HK1114583A - Ring binder mechanism - Google Patents

Description

Ring binder mechanism

Technical Field

The present invention relates to ring binder mechanisms for retaining loose-leaf pages, and more particularly to an improved ring binder mechanism for opening and closing ring members and for locking closed ring members together.

Background

The ring binder mechanism holds loose-leaf pages, such as punched pages, in a file or notebook. It has ring members for holding the sheets. The ring members may be selectively opened to add or remove loose-leaf pages or closed to retain loose-leaf pages while allowing movement of the pages along the ring members. The ring members are mounted on two adjacent hinge plates that are connected together about a pivot axis. The 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.

The undeformed housing is slightly narrower than the connected hinge plates when the hinge plates are in a coplanar position (180). Thus, as the hinge plates pivot through this position, they deform the resilient housing and create a spring force in the housing that urges the hinge plates to pivot away from the co-planar position, opening or closing the ring members. Thus, when the ring members are closed, the spring force resists hinge plate movement and clamps the ring members together. Likewise, when the ring members are open, the spring force holds them apart. An operator can overcome this force, typically by manually pulling the ring members apart or pushing them together. Levers may be provided at one or both ends of the housing for moving the ring members between the open and closed positions. However, a disadvantage of these known ring binder mechanisms is that they do not securely lock together when the ring members are closed. Thus, if the mechanism is accidentally dropped, the ring members may inadvertently open.

Some ring binder mechanisms have been modified to include a locking structure to block the hinge plates from pivoting when the ring members are closed. This locking arrangement reliably locks the closed ring members together, preventing the ring members from inadvertently opening when the ring mechanism is accidentally dropped. The locking arrangement also provides a reduction in housing spring force because a strong spring force is not required to clamp the closed ring members together. Thus, the operator effort required to open and close the ring members of these mechanisms is less than with conventional ring mechanisms.

Some of these ring mechanisms incorporate a locking structure to a control slide that is connected to a control handle. The lever moves the control slide (and its locking structure) to either block pivoting of the hinge plates or allow rotation thereof. However, a disadvantage of these mechanisms is that the operator must reliably move the lever after the ring members are closed, positioning the locking structure to block the hinge plates and lock the closed ring members. Failure to perform this process will cause the hinge plates to accidentally pivot and open the ring members, especially if the mechanism is accidentally dropped.

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

The movement of the locking structure is typically linear or translational, but is driven by pivoting of the lever. Therefore, it is necessary to transmit only the translational component of the movement of the lever to the locking structure. Various solutions have been proposed. See, for example, commonly owned U.S. patent application No. 10/870801. However, there is a need for a structure that is inexpensive to manufacture, simple in overall structure, and reliable in repeated operation to effect the transfer of motion.

Disclosure of Invention

A ring mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages generally includes a housing, hinge plates supported by the housing for pivoting movement relative to the housing, and a ring for retaining the 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 with respect to the second ring member between a closed position and an open position with pivoting movement of the first hinge plate. In the closed position, the two ring members form a substantially continuous, closed loop for allowing loose-leaf pages retained by the rings to be moved 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 pivoting movement of the hinge plates. The locking elements are used to releasably lock the closed ring members in a locked position and to 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.

In another aspect, a ring mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages generally comprises a housing, hinge plates supported by the housing for pivoting movement relative to the housing, and a ring for retaining the 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 with respect to the second ring member between a closed position and an open position with pivoting movement of the first hinge plate. In the closed position, the two ring members form a substantially continuous, closed loop for allowing loose-leaf pages retained by the rings to be moved 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 pivoting movement of the hinge plates. A travel bar is operatively connected to the actuator to move the travel bar relative to the housing. The travel bar has at least one locking element for releasably locking the closed ring members in a locked position and for releasing the closed ring members for movement to an open position in an unlocked position. An intermediate connector operatively connects the travel bar to the actuator. The intermediate connector includes a hinge for deforming the intermediate connector during movement of the actuator.

