Abstract: A ring binder mechanism that retains loose-leaf pages and has ring members that readily lock together, preventing accidental loss of pages. The mechanism comprises a housing that supports two hinge plates for loose pivoting motion, bringing the ring members to either an open position or a closed position. The mechanism further comprises a control structure, which includes an actuating lever pivotally mounted on the housing. The actuating lever moves a travel bar and its locking elements for controlling the pivoting motion of the hinge plates. When the ring members are closed, the locking elements block the hinge plates from pivoting to open the ring members. In addition, a spring is attached to the travel bar for automatically biasing the travel bar and locking elements to the locked position when the ring members close.

Abstract: A ring metal (10) has binder rings (12-16) each comprised of two ring segments one end of each of which is attached to a hinge plate (18, 20). A movable bar (34) extends from one end of the metal to the other and contacts the hinge plates to move them when the binder is opened. A manually operated trigger (32) connects to one end of the bar to move the bar. The trigger includes a slot (40) in which is fitted a pin (44) connected to the bar. The pin moves in the slot as the trigger is moved. Drawing the trigger away from a binder closed position toward a binder open position moves the pin through the slot. This causes the bar to move relative to the hinges, forcing the hinges to pivot the respective segments of each binder ring away from each other and open the binder. When the binder is closed, a nib (62) formed on the top of the bar is received in an opening in a shield (22) of the metal to prevent the trigger from being inadvertently moved and opening the binder.

Abstract: A ring binder has housing including a central portion and lateral sides. Hinge plates are held between the lateral sides of the housing. Each of multiple rings includes at least one ring member mounted for movement with the hinge plates between closed and open positions. The mechanism has an actuator mounted for pivotal movement relative to the housing and engageable with the hinge plates for opening rings. In one embodiment, the housing defines a stop engaged by the actuator upon arrival of the actuator at a terminal position when the actuator has opened the rings. The engagement between the surface of the actuator and the stop limits pivoting movement of the actuator relative to the housing in the opening direction beyond the terminal position. In another embodiment, the actuator is constructed for quicker response of the binder to movement of the actuator to open the rings.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages has a housing and a pair of hinge plates supported by the housing for pivoting motion relative to the housing. Mounted on each of the hinge plates are ring members which cooperate to form rings for holding the loose-leaf pages. Pivoting motion of the hinge plates causes the ring members to move between a closed position wherein the two ring members form a substantially continuous, closed loop, and an open position wherein the two ring members form a discontinuous, open loop. A lever is moveable relative to the housing for controlling the pivoting motion of the hinge plates. The lever has a locking position for locking the first and second hinge plates in the closed position. A biasing member engages and biases the lever toward the locking position.

Abstract: A binder mechanism includes a rotatable support having ring segments that can be locked in a closed configuration. The binder mechanism includes a horizontal and/or a flush mounted push button that opens and/or unlocks the rotatable support. The push button acts on a ramped slider that causes the rotatable support to rotate open. An over-center arrangement aids in maintaining the binder mechanism closed or opened.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism comprises a housing, at least one ring for mounting loose leaf paper, and at least one mounting post extending outwardly from the housing. A base plate is adapted to be attached to a ring binder cover and has a surface adapted to receive the mounting post of the ring binder mechanism. A key can be received by the base plate into an affixing position with respect to the base plate and mounting post for securing the mounting post to the base plate.

Abstract: A ring binder for retaining hole-punched pages comprises a housing, a pair of pivotable hinge plates received in the housing, and at least one pair of half ring members fixed to the hinge plates and moved between a closed position and an open position. Each of the half ring members comprises an anchoring portion fixed to a corresponding hinge plate, a transverse arm portion connected to the anchoring portion and extending outwardly in a transverse direction, an oblique arm portion connected to the transverse arm portion and extending obliquely and upwardly, and a curved portion connected to the oblique arm portion and extending upwardly and inwardly. In the closed position, upper ends of the curved portions of the pair of half ring members abut against each other in a face to face manner, and the opposite curved portions form an upwardly directed arc.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism has an elongate housing constructed of a polymeric material. The housing has a central portion and lateral sides extending downwardly along either side thereof. A ring support is disposed between the lateral sides and is supported thereby for movement relative to the housing. Each of a plurality of rings includes first and second ring members. The first ring member is mounted on the ring support for movement between a closed position and an open position. The mechanism includes a control structure movable relative to the housing. The control structure is adapted to releasably lock the first member in the closed position by blocking movement of the ring support. The control structure comprises a travel bar moveable in translation relative to the housing. The travel bar includes a locking element for engagement with the ring support to block movement of the ring support.

