slider moves, the ramps slide upon the bases of the cleats, thereby reducing damage to the surface of the binder. As the slider moves, the ramps contact the recess edges and cause the prong plates to raise up or down. This movement of the prong plates causes the rings to open and close. Because the slider wedges the prong plates adjacent to where the ring segments are attached to the prong plates, improved locking is created because the prong plates cannot move unless the slider moves. 
     The shape of the prong plates and the slider mechanism control the motion of the rings throughout the cycle. Further, preferably the manipulation of the ring segments to an open or closed position is performed by use of only one handle. In one embodiment of the binder mechanism according to the present invention, the user is able open and close the binder with one handle, leaving the other hand free to assist in adding or removing paper. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention reduces the probability of paper getting loose when the binder is dropped. The improved locking may be accomplished by the addition of a slider with ramps and cams that will prevent the prong plates from moving even if the binder is dropped. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a binder mechanism according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a binder mechanism according to the present invention, wherein the ring segments are in a closed position; 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a binder mechanism according to the present invention, wherein the ring segments are in an open position; 
     FIG. 4 is a partial view of the handle of the binder mechanism according to the present invention, wherein the ring segments are in a closed position; 
     FIG. 5 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the binder mechanism along arrow  3 ,  4  of FIG. 2, wherein the prong plates are in a raised position; and 
     FIG. 6 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the binder mechanism along arrow  3 ,  4  of FIG. 2, wherein the prong plates are in a lowered position. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a binder mechanism  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of the parts that comprise the binder mechanism  10 . The binder mechanism  10  preferably has a retainer spring  12 , two prong plates  14  and  16  are held in over center side-by-side relation by the retainer spring  12 . Preferably, as shown, the retainer spring  12  is a top spring  12  with the prong plates  14  and  16  held side-by-side under the top spring  12 . The over center position allows the prong plates to toggle up and down for opening and closing binder ring segments  18  and  20  that are attached to the prong plates  14  and  16 . An attachment mechanism  22  is used to hold the binder mechanism  10  together and attach it to a binder assembly. Preferably, the attachment mechanism  22  are cleats  22  having posts or rivets  24  that hold the binder mechanism  10  together and attach the binder mechanism  10  to a binder assembly (shown in FIGS.  5  and  6 ). However, posts, rivets, pins, glue or any other attachment mechanism known to those skilled in the art for attaching binder mechanisms could be used. The binder assembly can be a binder, spine, cover or any other device in which it is desirable to hold sheets of paper. 
     A cam mechanism  26  is located in the binder mechanism  10  to toggle the prong plates  14  and  16  between a first raised position and a second lowered position for opening and closing the binder ring segments  18  and  20 . The cam mechanism may have cam members. The cam mechanism  26  could be actuatable by moving the device longitudinally, rotatably, laterally or any other actuation known to those skilled in the art to toggle the prong plates  14  and  16 . As shown in FIG. 1, the cam mechanism  26  is preferably a slider  26  located in the binder mechanism  10  and including ramps  28  that extend through recesses  30  between the prong plates  14  and  16 . Preferably, at least one ramp  28  is supported against base  32  of one cleat  22 . Also, preferably a handle  34  is pivotably attached to the top spring  12  and slider  26  and is capable of moving the slider  26  to toggle the prong plates  14  and  16  for opening or closing the ring segments  18  and  20 . 
     In one embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1, the top spring  12  includes a top arcuate surface  36  having a first edge  38  parallel to a second edge  40  and two ends  42  and  44 . A first flange  46  is attached to the first edge  38  and a second flange  48  is attached to the second edge  40 . The first and second flanges  46  and  48  extend substantially along the length of the ends  42  and  44  of the top arcuate surface  36 . Each flange  46  and  48  extends inwardly and is angled away from the top arcuate surface  36  and includes an inside edge  50  where the flange  46  and  48  and the top surface  36  converge. The top surface  36  further includes an opening  52  for receiving the rivets  24  of the cleats  22  for completing assembly of the binder mechanism  10 . As shown, preferably there are two openings  52  for receiving the respective rivets  24  located towards each of the ends  42  and  44  of the top arcuate surface  36 . 