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

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a notebook incorporating a ring binder mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top side perspective of the ring binder mechanism in a closed and locked position with the lever in a first relaxed position;

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

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective of the ring binder mechanism;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective of the ring mechanism of FIG. 2 with a portion of the housing removed and with ring members removed to show internal construction;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view thereof with the housing and hinge plates removed;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 4, but with the ring mechanism in the closed unlocked position and the lever in a first deformed position;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 6, but with the ring mechanism in the closed unlocked position and the lever in a first deformed position;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the ring mechanism in an open position;

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective thereof;

FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 6, but with the ring mechanism in the open position and the lever in a second deformed position;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are side views similar to FIG. 11 showing pivotal movement of the lever toward the closed and locked position and simultaneous deformation of the hinges of the intermediate connectors;

FIG. 13 is a top side perspective view of the travel bar;

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

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view showing disengagement of the lever from the travel bar;

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view similar to FIG. 15, but showing the lever attached to the travel bar;

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

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective thereof;

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

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

FIG. 21 is a bottom perspective view of the ring mechanism;

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

FIG. 23 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective of the ring mechanism of FIG. 20 with a portion of the housing removed and with ring members removed to show internal construction;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the ring mechanism with the housing and hinge plates removed;

FIG. 25 is a view similar to FIG. 20, but with the ring mechanism in the closed unlocked position and the lever in a first deformed position;

FIG. 26 is a bottom perspective thereof;

FIG. 27 is similar to FIG. 24, but with the lever in a first deformed position;

FIG. 28 is a top perspective view of the ring mechanism in an open position;

FIG. 29 is a bottom perspective thereof;

FIG. 30 is similar to FIG. 24, but with the ring mechanism in the open position and the lever in a second deformed position;

FIG. 31 is a bottom perspective view of the travel bar;

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

FIG. 33 is a top perspective of another embodiment of a ring binder mechanism;

FIG. 34 is a bottom perspective thereof;

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

FIG. 36 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective of the ring mechanism of FIG. 33 with a portion of the housing removed and with ring members removed to show internal construction;

FIG. 37 is a fragmentary side elevational view thereof with the housing and hinge plates removed;

FIG. 38 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 39 is a bottom perspective view similar to FIG. 34 with the lever in a first deformed position;

FIG. 40 is a fragmentary side elevational view thereof with the housing and hinge plates removed;

FIG. 41 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 42 is a view similar to FIG. 33, but with the ring mechanism in the open position and the lever in a second deformed position;

FIG. 43 is a bottom perspective thereof;

FIG. 44 is the fragmentary side elevational view of FIG. 42 with the housing and hinge plates removed;

FIG. 45 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 46 is the side view of FIG. 44 showing pivotal movement of the lever to move the mechanism to the closed and locked position with the lever still deformed;

FIG. 47 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 48 is the side view of FIG. 46 showing pivotal movement of the lever to move the mechanism to the closed and locked position with the intermediate connector compressed;

FIG. 49 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the intermediate connector;

FIG. 51 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 52 is a side view thereof; and

fig. 53 is an end view thereof.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

Detailed Description

Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1-16 show a ring binder mechanism 101. In FIG. 1, the mechanism 101 is shown mounted on a notebook 103. Specifically, the mechanism 101 is shown mounted on the spine 105 of the notebook 103 between a front cover 107 and a back cover 109 hingedly mounted on the spine 105. The front and back covers 107, 109 are moved to selectively cover or expose loose-leaf pages (not shown) held by the mechanism 101 within the notebook 103. Ring binder mechanisms that are otherwise mounted on a notebook, or on a surface other than a notebook, such as a file, do not depart from the scope of this invention.

As shown in fig. 1, the housing 111 supports three rings (each shown as 113) and a lever (broadly, "actuator", shown as 115). The lever is mounted to the housing by a pin 161. The rings 113 hold loose-leaf pages within the notebook 103 on the ring mechanism 101, while the lever 115 is operable to open and close the rings so that the pages 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 plateau 117 at its center. A first longitudinal end (right side of fig. 2) of the housing 111 is generally open, while an opposite second longitudinal end (left side of fig. 2) is generally closed. A bent bottom edge 121 (fig. 4) extends longitudinally along a 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 with a file or notebook do not depart from the scope of this invention.