Abstract: A ring metal (10) has binder rings (12-16) each comprised of two ring segments one end of each of which is attached to a hinge plate (18, 20). A movable bar (34) extends from one end of the metal to the other and contacts the hinge plates to move them when the binder is opened. A manually operated trigger (32) connects to one end of the bar to move the bar. The trigger includes a slot (40) in which is fitted a pin (44) connected to the bar. The pin moves in the slot as the trigger is moved. Drawing the trigger away from a binder closed position toward a binder open position moves the pin through the slot. This causes the bar to move relative to the hinges, forcing the hinges to pivot the respective segments of each binder ring away from each other and open the binder. When the binder is closed, a nib (62) formed on the top of the bar is received in an opening in a shield (22) of the metal to prevent the trigger from being inadvertently moved and opening the binder.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism that retains loose-leaf pages. The mechanism includes a housing and hinge plates supported by the housing for pivoting about a pivot axis relative to the housing. The mechanism further includes rings that hold the loose-leaf pages. Each ring includes two ring members. A first ring member is mounted on a first hinge plate and can move therewith relative to a second ring member. In a 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 an open position, the two ring members form a discontinuous, open loop for adding or removing loose-leaf pages from the rings. Additionally the mechanism comprises an actuator that is pivotally mounted on the housing and can move relative to the housing for controlling the pivoting motion of the hinge plates and closing the ring members.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism has an elongate housing including an upper, plastic housing element and a lower housing element underlying the upper housing element. A ring support is disposed between the upper and lower housing elements and supported by the housing for movement relative to the housing. Rings mounted on the ring support include a first ring member and a second ring member. The first ring member is moveable relative to the second ring member between a closed position and an opened position. A control structure is movable relative to the housing for producing the movement of the ring supports that brings the ring members to the closed position. The control structure is adapted to releasably lock the ring members in the closed position by blocking movement of the ring support that moves the ring members to the opened position.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism that retains loose-leaf pages and has ring members that gently close and readily lock together. The mechanism comprises a housing that supports two hinge plates for loose pivoting motion, moving the ring members between an open position and a closed position. A lever causes the pivoting motion of the hinge plates such that the lever is pivotable between a first position in which the ring members are closed and a second position. A spring is engageable with the lever for urging the lever to move the control structure toward the first position.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism that retains loose-leaf pages and has ring members that gently close and readily lock together. The mechanism comprises a housing that supports two hinge plates for loose pivoting motion, moving the ring members between an open position and a closed position. A control structure is movable by an actuating lever, which is pivotally mounted on the housing, between a first and second position. In the first position, pivoting motion of the hinge plates is blocked, and in the second position, the hinge plates can freely pivot. A spring is engageable with the lever for urging the lever to move the control structure toward the first position.

Abstract: A ring mechanism comprises a housing, hinge plates, and ring members mounted on the hinge plates for retaining pages on the mechanism. An actuating lever is mounted on the housing for engaging the hinge plates and pivoting them to selectively move the ring members between an open position and a closed position. A travel bar is provided to block unintentional pivoting movement of the hinge plates when they are in the closed position. The lever pivots in a direction from one lateral side of the housing toward the other lateral side of the housing, i.e., about an axis that is oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the housing and that extends upwardly relative to the housing. A ramped surface on the lever, e.g., a helical surface or a cam surface, engages the hinge plates to drive them to their open configuration.

Abstract: A ring mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages comprises a housing, hinge plates, and ring members mounted on the hinge plates for retaining pages on the mechanism. An actuating lever is pivotally mounted on the housing for engaging the hinge plates and pivoting them to selectively move the ring members between an open position and a closed position. A travel bar is operatively connected to the lever for selective movement between a position in which locking elements of the travel bar block the pivoting movement of the hinge plates and a position in which the travel bar allows the hinge plates to pivot. The lever is configured to deform when pivoting the hinge plates to close the ring members to delay movement of the travel bar and locking elements to the blocking position from the onset of pivoting motion of the hinge plates.