     The top surface  36  also includes several slots  54  that extend through the flanges  46  and  48  and are aligned with the ring segments  18  and  20  on the prong plates  14  and  16  such that the ring segments  18  and  20  will be placed through the slots  54 . Further, the slots  54  are extended to accommodate the opening and closing movement of the ring segments  18  and  20 . As shown, there are three pairs of slots  54 . Preferably two pairs of slots  54  are located towards the ends  42  and  44  of the top spring  12  and one pair of slots  54  is located intermediate those ends  42  and  44  to accommodate the ring segments  18  and  20 . Preferably, the intermediate pair of slots  54  is located in the center of the top spring  12 . Preferably, the pairs of slots  54  located towards the ends  42  and  44  of the top spring  12  are located at about less than one-half of the distance from the ends  42  and  44  to the center of the top spring  12 . Each pair of slots  54  is preferably in perpendicular alignment with the length of the binder mechanism  10 . Each slot  54  receives a ring segment  18  and  20  such that two opposing ring segments  18  and  20  mate to form a loop or ring  56  in a closed position (as shown in FIGS.  2  and  6 ). As shown, the ring segments  18  and  20  form a circular ring; however, any shape ring may be formed such as a D-shaped ring or any other shaped ring known to those skilled in the art. 
     The top spring  12  provides a notch  53  having notch edges  55  to accommodate the handle  34 . Preferably, the notch  53  is rectangular and centered on the top surface  36  at the first end  42  of the top spring  12 . Preferably, the rectangular notch  53  features two tabs  57  extending downwardly from two notch edges  55 , the tabs  57  each having a pivot point  59 . Most preferably, the tabs  57  are in parallel relation with each other with the pivot points  59  being aligned. 
     As shown in FIG. 1,  5  and  6 , the prong plates  14  and  16  are elongated plates placed in a side-by-side relation. Each prong plate  14  and  16  has an outer edge  58  and an inner edge  60 . The outer edges  58  are received by the first and second flanges  44  and  46  of the top spring  12  and rest against the inside edge  50  of the flanges  44  and  46  and the top spring  12 . Because of their placement, the inner edges  60  of the plates  14  and  16  are held securely against each other. The relationship between the inner edges  60  of the prong plates  14  and  16  and their over center relationship allows the prong plates  14  and  16  to toggle toward the top spring  12  to a first raised position, as shown in FIG. 5, and away from the top spring  12  to a second lowered position, as shown in FIG.  6 . 
     The prong plates  14  and  16  also include several attachment positions, preferably apertures  62 , for receiving the ring segments  18  and  20 . As shown in FIG. 1, there are three pairs of apertures  62 , each pair being aligned in a perpendicular relationship to the length of the binder mechanism  10 . Further, the apertures  62  are aligned so that the ring segments  18  and  20  are directly across from each other to form the ring  56  when the prong plates  14  and  16  are toggled to their second lowered position, as shown in FIG.  6 . The apertures  62  are also aligned with the slots  54  in the top spring  12  such that the ring segments  18  and  20  will fit through the slots  54 . 
     As shown in FIG. 1, preferably the prong plates  14  and  16  are shorter than the top spring  12  and the slider  26 . Thus, it is not necessary for the prong plates  14  and  16  to be capable of accommodating the rivets  24  of the cleats  22  for completing assembly of the binder mechanism  10 . The prong plates  14  and  16  are short enough to fit in between the rivets  24 . Because of the prong plates  14  and  16  length, the rivets  24  are received by the slider  26  and the top spring  12 . However, if the prong plates  14  and  16  are longer, the inner edge  60  of each prong plate  14  and  16  can feature complementary pairs of matching notches. Each notch on one prong plate would mate with the complementary opposing notch on the other prong plate to form a bole for receiving the rivet of the cleat to complete the assembly of the binder mechanism  10 . 