The three rings 113 of the ring binder mechanism 101 are substantially identical and each is generally circular in shape (e.g., FIG. 2). The ring 113 passes through an opening 177 in the housing 111. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, each ring 113 includes two generally semi-circular ring members 123a, 123b made from a conventional cylindrical rod of a suitable material (e.g., steel). The ring members 123a, 123b include free ends 125a, 125b, respectively, that 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). The ring 113 may be D-shaped as is known in the art, or other shapes within the scope of the invention. Ring binder mechanisms having ring members made of different materials or having different cross-sectional shapes, such as oval, do not depart from the scope of this 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 elongate, flat, rectangular in shape, and is slightly shorter in length than the housing 111. 4 respective cutouts 129a-d are formed in each hinge plate 127a, 127b along the hinge plate inner edge margins. The finger 131 extends longitudinally away from a first end of each hinge plate 127a, 127b (i.e., to the right in FIG. 3). The fingers 131 are narrower in width than the respective hinge plates 127a, 127b and are positioned with their inner longitudinal edge margins generally aligned with the inner longitudinal edge margins of the hinge plates. The purpose of the notches 129a-d and fingers 131 will be explained below. The lever 115 and hinge plates 127a, 127b are broadly referred to as an "actuation system".

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, the lever 115 includes a handle 133, a body 135 mounted on the handle, and upper and lower lips 136, 137 mounted on the body. The handle 133 is slightly wider than each of the body 135, the upper lip 136, and the lower lip 137 (fig. 2), facilitating grasping of the lever 115 and application of force to move the lever. In the illustrated ring mechanism 101, the body 135 is formed integrally with the handle 133 so as to move substantially with the handle. The 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 fig. 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") that is integral with the main body and lower lip. A ring mechanism in which the bridge portion of the lever is formed separately from the body and/or lower lip portion and connects the body and lower lip portion together does not depart from the scope of the present invention. The bridge 139 is generally arcuate and forms an open slot 141 between the lower lip 137 and the body 135. Lower lip 137 extends away from body 135 at bridge 139 and slot 141, is aligned substantially parallel to upper lip 136, and forms a C-shaped space between body 135 and lower lip 137. It is envisioned that the lever 115 is made of a resilient polymeric material, such as by a molding process. It is within the scope of the present invention that the lever 115 may be made from other materials or by other processes. A ring mechanism having a lever of a different shape than illustrated and described herein does not depart from the scope of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 3, 13 and 14, the ring mechanism includes a travel bar 145 and an intermediate connector 167 integrally formed therewith. The travel bar 145 includes an elongated locking portion 148 and three locking elements 149 spaced along a bottom surface of the locking portion. More specifically, one locking element 149 is provided near each longitudinal end of the locking portion 148, and one locking element 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 fig. 13 and 14, each locking element 149 includes a narrow flat bottom 153, a beveled front edge 155a, recessed sides 155b (only one side is visible), and a rear extension 156. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 149 has a generally wedge-like shape. The angled edges 155a of the locking elements 149 may engage the hinge plates 127a, 127b to assist the hinge plates in pivoting downward. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 149 is integrally formed with the travel bar 145, such as by a molding process. The locking element 149 may be formed separately from the travel bar 145 and attached thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, locking elements of different shapes, such as block-shaped (i.e., without angled 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 bar 145, and a flexible hinge 170 between the locking portion 148 and the connector portion 168. The connector portion 168 is formed with elongated openings 168a for receiving the mounting posts 179a, 179b therethrough and allowing the travel bar 145 to move longitudinally along the housing 111 relative to the mounting posts during operation of the mechanism 101. The connector portion 168 is connected to the lever 115 at the lever's upper lip 136 by a mounting pin 171 so that pivoting movement of the lever produces translational movement of the 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 element 149.