Abstract: A ring binder for holding punched paper is configured using two or more curved rotational ring elements (CREs) and corresponding post elements. A linkage mechanism couples the CREs together so that the rotate in unison. When a CRE engages a corresponding post element a ring element is formed for holding punched paper. The interface between the CRE and the post element has features that ensure that the interfaces have minimum gapping and they resist separation in a direction perpendicular to the tangent to the arc of rotation when the rings are closed. The linkage may be latched against rotation. Likewise the interfaces between the CREs and the post elements may be detented to ensure minimum gapping. The mechanism may have features that break the detent before rotation commences. Ring binders with two or more rings may be formed in a variety of sizes.

Abstract: A binding tool includes an elongated substrate, a pair of rotatable shafts, and engageable binding rings on the shafts. The shafts are rotatably supported on the substrate. An operation plate on the substrate is slidable along the shafts. The shafts have cam protrusions. The operation plate has cam grooves acting on the cam protrusions to rotate the shafts. When the operation plate is in one end position, the cam protrusion rotates the shaft to separate the binding rings. In the other end position, the shaft is rotated to engage the binding rings. Each shaft has an engagement plate protruding toward the operation plate. The operation plate has at least one cutout and an engaging portion. The engagement plate engages with the engaging portion of the operation plate when the operation plate is in the one end position. The cutout is aligned with the engagement plate to release the engagement plate in other positions.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism for retaining loose leaf pages. The mechanism includes a rigid, elongate plate having a longitudinal axis. Hinge plates are supported by the plate for pivoting relative to the elongate plate. Rings for holding loose leaf pages include ring members mounted on the hinge plates and moveable between a closed position and an open position. A control structure is supported by the elongate plate and controllably pivots the hinge plates to move the ring members between the closed and open positions. The control structure has a travel bar connected to the hinge plates for moving the hinge plates between the closed and open positions. A spring biases the travel bar to a position toward the closed position of the hinge plates.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages. The mechanism has ring members that positively lock together to prevent unintentional openings. The mechanism includes a housing that supports pivoting motion of hinge plates for bringing the ring members to either an open position and a closed position. The mechanism also includes a control structure that can pivot relative to the housing to controllably move the hinge plates to bring the ring members together. In a closed and locked position of the mechanism, the control structure is releasably held behind protrusions of the hinge plates, thereby blocking the hinge plates pivoting motion and positively locking the ring members together.

Abstract: A ring mechanism includes a chassis and a hinge blade coupled to the chassis. An actuator coupled to the chassis moves the hinge blade between a first position and a second position. A ring half coupled to the hinge blade is positioned in a closed position when the hinge blade is in the first position, and an open position when the hinge blade is in the second position. A dampening member is positioned at least partially between the inner surface of the chassis and the actuator to prevent at least a portion of the actuator from directly engaging the inner surface of the chassis during movement of the actuator between the first and second positions. A locked state indicator indicates to the user whether the ring mechanism is in a locked position or an unlocked position. The dampening member can function as the lock state indicator and vice versa.

Abstract: A ring mechanism for a loose-leaf binder comprises a thin, elongate plate and at least two ring members supported by the elongate plate. The ring members move between an open position for receiving and removing loose-leaf pages and a closed position for capturing the loose-leaf pages on the ring while permitting movement of the pages along the ring. The elongate plate has a longitudinal end including spaced apart first and second end portions located on one transverse side of the elongate plate. The first and second end portions are bent over to present a longitudinally facing surface which is blunt. A method of manufacturing a ring mechanism for a loose-leaf binder is also disclosed.

Abstract: Two first binding members supported rotatably by a base, which will be fixed to a back cover, and two second binding members, which engage with the front ends of the first binding members to form closed loops, are provided. Spaces between the base sections of the first and second binding members are connected via a first and second connecting plate, respectively. A releasing element is disposed between the respective connecting members, and a force is given by the releasing element in the direction that the closed loops via binding members are released. It is such adapted that, when the first binding members are nipped by fingertips and given an operation force in the direction that the same come closer to each other, the engagement with the second members are released and the front ends can rotate in the direction that the same are opened.

