Ring binder mechanism

A ring mechanism having a housing and at least one ring configurable between a closed position for retaining loose-leaf pages and an open position. A pair of hinge plates, operatively connected to the ring, are pivotable within the housing between first and second position corresponding respectively to the closed and open positions of the ring. Each hinge plate has a free end and a line of weakness formed therein proximate the free end to facilitate bending of the hinge plate. A hinge plate actuator has a bearing surface engageable with the hinge plates proximate the free ends thereof upon movement of the actuator from a first position toward a second position thereof such that the hinge plates bend proximate their free ends to delay pivoting movement of the hinge plates upon initial movement of the actuator from its first position toward its second position.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates generally to ring binder mechanisms (broadly referred to herein as a ring mechanism) for retaining loose-leaf pages, and in particular to such a ring mechanism capable of opening and closing mating ring members and locking the ring members when closed.

A ring mechanism is typically used to retain loose-leaf pages, such as hole-punched pages, in a file or notebook. Ring mechanisms commonly have mating ring members that may be selectively opened to add or remove pages, or closed together to retain pages while allowing the pages to be moved along the ring members. The ring members mount on two adjacent (e.g., side-by-side) hinge plates that join together along a hinge line to form a pivot axis about which the plates may pivot. An elongate, resilient housing loosely supports the hinge plates within the housing and holds the hinge plates together so they may pivot relative to the housing.

The housing is slightly narrower than the joined hinge plates when the hinge plates are in a coplanar position (180°). In this manner, as the hinge plates pivot through their coplanar position, they deform the resilient housing and cause a spring force in the housing that urges the hinge plates to pivot away from the coplanar position, either opening or closing the ring members. Thus, when the ring members are closed the spring force resists hinge plate movement and clamps the ring members together. Similarly, when the ring members are open, the spring force holds them apart. An operator may typically overcome this force by manually pulling the ring members apart or pushing them together. Levers or other actuating systems may also be provided on one or both ends of the housing for moving the ring members between the open and closed positions. In some ring mechanisms, however, when the ring members are closed they do not positively lock in their closed position. As a result, if the mechanism is accidentally dropped, the ring members may unintentionally open.

To this end, some ring mechanisms have been modified to include locking structure to block the hinge plates from pivoting when the ring members are closed. The locking structure positively locks the closed ring members together, preventing them from unintentionally opening if the ring mechanism is accidentally dropped. The locking structure also allows the housing spring force to be reduced because the strong spring force is not required to clamp the closed ring members together. Thus, less operator force is required to open and close the ring members than in traditional ring mechanisms.

Some of these ring mechanisms incorporate the locking structure onto a control slide connected to the lever. The lever moves the control slide (and its locking structure) to either block the pivoting movement of the hinge plates or allow it. However, an operator must positively move the lever after closing the ring members to position the locking structure to block the hinge plates and lock the ring members closed. Failure to do this could allow the hinge plates to inadvertently pivot and open the ring members, especially if the mechanisms are accidentally dropped.

Other locking ring mechanisms use springs to move the locking structure into position blocking the hinge plates when the ring members close. Examples are shown in co-owned U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/870,801 (Cheng et al.), Ser. No. 10/905,606 (Cheng), and Ser. No. 11/027,550 (Cheng). These mechanisms employ separate springs to help lock the mechanisms.

Accordingly, there is a need for a simple ring binder mechanism that readily locks ring members together when the mechanism is closed without requiring additional spring components to do so.

Moreover, the configuration of some locking ring binder mechanisms is such that the control slide can bind when the mechanism is being operated, which makes it difficult to open the rings of the mechanism. Accordingly, there is also a need for ring binder mechanisms in which such binding of the control slide is avoided.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a ring mechanism for holding loose-leaf pages generally comprises a housing and at least one ring for holding the loose-leaf pages. Each ring comprises a first ring member and a second ring member, with the ring members being configurable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position the ring members form a substantially continuous closed loop for allowing loose-leaf pages retained by the ring to be moved along the ring from one ring member to the other, and in the open position the two ring members form a discontinuous, open loop for adding or removing loose-leaf pages from the ring. A hinge mechanism is operatively connected to the ring members for configuring the ring members between their open and closed position. The hinge mechanism generally comprises a pair of elongate hinge plates supported within the housing for pivoting movement relative to the housing between a first hinge plate position corresponding to the closed position of the ring members and a second hinge plate position corresponding to the open position of the ring members. Each of the hinge plates has a free end and a line weakness formed therein proximate the free end to facilitate bending of the hinge plate. An actuator is moveable between a first position corresponding to the closed position of the ring members and a second position corresponding to the open position of the ring members. The actuator generally comprises a bearing surface engageable with the hinge plates proximate the free ends thereof upon movement of the actuator from its first position toward its second position such that the hinge plates bend proximate their free ends to delay pivoting movement of the hinge plates upon initial movement of the actuator from its first position toward its second position.