FIGS. 2 and 4-7 show ring members 123a, 123b of ring mechanism 101 in a closed and locked position. The locking elements 149 of the locking portion 148 are positioned adjacent the respective cutouts 129a-d and are generally aligned with the hinge 175 above the hinge plates 127a, 127 b. Locking elements 149 are not substantially aligned with cutouts 129 a-d. The flat bottom surface 153 rests on the upper surfaces of the hinge plates 127a, 127b, and the rear extensions 156 pass through each respective cutout 129a-d adjacent the forward bent-down tabs 182 of the hinge plates. Together, the locking portions 148 and locking elements 149 resist any force tending to pivot the hinge plates 127a, 127b upward to open the ring members 123a, 123b (i.e., they lock the ring members closed).

To open the ring members 123a, 123b, the lever 115 is pivoted outward and downward (clockwise as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 8, the lower lip 137 engages the bottom surfaces of the hinge plates 127a, 127b and the upper lip 136 pulls the travel bar 145 and locking elements 149 toward the unlocked position. The lever 115 is configured to pull the locking elements 149 from the locked position before the hinge plates 127a, 127b pivot to open the ring members 123a, 123 b. More specifically, prior to pivoting the hinge plates, the locking elements 149 are moved into alignment over the respective cutouts 129a-d in the hinge plates 127a, 127 b. Flexible hinge 170 may stretch slightly under tension from upper lip 136, but to a large extent it substantially retains its shallow "U" shape. The flexible bridge 139 between the body 135 of the lever 115 and the lower lip 137 of the lever flexes and tensions. The open slot 141 between the body 135 and the lower lip 137 is closed and the body moves into engagement with the lower lip. Continued opening movement of the lever 115 causes the body 135 to concomitantly pivot the lower lip 137, pushing the hinge plates 127a, 127b upward through the co-planar position. This moves the ring members 123a, 123b to the open position as shown in fig. 9-11.

To close the ring members 123a, 123b and restore the mechanism 101 to the locked position, the operator can pivot the lever 115 upward and inward. As shown in FIG. 12A, this moves the upper lip 136 of the lever 115 into contact with the upper surfaces of the hinge plates 127a, 127b (if it has not already contacted the upper surfaces of the hinge plates). The upper lips 136 engage the upper surfaces of the hinge plates 127a, 127b and begin to push them downward, but the spring force of the housing 111 resists the initial hinge plate movement. The travel bar 145 may initially move forward with the movement of the upper lip 136 such that the front edges 155a of the locking elements 149 abut against the tabs 182 of the hinge plates 127a, 127b (if the locking elements are not already abutting). As the lever 115 continues to pivot, the abutting locking elements 149 prevent further movement of the travel bar 145. As shown in FIG. 12A, flexible hinge 170 of travel bar 145 begins to bend (or deflect downward into a more pronounced "U" shape) to continue pivoting of lever 115. This relative movement between the connector portion 168 of the intermediate connector 167 and the locking element 149 causes tension to be created within the flexible hinge 170. At this point in the closing motion, if the lever 115 is released before the hinge plates 127a, 127b pivot downward past their co-planar position (i.e., before the ring members 123a, 123b close), the tension in the flexible hinge 170 will automatically cause the lever to spring (and push) back to its starting position.

As shown in FIG. 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 co-planar position, the housing spring force pushes them downward, closing the ring members 123a, 123 b. As the hinge plates 127a, 127B pivot downward, the angled leading edges 155a of the locking elements 149 cause the locking elements and travel bar 145 to move to the left (as viewed in FIG. 12B). The flexible hinge 170 remains deformed and tensioned during the initial movement. Once the hinge plates 127a, 127b clear the angled front edges 155a of the locking elements 149, they no longer resist forward movement of the locking elements and travel bar 145. The locking elements 149 now move with the lever 115 to their locked position behind the hinge plates 127a, 127 b. At the same time, the bridge 139 flattens and tension in the flexible hinge 170 causes the locking element 149 to spring back and push further to the locked position. The bridge 139 and flexible hinge 170 return to their relaxed positions. The mechanism 101 is again in the position shown in figure 6.

In this ring mechanism 101, the flexible hinge 170 of the intermediate connector 167 allows the lever 115 to pivot, moving the hinge plates 127a, 127b downward to close the ring members 123a, 123b before pushing the locking elements 149 to a locked position behind the hinge plates. 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 (via the connector portion 168) as the lever pivots, protecting the locking portion 148 from vertical movement so that the locking element 149 remains stationary (vertically) during operation.

