Abstract:
A ring mechanism for retaining loose leaf pages has a housing and hinge plates supported by the housing for pivoting motion relative to the housing. Ring members are mounted on the hinge plates and are moveable between a closed position and an open position. An actuator is mounted on the housing for movement relative to the housing for causing pivoting motion of the hinge plates. A locking element releasably locks the closed ring members in a locked position and releases the closed ring members to move to the open position in an unlocked position. An intermediate connector operably connects the locking element to the actuator. The intermediate connector is deformable during movement of the actuator.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/827,205, filed Sep. 27, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a ring binder mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages, and in particular to an improved ring binder mechanism for opening and closing ring members and for locking closed ring members together. 
         [0003]    A ring binder mechanism retains loose-leaf pages, such as hole-punched pages, in a file or notebook. It has ring members for retaining the pages. The ring members may be selectively opened to add or remove pages or closed to retain pages while allowing the pages to be moved along the ring members. The ring members mount on two adjacent hinge plates that join together about a pivot axis. An elongate housing loosely supports the hinge plates within the housing and holds the hinge plates together so they may pivot relative to the housing. 
         [0004]    The undeformed housing is slightly narrower than the joined hinge plates when the hinge plates are in a coplanar position (180°). So as the hinge plates pivot through this 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 may also be provided on one or both ends of the housing for moving the ring members between the open and closed positions. But a drawback to these known ring binder mechanisms is that when the ring members are closed, they do not positively lock together. So if the mechanism is accidentally dropped, the ring members may unintentionally open. 
         [0005]    Some ring binder mechanisms have been modified to include locking structure to block the hinge plates from pivoting when the ring members are closed. The blocking structure positively locks the closed ring members together, preventing them from unintentionally opening if the ring mechanism is accidentally dropped. The blocking 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 of these mechanisms than in traditional ring mechanisms. 
         [0006]    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. But a drawback to these mechanisms is that 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. 
         [0007]    Some locking ring binder mechanisms use springs to move the locking structure into position blocking the hinge plates when the ring members close. Examples are shown in co-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 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. 
         [0008]    Movement of the locking structure is generally linear or translational, but the movement is actuator by pivoting of a lever. Accordingly, there is a need to transfer only the translational component of the lever&#39;s motion to the locking structure. There are solutions that have been proposed. For example, refer to co-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/870,801. However, there is a need to accomplish the transmission of motion with structure which is inexpensive to manufacture, simple in overall construction, and reliable in repeated operation. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    A ring mechanism for retaining loose leaf pages generally comprises a housing, hinge plates supported by the housing for pivoting motion relative to the housing, and rings for holding the loose-leaf pages. Each ring includes a first ring member and a second ring member. The first ring member is mounted on a first hinge plate and moveable with the pivoting motion of the first hinge plate relative to the second ring member between a closed position and an open position. In the 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. In the open position, the two ring members form a discontinuous, open loop for adding or removing loose-leaf pages from the rings. An actuator is mounted on the housing for movement relative to the housing for causing pivoting motion of the hinge plates. A locking element releasably locks the closed ring members in a locked position and releases the closed ring members to move to the open position in an unlocked position. An intermediate connector operably connects the locking element to the actuator. The intermediate connector is deformable during movement of the actuator. 
         [0010]    In another aspect a ring mechanism for retaining loose leaf pages comprises a housing, hinge plates supported by the housing for pivoting motion relative to the housing, and rings for holding the loose-leaf pages. Each ring includes a first ring member and a second ring member. The first ring member is mounted on a first hinge plate and moveable with the pivoting motion of the first hinge plate relative to the second ring member between a closed position and an open position. In the 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. In the open position, the two ring members form a discontinuous, open loop for adding or removing loose-leaf pages from the rings. An actuator is mounted on the housing for movement relative to the housing for causing pivoting motion of the hinge plates. A travel bar is operatively connected to the actuator for movement of the travel bar relative to the housing. The travel bar has at least one locking element for releasably locking the closed ring members in a locked position and releasing the closed ring members to move to the open position in an unlocked position. An intermediate connector operably connects the travel bar to the actuator. The intermediate connector includes a hinge for allowing the intermediate connector to deform during movement of the actuator. 
