Binder device releasably engaging aperture or notch of sheet – Opposed sheet retainers involving relative rectilinear travel – Travel from aligned to aligned – spaced position
Patent
1992-01-08
1994-01-25
Bell, Paul A.
Binder device releasably engaging aperture or notch of sheet
Opposed sheet retainers involving relative rectilinear travel
Travel from aligned to aligned, spaced position
402 46, 402 80P, B42F 1318
Patent
active
052810402
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The invention relates to ring binder mechanisms such as are commonly used to mount a sheaf of papers within a folder so that by opening and closing the binder mechanism sheets may be readily added to, or removed from, the sheaf of papers.
The most common type of binder mechanism comprises a metal base plate on which are mounted two or more spaced rings, each ring being made in two parts which are separable to enable papers to be inserted on or withdrawn from the rings, each sheet of paper being formed with holes adjacent one edge for this purpose. There are many different forms of ring binder mechanisms and various ways in which the rings may be opened and closed, such as operating levers or over-centre spring mechanisms.
In one common type of over-centre spring mechanism the two parts of each ring are mounted on separate elongate metal strips which are wedged together side by side between flanges on the underside of a metal base plate. The metal base plate is resilient and acts as a spring which, by pressing on the sides of the longitudinal strips, causes them to be angled upwardly or downwardly relatively to one another. When the rings are pulled open the strips are angled upwardly and when the two parts of each ring are pressed together to close the ring the pressure on the strips pushes them downwardly through an over-centre position until they are angled downwardly, being kept in this position by the spring pressure exerted by the flanges on the base plate.
While this type of binder mechanism is generally effective, it suffers from several disadvantages. Due to its design it is virtually essential for the mechanism to be formed from metal, and it usually comprises seven or more separate component parts which have to be assembled together by hand. Accordingly the manufacturing cost of such mechanisms is comparatively high. Since the rings stand up from the base plate at all times, such mechanisms take up a considerable amount of storage space before being fitted to folders, and when the binder mechanisms are eventually fitted to folders, the folders themselves also consume a large amount of storage space since they cannot be stored flat.
To provide the necessary security for papers a strong spring action is required and the rings may then be difficult to open and close, the sharp ends of the rings sometimes causing damage to fingers and fingernails. In spite of the strong spring action, such mechanisms are also liable to open if the folder is dropped or otherwise subjected a sudden shock. Finally, the mechanism can only be supplied in colour by carrying out a costly additional painting or enamelling process, and such colour is in any case liable to wear off in use of the mechanism.
The present invention sets out to provide an improved form of ring binder mechanism which may overcome some of the above mentioned disadvantages. Although such mechanisms are, for convenience, conventionally referred to as "ring" binder mechanisms, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the use of rings, circular or otherwise, for the purpose of holding papers and includes any arrangement where a paper-holding device is provided which comprises two portions of any suitable shape which can be brought into and out of engagement.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a ring binder mechanism comprising a fixed part having means for connecting it to a part of a folder or the like, and a movable part connected to the fixed part by connecting means allowing translational movement of the movable part relatively to the fixed part between an open position and a closed position, said connecting means including a spring-loaded over-centre device, and at least one paper-holding device comprising two portions carried on the fixed and movable part respectively, at least one of which portions is capable of having threaded over it holes in a plurality of sheets of paper or the like, which portions are separated in said open position of said movable part but are brought into engagement
REFERENCES:
patent: 627277 (1899-06-01), Shivers
patent: 1745663 (1930-02-01), Eifel
patent: 1815351 (1931-07-01), Eifel
patent: 3251364 (1966-05-01), Goldman
patent: 4730950 (1988-03-01), Ominato
Eagers Nigel
Hodkin Richard K.
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