Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a foldable pocket assembly that is coupled to a cover of a binder along one of the edges of the pocket assembly. The pocket assembly has a first portion and a second portion divided by a fold line. The second portion is foldable along the fold line and adapted to releasably hold in the folded position adjacent to the first portion. Each portions may have a pocket or adapted to hold pencils and pens. As such, the present invention makes more efficient use of the space left between the cover and the papers held in the three ring binder to increase the carrying capacity of the binder. Furthermore, some pockets are not visible so that sensitive items may be more securely held in the hidden pockets.

Abstract: The pliable, readily flattenable loop binder for retaining loose-leaf sheets has a mounting strip with an elongated spine, an adhesive on the back of the spine, and a removable liner over the adhesive. Paired transversely aligned loop-forming elements project outward from opposing longitudinal edges of the spine. Off one edge are pliable and readily bendable straps. Off the other edge are strap receivers. The strap of a pair is threaded through a punched hole of punched paper and drawn over the spine and then threaded through its receiver so that the back surface of the strap faces the back surface of the receiver. Each loop formed by a pair of loop-forming elements is teardrop in contour and is flattenable toward the front surface of the spine with a single folded bend in said strap. Locking structures on straps engage the receivers to resist shifting of straps in their receivers.

Abstract: An organizer notebook for holding index cards provides complete visibility of work schedule and content at a glance, with portability, security, and the flexibility of retaining additional work materials. The orgainizer notebook includes a zippered case and a cardholder member retained within the zippered case. Conventional index cards are removably retained by the cardholder member.

Abstract: The invention is a binder or portfolio for carrying looseleaf paper, books, school supplies, etc. wherein the binder includes an expandable gusset attached to the front and back covers of the binder. The gusset is preferably made from an elastic material, such as neoprene, so that the gusset may expand if the binder is filled to greater than normal capacity without threatening the integrity of the binder.

Abstract: A system for rivetless attachment of a ring binder assembly to a cover wherein an attachment portion including one or more prongs adapted to imbeddingly engage a cover substrate and a surface adapted to mate in facing relation with a surface of the cover is formed unitary with a confining spring cover plate of the ring binder assembly, the ring binder assembly being attached to the cover by forcing the attachment portion against it with sufficient force to drive the prongs into the substrate and hold the surface of the attachment portion firmly against the cover.

Abstract: A fastener (50) fastening a paper retaining binder mechanism (18) to a binder (10). A plate (52) is deformable to attach the fastener to the binder mechanism by abutting the plate against the binder mechanism and then striking the binder mechanism with a tool (T) which deforms a portion of the binder mechanism and deforms the plate about the deformed portion for the deformed plate to capture the deformed portion of the binder mechanism. Accordingly, the fastener does not require a preformed rivet or eyelet for securing the fastener to the binder mechanism. A plurality of prongs () are formed with the plate and projecting therefrom. The prongs are used to attach the fastener to the binder by positioning the prongs adjacent a portion () of the binder and then engaging the prongs with the binder portion for the prongs to secure the fastener thereto.

Abstract: A fastener (30) for fastening a paper retaining binder mechanism (18) to the spine (16) of a binder (10) and remaining entirely concealed from an outer surface of the binder. The fastener includes a circular anchor plate (38) and a vertically extending attachment post or eyelet (34). The post is a truncated cone of uniform taper. The anchor plate includes a circumferential reinforcing lip (48). The fastener is secured to the spine by a number of spurs (50) uniformly spaced about the circumference of the anchor plate. The eyelet extends perpendicular of the anchor plate and the binder mechanism seats on the eyelet by an opening (26, 28). The upper end of the eyelet is then deformed about the opening to secure the binder mechanism in place.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular binder which allows for the quick exchange of binder covers and/or pocket inserts such that the user can customize his or her binder to a particular need or situation. The binder includes a ring assembly with a guide member attached near one end of the ring assembly. A first fastener portion is attached near a second end of the ring assembly. The binder includes a binder cover configured to receive the guide member. A second fastener portion is attached to the cover such that when the guide member is received by the cover, the first and second fastener portions can be releasably secured to each other. The modular binder also includes a pocket insert configured to be captured between the ring assembly and the binder cover.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism adapted to be secured to a cover is disclosed as including a substantially rigid upper curved housing supporting a pair of plates to which three pairs of half-ring members are mounted, and a pair of rivets for engagement with the cover. The plates are pivotably movable between a first configuration in which the pairs of half-rings are closed, and a second configuration in which the pairs of half-rings are open. Each rivet includes an anchor plate to abut the cover and at least one claw penetrable into said cover in order to secure the ring binder mechanism to the cover, and the anchor plate includes a number of ridges or troughs.

