Abstract: A concealed, clinch (“crown”) fastener (30) includes a cylindrical body (32) closed at one end to form a surface (34) deformable to attach the fastener to a binder ring mechanism (18). A first set (40) of prongs (42) extend from the opposite, open end of the fastener body to attach the fastener to a binder spine material (M) when the prongs are driven into the material. A second set (50) of prongs (52) are also formed at this end of the fastener, intermediate adjacent prongs comprising the first set. These prongs are shorter in length than those comprising the first set, and while the prongs forming the first set extend from the body in one direction, the prongs forming the second set extend in the opposite direction. The fastener provides better holding strength than other concealed fasteners and better resists pulling and twisting forces which tend to pull the mechanism away from the binder cover than these other fasteners.

Abstract: There is disclosed a housing for a ring binder mechanism, in which the housing includes a number of tabs extending generally towards a longitudinal axis of the housing. There is also disclosed a ring binder mechanism including a housing supporting a pair of carrier rails to which a number of half-rings are mounted, in which the housing includes a number of tabs extending generally towards a longitudinal axis of the housing, and the pair of carrier rails are movable between a first configuration in which the half-rings are closed and a second configuration in which the half-rings are 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 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 ring for mounting on a carrier mechanism of a binder is disclosed. The ring includes a first ring element and a second ring element. The first ring element includes a first ring element bottom section, which is connected to the carrier mechanism, and a first ring element top section. The first ring element top section includes a first end and a second end. Similarly, the second ring element includes a second ring element bottom section, which is connected to the carrier mechanism, and a second ring element top section. The second ring element top section includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the second ring element top section is joined to the second ring element bottom section, while the second end is adapted for coupling with the second end of the first ring element top section.

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: 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 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 binder for releasably retaining loose-leaves. The binder has a front cover that lies flatly beneath its back cover when the binder is open 360 degrees. The rings of the binder can rotate around an edge of the flatly-folded cover to enable loose-leaves to lie flat above and below the cover. The binder also has a skeleton with a minimal cross-section spine which may be partially or completely embedded in a cover and rotates in relation to parallel front and back covers when the binder is open 360 degrees. The front cover, middle cover and back cover are connected in a way so that they do not interfere with the rotation of the rings. Mechanisms to open and close the rings of the skeleton to allow addition or removal of loose-leafs, and ring shapes to optimize or stabilize the capacity of the binder during operation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A permanently locking ring binder includes a housing, a pair of hinged plates within the housing, each supporting a plurality of ring segments arranged so that, when the plates are in one position, the ends of the ring segments are spaced apart, so that one can insert loose-leaf papers over the segments, and a second position, in which the ends of opposing ring segments meet, forming closed rings for retaining the papers. The binder has an initially inactive lock which can be activated once papers have been placed in the binder, to prevent movement of the rings to their open position. The lock cannot be manually deactivated.

Abstract: There is disclosed a ring binder adapted to be secured to a cover, the ring binder including an upper plate with a longitudinal axis; a pair of elongate plates supported by the upper plate; a number of ring members mounted to the elongate plates; and two rivets for securing the ring binder to the cover, in which each of the rivets includes a cylindrical body in direct engagement with the upper plate for attaching the rivet to the upper plate and an abutment plate adapted to abut the cover when the ring binder is secured to the cover; and a number of claws for securing the ring binder to the cover, in which the abutment plate includes a major surface, and the abutment plate includes at least one side edge from which a ridge member extends away from the major surface.

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: A book 90 with a spine 92. The spine has a pair of facing long walls 94, 96 including a front wall 94 and a rear wall 96, each with a top 98 and a bottom 100, in essentially parallel relationship. The spine also has a pair of facing short walls 102, 104 a top wall 102 and a bottom wall 104, in parallel relationship and at essentially right angles with respect to the front wall and rear wall. The top wall is located between the top of the front wall and the top of the rear wall. The bottom wall is located between the bottom of the front wall and the bottom of the rear wall. The long walls and short walls are in a generally rectilinear configuration with an open face 106 from which pages may extend and an opposed closed face 108 opposite from the open face. At least one elongated retainer 114 essentially spans the space between one pair of parallel walls and is adapted to receive and retain pages 124. The retainer has opposed ends 116, 118 with at least one end 116 coupled with respect to an associated wall.

