CN201077217Y - Ring mechanism for retaining loose-leaf paper - Google Patents

Abstract

A ring mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages has a housing, and hinge plates supported by the housing for pivoting movement relative to the housing. The ring members are mounted on the hinge plates and are movable between a closed position and an open position. An actuator is mounted on the housing for movement relative to the housing to cause pivoting movement of the hinge plates. The locking elements releasably lock the closed ring members in a locked position and release the closed ring members for movement to an open position in an unlocked position. An intermediate connector operatively connects the locking element to the actuator. The intermediate connector is deformable during movement of the actuator.

Description

Ring mechanism to hold loose-leaf paper

technical field

The utility model relates to a ring binder mechanism for holding loose-leaf paper, in particular to an improved ring binder mechanism for opening and closing ring parts and for locking the closed ring parts together.

Background technique

A ring binder mechanism holds loose-leaf paper, such as punched paper, in a folder or notebook. It has loop parts for holding paper. The ring members can be selectively opened to add or remove loose-leaf pages, or closed to hold loose-leaf pages while moving the loose-leaf pages along the ring members. The ring members are mounted on two adjacent hinge plates connected together about a pivot axis. An elongated housing loosely supports the hinge plates within the housing and holds the hinge plates together so that they can pivot relative to the housing.

When the hinge plates are in a coplanar position (180°), the undeformed shell is slightly narrower than the connected hinge plates. Thus, as the hinge plates pivot past this position, they deform the resilient housing and create a spring force in the housing, forcing the hinge plates to pivot out of this coplanar position, opening or closing the ring members. Thus, when the ring parts are closed, the spring force resists the movement of the hinge plates and clamps the ring parts together. Likewise, when the ring members are opened, the spring force keeps them apart. The operator can usually overcome this force by manually pulling apart the ring parts or pushing them together. A control handle may be provided at one or both ends of the housing for moving the ring member between an open position and a closed position. But a disadvantage of these known ring binder mechanisms is that when the ring parts are closed, they are not securely locked together. Therefore if the mechanism is accidentally dropped, the ring member may open unintentionally.

Some ring binder mechanisms have been modified to include locking features that prevent the hinge plates from pivoting when the ring members are closed. This locking structure securely locks the closed ring members together, preventing inadvertent opening of the ring members should the ring mechanism be accidentally dropped. The locking structure also makes the housing less resilient, since no strong spring force is required to clamp the closed ring components together. Accordingly, the operator effort required to open and close the ring members of these mechanisms is less than conventional ring mechanisms.

Some of these ring mechanisms incorporate a locking structure to a control slider that is connected to the control handle. The control handle moves the control slider (and its locking structure) to either block pivoting of the hinge plates or allow them to rotate. However, a disadvantage of these mechanisms is that the operator must reliably move the lever after closing the ring members to position the locking structure to block the hinge plates and lock the closed ring members. Failure to perform this procedure will allow the hinge plates to accidentally pivot and open the ring parts, especially if the mechanism is accidentally dropped.

Some locking ring binder mechanisms use a spring to move the locking structure into a position that blocks the hinge plates when the ring members are closed. Examples of these can be found in US patent applications 10/870801 (Cheng et al.), 10/905606 (Cheng) and 11/027550 (Cheng). These mechanisms use a separate spring to lock the ring mechanism.

Movement of the locking structure is usually linear or translational, but the movement is driven by pivoting of the control handle. Therefore, it is necessary to transfer only the translational component of the movement of the handle to the locking structure. Various solutions have been proposed. See, eg, co-owned US Patent Application No. 10/870801. However, there is a need for a structure that is cheap to manufacture, simple in overall structure, and reliable in repeated operations to achieve motion transmission.

Utility model content

The purpose of this utility model is to provide a ring mechanism for holding loose-leaf papers, which overcomes the above-mentioned defects of the ring mechanism in the prior art.

A ring mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages generally includes a housing, a hinge plate supported by the housing for pivotal movement relative to the housing, and a ring for retaining loose-leaf pages. Each ring includes a first ring member and a second ring member. The first ring member is mounted on the first hinge plate and is movable relative to the second ring member between a closed position and an open position following pivotal movement of the first hinge plate. In the closed position, the two ring members form a substantially continuous closed loop to allow loose-leaf pages held by the rings to move along the rings from one ring member to the other. In the open position, the two ring members form a discontinuous open loop for adding or removing loose-leaf pages from the rings. An actuator is mounted on the housing for movement relative to the housing to cause pivotal movement of the hinge plates. The locking element is used to releasably lock the closed ring part in the locked position and to release the closed ring part for movement to the open position in the unlocked position. An intermediate connector operably connects the locking element to the actuator. The intermediate connector is deformable during movement of the actuator.