Abstract: A ring capture mechanism of a loose-leaf binder includes a first plate having a U-shaped slot of continuous circumference designed to receive a ring of the binder through the slot within the circumference. The first plate moves across a second plate having a straight slot of continuous circumference designed to receive the ring of the binder, and locks the arms of a ring contained in both slots in the legs of the U-shaped slot.

Abstract: A fastener apparatus for releasably fastening a sheet retaining apparatus to a cover member includes a plate member secured to the cover member and having an aperture therein. A pin member is reciprocally mounted to the sheet retaining apparatus, with a portion of the pin member being selectively positionable in the aperture to secure the sheet retaining apparatus to the cover member. Thus, the sheet retaining apparatus is readily assemblable and disassemblable from the cover member repeatedly by a user. Thus, the sheet retaining apparatus and the cover member may be shipped in an unassembled condition in a very compact package for later assembly by the consumer.

Abstract: A binding system for loose-leaf sheets of paper that securely retains the paper and provides facile removal and addition of paper bound by the system is provided. The system provides a variable width binding, for addition and removal of papers, and a flexible spine. A plurality of resilient connecting members extend arcuately between first and second backing members, when the system is in an open position. The connecting members extend through openings in an adjustment assembly coupled to the second backing member. The adjustment assembly is provided for simultaneously increasing and decreasing the length of the connecting members, and for maintaining the connecting members at different desired lengths for binding paper with the system or removing paper from the system. Paper having a plurality of slots is positioned on a cover, with a connecting member extending through each slot.

Abstract: A variable volume file for documents, includes a folder, constituted by two flat parts and by a back, and a box, corresponding in shape and volume to the folder, having two larger bases and by three lateral surface faces. The folder and the box are made individually in two separate parts, which can be partly overlapped on one another in the width direction of the back. Each folder part includes a flat and a back wing; each box part includes one of the bases and lateral surface wings. Provided in the back wings of the folder and in the lateral surface wings of the box are structures for sliding engagement which interact with one another for the relative movement of one part in relation to the other and structures for mutual locking of the respective parts in prefixed positions.

Abstract: A ring binder (10) includes a ring metal (18) securable to a spine portion (16) of the binder. A spur eyelet (30) used for this purpose includes a post (32) one end (34) of which attaches to the ring metal. A plate (40) is formed at the other end of the post. Radiating outwardly from the underside of the plate are a plurality of concentrically formed spurs (50). Each spur has barbs (56) formed on an outer end (54) of the spur. To attach the ring metal to the spine, the spurs are pushed into the body of the spine. Thereafter, the barbs keep the eyelet from being pulled away from the body of the spine thereby preventing the ring metal from separating from the binder.

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.

Abstract: A fastener for binding documents having binding holes includes a fastening band and a back cover having binding holes. A layer of adhesive on one surface of the back cover is covered with a peel-off paper. The fastening band is inserted through the binding holes of the documents and the back cover. According to one embodiment, the fastening band includes a flat board part that holds the documents down and first and second clasp parts having engagement crenelations connected to both ends of the flat board part. The documents are securely bound by bending the first and second clasp parts to lock the engagement crenelations. Then, the peel-off paper is removed and the back cover is folded to conform to the documents and glued to the documents. According to another embodiment, the fastening band includes a flat board part having a narrow clasp part. The flat board part includes multiple spaced clamp holes. The clasp part is inserted into one of the clamp holes to bind the documents.

Abstract: A ring binder (100, 200, 300) adapted to be secured to a cover (112, 212, 312) is disclosed as comprising a substantially rigid upper plate member (102, 202, 302) supporting two pivotable lower plates (104a, 104b, 204a, 204b, 304a, 304b) to which a plurality of rings (106, 206, 306) are mounted, and at least a set of claws (108, 208, 308) integrally formed with the ring binder (100, 200, 300) and adapted to secure the ring binder (100, 200, 300) to the cover (112, 212, 312).