         [0011]    Other features of the invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective of a notebook incorporating a ring binder mechanism of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a top side perspective of the ring binder mechanism at a closed and locked position and with the lever in a first relaxed position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective of the ring binder mechanism; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a bottom side perspective of the ring binder mechanism; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged fragmentary perspective of the ring mechanism of  FIG. 2  with a portion of a housing broken away and with a ring member removed to show internal construction; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a fragmentary side elevation thereof with the housing and a hinge plate removed; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is similar to  FIG. 4  but with the ring mechanism at a closed and unlocked position and with the lever in a first deformed position; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is similar to  FIG. 6  but with the ring mechanism at the closed and unlocked position and the lever at the first deformed position; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a top side perspective of the ring mechanism at an open position; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a bottom side perspective thereof; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is similar to  FIG. 6  but with the ring mechanism at the open position and with the lever in a second deformed position; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  are side views similar to  FIG. 11  illustrating pivoting movement of the lever toward the closed and locked position and the concurrent deformation of a hinge of the intermediate connector; 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a top side perspective of a travel bar; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a fragmentary side elevation of the travel bar of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a top side perspective showing the lever disconnected from the travel bar; 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is a top side perspective similar to  FIG. 15  but showing the lever connected to the travel bar; 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a top side perspective of a travel bar having another configuration; 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is an exploded perspective thereof; 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is a fragmentary cross section taken along line  19 - 19  of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  is a top side perspective of another embodiment of a ring binder mechanism at a closed and locked position and with the lever in a first relaxed position; 
           [0032]      FIG. 21  is a bottom side perspective of the ring mechanism; 
           [0033]      FIG. 22  is an exploded perspective of the ring binder mechanism; 
           [0034]      FIG. 23  is an enlarged fragmentary perspective of the ring mechanism of  FIG. 20  with a portion of a housing broken away and with a ring member removed to show internal construction; 
           [0035]      FIG. 24  is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation of the ring mechanism with the housing and a hinge plate removed; 
           [0036]      FIG. 25  is similar to  FIG. 20  but with the ring mechanism at a closed and unlocked position and with the lever in a first deformed position; 
           [0037]      FIG. 26  is a bottom side perspective thereof; 
           [0038]      FIG. 27  is similar to  FIG. 24  but with the lever at the first deformed position; 
           [0039]      FIG. 28  is a top side perspective of the ring mechanism at the open position; 
           [0040]      FIG. 29  is a bottom side perspective thereof; 
           [0041]      FIG. 30  is similar to  FIG. 24  but with the ring mechanism at the open position and with the lever in a second deformed position; 
           [0042]      FIG. 31  is bottom side perspective of a travel bar; 
           [0043]      FIG. 32  is an enlarged bottom side perspective of an intermediate connector of the travel bar of  FIG. 31 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 33  is a top side perspective of a ring binder mechanism of still another embodiment; 
           [0045]      FIG. 34  is a bottom side perspective thereof; 
           [0046]      FIG. 35  is an exploded perspective of the ring binder mechanism; 
           [0047]      FIG. 36  is an enlarged fragmentary perspective of the ring mechanism of  FIG. 33  with a portion of a housing broken away and with a ring member removed to show internal construction; 
           [0048]      FIG. 37  is a fragmentary side elevation thereof with the housing and a hinge plate removed; 
           [0049]      FIG. 38  is a top plan thereof; 
           [0050]      FIG. 39  is a bottom side perspective similar to  FIG. 34  but with the lever at a first deformed position; 
           [0051]      FIG. 40  is a fragmentary side elevation thereof with the housing and a hinge plate removed; 
           [0052]      FIG. 41  is a top plan thereof; 
           [0053]      FIG. 42  is similar to  FIG. 33  but with the ring mechanism at the open position and with the lever in a second deformed position; 
           [0054]      FIG. 43  is a bottom side perspective thereof; 
           [0055]      FIG. 44  is a fragmentary side elevation of  FIG. 42  thereof with the housing and a hinge plate removed; 
           [0056]      FIG. 45  is a top plan thereof; 
           [0057]      FIG. 46  is the side elevation of  FIG. 44  illustrating pivoting movement of the lever to move the mechanism to the closed and locked position and with the lever still deformed; 
           [0058]      FIG. 47  is a top plan thereof; 
           [0059]      FIG. 48  is the side view of  FIG. 46  illustrating pivoting movement of the lever to move the mechanism to the closed and locked position and with an intermediate connector compressed; 
           [0060]      FIG. 49  is a top plan thereof; 
           [0061]      FIG. 50  is a perspective of the intermediate connector; 
           [0062]      FIG. 51  is a top plan thereof; 
           [0063]      FIG. 52  is a side view thereof; and 
           [0064]      FIG. 53  is an end view thereof. 