Abstract: A locking member for a loose-leaf binder includes a member having an integrally pivoted portion pivotally mounted in a first actuating member, an engaging projection which engages with an engaging recess of a second actuating member to prevent movement of the second actuating member. An elastic portion which abuts against an upper surface of a first base plate to urge the engaging projection to the engaging recess, first finger hooking portion, whereby under a condition where the binder rings are closed, movement of both the base plates are prevented against an opening forces acting upon the binder rings. When first finger hooking portion is pushed toward second finger hooking portion, the engaging projection is disengaged from the second actuating member against the elastic force of the elastic portion, and both of the base plates are then moved in such directions as to open the binder rings.

Abstract: The present invention provides an unitary spine binder which comprises an elongated dorsal hinge bearing pairs of opposing and complementary male and female ring elements having known male fastener and female fastener, respectively. Each pair of ring elements also comprise a concave distal end on one element, and a complementary convex distal end on the other element. When the distal ends of the ring elements are moved towards each other, the male and female fasteners reversibly engage with each other so that each pair of ring elements, in cooperation with the dorsal hinge, forms substantially a ring to secure sheet paper by occupying a pre-punched hole in the paper. At the same time, the concave and convex distal ends also engage, so that the sidewalls of the concave distal end engages the convex distal end to protect the fasteners against disengagement by torsional and lateral forces.

Abstract: An open ring-like device for holding articles such as plastic cards and keys is formed so that its ends are opposed to one another and includes tips at the ends. The distance between the tips is less than the thickness of an article. Articles can be inserted into the device by pushing the edge of an article against the tips to spread the tips apart. The article is slid in between the tips to fit a tip through a hole in the article to hold the article on the device. The device allows for the insertion or extraction of articles without a separate step of opening or closing the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sheet-retaining system for securing sheets on a sheet carrier, in particular for securing paper sheets in a cover, having a retaining and connecting device for securing at least one sheet at the sheet edge and for connecting the at least one sheet to the sheet carrier indirectly via the retaining and connecting device. According to the invention, the retaining and connecting device has a retaining bar which is connected to the at least one sheet, may possibly be subdivided into separate sections and extends along the sheet edge which is directed towards the sheet carrier.

Abstract: A safety ring binder mechanism helps prevent finger pinching by requiring simultaneous opposite movement of sliding actuators at both ends of the mechanism in order to open and close the rings. When the actuators are outermost, dimples on the actuators press the blades of the device against the housing, holding the rings open. When the actuators are pushed in, inclined tongues cam the ends of the blades downward, forcing the rings to close and holding them in a closed position.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism adapted to be secured to a base member, and having a substantially rigid upper member having a substantially straight lateral edge along substantially its entire length and wherein the upper member supports a pair of pivotable lower members to which a plurality of pairs of respective half-ring members are secured and wherein the pivotable members are pivotably movable between a first position in which the pairs of half-ring members are closed and a second position in which the pairs of half-ring members are open and wherein at least one of the half-ring members of each pair has a lower portion disposed outwardly of and closely adjacent the lateral edge of the upper member when the pairs of half-ring members are in the first position.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism for retaining loose leaf pages. The mechanism includes an elongate plate, hinge plates supported by the plate for pivoting motion relative to the plate, and ring members mounted on the hinge plates which are moveable between a closed position and an open position. A control structure controllably pivots the hinge plates to thereby move the ring members between the closed and open positions. The control structure includes a single actuator at one end of the mechanism, a travel bar movable relative to the elongate plate, and two connecting links operatively connecting the travel bar to the hinge plates. The control structure is configured to selectively place the mechanism in a locked position wherein the ring members are securely closed.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a ring binder assembly that includes a cover, a ring mechanism and a means to removably secure the cover to the ring mechanism. The removable securing means includes a pair of removable rivets. The removable rivets may in a first embodiment include a pair of resilient tail members that can be pinched together in order to pass through openings in the cover and the ring mechanism. The resilient tail members tend to have a diameter larger then the openings such that when the resilient tail members pass through the openings, the resilient tail members return to their larger diameter configuration. This permits a consumer or user with the ability to disassemble the components of the ring binder assembly and interchange these components with new components similarly configured. The user may then customize and personalize the ring binder assembly to their own specifications.