Abstract: A file folder is provided which includes a pair of foldable front and rear covers 4 and 5, a back cover 6 integrally located between and connected to them via hinge sections 7, and a binding fastener 3 fixedly attached on the inner face of the back cover. An engaging projection 8 is formed on the inner face of at least one of the front and rear covers 4 and 5 for abutting engagement with the binding fastener when the file folder is closed. With this arrangement, the file folder having a plurality of loose papers bound together along their longer edges by the fastener 3 can be kept standing with its back cover 6 positioned above and horizontally oriented without causing the back cover 6 and hinge sections 7 to be distorted.

Abstract: A method of assembling a sheet binder mechanism to a binder cover includes making holes in a board in predetermined alignment with a plurality of fastening means on the binder mechanism, inserting bracket means in the holes preferably so that the board retainably holds the bracket means, attaching the board to the binder cover, attaching a binder cover liner to the board on the side of the board that is away from the attachment of the board to the binder cover, and attaching the sheet binder mechanism to the binder cover by driving a thread making fastener into the bracket means.

Abstract: A folder for use with a metal binder having an elongate body portion and a prong extending from each end thereof includes a front cover sheet. A rear cover sheet is pivotally connected to the front cover sheet and has a pair of spaced openings defined therein. An adhesive layer is arranged on an operatively outer side of the rear cover sheet, between the openings.

Abstract: A file fastener, which is of a flat metal strip having top and bottom surfaces with narrow side surfaces therebetween, includes an elongate body portion. A prong extends from each end of the body portion, with at least the side surfaces of the prongs having a protective coating. The invention extends to a string of file fasteners, each file fastener being of a flat metal strip and having an elongate body portion. A prong extends from each end of the body portion, with the file fasteners being connected via frangible bridges. The invention also extends to a method of manufacturing file fasteners.

Abstract: The improved notebook and notebook cover assembly of the present invention includes a notebook, preferably of a loose-leaf type, and a sub-assembly which includes front and rear notebook covers, an edge binder interconnecting the two covers and foldable back upon itself, and a notebook connector releasably interconnecting the notebook only to the covers. Due to the edge binder the covers are movable between a first position wherein the front cover overlies and protects the notebook and a second position wherein the front cover is behind and flat against the rear cover, thus fully exposing the notebook and supporting it in a flat position for easy viewing and writing therein. The edge binder can have a longitudinal fold line along the length of the center line of the central portion thereof, or can be divided along that center line into two halves joined together by a hinge, such as a piano hinge or a flexible strip of plastic, cloth, paper or rubber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a kit for assembly into a portfolio folder. The kit includes a separate first panel comprising a first rectangular sheet having a first elongate spline portion along a first side edge thereof delineated, from a remaining first rectangular portion of the first panel, by a hinge-forming scoreline parallel to the first side edge. The first spline portion has a longitudinally spaced plurality of first openings. The kit includes a like separate second panel comprising a second rectangular sheet having a second elongate spline portion along a second side edge thereof delineated, from a remaining second rectangular portion of the second panel, by a hinge-forming scoreline parallel to the second side edge. The second spline portion has a longitudinally spaced plurality of second openings. Elongate inner binding means are provided for retaining one side edge of bound sheet material in an assembled portfolio between the first and second panels.

Abstract: A case made ring binder for holding a plurality of loose-leaf papers or the like and a method of fabricating the same. In one embodiment, the case made ring binder comprises three rectangular, spaced apart, stiffener panels arranged as a front cover panel, a rear cover panel and a spine panel, respectively. An oversized, rectangular cover sheet is affixed to the outside surfaces of the three stiffener panels using a dry, heat-actuable adhesive, and the four marginal edges of the cover sheet are turned over the corresponding edges of the three stiffener panels. A wet glue is then used to affix the inturned edges overlying the front and rear cover panels to the inside surfaces thereof. A flat backplate having means for mounting a conventional ring mechanism is then affixed to the inside surface of the spine panel using a dry, heat-actuable adhesive.