In another aspect, a ring mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages generally includes a housing, a hinge plate supported by the housing for pivotal movement relative to the housing, and a ring for retaining loose-leaf pages. Each ring includes a first ring member and a second ring member. The first ring member is mounted on the first hinge plate and is movable relative to the second ring member between a closed position and an open position following pivotal movement of the first hinge plate. In the closed position, the two ring members form a substantially continuous closed loop to allow loose-leaf pages held by the rings to move along the rings from one ring member to the other. In the open position, the two ring members form a discontinuous open loop for adding or removing loose-leaf pages from the rings. An actuator is mounted on the housing for movement relative to the housing to cause pivotal movement of the hinge plates. A travel rod is operatively connected to the actuator to move the travel rod relative to the housing. The travel bar has at least one locking element for releasably locking the closed ring part in the locked position and for releasing the movement of the closed ring part to the open position in the unlocked position . An intermediate connector operably connects the travel rod to the actuator. The intermediate connector includes a hinge for deforming the intermediate connector during movement of the actuator.

According to the ring mechanism of the present invention, since the intermediate connector is deformable during the movement of the actuator, only the translation component of the movement of the actuator can be transmitted to the locking structure. Moreover, the ring mechanism according to the utility model can adopt a structure that is cheap to manufacture, simple in overall structure, and reliable in repeated operations to realize motion transmission.

Other features of the invention are in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the perspective view of the notebook comprising the ring binder mechanism of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a top perspective view of the ring binder mechanism in the closed locked position with the lever in the first relaxed position;

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the ring binder mechanism;

Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of the ring binder mechanism;

5 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the ring mechanism of FIG. 2 with a portion of the housing removed and ring components removed to show the internal structure;

Figure 6 is a partial side view thereof, with the housing and hinge plates removed;

Figure 7 is similar to Figure 4, but with the ring mechanism in the closed unlocked position and the control handle in the first deformed position;

Figure 8 is similar to Figure 6, but with the ring mechanism in the closed unlocked position and the control handle in the first deformed position;

Figure 9 is a top side perspective view of the ring mechanism in an open position;

Figure 10 is a bottom perspective view thereof;

Figure 11 is similar to Figure 6, but with the ring mechanism in the open position and the control handle in the second deformed position;

Figures 12A and 12B are side views similar to Figure 11 showing the pivotal movement of the lever towards the closed locked position and the simultaneous deformation of the hinge of the intermediate connector;

Figure 13 is a top perspective view of the travel bar;

Figure 14 is a partial side view of the travel bar of Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a top perspective view showing the handle disengaged from the travel bar;

Figure 16 is a top perspective view similar to Figure 15, but showing the control handle connected to the travel bar;

Figure 17 is a top perspective view of a travel bar having another configuration;

Fig. 18 is its exploded perspective view;

Figure 19 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 of Figure 17;

20 is a top side perspective view of another embodiment of the ring binder mechanism in the closed locked position, with the lever in the first relaxed position;

Figure 21 is a bottom side perspective view of the ring mechanism;

Figure 22 is an exploded perspective view of the ring binder mechanism;

23 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the ring mechanism of FIG. 20 with a portion of the housing removed and the ring components removed to show the internal structure;

Figure 24 is an enlarged partial side view of the ring mechanism with the housing and hinge plates removed;

Figure 25 is similar to Figure 20, but with the ring mechanism in the closed unlocked position and the control handle in the first deformed position;

Figure 26 is a bottom perspective view thereof;

Figure 27 is similar to Figure 24, but with the handle in a first deformed position;

Figure 28 is a top side perspective view of the ring mechanism in an open position;

Figure 29 is a bottom perspective view thereof;

Figure 30 is a view similar to Figure 24, but with the ring mechanism in the open position and the control handle in the second deformed position;

Figure 31 is a bottom side perspective view of the travel bar;

32 is an enlarged bottom perspective view of the intermediate connector of the travel bar of FIG. 31;

Figure 33 is a top side perspective view of another embodiment ring binder mechanism;

Figure 34 is a bottom perspective view thereof;

Figure 35 is an exploded perspective view of the ring binder mechanism;

36 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the ring mechanism of FIG. 33 with a portion of the housing removed and ring components removed to show the internal structure;

Figure 37 is a partial side view thereof, with the housing and hinge plates removed;

Figure 38 is its top plan view;

Figure 39 is a bottom perspective view similar to Figure 34, with the handle in a first deformed position;

Figure 40 is a partial side view thereof with the housing and hinge plates removed;

Figure 41 is its top plan view;

Fig. 42 is similar to Fig. 33, but wherein the ring mechanism is in the open position and the control handle is in the second deformed position;