Abstract: A paper ring (10) comprising a generally double toroidal shaped flexible loop (12) having abutting ends (14), (16) which can be moved apart to fit within aligned punched holes (18) in a stack of loose-leaf pages (20), so as to temporarily hold the loose-leaf pages (20) together and allow a person to turn the loose-leaf pages (20) fully around, making it easier to grasp and rear information (22) on all of the loose-leaf pages (20).

Abstract: A ring binder includes a housing which partially covers the operating mechanism of the individual rings. The housing is formed as a plurality of individual or discrete housing segments, with a separate housing segment being provided for each of the rings.

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 mechanism adapted to be secured to a cover is disclosed as including a substantially rigid curved cover supporting a pair of plates to which a plurality of half-rings are mounted, and a pair of rivets for engagement with the cover, and the plates are pivotably movable between a first configuration in which the half-rings are closed, and a second configuration in which the half-rings are open, and each rivet includes an anchor plate adapted to abut the cover, and a row of three outer claws depend from each of two side edges of the anchor plate to secure the ring binder mechanism to the cover. Two rows of inner claws depending from the underside surface of the rivet, each row being adjacent to a respective row of outer claws, are also included to enhance the gripping action. The row of outer claws and the adjacent row of inner claws may point towards the same direction, or towards different directions.

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 binder assembly includes a sheet retaining device having a plurality of rings for engaging corresponding holes in sheets of material retained by the sheet retaining device. The sheet retaining device is attached to a cover member by a fastener having a portion which is insertable into apertures in the sheet retaining device and securable thereto by pressing. The fastener includes a rectangular base having deformable claws which become embedded in the cover member when installed to securely hold the sheet retaining device to the cover member. The embedded claws are concealed from an outer surface of the cover member, thereby improving the exterior appearance of the binder assembly.

Abstract: A ring binder (100, 200) adapted to be secured to a cover (116, 214) is disclosed as comprising a substantially rigid upper plate member (102, 202) supporting a pair of lower pivotable plates (104a, 104b, 204a, 204b) to which a plurality of rings (106, 206) are mounted, and the upper plate member (102, 202) comprises two ends and the cover (116, 214) abuts at least part of the upper plate member (102, 202), and said part surrounds the end of the upper plate member (102, 202) by substantially 360.degree..

Abstract: A ring binder comprising a substantially rigid curved upper casing structure supporting a pair of plate, and the plates are pivotally movable between a first position in which the angle between the upper surfaces of the plates is less than 180.degree., and a second position in which the angle between the upper surfaces of the plates is more than 180.degree., a lock to lock the pair of plates and triggers or a pair of half-ring members to operate the lock, and the lock acts at a first location on the ring binder and the triggers or pair of half-ring members act at a second location on the ring binder, the first location being longitudinally distal on the ring binder from said second location.

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 binder assembly includes a folder comprising front and rear flaps interconnected by a spine, a pair of low-profile receptacles attached to an inner surface of the spine, and a ring mechanism whose tubular rivets have mushroomed feet designed to be seated in the receptacles. The receptacles open in opposite directions so that the ring mechanism is installed with a swiveling motion. A method of shipping the binders, unassembled, is to place a stack of a number of folder opened flat in a box, leaving just sufficient head space for a corresponding number of ring mechanisms arranged side-by-side in a single row at the top of the box. The binder assemblies can be quickly completed by the retailer, or by the end purchaser.

