Abstract: A folder includes a spine having a base and first and second spine hinge portions. The spine defines a longitudinal axis and has an exterior surface that is curved around the longitudinal axis. The folder also includes a first cover having a first cover hinge portion pivotably attached to the first spine hinge portion. The first cover has a first curved portion with an exterior surface that is curved around the longitudinal axis. The folder further includes a second cover having a second cover hinge portion pivotably attached to the second spine hinge portion. The second cover has a second curved portion with an exterior surface that is curved around the longitudinal axis. The spine and the first and second curved portions together define a generally rounded contour around the longitudinal axis when the folder is in a closed position.

Abstract: A folder includes a spine having a base and first and second spine hinge portions. The spine defines a longitudinal axis and has an exterior surface that is curved around the longitudinal axis. The folder also includes a first cover having a first cover hinge portion pivotably attached to the first spine hinge portion. The first cover has a first curved portion with an exterior surface that is curved around the longitudinal axis. The folder further includes a second cover having a second cover hinge portion pivotably attached to the second spine hinge portion. The second cover has a second curved portion with an exterior surface that is curved around the longitudinal axis. The spine and the first and second curved portions together define a generally rounded contour around the longitudinal axis when the folder is in a closed position.

Abstract: A folder that has a spine that is hinged to two covers. The preferred covers have a convex portion that extends around a binding mechanism over most of the distance of that the binding mechanism protrudes inwardly from the spine support portion that extends outwardly with respect to a portion of the cover pivotably attached to the spine. A concave portion is located adjacent the convex portion towards the free end of the binder. The preferred folder portion of the binder has projections that are deformed through openings in the binding mechanism to secure the binding mechanism to the folder. A preferred cover has an arcuate cross-section extending parallel to the hinges.

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

Abstract: A sheet lifter for use with a ring-binder for storing loose-leaf pages having a substantially flat base portion with first and second lateral sides. The base portion further includes at least one aperture located between the first and second sides for receiving and mounting to the rings of the binder. An end portion is connected to the base portion and is configured to extend beyond the pages stored in the ring-binder when the sheet lifter is engaged by the rings of the binder. The two sides are connected to the end portion and are non-parallel with respect to each other.

Abstract: A folder that has a spine that is hinged to two covers. The preferred covers have a convex portion that extends around a binding mechanism over most of the distance of that the binding mechanism protrudes inwardly from the spine. support portion that extends outwardly with respect to a portion of the cover pivotably attached to the spine. A concave portion is located adjacent the convex portion towards the free end of the binder. The preferred folder portion of the binder has projections that are deformed through openings in the binding mechanism to secure the binding mechanism to the folder. A preferred cover has an arcuate cross-section extending parallel to the hinges.

Abstract: A folder that has a spine that is hinged to two covers. At least one of the covers has a support portion that extends outwardly with respect to a portion of the cover pivotably attached to the spine. The support portion is located between the hinged portion and another portion disposed opposite therefrom.