     Finally, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the inner edges  60  of the prong plates  14  and  16  feature complementary cutouts  70  and  72 . The cutouts  70  and  72  may be formed through cutting, stamping, casting, molding or any other method known to those skilled in the art to form the recess  30 . Each cutout  70  mates with an opposing cutout  72  on the opposite prong plate to form the recess  30  having recess edges  74 . The cutouts  70  and  72  could be made in a variety of shapes and numbers to accommodate the shape and number of pairs of ramps  28 . As shown, preferably, there are three recesses  30  formed immediately adjacent to the apertures  62  that receive the ring segments  18  and  20 . Locating the recesses  30  near the apertures  62  that receive the ring segments  18  and  20  allows actuation of the prong plates  14  and  16  near the ring segments  18  and  20  which assists in preventing warping of the prong plates  14  and  16 . Each recess  30  has a length. Preferably, each recess  30  is located no more than twice its length  30  from the closest pair of apertures  62 . More preferably, each recess  30  is located no more its length from the closest pair of apertures  62 . Most preferably, each recess  30  is located no more than one-half its length from the closest pair of apertures  62 . Preferably, two of the recesses  30  are located toward opposing ends of the prong plates  14  and  16  and the third is between the two ends. Preferably, the third recess  30  is off-set from the center of the prong plates. Most preferably, the third recess  30  is off-set from the center and away from the end of the binder mechanism  10  with the handle  34 . Referring to FIGS. 1,  5  and  6 , the ring segments  18  and  20  are preferably formed as arcs having two ends  76  and  78 . The first end  76  has a straight end piece  80 . This end piece  80  fits within the aperture  62  formed in the prong plates  14  and  16  to affix the ring segments  18  and  20  to the prong plates  14  and  16 . As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the ring segments  18  and  20  feature a flat outer surface  77  with a rounded inner surface  79 . The flat outer surface  77  reduces the amount of materials used which makes the binder mechanism lighter and less expensive. The rounded inner surface  79  maintains a smooth circular surface for holding the papers. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the second ends  78  of the ring segments may be flat where they interface with each other. Moreover, second ends  78  of the ring segments  18  and  20  may also have interlocking portions or ridges  81  as shown in FIG.  4 . 
     The ring segments  18  and  20  are formed such that when the prong plates  14  and  16  are toggled to their first raised position the second end  78  of each ring segment  18  on one prong plate  14  mates with the second end  78  of the opposing ring segment  20  on the second prong plate  16  to form the ring  56 . The ring  56  retains papers within the binder mechanism  10 . When the prong plates  14  and  16  are toggled into their second lowered position, the ring segments  18  are separated so that papers may be inserted or removed from the binder mechanism  10 . 
     As shown in FIG. 1, the slider  26  with a beam  82  includes two ends  84  and  86  between two elongated surfaces  88  and  90  having two edges  92  and  94 . The first elongated surface  88  is flat. The second surface  90  includes two flanges  96  and  98  perpendicular to the second surface  90  and extending substantially along the length of the two edges  92  and  94 . Further, ramps  28  extend from the flanges  96  and  98 . Preferably, the ramps  28  are in parallel alignment with each other and are in perpendicular alignment to the surfaces  88  and  90  of the beam  82 . The ramps  28  feature a slight incline  100  and a stop  102 . The ramps  28  also feature a flat bottom edge  104 . Preferably, the incline  100  is at an angle from the bottom edge of about 10 to 50 degrees, and more preferably about 20 to 30 degrees. Preferably, the flat bottom edge  104  is in parallel alignment with the two elongated surfaces  88  and  90 . 
     As shown, preferably there are three pairs of ramps  28 , one half of each pair being on an opposing edge  92  and  94  of the beam  82 . Two pairs of ramps  28  are located toward opposing ends  84  and  86  of the beam  82  and the third is in between the two ends  84  and  86 . As shown, preferably the third ramp  28  is off-set from the center of the slider  26 . More preferably, the third ramp  28  is off-set from the center and closer to the second end  86  of the slider  26  such that the ramp  28  fits within the third recess  30 . Preferably, the two pairs of ramps  28  located towards the ends  84  and  86  of the slider  26  are located at about less than two-thirds of the distance from the ends  84  and  86  to the center of the slider  26 . More preferably, the ramps  28  are located at about less than one-third of the distance from the ends  84  and  86  to the center of the slider  26 . 