In another embodiment, a ring mechanism for holding loose-leaf pages generally comprises a housing and at least one ring for holding the loose-leaf pages. Each ring generally comprises a first ring member and a second ring member, with the ring members being configurable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position the ring members form a substantially continuous closed loop for allowing loose-leaf pages retained by the ring to be moved along the ring from one ring member to the other, and in the open position the two ring members form a discontinuous, open loop for adding or removing loose-leaf pages from the ring. A hinge mechanism is operatively connected to the ring members for configuring the ring members between their open and closed position. The hinge mechanism generally comprises a pair of elongate hinge plates supported within the housing for pivoting movement relative to the housing between a first hinge plate position corresponding to the closed position of the ring members and a second hinge plate position corresponding to the open position of the ring members. Each hinge plate has a free end and is configured to have a first width, a second width narrower than the first width and nearer to the free end of the hinge plate than the first width, and a third width greater than the second width and nearer to the free end of the hinge plate than the second width to facilitate bending of the hinge plate generally at the second width. An actuator, moveable between a first position corresponding to the closed position of the ring members and a second position corresponding to the open position of the ring members, generally comprises a bearing surface engageable with the hinge plates proximate the free ends thereof upon movement of the actuator from its first position toward its second position such that the hinge plates bend proximate their free ends generally at the second width to delay pivoting movement of the hinge plates upon initial movement of the actuator from its first position toward its second position.

Other features of the invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

Corresponding reference numbers indicate corresponding parts throughout the views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings,FIGS. 1-13show a ring mechanism according to a first embodiment generally at1. InFIG. 1, the ring mechanism1is shown mounted on a notebook designated generally at3. Specifically, the ring mechanism1is shown mounted on a spine5of the notebook3between a front cover7and a back cover9hingedly attached to the spine3. The front and back covers7,9move to selectively cover or expose loose-leaf pages (not shown) retained by the ring mechanism1in the notebook3. Ring mechanisms mounted on surfaces other than a notebook, for example, a file, do not depart from the scope of this invention.

As shown inFIG. 1, a housing, designated generally at11, supports three rings (each designated generally at13) and a lever (broadly, an “actuator,” and designated generally at15). The rings13retain loose-leaf pages on the ring mechanism1in the notebook3while the lever15operates to open and close the rings so that pages may be added or removed. Referring now also toFIG. 2, the housing11is shaped as an elongate rectangle with a uniform, roughly arch-shaped cross section, having at its center a generally flat plateau17. A first longitudinal end of the housing11(to the left inFIG. 1and to the right inFIG. 2) is generally open while a second, opposite longitudinal end is generally closed. A pair of mounting arms, each designated19(FIGS. 2 and 4), extend downward from the housing plateau17at the open end, while bent under rims, each designated at21(FIGS. 2 and 5), extend lengthwise along longitudinal edges of the housing11from the first longitudinal end of the housing to the second longitudinal end. Mechanisms having housings of other shapes, including irregular shapes, or housings that are formed integrally with a file or notebook do not depart from the scope of this invention.

The three rings13of the ring mechanism1are substantially similar and are each generally circular in shape (FIGS. 1,4, and5). As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the rings13each include two generally semi-circular ring members23a,23bformed from a conventional, cylindrical rod of a suitable material (e.g., steel). The ring members23a,23binclude free ends25a,25b, respectively, formed to secure the ring members against transverse misalignment (relative to longitudinal axes of the ring members) when they are together (e.g.,FIGS. 1,4, and5). The rings13could be D-shaped as is known in the art within the scope of this invention. Ring mechanisms having ring members formed of a different material or having different cross-sectional shapes, for example, oval shapes, do not depart from the scope of this invention.

As also shown inFIG. 2, the ring mechanism1includes two substantially identical hinge plates, designated generally at27a,27b, supporting the ring members23a,23b. respectively. The hinge plates27a,27bare each generally elongate, flat, and rectangular in shape and are each somewhat shorter in length than the housing11. Four corresponding cutouts29a-dare formed in each of the hinge plates27a,27balong inner longitudinal edges of the plates. Each hinge plate27a,27bhas a longitudinal free end defining a longitudinally extending finger31(e.g., extending to the right inFIG. 2), and in the illustrated embodiment a bent down finger (e.g., bent an angle relative to the rest of the hinge plate). The fingers31are each narrower in width than the respective hinge plates27a,27band are positioned with their inner longitudinal edges generally aligned with the inner longitudinal edges of the hinge plates. The purpose of the cutouts29a-dand fingers31will be described hereinafter.

Referring particularly toFIGS. 2 and 3, the lever15includes a grip33with an inverted “L” shape, a body35(a “first portion”) attached to the grip, and a tongue37(a “second portion”) attached to the body. The grip33is somewhat broader than both the body35and the tongue37(FIG. 2) and facilitates grasping the lever15and applying force to move the lever. In the illustrated ring mechanism1, the body35is formed as one piece with the grip33for substantially conjoint movement with the grip. The body35may be formed separate from the grip33and attached thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

As shown inFIG. 3, the tongue37of the lever15is attached to the body35by a flexible bridge39(broadly, a “living hinge”) formed as one piece with the body and tongue. A ring mechanism having a lever in which a bridge is formed separate from and connecting together a body and/or tongue does not depart from the scope of the invention. The bridge39is generally arch-shaped and defines an open channel41between the tongue37and body35. The tongue37extends away from the body35at the bridge39and channel41in general parallel alignment with an upper lip35aof the body and defines a generally C-shaped space between the body and tongue (e.g., above the bridge). It is envisioned that the lever15is formed from a resilient plastic material by, for example, a mold process. But the lever15may be formed from other materials or other processes within the scope of this invention. A ring mechanism having a lever shaped differently than illustrated and described herein does not depart from the scope of the invention.

