Ring binder improvement

Abstract

 A lever arch mechanism comprises a pair of binder rings (R) selectively movable between an open and a closed position to retain hole punched sheets of paper and the like and a lever mounting plate (P) to which respective ends of the binder rings are mounted. A lever (L) mounted on the plate is operatively connected to the binder rings for movement of the lever in an appropriate direction to open and close the rings. A side plate (S,52,62) is adapted to receive the lever mounting plate and hold it in place. Groups of spurs (14,54,64) depend from the side plate for securely attaching the side plate to a binder (C) for the lever arch mechanism to be securely fastened to the binder and not readily dislodged therefrom. Various spur patterns and spur configurations are described.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to ring metals for use in a binder for holding hole-punched paper and the like; and more particularly, to an improved metal and method of attaching the metal to a binder. The improved metal is particularly adapted for use with a lever arch metal which is well-known in the art and is commonly referred to in the industry as a LAM.

[0002] As shown in Figs. 1A-1C, a lever arch mechanism M is of a 2-ring R construction and is installed on binder C; although the mechanism can be used in other binder constructions for files and folders, etc. The mechanism locks with the rings R in their closed position. In some LAM constructions such as shown in Figs. 1A and 1B, the rings are opened using a lever L. In other LAM constructions such as in Fig. 1C, the rings are opened by the user pinching the rings toward each other as indicated by the arrows.

[0003] In these various applications, a side plate S as shown in Figs. 1A and 1B, or a side plate D as shown in Fig. 1C are first secured to binder C and the LAM is then installed in the side plate. Attachment of side plate S is accomplished by forming a pattern of holes H in the side plate and then inserting rivets V, or eyelets through the holes and the body of binder. A head of the rivet (not shown) is exposed on the outer surface of the binder cover.

[0004] As shown in Fig. 1C, side plate E is formed with a pattern of prongs G projecting from the underside of the side plate. To install the side plate, the prongs are pushed through the side of the binder with the ends of the prongs projecting through the outer surface of the binder cover then being pushed over against the outer surface of the cover. Again, the outer ends of the prongs are exposed on the outside of the binder cover.

[0005] In either type of installation, once the side plate is installed on the inside of the binder cover, the plate P is attached to the side plate; for example, by sliding the plate under a curved lip D which extends along one of the longer sides of the side plate and curves upwardly a distance sufficient for plate P to slide under the lip.

[0006] As discussed above, installation of the LAM onto binder C has been accomplished by attaching a side plate S or E to the binder using rivets or eyelets or prongs.

[0007] It is an advantage of the LAM of the present invention that it can be secured to a binder without the need of rivets or eyelets or prongs; and which not only provides a strong installation, but also provides for a smooth outer binder surface thereby improving the overall appearance of the binder.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present disclosure is directed to an improved LAM. The improvement includes integrally forming at least one, and preferably a plurality of fasteners such as spurs on the underside of a side plate at those locations where holes were previously formed for the insertion of rivets or eyelets which were used to attach the side plate to a binder or which had prongs which were pushed completely through the binder cover. This has the advantages of eliminating the rivets/eyelets or prongs, as well as making the LAM easier to install on a binder. The overall cost of the binder and LAM is significantly reduced because not only are the rivets/eyelets or prongs and their associated cost eliminated, but assembly of the LAM to the binder is easier and less time consuming since rivets/eyelets no longer need to be fed to the assembly line. Also, less expensive equipment is required to perform the installation.

[0009] A further advantage of the improved LAM of the present invention is that attachment of the side plate using the spurs makes for a strong assembly in which the LAM and side plate cannot be readily pulled away or apart from the binder, either accidentally or intentionally.

[0010] Another advantage of the improved LAM is that the spurs formed on the side plate do not extend through the body of the binder in order to complete the attachment of the side plate to the binder so the backside of the binder has a smooth and pleasing outer surface after the assembly is completed.

[0011] More than one spur can be integrally formed on the underside of the side plate at those locations where the holes or prongs were formed. If more than one spur is formed at a location, the spurs are arranged in a geometric pattern which insures the best attachment of the side plate to the binder. The spurs can also curve inwardly or outwardly as they depend from the underside of the LAM. Also, some, or all, of the spurs, may be barbed.

[0012] The result of the improved LAM of the present invention is a low cost, easy to install, visually pleasing LAM/binder assembly.

[0013] In another embodiment, the fasteners are rivets which are formed on the underside of a side plate. Here, the rivet is pushed through the binder cover material with the portion of the fastener extending through to the outside of the cover then being rolled over to clamp the side plate to the cover.

