CN100427325C - Soft-close ring binder mechanism with reinforced travel lever - Google Patents

Abstract

The ring binder mechanism includes a housing that supports two hinge plates for loose pivoting to move the ring members apart or together. The structure also includes an actuation control handle pivotally mounted on the housing. The lever moves the travel bar and its locking member to control the pivoting of the hinge plates and ring members mounted thereon between open and closed positions. In particular, the locking element is cammed to gently close the ring part. When the ring parts are separated, the locking element is aligned with the opening in the at least one hinge plate. When the ring parts are brought together, the locking element is substantially out of alignment with the opening, preventing the hinge plates from pivoting to separate the ring parts. The travel rod is formed with a reinforcement structure to prevent deformation of the travel rod during repeated operations.

Description

Soft-close ring binder mechanism with reinforced travel lever

technical field

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to ring binder mechanisms for holding loose-leaf pages, and more particularly to an improved mechanism for alleviating jerk movement of the ring members when they are closed and for securely locking the closed ring members together.

Background technique

Typical ring binder mechanisms hold loose-leaf paper, such as perforated paper, in a folder or notebook, as is known in the art. Characterized by a plurality of rings, each ring comprising two half-ring members that can be selectively opened to add or remove sheets, or selectively closed to hold and move sheets along the ring . The ring members are mounted on two adjacent hinge plates joined together about a pivot axis for pivotal movement within the elongated housing. The housing loosely holds the hinge plates so that the hinge plates can pivot relative to the housing. When the hinge plates are in the coplanar position (180°), the undeformed shell is slightly narrower than the joined hinge plates. As the hinge plates pivot through this position, they deform the resilient housing and create a spring force in the housing, urging the hinge plates to pivot out of the coplanar position to open or close the ring members. In this way, when the ring parts are closed, the spring force resists the movement of the hinge plates and clamps the ring parts together. Similarly, when the ring members are opened, elastic forces keep them separated. The operator can overcome the spring force by manually pulling apart the ring parts or pushing them together. In addition, in some mechanisms, the operator can move the control handles located at one or both ends of these mechanisms to move the hinge plates through the coplanar position to open or close the ring parts (in addition to manually pulling the ring parts apart or pushing them together ).

One disadvantage of these typical ring binder mechanisms is that when the ring members are closed, the elastic force of the housing causes them to snap together quickly and create a force that can trap a finger between the ring members. The high spring force required to keep the ring members closed also makes it difficult for the hinge plates to pivot through the co-planar position, making it difficult to open or close the ring members. Another disadvantage is that when the ring parts are closed, they cannot be reliably locked together. If the mechanism is accidentally dropped, the ring parts may open unintentionally. A further disadvantage is that over time the housing may begin to deform permanently, reducing its ability to evenly clamp the ring parts together and possibly causing uneven movement or gaps between closed ring parts.

To address these issues, some ring binder mechanisms include control sliders mounted directly on the control handle. The control slide has angled cam surfaces that pass through openings in the hinge plates to rigidly control the pivotal movement of the hinge plates when opening and closing the ring members. Examples of mechanisms of this type are shown in US Pat. Some of the cam surfaces include stops for resisting pivotal movement of the hinge plates when the ring members are closed and to lock the closed ring members together.

However, these mechanisms still have the disadvantage that when the ring members are closed, the elastic force of the housing can still snap them together. Elastic forces also make opening and closing the loop members difficult. Also, the control sliders in these mechanisms, especially the inclined cam surfaces and stops, are complex in shape and difficult and time consuming to manufacture. Furthermore, since the control sliders directly bias the hinge plates, they are often relatively wide and may need to be made of heavy gauge metal to withstand the forces associated with repeated use (ie, repeatedly biasing the hinge plates to pivot). Consequently, the openings in the hinge plates that receive these control sliders may also be relatively wide, thereby weakening the hinge plates and necessitating that they also be made of heavy gauge metal. Using large-gauge metals makes mass production expensive. Furthermore, repeated engagement of the control slider with the hinge plates during operation may deform the structure of the control slider such that the slider cannot pivot the hinge plates sufficiently to open or close the ring members. A deformed slider is also unable to adequately close or lock the closed ring parts together, creating a gap between the closed ring parts. These problems all make the ring binder mechanism difficult to operate.

Other ring binder mechanisms have attempted to solve the problem of avoiding sudden movement of the ring members and reliably locking the ring members in the closed position. For example, some mechanisms arrange the hinge plates so that they never pass through a co-planar position when pivotally moved. As a result of avoiding the hinge plates passing through a coplanar position, the ring members do not snap together forcefully when closed. However, the closing force applied to the ring members is relatively weak, necessitating the provision of separate locking means to keep the ring members closed. An example of this type of ring binder mechanism is shown in US Patent No. 5,660,490. Another solution is to arrange the hinge plate and the housing such that the hinge plate is only weakly biased by the housing. This can be accomplished by adding a separate wire-shaped spring to the underside of the hinge plates to provide a bias to pivot the hinge plates to the open position of the ring members. An example of the structure of such a ring binder mechanism is shown in US Patent Application No. 2003/0123923 to Koike et al. In these types of mechanisms, the ends of the ring members are formed with hooks that engage when the ring members are closed to maintain the ring members in the closed position. It takes some skill to manipulate the ring parts to engage or disengage them. Handling becomes more difficult if the ring unit is fitted with loose-leaf paper. Also, the hook is more susceptible to forces that unintentionally open the ring binder. Furthermore, a ring binder mechanism having multiple ring members that require simultaneous engagement or disengagement of the hook makes operation more awkward and difficult.

As a result, there is a need for a ring binder mechanism that locks securely to hold loose-leaf pages and has ring members that reliably open and close when gathering the sheets and that do not snap together when the ring members are closed . The present invention is directed to such a ring binder mechanism.