Abstract: A ring binder (10) holding sheets (S) of paper (P) has a dual angle ring metal (100). The ring metal includes a pair of leaves (102, 104) hingedly connected to each other for relative movement between them. Binder rings (114, 116, 118) each include a pair of ring halves with one end of each ring half being attached to a separate one of the leaves. A shield (30) covers the leaves. Release levers (140, 142) at each end of the shield are operable to open and close the binder. The leaves, when the ring binder is closed, form a predetermined angle (A) with respect to each other. Each of the leaves has a segment (122a, 122b, 124a, 124b) by which a second angle (B) is formed between the leaves. This second angle is formed such that the pair of leaves are prevented from movement relative to each other by movement of paper from one side of the binder to the other. However, the plates are readily movable to open the binder by movement of one of the release levers.

Abstract: A paper binding device includes a base, two binding ring assemblies, a pull plate, and a bottom plate. By causing the pull plate to displace forwardly and rearwardly in the center of the base, positioning pins on the pull plate may displace in corresponding guide slots of the binding ring assemblies to force the binding ring assemblies to open or close. The pull plate further has stop pieces that may firmly secure the binding ring elements in position when the binding ring assemblies are in a closed state. The pull plate effectively eliminates the problem of small open angle with conventional paper binding devices which make it difficult to bind papers.

Abstract: A ring binder assembly includes a folder comprising front and rear flaps interconnected by a spine, a pair of low-profile receptacles attached to an inner surface of the spine, and a ring mechanism whose tubular rivets have mushroomed feet designed to be seated in the receptacles. The receptacles open in opposite directions so that the ring mechanism is installed with a swiveling motion.A method of shipping the binders, unassembled, is to place a stack of a number of folder opened flat in a box, leaving just sufficient head space for a corresponding number of ring mechanisms arranged side-by-side in a single row at the top of the box. The binder assemblies can be quickly completed by the retailer, or by the end purchaser.

Abstract: A ring binder adapted to be secured to a base member, the ring binder comprising at least one securing member; a substantially rigid upper structure; a pivotable lower structure supported by the upper structure; a plurality of ring members mounted to the lower structure; and at least one engagement member engageable with the securing member closely adjacent to the base member to secure the ring binder to the base member; wherein the engagement member includes an engagement surface for engaging the securing member, the engagement surface comprising an upper surface of a partially open lower end of the engagement member, and the engagement member comprising a body which is narrower than the partially open lower end.

Abstract: A ring binder is disclosed as comprising a substantially rigid curved upper plate supporting a pair of pivotable lower plates mounted with a plurality of pairs of half rings, and a lever at each end of the ring binder, wherein the curved upper plate comprises a W-shaped ridge member or trough member between each of its longitudinal ends and the pair of half rings nearest thereto.

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 ring binder to be fixed to an article includes a support for mounting a plurality of ring members thereon, and a control member movable to act on a sloping part of the upper surface of the support to cause the support to pivot and thereby close the ring members and movable along a sloped portion of the under surface of the support to cause the support to pivot and thereby open the ring members. The control member includes a cross bar member which acts on the sloped portion of the under surface of the support. In another embodiment, the support has a plurality of substantially longitudinal rib members on its upper surface.

Abstract: A ring binder to be fixed to an article includes supports for mounting a plurality of ring members thereon, and a control member movable to open and lock and to close and lock the ring members, each in one operation, the controlling member including a crossbar member extending to outer edge regions of the support means. In another embodiment, the control members are slidably movable to lock the ring members in open position and in closed position, and the support comprises a pair of support members supported by holding elements joining outer edges of the pair of support members together, the holding elements cooperating with the control member means in order to support the supports.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a single piece molded locking snap ring assembly for use in holding looseleaf sheets together as in a two or three-ring binder. The assembly is a one-piece molded construction including an elongated longitudinal base section having upright retaining levers at each end, extending between two pivotally opposed ring support sections. Integral reduced cross section living hinge sections joining the base and ring sections and provide pivotal connection therein. The ring sections carry opposed ring segments for movement toward and away from one another into closed and open positions respectively. Integrally molded locking arms mounted at each end of the ring support sections carry free ends having oblique surfaces for contacting and pushing respective levers outward and projecting ledges having latching surfaces for latching with central channels defined in the levers.