     The slider  26  is located within the binder mechanism  10  between the top spring  12  and the cleats  22 . The beam  82  of the slider  26  is located between the prong plates  14  and  16  and the top spring  12 . The ramps  28  of the slider  26  extend through the recesses  30  of the prong plates  14  and  16 . The flat bottom edge  104  of preferably at least one ramp  28  rests on a smooth first surface  106  of the cleats  22 . In another embodiment, the flat bottom edge  104  of the ramps  28  is free-floating and does not come into contact with the cleats  22 . The beam  82  includes two elongated orifices  108  and  110  for receiving the rivets  24  of the cleats  22  for completing assembly of the binder mechanism  10 . As shown, the orifices  108  and  110  are preferably located towards the ends  84 ,  86  of the beam  82 . 
     As shown in FIG. 1, the first end  84  of the slider preferably includes a pair of extended secondary tabs  103  located perpendicular to the elongated surfaces  88  and  90  and extending from an end portion of each edge  92  and  94 . Preferably, the extended secondary tabs  103  extend directly downward from the first end  84  of the slider  26  and feature a flat bottom edge  105  and an inclined side  107  that meets with the flanges  96  and  98  on the edges  92  and  94  of the slider  26 . Preferably, the extended secondary tabs  103  are in parallel relation with each other. The extended secondary tabs  103  assist in pivotally attaching the handle  34 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 1,  5  and  6 , the binder mechanism also preferably includes cleats  22 . Preferably, the binder mechanism  10  includes at least two cleats  22 ; however, one cleat  22  could be used. The cleats  22  of the binder mechanism  10  are formed with a base  32 . Preferably, the base  32  includes the smooth first surface  106  and a second surface  112  having fasteners  114  that are used to secure the binder mechanism  10  to a binder  111 . As shown in FIG. 1, preferably the smooth first surface  106  has an extension  109  toward the center of the binder mechanism  10 . Preferably, at least one ramp  28  of the slider  26  rides or rests on the first surface  106  or extension  109  of one cleat  22 . This allows the ramp  28  to ride or slide on the first surface  106  or extension  109  when the slider  26  is moved longitudinally and thereby assists in preventing damage to the binder  111 . The other ramps  28  may be free-floating. More preferably, the two pairs of ramps  28  located towards the ends  84  and  86  of the slider  26  rest on the first surface  106  or extension  109  of the two cleats  22 . Also, the third pair of ramps  28  located between outer two pairs of ramps  28  may additionally rest on the first surface  106  or extension  109  of the closest cleat  22 , or on an additional third cleat  22 . If not, then the third pair of ramps  28  may float over the spine of the binder  111 . Additionally, in another embodiment, the ramps  28  do not contact the cleats  22  and instead are free-floating. 
     Preferably, the fasteners  114  are prongs or nail bursts that are attachable to the vinyl or other surface of a spine of a binder  111 . Any other fasteners known to those skilled in the art could be used such as rivets, pins, or glue. Four fasteners  114  are shown for illustration, but any number of fasteners  114  could be used. The cleats  22  also include a rivet  24  extending from the smooth first surface  106  for assembling the binder mechanism  10 . Any other device known to those skilled in the art could be used to assemble the parts of the binder mechanism, including a pin or nail. The rivets  24  extend through the elongated orifices  108  and  110  in the beam  82 , and the opening  52  in the top surface  36  of the top spring  12 . The rivets  24  are secured to the top surface  36  of the top spring  12 . 
     In another embodiment, the binder mechanism does not have cleats  22 . Instead, a rivet  24  is attached to the binder  111  and connects at least the slider  26  and the top spring  12  to the binder. Preferably, the rivet  24  is attached to the binder through the spine of the binder. The rivet may include a step, and thus have two diameters. The step is preferably located between the slider  26  and the top spring  12  and acts as a spacer between these two components. The ramps  28  of the slider  26  may be free-floating in this embodiment. 
     Finally, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the handle  34  of the binder mechanism  10  is pivotally attached to an end  42  of the top spring  12 . Preferably, the handle  34  is also attached to an end  84  of the slider  26  in such a manner that when the handle  34  is pivoted the slider  26  is moved from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position. The elongated orifices  108  and  110  of the slider  26  accommodate the movement of the slider  26  without disturbing the rivets  24  extending through the orifices  108  and  110 . Preferably, as shown, the slider  26  is moved and away from the handle  34 . 