       
    
    
       [0065]    Corresponding reference numbers indicate corresponding parts throughout the views of the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0066]    Referring to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-16  show a ring binder mechanism generally at  101 . In  FIG. 1 , the mechanism  101  is shown mounted on a notebook designated generally at  103 . Specifically, the mechanism  101  is shown mounted on a spine  105  of the notebook  103  between a front cover  107  and a back cover  109  hingedly attached to the spine  103 . The front and back covers  107 ,  109  move to selectively cover or expose loose-leaf pages (not shown) retained by the mechanism  101  in the notebook  103 . Ring binder mechanisms mounted on notebooks in other ways or on surfaces other than a notebook, for example, a file, do not depart from the scope of this invention. 
         [0067]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a housing, designated generally at  111 , supports three rings (each designated generally at  113 ) and a lever (broadly, “actuator,” and designated generally at  115 ). The lever is attached to the housing via a pin  161 . The rings  113  retain loose-leaf pages on the ring mechanism  101  in the notebook  103  while the lever  115  operates to open and close the rings so that pages may be added or removed. Referring now also to  FIG. 2 , the housing  111  is shaped as an elongated rectangle with a uniform, roughly arch-shaped cross section, having at its center a generally flat plateau  117 . A first longitudinal end of the housing  111  (to the right in  FIG. 2 ) is generally open while a second, opposite longitudinal end (to the left in  FIG. 2 ) is generally closed. Bent under rims, each designated at  121  ( FIG. 4 ), extend lengthwise along longitudinal edges of the housing  111  from 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 integral with a file or notebook do not depart from the scope of this invention. 
         [0068]    The three rings  113  of the ring binder mechanism  101  are substantially similar and are each generally circular in shape (e.g.,  FIG. 2 ). The rings  113  are received through openings  177  in the housing  111 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the rings  113  each include two generally semi-circular ring members  123   a ,  123   b  formed from a conventional, cylindrical rod of a suitable material (e.g., steel). The ring members  123   a ,  123   b  include free ends  125   a ,  125   b , respectively, formed to secure the ring members against transverse misalignment (relative to longitudinal axes of the ring members) when they are closed together (see,  FIG. 1 ). The rings  113  could be D-shaped as is known in the art, or otherwise shaped within the scope of this invention. Ring binder mechanisms with ring members formed of different material or having different cross-sectional shapes, for example, oval shapes, do not depart from the scope of this invention. 
         [0069]    As also shown in  FIG. 3 , the ring mechanism  101  includes two substantially identical hinge plates, designated generally at  127   a ,  127   b , supporting the ring members  123   a ,  123   b , respectively. The hinge plates  127   a ,  127   b  are each generally elongate, flat, and rectangular in shape and are each somewhat shorter in length than the housing  111 . Four corresponding cutouts  129   a - d  are formed in each of the hinge plates  127   a ,  127   b  along an inner edge margin of the plate. A finger  131  extends longitudinally away from a first end of each of the hinge plates  127   a ,  127   b  (to the right in  FIG. 3 ). The fingers  131  are each narrower in width than the respective hinge plates  127   a ,  127   b  and are positioned with their inner longitudinal edges generally aligned with the inner longitudinal edges of the plates. The purpose of the cutouts  129   a - d  and fingers  131  will be described hereinafter. The lever  115  and hinge plates  127   a ,  127   b  can broadly be referred to as an “actuation system.” 