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

It is 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 accordion-type, resiliently collapsible, to accommodate longitudinal movement of the connector portion relative to the locking portion.

It is contemplated that each of the portions of the travel bar and the intermediate connector are made of a plastic material, but they may be made of other suitable materials such as metal. Further, different portions of the travel bar may be made of different materials, but it should be understood that the flexible hinge is made of spring steel, plastic, or other flexible material.

20-32 illustrate another embodiment of a ring binder mechanism 201. Mechanism 201 is similar to mechanism 101 described above and shown in fig. 1-19, but does not include U-shaped hinge 170. Parts of the ring mechanism 201 corresponding to parts of the ring mechanism 101 shown in figures 1 to 16 are indicated by the same reference numerals increased by "100". In this embodiment, the intermediate connector 267 is integrally formed with the travel bar 245, but is connected by a living hinge 272 that allows the intermediate connector to pivot relative to the travel bar, but does not deform longitudinally as in the U-shaped flexible hinges 170, 170' of FIGS. 1-19. Thus, in the mechanism 201, the living hinge 272 converts the pivoting motion of the lever 215 into a translational motion of the travel bar 245, but does not allow the lever 215 to pivot to close the ring members 223a, 223b before the travel bar 245 and locking element 249 move to the locked position. To close the ring members 223a, 223b, they may be manually pushed together.

As shown in fig. 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. The locking elements 249 of the locking portion 248 are shaped similarly to the locking elements 149 of the mechanism 101 described previously. The intermediate connector 267 is formed with an elongated opening 267a for receiving the mounting post 279a therethrough and allowing the travel bar 245 to move relative to the mounting post during operation of the mechanism 201. As shown in fig. 23 and 25, the intermediate connector 267 is connected to the flat lever 215 (i.e., a lever having a flat handle as compared to the lever 115 of the previous mechanism (fig. 1-19)) at the upper lip 236 of the lever. The crossbar 271 of the intermediate connector 267 is captured by the hook 236a on the upper lip 236 of the lever 215.

The opening operation of the mechanism 201 is similar to that of the mechanism 101 described previously (fig. 1-19). 20-25 illustrate the ring mechanism 201 in a closed and locked position. To open the ring members 223a, 223b, the lever 215 is pivoted outward and downward (in a counterclockwise direction as shown by the arrow in FIG. 24). As shown in FIG. 27, the lower lip 237 of the lever 215 begins to push upward on the bottom surface of the hinge plates 227a, 227b, and the upper lip 236 of the lever pulls the travel bar 245 and locking elements 249 to an unlocked position in alignment with the openings 229a, 229b, 229c in the hinge plates. The hinged connection between the locking portion 248 of the travel bar 245 and the intermediate connector 267 and between the intermediate connector and the lever 215 can cause the intermediate connector to pivot slightly upward relative to the locking portion, thereby accommodating slight upward movement of the lever as the lever pivots. 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 channel 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 upward through the co-planar position. This moves the ring members 223a, 223b to the open position, as shown in fig. 28-30. To close the ring members 223a, 223b and return the mechanism 201 to the locked position, the operator pushes the ring members together.

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

33-53 illustrate another embodiment of a ring binder mechanism 301. The mechanism 301 is similar to the mechanism 101 described above and shown in fig. 1-19, but includes an intermediate connector 366 that is different from the intermediate connector 167 of fig. 1-19. Parts of the ring mechanism 301 corresponding to parts of the ring mechanism 101 of figures 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 (fig. 50-53). The first end 366a includes a small gap 366e between the beginning and end points of the wire.

As shown in fig. 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 tab 371 adjacent the slot 347. The second end 366b of the intermediate connector 366 is received within the slot 347 with a portion of the intermediate connector immediately adjacent its second end extending below the projection 371. The locking elements 349 of the locking portion 348 are similar in shape to the locking elements 149 of the mechanism 101 described previously, except for the slots 347 and tabs 371. As shown in fig. 36-38, the intermediate connector 366 is connected to the flat lever 315 at the lever upper lip 336. The first end 366a of the intermediate connector 366 fits within the aperture 336a on the upper lip 336 of the lever 315 such that pivoting movement of the lever produces translational movement of the travel bar 345.