As also shown inFIG. 3, the lever15includes a pivot bulb43located toward an end of the tongue37opposite the bridge39, the upper bearing surface of which bulb43(as shown inFIG. 3) bears against the hinge plates to open the mechanism as shown in more detail below. The bulb43may be separate from the tongue37and releasably attached thereto by a tab (not shown) inserted through an opening (not shown) in the tongue. As another example, the bulb43may be formed as one piece with the tongue37within the scope of this invention. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the bulb43may be omitted altogether, in which case the bearing surface would be part of the tongue37itself.

Referring again toFIG. 2, the ring mechanism1further comprises an elongate, generally flat, rectangular travel bar (at least in part broadly defining a “locking system” of the ring mechanism) designated generally at45. The travel bar45has a rectangular mounting groove47at a first end (to the right inFIG. 2) and three block-shaped locking elements (each designated generally at49) along a bottom surface. The locking elements49are spaced apart longitudinally along the travel bar45with one locking element adjacent each longitudinal end of the travel bar, and one located toward a center of the travel bar. The travel bar45may have other shapes or greater or fewer than three locking elements49within the scope of this invention. The travel bar45could be formed without locking elements and instead carry wedges, for example, that move the hinge plates27a,27b.

The locking elements49of the illustrated travel bar45are each substantially similar in shape. As best shown inFIGS. 7,10,12, and13, each locking element49includes a narrow, flat bottom53and generally vertical sides55a-d. The side55afacing away from the lever15is angled and the lateral sides55b,55dare converging toward their bottoms to form the narrow, flat bottom53. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking elements49are formed as one piece of material with the travel bar45by, for example, a mold process. But the locking elements49may be formed separately from the travel bar45and attached thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. Additionally, locking elements with different shapes, for example, block shapes (e.g., no angled sides or converging sides), are within the scope of this invention.

The ring mechanism1in assembled form will now be described with reference toFIGS. 4-7in which the ring mechanism is illustrated with the ring members23a,23bin the closed position and the lever15in an upright position. The lever15pivotally mounts on the first, open end of the housing11at the mounting arms19of the housing (FIGS. 4-6). A mounting opening57(FIG. 2) in each mounting arm19aligns with the channel41of the lever15. A hinge pin59passes through the aligned openings57and channel41to pivotally mount the lever on the housing11. It is envisioned that the mounting arms19are one piece with the housing11, but they may be formed separately from the housing and attached thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

As shown inFIG. 6, the travel bar45is disposed within the housing11behind the housing's plateau17. It extends lengthwise of the housing11, in generally parallel orientation with a longitudinal axis LA (FIG. 2) of the housing, with the locking elements49extending away from the housing. Two elongate openings, each designated61(only one is showninFIG. 6; see also,FIG. 2), through the travel bar45align with two rivet openings, each designated63(only one is shown inFIG. 6; see also,FIG. 2) of the housing plateau17. Grooved rivets, each designated65(only one is shown inFIG. 6; see also,FIG. 2), secure to the housing11at the rivet openings63and extend through the respective elongate openings61of the travel bar45to vertically support the travel bar within the housing. The travel bar45fits within the grooves of the rivets65, allowing it to slide in translation lengthwise of the housing11relative to the rivets.

Referring toFIGS. 6 and 7, the travel bar45is operatively connected to the lever15by an intermediate connector (also in part broadly defining the locking system), designated generally at67. In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate connector67is a wire bent into an elongate, roughly rectangular form (FIG. 2). The intermediate connector67may have other shapes or be formed from other material within the scope of this invention. A first end of the intermediate connector67is open and includes two free ends69a,69b(FIG. 2) that fit within openings71a,71b(FIG. 3, only opening71bis visible) in the body35of the lever15to form a pivoting connection. A second, closed end of the intermediate connector67is narrowed and includes a bent end73(FIG. 2) that fits within the mounting groove47of the travel bar45. The bent end73secures the intermediate connector67to the travel bar45at mounting groove47to either push against the travel bar or pull on the travel bar. The bent end73allows the intermediate connector67to pivot relative to the travel bar45to accommodate small vertical movements of the intermediate connector that occur when the lever15pivots. A ring binder mechanism lacking an intermediate connector (e.g., in which a travel bar is pivotally connected directly to a lever) does not depart from the scope of this invention.

