CA1106720A - Binder assembly for ledger binder books - Google Patents
Binder assembly for ledger binder booksInfo
- Publication number
- CA1106720A CA1106720A CA327,006A CA327006A CA1106720A CA 1106720 A CA1106720 A CA 1106720A CA 327006 A CA327006 A CA 327006A CA 1106720 A CA1106720 A CA 1106720A
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- actuator plate
- frame
- plate
- hinge
- main frame
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
This invention discloses a novel construction for the locking mechanism used in conjunction with conventional ledger binder books. The frame for use with the binder assembly comprises an open tubular, main frame, an actuator plate within the main frame, and at least one locking plate releasably secured to the main frame. The locking plate is adapted to be moved from an unlocked position to a locked position or vice-versa in response to movement by the actuator plate. This construction is particularly suitable for use with a plurality of different locking systems for the ledger binder and as a result, has allowed different binders to be produced which all can use the same mechanism thereby significantly reducing the costs thereof.
This invention discloses a novel construction for the locking mechanism used in conjunction with conventional ledger binder books. The frame for use with the binder assembly comprises an open tubular, main frame, an actuator plate within the main frame, and at least one locking plate releasably secured to the main frame. The locking plate is adapted to be moved from an unlocked position to a locked position or vice-versa in response to movement by the actuator plate. This construction is particularly suitable for use with a plurality of different locking systems for the ledger binder and as a result, has allowed different binders to be produced which all can use the same mechanism thereby significantly reducing the costs thereof.
Description
BACKGROUND OE' TE~E INVENTION
Field of the Invention . _ This invention relates generally to ledger binder books and more particularly, to a novel construction for the locking mechanism used in conjunction with conventional ledger binder books.
Description of the Prior Art _ _ _ _ _ _ Ledger binders are conventional and are used extensively in many industries. In particular, in bookkeeping and accounting practices, these books or binders are very popular to facilitate proper record keeping.
The conventional binder comprises a front and a back cover which may or may not be identical, a plurality of pages or ledger sheets therebetween, and a system for releasably locking the covers together with the sheets therebetween.
It must be easy for the user to disassemble the binder to remove pages or add new pages yet this must be balanced with a secure construction which will not allow accidental disengagement. Many persons also insist that the binder have a key or other locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized disassembling and possible tampering with the contents of the binder.
The prior art binders usually comprise a first frame which is attached to-a cover, and a second frame attached to a second cover. A plurality of capacity posts (usually two) are affixed to one frame and extend through complementary holes in the ledger sheets then through the second frame.
A form of locking device is built into the second frame which releasably secures the capacity posts to the second frame.
Thus, once assembled, the frames and the ledger sheets are 1 secured together. When the user wishes to add or remove sheets, the locking device is deactivated or :released and the frames are removed from each other thereby allowing access to the ledger sheets. The sheets are added or removed, and then the binder is reassembled and locked again.
Various systems have been proposed for the locking mechanism but all of these systems are ~uite expensive to manufacture and are not always reliable. These systems have included key locks, plunger locks and top locking systems which use offset plates to jam against the capacity posts. When the binder is to be disassembled, the plates are aligned with the posts to allow for removal.
Also, the prior art devices re~uire a different construction of locking mechanism to accommodate different rel~asing mechanisms, such as the key loc~s, top locks etc.
The lack of interchangability of the parts has increased the cost of these binders substantially.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention utilizes the same principle of the prior art but uses a much simpler apparatus to achieve this result. The locking system has been simplified and its cost significantly reduced. Also, with the present invention, the basic mechanism may be used with any of the conventional release mechanisms without the need for different locking systems. Thus, with the single locking system, different types of binders may be economically produced.
To this end, in one of its aspects, the invention provides a frame for use with a binder assembly, said frame comprising:
(a) an open, tubular main frame;
(b) an actuator means within said main frame;
(c) at least one locking plate, said at least one locking plate releasably secure~ to said main frame, an~ adapted to be moved from an unlocked position to a locked position or fro~ a locked position to an unlocked position in response to movement by said actuator means.