Contents of the invention

This invention relates to ring binder mechanisms for holding loose-leaf pages. The mechanism includes: a housing having longitudinal ends; a hinge plate supported by the housing for pivotal movement relative to said housing, the hinge plate having at least one opening. Multiple rings hold loose-leaf pages. Each ring includes a first ring member mounted on the first hinge plate and movable relative to the second hinge plate in response to pivotal movement of the first hinge plate. In the closed position, the two ring members form a substantially continuous closed loop to allow loose-leaf pages held 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 discrete open ring for adding or removing loose-leaf pages from the ring. The structure also includes a travel bar movable in translation relative to the housing and the hinge plate, the travel bar having two longitudinal edges; and a locking member movable with the travel bar. When the locking member is moved from a position aligned with the opening in the hinge plates to a position substantially out of alignment with the opening, the locking member engages at least one hinge plate and produces pivotal movement of the hinge plates. The travel bar includes a reinforcement structure fabricated and arranged to resist bending about an axis extending longitudinally of the travel bar and to resist bending about an axis widthwise of the travel bar to strengthen the travel bar.

In another aspect, a method of forming a reinforced travel bar of a ring binder mechanism generally includes the step of forming at least one indentation in a sheet of material. The sheet of material is then cut along the axis to divide the groove into two partial grooves. The sheet of material is bent at part of the groove to form a reinforcement structure to strengthen the moving rod against axial bending.

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

Description of drawings

1 is a perspective view of a notebook including a ring binder mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2A is a perspective view of the mechanism in a closed and locked position;

Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2B-2B of Figure 2A;

Figure 3A is a perspective view similar to Figure 2A, with the mechanism in an open position;

Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3B-3B of Figure 3A;

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the mechanism;

Figure 5 is a perspective view similar to Figure 2A with a portion of the housing and ring components removed;

Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of the travel bar of the first embodiment;

Fig. 7 is the perspective view of the wire-shaped spring of the first embodiment;

Figure 8 is an inverted perspective view of Figure 2A;

Figure 9 is a perspective view similar to Figure 5, with the mechanism in an intermediate transitional position between the open and closed locking positions;

Figure 10 is a perspective view similar to Figure 5, with the mechanism in an open position;

Figure 11 is an inverted perspective view of Figure 3A;

Figure 12 is a bottom perspective view of an alternative travel bar with a portion of the travel bar and a portion of the locking element cut away;

Figure 13A is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the ring binder mechanism of the present invention in a closed locked position;

Figure 13B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13B-13B of Figure 13A;

Figure 14A is a perspective view similar to Figure 13A, with the mechanism in an open position;

Figure 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14B-14B of Figure 14A;

Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of the ring binder mechanism of the present invention according to a third embodiment;

Figure 16A is a perspective view of the structure of Figure 15 in closed locking, with a portion of the housing, a portion of the travel rod, portions of the two locking elements and the two ring members removed;

Figure 16B is a bottom perspective view of the control structure of the mechanism;

Figure 17 is a perspective view similar to Figure 16A, with the mechanism in an open position;

Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view of the ring binder mechanism of the present invention according to a fourth embodiment;

Fig. 19A is a perspective view of the control structure of the mechanism of the fourth embodiment;

Figure 19B is an inverted perspective view of Figure 19A;

Figure 20 is an exploded perspective view of the travel bar and locking element of the control structure of Figure 19B;

21A is an enlarged fragmentary bottom perspective view of a sheet of material having adjacent recesses thereon and used to form the travel bar of the fourth embodiment;

Figure 21B is an enlarged fragmentary bottom perspective view of the travel rod after being cut from the sheet of material of Figure 21A;

Fig. 21C is a schematic view similar to Fig. 21B, wherein the semi-recess of the travel bar partially forms the rib;

Figure 21D is a schematic view similar to Figure 21C, wherein the semi-recesses of the travel rod form ribs;

Figure 22 is an exploded perspective view of the ring binder mechanism of the present invention according to a fifth embodiment; and

Figure 23 is a bottom perspective view of the travel bar of the mechanism.

Corresponding numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

Detailed ways

Referring to the drawings of the present invention, Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the ring binder mechanism of the present invention capable of holding loose-leaf pages (not shown). The mechanism is indicated generally at 1 and is shown mounted on a spine 3 of a notebook (notebook indicated generally at 5 ) having a front cover 7 and a back cover 9 hingedly mounted to the spine 3 . The front cover 7 and the back cover 9 are moved to selectively cover or uncover the retained sheets. However, ring binder mechanisms mounted on surfaces other than notebooks do not depart from the scope of the present invention. The mechanism 1 of this embodiment generally comprises a housing 11 , three rings (indicated by reference numeral 13 respectively) and a control structure (indicated by reference numeral 15 ). As shown in FIGS. 2A-3B , housing 11 supports ring 13 and control structure 15 for closing mechanism 1 to retain sheets on ring 13 or for opening mechanism 1 to add or remove sheets to ring 13 . As will be described below, the control structure 15 can either directly close and lock the mechanism 1 or cause a wire-shaped spring 17 mounted to the underside of the hinge plates 19, 21 to open the mechanism 1 .

Referring to Figure 4, the housing 11 is elongated and has a symmetrical, generally arcuate cross-section with a raised flat top 23 at its centre. The housing 11 is made of metal, but may also be made of other suitable material, which is sufficiently rigid to ensure a stable mounting of the other parts of the mechanism 1 and sufficiently elastic to allow it to act as a spring. The housing 11 has a longitudinal axis, two transversely opposite longitudinally extending edges and two longitudinal ends 11a, 11b. A bent base 25 is formed along each longitudinal edge of the shell, and two bent bases 25 have six slots 27 (only 3 of which are visible here) along the shell in three pairs of transversely opposite ones. The length of the body 11 is arranged to receive the ring 13 (see Figures 2A and 3A). At one end of the housing, two protrusions 29 protrude upwards for mounting an actuation lever 31 of the control structure. The opposite end of the housing does not have a lever, but it should be understood that a mechanism with two actuation levers or with the actuation lever mounted between the ends would also not depart from the scope of the invention. The raised flat top 23 of the housing has two openings 33 , 35 for receiving and mounting mounting posts 37 , 39 capable of securing the mechanism 1 to the notebook 5 . It should be understood that differently shaped housings, including asymmetrically shaped housings and housings having different numbers of openings or slots, do not depart from the scope of the present invention.