         [0070]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the lever  115  includes a grip  133 , a body  135  attached to the grip, and an upper lip  136  and lower lip  137  attached to the body. The grip  133  is somewhat broader than each of the body  135 , upper lip  136 , and lower lip  137  ( FIG. 2 ) and facilitates grasping the lever  115  and applying force to move the lever. In the illustrated ring mechanism  101 , the body  135  is formed as one piece with the grip  133  for substantially conjoint movement with the grip. The body  135  may be formed separately from the grip  133  and attached thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0071]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6 , the lower lip  137  of the lever  115  is attached to the body  135  by a flexible bridge  139  (or “living hinge”) formed as one piece with the body and lower lip. A mechanism having a lever in which a bridge is formed separately from a body and/or lower lip for connecting the body and lower lip does not depart from the scope of the invention. The bridge  139  is generally arch-shaped and defines an open channel  141  between the lower lip  137  and body  135 . The lower lip  137  extends away from the body  135  at the bridge  139  and channel  141  in general parallel alignment with the upper lip  136  and defines a C-shaped space between the body  135  and lower lip. It is envisioned that the lever  115  is formed from a resilient polymeric material by, for example, a mold process. But the lever  115  may 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. 
         [0072]    With reference to  FIGS. 3 ,  13 , and  14 , the ring mechanism includes a travel bar  145  and an intermediate connector  167  formed as one piece with the travel bar. The travel bar  145  includes an elongate locking portion  148  and three locking elements  149  spaced along a bottom surface of the locking portion. More specifically, one locking element  149  is located adjacent each longitudinal end of the locking portion  148 , and one is located toward a center of the locking portion. The elongate locking portion  148  and locking elements  149  may be broadly referred to as a “locking system.” 
         [0073]    The locking elements  149  of the illustrated locking portion  148  are each substantially similar in shape. As shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , each locking element  149  includes a narrow, flat bottom  153 , an angled forward edge  155   a , recessed lateral sides  155   b  (only one side is visible), and a rearward extension  156 . In the illustrated embodiment, the locking elements  149  each have a generally wedge shape. The angled edges  155   a  of the locking elements  149  may engage the hinge plates  127   a ,  127   b  and assist in pivoting the hinge plates down. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking elements  149  are formed as one piece of material with the travel bar  145  by, for example, a mold process. But the locking elements  149  may be formed separately from the travel bar  145  and attached thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. Additionally, locking elements with different shapes, for example, block shapes (e.g., no angled edges or recessed sides), are within the scope of this invention. 
         [0074]    The intermediate connector  167  of the ring mechanism  101  includes a connector portion  168  at one end of the travel bar  145 , and a flexible hinge  170  between the locking portion  148  and the connector portion  168 . The connector portion  168  is formed with an elongate opening  168   a  for receiving a mounting post  179   a ,  179   b  through the opening and allowing the travel bar  145  to move lengthwise of a housing  111  relative to the mounting post during operation of the mechanism  101 . The connector portion  168  connects to the lever  115  at an upper lip  136  of the lever by a mounting pin  171  so that pivoting movement of the lever produces translational movement of the travel bar  145 . The flexible hinge  170  of the travel bar  145  is thin and has a generally flat “U” shape when relaxed. The flexible hinge  170  is capable of flexing, or bowing, to a more pronounced “U” shape to allow the connector portion  168  of the travel bar  145  to move relative to and toward the locking elements  149 . 
         [0075]    FIGS.  2  and  4 - 7  illustrate ring members  123   a ,  123   b  of the ring mechanism  101  in a closed and locked position. The locking elements  149  of the locking portion  148  are positioned adjacent respective cutouts  129   a - d  and above the hinge plates  127   a ,  127   b  generally aligned with the hinge  175 . The locking elements  149  are substantially out of registration with the cutouts  129   a - d . The flat bottom surfaces  153  rest on an upper surface of the plates  127   a ,  127   b  and the rearward extensions  156  extend through each respective cutouts  129   a - d  adjacent forward, downturned tabs  182  of the plates. Together, the locking portion  148  and locking elements  149  oppose any force tending to pivot the hinge plates  127   a ,  127   b  upward to open the ring members  123   a ,  123   b  (i.e., they lock the ring members closed). 