Figure 43 is a bottom perspective view thereof;

Figure 44 is a partial side view of Figure 42 with the housing and hinge plates removed;

Figure 45 is its top plan view;

Figure 46 is a side view of Figure 44 showing the pivotal movement of the lever to move the mechanism to the closed locking position, with the lever still remaining deformed;

Figure 47 is its top plan view;

Figure 48 is a side view of Figure 46, showing the pivotal movement of the lever to move the mechanism to the closed locking position, with the intermediate connector compressed;

Figure 49 is its top plan view;

Figure 50 is a perspective view of the intermediate connector;

Figure 51 is its top plan view;

Figure 52 is its side view; and

Figure 53 is an end view thereof.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

Detailed ways

Referring to the drawings, a ring binder mechanism 101 is shown in FIGS. 1-16. In FIG. 1 , mechanism 101 is shown mounted on notebook 103 . In particular, mechanism 101 is shown mounted on spine 105 of notebook 103 between front cover 107 and rear cover 109 hingedly mounted on spine 105 . Front cover 107 and back cover 109 move to selectively cover or expose loose-leaf pages (not shown) within notebook 103 held by mechanism 101 . A ring binder mechanism otherwise mounted on a notebook, or on a surface other than a notebook, such as a folder, does not depart from the scope of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1 , housing 111 supports three rings (each shown as 113 ) and a control handle (broadly, the "actuator", shown as 115 ). Control handle distribution pin 161 is contained on the housing. Ring 113 holds loose-leaf pages within notebook 103 on ring mechanism 101, while lever 115 is operable to open and close the ring so that paper can be added or removed. Referring now also to FIG. 2 , the housing 111 is in the shape of an elongated rectangle having a uniform generally arcuate cross-section with a generally flat flat top 117 at its center. A first longitudinal end (right side of FIG. 2 ) of the housing 111 is generally open and an opposite second longitudinal end (left side of FIG. 2 ) is generally closed. The bent bottom edge 121 ( FIG. 4 ) extends longitudinally along the longitudinal edge of the housing 111 from a first longitudinal end to a second longitudinal end of the housing. Mechanisms having housings of other shapes, including irregular shapes, or housings that are integral to folders or notebooks do not depart from the scope of the present invention.

The three rings 113 of the ring binder mechanism 101 are substantially identical and are each generally circular in shape (eg, FIG. 2 ). Ring 113 passes through opening 177 in housing 111 . As shown in Figures 1 and 2, each ring 113 comprises two generally semi-circular ring members 123a, 123b formed from a conventional cylindrical rod of suitable material such as steel. The ring members 123a, 123b include free ends 125a, 125b, respectively, which are formed to prevent lateral misalignment (relative to the longitudinal axis of the ring members) of the ring members when the ring members are closed together (see FIG. 1). Ring 113 may be D-shaped as known in the art, or other shapes within the scope of the present invention. Ring binder mechanisms having ring members made of different materials, or having different cross-sectional shapes, such as elliptical, do not depart from the scope of the present invention.

As also shown in FIG. 3, the ring mechanism 101 includes two generally identical hinge plates 127a, 127b that support ring members 123a, 123b, respectively. Each hinge plate 127a, 127b is generally elongated, flat rectangular in shape, and the length of each hinge plate is slightly shorter than the length of the housing 111 . Four corresponding cutouts 129a-d are formed in each hinge plate 127a, 127b along the inner edge of the hinge plate. The fingers 131 extend longitudinally (ie, to the right in FIG. 3 ) away from the first end of each hinge plate 127a, 127b. The fingers 131 are narrower in width than the respective hinge plates 127a, 127b and are positioned such that their inner longitudinal edges are generally aligned with the inner longitudinal edges of the hinge plates. The purpose of the cutouts 129a-d and fingers 131 will be described below. The control handle 115 and hinge plates 127a, 127b are broadly referred to as an "actuation system".

2 and 3, the control handle 115 includes a handle 133, a body 135 mounted on the handle, and an upper lip 136 and a lower lip 137 mounted on the body. Handle 133 is slightly wider than each of body 135, upper lip 136, and lower lip 137 (FIG. 2) to facilitate gripping handle 115 and applying force to move the handle. In the illustrated ring mechanism 101, the body 135 is integral with the handle 133 so as to move substantially therewith. The main body 135 may be formed separately from the handle 133 and attached thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the lower lip 137 of the lever 115 is mounted to the main body 135 by a flexible bridge 139 (or "living hinge") integrally formed with the main body and lower lip. A ring mechanism in which the bridge of the lever is formed separately from the main body and/or the lower lip and connects the main body and the lower lip does not depart from the scope of the present invention. The bridge portion 139 is generally arcuate and forms an open slot 141 between the lower lip 137 and the main body 135 . Lower lip 137 extends away from main body 135 at bridge 139 and slot 141 , is substantially parallel aligned with upper lip 136 , and forms a C-shaped space between main body 135 and lower lip 137 . It is conceivable that the handle 115 is made of a resilient polymeric material, for example by a molding process. But within the scope of the present invention, the control handle 115 can be made of other materials or other processes. Ring mechanisms having levers of different shapes than those shown and described here do not depart from the scope of the invention.