The housing 11 loosely supports the two hinge plates 19 , 21 to enable their pivotal movement to close the ring 13 or to open the ring 13 . Each ring 13 comprises two ring members 41 mounted on adjacent hinge plates 19, 21 and movable between a closed position (see FIGS. 2A and 2B ) and an open position (see FIGS. 3A and 3B ). to move between. The ring member 41 is generally circular in cross-section and is made of a suitable material such as steel. When the ring members are in the closed position, each ring member forms a substantially continuous, closed "D" shaped circle or loop to hold loose-leaf pages and allow the sheets to move along the rings 13 from one ring member 41 to the other. part. When the ring members 41 are in the open position, each ring member forms a discrete open loop for adding or removing sheets. Although in the illustrated embodiment both ring members 41 are movable, a mechanism in which one ring member is movable and the other ring member is immovable does not depart from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, mechanisms having more or less than 3 rings, and rings having other shapes when closed, such as circular shapes, do not depart from the scope of the present invention.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, each hinge plate 19, 21 is a thin, elongated piece having inner and outer longitudinal edges and two longitudinal ends. Each hinge plate 19, 21 has five cutouts along its inner longitudinal edge, and when the hinge plates 19, 21 are connected to each other, corresponding cutouts in each hinge plate line up to form five openings. The first opening 43 is near the end of the housing with the lever 31 and is adapted to receive the first mounting post 37 through the hinge plates 19 , 21 . The second, third and fourth openings 45, 47, 49 are adapted to receive the first, second and third locking elements 51, 53, 55 respectively, as will be described below. A fifth opening 57 is near the end of the housing without the handle 31 for receiving the second mounting post 39 through the hinge plates 19 , 21 . Each hinge plate 19, 21 also includes two notches 59 and a cutout 61 along the outer longitudinal edge of the hinge plate. Notches 59 are juxtaposed to form protrusions 63 near one longitudinal end of each hinge plate 19 , 21 . The cutouts 61 are located at opposite longitudinal ends. The protrusions 63 and the cutouts 61 are provided in reverse order on the two hinge plates 19 , 21 so that when the hinge plates 19 , 21 are connected to each other, the protrusions 63 of one plate are passed by the cutouts 61 of the second plate. This facilitates the mounting of the wire spring 17 to the underside of the interconnected hinge plates 19, 21, as will be described in detail below.

The interconnected hinge plates 19, 21 are connected to each other in parallel along their mutually adjacent inner longitudinal edges, forming a central hinge with a pivot axis. The housing 11 receives interconnected hinged plates 19, 21 such that the outer longitudinal edge of each plate rests loosely in a corresponding curved bottom border 25 of the housing (see Figures 2B and 3B). Thus, the hinge plates 19, 21 are fixed to the housing 11, but the edges are free to move in the bezel 25, so that the hinge plates 19, 21 are free to pivot about the pivot axis relative to the housing. When the hinge plates 19, 21 pivot to open the ring member 41, the pivot axis moves upwards (i.e. towards the raised flat top 23 of the housing), and when the plates 19, 21 pivot to close the ring member 14, the pivot axis down (ie away from the raised flat top 23 of the housing).

The control structure 15 of this embodiment generally comprises an actuation lever 31 , a travel bar 65 and three locking elements 51 , 53 , 55 . The actuation handle 31 is made of a suitable rigid material such as metal or plastic or a composite material. It includes an enlarged head 67 to facilitate gripping and applying force to the control handle 31 . The first hinge pin 69 passes through an upper opening 71 on the actuation lever and a protrusion 29 on the housing 11 on which the lever 31 is mounted for pivoting relative to the housing 11 . A second hinge pin 73 passes through a lower opening 75 on the actuation lever 31 and an opening 77 on the intermediate link 79 to convert pivotal movement of the lever into generally linear movement of the travel rod. Although the movement of the travel rod is not exactly linear, it should be considered linear for the purposes of the present invention.

The intermediate link 79 is generally an elongated beam with a flat web and two side flanges. It includes a first end slightly wider than the second end. More specifically, the intermediate link 79 has a protrusion 85 at a narrower second end with an enlarged end 87 seated in a slot 89 at the first end of the travel bar. The first end of the moving rod is bent downward to form a shoulder 91 , and the intermediate connecting piece 79 presses against one side of the shoulder to push the moving rod 65 . The enlarged end 87 of the protrusion 85 can engage the other side of the shoulder 91 to pull the travel rod 65 toward the lever 31 . The slot 89 for receiving the protrusion 85 has an elongated structure along the length direction of the travel bar 65 . Therefore, the intermediate link 79 can freely pivot up and down relative to the moving rod 65 . As a result, the intermediate link 79 is able to transmit linear motion from the pivot control handle 31 to the travel bar 65 . In addition, the moving rod 65 can move up and down without interfering with the intermediate link 79 . The intermediate link 79 also includes an elongated opening 93 for receiving the first mounting post 37 therethrough and allowing the link to move relative to the mounting post 37 .

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6 , the travel bar 65 receives the pivotal movement of the control handle and translates in the longitudinal direction relative to the housing 11 and hinge plates 19 , 21 . The travel bar 65 is a flat, elongated piece made of metal or other material with sufficient rigidity. It is generally arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing, below the raised flat top 23 of the housing and above the hinge plates 19 , 21 . The travel bar 65 also includes three integral locking elements 51, 53, 55 which are capable of translational movement with the travel bar 65 and which, depending on the position of the travel bar, can (1) pivot the hinge plates 19, 21 to close ring member 41, and prevent the pivotal movement of the hinge plates to lock the closed ring member 41, or (2) allow the wire spring 17 to pivot the hinge plates 19, 21 to open the ring member 41 (i.e., the locking element 51, 53, 55 can be aligned with the openings 45, 47, 49 on the hinge plates 19, 21 to allow the wire spring 17 to act freely on the hinge plates 19, 21 and pivot them, as will be described below) .