Abstract: A system for retaining stacks of loose-leaf papers in a file folder providing random access to any one sheet is disclosed. The system includes flexible retainer strips sized to fit through perforated holes in the paper and whose ends are configured to releasably couple to form enclosure rings. The ends are securely engaged by relative twisting and inserting of one into the other. A series of adjustment apertures along the length of the retainer allows the formation of varying sizes of enclosure rings. Loops secured to the file folder receive the retainer strips thus holding the paper stack to the folder. The loops are positioned proximate an edge of the folder and pivotally mounted with a rotational axis aligned with the edge so as to rotate from one side of the folder to the other. The front or back side of any sheet in the stack may thus be displayed flat for photocopying or other purpose without removal from the retainer system.

Abstract: A fastener comprised of a base having tongue-shaped strips, an adhesive layer attached to the base and covered with a detachable sheet or at least one synthetic resin sheet. To utilize the fastener, the detachable sheet is stripped from the adhesive layer, or the synthetic resin sheet is melted, securing the base to the attaching surface of a file etc. by the bonding force of the adhesive layer or by the heat-welding of the synthetic resin sheet. In alternate embodiment the base and tongue-shaped strips are encapsulated between two synthetic sheets with the adhesive surface being on one of the sheets. Detachable release sheet is applied to the adhesive layer until ready for use.

Abstract: A sheet fastener hinge device to removably hinge a second cumulative stack of flexible sheets to a first cumulative stack of flexible sheets. A first elongated panel has a pair of spaced holes or an elongated slot to receive the prongs of a first sheet fastener extending through a pair of apertures spaced adjacent one edge of the sheets in the first stack to removably attach the first panel to the front of the first stack. A second elongated panel has a pair of integral spaced prongs extending therefrom or a pair of spaced holes to receive a second sheet fastener to provide a pair of spaced prongs extending therefrom. The prongs extend through a pair of apertures spaced adjacent one edge of the sheets in the second stack to removably attach the second stack of sheets to the second panel.

Abstract: A spring clip for mounting a ring metal to a ring binder wherein the spring clip is attached to a panel of the ring binder such as by a rivet, and the ring metal is snap engaged to the spring clips. The spring clips provide release levers for quickly and easily removing the ring metal from the ring binder for exchange or replacement. The ring metal can be provided with locator notches which register with locator tabs provided on the spring clip to locate the ring metal appropriately with respect to the ring binder and spring clips.

Abstract: A hybrid binder-folder utilizing a foldable ring system for holding pages, which affords the advantage of easy page manipulation of ring binders with the advantage of flat folding of folders. The binder-folder has two side members which are mutually foldable along the centerline therebetween. Two, three or more foldable rings of flat, thin cross-section and of substantially semicircular shape are connected with the side members adjacent with and transverse to the centerline. When the two side members are mutually folded closed, the foldable rings fold along three folds: adjacent each connection with the two side members and at the ring apex. As a result of this foldability feature, the foldable rings are able to flatly fold, thereby permitting the binder-folder to be substantially flat when closed.

Abstract: A hybrid binder-folder utilizing a foldable ring system for holding pages, which affords the advantage of easy page manipulation of ring binders with the advantage of flat folding of folders. The binder-folder has two side members which are mutually foldable along the centerline therebetween. Two, three or more foldable rings of flat, thin cross-section and of substantially semicircular shape are connected with the side members adjacent with and transverse to the centerline. When the two side members are mutually folded closed, the foldable rings fold along three folds: adjacent each connection with the two side members and at the ring apex. As a result of this foldability feature, the foldable rings are able to flatly fold, thereby permitting the binder-folder to be substantially flat when closed.

Abstract: A fastener for fastening a paper retaining binder mechanism to an inner surface of a binder while remaining entirely concealed from an outer surface of the binder. The fastener includes an anchor plate and a post. The anchor plate defines first and second major surfaces. The first major surface is in confronting relation fastened to an inner surface of the binder. The post extends directly away from the second major surface of the anchor plate and serves to secure the binder mechanism to the inner surface of the binder. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for fastening an apertured paper retaining binder mechanism to the binder in a manner concealing the fasteners from an outer surface of the binder.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus is a page holder to hold the sheets or pages in any book, album, loose leaf binder or other device that holds sheets or pages. The apparatus may be used in a book, album or binder whether it is manufactured by a heat seal, case made or other process. The apparatus is manufactured from a material that has a position memory. The material may be low density plastic but could be high density depending on the application.