As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the hinge plates27a,27bare interconnected in parallel arrangement along their inner longitudinal edges, forming a central hinge75having a pivot axis. This is done in a conventional manner known in the art. As will be described, the hinge plates27a,27bcan pivot about the hinge75upward and downward. The four cutouts29a-din each of the two individual hinge plates27a,27b(FIG. 2) align to form four openings also designated29a-din the interconnected plates (FIG. 5). The housing11supports the interconnected hinge plates27a,27bwithin the housing below the travel bar45. The outer longitudinal edges of the hinge plates27a,27bloosely seat within the bent under rims21of the housing11for allowing them to move within the rims when the hinge plates pivot. As shown inFIG. 7, the fingers31of the hinge plates27a,27b(only one hinge plate27ais shown) extend into the C-shaped space formed between the tongue37and the upper lip35aof the lever body35so that lower surfaces of the hinge plates engage the upper, bearing surface of the lever bulb43. Notably, the various components of the ring mechanism1are configured such that the bearing surface of the bulb43maintains contact with the lower surfaces of the hinge plates27a,27b(e.g., the lower surfaces of the fingers31) when the mechanism is in the closed position. Advantageously, this eliminates lever play in the mechanism (and hence possible rattling noise) when the mechanism is in the closed position and imparts a well-engineered “feel” to the mechanism. (If the lever does not include a bulb, the components would be configured such that a bearing surface of the tongue37, per se, would make continuous contact with the lower surfaces of the hinge plates.)

The ring members23a,23bare each mounted on upper surfaces of respective ones of the hinge plates27a,27bin generally opposed fashion, with the free ends25a,25bfacing each other (see also,FIG. 2). The ring members23a,23bextend through respective openings, each designated77, along sides of the housing11so that the free ends25a,25bof the ring members can engage above the housing (e.g.,FIG. 4). The ring members23a,23bare rigidly connected to the hinge plates27a,27bas is known in the art and move with the hinge plates when they pivot. Although in the illustrated ring binder mechanism1both ring members23a,23bof each ring13are each mounted on one of the two hinge plates27a,27band move with the pivoting movement of the hinge plates, a mechanism in which each ring has one movable ring member and one fixed ring member does not depart from the scope of this invention (e.g., a mechanism in which only one of the ring members of each ring is mounted on a hinge plate with the other ring member mounted, for example, on a housing).

As shown inFIG. 5, two mounting posts79a,79b(see also,FIG. 2) are secured to the illustrated ring mechanism1to mount the mechanism on, for example, a notebook3(e.g.,FIG. 1) in any suitable manner. The posts79a,79battach to the housing11at mounting post openings81a,81b(FIG. 2) of the plateau17located toward the longitudinal ends of the housing. A first mounting post79a(toward the left inFIG. 5) extends through the intermediate connector67and through mounting post opening29dof the interconnected hinge plates27a,27b.

Operation of the ring mechanism1will be described with reference toFIGS. 4-13. As is known, the hinge plates27a,27bpivot downward and upward relative to the housing11and move the ring members23a,23bmounted thereon between a closed position (FIGS. 1,4-10) and an open position (FIGS. 11-13). The hinge plates27a,27bare wider than the housing11when in a co-planar position (180E), so as they pivot through the co-planar position, they deform the housing and create a small spring force in the housing. The housing spring force biases the hinge plates27a,27bto pivot away from the co-planar position, either downward or upward. The ring members23a,23bclose when the hinge plates27a,27bpivot downward (i.e., the hinge75moves away from the housing11(e.g.,FIG. 5)). The ring members23a,23bopen when the hinge plates27a,27bpivot upward (i.e., the hinge75moves toward the housing11(e.g.,FIG. 12)).

InFIGS. 4-7, the ring mechanism1is in a closed and locked position. The hinge plates27a,27bare hinged downward, away from housing11, so that the ring members23a,23bof each ring13are together in a continuous, circular loop, capable of retaining loose-leaf pages. The lever15is vertical relative to the housing11and in a first relaxed position (the lever is shown in this position inFIG. 3also) with the lever's contact surface (e.g., the top of the lever bulb43) continuously engaging the lower surfaces of the hinge plates27a,27b. The locking elements49of the travel bar45are above the hinge plates27a,27bgenerally aligned with the hinge75with their narrow, flat bottoms53contacting the upper surfaces of the hinge plates. As shown inFIG. 5, the locking elements49are adjacent respective locking element openings29a-c, but are substantially out of registration with the openings. Together, the travel bar45(vertically supported by the grooved rivets65) and locking elements49oppose any force tending to pivot the hinge plates27a,27bupward to open the ring members23a,23b(i.e., they lock the ring members closed).

To unlock the ring mechanism1and open the ring members23a,23b, an operator applies force to the grip33of the lever15and pivots it counter-clockwise (as viewed inFIGS. 4,6, and7). As shown inFIGS. 8-10, the grip33and body35of the lever15move relative to the tongue37, which is held stationery by the hinge plates27a,27bunder the spring force of the housing11. The intermediate connector67simultaneously moves with the body35and transfers the pivoting movement of the lever15around the mounting post79ato the travel bar45. The travel bar slides toward the lever15and moves the locking elements49into registration with the respective locking element openings29a-cof the hinge plates27a,27b. The bridge39between the lever body35and lever tongue37flexes and tensions as the open channel41closes and the body moves into engagement with the tongue (FIG. 10). If the lever15is released before the hinge plates27a,27bpivot upward through their co-planar position (i.e., before the ring members23a,23bopen), the tension in the bridge39will automatically recoil (and push) the grip33and body35back to the vertical position, moving the travel bar45and locking elements49to the locked position.

