Abstract: A single-detent binder for a file folder has a housing, one pair of baseplates, ring shaped components, a control component, a pull rod, rotary locking pieces and an intermediate junction component. The control component, intermediate junction component, pull rod and rotary locking pieces are connected in series. When the control component rotates, the rotary locking pieces are triggered to rotate in the trough of the first baseplate based on the mechanical principle of connecting rod, thus performing the locking/unlocking function. When the binder is closed, the baffle plates on the second baseplate hinder the rotary locking pieces from rotation, thus generating a clamping force. After the baffle plates and rotary locking pieces work jointly to close the binder, the ring shaped components generate a scrambling force, thus enhancing the locking effect and preventing the single-detent binder from opening unexpectedly.

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 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: 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: Binder apparatus are described. An example binder apparatus includes a housing comprising a plurality of lateral recesses or apertures and a first carrier rail having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, the housing engaging the first longitudinal edge. The example binder apparatus includes a second carrier rail having a third longitudinal edge and a fourth longitudinal edge, the housing engaging the third longitudinal edge, the second longitudinal edge hingably engaging the fourth longitudinal edge. The binder apparatus includes a slider comprising a plurality of protrusions to be received by at least some of the lateral recesses or apertures.

Abstract: Sheet Lifter for use with multi ring sheet or page holders and multi ring binders. The Device is made from a thin ridged panel with a plurality of notches and slots. The Device is positioned in order to interact with the rings and binder spine of the page holder or binder. The Device rests on the spine with the pages or sheets resting on the Device. The Device prevents the pages or sheets from traveling past the maximum horizontal diameter point of the rings when the holder or binder is fully opened. When the holder or binder is closed the Device creates sufficient upward pressure against the pages or sheets to return them to their closed position at the maximum vertical diameter point of the rings. The pressure required is minimal.

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 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: One binder is constituted by arranging a spine section between a plurality of openable ring sections. A through hole is made on the ring section at a portion which orthogonally intersects with the spine section, and the binder is permitted to extend and retract in a longitudinal direction to a certain extent.

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 mechanism includes a housing that supports two hinge plates for loose pivoting motion, moving the ring members apart or together. The mechanism also includes an actuating lever pivotally mounted on the housing. The lever moves a travel bar and its locking elements for controllably pivoting the hinge plates and the ring members mounted thereon between closed and open positions. In particular, the locking elements cam the hinge plates to softly close the ring members. When the ring members are apart, the locking elements register with openings in at least one of the hinge plates. When the ring members are together, the locking elements are substantially out of registration with the openings, blocking the hinge plates from pivoting to separate the ring members. The travel bar is formed with reinforcing structure to resist deforming the travel bar upon repeated operation.

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 binder mechanism includes a housing having longitudinal ends and a top surface, hinge plates supported by the housing for pivoting motion about a pivot axis relative to the housing, and rings for holding loose-leaf pages. Each ring includes first and second ring members. The first ring member is movable relative to the second ring member between closed and opened positions of the rings. A control structure is supported by the housing and movable relative to the housing. The control structure produces the pivoting motion of the hinge plates in at least one direction. The control structure has an actuating lever pivotally connected to the housing and disposed generally above the top surface of the housing. The actuating lever is formed for receiving a fastener therethrough for connecting the housing to a cover.

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

Abstract: A binding device includes binding rings, a holding member having a length that enables the binding rings to be arranged at a distance from each other, and an operating member movably fixed inside the holding member such that the respective bases of the binding rings are secured onto a surface of the operating member at a distance to secure the binding rings to the holding member. In this binding device, the operating member includes a pair of operating pieces which move within the holding member in a longitudinal direction of the holding member. The base of one of the binding rings is secured to one of the operating piece, and the base of the other binding ring is secured to the other operating piece.

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

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

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

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

Abstract: A metal ring binder is improved by adding at least one auxiliary spring for supplementing the spring action of the spine upon the blades to which the rings are attached, so as to increase the closing force of the rings.

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 locking booster ring binder mechanism includes a pair of locking levers, each having a tongue which extends through an opening at one end of the leaves of the mechanism. The tongue has a head wider than the opening, so that the head presses up on the leaves to open the rings when the trigger is pressed outward and downward. A pair of legs extend from either side of the tongue along the sides of the opening between the leaves. The legs have blocking protuberances which bear against the sides of the opening, and prevent the leaves from being opened, when the lever is in a locked position, but not when the lever is in an unlocked position.