         [0076]    To open the ring members  123   a ,  123   b , the lever  115  pivots outward and downward (in a clockwise direction as indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 6 ). As shown in  FIG. 8 , the lower lip  137  engages bottom surfaces of hinge plates  127   a ,  127   b  and the upper lip  136  pulls the travel bar  145  and thereby locking elements  149  toward an unlocked position. The lever  115  is formed to pull the locking elements  149  from the locked position before pivoting the hinge plates  127   a ,  127   b  to open ring members  123   a ,  123   b . More specifically, the locking elements  149  are moved into registration over the respective cutouts  129   a - d  of the hinge plates  127   a ,  127   b  before the plates pivot. The flexible hinge  170  may slightly elongate under the pulling tension from the upper lip  136 , but for the most part it substantially retains its generally shallow “U” shape. The flexible bridge  139  between a body  135  of the lever  115  and the lower lip  137  of the lever flexes and tensions. The open channel  141  between the body  135  and lower lip  137  closes and the body moves into engagement with the lower lip. Continued opening movement of the lever  115  causes the body  135  to conjointly pivot the lower lip  137 , pushing the hinge plates  127   a ,  127   b  upward through the co-planar position. This moves the ring members  123   a ,  123   b  to an open position as shown in  FIGS. 9-11 . 
         [0077]    To close the ring members  123   a ,  123   b  and return the mechanism  101  to the locked position, an operator can pivot the lever  115  upward and inward. As shown in  FIG. 12A , this moves the upper lip  136  of the lever  115  into contact with the upper surfaces of the hinge plates  127   a ,  127   b  (if it is not already in contact with the hinge plate upper surfaces). The upper lip  136  engages the upper surfaces of the hinge plates  127   a ,  127   b  and begins pushing them downward, but the spring force of the housing  111  resists the initial hinge plate movement. The travel bar  145  may initially move forward with the movement of the upper lip  136  to seat forward edges  155   a  of the locking elements  149  against tabs  182  of the hinge plates  127   a ,  127   b  (if the locking elements are not already seated). As the lever  115  continues to pivot, the seated locking elements  149  resist further movement of the travel bar  145 . As shown in  FIG. 12A , the flexible hinge  170  of the travel bar  145  begins to bow (or deflect downward to a more pronounced “U” shape) to allow the lever  115  to continue to pivot. This relative movement between the connector portion  168  of the intermediate connector  167  and the locking elements  149  causes tension in the flexible hinge  170 . At this instant in the closing movement, if the lever  115  is released before the hinge plates  127   a ,  127   b  pivot downward through their co-planar position (i.e., before the ring members  123   a ,  123   b  close), the tension in the flexible hinge  170  will automatically recoil (and push) the lever back to its starting position. 
         [0078]    As shown in  FIG. 12B , continued closing movement of the lever  115  causes the upper lip  136  to pivot the interconnected hinge plates  127   a ,  127   b  downward. Once the hinge plates  127   a ,  127   b  pass just through the co-planar position, the housing&#39;s spring force pushes them downward, closing the ring members  123   a ,  123   b . As the hinge plates  127   a ,  127   b  pivot downward, the angled forward edges  155   a  of the locking elements  149  allow the locking elements and travel bar  145  to move to the left (as viewed in  FIG. 12B ). The flexible hinge  170  remains deformed and tensioned during this initial movement. Once the hinge plates  127   a ,  127   b  clear the angled forward edges  155   a  of the locking elements  149 , they no longer operate to resist forward movement of the locking elements and travel bar  145 . The locking elements  149  now move conjointly with the lever  115  to their locked position behind the hinge plates  127   a ,  127   b . At the same time, the bridge  139  flattens and the tension in the flexible hinge  170  recoils and further pushes the locking elements  149  to the locked position. The bridge  139  and flexible hinge  170  return to their relaxed positions. The mechanism  101  is again in the position shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0079]    In this ring mechanism  101 , the flexible hinge  170  of the intermediate connector  167  allows the lever  115  to pivot to move the hinge plates  127   a ,  127   b  downward to close the ring members  123   a ,  123   b  before pushing the locking elements  149  to the locked position behind the hinge plates. It also provides a flexible connection between the connector portion  168  and locking portion  148 . The flexible hinge  170  receives slight vertical movement from the lever  115  (through the connector portion  168 ) when the lever pivots and shields the locking portion  148  from the vertical movement so that the locking elements  149  remain stationary (vertically) during operation. 
