Abstract: A binder mechanism is disclosed having a first ring assembly and a binding portion. The first ring assembly includes at least one first ring half. At least the first ring assembly or the binding portion are a pivotable half that is pivotable with respect to the other to a locked position about a first longitudinal axis. In the locked position, the first ring half is engaged with the binding portion cooperatively defining a loop that is substantially closed to retain a stack of papers or a workpiece. The first ring assembly and the binding portion are lockable with respect to each other in the locked position to prevent pivoting of the pivotable half from the locked position. At least one of the first ring assembly and the binding portion is movable with respect to the other from the locked position in an unlocking direction oriented at less than 180° from the longitudinal axis to permit the pivotable half to pivot about the longitudinal axis to an open position in which the loop is substantially open.

Abstract: A food mixing appliance has a mixing head pivotably supported on a pedestal. The appliance includes a mechanism for locking the head relative to the pedestal in several discrete positions and for enabling the user to pivot the head relative to the pedestal into a selected one of the discrete positions. A mechanism includes a user actuated pivotable lever and first and second pivotable pawls. A member is fixed in position relative to the lever and includes slots defining a plurality of discrete positions for the pivotable head. Each of the pawls selectively engage a selected one of the slots corresponding to angular positions of 0.degree., 45.degree. and 90.degree. for the head relative to the pedestal.

Abstract: A stand mixer comprising a lower housing with a support rotatably mounted thereto and a mixing bowl removably connected to the support. Between the mixing bowl and the support is a self-locking connection. The self-locking connection comprises the support having an aperture and the mixing bowl having a member fixably connected to the mixing bowl. The member fixedly connected to the mixing bowl is adapted to be inserted into the aperture of the support. The member has an engagement surface formed therein. The support has a cam surface. Rotation of the support drives the cam surface upon the engagement surface of the member. This rotates the member in unison with the support and cams down the mixing bowl against the support to lock the mixing bowl to the support.

Abstract: A flashlight includes a flexible core comprising a pair of conductive wires which electrically connect a source of power to a power using implement. A flexible spine surrounds the pair of conductive wires and includes a plurality of interconnected universally rotatable members. A resilient sleeve engages the outer surface of the rotatable members forming the spine. The flashlight includes a working end housing and a base housing. A first anchor connects one end of the flexible core to the base end housing and a second anchor connects the other end of the flexible core to the working end housing. The outer surface of the resilient sleeve is restrained against relative twisting or longitudinal movement with respect to each housing.

Abstract: A flashlight includes a flexible core comprising a pair of conductive wires which electrically connect a source of power to a power using implement. A flexible spine surrounds the pair of conductive wires and includes a plurality of interconnected universally rotatable members. A resilient sleeve engages the outer surface of the rotatable members forming the spine. The flashlight includes a working end housing and a base housing. A first anchor connects one end of the flexible core to the base end housing and a second anchor connects the other end of the flexible core to the working end housing. The outer surface of the resilient sleeve is restrained against relative twisting or longitudinal movement with respect to each housing.