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 ring binder is disclosed as being adapted to be secured to a cover by at least one rivet, the ring binder comprising a substantially rigid curved upper plate supporting a pair of pivotable elongate plates to which a plurality of ring members are mounted, and the rivet is engageable directly with the cover and the curved upper plate, and the rivet includes a cylindrical body with an inwardly bent upper end.

Abstract: A ring binder comprisinga substantially rigid upper structure,a lower structure supported by the upper structure andat least two pairs of ring members mounted to the lower structure,the at least two pairs of ring members comprising a first type of ring member and a second type of ring member andthe lower structure being pivotally movable between a first position in which the at least two pairs of ring members are closed and locked, and a second position in which the at least two pairs of ring members are open and unlocked,wherein when a force is applied to the first type of ring member of the at least two pairs of ring members, the ring binder is unlocked and the lower structure is movable from the first position to the second position in order to open all the pairs of ring members, andwherein when a force is applied to the second type of ring member of the at least two pairs of ring members, the lower structure is locked against movement from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A ring binder is disclosed as comprising a substantially rigid curved upper plate supporting a pair of lower plates to which at least two pairs of half-ring members are mounted, the pair of lower plates being pivotally movable between a first position in which the half-ring members are closed, and a second position in which the half-ring members are open, and a lock to lock at least one of the pairs of half-ring members whilst closed, and the lock is supported by the curved upper plate between the two pairs of half-ring members.

Abstract: In this ring binder, a pair of opposing swing base plates 3 are connected together at two locations near the center of their longitudinal swinging edges 3a by means of a joint mechanism 6 through operative engagement between the recessed joint section 61 having a projection 63 and the extended joint section 62 having a slot 64, so that the opposing swing base plates 3 are pivotally movable together in unison, and the swinging edges 3a are pivotally movable together toward and away from the top face 21a of the recessed section 21 in the fixed base plate 2.

Abstract: The improved loose leaf ring binder assembly includes a binder having a central vertical back portion connected to laterally extending wings or side portions which form the front and back covers of the binder. The assembly also includes a vertically extending spine connected to the front surface of the back portion. The spine is in the form of a hollow tube having closed upper and lower ends and containing a spaced pair of vertical rods. The inner ends of half rings are connected to the rods at spaced intervals along the length thereof. The half rings extend laterally outwardly from the rods through openings on opposite sides of the tube. The free ends of the half rings on one side of the tube are adapted to mate with half rings from the opposite side of the tube to form complete rings to releasably hold loose perforated sheets in place in the binder.

Abstract: A ring metal for a ring binder having a pair longitudinally arranged leaves partially surrounded an clasped by a resilient metallic shield and a plurality of openable rings having base ends connected to the leaves such that relative angular orientation of the leaves corresponds to an open or closed condition of the rings. By shaping and arranging the rings with respect to the leaves such that the closed condition of the rings corresponds to the relative angular orientation of the leaves being 180.degree. or less measured on a side of the leaves opposite the rings, results in the rings always being urged to the open condition whether open or closed. At least one of the rings provides a hook formation to lock rings halves of at least one ring to lock the rings and leaves in the closed orientation.

