Abstract: A ring binder mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages has a housing, hinge plates, and ring members mounted on the hinge plates for retaining pages on the mechanism. The housing includes a plastic upper housing element and a lower housing element underlying the upper housing element. The lower housing element may be a single piece or multiple pieces. An actuating lever may be 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.

Abstract: A ring mechanism having a housing and at least one ring configurable between a closed position for retaining loose-leaf pages and an open position. A pair of hinge plates, operatively connected to the ring, are pivotable within the housing between first and second position corresponding respectively to the closed and open positions of the ring. Each hinge plate has a free end and a line of weakness formed therein proximate the free end to facilitate bending of the hinge plate. A hinge plate actuator has a bearing surface engageable with the hinge plates proximate the free ends thereof upon movement of the actuator from a first position toward a second position thereof such that the hinge plates bend proximate their free ends to delay pivoting movement of the hinge plates upon initial movement of the actuator from its first position toward its second position.

Abstract: A ring mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages includes a housing having a central top portion and an open bottom generally opposed to the central top portion. The central top portion has a longitudinally extending channel therein along the entire length of the housing. Hinge plates supported by the housing may pivot relative to the housing. The hinge plates support ring members that pivot with the hinge plates to open and close rings for adding and removing loose-leaf pages. In one version, the housing can be of a skeletonized construction, with the channel providing additional rigidity for the housing.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism comprises an elongate housing, at least one ring for mounting loose leaf paper, and at least one mounting structure associated with the housing. The mounting structure has a first end adapted for attachment to the housing and a second end having an aperture therein. A fastener is adapted for reception through the mounting structure aperture at the second end for securing the housing to a substrate.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages comprises a housing supporting two hinge plates for pivoting motion to open and close ring members. Paired ring members of the mechanism attach to the hinge plates and move therewith between the open and closed positions. Free ends of the paired ring members each have a interlocking formation that is capable of securely joining together when the ring members are in the closed position. The interlocking formations hold the ring members against misalignment in all directions transverse to longitudinal centerlines of the ring members when the ring members are in the closed position. Some formations are additionally capable of positively engaging each other as the ring members come together to actively bias the ring members into accurate alignment.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages securely holds closed ring members together to prevent inadvertent loss of pages retained by the mechanism. The mechanism comprises a housing supporting two hinge plates for pivoting motion to open and close paired ring members mounted on the plates. Free ends of the paired ring members have interlocking configurations that securely join together when the ring members close. The configurations prevent misalignment of the closed ring members in all directions transverse to longitudinal centerlines of the ring members. The mechanism also includes locking elements that interact with the hinge plates to block their pivoting motion when the ring members are closed. This holds the free ends of the closed paired ring members together so that the interlocking configurations of the ring members remain interengaged.