         [0080]    In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-16 , the illustrated flexible hinge  170  of the intermediate connector  167  is formed as one piece with the locking portion  148  and the connector portion  168  of the travel bar  145  generally between the locking portion and the connector portion. However, as shown in  FIGS. 17-19 , a flexible hinge  170 ′ may be formed as a separate piece from a locking portion  148 ′ of the travel bar  145 ′ and a connector portion  168 ′ of a intermediate connector  167 ′ and connected thereto. The flexible hinge  170 ′ is formed with hook-shaped ends  170   a ′ that are received in openings  150 ′,  152 ′ in the locking portion  148 ′ and in the connector portion  168 ′, respectively. The flexible hinge  170 ′ may be connected to the locking portion  148 ′ and connector portion  168 ′ differently within the scope of the invention. In operation, the flexible hinge  170 ′ of  FIGS. 17-19  is bowed similarly to the flexible hinge  170  of  FIGS. 1-16 . 
         [0081]    It is understood that a flexible hinge may be shaped differently than illustrated herein and still be within the scope of the invention. For example, the flexible hinge may be resiliently collapsible in accordion fashion to accommodate the longitudinal movement of the connector portion relative to the locking portion. 
         [0082]    It is contemplated that each part of the travel bar an intermediate connector is made from a plastic material, but they may be made from another suitable material such as a metal. In addition, different parts of the travel bar may be formed from different materials, but it is to be understood that the flexible hinge is formed from spring steel, plastic, or other flexible material. 
         [0083]      FIGS. 20-32  illustrate a ring binder mechanism  201  according to yet another embodiment. The mechanism  201  is similar to the mechanism  101  previously described and illustrated in  FIGS. 1-19 , but does not include a U-shaped hinge  170 . Parts of the ring mechanism  201  corresponding to parts of the ring mechanism  101  of  FIGS. 1-16  are designated by the same reference numerals, plus “100”. In this embodiment, an intermediate connector  267  is formed as one piece with the travel bar  245 , but is connected by a living hinge  272  that permits pivoting of the intermediate connector relative to the travel bar but does not deform lengthwise as does the U-shaped flexible hinge  170 ,  170 ′ of  FIGS. 1-19 . Thus, in this mechanism  201 , the living hinge  272  converts the pivoting motion of a lever  215  to translational movement of the travel bar  245 , but does not allow a lever  215  to pivot to close hinge plates  227   a ,  227   b  before moving a travel bar  245  and locking elements  249  to a locked position. To close the ring members  223   a ,  223   b , they can be manually pushed together. 
         [0084]    As shown in  FIGS. 22 ,  31 , and  32 , the illustrated travel bar  245  of this embodiment includes an elongate locking portion  248  having three locking elements  249 . An intermediate connector  267  is hingedly connected to the locking portion. The locking elements  249  of the locking portion  248  are shaped similar to the locking elements  49  of the previously described mechanism  1 . The intermediate connector  267  is formed with an elongate opening  267   a  for receiving a mounting post  279   a ,  279   b  through the opening and allowing the travel bar  245  to move relative to the mounting post during operation of the mechanism  201 . As shown in  FIGS. 23 and 25 , the intermediate connector  267  connects to a flattened lever  215  (i.e., a lever with a flattened grip as compared to the lever  115  of the previous mechanism ( FIGS. 1-19 )) at an upper lip  236  of the lever. A cross bar  267   a  of the intermediate connector  267  is captured by a hook  236   a  in the upper lip  236  of the lever  215 . 
