Abstract: A ring mechanism has pivoting hinge plates supported by a housing so pivoting of the hinge plates can open and close rings for holding the loose-leaf pages. The mechanism has an actuator including a lower arm for moving the hinge plates to open the rings and an upper arm for moving the hinge plates to close the rings. The upper arm has a hook thereon. An intermediate connector comprises a cross bar captured by the hook on the actuator. The intermediate connector connects a travel bar to the actuator so movement of the actuator to pivot the hinge plates causes longitudinal movement of the travel bar in the housing. A locking element is moveable with the travel bar between a locking position and non-locking position.

Abstract: A binding component includes ring back portions, first ring arm portions, second ring arm portions and a back part to which the ring back portions are connected. Each ring back portion, each first ring arm portion and each second ring arm portion forms an annular ring part. Each ring part includes fitting portions at places where the ring back portion and the first and second ring arm portions are connected. The fitting portions are configured to be fitted by an operation of opening and closing the first and second ring arm portions with hinge portions of the ring back portion. Each fitting portion includes at least one first fitting convex portion, at least one first fitting concave portion to engage with the first fitting convex portion, at least one second fitting convex portion and a second fitting concave portion to engage with the second fitting convex portion.

Abstract: A ring binder for use in holding loose-leaf pages. A retaining system is configured to selectively and releasably hold first and second ring members in a closed position. First and second interlocking formations are selectively movable relative to one another between a retaining position and a non-retaining position. The first interlocking formation includes a projection having a free end. The free end has a void configured and arranged to permit resilient bending of portions of the free end of the projection in a first direction as they engage the second interlocking formation when the interlocking formations are moved from the non-retaining position to the retaining position. In the retaining position, the portions of the free end of the projection are substantially inhibited from bending in a second direction in response to pivoting movement of either of the ring members.

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. An actuator is 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 has at least two semi-ring pairs, which are arranged spaced apart from one another and which each consist of two semi-rings (20, 20?), the semi-rings (20) of a first group and the semi-rings (20?) of a second group being rigidly connected to one another in a grouped manner in the area of their roots and thereby kept spaced apart from one another. Mutually complementary locking bar elements (44, 44?), which, in the closed position, are locked to prevent pivoting of the semi-rings relative to one another, are arranged at the ends of the semi-rings (20, 20?) of at least one of the semi-ring pairs.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages includes an elongate housing, a first and second hinge plate, at least one ring for holding the loose-leaf pages, and an actuator mounted on the housing. Each ring includes a first ring member and a second ring member. The first ring member is mounted on the first hinge plate for movement with the hinge plate relative to the housing between a closed position and an opened position. The first hinge plate has a first hinge member and the second hinge plate has a second hinge member. The hinge members are disposed at a distance from the mid-plane that is the same as or less than the greatest distance between the upper surface and the mid-plane. An actuator is mounted on the housing for pivotal movement relative to the housing for moving the rings from their closed position to their opened position.

Abstract: A ring binder has an elongate body and rings. Each ring includes ring members moveable between open and closed positions. The body and rings are made of one or more moldable polymeric materials. The binder suitably includes a retaining system operable to hold the ring members in the closed position. The retaining system has interlocking formations adjacent ends of the ring members that are moveable between a retaining position in which the retaining system holds the first and second ring members in the closed position and a non-retaining position. The ring members and body can suitably be formed together as one piece from a moldable polymeric material.

Abstract: A ring binder has an elongate body and rings. Each ring includes ring members moveable between open and closed positions. The ring members and body can suitably formed together as one piece from a moldable polymeric material. The binder suitably includes a retaining system operable to selectively and releasably hold the ring members in the closed position. When the ring members are in their open position, loose-leaf pages can be added or removed from the rings. Loose-leaf pages can also be moved from one ring member to another when the ring members are in their open position.