[0014] Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The objects of the invention are achieved as set forth in the illustrative embodiments shown in the drawings which form a part of the specification.

[0016] Figs. 1A-1C are perspective views of a prior art LAM and side plate for mounting the LAM on a binder;

[0017] Fig. 2 is a perspective of a side plate/LAM assembly of the present invention;

[0018] Figs. 3A and 3B are perspective top and bottom views of a side plate attached to a binder for holding a LAM;

[0019] Fig. 4 illustrates an inwardly curved spur;

[0020] Fig. 5 illustrates a barbed spur;

[0021] Figs. 6 ―8 illustrate various spur configurations for the LAM and side plate;

[0022] Figs. 9 and 10 illustrate a further embodiment of the side plate in which spurs extend from both each short side of the side plate (Fig. 9) as well as from both short sides and one of the long sides of the side plate (Fig. 10); and,

[0023] Fig- 11 is a perspective view of a side plate illustrating another embodiment of the invention.

[0024] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it will be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0026] Referring to Figs. 2, an improved lever arch mechanism (LAM) of the present invention is indicated generally 50 and is for attachment to a binder C (see Figs. 1A and 1B) or the like. As discussed previously, the LAM comprises at least one binder ring, and as shown in the drawings, two binder rings R which are selectively movable between an open and a closed position to retain hole punched sheets of paper (not shown) and the like. The ends of the binder rings are mounted on a plate P. In one LAM embodiment, a lever L mounted on plate P is operatively connected to the binder rings so movement of the lever in an appropriate direction acts to open and close the binder rings. For convenience, the LAM shown in the drawings and described hereafter includes a lever. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other LAM constructions such as that shown in Fig. 1C which do not use or require a lever to affect opening and closing of the binder rings R are within the scope of the invention.

[0027] The LAM includes a side plate 52 adapted to receive lever mounting plate P and hold it in place. As shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, side plate 52 is a generally rectangular shaped plate whose length corresponds to that of plate P, but whose width is slightly greater than the width of the lever mounting plate. Side plate 52 has a curved lip D which extends along one of the longer sides of the side plate and curves upwardly a distance sufficient for plate P to slide under the lip, in the direction of the arrow, and be captured and held in place by the lip.

[0028] Plate 52 has at least one, and preferably a plurality of spurs 54 integrally formed with and depending from the underside 56 of the side plate for securely attaching the side plate to a binder. The spurs 54 are integrally formed with plate 52 so the plate and spurs comprise a one-piece construction. This spurs 54 enable side plate 52 to be securely fastened to the binder so that it cannot be readily dislodged from the binder.

[0029] During assembly of LAM 50 to a binder, side plate 52 is first attached to the binder using the spurs 54 securely to attach the side plate to the binder such that the side plate cannot be readily dislodged from the binder. Then, the remainder of the assembly is slid into place as shown in Fig. 2. During installation of the side plate to the binder, the tip ends of the spurs 54 penetrate into the material forming the binder and grip the material with sufficient force that the side plate cannot be readily dislodged; even by someone pulling on the LAM after it is in place. Because the spurs are retained in the body of the binder, their tip ends do not penetrate through the backside of the binder. This means that the outer surface of the binder remains smooth.

[0030] The plurality of spurs 54 formed in side plate 52 is formed in a group or cluster of spurs at each of the location on the side plate where a hole for a rivet or eyelet or prong was previously formed. As shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, one group of spurs is formed along each short side 58 of side plate 52, and two groups of spurs are formed at opposite ends of one of the long sides 60 of the side plate. Each group of spurs is arranged in a geometric, semicircular pattern of three spurs and their pattern is such that two of the spurs in each group are in-line with each other and extend parallel to the side of the side plate adjacent to which they are formed. The third spur in the cluster is located substantially midway between the other two spurs in the group and extends orthogonally of them. The inner, tip end of each of the third spur points inwardly, toward the body of the side plate. As shown in Fig. 3B, the spurs 54 each curve outwardly. However, as shown in Fig. 4, the spurs can also curve inwardly. Further, as shown in Fig. 5, the spurs can also be barbed spurs.

[0031] Those skilled in the art will understand that other arrangements or pattern of spurs can be formed without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the spur patterns may be as shown in Figs. 6-8. Fig. 6 shows a side-by-side or in-line spur pattern. Fig. 7 shows three spurs in a different triangular arrangement than that shown in Figs. 3A and 3B. Fig. 8 illustrates a four spur pattern with the spurs formed at each corner of a square or rectangle.