The opening operation of this mechanism 301 is similar to that of the mechanisms 101, 201 (fig. 1-32) described previously. Fig. 34 and 36-38 show the ring mechanism 301 in a closed and locked position. To open the ring members 323a, 323b, the lever 315 is pivoted outward and downward (FIGS. 39-41). As shown in FIG. 39, the lower lip 337 of the lever 315 begins to push upward on the bottom surfaces of the hinge plates 327a, 327b, and the upper lip 336 of the lever pulls the travel bar 345 and locking elements 349 to the unlocked position in alignment with the openings 329a, 329b, 329c in the hinge plates. The connection between the locking portion 348 of the travel bar 345 and the intermediate connector 366 can cause the intermediate connector to pivot slightly upward relative to the locking portion, thereby accommodating slight upward movement of the lever as the lever 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 concomitantly pivot the lower lip 337, pushing the hinge plates 327a, 327b upward through the co-planar position. This moves the ring members 323a, 323b to the open position, as shown in fig. 42-45. Arcuate portion 366c is substantially undeformed during movement.

To close the ring members 323a, 323b and restore the mechanism 301 to the locked position, the operator may pivot the lever 315 upward and inward. As shown in FIGS. 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 upper surfaces of the hinge plates). 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 may initially move forward with the movement of the upper lip 336 so that the front edges 355a of the locking elements 349 abut the tabs 382 of the hinge plates 327a, 327b (if the locking elements are not already abutting). As the lever 315 continues to pivot, the abutting locking elements 349 resist 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 outwardly to a more pronounced arcuate shape) to continue pivoting of the lever 315. This relative movement between the lever 315 and the locking element 349 causes tension in the intermediate connector 366. At this point in the closing motion, if the lever 315 is released before the hinge plates 327a, 327b pivot downward through their co-planar position (i.e., before the ring members 323a, 323b close), the tension in the intermediate connector 366 will automatically rebound (and push) the lever to its starting position. In this ring mechanism 301, the compressibility of the intermediate connector 366 allows the lever 315 to pivot, moving the hinge plates 327a, 327b downward to close the ring members 323a, 323b before pushing the locking elements 349 to the locked position behind the hinge plates.

As shown in FIGS. 48 and 49, continued closing movement of the lever 315 causes the upper lip 336 to pivot the interconnected hinge plates 327a, 327b downward. Once the hinge plates 327a, 327b have just passed through the co-planar position, the housing spring force pushes them downward, closing the ring members 323a, 323 b. As the hinge plates 323a, 323b pivot downward, the angled leading edges 355a of the locking elements 349 permit the locking elements and travel bar 345 to move leftward (as viewed in FIGS. 48 and 49). Once the hinge plates 327a, 327b clear the angled leading edges 355a of the locking elements 349, they no longer resist forward movement of the locking elements and travel bar 345. The locking elements 349 now move with the lever 315 to their locked position behind the hinge plates 327a, 327 b. At the same time, the tension that is compressed and created within the intermediate connector 366 is released and further pushes the locking element 349 to the locked position. The bridge 339 and the intermediate connector 366 return to their relaxed positions. The mechanism 301 is again in the position shown in figure 43.

When introducing elements of the ring binder mechanism, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having," and variations thereof, are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Furthermore, the use of the terms "front" and "back" and variations thereof, or other directional and orientational terms, are used for convenience, but these elements need not be in any particular orientation.

As various changes could be made in the above 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.