Abstract: A ring binder has an elongate body and rings. Each ring includes ring members moveable between open and closed positions. The body and rings are made of one or more moldable polymeric materials. The binder suitably includes a retaining system operable to hold the ring members in the closed position. The retaining system has interlocking formations adjacent ends of the ring members that are moveable between a retaining position in which the retaining system holds the first and second ring members in the closed position and a non-retaining position. The ring members and body can suitably be formed together as one piece from a moldable polymeric material.

Abstract: A desk leaf base has a base formed of a trapezoidal tubular body in a trapezoidal shape in a side view, closed from a bottom surface to a certain height in both sides, and opened in an upper portion therefrom. An inclined front wall of the tubular body is removed from one side to the other side, in a range from the height to a higher height lower than a top surface. A binder mounted along an elongated top surface of the base has an elongated body and rings. The elongated body is mounted along the top surface of the base with an approximately same width as the top surface. The rings are mounted on the body and capable of opening and closing. Each ring includes linear portions that protrude from the body inclining upward on front and back sides when closing.

Abstract: A ring metal (M) installed in a binder (B) stores punched sheets of paper and the like. The ring metal includes binder rings (R) mounted on movable frames (F) to which one end of each ring half is attached. The frames are movable relative to each other to open and close the rings. A ring guard (10) is removably installable over a portion of each ring half, when the binder ring is closed, to securely encompass rings halves (12, 14) forming the ring. The guard encloses the junction (J) where outer ends of the ring halves meet when the rings are closed and prevents a gap from opening between the ring halves if the binder is subjected to a force which would otherwise cause a gap to form between the ring halves and paper stored in the binder to spill out or be damaged.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism includes a housing, a ring support, and rings for holding loose-leaf pages. Each ring includes a first ring member and a second ring member that are moveable between a closed position and an opened position. An actuator is mounted on the housing for moving the ring members from the closed position to the opened position. A travel bar has at least one locking element and is moveable between a locked position wherein the ring members are locked in the closed position and an unlocked position wherein the ring members are capable of being moved to the opened position. An intermediate connector operably connects the travel bar to the actuator. A portion of the intermediate connector is captured by and moveable with a wide section of a mounting groove in the travel bar so the intermediate connector can move relative to the travel bar.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism (10, 110, 210) to be secured with a cover (30, 130, 230) is disclosed as including an upper housing (12, 112, 212) with two through holes (20, 120, 220) and two side skirts (28, 128, 228) depending from the housing (12, 112, 212), a pair of hingedly engaged plates (14, 114, 214) supported by the housing (12, 112, 212), and a number of pairs of half-rings (16, 116, 216) mounted to the plates (14, 114, 214), and the plates (14, 114, 214) are pivotable between an open configuration in which the half-rings (16, 116, 216) are open and a closed configuration in which the half-rings (16, 116, 216) are closed to form a number of closed rings, and each through hole (20, 120, 220) is to be secured with the cover (30, 130, 230) via a rivet (38, 138, 238) only, and that at least part of the side skirts (28, 128, 228) abut the cover (30, 130, 230) when the ring binder mechanism (10, 110, 210) is secured with the cover (30, 130, 230).

Abstract: A ring mechanism for holding loose-leaf pages has an elongate housing having a central portion and longitudinally extending sides on opposite sides of the central portion. Hinge plates are supported by the housing for pivoting movement. Rings for holding the loose-leaf pages, each include a first ring member and a second ring member. The first ring member is mounted on and moveable with one of the hinge plates relative to the second ring member between a closed position and an open position. The housing has an opening extending laterally inward toward a center of the housing for receiving one of the first ring members. The housing has a vault-forming portion at the inner margin of the opening. The vault-forming portion of the housing is spaced from a longitudinal centerline of the housing and raised above longitudinally adjacent portions of the housing spaced the same distance from the centerline.

Abstract: Binder apparatus are described. An example binder apparatus includes a housing and a first carrier rail having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. The first carrier rail defining a notch adjacent the second longitudinal edge. The housing biasing the first carrier rail by engaging the first longitudinal edge. The binder apparatus includes a second carrier rail having a third longitudinal edge and a fourth longitudinal edge. The housing biasing the second carrier rail by engaging the third longitudinal edge. The second longitudinal edge hingably engaging the fourth longitudinal edge, the notch defining an opening having a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge. The binder includes a slider having a control element extending therefrom. The control element comprising a first control surface and a second control surface.