The lever channel41, now closed, no longer separates the tongue37from the pivoting movement of the grip33and body35. Continued opening movement of the lever15(e.g., in the counter-clockwise direction) causes the body35to conjointly pivot the tongue37. The lever bulb43urges the interconnected hinge plates27a,27bto pivot upward over the locking elements49at the locking element openings29a-cand relative to the mounting post79aat the mounting post opening29d. Once the hinge plates27a,27bpass just through the co-planar position, the housing spring force pushes them upward, opening the ring members23a,23b(FIGS. 11-13) and moving the mechanism to its open configuration. The lever15can be released. The tension in the bridge39recoils (and urges) the grip33and body35away from the tongue37, which is held stationary against the hinge plates27a,27bvia the lever bulb43engaging the lower surfaces of the hinge plates. The channel41opens and the travel bar45moves slightly away from the lever15. The lever is again relaxed, in a second relaxed position substantially identical to the first relaxed position (e.g.,FIG. 3), and the locking elements49are at rest within the respective hinge plate openings29a-cfree of any forces tending to move them relative to the housing11. Notably, the components of the mechanism are configured such that the sides55aof the locking elements49facing away from the lever15bear against facing edges of the hinge plate's locking element openings29a-c, e.g., against tangs83at the edges of the locking element openings. Advantageously, that prevents the lever from pivoting back toward its locked position; in other words, it eliminates play in the mechanism when the mechanism is in its open, unlocked position.

To close the ring members23a,23band return the mechanism1to the locked position, an operator manually pushes the free ends25a,25bof the ring members together. The hinge plates27a,27bpivot downward, and rotate the lever tongue37clockwise (as viewed inFIGS. 11 and 13). The tongue37moves relative to the grip33and body35, which are held stationary by the locking elements49against tangs83(FIG. 13). The lever channel41closes (and the lever bridge39flexes) allowing the hinge plates27a,27bto pivot to and through the co-planar position and past the narrow bottoms53of the locking elements49. The angled sides55aof the locking elements49allow the locking elements to move incrementally away from the lever15and out of the respective opening29a-cas the hinge plates27a,27bmove down. This allows the lever15to pivot slightly with the tongue37as the tongue channel41closes. The angled sides of the locking elements are not necessary for operation though.

Once the hinge plates27a,27bclear the bottoms53of the locking elements49, the tongue37pushes the body35and grip33to the vertical position and the travel bar45and locking elements move to the locked position. The ring members23a,23bof the ring mechanism1could be closed by a modified lever capable of engaging the hinge plates27a,27band pivoting them downward within the scope of the invention.

It should now be apparent that the flexibility of the lever bridge39allows the grip33and body35of the lever15to move relative to the tongue37. This moves the lever15between the relaxed position (FIGS. 3-7and11-13) and a deformed (broadly, “reconfigured”) position (FIGS. 8-10). The deformed position of the lever15is an unstable, intermediate position in which the bridge39is tensioned to always move the grip33, body35, and tongue37to the relaxed position (i.e., reconfigure the lever).

When the lever15pivots to open the ring members23a,23b, the travel bar45and locking elements49move immediately and prior to the tongue37and bulb43being able to pivot the hinge plates27a,27bupward (notwithstanding the continuous contact by the bulb43with the bottom surfaces of the hinge plates). This “lost motion” caused by the open channel41allows the locking elements49to move into registration with the locking element openings29a-cof the hinge plates27a,27bbefore the hinge plates pivot such that they (the locking elements49) do not interfere with the desirable pivoting movement of the hinge plates27a,27b. After the locking elements49move into registration with the respective openings29a-c, the channel41closes and the grip33, body35, and tongue37conjointly pivot to move the hinge plates27a,27bupward.

In addition, when the ring members23a,23bare open and the lever15is relaxed, the locking elements49and travel bar45are free of forces tending to move them to the locked position. Thus, there is no tendency for the open ring members23a,23bto inadvertently close under the influence of the lever15, locking elements49, or travel bar45as an operator loads or removes pages from the ring members23a,23b.

Similarly when the ring members23a,23bare moved to the closed position, the lever channel41allows the hinge plates27a,27bto pivot downward over the locking elements49before the grip33and body35of the lever15push the travel bar45and locking elements49to the locked position. Here, the lost motion caused by the open channel41maintains a continuous engagement between the lever tongue37and the hinge plates27a,27b(via the lever bulb43) without risk of the mechanism jamming in the open position (e.g., as may occur if the lever tongue is unable to move downward with the hinge plates because the locking elements49wedge against edges of the locking element openings29a-cof the hinge plates, holding the hinge plates from further pivoting downward). The continuous engagement between the lever tongue37and the lower surfaces of the hinge plates27a,27b(via lever bulb43) ensures that the body35and grip33of the lever15move fully to their vertical position when the hinge plates27a,27bare pivoted downward (and the ring members23a,23bare closed), moving the travel bar45and locking elements49fully to the locked position.

Thus, the ring binder mechanism1effectively retains loose-leaf pages when ring members23a,23bare closed, and readily prevents the closed ring members23a,23bfrom unintentionally opening. The lever15positions the travel bar45and its locking elements49in the locked position when the ring members23a,23bclose, eliminating the need to manually move the lever15to positively lock the mechanism1. The ring mechanism1incorporating the locking lever15requires no additional biasing components (e.g., springs) to perform the locking operation, and requires no specially formed parts to accommodate such biasing components.