     As shown in FIG. 1, preferably the handle  34  features a back  118  and two side pieces  120  and  122 . The side pieces  120  and  122  are located perpendicular to the back  118  such that the back  118  connects the two side pieces  120  and  122  at a connection  124 . As shown, preferably, the back  118  extends beyond the connection  124  to a first end  126  of the handle  34 , and the two side pieces  120  and  122  extend beyond the back  118  to the opposing second end  128  of the handle  34 . The two side pieces  120  and  122  each have an inner and outer surface  130  and  132 . First and second pivots  134  are provided on the outer surface  132  of each side piece  120  and  122 . Preferably, the first and second pivots  134  are in alignment and are located adjacent to the connection  124  between the back  118  and side pieces  120  and  122 . Third and fourth pivots  136  are provided on the inner surface  130  of each side piece  120  and  122 . Preferably, the third and fourth pivots  136  are in alignment and are located on the portion of the side pieces  120  and  122  that extend beyond the back  118  of the handle  34 . The pivots  134  and  136  are preferably nubs that are insertable into pivots points that allow the nubs to pivot. Preferably, the nubs  134  and  136  are punched into the side pieces  120  and  122 . The pivots  134  and  136  could also be a hinge, pin or any other device known to those skilled in the art for pivotally attaching the handle  34 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, tabs  57  of the notch  53  of the top spring  12  each feature pivot points  59  for accommodating the first and second pivots  134  of the handle  34 . Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the extended secondary tabs  103  on the slider  26  each feature pivot points  138  for accommodating the third and fourth pivots  136  of the handle  34 . Preferably, the pivot points  59  and  138  are holes or slots that allow the pivotal insertion of a nub or pin  134  and  136 . However, any pivotal mechanism for attaching the handle  34  known to those skilled in the art could be used. Thus, preferably the nubs  134  and  136  are fit into the holes  59  and slots  138  to pivotally attach the handle  34  to the slider  26  and top spring  12 . The handle  34  is pivotally attached to allow the handle  34  to pivot and move the slider  26  from a first longitudinal position into a second longitudinal position. 
     As the slider  26  is moved from the first longitudinal position to the second longitudinal position, the ramps  28  contact the recess edges  74  causing the prong plates  14  and  16  to move to the first raised position or the second lowered position. Preferably, the flat bottom edge  104  of the ramps slide on the smooth first surface  106  of the cleats  22  as the slider is moved forward. Further, the ramps  28  are preferably located immediately adjacent to the apertures  62  for locating the ring segments  18  and  20  to exhibit positive control over the opening or closing of the ring segments and to minimize warping of the prong plates. Preferably, prong plate movement is restricted by the slider  26  to assist in preventing accidental opening of the ring segments  18  and  20 . The over center position of the handle  34  also assists in preventing the accidental opening of the ring segments  18  and  20 . As shown in FIG. 5, when the prong plates  14  and  16  are toggled into the first raised position, the ring segments  18  and  20  are separated so that papers may be inserted or removed. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, when the prong plates  14  and  16  are toggled into the second lowered position, the ring segments  18  and  20  mate to form a ring  56  so that the papers are locked within the binding mechanism  10 . 
     The binder mechanism of the present invention could be made with more or fewer ring segments than illustrated. The additional rings can be provided with accommodating apertures, corresponding ramps and their accommodating recesses to allow the ring segments to be opened and closed without warping the prong plates as described in the specification. 
     Preferably, the binder mechanism  10  is manufactured using current manufacturing techniques for binder assemblies. The binder mechanism can be made of metal or plastics. Preferably, the binder mechanism  10  is made of metal and at least some of the parts are produced through a stamping process. The handle  34  may be formed as a molded plastic assembly. 
     One of ordinary skill in the art can envision numerous variations and modifications to the invention disclosed herein. For example, the handle of the binder mechanism could be made of several pieces that are affixed to each other and attached to the top spring and the slider such that when the handle is moved the slider is moved and causes the prong plates to toggle toward or away from the top spring. All of these modifications are contemplated by the true spirit and scope of the following claims.