Abstract: Ring binder mechanism with a ring-locking feature.

Abstract: A photograph album system (10) has a spine (14) with an internal lateral groove (30) at one end and a removable retainer (42) having a plurality of internal retaining fingers (44) within the groove. A plurality of pages (52) are defined by a plurality of signatures (54). Each signature is defined by a plurality of page sets (56). Each page set consists of an interior support sheet (58) with a central fold (60) and a pair of exterior cover sheets (64). The exterior cover sheets are folded around an individual outer edge of an interior support sheet with each having a central fold defining an outer bend (66). The exterior cover sheets are adhered to the interior support sheet so that two pages are formed with separate pockets (72) on each side of each page. Posts (36) couple the pages to the spine.

Abstract: A ring binder is disclosed as including a curved upper plate supporting a pair of pivotable hinged leaves to which a number of half-rings are attached, and two pivotable actuating levers for moving the pair of hinged leaves between a first position in which the half-rings are closed and a second position in which the half-rings are open, in which the actuating lever.includes an aperture, and a cushion engaged with each actuating lever, in which the cushion has a first body part and a second body part, in which part of the first body part extends through the aperture of the actuating lever to engage with the second body part.

Abstract: A ring binder includes a substantially rigid curved upper plate supporting a pair of hinged leaves. A plurality of ring members are secured to the hinged leaves for engaging corresponding holes in sheets of material retained by the ring binder. An actuating lever is located at each end of the curved upper plate for actuating the hinged leaves to open and close the ring members. Each actuating lever includes a tab with a cushion member thereon. The actuating lever includes a toothed groove therein for engaging and retaining a tongue of the cushion member on the actuating lever. The cushion member is engaged by the fingers of a user to pivot the actuating lever in order to move the ring members between the open position and the closed position. The cushion member is a soft pad of resilient material such as rubber or soft plastic. The cushion member provides improved tactile characteristics to the actuating lever, making the actuating lever comfortable to use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a binder comprising a cover made up of two lateral parts; at least one pair of rails; said rails extending parallel to the sides of the lateral parts and at the inside thereof; and a metal ring mechanism located upon said cover, which mechanism is provided at each side with at least one built in projection (herein: “a removable and/or replaceable metal ring mechanism”); said built in projections to be inserted into corresponding rails. Moreover, the invention relates to a removable and/or replaceable metal ring mechanism, which mechanism is provided at each side with at least one built in projection.

Abstract: A ring binder includes a substantially rigid curved upper plate supporting a pair of hinged leaves. A plurality of ring members are secured to the hinged leaves for engaging corresponding holes in sheets of material retained by the ring binder. An actuating lever is located at each end of the curved upper plate for actuating the hinged leaves to open and close the ring members. Each actuating lever includes a tab having a cushion member formed thereon, for example by molding. The tab has an aperture therein, and cushion material enters the aperture during molding to secure the cushion member onto the tab. The cushion member is engaged by the fingers of a user to pivot the actuating lever in order to move the ring members between the open position and the closed position. The cushion member is a soft pad of material such as plastic. The cushion member provides improved tactile characteristics to the actuating lever, making the actuating lever comfortable to use.

Abstract: A ring binder includes a substantially rigid curved upper plate supporting a pair of hinged leaves. A plurality of ring members are secured to the hinged leaves for engaging corresponding holes in sheets of material retained by the ring binder. An actuating lever is located at each end of the curved upper plate for actuating the hinged leaves to open and close the ring members. Each actuating lever includes a tab with a cushion member thereon. The cushion member extends over and surrounds the tab. The cushion member includes an opening in a lower wall thereof which extends into a slot in an interior of the cushion member. The opening allows the tab to pass freely therethrough and slip into the slot to attach the cushion member to the tab. The cushion member is engaged by the fingers of a user to pivot the actuating lever in order to move the ring members between the open position and the closed position. The cushion member is a soft pad of resilient material such as rubber or soft plastic.