Abstract: A binder assembly for receiving and retaining articles and that includes a cover comprising a spine portion and at least one cover leaf portion and a first binder element and a second binder element comprising a plurality of first and second retaining fingers, respectively. The first and second binding elements are moveable between 1) an open position wherein articles are permitted to be removed from or mounted to the binder assembly, and 2) a closed position wherein articles mounted to the binder assembly are prevented from being removed. The binder assembly further includes an elongated retainer/lock constructed to releasably attach to the first and second binding elements in the closed position thereof with the spine portion of the cover therebetween for locking the first and second binding elements in the closed position and securing the first and second binding elements to the spine portion of the cover.

Abstract: A ring mechanism has an elongate body made of a moldable polymeric material and rings for holding loose-leaf pages. Each ring includes a first ring member and a second ring member. The first ring members are movable relative to the housing and the second ring members between a closed position and an open position. At least one ring member for each ring is a separately formed ring member and comprises a ring portion and an anchor connected to the ring portion. The at least one separately formed ring member is formed separately from the body. The anchor of the separately formed ring member is secured to the body for pivoting movement relative to the body. The anchor can be received in a receptacle in the body adapted to receive the anchor.

Abstract: A ring binder has an elongate body and rings. Each ring includes ring members moveable between open and closed positions. The body and rings are made of one or more moldable polymeric materials. The binder suitably includes a retaining system operable to hold the ring members in the closed position. The retaining system has interlocking formations adjacent ends of the ring members that are moveable between a retaining position in which the retaining system holds the first and second ring members in the closed position and a non-retaining position. The ring members and body can suitably be formed together as one piece from a moldable polymeric material.

Abstract: A ring binder has an elongate body and rings. Each ring includes ring members moveable between open and closed positions. The body and rings are made of one or more moldable polymeric materials. The binder suitably includes a retaining system operable to selectively and releasably hold the ring members in the closed position. The ring members and body can suitably formed together as one piece from a moldable polymeric material. Alternatively, the ring members can be made separately from the body and snapped into the body to form the ring binder.

Abstract: A ring mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages including 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 mechanism includes a housing, a ring support, and rings for holding loose-leaf pages. Each ring includes a first ring member and a second ring member that are moveable between a closed position and an opened position. An actuator is mounted on the housing for moving the ring members from the closed position to the opened position. A travel bar has at least one locking element and is moveable between a locked position wherein the ring members are locked in the closed position and an unlocked position wherein the ring members are capable of being moved to the opened position. An intermediate connector operably connects the travel bar to the actuator. A biasing member is engageable with the intermediate connector and at least one of the travel bar and actuator for biasing the travel bar toward the locked position.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism has a resilient polymeric housing. The housing has a central portion and lateral sides extending downwardly along either side of the central portion. A metal ring support is supported between the lateral sides for movement relative to the housing. Each of a plurality of rings includes a first ring member mounted on the ring support for movement therewith to open and close the rings. The housing applies a spring force biasing the ring support toward the open position when the first ring member is proximate its open position and biasing the ring support to the closed position when the first ring member is proximate its closed position. The housing spring force is the only spring force applied to the ring support that moves the ring support.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages includes an elongate plate supporting two hinge plates for pivoting movement relative to the elongate plate. Ring members move with the pivoting movement of the hinge plates between a closed position for retaining loose-leaf pages on the mechanism and an open position for adding or removing pages from the mechanism. An actuating lever is mounted on the elongate plate for moving the ring members between their closed and open positions and for moving a travel bar in translation lengthwise of the elongate plate. A connector connects the lever to the travel bar so that the pivoting movement of the lever causes the translational movement of the travel bar. The connector is shaped to transfer force from the lever to the travel bar around a mounting post.