[0032] Referring to Figs. 9 and 10, a side plate 72 is also rectangular shaped with a lip D into which plate P is slid to install a LAM in place. Unlike side plate 52, side plate 62 has a large central opening so that it is impractical to form groups 54 of spurs in the manner shown in Figs. 2, 3A, and 3B. Rather, as shown in Figs. 9 and 10, a plurality of spurs 64 depends from the sides of the side plate. As shown in Fig. 9, two spurs 64 depend from each short side 68 of the side plate; while, in Fig. 10, spurs 64 depend from each short side 68 and one of the long sides 70 of the side plate. In both side plate constructions, the spurs are formed at the outer margin of the side plate rather than being formed in the body of the side plate as in the previously described embodiment.

[0033] The side plate 62 with spurs 64 provides important advantages over previous LAM constructions. First, the rivets and eyelets, or prongs, previously used to attach a LAM side plate to a binder, and all of which extended completely through the cover of the binder, are no longer required. This substantially reduces the cost of the assembly. The improved side plates are also easier to install on a binder because it is no longer necessary to feed rivets or eyelets to a manufacturing station where the assembly is completed. Downtime or delays resulting from misfeeds of rivets or eyelets, or running out of rivets or eyelets during assembly is now eliminated. And, less expensive equipment is now used for making the completed assembly process.

[0034] Importantly, attaching a side plate having spurs to a binder still provides a sufficiently strong completed assembly that a LAM cannot be readily pulled away or apart from the binder whether this happens accidentally or intentionally. Further, because the spurs do not extend through the body of the binder, the backside of the binder, with the LAM side plate attached, again is smooth and presents a pleasing outer surface appearance.

[0035] Referring to Fig. 11, another embodiment of a side plate is indicated generally 82. Side plate 82 includes a plurality of fasteners 84 which are integrally formed with and depend from the underside of the side plate. In this embodiment, the fasteners comprise rivets which are pushed through the binder cover material with a portion of the fastener projecting through the material. The projecting portion of the fasteners are then spun or rolled over, or otherwise upset so to attach the side plate to the cover. As in the previously described embodiments, side plate 82 is a generally rectangular plate and at least one rivet 84 depends from the side plate along each short side 86 of the plate. Further, at least one rivet 84 depends from the underside of the plate along at least one of the long sides 88 of the plate. As shown in Fig. 11, a fastener 84 is formed adjacent each end of this long side of the side plate.

[0036] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects and advantages of the present disclosure have been achieved and other advantageous results have been obtained.

Claims

1. A lever arch mechanism for attachment to a binder or the like comprising:

at least one binder ring selectively movable between an open and a closed position to retain hole punched sheets of paper and the like;

a mounting plate to which respective ends of the binder ring are mounted; and,

a side plate adapted to receive the lever mounting plate and hold it in place, and at least one fastener integrally formed with and depending from the side plate for securely attaching the side plate to a binder whereby the lever arch mechanism is fastened to the binder and cannot be readily dislodged therefrom.

2. The lever arch mechanism of claim 1 in which the fastener is a spur which extends into, but not through a cover of the binder when the side plate is attached to the binder.

3. The lever arch mechanism of claim 2 further including a plurality of spurs depending from the side plate.

4. The lever arch mechanism of claim 3 in which the side plate is a generally rectangular plate and at least one spur depends from the side plate along each short side thereof.

5. The lever arch mechanism of claim 4 further including at least one spur depending from the underside of the plate along at least one of the long sides of the plate.

6. The lever arch mechanism of claim 3 in which the side plate has a central opening and the spurs depend from the outer edge of a side of the side plate defining the opening.

7. The lever arch mechanism of claim 3 in which the spurs curve outwardly.

8. The lever arch mechanism of claim 3 in which the spurs curve inwardly.

9. The lever arch mechanism of claim 3 in which the spurs are barbed spurs.

10. The lever arch mechanism of claim 5 in which the spurs are arranged as groups of spurs in a geometric, semicircular pattern.

11. The lever arch mechanism of claim 10 in which each group comprises three spurs with two of the spurs being in-line with each other and extending parallel to the side of the side plate adjacent to which they are formed and in which the third spur in the group is located substantially midway between the other two spurs and extends generally orthogonally of them.

12. The lever arch mechanism of claim 1 in which the fastener comprises a rivet.

13. The lever arch mechanism of claim 13 further including a plurality of rivets depending from the side plate.

14. The lever arch mechanism of claim 13 in which the side plate is a generally rectangular plate and at least one spur depends from the side plate along each short side thereof.

15. The lever arch mechanism of claim 14 further including at least one spur depending from the underside of the plate along at least one of the long sides of the plate.

Drawing