Abstract: A space-saving ring binder is in a collapsed position when not in use, for example, during packing, shipping, storage, occupying shelf space, and in an upright position when in use retaining paper. The thickness of the ring binder is significantly less when in the collapsed position than when in the upright position. The ring binder includes a cover portion and a binding portion attached to the cover portion. The binding portion has a plurality of rings rotatably attached to a toggling assembly. The rings are pivotal from a collapsed position in which the rings define an acute angle with the toggling assembly to an upright position in which the rings are substantially perpendicular with the toggling assembly. The rings may be permanently locked in the upright position.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism having two carrier rails which are arranged in a resilient casing member and which bear against each other, the angle formed between said carrier rails changing from an obtuse to an acute angle and vice versa during opening and closing of pairs of half rings associated with said carrier rails, wherein the casing member has a connection point in at least one end of the casing for connecting the casing to a support and the casing member is strengthened by at least one channel or bead extending from within a recess about the connection point to a point between the recess and the pair of half rings closest to the recess.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a molded locking snap ring assembly for use in holding looseleaf sheets together as in a two or three-ring binder. The assembly is preferably a one-piece molded construction including an elongated longitudinal base section having upright retaining levers at each end, extending between two pivotally opposed ring support sections. Integral reduced cross section hinge sections joining the base and ring sections provide pivotal connection therein. The ring sections carry opposed ring segments for movement toward and away from one another into closed and open positions respectively. Integrally molded locking arms mounted at each end of the ring support sections carry free ends having oblique surfaces for contacting and pushing respective levers outward and projecting ledges having latching surfaces for latching with central channels defined in the levers.

Abstract: A carrier rail for a ring binder is formed with a deformation around each point where the ring member is to be attached to the rail, the deformation being in the form of a circular rib.

Abstract: A shield for a ring metal is provided having arcuate band sections at the locations of the rings and intermediate sections therebetween, the intermediate sections having a straight segmental cross section having a lower overhead clearance between the shield and the hinged leaves than the band sections. The hinged leaves abut the intermediate section before tab members formed on said hinged leaves can abut an underside of the band sections, thus upward dents are prevented on the shield. Additionally, the straight segmental configuration of the intermediate sections provides increased resiliency for opening and holding closed the rings of the ring metal.

Abstract: A ring binder includes a base member supporting a plurality of ring members, and an opening mechanism at each end of the base member for opening the plurality of ring members, each opening mechanism including lock means to lock the opening mechanisms in its closed position, the base member comprising a rigid upper structure supporting a pivotable lower structure to which the ring members are mounted, wherein at each end of the binder, the opening mechanism is pivotally supported between the lower structure and the upper structure, externally of the lower structure, and internally of the upper structure.

Abstract: A ring separator has a pair of members disposed in a facing relationship, the members pivotable about a common axis. Each member has an arcuate channel with the channels aligned in a facing relationship to form a bearing passage. A bearing element is placed within the passage and is movable in an axial direction. Each channel has one or more directing grooves, which receive one or more projections mounted on the bearing. As the bearing element moves axially, the projections direct the members along an arcuate path to open and close the rings mounted thereon. Such a ring separator mechanism has few parts and is easily produced by extrusion or injection molding, thus, providing a ring separator of reduce cost and simple construction.

Abstract: In a loose leaf binder the left (2a, 3a) and the right prong parts (2b, 3b) are each disposed on a common carrier plate (4). The carrier plates (4) are pivotably connected to a base plate (5) and can be depressed using a lever (8) against the force of coil springs (11) into a position in which they lie flat on the base plate. By pulling gently on the end of the catch (10) the binder is released and opens due to the force of the springs (11). Even in the opened state it is still possible to turn the sheets from one prong part to another without such turning being hindered by the lever.

Abstract: A locking loose-leaf binder mechanism which has a curved housing retaining two hookplates, to which binder rings are attached. A control slide attached to each end of the housing includes one or two cam surfaces to engage the hookplates. In an embodiment incorporating two cam surfaces, one cam surface locks the binder rings in a closed position when the slides are fully retracted into the coverplate, and a second cam surface similarly locks the rings when the slides are fully extended from the coverplate. When the slides are neither fully extended nor retracted, the cam surfaces are in a neutral position and the rings may be opened. In further embodiments of the invention, a single cam surface may be employed, either to lock the rings when the slides are fully extended, or fully retracted. Each control slide end further includes a specially formed hanger tab to suspend the binder on a file-frame when the control slides are fully extended.