Referring to Figures 3, 13 and 14, the ring mechanism includes a travel bar 145 and an intermediate connector 167 integrally formed with the travel bar. Travel bar 145 includes an elongated locking portion 148 and three locking elements 149 spaced along the bottom surface of the locking portion. More specifically, there is one locking member 149 near each longitudinal end of the locking portion 148, and one locking member is located near the center of the locking portion. The elongated locking portion 148 and locking element 149 may be broadly referred to as a "locking system".

The locking elements 149 of the illustrated locking portion 148 have substantially the same shape. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , each locking member 149 includes a narrow flat base 153 , a sloped front edge 155 a , concave sides 155 b (only one side visible), and a rear extension 156 . In the illustrated embodiment, locking element 149 has a generally wedge shape. The beveled edge 155a of the locking member 149 can engage the hinge plates 127a, 127b to help pivot the hinge plates downward. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 149 is integrally formed with the travel bar 145, for example by a molding process. But the locking element 149 can be made separately from the moving rod 145 and installed thereon without departing from the scope of the present invention. Additionally, locking elements of different shapes, such as blocks (ie, without sloped edges or concave sides), are also within the scope of the present invention.

The intermediate connector 167 of the ring mechanism 101 includes a connector portion 168 at one end of the travel rod 145 , and a flexible hinge 170 between the locking portion 148 and the connector portion 168 . Connector portion 168 is formed with an elongated opening 168a for receiving mounting posts 179a, 179b therethrough and allowing travel rod 145 to move longitudinally along housing 111 relative to the mounting posts during operation of mechanism 101 . Connector portion 168 is connected to lever 115 at lever upper lip 136 by mounting pin 171 such that pivotal movement of the lever produces translational movement of travel bar 145 . The flexible hinge 170 of the travel bar 145 is thin and has a generally flat "U" shape when relaxed. The flexible hinge 170 can flex, or bend, into a more pronounced "U" shape to move the connector portion 168 of the travel bar 145 relative to and toward the locking member 149 .

Figures 2 and 4-7 show the ring members 123a, 123b of the ring mechanism 101 in the closed locked position. The locking elements 149 of the locking portion 148 are located adjacent to the respective cutouts 129a-d and generally aligned with the hinges 175 above the hinge plates 127a, 127b. The locking elements 149 are substantially out of alignment with the cutouts 129a-d. The flat bottom surface 153 rests on the upper surface of the hinge plates 127a, 127b, and the rear extension 156 passes through each respective cutout 129a-d proximate to the front downwardly bent protrusion 182 of the hinge plates. Together, the locking portion 148 and locking element 149 resist any force that would tend to pivot the hinge plates 127a, 127b upwardly to open the ring members 123a, 123b (ie, they lock the ring members closed).

To open the ring members 123a, 123b, the lever 115 is pivoted outward and downward (in a clockwise direction as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 6). As shown in Figure 8, the lower lip 137 engages the underside of the hinge plates 127a, 127b and the upper lip 136 pulls the travel bar 145 and locking member 149 towards the unlocked position. Lever 115 is formed to pull locking member 149 out of the locked position before hinge plates 127a, 127b pivot to open ring members 123a, 123b. More specifically, the locking elements 149 are moved into alignment over the respective cutouts 129a-d of the hinge plates 127a, 127b prior to the pivoting of the hinge plates. The flexible hinge 170 may elongate slightly under tension from the upper lip 136, but largely it retains its shallow "U" shape. The flexible bridge 139 between the main body 135 of the lever 115 and the lower lip 137 of the lever flexes and tensions. The open slot 141 between the main body 135 and the lower lip 137 is closed and the main body moves into engagement with the lower lip. Continued opening movement of the lever 115 causes the main body 135 to pivot the lower lip 137 in conjunction, pushing the hinge plates 127a, 127b upwardly through the coplanar position. This moves the ring members 123a, 123b to the open position, as shown in Figures 9-11.