Abstract: A convertible ring binder incorporates front and back covers that are detachable one from the other to enable exchange of the covers for new or different covers. Hook and loop material is utilized to effect detachable attachment of the covers. In another aspect, the ring structure utilized to store paper in the binder is detachably secured to the spine of a loose-leaf ring binder.

Abstract: An adaptor for a ring separator is attached to a conventional ring separator mechanism and provides a means for attaching removable covers to form a binder. The adaptor has a plurality of slots on each side requiring a cover, with at least one slot on each side having an upwardly extending projection which is matable with a hole in a removable cover. The removable cover also has a notched edge with extending portions being receivable slots in the adaptor. When pressed into the slots, the projection engages the hole to hold the cover in place. Utilizing such an adaptor provides a simple efficient means of providing removable covers for a ring binder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kit for a portfolio folder which is readily adapted to be purchased by a small photocopy or printing center. The front panel of the kit is sized to become comparable to that of normal paper sizes and readily adapted to have printed material applied to at least one side thereof by use of standard sized photographic or offset printing equipment. After application of indicia or printed matter to the front panel, the components of the kit are then assembled by securing the front panel to the rear panel. The kit may also include a binding apparatus for securing to either the front or rear panel for retaining sheet material in the assembled portfolio folder. The kit and method in accordance with the present invention permit small quantities of folders to be provided with customized printing on the front panel at relatively low cost.

Abstract: A binder assembly having a backing, which may be the spine or cover, with a prong-carrying plate or plates secured to the backing by means of the prongs. Upstanding rivets secure a support means to the plates. The support means may support a ring binder mechanism, a binder clamp mechanism or other binder mechanism. The support means is secured to the assembly by deforming the heads of the rivets. The rivets and plates may be secured together by assembly and swaging. Spacer elements may be positioned between the plate or plates and the arcuate casing of a ring binder mechanism.

Abstract: A fastener device including an overlay member having a central portion and opposite end portions, spaced apertures at the junctions of the central portion and the opposite end portions, an elongated strip-like prong member having a central portion underlying the central portion of the overlay member and having opposite end portions extending through the apertures and overlying the opposite end portions of the overlay member, the prong member having rounded side edges throughout the major portion of its length, and extreme outer end portions having converging sides which are sharpened. A fastener device of the above type wherein the apertures in the overlay member are quadrangular. A prong member having rounded side edges throughout the major portion of its length and sharp converging extreme outer end portions.

Abstract: A combined cover and storage compartment for a ring binder which comprises an envelope which can be closed on all sides to protect the contents thereof from falling out, while at the same time, providing easy access thereto when desired.

Abstract: A multi-element product and the method of making it which product is held together by a rivet. The product includes a hard layer adjacent a compressible soft layer to form a composite. A hole in the hard layer receives an anvil which is urged into the compressible layer. The rivet, which may be carried to its drivable position by a projection, is driven against the anvil to deform the rivet end.

Abstract: A combination file folder and fastener for securing loose papers to the folder. The folder has a flap cut along a hinge line about which the flap is pivotable. There is a cover strip which covers a portion of the outside of the folder including the flap. A central portion of the fastener is sandwiched between the cover strip and the flap with the ends or prongs of the fastener extending into the interior of the folder such that loose papers may be positioned over the prongs and thereby secured within the folder.

Abstract: A file sheet dust cover comprises a plastic bag having a file-insertion type inlet opening, and flap joined to the plastic bag. The inlet opening allows insertion of a file sheet into the plastic bag. The flap is adapted to cover a portion of the file sheet projecting outside from the inlet opening, and a plurality of binder holes or cuts are provided in a bottom portion of the plastic bag such that when the file sheet is inserted into the plastic bag, the binder holes or cuts conform with a part or an entire part of a plurality of corresponding binder holes formed in the file sheet. A joined edge between the flap and the plastic bag is extended outwardly toward the inlet opening at opposite side ends of the plastic bag.

Abstract: An expandable double ring binder for carrying and displaying swatches of material samples includes a pair of loose leaf ring metals slidably mounted on a carriage attached to the inside of the backbone of a loose leaf binder case, such that the ring metals may be spread apart laterally when the case is opened to a distance sufficient to allow the samples attached to each ring metal to be fully accessed for examination, removal or the like without interference by the other ring metal and samples attached thereto. Each ring metal is secured to a slide plate which, in turn, is slidably attached to an underlying slotted carriage plate by rivets extending loosely through the slots and attached to a slide plate follower on the underside of the carriage plate.