Abstract: A ring binder includes a substantially rigid curved upper plate supporting a pair of hinged leaves. A plurality of ring members are secured to the hinged leaves for engaging corresponding holes in sheets of material retained by the ring binder. An actuating lever is located at each end of the curved upper plate for actuating the hinged leaves to open and close the ring members. Each actuating lever includes an aperture for receiving a cushion member therein. The cushion member is engaged by the fingers of a user to pivot the actuating lever in order to move the ring members between the open position and the closed position. The cushion member is a soft pad of resilient material such as rubber or soft plastic. The cushion member provides improved tactile characteristics to the actuating lever, making the actuating lever comfortable to use. The cushion member also minimizes the feedback of undesirable shock forces produced by the snap action of the rings when opening and closing the rings.

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 ring binder includes a substantially rigid curved upper plate supporting a pair of hinged leaves. A plurality of ring members are secured to the hinged leaves for engaging corresponding holes in sheets of material retained by the ring binder. An actuating lever is located at each end of the curved upper plate for actuating the hinged leaves to open and close the ring members. Each actuating lever includes a tab having a pair of spaced-apart apertures therein. A cushion member is located on the tab, which includes an inner cushion part and an outer cushion part which are interconnected by a pair of connecting parts which extend through the spaced-apart apertures in the tab to securely attach the cushion member to the tab. The cushion member is engaged by the fingers of a user to pivot the actuating lever in order to move the ring members between the open position and the closed position. The cushion member is a soft pad of resilient material such as rubber or soft plastic.

Abstract: An improved ring binder (28) comprises a frame (F′) having a pair of leafs (L1′, L2′) extending lengthwise of the frame. Binder rings (R) are each formed of two binder ring halves (R1, R2) one end (E) of each of which is attached to one of the leafs. Boosters (10) are attached to each end of the frame, and the leafs each include a notch (24, 26) formed at their respective ends. Each booster includes a tang (12) captured in the notch. A cover or shield (40) fits over the frame and extends beyond the location of the boosters. The sides of the cover are now crimped about the boosters to secure them in place.

Abstract: The invention relates to a unitary spine binder for securing a stack of sheets, which comprises a dorsal part (3, 4, 5) from which spaced fingers (1, 11) extend to form loops. The individual fingers are arranged in two sections (1, 11) lying opposite one another on this dorsal part (3, 4), the dorsal part (3, 4, 5) forming a hinge between the finger sections (1, 11). The end (12) of at least one of the first finger elements (1) remote from its dorsal part is equipped with a push button (7); the end (22) of the second finger element (11) remote from its dorsal part and lying opposite the first finger element is equipped with an opening (10) essentially complementary to the push button (7), and which is adapted to receive the push button (7). In this way, a simple spine binder is created which does not require the use of additional binding devices. Sheets can be removed from the spine binder or newly inserted into it.

Abstract: There is disclosed a ring binder mechanism (10) including an upper structure (12) supporting two pivotable plates (14) to which three pairs of half-ring members (16) are mounted, in which the plates (14) are pivotable between a first configuration in which the three pairs of half-ring members (16) are closed, and a second configuration in which the three pairs of half-ring members (16) are open, in which the ring binder mechanism (10) may be secured to a cardboard cover (60) via two rivets (20), in which each rivet (20) includes an anchor plate (40) from an upper major surface of which a post member (38) extends, in which the post member (38) includes an open end deformed to engage with the upper casing (12) via a bushing (22), and in which a sleeve (24) is positioned between the upper casing (12) and the anchor plate (40) of the rivet (20).

Abstract: A loose-leaf binder mechanism has a housing containing a pair of pivotally mounted hinge plates each carrying a series of spaced prongs. The hinge plates toggle between open and closed positions under the control of an actuating lever. One portion of the lever is selectively moveable into a wedged-in position between the housing and hinge plates to lock the prongs in closed position. The lever is specially constructed so that it can be moved while wedged between the housing and hinge plates to a safety locking position such that any point of contact between the lever portion and the housing is advantageously disposed longitudinally inward of any point of contact between said one portion and the hinge plates, and so that it cannot be moved inward past the safety-lock position out of the wedged-in configuration between the housing and hinge plates.