FIGS. 14-16show a second embodiment of the ring binder mechanism generally at101. The ring mechanism101is substantially the same as the ring mechanism1of the first embodiment previously described and illustrated inFIGS. 1-13, and parts of this ring mechanism101corresponding to parts of the prior ring mechanism1are designated by the same reference numerals, plus “100”. The lever115of this second embodiment has a low profile in that it includes a substantially flat grip133. The lever115mounts on the housing111(FIGS. 14 and 16) as previously described for the ring mechanism1ofFIGS. 1-13, and the flat grip133is positioned in general alignment (i.e., is generally co-planar) with the plateau117of the housing. In all other aspects, including operation, the ring mechanism101is the same as the ring mechanism1ofFIGS. 1-13.

FIGS. 17-21show a third embodiment of the ring binder mechanism generally at201. Parts of this ring mechanism corresponding to parts of the ring mechanism1of the first embodiment ofFIGS. 1-13are designated by the same reference numerals, plus “200”. This mechanism201is substantially the same as the ring mechanism1ofFIGS. 1-13, with the exception that the desired lost motion is provided by bending of the hinge plates227a,227binstead of by the particular configuration and operation of the actuator (e.g., the lever215). In particular, the lever215of this third embodiment is formed without a bridge and without a channel between the body235and the tongue237. Other components of the ring mechanism201, as well as assembly of the components, are substantially the same as those of the mechanism1ofFIGS. 1-13.

Operation of the ring mechanism201will be described with reference to the enlarged fragmentary views ofFIGS. 19-21. InFIG. 19, the ring mechanism201is in the closed and locked position (similar to the closed position of the ring mechanism1ofFIGS. 1-13). To unlock the ring mechanism201and open the ring members223a,223b, an operator pivots the lever215outward and downward (counter-clockwise as viewed inFIG. 19). The lever body235pulls the travel bar245and locking elements249toward the lever215, while the lever bulb243simultaneously pushes upward on the hinge plates227a,227b(only one hinge plate227ais shown). But the locking elements249, still behind the hinge plates227a,227b, block their upward movement. So as the lever215continues to pivot, the lever bulb243flexes or bends (and thereby tensions) the hinge plates227a,227badjacent the free ends of the hinge plates, such as at the fingers231(FIG. 20).

Once the locking elements249(only one is shown) move into registration with the locking element openings229a-c(only opening229cis shown) of the hinge plates227a,227b, the tensioned hinge plates immediately pivot upward, through the co-planar position (FIG. 21) to open the ring members223a,223b(which are not shown inFIG. 21, seeFIG. 17). The tension in the hinge plates227a,227bdissipates and the lever215can be released. The bulb243of the tongue237remains in engagement with the lower surfaces of the hinge plates227a,227b, and the spring force of the housing211holds the hinge plates hinged upward. The locking elements249are at rest within the respective hinge plate cutout openings229a-cfree of any forces tending to move them to the locked position.

As in the ring mechanism1ofFIGS. 1-13, to close the ring members223a,223bof this mechanism201and return the mechanism to the locked position (FIG. 19), an operator manually pushes the free ends225a,225bof the ring members together. In this ring mechanism201, the hinge plates227a,227bpivot downward and cause the lever bulb243and tongue237to rotate clockwise (as viewed inFIG. 21). The locking elements249instantaneously resist movement of the lever215, and thus downward movement of the hinge plates227a,227b, causing the hinge plates227a,227bto slightly flex adjacent their fingers231. The hinge plates227a,227bbend down while the lever215and finger231remain relatively stationary. The angled sides255aof the locking elements249allow the locking elements to move small amounts away from the lever215as the hinge plates227a,227bbend, allowing the lever to pivot slightly. Once the hinge plates227a,227bclear the narrow bottoms253of the locking elements249, the tension in the flexed hinge plates immediately pivots the lever215to its vertical position, pushing the travel bar245and locking elements249to the locked position.

In this ring mechanism201, the unique cooperation between the lever215, the hinge plates227a,227b, and the locking elements249allows the mechanism to operate between the closed and locked position and the open position. When opening the ring members223a,223b, the hinge plates227a,227bbriefly flex upward to allow the lever215to pivot to move the locking elements249into registration with the locking element openings229a-cof the hinge plates. The lever215, together with the tension from the flexed hinge plates227a,227band the spring force of the housing211, then pivot the hinge plates over the locking elements249to open the ring members223a,223b. When closing the ring members223a,223b, the hinge plates227a,227bagain flex to allow the plates to pivot downward over the locking elements249(the angled sides255aof the locking elements249also aid in this operation, but are not necessary for this operation).

FIGS. 22-31illustrate a fourth embodiment of a ring mechanism, indicated generally at301. Generally speaking, like the previous embodiment ofFIGS. 17-21, in this embodiment the ring mechanism301is configured to provide the desired lost motion via flexing or bending of the hinge plates327a,327b. This ring mechanism301is substantially the same as the ring mechanism201ofFIGS. 17-21, with the lever315formed without a bridge and without a channel between the body of the lever and the tongue337. The hinge plates327aand327bare particularly constructed to facilitate flexing (e.g., bending) of the hinge plates proximate the free ends thereof, and more particularly to facilitate bending of the fingers331at the free ends of the hinge plates (e.g., relative to the remaining portion, or main portion, of each hinge plate), to ensure registration of the locking elements349with the cutouts329a-329cwhen the hinge plates pivot into the open position.