         [0085]    Opening operation of this mechanism  201  is similar to the opening operation of the mechanism  101  previously described ( FIGS. 1-19 ).  FIGS. 20-25  illustrate the ring mechanism  201  in a closed and locked position. To open the ring members  223   a ,  223   b , the lever  215  pivots outward and downward (in a counter-clockwise direction as indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 24 ). As shown in  FIG. 27 , a lower lip  237  of the lever  215  begins pushing upward on bottom surfaces the hinge plates  227   a ,  227   b  and the upper lip  236  of the lever pulls the travel bar  245  and locking elements  249  to an unlocked position in registration with openings  229   a ,  229   b ,  229   c  in the hinge plates. The hinged connections between the locking portion  248  of the travel bar  245  and the intermediate connector  267  and between the intermediate connector and the lever  215  allow the intermediate connector to pivot slightly upward relative to the locking portion to accommodate slight upward movement of the lever as it pivots. A flexible bridge  239  between a body  235  of the lever  215  and the lower lip  237  of the lever flexes and tensions. An open channel  241  between the body  235  and lower lip  237  closes and the body moves into engagement with the lower lip. Continued opening movement of the lever  215  causes the body to conjointly pivot the lower lip  237 , pushing the hinge plates  227   a ,  227   b  upward through the co-planar position. This moves the ring members  223   a ,  223   b  to an open position as shown in  FIGS. 28-30 . To close the ring members  223   a ,  223   b  and return the mechanism  201  to the locked position, an operator pushes the ring members together. 
         [0086]    In this ring mechanism  201 , the hinged connection between the intermediate connector  267  and the travel bar  245  shields the locking elements  249  from the slight vertical movement of the lever  215  during pivoting operation of the lever. The hinge  272  provides a pivoting connection between the intermediate connector  267  and locking portion  248  that allows the intermediate connector to pivot upward and downward relative to the locking portion and locking elements  249 . 
         [0087]      FIGS. 33-53  illustrate a ring binder mechanism  301  according to still yet another embodiment. The mechanism  301  is similar to the mechanism  101  previously described and illustrated in  FIGS. 1-19  but includes an intermediate connector  366  different than the intermediate connector  167  of  FIGS. 1-19 . Parts of the ring mechanism  301  corresponding to parts of the ring mechanism  101  of  FIGS. 1-19  are designated by the same reference numerals, plus “ 200 ”. In this embodiment, the intermediate connector  366  is a bent wire having a first end  366   a , a second end  366   b , and an arcuate portion  366   c  intermediate the first and second ends ( FIGS. 50-53 ). The second end  366   b  includes a small gap  366   e  between the beginning and ending points of the wire. 
         [0088]    As shown in  FIGS. 35 ,  37 , and  38 , the illustrated travel bar  345  of this embodiment includes an elongate locking portion  348  having three locking elements  349 . The intermediate connector  366  is connected to the locking portion  348 . More specifically, the locking portion  348  includes a slot  360  and a tab  362  adjacent the slot. The second end  366   b  of the intermediate connector  366  is received in the slot  360  and a portion of the intermediate connector adjacent the second end thereof extends under the tab  362 . Besides the slot  360  and tab  362 , the locking elements  349  of the locking portion  348  are shaped similar to the locking elements  149  of the previously described mechanism  101 . As shown in  FIGS. 36-38 , the intermediate connector  366  connects to a flattened lever  315  at an upper lip  336  of the lever. The first end  366   a  of the intermediate connector  366  fits within apertures  336   a  in the upper lip  336  of the lever  315  so that pivoting movement of the lever produces translational movement of the travel bar  345 . 