Abstract: A ring mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages has supporting hinge plates for pivoting motion relative to a housing to open and close ring members. The mechanism further includes a thin, flat travel bar between the housing and the hinge plates. The travel bar moves relative to the hinge plates between a position blocking the hinge plates against pivoting when the ring members are closed and a position allowing the hinge plates to pivot when it is desired to open the ring members. The travel bar is supported in a generally vertical orientation by the hinge plates within a guide in the housing. The guide controls movement of the travel bar lengthwise of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying cards and papers in the workplace includes a central shaft portion having a pair of ends, with each end including a generally semicircular ring portion adapted to capture the slots of one or more cards. The central shaft portion may be releasably captured in a channel of a universal mount or a single- or double swing arm portion. Removal of the shaft portion from the channel permits the shaft portion to be split open along a break, thereby opening the rings along breaks in the manner of a split-ring binder. Alternatively, the shaft portion may be used alone (without a mount or swing arms) to hold a quantity of cards. The swing arms may be hinged upon a base portion and attached to the chassis or peripheral surface surrounding a computer video monitor, so that the swing arms and shaft portion can swing forward and around to fit the user's viewing preferences. When affixed to a monitor, the semicircular rings facilitate easy installation and flipping of slotted cards and/or papers.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism that retains loose-leaf pages and has ring members that readily lock together in a closed position, preventing accidental opening of the ring members and loss of pages. The mechanism comprises a housing that supports two hinge plates for pivoting motion that brings the ring members to either an open position or the closed position. The mechanism further comprises a control structure supported by the housing for causing the pivoting motion of the hinge plates. A spring plate is engage able with the control structure for urging the control structure to move toward a position blocking pivoting motion of the hinge plates when the ring members move to the closed position.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism that retains loose-leaf pages and has ring members that are easy to open and close and that readily lock together when closed. The mechanism comprises a housing that supports two hinge plates for loose pivoting motion. The hinge plate motion moves the ring members between an open position for loading pages and a closed position for retaining pages. A control structure is movable by a 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. In one aspect of the invention, a spring is engageable with the lever for urging the lever to move the control structure toward the first position.

Abstract: A binder cartridge (51) that can accommodate a large number of binders (61) , which are connected in parallel to each other by an engaging mechanism. A right angle crank-shaped guide groove (55) is formed in a gate portion (54) at the front end of the binder cartridge. A binder in the front row of the binder cartridge is moved by a binder lateral movement mechanism (7) along the crank-shaped guide groove in the lateral direction and is separated from the other binders. A pair of upper and lower pushers (12, 13) of a bind mechanism portion (5) pinch division ring portions of the binder in the vertical direction and insert the division ring portions into a punch hole formed on the sheets of paper.

Abstract: A planar section is formed on one or a plurality of ring sections of a binder, on an outer circumference side of a portion orthogonally intersecting with a spine section. When a binder holding member of a binding machine holds the binder, the planar section of the binder is permitted to abut to a planar table formed on the binder holding member. Since the planar section of the binder abuts to the planar table of the binder holding member when the binder holding member holds the spine section, the binder is held in a status where the binder cannot incline nor rotate and binding is performed by the binding machine with a prescribed posture. Thus, a possibility of causing a mounting failure due to inclination of the binder posture is eliminated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ring binder mechanism comprising a housing (10) for receiving two carrier rails (20), wherein the carrier rails are positioned adjacent one another with at least a portion of their inner longitudinal edges (23) facing each other to form a linkage axis (22) and at least a portion of their outer longitudinal edges (24) engaging the housing (10). The carrier rails (20) have at least two half-rings (16) rigidly connected with the carrier rails, which together form a ring (14). The carrier rails (20) are limitedly pivotable relative to each other about the linkage axis (22), taking along the half-rings (16), between an open position and a closed position. A locking rod (31) having at least one locking element (32) is movable parallel to the linkage axis (22) relative to the housing (10) and the carrier rails (20) via an actuating element (18). The locking rod is provided adjacent the bottom or exterior surface of the carrier rails (i.e. the surface facing away from the housing).