To close the ring members 123a, 123b and return the mechanism 101 to the locked position, the operator can pivot the lever 115 upward and inward. As shown in Figure 12A, this moves the upper lip 136 of the lever 115 to contact the upper surface of the hinge plates 127a, 127b (if it is not already in contact with the upper surface of the hinge plates). The upper lip 136 engages the upper surfaces of the hinge plates 127a, 127b and begins to push them downward, but the spring force of the housing 111 resists the initial hinge plate movement. The travel bar 145 can initially move forward with movement of the upper lip 136, causing the front edge 155a of the locking member 149 to abut against the protrusion 182 of the hinge plates 127a, 127b (if the locking member is not already abutting). As the lever 115 continues to pivot, the abutting locking element 149 prevents the travel bar 145 from moving further. As shown in FIG. 12A , the flexible hinge 170 of the travel bar 145 begins to bend (or deflects downward into a more pronounced "U" shape) so that the control handle 115 continues to pivot. This relative movement between the connector portion 168 of the intermediate connector 167 and the locking member 149 causes tension in the flexible hinge 170 . At this point in the closing motion, if the lever 115 is released before the hinge plates 127a, 127b pivot down past their coplanar position (i.e. before the ring members 123a, 123b close), the tension in the flexible hinge 170 will automatically to bounce (and push) the handle back to its starting position.

As shown in Figure 12B, continued closing movement of the lever 115 causes the upper lip 136 to pivot the interconnected hinge plates 127a, 127b downward. Once the hinge plates 127a, 127b have just passed the coplanar position, the spring force of the housing pushes them down, closing the ring members 123a, 123b. As the hinge plates 127a, 127b pivot downwardly, the angled front edge 155a of the locking member 149 moves the locking member and travel bar 145 to the left (as shown in FIG. 12B). The flexible hinge 170 remains deformed and tensioned during the initial movement. Once the hinge plates 127a, 127b have passed the sloped front edge 155a of the locking element 149, they no longer resist the forward movement of the locking element and travel bar 145. The locking elements 149 are now moved with the lever 115 into their locked positions behind the hinge plates 127a, 127b. Simultaneously, the bridge 139 becomes flat, and the tension in the flexible hinge 170 causes the locking element 149 to rebound and push further into the locked position. Bridge 139 and flexible hinge 170 return to their relaxed positions. Mechanism 101 is again in the position shown in FIG. 6 .

In this ring mechanism 101, the flexible hinge 170 of the intermediate connector 167 allows the lever 115 to pivot, causing the hinge plates 127a, 127b to move downwards before pushing the locking member 149 to the locked position behind the hinge plates. Closed loop members 123a, 123b. It also provides a flexible connection between the connector portion 168 and the locking portion 148 . The flexible hinge 170 receives slight vertical movement from the lever 115 as the lever pivots (via the connector portion 168), and protects the locking portion 148 from vertical movement so that the locking member 149 remains stationary (vertically) during operation. ).

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-16 , the illustrated flexible hinge 170 of the intermediate connector 167 is integrally formed with the locking portion 148 and the connector portion 168 of the travel bar 145 generally between the locking portion and the connector portion. However, as shown in Figures 17-19, the flexible hinge 170' may be formed as a separate component from the locking portion 148' of the travel bar 145' and the connector portion 168' of the intermediate connector 167' and connected thereto. The flexible hinge 170' is formed with hooked ends 170a' that are received within openings 150', 152' in the locking portion 148' and the connector portion 168', respectively. The flexible hinge 170' may be connected to the locking portion 148' and the connector portion 168' in different ways within the scope of the present invention. In operation, the flexible hinge 170' of FIGS. 17-19 flexes similarly to the flexible hinge 170 of FIGS. 1-16.

It should be understood that the flexible hinge may be shaped differently than shown and still be within the scope of the present invention. For example, the flexible hinge may be elastically accordion-foldable to accommodate longitudinal movement of the connector portion relative to the locking portion.

It is conceivable that the travel bar and each part of the intermediate connector are made of plastic material, but they could be made of other suitable materials such as metal. Also, different parts of the travel bar could be made of different materials, but it should be understood that the flexible hinges are made of spring steel, plastic or other flexible materials.

20-32 illustrate another embodiment of a ring binder mechanism 201 . Mechanism 201 is similar to mechanism 101 described above and shown in FIGS. 1-19 , but does not include U-shaped hinge 170 . Components of ring mechanism 201 corresponding to components of ring mechanism 101 shown in FIGS. 1-16 are indicated by the same reference numerals plus "100". In this embodiment, the intermediate connector 267 is integrally formed with the travel bar 245, but is connected by a living hinge 272 which allows the intermediate connector to pivot relative to the travel bar, but is not U-shaped as in Figures 1-19. The flexible hinges 170, 170' deform longitudinally. Thus, in mechanism 201, living hinge 272 converts the pivotal motion of control handle 215 into translational motion of travel bar 245, but does not allow control handle 215 to pivot until travel bar 245 and locking member 249 have moved to the locked position. to close the ring members 223a, 223b. To close the ring parts 223a, 223b, they can be pushed together manually.

