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 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 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: A binder mechanism comprises a pair of prong plates pivotally connected by a retainer spring to toggle between a first raised position and a second lowered position. The prong plates include a plurality of ring segments affixed to the prong plates that are capable of forming loops. A cam mechanism is used to toggle the prong plates between the raised and lowered positions causing the ring segments to open or to close to form loops. The cam mechanism is preferably a slider located above the prong plates, the slider having ramps inserted through recesses between the prong plates. Preferably, the recesses are located adjacent to where the ring segments are attached to the prong plates. Cleats may hold the parts of the binder mechanism together and keep the mechanism attached to a binder assembly. Preferably, the retainer spring is in the form of a top spring covering both the slider and prong plates.

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 loose-leaf binder mechanism has a housing containing a pair of pivotally mounted hinge plates each carrying a series of spaced prongs. The hinge plates toggle between open and closed positions under the control of an actuating lever. One portion of the lever is selectively moveable into a wedged-in position between the housing and hinge plates to lock the prongs in closed position. The lever is specially constructed so that it can be moved while wedged between the housing and hinge plates to a safety locking position such that any point of contact between the lever portion and the housing is advantageously disposed longitudinally inward of any point of contact between said one portion and the hinge plates, and so that it cannot be moved inward past the safety-lock position out of the wedged-in configuration between the housing and hinge plates.

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 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 lock for the rings of photo albums and other binders includes a lock and a security component to prevent opening of the album in a retail store and to prevent pilferage of the contents or the improper insertion of refill pages. Once a consumer has made an album selection, the security component is removed. Once removed, the lock is moveable between a first position in which opening of the album rings is permitted and a second position in which opening of the rings is prevented. The initial release of the security component preferably requires a tool. In the most preferred embodiment, the lock slides in a slot in a binder body and includes a lower ridge which aligns with an opening in a pair of spring plates to permit ring opening. When the ridge is moved away from the opening and into the cavity of the binder body, the rings cannot be opened.

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 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 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 (10) stores hole (H) punched sheets of paper (P). A mechanism (16) is a bolt action mechanism which positively locks binder rings (18) which hold paper in its stored position. Each binder ring includes a fixed section (20) and a movable section (22). All of the movable binder ring sections are commonly mounted on a bolt (36) and move in unison with the bolt. A manually operable lever (38) is secured to one end of the bolt. When the lever is moved in one direction, the bolt is rotated so to move the movable sections of the binder rings away from the fixed sections and open the binder. Operation of the lever in the opposite direction brings the movable sections back into contact with the fixed sections to close the binder.

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 (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 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 to be fixed to an article has a support for mounting a plurality of ring members thereon and a control member for opening and closing the ring binder. The support has a pair of support members pivotally supported by a holder joining the outer edges of the support members together, whereby the inner edges of the support members move away from each other on pivoting. The holder cooperates with the control member in order to support the support members. The ring binder may also include one or more securing elements for holding the support members by extending across from the outer edges of the support members and cooperating with the control member, and fixing elements below and connected to the support members.

Abstract: A ring binder to be fixed to an article includes a support for mounting a plurality of ring members thereon, with a control member to open and close the ring binder. The support is cooperable solely with the control member to lock the ring members in closed position, the support being provided with a hooked portion to lock the ring members in closed position. In another embodiment, the support has a pair of support members disengageable during opening of the ring binder, one support member having at least one engagement member directly cooperable with the other support member during closing of the ring binder. The ring binder further includes a control member 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 sloped portion being provided on the underneath of at least one of the support members, approximately along the centerline.

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: A ring binder to be fixed to an article includes a support for mounting a plurality of rings thereon. The ring binder has an exposed upper surface to which the rings are mounted, the surface being defined by an upper surface of the support. A control member opens and closes the binder. A securement member which holds the support and secures the support to an article is situated below the support in regions of limited longitudinal extent adjacent opposite ends of the binder. The control member acts at a first location, on an undersurface of the support, to open the binder, and at a second location, situated at an end region of the binder, to close the binder, the first and second locations being at different locations along the length of the binder. In another embodiment, inner edges of the support members are arranged to engage each other on closing of the binder and to disengage on opening of the binder.

Abstract: A ring binder adapted to be fixed to an article includes a support for mounting a plurality of ring members thereon, and a control member movable along a sloped portion on the under surface of the support to cause the support to pivot and thereby open the ring members. The sloped portion on the under surface of the support is provided on at least one of an inturned inner edge of the support and a protrusion extending from the under surface of the support.

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 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: 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 locking assembly (10) is for use in a ringbinder (12) used to hold and store sheets (S) of paper or other material in which at least one hole (H) is punched for capturing the sheet of paper and holding it in place. The assembly includes at least one binder ring (14). Each binder ring has first and second mating segments (14a, 14b). These are movable into and out of contact with each other. A sheet of paper is inserted onto one of the ting segments, when the segments are out of contact with each other, by inserting the hole in the sheet of paper over the ting segment. One end of one of the ring segments is attached to a first elongated plate (48), and a corresponding end of the other ring segment is attached to a second elongated plate (50). The plates are positioned side-by-side and extend generally parallel to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for viewing and removing selected documents retained in file folders having a flat metallic fastening member. An element (40) is formed comprised of a first arm (50), a second arm (52) and a connecting section (54). Each arm is a solid, cylindrical member which is essentially U-shaped and with a vertical slot (60) in the unconnected end of the arm, which slot is capable of receiving and holding the extended prong (26, 28) of the fastening member (24) of the file folder (20). The upper end of each slot has an inverted syncline cut (72) to hold the tapered end of the extended prong. This apparatus facilitates the viewing of a selected document, the removal of a selected document or documents, or the insertion of an additional document or documents after the overlying documents have been removed and placed onto the apparatus. This apparatus further facilitates the replacement of the removed overlying documents back onto the metallic fastening member.