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 (10) for holding hole punched sheets of paper (P) includes a low profile ring metal (20). A pair of leaves (28, 30) are hingedly connected to each other for relative movement of the leaves to each other. A plurality of binder rings (22, 24, 26) are each formed of a pair of ring halves (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b). One end of each ring half is attached to a separate one of the leaves whereby movement of the leaves moves the ring halves to open and close the binder. A shield (40) covers the leaves, and release levers (44, 46) are located at each end of the cover. The levers are operable by a user of the ring binder to open and close the binder. Both release levers extend substantially co-planar to the cover and the length of the cover and release levers generally corresponds to the length of a sheet paper stored in the binder. This allows the overall size of the binder to be smaller than that of a ring binder holding the same size sheets of paper but using a conventional ring metal construction.

Abstract: A ring binder (10) comprises a pair of leaves (28, 30) hingedly connected to each other for relative movement therebetween. A plurality of spaced binder rings (22, 24, 26) are each formed of a pair of ring halves (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b). One end (22c, 22d, 24c, 24d, 26c, 26d) of each ring half is attached to one of the leaves. Movement of the leaves thus moves the opposite end of the respective ring halves out of and into contact with each other so to open and close the binder. A shield (20) covering the leaves has spaced openings (42) through which the ring halves extend. The shield has a plurality of raised sections (44, 46, 48) extending transversely of a longitudinal axis of the shield with one of the raised sections being formed at each binder ring location. Another raised section (52) extends axially of the longitudinal axis of the shield and intersects each of the transversely extending raised sections.

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: A carrier rail for a ring binder which is provided with a plurality of ribs along the longitudinal axis of the rail.

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 climbing feature device for installation in or on a climbing surface comprises a plurality of faces having different climbing features thereon, the climbing device being operable, when installed, to present different selectable ones of its faces at a climbing surface. The device may comprise a rotary hexagonal drum having different climbing features on at least some of its six surfaces, which may be presented at the climbing surface as required. On the hexagonal drum, one face could be blank in order to provide no climbing feature at that particular location on the climbing wall if required, with different climbing features on the other surfaces. It is advantageous if the device is designed so that each climbing feature, when presented, is extremely rigidly fixed so that there is no danger to the climber. Further as regards safety, the device is preferably designed to be failsafe, so that it is maintained in a rigidly fixed position should the device fail.

Abstract: A structure for the mounting seat of a paper-file hard cover. The mounting seat is substantially a narrow plates having screw hole and fastening plate being provided at the end thereof. The four corners of the plate are respectively provided with hollow tubular elements for the mounting of the hard cover which is firmly secured with tapered pegs. The paper-clipping structure is then mounted or fastened to the mounting seat by means of rivets of other fastening elements so that the mounting seat provides a structure for holding paper.

Abstract: A punched sheet ring binder with configured ring halves, an arcuate mechanism cover with spaced apart platform surfaces to support the sheet border edges during operation of the binder.

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.

Abstract: A binder for releasibly retaining pages as well as covers which include a plurality of mating pairs of semicircular rings whose peripheries essentially are all exposed so that the paper or covers can be extended therefrom essentially 360 degrees therearound. The mating pairs of semicircular rings are forced together or retained in an open position either by an overcenter mechanism at their inner end or a lockable hinge structure, either one of which extends primarily within the peripheries of the semicircular ring pairs when they are in their closed positions.

Abstract: A loose-leaf sheet binder mechanism with a case, hinge plates, ring halves and trigger lever to operate the hinge plates for opening and closing the ring halves. The case has first lock means on it in the form of a raised or dimpled member and the trigger lever has complementary second lock means on it.

Abstract: A ring mechanism has a cover rail, and a pair of carrier rails nested in side by side relationship between the side edges of the cover rail. Ring elements are mounted on the carrier rails, and the carrier rails can be moved between open and closed over center positions. To lock the carrier rails, a locking member is provided. In one position, it permits free movement of the carrier rails. In a locking position, it engages the carrier rails to prevent them being moved from the closed over center position, thereby preventing opening of the ring elements.

Abstract: Ring mechanism for loose leaf binders, and method of manufacture therefor, which has actuating or booster levers which serve both to open and close the rings. Mating ring segments or portions are affixed at corresponding spaced locations to a pair of metallic rods or rails. The outer ends of the rods of oval cross section include crank arm portions, with flattened tangs at the terminal ends thereof formed during fabrication on a rail of continuous length which is then severed to provide identical rail and ring segment components. The rail and ring components are then assembled in parallel relation within the inturned edge channels of a spring metal cover plate or case of arcuate cross section which is tensioned to hold the ring segments in closed relation. Each of the booster levers is slotted to engage opposite surfaces of the tangs for pivoting the rods about their longitudinal axes in response to pivotal movement of the booster levers whereby the rings are selectively opened and closed by said levers.

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.