Claims (20)

1. A ring mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages, the ring mechanism comprising:

a housing;

hinge plates supported by the housing for pivoting movement relative to the housing;

a ring for retaining loose-leaf pages, each ring including a first ring member mounted on a first hinge plate and movable with the pivoting movement of the first hinge plate relative to a second ring member between a closed position in which the two ring members form a substantially continuous closed loop for allowing loose-leaf pages retained by the ring to be moved along the ring from one ring member to the other ring member and an open position in which the two ring members form a discontinuous open loop for adding or removing loose-leaf pages from the ring;

an actuator mounted on the housing for movement relative to the housing for pivoting movement of the hinge plates;

locking elements for releasably locking the closed ring members in a locked position and for releasing the closed ring members for movement to an open position in an unlocked position;

an intermediate connector operatively connecting 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 a longitudinal extension 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 travel bar supporting the locking element, the travel bar and the intermediate connector being integrally formed.

5. The ring mechanism of claim 1, wherein the intermediate connector comprises a hinge and a connector portion.

6. The mechanism of claim 5, wherein the hinge has a generally flat "U" shape when relaxed and can be bent into a more pronounced "U" shape to move the intermediate connector relative to the locking element.

7. The loop mechanism of claim 5, wherein the hinge comprises a hinge component formed as a separate component from the connector portion.

8. The ring mechanism of claim 7, wherein the hinge member is formed as a separate component from the locking element.

9. A ring mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the hinge member is formed with a generally hooked end and the connector portion and locking element include an opening for receiving the hooked end therein.

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 retaining loose-leaf pages, the ring mechanism comprising:

a housing;

hinge plates supported by the housing for pivoting movement relative to the housing;

a ring for retaining loose-leaf pages, each ring including a first ring member mounted on a first hinge plate and movable with the pivoting movement of the first hinge plate relative to a second ring member between a closed position in which the two ring members form a substantially continuous closed loop for allowing loose-leaf pages retained by the ring to be moved along the ring from one ring member to the other ring member and an open position in which the two ring members form a discontinuous open loop for adding or removing loose-leaf pages from the ring;

an actuator mounted on the housing for movement relative to the housing for pivoting movement of the hinge plates;

a travel bar operatively connected to the actuator for moving the travel bar relative to the housing, the travel bar having at least one locking element for releasably locking the closed ring members in a locked position and for releasing the closed ring members for movement to an open position in an unlocked position;

an intermediate connector operatively connecting the travel bar to the actuator, the intermediate connector including a hinge for deforming the intermediate connector during movement of the actuator.

13. The ring mechanism of claim 12, wherein the intermediate connector and the travel bar are formed as one piece.

14. The mechanism of claim 13, wherein the hinges of the intermediate connector have a generally flat "U" shape when relaxed and can be bent into a more pronounced "U" shape to move the intermediate connector relative to the locking element.

15. The ring mechanism of claim 12 wherein the intermediate connector comprises a wire connector having two ends and an arcuate portion between the two ends.

16. The loop mechanism of claim 12 wherein the intermediate connector has a first length in a relaxed position and a second length different than the first length during pivoting of the actuator.

17. The ring mechanism of claim 12 wherein the actuator is pivotable in a direction toward the housing, the intermediate connector being adapted to contract in length during pivoting of the actuator toward the housing.

18. A ring mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages, the ring mechanism comprising:

a housing;

hinge plates supported by the housing for pivoting movement relative to the housing;

a ring for retaining loose-leaf pages, each ring including a first ring member mounted on a first hinge plate and movable with the pivoting movement of the first hinge plate relative to a second ring member between a closed position in which the two ring members form a substantially continuous closed loop for allowing loose-leaf pages retained by the ring to be moved along the ring from one ring member to the other ring member and an open position in which the two ring members form a discontinuous open loop for adding or removing loose-leaf pages from the ring;

an actuator mounted on the housing for movement relative thereto for pivoting movement of the hinge plates;

a travel bar operatively connected to the actuator for moving the travel bar relative to the housing, the travel bar having at least one locking element for releasably locking the closed ring members in a locked position and for releasing the closed ring members for movement to an open position in an unlocked position;

an intermediate connector operatively connecting the travel bar to the actuator; and

a living hinge for pivoting the intermediate connector during movement of the actuator.

19. The mechanism as recited in claim 18, wherein the living hinge interconnects the intermediate connector and the travel bar.

20. The mechanism of claim 19, wherein the intermediate connector, the travel bar, and the living hinge are integrally formed.