Abstract: A ring mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages comprises a housing, hinge plates, and ring members. The housing supports the hinge plates for pivoting motion relative to the housing to open and close ring members mounted thereon. The mechanism comprises a thin, flat travel bar below the hinge plates arranged in a vertical orientation. The travel bar is supported by coil springs in a position where the travel bar is adjacent a bottom surface of the hinge plates. The travel bar moves relative to the hinge plates between a position blocking the hinge plates against pivoting when the ring members are closed and a position allowing the hinge plates to pivot when it is desired to open the ring members.

Abstract: A ring binder has a substrate and a ring binder mechanism including a housing and at least one ring supported by the housing for mounting loose leaf paper. At least one clip is adapted to secure the clip to a substrate and thereby mount the ring binder mechanism on the substrate. The clip has a first portion, a second portion spaced from the first portion, and an intermediate portion connecting the first and second portions. The first portion has an attachment member for attaching the clip to the housing. At least one of the portions is a wire.

Abstract: A ring mechanism includes a housing, a plurality of rings for holding loose-leaf pages, and a plurality of locking elements. Each ring is supported by the housing and includes 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. Each ring is moveable relative to the housing between an upright configuration in which the ring stands generally upright from the housing and a fold-down configuration in which the ring generally lies against the housing. Each locking element is associated with one of the rings and moveable relative to the housing between a locked position wherein each of the rings is locked in the upright configuration and an unlocked position wherein each of the rings is moveable between the upright configuration and the fold-down configuration.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism includes a housing and first and second hinge plates supported by the housing for pivoting movement relative thereto. A first ring member is mounted on the first hinge plate and moveable with the pivoting motion of the first hinge plate relative to a second ring member between a closed position and an opened position. An interlocking formation locks the first ring member and second ring member in the closed position. An actuator is mounted on the housing for movement relative to the housing. The actuator is adapted to pivot the first and second hinge plates and to translate the first hinge plate relative to the second hinge plate in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the housing.

Abstract: A device for fastening prongs in binders, where the prongs are secured to a prong plate arranged to be fastened to the inner sections of a binder spine. Fastening mechanisms are arranged in rows along the binder spine sections. The fastening mechanisms are releasably connectable to supplementary fastening devices located on the respective prong plates. A device for fastening binder sides is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism, including a holder assembly adapted for releasably securing a writing implement to the ring binder mechanism. The holder assembly includes a holder and a bracket. The holder is sized and shaped to hold objects such as writing implements (e.g., pens and pencils). The bracket uses tabs for insertion into holes in a housing of the ring binder to mount the holder to the ring binder mechanism.

Abstract: A binding device having a binding member that operates at a binding position of objects to be bound has a structure with which the bound objects do not readily come off. The binding device includes a board having a bearing plate. A spring member and an operation lever are attached to a shaft inserted in the bearing plate and a turned-up part. Protruding pieces of a binding member are inserted in through holes of turned-up parts formed in the board. One end of the spring member is secured to the operation lever, and the other end is fitted in a through hole of a turned portion at the distal end of the binding member. By closing the operation lever, the binding member rotates around a line connecting the protruding pieces at both ends, thereby pressing down sheets of paper placed on the board with a pressing portion. At this time, the other end of the spring member presses the turned portion, thereby biasing the pressing portion.

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 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: Ring binder mechanism with special pronged fasteners secured thereto for fastening it to a binder, the special fastener per se, and a method of making the fasteners involving sheet metal stamping.

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: 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: 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: A ring binder assembly is disclosed as including a ring mechanism, a connecting means secured to the ring mechanism, and at least one removable module frictionally engaging the connecting means. The connecting means is configured to receive the removable modules, wherein when the modules are removed the connecting means is maintained in a substantially tight configuration. The connecting means typically includes a rivet passing through an eyelet in the ring mechanism. In addition, the means to connect may also include the means to resilient secure the removable modules in place. The resilient means may include a compression spring housed in the eyelet biasing an upper washer downwardly towards the rivet.

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 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.