As shown in FIGS. 22 , 31 and 32 , the illustrated travel bar 245 of this embodiment includes an elongated locking portion 248 having three locking elements 249 . The intermediate connector 267 is hingedly connected to the locking portion. Locking member 249 of locking portion 248 is similar in shape to locking member 149 of mechanism 101 described above. The intermediate connector 267 is formed with an elongated opening 267a for receiving a mounting post 279a therethrough and for moving the travel bar 245 relative to the mounting post during operation of the mechanism 201 . As shown in Figures 23 and 25, the intermediate connector 267 is connected to the flat handle 215 at the upper lip 236 of the handle (i.e., has a flat handle compared to the handle 115 of the previous mechanism (Figs. 1-19). handle). The crossbar 271 of the intermediate connector 267 is caught by the hook 236 a on the upper lip 236 of the lever 215 .

The opening operation of the mechanism 201 is similar to the opening operation of the mechanism 101 previously described (Figs. 1-19). 20-25 show the ring mechanism 201 in a closed locked position. To open the ring members 223a, 223b, the lever 215 is pivoted outward and downward (in a counterclockwise direction as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 24). As shown in Figure 27, the lower lip 237 of the control handle 215 begins to push upward on the underside of the hinge plates 227a, 227b, and the upper lip 236 of the control handle pulls the travel bar 245 and locking member 249 into alignment with the hinge plates. The unlocked position in which the openings 229a, 229b, 229c are aligned. The articulated connection between the locking portion 248 of the travel bar 245 and the intermediate connector 267 and between the intermediate connector and the control handle 215 allows the intermediate connector to pivot slightly upwards relative to the locking portion, thus allowing the intermediate connector to pivot slightly upwards relative to the locking portion, thus allowing the intermediate connector to pivot slightly upwards relative to the locking portion. Slight upward movement of the adjustment handle when turning. The flexible bridge 239 between the main body 235 of the lever 215 and the lower lip 237 of the lever flexes and tensions. The open slot 241 between the main body 235 and the lower lip 237 is closed and the main body is moved into engagement with the lower lip. Continued opening movement of the lever 215 causes the main body to concomitantly pivot the lower lip 237, pushing the hinge plates 227a, 227b upwardly through the coplanar position. This moves the ring members 223a, 223b to the open position, as shown in Figures 28-30. To close the ring parts 223a, 223b and return the mechanism 201 to the locked position, the operator pushes the ring parts together.

In this ring mechanism 201, the hinged connection between the intermediate connector 267 and the travel bar 245 protects the locking member 249 from slight vertical movement of the lever 215 during lever pivoting operation. Hinge 272 provides a pivotal connection between intermediate connector 267 and locking portion 248 allowing the intermediate connector to pivot upward and downward relative to the locking portion and locking member 249 .

33-53 illustrate another embodiment of a ring binder mechanism 301 . Mechanism 301 is similar to mechanism 101 previously described and shown in FIGS. 1-19 , but includes an intermediate connector 366 that is different than intermediate connector 167 of FIGS. 1-19 . Components of ring mechanism 301 corresponding to components of ring mechanism 101 of FIGS. 1-19 are indicated by the same reference numerals plus "200". In this embodiment, the intermediate connector 366 is a bent wire having a first end 366a, a second end 366b, and an arcuate portion 366c between the first and second ends (Figs. 50-53). The first end 366a includes a small gap 366e between the start and end points of the wire.

As shown in FIGS. 35 , 37 and 38 , the illustrated travel bar 345 of this embodiment includes an elongated locking portion 348 having three locking elements 349 . The intermediate connector 366 is connected to the locking portion 348 . More specifically, the locking portion 348 includes a slot 347 and a protrusion 371 proximate to the slot 347 . The second end 366b of the intermediate connector 366 is received within the slot 347 and a portion of the intermediate connector proximate its second end extends below the protrusion 371 . Locking member 349 of locking portion 348 is similar in shape to locking member 149 of mechanism 101 previously described, except for slot 347 and protrusion 371 . As shown in Figures 36-38, the intermediate connector 366 is connected to the flat handle 315 at the upper lip 336 of the handle. First end 366a of intermediate connector 366 fits within aperture 336a on upper lip 336 of lever 315 such that pivotal movement of the lever produces translational movement of travel bar 345 .