Abstract: A organizer for a large number of documents comprises a rigid backing member, a front cover and a back cover, both pivotally mounted to the backing member. The backing member is sufficiently wide to receive a plurality of removable parallel conventional ring binder assemblies and accordingly includes a plurality of mechanisms to receive the binder assemblies. The ring binder assemblies comprise a rigid spine, a plurality of rings and a mechanism to open and close the rings to receive perforated pages thereon. The front and back covers preferably provide handle holes set back from the edges a distance such that the end pages overlie the user's fingers when the organizer is picked up. In this fashion, the leading edges of the end pages do not cut the user's fingers. In addition, a retractable stand is provided for supporting the ring binders at an inclined readable angle.

Abstract: A binder apparatus for use in binding together sheets of paper, each correspondingly pre-apertured with multiple openings along a margin includes a three panel one piece cover with a front and rear cover connected by a smaller cover spine portion with parallel scores defining respectively pivotal connections between each of the covers and the spine portions. A plastic ring-type binder includes a spine having an inner concave surface and an outer convex surface and parallel side portions, one side portion having multiple closely spaced flexible rings extending therefrom each with a single free end portion. One or more elongated adhesive bead member extends along the plastic spine convex surface and positioned adjacent the scores and the spine end portions thereof, bonding the spine to the cover set at the cover spine portion thereof.

Abstract: A pair of flexible retainer strips each of which can be held in ring configuration by a head and socket at opposite ends of the strip which interlock to retain a stack of perforated sheets in a file folder. Each retainer strip is slidably mounted in a separate guide channel formed in an anchor element securable to the cover of a file folder. The ends of the strip can be readily uncoupled to enable the insertion in or removal of a sheet at any location in the stack without having to remove any of the remaining sheets of the stack from the retainer strip.

Abstract: A sheet retaining binder is described for detachably holding perforated sheets, the binder comprising a front cover, a rear cover, and a spine, a plurality of sheet retaining rings each ring comprising two portions detachably engaging at one end and hinged at the other; the hinge projecting beyond the sides of the ring and passing through a plate attached solidly to the rear cover such that the hinge axis lies just inside the cover edge and approximately at the middle of the cover thickness dimension. The cover and spine assembly are slotted to allow the rings to pass through. The connections of the covers to the spine and the center-line of the spine are hinged to allow for complete 360 degree rotation of the front cover and any number of contained sheets relative to the rear cover.

Abstract: A universal center hook is designed to be used with several office accessories for handling data media. The universal center hook comprises an elongated frame to which are pivotally joined a pair of side members. A selected accessory is captured between the frame and a side member when the side member is pivoted to a closed operative configuration wherein it lies parallel to and close to the frame. Hollow cylinders projecting from the frame sides align with and locate the accessories. The hollow cylinders cooperate with means in the side members to releasably lock the side member to the frame.

Abstract: For use in a ring binder a holder for loose sheets formed of a blank folded on transverse hinge lines to form a pocket at its lower end extending across the blank and if desired a small pocket similarly formed at an upper corner. The folded portions have one common lateral edge through which a plurality of holes are formed, conforming in size and spacing to the rings of a ring type fastener so that when placed in the ring fastener the pockets are closed along at least that side. Additional closures are provided at the opposite sides.

Abstract: A stability unit used in combination with a three ring binder of the type having front and back covers hingedly mounted between a spine. A binder assembly including arcuate rings halves is mounted to either the spine or cover. The stability unit is mounted to either a spine, cover or both. The stability unit includes recesses adjacent each ring halve and is constructed and arranged such that a ring halve may be inserted therewithin past a resilient projection which provides a locking function. When locked, the binder may be positioned in an upright attitude.

Abstract: An elongated hollow rectangular spine or backplate formed of plastic material for supporting and securing ring hardware in a loose-leaf binder has spaced, parallel, front and back walls joined at the edges and a centrally disposed strengthening rib extending between the front and back walls longitudinally for the length of the back plate. The ring hardware is secured to the backplate by inserting circumferentially grooved metal rivets through apertures in the ring hardware, pressing into the backplate rib and sonically welding the rivet therein. The circumferential grooves on the rivet shank facilitate anchoring the rivets to the backplate rib.