Binder device releasably engaging aperture or notch of sheet – Sheet retainer travels arcuate path
Reexamination Certificate
2001-01-03
2001-12-11
Fridie, Jr., Willmon (Department: 3722)
Binder device releasably engaging aperture or notch of sheet
Sheet retainer travels arcuate path
C402S031000, C402S032000, C402S036000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06328497
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a ring mechanism adapted for mounting in loose-leaf binders and the like.
BACKGROUND
A variety of ring mechanisms exist for looseleaf binders and the like. Common to these mechanisms is the provision of elements forming a ring, the elements extending outwardly from carrier rails in some designs. The carrier rails are located within a cover rail, and the ring elements extend through rings in the cover rail. In most known mechanisms, the ring elements extend outwardly from the cover rails such that, in a closed position, the ring elements form a generally circular closure.
With many binders, the ring mechanism is intended to be operated by gripping the ring elements of the rings. The ring elements are then manually moved between the opened and closed overcenter positions. In some designs, the entire ring mechanism (typically including three rings and sometimes more than three rings) is opened only if a single designated ring—the “exclusive opening” ring—is opened. However, presently, it is difficult for the user to quickly determine which ring on a ring mechanism is the exclusive opening ring. Similarly, rings having other special functions (e.g., rings capable of being folded down within the binder for more compact storage) cannot easily be distinguished from other rings on the same ring mechanism.
There is a need, therefore, for a simple, inexpensive modification to a ring design which can be used to distinguish an exclusive opening ring or a ring having some special function from other rings mounted on a carrier mechanism.
SUMMARY
The present invention addresses these needs, by providing a ring mechanism with a unique design, so that the ring mechanism may be easily differentiated from other rings mounted on a carrier mechanism. The ring includes bottom sections and top sections, the top sections being made from a colored plastic material.
A ring for mounting on a carrier mechanism of a binder is described. The ring includes a first ring element and a second ring element. The first ring element includes a first ring element bottom section, which is connected to the carrier mechanism, and a first ring element top section. The first ring element top section includes a first end and a second end. Similarly, the second ring element includes a second ring element bottom section, which is connected to the carrier mechanism, and a second ring element top section. The second ring element top section includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the second ring element top section is joined to the second ring element bottom section, while the second end is adapted for coupling with the second end of the first ring element top section.
When the ring of the present invention is in a closed position, the first ring element top section and the second ring element top section, being made of a colored plastic, are easily detected in juxtaposition with other rings mounted on the carrier mechanism.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1927802 (1933-09-01), McMillan
patent: 4128356 (1978-12-01), Carlisle
Fridie Jr. Willmon
Skjerven Morrill & MacPherson LLP
Steuber David E.
World Wide Stationery Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
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