In particular, as seen best inFIGS. 23 and 24, a line of weakness in the form of a transversely extending channel (e.g., a score line)332is formed in each hinge plate327a,327bproximate the free ends of the hinge plates, and more particularly transversely across the fingers331such as at a base of the fingers where the fingers331extend respectively from the main longitudinal extents, or main portions of the hinge plates). These channels332reduce the bending stiffness (i.e., the resistance to bending) of the hinge plates327a,327b, and in particular of the fingers331relative to the rest or main portions of the hinge plates. Other components of the ring mechanism301, as well as assembly of the components, are substantially the same as those of the mechanism201ofFIGS. 17-21.

Operation of the ring mechanism301will be described with reference to the enlarged fragmentary views ofFIGS. 25-31. InFIGS. 25-27, the ring mechanism301is in the closed and locked position. To unlock the ring mechanism301and open the ring members323a,323b, an operator pivots the lever315outward and downward (counter-clockwise as viewed inFIGS. 25 and 26) such that the tongue337of the lever315presses upward against the fingers331. The spring force of the housing311holds most of the length of the hinge plates327aand327bessentially stationary and unflexed, but as best shown inFIG. 28, the channels332(i.e., the lines of weakness) formed in the hinge plates at the base of the fingers331allow the fingers331to bend or flex upward relative to the remaining longitudinal extent (i.e., the main portion) of the hinge plates, and in particular to bend or flex along the lines of weakness) as the tongue337presses upward on the fingers331. This flexing of the fingers331enables the lever315to continue rotating, which, via the intermediate connector367, pulls the travel bar345from the locked position (FIGS. 25-27) to an intermediate position (FIGS. 28,29, and29A) in which the locking elements349come into registration with the cutouts329a-c. Thus, this configuration/mechanism reduces binding of the bottoms of the locking elements349against the upper surfaces of the hinge plates and helps the travel bar345move from the locked position to the intermediate position.

Once the locking elements349move into registration with the locking element openings329a-c, the hinge plates are free to pivot upwardly through their co-planar position to open the ring members323a,323bunder the influence of continued pressure on the lever315. The tension in the hinge plates327a,327bdissipates and the lever315can be released, and the spring force of the housing311holds the hinge plates hinged upward. As shown inFIGS. 30 and 31, the locking elements349are at rest within the respective hinge plate cutout openings229a-c, free of any forces tending to move them to the locked position.

As in the ring mechanism201ofFIGS. 17-21, to close the ring members323a,323bof this ring mechanism301and return the ring mechanism to the locked position, an operator manually pushes the free ends of the ring members together. The hinge plates327a,327bpivot downward and cause the lever315to rotate clockwise (as viewed inFIG. 30). The locking elements349resist movement of the lever315, and thus downward movement of the hinge plates327a,327b, causing the fingers331to flex relative to the remaining longitudinal extent of the hinge plates. The hinge plates327a,327bbend down while the lever315and fingers331remain relatively stationary. The angled sides of the locking elements349allow the locking elements to move small amounts away from the lever315as the hinge plates327a,327bbend, allowing the lever to pivot slightly. Once the hinge plates327a,327bclear the bottoms of the locking elements349, the tension in the flexed hinge plates immediately pivots the lever315to its vertical position, pushing the travel bar345and locking elements349to the locked position.

In this ring mechanism301, the unique cooperation between the lever315, the hinge plates327a,327b, and the locking elements349allows the mechanism to operate between the closed and locked position and the open position. When opening the ring members323a,323b, the fingers331on the hinge plates327a,327bbriefly flex upward to allow the lever315to pivot to move the locking elements349into registration with the locking element openings329a-cof the hinge plates. The lever315, together with the tension from the flexed hinge plate fingers331and the spring force of the housing311, then pivot the hinge plates over the locking elements349to open the ring members323a,323b. When closing the ring members323a,323b, the fingers331again flex to allow the hinge plates to pivot downward over the locking elements349.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 22-31, the channel332defining the line of weakness extends transversely across the width of the finger331. However, it is understood that the channel332may extend transversely across less than the entire width of the finger331without departing from the scope of this invention. It is also contemplated that the channel332may extend across all or part of the width of the each hinge plate other than at the fingers331, such as longitudinally beyond the fingers332. Also, while the line of weakness in the illustrated embodiment is in the form of a channel332formed partially through the thickness of the hinge plate327a,327b, it is contemplated that the transverse line of weakness may comprise one or more transversely extending slots that are formed through the entire thickness of the hinge plate, or a series of openings (e.g., perforations) formed along a transverse line across all or part of the width of the hinge plate, or other suitable elements formed in the hinge plates that weaken the resistance of the hinge plate against bending generally at the line of weakness.