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 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 coupled to and pivotally supported in the lower structure. In another embodiment the opening mechanism has an inbuilt degree of play before before acting to urge the lower structure to close the ring members for ease of operation.

Abstract: A paper holder having a locking device for preventing clipping fingers from incidental opening comprising a back resilient plate, a pair of main bodies having longitudinal inner sides joining rotatably to each other and longitudinal outer sides embracing both of longitudinal outer sides of the back plate and rotatable at the embraced outer sides as pivotal portions and a plurality pairs of arcuate clipping fingers planted on the main bodies and capable of closing and opening by the vertical movement of the main bodies and a locking mechanism disposed at the end of the main bodies, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a manipulation member and an actuation portion disposed at the back thereof, in which the actuation member has an upper member and a lower member that extend horizontally opposing to each other to define a gap therebetween capable of receiving and vertically seizing the surface and the rear face of the longitudinal joining ends of the main body, whereby the upper member of the manipulation mem

Abstract: An exercise machine for assisting a user in performing chin-ups and dips includes a pair of handles attached to a frame and a kneeling platform operably connected to the frame by a four-bar linkage. The pair of handles may be a pair of chin-up handles attached to an upper portion of the frame or a pair of dip handles attached to a medial portion of the frame. The four-bar linkage moves the kneeling platform along an arcuate path of travel corresponding to the natural arcuate path of the center of gravity of the user during a chin-up or a dip so that the kneeling platform remains beneath the user's center of gravity during performance of a chin-up or a dip. The four-bar linkage also preferably maintains the kneeling platform in a horizontal orientation. A selectable number of weights urge the kneeling platform upward so that the user may lift his body with his arms while applying a force less than his own body weight.

Abstract: A ring binder locking mechanism has a pair of toggle blades abutting edge to edge with one another within an elongate spring housing. A booster trigger is mounted at each end of the housing for locking the blades and their half rings in a closed position. The trigger is of one-piece metal construction and includes a pair of locking arms engagable with the blades to lock them with the half rings closed.

Abstract: A trigger lever enclosure for surrounding and enclosing the trigger of a ring binder which enclosure is rigid and larger than the trigger to increase trigger leverage. The enclosure may be removable.

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: A locking ring binder assembly has a resilient sheet metal cover and a pair of operating levers rotatably mounted on the covers. A projection on the operating levers beneath the cover and a leg portion on the operating levers in alignment with the projection through a thickness of the cover locks the binder in a closed position even though the operating levers are not rotated to an over center position.

Abstract: A locking ring binder assembly has a resilient sheet metal cover and a pair of operating levers rotatably mounted on the covers. A detent consisting of a projection on the inside of the cover and a corresponding projection on the operating levers locks the binder in a closed position even though the operating levers are not rotated to an over center position.

Abstract: A loose-leaf binder having a casing and prong-carrying spring plates and having a mechanism for readily locking and unlocking the prongs through use of a trigger including pivot projections for pivoting on and in plate apertures. Locking is accomplished by lever lugs engaging casing blisters.

Abstract: An ordering means for document files or the like comprises a base plate which is provided with at least two fixed ordering pins. At least one movable closure bow can be brought into closure contact with the ordering pins. Possibly a holder-down is provided which is adapted to be clamped with respect to the ordering pins. A locking member displaceable with respect to the base plate serves to adjust the closure bow or bows and on the base plate guide means are provided for guiding the locking member. The locking member is provided with guide slots or guide grooves via which the locking member is in engagement with each closure bow so that on displacement of the locking member the respective closure bow can be opened or closed.

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: This is a device for holding sheets of paper in a loose-leaf notebook. The mechanism comprises rings upon which the sheets are filed, a deformable surface which controls the action of the rings, a control slide which alters the shape of the surface, a cover and a base. The shape of the control slide, base and cover assure positive control over the position of the rings.

Abstract: A ring binding mechanism, for use with a binder or book having a backbone, has a curved housing which pivotally retains a pair of hinge plates carrying binding rings. A control bar, moveable between a first position and second position, is slideably affixed to the housing independent of the backbone by means of retaining rivets extending through the housing and through a slotted opening in the control bar. The control bar includes cam surfaces positioned to force the hinge plates inward towards the housing to close the binding rings as the control bar is moved to the first position, and cam surfaces positioned to force the hinge plates towards the housing to open the binding rings as the control bar is moved to the second position. The control bar further includes ratchet grooves which engage an intermeshing tongue to lock the control bar in a closed position.

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 loose leaf binder is formed from three parts assembled in a manner providing a binder of minimum thickness.

Abstract: A binder assembly of the ring type according to the invention comprises a slide support member, an operable slide member, fixed holder rods and a turnable holder rod. The free ends of these rods are curved in the face-to-face relation to each other. The slide member is fitted into an angle guide portion of the slide support member. The turnable holder rod has a U-shaped portion allowed to engage a space formed in the slide member by way of a through-hole provided in the central lower end of the angle guide portion.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for retaining loose sheets of paper. A pair of sheet retaining components, each having a plurality of half loops, are hingedly held together by wire clips. An actuator is interposed between the sheet containing components. The actuator is provided with inclined slots which, when the actuator is displaced, engage and move the clips causing one sheet retaining component to move with respect to the other to unlock the engaged ends of the respective half loops. Once unlocked, the sheet retaining components can be hinged apart to permit removal and/or addition of loose leaf paper. Means are provided to retain the actuator in proper and secure operative position between the sheet retaining components.