Binder device releasably engaging aperture or notch of sheet – Sheet retainer travels arcuate path – Travel in plane perpendicular to axis of rotation
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-27
2001-04-17
Wellington, A. L. (Department: 3722)
Binder device releasably engaging aperture or notch of sheet
Sheet retainer travels arcuate path
Travel in plane perpendicular to axis of rotation
C402S026000, C402S037000, C402S038000, C402S039000, C402S040000, C402S041000, C402S042000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06217247
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates to a ring binder mechanism and, in particular, such a mechanism which may be secured to a base member, e.g. a cardboard cover, to form a ring binder for retaining loose-leaf paper.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In conventional ring binders, the ring binder mechanism, i.e. the loose-leaf retaining device, is secured to a base member. The ring binder mechanism includes an elongate body portion comprising a curved upper casing supporting a pair of plates, and two rivets engaged with the upper casing, so as to prevent relative movement between the rivets and the upper casing. In particular, the rivet includes a post whose free end is deformable to engage with the upper casing. The plates are pivotable to selectively open or close several pairs of half-rings. The rivets may also be secured to the base member. The ring binder mechanism may thus be secured to the base member via the rivets, whereby relative movement between the ring binder mechanism and the base member is prevented.
Various ways have been proposed to enhance the engagement between the rivets and the upper casing, and thus the body portion, of the ring binder mechanism, so as to enhance the durability of the ring binder. It has, for example, been proposed to deform the free end of the post of the rivet such that it engages with both the upper surface and the lower surface of the upper casing. However, the force for effecting such an engagement between the post of the rivet and the upper casing will be relatively large, and may cause undesirable deformations at certain other locations of the rivet, e.g. the post.
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a ring binder mechanism, and a ring binder, in which the above shortcoming is mitigated, or at least to provide a useful alternative to the public.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ring binder mechanism including an upper structure supporting a pivotable lower structure to which at least one pair of half-ring members are mounted, wherein the lower structure is pivotable between a first configuration in which the pair(s) of half-ring members are closed, and a second configuration in which the pair(s) of half-ring members are open, wherein said ring binder mechanism is adapted to be secured to a base member via at least one securing member, wherein said securing member includes a plate member with a first major surface from which at least a post member extends, wherein said post member includes an end deformed to engage with said upper structure via an intermediate member, wherein said intermediate member includes a first end which abuts said first major surface of said plate member and wherein at least one support member is positioned between said upper structure and said first major surface of said plate member.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ring binder mechanism including an upper structure supporting a pivotable lower structure to which at least one pair of half ring members are mounted, wherein the lower structure is pivotable between a first configuration in which said at least one pair of half ring members are closed, and a second configuration in which said at least one pair of half ring members are open, wherein said ring binder mechanism is adapted to be secured to a base member via at least one securing member, wherein said securing member includes a plate member with a first major surface from which at least a post member extends, wherein said post member includes an end deformed to engage with said upper structure via an intermediate member, wherein said intermediate member includes a second end which engages with said upper structure, and wherein at least one support member is positioned between said upper structure and said plate member.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a ring binder mechanism including an upper structure supporting a pivotable lower structure to which at least one pair of half ring members are mounted, wherein the lower structure is pivotable between a first configuration in which said at least one pair of half ring members are closed, and a second configuration in which said at least one pair of half ring members are open, wherein said ring binder mechanism is adapted to be secured to a base member via at least one securing member, wherein said securing member includes a plate member with a first major surface from which at least a post member extends, wherein said post member includes an end deformed to engage with said upper structure via an intermediate member, wherein at least part of said intermediate member is received through an aperture of said upper structure, and wherein at least one support member is positioned between said upper structure and said plate member.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a ring binder mechanism including an upper structure supporting a pivotable lower structure to which at least one pair of half ring members are mounted, wherein the lower structure is pivotable between a first configuration in which said at least one pair of half ring members are closed, and a second configuration in which said at least one pair of half ring members are open, wherein said ring binder mechanism is adapted to be secured to a base member via at least one securing member, wherein said securing member includes a plate member with a first major surface from which at least a post member extends, wherein said post member includes an end deformed to engage with said upper structure via an intermediate member, and wherein at least one support member is positioned between said upper structure and said plate member, wherein said support member is engaged with said securing member via said intermediate member.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a ring binder mechanism including an upper structure supporting a pivotable lower structure to which at least one pair of half ring members are mounted, wherein the lower structure is pivotable between a first configuration in which said at least one pair of half ring members are closed, and a second configuration in which said at least one pair of half ring members are open, wherein said ring binder mechanism is adapted to be secured to a base member via at least one securing member, wherein said securing member includes a plate member with a first major surface from which at least a post member extends, wherein said post member includes an end deformed to engage with said upper structure via an intermediate member, wherein at least one support member is positioned between said upper structure and said plate member, and wherein said support member includes a first end which abuts said upper structure.
According to a sixth aspect of this invention there is provided a ring binder mechanism including an upper structure supporting a pivotable lower structure to which at least one pair of half ring members are mounted, wherein the lower structure is pivotable between a first configuration in which said at least one pair of half ring members are closed, and a second configuration in which said at least one pair of half ring members are open, wherein said ring binder mechanism is adapted to be secured to a base member via at least one securing member, wherein said securing member includes a plate member with a first major surface from which at least a post member extends, wherein said post member includes an end deformed to engage with said upper structure via an intermediate member, wherein at least one support member is positioned between said upper structure and said plate member, and wherein said support member includes an internal surface at least part of which surrounds at least part of an outer surface of said intermediate member.
According to further aspects of the invention there are provided ring binders including ring binder mechanisms of any of the six aspects of the invention listed above secured to a base member.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5842807 (
Hall Priddy Myers & Vande Sande
Henderson Mark T.
Wellington A. L.
World Wide Stationery Manufacturing Company Limited
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