Referring specifically to Figure 6, in this embodiment each locking member 51, 53, 55 includes two spaced apart flanges 95 formed integrally with the travel bar 65 and extending from one longitudinal edge of the travel bar (each The first edge is indicated by reference numeral 66) and is bent downward by 90°. Accordingly, each side of the travel bar 65 has three flanges 95 , with the flat face of each flange being parallel to the flat face of the other flange and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the travel bar 65 . Furthermore, the lower edge of each flange is angled forming a cam surface 99 that engages the hinge plates 19 , 21 and allows them to pivot to close the ring member 41 . This angle is such that, once the ring parts 41 are closed, the locking elements 51, 53, 55 slide into position locking the ring parts 41 together. In addition, the locking elements 51, 53, 55 are spaced apart along the length of the travel bar 65 so as to engage with the second, third and fourth openings 45, 47, 49 of the hinge plates 19, 21 when the ring member 41 is opened. Corresponding. It should be understood that the locking elements may be formed as a single piece, or in more than two parts, and that control structures employing more or less than three locking elements, or locking elements of different shapes, do not depart from the scope of the present invention. scope.

As shown in Figures 7-9, the wire-shaped spring 17 of this embodiment is a circular wire forming an octagon with an open end and a closed end 17A (the open end forming one of the sides of the octagon). The closed end 17A is bent upwards by 90° so as to fit in the notch 59 on one of the interconnected hinge plates 19 , 21 and above the protrusion 63 . The free end of the protrusion 63 is located behind the bent bottom edge 25 of the housing, so that the closed end 17A of the spring is located on the protrusion 63 . The open end of each spring includes two ends 101, and the ends 101 are respectively bent twice to form a hook shape. Wherein the first bending is upward bending 90°, and the second bending is outward bending 90°. The end 101 fits detachably in the cutout 61 of the second interconnected hinge plate 19 , 21 so that the body of the wire-shaped spring 17 is actually located below the interconnected hinge plate 19 , 21 . When mounted, when the hinge plates 19, 21 are positioned, the wire spring 17 is in a relaxed state, causing the ring member 41 to open. The body of the spring 17 bends slightly upwards (i.e. towards the interconnected hinge plates 19, 21 (see FIG. 3B)) so that an angle A of less than 180° is formed between the outer surfaces of the interconnected hinge plates 19, 21 (i.e. the hinge plates The pivot axis of the hinge plate is located above the coplanar position of the hinge plates 19, 21). When the locking elements 51 , 53 , 55 move the hinge plates 19 , 21 down and through the coplanar position to close the ring member 41 (see FIG. 2B ), each bent wire spring 17 straightens and compresses. Conversely, when the locking elements 51, 53, 55 are moved into alignment with the corresponding openings 45, 47, 49 on the hinge plates 19, 21, the compressed wire springs 17 automatically act on the hinge plates 19, 21 and cause They pivot upwards through the coplanar position, opening the ring member 41 . It should be understood that while the mechanism 1 is shown with two wire springs 17, mechanisms with more or less than two wire springs do not depart from the scope of the invention.

Referring now to Figures 2A-3B, 5 and 8-11, the control structure 15 is capable of selectively controlling movement of the mechanism between a closed locked position and an open position. In the closed locked position (Figs. 2A, 2B, 5 and 8), the ring members 41 are held together and cannot be pulled apart. In this position, the hinge plates 19, 21 are oriented such that their pivot axes are slightly below the coplanar position and the angle A between the outer surfaces 103 is at a maximum. In addition, the actuation handle 31 is relatively vertical, and the travel rod 65 is positioned close to the end of the housing with the handle 31 . Thus, the first, second and third locking elements 51 , 53 , 55 are located between the hinge plates 19 , 21 and the housing 11 and are not aligned with the corresponding openings 45 , 47 , 49 in the hinge plates 19 , 21 . In the travel lever locked position, the locking elements 51 , 53 , 55 are secure due to the fact that the locking elements are sized to completely occupy, together with the travel rod 65 , the area between the hinge plates 19 , 21 and the raised flat top 23 of the housing. Any force intended to open the ring member 41 is effectively prevented. Thus, when the hinge plates 19, 21 push the locking elements 51, 53, 55 upwards (i.e. when the hinge plates 19, 21 pivot to open the ring member 41), the hinge plates 19, 21 immediately engage the locking elements 43, 45. , 47 are engaged so that the locking elements 51, 53, 55 and the moving rod 65 have an upward tendency. However, the raised flat top 23 of the housing resists this movement, thereby obstructing the pivotal movement of the hinge plates and preventing the ring members 41 from opening.

To open the mechanism 1, an operator (not shown) pivots the actuation lever 31 outwards and downwards (Fig. 9). This pushes the intermediate link 79 and travel bar 65 away from the housing end 11a with the lever 31 and translates the travel bar 65 out of the locked position. The travel bar 65 is moved until each locking member 51 , 53 , 55 is aligned with a corresponding second, third and fourth opening 45 , 47 , 49 on the hinge plates 19 , 21 . In the intermediate transition position, the locking elements 51 , 53 , 55 no longer prevent the pivoting movement of the hinge plates. This causes the wire spring 17 to automatically act on the hinge plates 19, 21, causing the hinge plates 19, 21 to pivot upwardly and through the coplanar position (and thus overcome the barrier of the housing 11 which prevents the hinge plates from moving through the coplanar position Any elastic force), so that the corresponding openings 45, 47, 49 pass through the locking elements 51, 53, 55, and the ring part 41 opens. In the open position (FIGS. 3A, 3B, 10 and 11), the cam surface 99 of each locking member 51, 53, 55 protrudes completely from the corresponding opening 45, 47, 49 of the hinge plate, and the outer surface 103 of the hinge plate The angle A between them is at a minimum. The wire-shaped spring 17 and the elastic force of the housing keep the ring member 41 open and the operator can let go of the handle 31 to add or remove sheets from the mechanism 1 .