Abstract: A ring binder (100) has a center spine (102) and end leafs (104). A ring assembly (10) attaches to the spine includes a cover piece (12) and bolts (14, 16) on each of which are formed binder ring halves (18a-18b, 20a-20b, 22a-22b). The bolts are mounted on the cover piece and movement relative to each other to close and open the binder. A latching mechanism (50) formed on a distal end (44) of each ring half interlocks the ring halves together when the binder is closed. A guide finger (62) on each bolt aligns each bolt to the cover piece when the bolts are moved to close the binder rings, this action aligning the latching mechanism so the ring halves readily interlock with each other. A thumb pad (52) formed on each of the bolt releasably engages with the cover piece to lock the bolts in a binder ring closed position.

Abstract: A sheet retaining device includes an upper member having a pair of hinged leaves supported thereby, with a plurality of ring members secured to the hinged leaves for engaging corresponding holes in sheets of material retained by the sheet retaining device. A pair of laterally spaced-apart elongated first ribs are located on the upper member and protrude outwardly from the upper member. At least one pair of laterally spaced-apart elongated second ribs protrude outwardly from the upper member and are spaced laterally outwardly from the first ribs. During shipment, the sheet retaining devices are packages together with one of the sheet retaining devices located below another of the sheet retaining devices. In this package, the ring members of the one sheet retaining device engage one or more of the ribs of the other sheet retaining device.

Abstract: The rings of a loose leaf ring binder are selectively locked and unlocked by a locking member which travels within a slot on the spine of the ring binder. The leaf springs of the loose leaf ring binder have notches formed below a portion of the slot. Therefore, when a W-shaped locking prong of the locking member is aligned with the notches, the leaf springs can freely flex upwardly and downwardly allowing the rings of the loose leaf ring binder to open and close. However, when the W-shaped locking prong is not aligned with the notches, the W-shaped locking prong is urged against the leaf springs thereby maintaining the leaf springs in a downward position thereby locking the rings of the loose leaf ring binder in a closed position. The locking member further includes a locking tab to maintain the locking member within a locked position within the slot.

Abstract: A modular binder ring unit (16) used in a ring binder (10) comprises a plurality of modules including a binder ring module (18). The modules are spaced along the length of the unit. A plurality of spacer modules (22, 24, 30) attach to the ring modules. The spacer modules are available in different lengths, and a combination of different length modules are usable together with the ring modules to form a binder ring unit of a desired length. The spacer modules space the ring modules an appropriate distance apart for the binder rings to be at locations corresponding to holes (H) in a sheet of paper (S) stored in the binder. End caps (26) are removably attachable at each end of said unit for locking the ring modules and spacer modules in place. Each module element is an elongate module having a recess (R) formed in one end and an extension (E) at the opposite end for securing one module to an adjacent module.

Abstract: A ring binder is provided including a linearly-extending first spine, a linearly-extending second spine, a series of spaced first substantially half-rings attached to one of the spines, and a series of spaced second substantially half-rings on the other of the spines, the distal ends of the half-rings on the first spine facing the distal end of the half-rings on the second spine. A hinge connection extends between the spines. A releasable lock includes a lever and a pair of links is pivoted to the lever and to outer edges of the spines. An integral lever tab extends from between the ends of the spines. Push movement inwardly of the lever, by pushing the lever tabs, places the lock into a locking mode holding the first and second half-rings closed in a paper sheets-holding mode. An outward pull movement of the lever tab places the lock into a non-locking mode resulting in opening of the first and second half-rings in a paper sheets removal mode.

Abstract: A ring binder adapted to be secured to an article by at least one integral rivet, the ring binder comprising a substantially rigid integral upper plate supporting a pair of pivotable lower plates to which a plurality of ring members are mounted, the rivet comprising (1) a barrel that is in direct engagement with the upper plate and (2) a plurality of claws for securing the article, wherein at least 75% of said claws extend away from a longitudinal axis of the barrel. Also disclosed is a rivet adapted to secure a ring binder to an article, the rivet comprising (1) a barrel for engaging the ring binder and (2) a plurality of claws for securing the article, wherein at least a majority of the claws generally extend away from a longitudinal axis of the barrel.