         [0089]    Opening operation of this mechanism  301  is similar to the opening operation of the mechanisms  101 ,  201  previously described ( FIGS. 1-32 ). FIGS.  34  and  36 - 38  illustrate the ring mechanism  301  in a closed and locked position. To open ring members  323   a ,  323   b , the lever  315  pivots outward and downward ( FIGS. 39-41 ). As shown in  FIG. 39 , a lower lip  337  of the lever  315  begins pushing upward on bottom surfaces of hinge plates  327   a ,  327   b  and the upper lip  336  of the lever pulls the travel bar  345  and locking elements  349  to an unlocked position in registration with openings  329   a ,  329   b ,  329   c  in the hinge plates. The connection between the locking portion  348  of the travel bar  345  and the intermediate connector  366  allows the intermediate connector to pivot slightly upward relative to the locking portion to accommodate slight upward movement of the lever  315  as it pivots. A flexible bridge  339  between a body  335  of the lever  315  and the lower lip  337  of the lever flexes and tensions. An open channel  341  between the body  335  and lower lip  337  closes and the body moves into engagement with the lower lip ( FIG. 40 ). Continued opening movement of the lever  315  causes the body to conjointly pivot the lower lip  337 , pushing the hinge plates  327   a ,  327   b  upward through the co-planar position. This moves the ring members  323   a ,  323   b  to an open position as shown in  FIGS. 42-45 . The arcuate portion  366   c  does not substantially deform during movement. 
         [0090]    To close the ring members  323   a ,  323   b  and return the mechanism  301  to the locked position, an operator can pivot the lever  315  upward and inward. As shown in  FIGS. 46 and 47 , this moves the upper lip  336  of the lever  315  into contact with the upper surfaces of the hinge plates  327   a ,  327   b  (if it is not already in contact with the hinge plate upper surfaces). The upper lip  336  engages the upper surfaces of the hinge plates  327   a ,  327   b  and begins pushing them downward, but the spring force of a housing  311  of the mechanism  301  resists the initial hinge plate movement. The travel bar  345  may initially move forward with the movement of the upper lip  336  to seat forward edges  355   a  of the locking elements  349  against tabs  382  of the hinge plates  327   a ,  327   b  (if the locking elements are not already seated). As the lever  315  continues to pivot, the seated locking elements  349  resist further translational movement of the travel bar  345 . 
         [0091]    As shown in  FIG. 47 , the arcuate portion  366   c  of the intermediate connector  366  compresses (or bows outward to a more pronounced arcuate shape) to allow the lever  315  to continue to pivot. This relative movement between the lever  315  and the locking elements  349  causes tension in the intermediate connector  366 . At this instant in the closing movement, if the lever  315  is released before the hinge plates  327   a ,  327   b  pivot downward through their co-planar position (i.e., before the ring members  323   a ,  323   b  close), the tension in the intermediate connector  366  will automatically recoil (and push) the lever back to its starting position. In this ring mechanism  301 , the compressibility of the intermediate connector  366  allows the lever  315  to pivot to move the hinge plates  327   a ,  327   b  downward to close the ring members  323   a ,  323   b  before pushing the locking elements  349  to the locked position behind the hinge plates. 
         [0092]    As shown in  FIGS. 48 and 49 , continued closing movement of the lever  315  causes the upper lip  336  to pivot the interconnected hinge plates  327   a ,  327   b  downward. Once the hinge plates  327   a ,  327   b  pass just through the co-planar position, the housing&#39;s spring force pushes them downward, closing the ring members  323   a ,  323   b . As the hinge plates  327   a ,  327   b  pivot downward, the angled forward edges  355   a  of the locking elements  349  allow the locking elements and travel bar  345  to move to the left (as viewed in  FIGS. 48 and 49 ). Once the hinge plates  327   a ,  327   b  clear the angled forward edges  355   a  of the locking elements  349 , they no longer operate to resist forward movement of the locking elements and travel bar  345 . The locking elements  349  now move conjointly with the lever  315  to their locked position behind the hinge plates  327   a ,  327   b . At the same time, the tension in the intermediate connector  366  caused by it being compressed releases and further pushes the locking elements  349  to the locked position. The bridge  339  and intermediate connector  366  return to their relaxed positions. The mechanism  301  is again in the position shown in  FIG. 43 . 
         [0093]    When introducing elements of the ring binder 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” and variations thereof are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Moreover, the use of “forward” and “rearward” and variations of these terms, or the use of other directional and orientation terms, is made for convenience, but does not require any particular orientation of the components. 
         [0094]    As various changes could be made in the above without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.