To return the mechanism 1 to the closed locked position, the operator pivots the actuation lever 31 inwardly and upwardly (Figs. 2A, 5 and 8). This pulls the intermediate link 79 and travel bar 65 back toward the end of the housing housing the lever 31, causing the cam surface 99 of the locking member to engage the hinge plates 19, 21 at the edges of the respective openings 45, 47, 49. engage. As the operator continues to pivot the control handle 31 and move the travel bar 65, the locking elements 51, 53, 55 begin to pivot the hinge plates 19, 21 and thus overcome the force preventing the movement of the hinge plates 19, 21 (i.e. locking Sliding friction between the cam surface 99 of the element and the hinge plates 19, 21, the force of the wire springs preventing them from straightening, and the housing spring force preventing the hinge plates from moving past the coplanar position). Thus, the hinge plates 19, 21 slowly slide down each cam surface 99 and cause the ring members 41 to move slightly together. Once the ring member 41 is fully closed, the travel bar 65 returns to the locked position and the locking elements 51 , 53 , 55 fully return to a position preventing pivotal movement of the hinge plates. As mentioned above, in the mechanism 1 the locking elements 51 , 53 , 55 bias the hinge plates 19 , 21 so that they pivot only to close and lock the ring member 41 . The locking elements 51 , 53 , 55 cannot move the hinge plates 19 , 21 to open the ring part 41 . This is achieved by wire springs 17 .

When the ring members 41 are closed, the ring binder mechanism of the present invention securely holds loose-leaf pages. In this position, the locking elements 51, 53, 55 and the travel bar 65 substantially completely occupy the area between the hinge plates 19, 21 and the raised flat top 23 of the housing, and the locking elements 51, 53, 55 substantially completely Located out of alignment with corresponding openings 45 , 47 , 49 on hinge plates 19 , 21 . Furthermore, the housing 11 surrounds the locking elements 51 , 53 , 55 , thereby forming a barrier that prevents external forces from accidentally moving the locking elements 51 , 53 , 55 into alignment with the openings 45 , 47 , 49 . Thus, the travel bar 65 and locking elements 51, 53, 55 completely resist any movement of the hinge plates intended to open the ring members 41 and enable the ring members to be securely locked together, thereby reducing the chance of accidental opening of the mechanism. Furthermore, the mechanism 1 is easy to handle when the ring member 41 is full of sheets. Unlike the prior art ring parts that lock themselves together directly, the lever 31 can move the locking elements 51 , 53 , 55 to open the ring parts 41 . Moreover, since the locking elements 51, 53, 55 are evenly spaced along the length of the hinge plates 19, 21, the locking elements 51, 53, 55 of the mechanism distribute the locking force substantially evenly to the ring member 41 and enable The gap between the closed ring parts 41 is minimal.

Since the camming surface 99 of the locking element controls the pivotal movement of the hinge plates 19, 21, the mechanism 1 is also able to mitigate unwanted snapping action when the ring members 41 are closed. As the operator pivots the actuation lever 31 to close the ring members 41, the locking elements 51, 53, 55 slowly move the hinge plates 19, 21, thereby slowly bringing the ring members 41 together. The wire spring 17 pivots the hinge plates 19 , 21 upwards and through a coplanar position to open the ring member 41 . In this case, the wire-shaped spring 17 effectively performs the same function as the housing spring. Thus, the spring force of the housing can be reduced or eliminated, so that only the wire-shaped spring 17 acts on the hinge plates 19 , 21 . This makes it easier for the hinge plates 19, 21 to move downwardly and through the coplanar position when the ring member 41 is closed.

Furthermore, opening of the mechanism 1 is easier than in the prior art. Before the locking elements 51, 53, 55 are aligned with the corresponding openings 45, 47, 49 on the hinge plates 19, 21, the operator only needs to move the travel rod 65 a short distance, and the wire spring 17 automatically acts on the hinged joints. Plates 19 , 21 , pivoting them to open ring member 41 . Similarly, due to the mechanical properties of the lever 31, the pivotal movement of the lever reduces the amount of force required to move the travel bar.

Referring now to FIG. 12, an alternative form of travel bar, indicated generally at 105, is shown. The moving rod 105 includes three protrusions 107 (only one is shown in the figure) integrally formed therewith. Each protrusion 107 is bent downwards at 90° from the surface of the rod and is able to receive a locking element 111 , which in this embodiment is formed separately from the travel rod 105 and fixed to the protrusion 107 . The locking element 111 is generally block-shaped and may be made of plastic or other suitable material capable of resisting pivotal movement of the hinge plates and wedged into the hinge plates 19, 21 to move the ring members 41 together. The locking member 111 has an angled cam surface 113 similar to the cam surface 99 of the travel lever of the first embodiment. Accordingly, each of the embodiments described herein may include this form of travel bar 105 .

13A-14B illustrate a second embodiment of the ring binder mechanism of the present invention. The mechanism of this embodiment is indicated by reference numeral 201 . Parts in the mechanism of the second embodiment corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals plus "200". This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, but without the wire springs under the hinge plates. In this embodiment, the spring force of the housing 211 pivots the hinge plates 219 , 221 to open the ring member 241 . The hinge plates 219, 221 pivot within the housing 211 so that the pivot axis never moves below the coplanar position (i.e., between the outer surfaces of the hinge plates) as the ring member 241 moves between the closed and open positions. The angle A ( FIGS. 13B and 14B ) is always less than 180°). Therefore, the elastic force of the housing only acts to open the ring part 241 and never closes the ring part. Also in this embodiment, the hinge plates 219, 221 do not include notches or cutouts along their outer longitudinal edges since no wire springs are used. In other respects, however, the hinge plates 219, 221 of this embodiment are identical to the hinge plates 19, 21 of the first embodiment.

15-17 show a third embodiment of the present invention. The mechanism of the present invention is indicated by reference numeral 401 . Parts of this embodiment corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals plus "400". This embodiment is the same as the second embodiment in that the housing 411 supports the hinge plates 419, 421 for pivotal movement so that when the ring member 441 moves between the closed position and the open position, the hinge plates 419, 421 The pivot axis does not move to or below the coplanar position. In this embodiment, however, the handle 431 of the control structure 415 is located at the opening 516 in the flat top 423 of the housing 411 between the two symmetrical ends of the housing 411 . To this end, the housing 411 includes two protrusions 515 extending upwardly from the raised flat top 423 . The protrusion 515 is capable of receiving a hinge pin 517 to pivotally mount the lever 431 on the housing 411 . In this embodiment, the control handle 431 is an elongated arched beam comprising a web and two downwardly bent side flanges. At one end, the side flanges taper into a web forming a flat surface 523 to facilitate gripping and pivoting of the control handle 431 . At the other end, a cam surface 525 projects downwardly from the side flange. Also at this end, holes 527 pass through the two side flanges for receiving hinge pins 517 for mounting the control handle 431 on the housing 411 .