The opening operation of the mechanism 301 is similar to that of the previously described mechanisms 101, 201 (Figs. 1-32). Figures 34 and 36-38 show the ring mechanism 301 in the closed locked position. To open the ring members 323a, 323b, the lever 315 is pivoted outward and downward (Figs. 39-41). As shown in Figure 39, the lower lip 337 of the control handle 315 begins to push upward on the underside of the hinge plates 327a, 327b, and the upper lip 336 of the control handle pulls the travel bar 345 and locking member 349 into contact with the hinge plates. The unlocked position in which the openings 329a, 329b, 329c are aligned. The connection between the locking portion 348 of the travel bar 345 and the intermediate connector 366 allows the intermediate connector to pivot slightly upward relative to the locking portion, thereby accommodating the slight upward movement of the lever as it pivots. The flexible bridge 339 between the main body 335 of the lever 315 and the lower lip 337 of the lever flexes and tensions. The open slot 341 between the main body 335 and the lower lip 337 is closed and the main body is moved into engagement with the lower lip (Fig. 40). Continued opening movement of the lever 315 causes the body to pivot the lower lip 337 in conjunction, pushing the hinge plates 327a, 327b upwardly through the coplanar position. This moves the ring members 323a, 323b to the open position, as shown in Figures 42-45. The arcuate portion 366c is substantially undeformed during movement.

To close the ring members 323a, 323b and return the mechanism 301 to the locked position, the operator can pivot the lever 315 upward and inward. As shown in Figures 46 and 47, this moves the upper lip 336 of the lever 315 into contact with the upper surfaces of the hinge plates 327a, 327b (if it is not already in contact with the hinge plate surfaces). The upper lip 336 engages the upper surfaces of the hinge plates 327a, 327b and begins to push them downward, but the spring force of the housing 311 of the mechanism 301 resists the initial hinge plate movement. The travel bar 345 can initially move forward with movement of the upper lip 336, causing the front edge 355a of the locking member 349 to abut the protrusion 382 of the hinge plates 327a, 327b (if the locking member is not already abutting). As the control handle 315 continues to pivot, the abutting locking element 349 resists further translational movement of the travel bar 345 .

As shown in FIG. 47, the arcuate portion 366c of the intermediate connector 366 is compressed (or bent outward to a more pronounced arcuate shape) to allow the lever 315 to continue to pivot. This relative movement between lever 315 and locking member 349 causes tension in intermediate connector 366 . At this point in the closing motion, if the lever 315 is released before the hinge plates 327a, 327b pivot down past their coplanar position (i.e., before the ring members 323a, 323b close), the tension in the intermediate connector 366 Will cause the handle to automatically bounce (and push) back to its starting position. In this ring mechanism 301, the compressibility of the intermediate connector 366 can pivot the lever 315, moving the hinge plates 327a, 327b downwardly to the locked position while pushing the locking member 349 to the rear of the hinge plates. The ring members 323a, 323b were previously closed.

As shown in Figures 48 and 49, continued closing movement of the lever 315 causes the upper lip 336 to pivot the interconnected hinge plates 327a, 327b downwardly. Once the hinge plates 327a, 327b have just passed the coplanar position, the spring force of the housing pushes them down, closing the ring members 323a, 323b. As the hinge plates 323a, 323b pivot downwardly, the angled front edge 355a of the locking member 349 allows the locking member and travel bar 345 to move to the left (as shown in FIGS. 48 and 49). Once the hinge plates 327a, 327b have passed the sloped front edge 355a of the locking element 349, they no longer resist the forward movement of the locking element and travel bar 345. The locking elements 349 now move with the lever 315 to their locked positions behind the hinge plates 327a, 327b. Simultaneously, the tension generated in the intermediate connector 366 by being compressed is released, and further pushes the locking element 349 to the locking position. Bridge 339 and intermediate connector 366 return to their relaxed positions. Mechanism 301 is again in the position shown in FIG. 43 .

When referring to parts of a ring binder mechanism, the articles "a," "the," and "said" mean having one or more of that part. The terms "comprising," "comprising," and "having" and variations thereof Variations are meant to be inclusive in the sense that there may be other parts than those listed. Furthermore, the use of the terms "front" and "rear" and variations thereof, or the use of other directional and orientational terms, is intended to Convenience, but these components don't require any special positioning.

As various changes could be made in the above description without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. of.

