Binder device releasably engaging aperture or notch of sheet – Resilient sheet retainer requiring deflection for sheet removal
Reexamination Certificate
2001-11-30
2004-06-15
Banks, Derris H. (Department: 3722)
Binder device releasably engaging aperture or notch of sheet
Resilient sheet retainer requiring deflection for sheet removal
C402S038000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06749357
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to binders for holding loose leaf pages, and in particular to an improved mechanism for opening and closing binders.
A ring binder retains loose leaf pages, such as hole-punched papers, in a file or notebook. It features ring members for retaining the papers which may be selectively opened to add or remove papers, or closed to retain papers while allowing them to be moved along the ring members. Levers are typically provided on both ends of the binder for moving the ring members between the open and closed positions.
One drawback to ring binders of the prior art is that when ring members are being closed, they snap shut with a strong magnitude of force which can cause injury. When ring members are fully closed, that strong clamping force is necessary to securely lock the binder and prevent its unintentional opening. Unfortunately, that magnitude of force is also applied to the ring members while they are being opened or closed, causing difficulty in opening and closing the ring members, as well as the hazardous snapping action. Further, the clamping force within each ring is not uniform with the clamping force in other rings, causing uneven movement and potentially resulting in gaps on closed rings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Among the several objects and features of the present invention may be noted the provision of a ring binder mechanism which inhibits injury to operators; the provision of such a mechanism which is easily opened or closed; the provision of such a mechanism which provides uniform clamping force in each ring; and the provision of such a mechanism which may be securely locked.
Generally, a ring binder mechanism according to the present invention retains loose leaf pages. The mechanism comprises a generally rigid, elongate plate having a longitudinal axis and hinge plates supported by the plate for pivoting motion relative to the elongate plate. Rings hold the loose leaf pages, the rings including ring members mounted on the hinge plates and moveable by the hinge plates between a closed position wherein the ring members of each ring form a substantially continuous, closed loop for allowing loose leaf pages retained by the rings to be moved along the ring from one ring member to the other, and an open position wherein the ring members of each ring form a discontinuous, open loop for adding or removing loose leaf pages from the rings. A control structure is supported by the elongate plate for movement relative to the elongate plate for controllably pivoting the hinge plates to thereby move the ring members between the closed and open positions. The control structure comprises a travel bar movable in translation relative to the elongate plate and a connecting link pivotally connecting the travel bar to the hinge plates for moving the hinge plates between the closed and open positions.
In another aspect, a ring binder mechanism according to the present invention comprises a generally rigid, elongate plate having a longitudinal axis and two ends. Hinge plates are supported by the elongate plate for pivoting motion relative to the elongate plate. Rings hold the loose leaf pages, the rings including ring members mounted on the hinge plates and moveable by the hinge plates between a closed position wherein the ring members of each ring form a substantially continuous, closed loop for allowing loose leaf pages retained by the rings to be moved along the ring from one ring member to the other, and an open position wherein the ring members of each ring form a discontinuous, open loop for adding or removing loose leaf pages from the rings. A control structure is supported by the elongate plate for movement relative to the elongate plate. The control structure comprises a pivotally movable actuator located generally at one end of the elongate plate and pivotally mounted thereto, the other end being free of any actuator. The control structure engages the hinge plates at least at two spaced apart locations for controllably pivoting the hinge plates to thereby move the ring members between the closed and open positions.
In yet a further aspect, a method according to the present invention opens or closes a ring binder mechanism having ring members for retaining loose leaf pages and an elongate support plate. The method comprises the steps of mounting the ring members on pivotable hinge plates such that pivoting of the hinge plates moves the ring members between open and closed positions. The hinge plates are operatively connected with a travel bar that is moveable in translation generally lengthwise of the elongate plate, including placing at least one pivotally movable connecting link between the hinge plates and the travel bar such that force is transmitted from the bar to the hinge plates to produce pivotal motion of the hinge plates. Force is applied to the actuating bar to move the bar and thereby open or close the ring members.
Other objects and features of the present invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
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Kokuyo Lock Ring Mechanism with description, two instruction sheets, and nine photographs, undated but admitted as prior art.
European Search Report from the European Patent Office dated Feb. 27, 2003.
Banks Derris H.
Senniger Powers Leavitt & Roedel
Williams Jamila
World Wide Stationery Manufacturing Company Limited
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