The structure 401 of this embodiment does not employ an intermediate link that converts the pivotal motion of the control handle into the linear motion of the travel bar. Alternatively, the cam surface 525 of the lever fits loosely between opposing shoulders 529 formed on the travel bar 465 such that pivotal movement of the lever directly translates the travel bar 465 relative to the housing 411 . The loose fit of each cam surface 525 between a corresponding pair of shoulders 529 allows the cam surfaces 525 to pivot and abut against one or the other of the shoulders 529 to move the travel bar 465 linearly. The shoulders 529 are disposed along the longitudinal edge 466 of the travel bar near the end of the travel bar 465 and are positioned such that one shoulder 529 is directly opposite the other shoulder. Each shoulder 529 is formed by bending two opposing portions downwardly by 90° so that the plane of each portion is perpendicular to the travel bar 465 . In this embodiment, the travel rod 465 has no end flanges or slots since no intermediate connectors are employed to receive the travel rod 465 .

Referring specifically to Figures 16A-17, the operation of this embodiment is substantially similar to that of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, however, in the closed locked position shown in Figure 16A, the lever 431 is generally horizontal and parallel to the raised flat top 423 of the housing. To open the ring members 441 , the operator pivots the lever 431 upwardly and inwardly (ie, towards the center of the pair of ring members 441 ). The cam surface 525 of the lever engages the shoulder 529 of the travel rod and causes the travel rod 465 to move linearly toward the lever 431 . This moves the locking elements 511 into alignment with corresponding openings 445 , 447 , 449 in the hinge plates, allowing housing spring force to pivot the hinge plates 419 , 421 and open the ring member 441 . The hinge plates 419, 421 include an additional opening 531 between the second and third openings 445, 447 for receiving a handle cam surface 525 passing through the interconnected hinge plates 419, 421 and a shoulder 529 of the travel lever (Fig. 17). Thus, there is no interference between the hinge plates 419, 421 and the control handle 431 or travel bar 465 during operation. To close ring member 441 , the operator pivots lever 431 downward and outward, opposite the opening operation, so that cam surface 525 again abuts shoulder 529 to move travel bar 465 away from lever 431 . As in the second embodiment, the camming surface 513 of each locking member 511 engages the hinge plates 419, 421 and pivots them to close the ring member 441, in this embodiment the camming surface is the same as that described above in another form of construction. The cam surfaces 113 of the locking elements of the travel bar 105 are identical. It should be appreciated that although in this embodiment housing spring force causes the hinge plates 419, 421 to pivot to open the ring member 441, a wire-shaped spring could alternatively be mounted to the underside of the hinge plates so that as in the first embodiment Example to pivot the hinge plates.

18-21D show a ring binder mechanism according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. This mechanism is indicated by reference numeral 401' and is substantially the same as the mechanism 401 of the third embodiment. The parts of the mechanism 401' corresponding to the mechanism 401 are represented by the same reference numerals plus main symbols. The mechanism 401' includes a control structure 415' similar to the control structure 415 described. As shown in Figures 18-19B, the control structure 415' includes a control handle 413', a travel bar 465', and three locking elements (each locking element is indicated at 511', and each control structure component is generally identified by its number express). However, the control handle 431' and travel bar 465' are slightly modified. In particular, the handle includes an opening 432' for receiving a mounting post 437' therethrough so that the mechanism 401' can be mounted on a binder cover without interfering with the handle 431', and the travel bar 465' includes Reinforcing structures or ribs 530', 533' of the longitudinal edges 466'. As shown, rib 530' functions as a pair of shoulders for receiving cam surface 525' of lever 431', while rib 533' functions as an abutment for receiving locking member 511'. It will be appreciated that the rib 530' has substantially the same function as the shoulder 529 of the travel bar 465, but is reinforced.

The ribs 530', 533' are formed by bending a portion of the longitudinal edge 466' of the travel bar 465' downwardly from the top surface of the travel bar. This will be described in more detail below. As best shown in the bottom perspective view of Figure 20, the ribs 530', 533' are each bent down approximately 90° into a channel shape. The ribs 530', 533' comprise two short wall portions 540' facing the longitudinal ends of the travel bar 465', and a longer wall portion 542' facing the longitudinal edges of the travel bar 465'. The height H' of each rib 530', 533' is equal to or greater than the thickness of the travel bar 465', and each rib has about the same height. More specifically, the height H' of each rib 530', 533' is between about 0.05 inches (0.127 cm) and 0.20 inches (0.508 cm), and in the illustrated travel bar 465' is about 0.125 inches (0.3175 cm). ). It should be understood that mechanisms in which the ribs reinforcing the travel bar have uneven heights, different ribs have different heights, or ribs have different heights than shown do not depart from the scope of the present invention. Although in the preferred embodiment the rib is integrally formed with the travel bar, mechanisms where the rib is formed separately from the travel bar do not depart from the scope of the invention.

Figure 20 shows that the travel bar 465' includes two ribs 530' and six ribs 533' arranged in transversely opposite pairs such that one rib of each pair is located on opposite longitudinal edges 466' of the travel bar 465'. For convenience, the ribs 530', 533' and their components in each pair are indicated by the letters "a" and "b" in the Figures, which do not require a particular orientation of the ribs. Ribs 533' are evenly spaced along travel bar 465' such that they are generally in close proximity to ring member 441' (Fig. 18). The end of the rib 530' toward the travel bar 465' is spaced inwardly opposite the end of the rib 533' and generally aligned with the opening 516' of the raised flat top 423' of the housing to facilitate passage. A handle 431' is placed through the housing 411' and engages the travel bar 465'. It should be understood that a mechanism having a travel bar with a different number of ribs than shown does not depart from the scope of the invention.