Claims (20)

1. A ring mechanism for holding loose-leaf paper, characterized in that the ring mechanism comprises: case; a hinge plate supported by the housing for pivotal movement relative to the housing; Rings for holding loose-leaf pages, each ring comprising a first ring member and a second ring member, the first ring member being mounted on the first hinge plate and movable relative to the second hinge plate as the first hinge plate pivots The ring members move between a closed position and an open position in which the two ring members form a substantially continuous closed loop to allow loose-leaf pages held by the rings to move along the rings from one ring member to the other means, in the open position, the two ring members forming a discontinuous open loop for adding or removing loose-leaf pages from said rings; an actuator mounted on the housing for movement relative to the housing to pivotally move the hinge plates; a locking element for releasably locking the closed ring part in the locked position and for releasing the movement of the closed ring part to the open position in the unlocked position; An intermediate connector operatively connects the locking element to the actuator, the intermediate connector being deformable during movement of the actuator. 2. The ring mechanism of claim 1, wherein the intermediate connector deforms in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinally extending portion of the housing. 3. The ring mechanism of claim 1, wherein the intermediate connector is integral with the locking element. 4. The ring mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a moving rod supporting the locking element, the moving rod being integrally formed with the intermediate connector. 5. The ring mechanism of claim 1, wherein the intermediate connector includes a hinge and a connector portion. 6. The ring mechanism of claim 5, wherein the hinge has a generally flat "U" shape when relaxed and is capable of bending into a more pronounced "U" shape so that the intermediate connector movement relative to the locking element. 7. The ring mechanism of claim 5, wherein the hinge includes a hinge member formed as a separate part from the connector portion. 8. The ring mechanism of claim 7, wherein the hinge member is formed as a separate part from the locking element. 9. The ring mechanism of claim 8, wherein the hinge member is formed with a generally hooked end, and the connector portion and locking member include a ring for receiving the hooked end therein. opening. 10. The ring mechanism of claim 1, wherein the locking element and intermediate connector are made of plastic. 11. The ring mechanism of claim 1, wherein the intermediate connector comprises a wire connector having two ends and an arcuate portion between the two ends. 12. A ring mechanism for holding loose-leaf pages, said ring mechanism comprising: case; a hinge plate supported by the housing for pivotal movement relative to the housing; Rings for holding loose-leaf pages, each ring comprising a first ring member and a second ring member, the first ring member being mounted on the first hinge plate and movable relative to the second hinge plate as the first hinge plate pivots The ring members move between a closed position and an open position in which the two ring members form a substantially continuous closed loop to allow loose-leaf pages held by the rings to move along the rings from one ring member to the other means, in the open position, the two ring members forming a discontinuous open loop for adding or removing loose-leaf pages from said rings; an actuator mounted on the housing for movement relative to the housing to pivotally move the hinge plates; a travel rod operatively connected to the actuator to move the travel rod relative to the housing, the travel rod has at least one locking element for releasably locking the closed loop member in the locked position and for releasing the closed loop member from moving to the open position in the unlocked position; An intermediate connector operatively connecting the travel rod to the actuator includes a hinge for deforming the intermediate connector during movement of the actuator. 13. The ring mechanism of claim 12, wherein the intermediate connector is integral with the travel rod. 14. The ring mechanism of claim 13, wherein the hinge of the intermediate connector has a generally flat "U" shape when relaxed and is bendable into a more pronounced "U" shape so that all The intermediate connector moves relative to the locking element. 15. The ring mechanism of claim 12, wherein said intermediate connector comprises a wire connector having two ends and an arcuate shape between said two ends. part. 16. The ring mechanism of claim 12, wherein the intermediate connector has a first length in a relaxed position, and a length different from the first length during pivoting of the actuator. second length. 17. The ring mechanism of claim 12, wherein the actuator is pivotable in a direction toward the housing, the intermediate connector being adapted to pivot when the actuator is pivoted toward the housing. shrinks in length during rotation. 18. A ring mechanism for holding loose-leaf pages, said ring mechanism comprising: case; a hinge plate supported by the housing for pivotal movement relative to the housing; Rings for holding loose-leaf pages, each ring comprising a first ring member and a second ring member, the first ring member being mounted on the first hinge plate and movable relative to the second hinge plate as the first hinge plate pivots The ring members move between a closed position and an open position in which the two ring members form a substantially continuous closed loop to allow loose-leaf pages held by the rings to move along the rings from one ring member to the other means, in the open position, the two ring members forming a discontinuous open loop for adding or removing loose-leaf pages from said rings; an actuator mounted on the housing for movement relative to the housing to pivotally move the hinge plates; a moving rod, the moving rod is operatively connected to the actuator to move the moving rod relative to the housing, the moving rod has at least one locking element for releasably locking the closed loop member in the locked position and for releasing the closed loop member from moving to the open position in the unlocked position; an intermediate connector operatively connecting the travel rod to the actuator; and A living hinge for pivoting the intermediate connector during movement of the actuator. 19. The ring mechanism of claim 18, wherein the living hinge interconnects the intermediate connector and the travel bar. 20. The ring mechanism of claim 19, wherein said intermediate connector, said travel bar and said living hinge are integrally formed.

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