FIGS. 32-35show a fifth embodiment of a ring mechanism generally indicated at401and similar to the ring mechanism301ofFIGS. 22-31but with a line of weakness present in the hinge plates427a,427bproximate the free ends thereof (e.g., at the fingers431) in the form of one or more longitudinally extending slots (a pair of slots432a,432bare illustrated in hinge plate of the embodiment ofFIGS. 32-35) that extend through the thickness of the hinge plates. These longitudinally extending slots432a,432bdecrease the bending stiffness (i.e., the resistance to bending) of the hinge plates427a,427b, such as at the fingers431. Opening and closing operation of the fifth embodiment401, which is illustrated in an intermediate position inFIG. 35, is substantially identical to that of the fourth embodiment301except that bending of the fingers431relative to the remaining longitudinal extent of the hinge plates427a,427bdoes not occur along the line of weakness. Rather, the bending occurs transverse to the line of weakness due to the material removed or omitted across the width of the hinge plates427a,427bat the fingers to form the slots432a,432b.

It is understood that more or less than two longitudinally extending slots432a,432bmay be formed in the hinge plates427a,427bwithout departing from the scope of this invention. Also, while the slots432a,432bof the illustrated embodiment are of different lengths, it is contemplated that the slots may be of the same length. It is also contemplated that one or more of the slots432a,432bmay extend longitudinally further from the finger431into the remaining longitudinal extent of the hinge plates427a,427band remain within the scope of this invention. Instead of slots that extend through the thickness of the hinge plates427a,427bat the fingers431, the line of weakness may be formed by openings (e.g., perforations) formed in a longitudinally linear pattern, longitudinally extending channels formed in the hinge plates that extend through less than the entire thickness of the hinge plates, or other suitable weakening elements formed in the hinge plates.

FIGS. 36-40show a sixth embodiment of a ring mechanism501substantially similar to the ring mechanisms301,401of the fourth and fifth embodiments described above but with a different hinge plate527a,527band finger531construction to facilitate bending of the hinge plate, and more particularly bending of the finger relative to the main portion of the hinge plate. Also in this sixth embodiment, the lever515(which includes a separate finger pad516mounted thereon) is pivotally attached to the housing511via pivot pin559passing through eyelets519, which extend above the plateau517(instead of below the plateau as in the previous embodiments). The intermediate connector567is connected to the lever515via drop-down arms568at connection point570(FIG. 38), which is located below the pivot connection of the lever515to the housing511.

As a result of the relative positioning of the lever pivot point and the intermediate connector connection point570, the intermediate connector567is pushed away from the lever515(i.e., to the left inFIGS. 38-40) when the lever515is pivoted outwardly (i.e., clockwise as shown inFIGS. 38-40). Accordingly, the travel bar545—to which the intermediate connector567is connected at notch547formed in the locking element549that is closest to the lever515—is pushed away from the lever515when the lever515is pivoted outward. This is in contrast to the embodiments described above, in which the relative positioning of the lever pivot points and intermediate connector connection points (i.e., to the lever) is such that the intermediate connector, and hence the travel bar, is pulled toward the lever when the lever is pivoted outward.

As best shown inFIGS. 36 and 37, the fingers531extending from the hinge plates527a,527beach have a narrow, necked-down portion534(e.g., having a second width that is narrower than the width, or a first width, of the main portion of the hinge plate) and an enlarged, tabular head portion536(e.g., having a third width greater than the second width of the necked-down portion of the finger). In particular, the necked down portions534are formed by generally square or rectangular cut-outs in the fingers531. These necked down portions534decrease the bending stiffness (i.e., the resistance to bending) of the fingers531relative to the remaining longitudinal extent of the hinge plates527a,527b, while the head portions536provide ample bearing surfaces against which the tongue537of the lever515can press to open the ring mechanism501.

Operation of the ring binder mechanism501is otherwise generally the same as operation of the embodiments301and401described above. In particular, the ring binder mechanism is shown in the closed position inFIG. 38. In that position, the lever515is in an upright position, and bottom surfaces553of the locking elements549are positioned above the upper surfaces of the hinge plates527a,527bso as to block opening movement of the hinge plates527a,527b.

As the lever515is pivoted outwardly (i.e., counterclockwise as shown inFIGS. 38-40) and the lever tongue537bears against the fingers531, the position of the locking elements549initially prevents the hinge plates527a,527bfrom pivoting. However, the increased flexibility of the fingers531relative to the main body portions of the hinge plates527a,527b, attributable to the necked-down portions534of the fingers531, allows the fingers531to bend upward as shown inFIG. 39. That upward bending of the fingers531relative to the rest of the hinge plates allows the lever515to push the travel bar545away from it (i.e., to the left as shown inFIGS. 38-40), such that the locking elements549come into registration with the hinge plate cutouts529a-c(only one of which is shown), as shown inFIG. 39. Once the locking elements549come into registration with the hinge plate cutouts529a-c, tension in the hinge plates527a,527bis sufficient to overcome the spring force of the housing511, and the hinge plates pivot upwardly over the locking elements549, into the open position shown inFIG. 40. At that point, tension in the hinge plates527a,527bdissipates, and the fingers531relax relative to the main body portions of the hinge plates527a,527b.

Components of ring binder mechanisms of the embodiments described and illustrated 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.

When introducing elements of the various ring mechanisms herein, 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” 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.