The locking element 511' received by the rib 533' is also shown in Figure 20. As in the previous embodiment, three locking elements 511' are used which move to and through the cutouts 445a', 445b', 447a', 447b', 449a', 449b' on the interconnected hinge plates 419', 421' The openings formed are aligned or misaligned (FIG. 18) to open and close the ring member 441'. As shown, each locking element is generally wedge-shaped and includes an angled cam surface 513' that serves the same purpose as the cam surface 513 of each locking element 511 of the mechanism 401. The tongue 535' is located on the locking member 511' on the side opposite the cam surface 513' and is recessed in the locking member on both sides of the locking member. As shown, the tongue 535' is sized and shaped to provide a secure fit for each locking member 511' at a pair of corresponding ribs 533', thereby mounting each locking member on the travel bar 465'. superior. Mechanisms with more or less than three locking elements, or locking elements integral to the travel bar, do not depart from the scope of the invention.

Figures 21A-21D schematically illustrate the formation of the travel bar 465' reinforcement structure (i.e. ribs 533a', 533b') of the mechanism 401'. In particular, a pair of ribs 533a', 533b' are schematically shown formed on the longitudinal edge 466' of the travel bar 465'. As shown, the travel bar 465' is made from a generally flat, thin sheet of material (e.g., sheet metal) 522' as shown in Figure 21A. Mounting indentations 526' are formed by stamping a portion of one side of the sheet of material at spaced locations on the sheet of material 522'. In Fig. 21A two full and indented grooves 526' and one half indented groove 526b' are shown. The indentation 526' does not penetrate or pass through the sheet of material 522' when formed, but rather deforms the sheet of material in an arcuate manner. Stamping methods known in metalworking may be used to form the embossed groove 526'. The use of other methods than stamping does not depart from the scope of the invention.

As shown, each press groove is substantially identical. Each has an elongated shape and is arcuate in cross-section taken in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the groove. As also shown, and particularly by comparing FIGS. 21A and 21D, adjacent indentations 526' are laterally spaced apart (center-to-center spacing) in sheet 522' by a distance W' approximately equal to each formed Width W' of travel bar 465'.

Referring to Figures 21A and 21B, after forming adjacent indentations 526' in the sheet of material 522', the sheet of material is cut generally along the longitudinal axis of each indentation. Cutting is shown by the dashed line through indentation 526' in Figure 21A. A generally elongated rectangular strip of material (FIG. 21B) is cut to form the travel bar 465' and bisects each indentation into two half indentations 526a', 526b'. The half-indentations of each indentation are generally symmetrical and located on opposite longitudinal edges of the continuously formed travel bar 465' (Figs. 21B and 21C). Each travel bar thus comprises a half-indentation 526a' of a first indentation 526' and a half-indentation 526b' of an adjacent second indentation.

Referring now to Figures 21B-21D, the half-press grooves 526a', 526b' are formed into ribs 533a', 533b' by bending and/or folding the edge 466' of the travel bar 465' at the half-press grooves. Known metalworking methods may be used to form the wall portion 540a', 540b', 542a', 542b' of each rib 533a', 533b'. Although Figures 21A-21D show the formation of ribs 533a', 533b', it should be understood that ribs 530a', 530b' could be formed in the same manner. Additionally, although only the formation of a pair of ribs 533a', 533b' is shown, it should be understood that a plurality of embossed grooves 526' may be formed along the longitudinal row in the sheet of material 522'. In each row, the longitudinal axes of the plurality of indentations are aligned. It is also possible to form multiple rows of embossed grooves 526' on the material sheet 522', and the corresponding embossed grooves of adjacent rows are separated by a distance W' in the transverse direction. In this manner, a plurality of reinforced travel bars 465' having a plurality of ribs 530a', 530b', 533a', 533b' may be formed from the sheet of material 522'. An example is the travel bar 465' shown in Figure 20. It should be understood that in forming the reinforced travel bar 465' of the present invention, the indentation 526' may be formed in the sheet of material 522' in a first machining step and then transferred to the cutting step. Furthermore, it is also possible to form the embossing 526' in the sheet of material 522' just prior to cutting so that they are performed in substantially the same step.

The ribs 533' of the travel bar 465' are beneficial for at least several reasons. They are channel shaped thus providing a thicker travel bar dimension where the ribs are located. This helps to strengthen the travel bar 465' to resist buckling about an axis extending longitudinally of the travel bar and resisting bending about an axis of travel bar width. Since the ribs 533' correspond to the locations of the locking elements 511', the increased thickness at these locations is beneficial for increasing the resistance of the travel bar to deformation during repeated engagement with the hinge plates 419', 421' during operation. Therefore, the travel rod 465' of the present invention is less prone to deformation and failure after repeated use. Ring binder mechanisms that include this travel lever are more durable. Thus, problems arising from deformation of the travel bar, such as the inability of the travel bar to pivot the hinge plates sufficiently to close the ring parts, to move the closed ring parts together sufficiently to prevent gaps between the closed ring parts, are avoided, Or the inability to lock closed ring components together.

The grooved ribs 533' also increase the locking force locking the closed ring components 441' together. As previously described for the control structure 415, when the control structure 415' is included in the mechanism 401' and the mechanism is in the closed locked position, the locking element 511', the travel rod 465' and the housing 411' prevent tending to Any force that pivots hinge plates 419', 421' upwardly to open ring member 441'. Due to the reinforcing rib 533' located at the locking element 511', the resistance is increased, thereby preventing the travel bar 465' from inadvertently bending at the locking element when the hinge plates 419', 421' move upward. Accordingly, the control structure 415' is able to withstand greater forces tending to open the locked ring member 441' without damaging the ring binder mechanism 401'.

The ribs 530' are also beneficial in providing improved strength to the travel rod 465' against repeated handle movement. During operation, the cam surface 525' of the lever 431' repeatedly engages the short wall portion 540' of the rib 530' to drive the travel bar 465' in the longitudinal direction of the housing 411'. The channeled shape of the rib 530' improves resistance to these driving forces because the short wall portions 540' of the rib are connected by the channeled shape (i.e., the longer wall portion) of the rib 530'. This prevents the short wall portion 540' from bending or deforming during repeated manipulations, which might occur in prior art mechanisms where the lever cam surface bias is cut and bent by the travel rod. A single relative shoulder.

Another advantage of the ribs 530', 533' is that the ribs are formed by bending down a portion of the travel bar 465'. Since the bent ribs 530', 533' are integral with the travel bar, this increases the overall strength of the travel bar 465'. Thus, after formation, the ribs 530', 533' retain much of the inherent material strength of the travel bar 465'. Conversely, forming a similar stiffening structure by cutting a portion of the travel bar weakens the travel bar at the cut such that the travel bar effectively loses strength. Also, the ribs 530', 533' provide strength without increasing the overall thickness of the travel bar 465', or requiring specific rigid treatments for the travel bar.

Referring to Figures 22 and 23, there is generally shown a fifth embodiment of the invention indicated generally by the numeral 401". The mechanism 401" is again substantially the same as the mechanism 401 . Parts of the mechanism 401" corresponding to the mechanism 401 are given the same reference numerals plus a double primary symbol. The travel bar 465" of the mechanism 401" is shown with the locking element integrally formed with the travel bar at 511". More specifically, the locking element 511" is formed by the ribs 533" of the travel bar 465". Here, the height H" of each rib 533" is not uniform such that each rib 533" is angled so that it cams As a result of the surface 513", each pair of corresponding ribs 533a", 533b" acts as a locking element 511" to operate the mechanism 401" (the height of each rib 530" is the same as the rib 530' of the mechanism 401'). It should be understood that each of the mechanisms described herein may be modified to include a reinforced travel bar similar to travel bar 465" without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The components of the inventive ring binder mechanism according to the several embodiments described are made of a suitable rigid material such as metal (eg steel). However, mechanisms made of non-metallic materials, especially plastics, do not depart from the scope of the invention.

When introducing elements of the invention or preferred embodiments, the articles "a", "the" and "said" mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising", "comprising" and "having" are meant to be inclusive and mean that there may be other elements than the listed elements. Furthermore, the use of "upper", "lower" and variations of these terms herein is for convenience only and does not require any particular positioning of elements.

Since the above-mentioned various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, all the above texts and drawings should be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting.

Claims (23)

1. A ring binder mechanism for holding loose-leaf pages, said mechanism comprising: a housing with longitudinal ends; a hinge plate supported by the housing for pivotal movement relative to the housing, the hinge plate including at least one opening; a plurality of rings for holding loose-leaf pages, each ring comprising a first ring member mounted on the first hinge plate and movable in response to the pivotal movement of the first hinge plate, each ring further comprising a second ring Parts, the first ring part is movable relative to the second ring part, so that in the closed position, the two ring parts form a substantially continuous closed loop, to allow loose-leaf pages held by the rings to move along the ring from one ring part to the other ring members, and in the open position, the two ring members form a discontinuous open ring for adding or removing loose-leaf pages from the ring; and a travel bar movable in translation relative to the housing and the hinge plate, the travel bar having two longitudinal edges; The mechanism further includes a locking member movable with the travel bar when the locking member is moved from a position aligned with the opening in the hinge plate to a position substantially out of alignment with the opening , the locking element is engaged with at least one hinge plate and produces pivotal movement of the hinge plate; and The travel bar includes a reinforcement structure fabricated and arranged to resist bending about an axis extending longitudinally of the travel bar and to resist bending about an axis widthwise of the travel bar to strengthen the travel bar. 2. The ring binder mechanism of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the reinforcing structure is disposed proximate to the locking member. 3. The ring binder mechanism of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing structure is disposed proximate at least one longitudinal edge of the travel bar. 4. The ring binder mechanism of claim 3, wherein the reinforcing structure includes at least one rib. 5. The ring binder mechanism of claim 4, wherein the rib includes a wall portion extending generally in a longitudinal direction of the travel bar, and a wall portion extending generally in a width direction of the travel bar. 6. The ring binder mechanism of claim 5, wherein said rib further includes another wall portion extending in a width direction of the travel bar, said rib having a substantially channel shape. 7. The ring binder mechanism of claim 4, wherein the rib is integrally formed with the travel bar. 8. The ring binder mechanism of claim 7, wherein the rib is formed by deforming a portion of the travel rod downward by approximately 90°. 9. The ring binder mechanism of claim 4, wherein the height of the rib is equal to or greater than the thickness of the travel bar. 10. The ring binder mechanism of claim 9, wherein said ribs have a height of between about 0.05 inches (0.127 cm) and about 0.20 inches (0.508 cm). 11. The ring binder mechanism of claim 4 wherein locking members are mounted to said ribs for engagement with the hinge plates. 12. The ring binder mechanism of claim 11, wherein there are a plurality of locking elements, and two ribs associated with each locking element, each locking element having a generally wedge shape. 13. The ring binder mechanism of claim 4, wherein the locking member comprises a generally wedge-shaped formation on said rib. 14. The ring binder mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a lever mounted on the housing between longitudinal ends of the housing. 15. The ring binder mechanism of claim 14, wherein the reinforcing structure includes a wall portion with which the lever is engageable to engage and cause movement of the travel rod. 16. The ring binder mechanism of claim 1, wherein movement of a locking member from a position aligned with said opening in said hinge plate to a position out of alignment with said opening causes said hinge plate to pivot. Turn to move the ring member to the closed position. 17. The ring binder mechanism of claim 16, wherein the locking member resists pivotal movement of said hinge plates when in a position substantially out of alignment with said openings in said hinge plates. 18. The ring binder mechanism of claim 17, further comprising a spring for causing said hinge plates to Pivot to open ring assembly. 19. The ring binder mechanism of claim 17 wherein said hinge plates are supported by said housing such that the angle formed by the outer surfaces of the hinge plates during pivotal movement of the hinge plates never exceeds 180°. 20. The ring binder mechanism of claim 1 in combination with a cover on which the ring binder mechanism is mounted, said cover being hinged for movement to selectively cover Or reveal loose-leaf pages held on the ring binder mechanism. 21. A method of forming a reinforced travel rod of a ring binder mechanism, the method comprising the steps of: forming at least one indentation in the sheet of material, the indentation having an axis; cutting the sheet of material along said axis to divide the groove into two partial grooves; and The sheet of material is bent into a reinforced structure at part of the groove to strengthen the moving rod against axial bending. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the reinforcement structure includes ribs. 23. The method of claim 21 wherein there are a plurality of indentations, at least some of the indentations having their axes aligned.

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