In another of its aspects, the invention further provides a binder assembly which comprises:
(a) a first open, tubular main frame;
(b) a second, open, tubular main frame adapted to be releasably secured to said first frame;
~c) an actuator plate within said second main frame an,d adapted to be moved in either longitudinal direction;
(d) means for moving said actuator plate;
(e) at least one locking plate, said at least one locking plate releasably secured to said second main frame and adapted to be moved fro.~ an unlocked position to a lockea position or from a locked position to an unlocked position in response to movement by said actuator plate;
(I) a pair of capacity posts releasably secured to said first frame member and adapted to releasably secure said second main frame to said first main frame.
Further objects and advantages of the present invention will appear from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is an exploded perspective view of a binder assembly of the present invention.
FIGUR~ 2 is a side elevational view of a base bushing used in the present invention.
FIGU~ 3 is a side elevational view of a capacity post of the present invention.
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1 FIGURE 4 is a top view of the actuator plate of the locking means of the present invention.
FIGURE 5 is a side view-of the actuator plate of figure ~.
FIGURE 6 is a front view of a locking plate of the locking means of the present invention.
FIGURE 7 is a side view of the locking plate and spring of the locking means of the present invention.
FIGURE 8 is a cut away perspective view of one end of the locking means within the first frame.
-FIGURE 9 is a top view of the key-lock releasing means.
FIGURE 10 is a top view of the side button releasing means.
FIGURE 11 is an exploded view of a top lock push button releasing means. (Figure 11 appears on the same page as figure 8.) DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring first to figure 1, there is shown an exploded perspective view of a binder assembly of the present invention.
The assembly comprises a first frame 10, a first hinge pin 12, ~ a first hinge plate 14, a second frame 16, a second hinge pin 18 and a second hinge plate 20.
The first frame 10 comprises a tube 22 which is open at each end. A continuous piano-type hinge 24 is provided along one longitudinal edge of the first frame 10 and is perferably, marginally offset to allow for complete closure of the binder assembly when the ledger sheets or pages (not shown) are inserted.
The open ends of the tube 22 are sealed with suitable plugs 26 as explained hereinafter.
A pair of holes 28 extend through the height of the tube 22, which holes correspond in shape and size to the capacity 1 posts 43. In figure 1, a releasing means 30 is shown as a button within a slot 32. This releasing means will be more fully described in the disclosure and may take the form of several different embodiments within the scope of the present invention.
The first hinge plate 14 carries on one of its edges, a piano-style hinge 34 which is complementary to and co-operates with the hinge 24. By mating the hin~e 34 to the hinge 24 and inserting the hinge pin 12 through the mated hinges 24 and 34, a secure assembly of the plate 14 to the first frame portion 10 is achieved.
The first hinge plate 14 may be manufactured of any suitable material and may have a decorative coating applied thereto. The present invention is not restricted to any particular shape or material for the hinge plate.
The second frame 16 also comprises an open con-struction main tube 36 whose ends are sealed with plugs 38.
A continuous piano-type hinge 40 is secured along one length, preferably, marginally offset to allow for complete closure of the binder assembly once the pages are inserted.
A pair of spaced-apart holes 41 are provided through the height of the tube 36 and base bushings 46 are secured to the base of the tube. A pair of capacity posts 43 are screwed into or otherwise secured to the bushings 46. The construction of the capacity posts 43 will be explained in detail.
The second hinge plate 20 is complementary to the first hinge plate 14 and also carries on one longitudinal edge, a piano-type hinge 42. The hinge 42 is mated with the hinge 40 on the second frame 16 and hinge pin 44 secures hinges 40 and 42 together, in a sirnilar manner to the Eirst frame 10 and first hinge pla-te 14.
The ledger sheets (not shown) generally correspond to the size of the plates 14, 20 although they may be of any desired size or shape. The sheets have two holes punched therein and when they are to be inserted into the assembly, the posts are inserted through the holes in the ledger sheets and the binder is then assembled.
In order to disassemble and insert or remove pages, the releasing means 30 must be releasable, yet must have sufficient strength to lock the component parts of the binder together and prevent accidental disassembly.
The base bushings 46 as shown in figure 2 are secured in the holes 41 in the second frame 16, by any means well known in the art. The base bushing 46 carries screw threading - 48 on the interior thereof which receives the capacity posts 43.
The capacity posts 43 may be single posts or as in a preferred embodiment, a plurality of posts to provide addi-tional height where desired.
In A preferred embodiment, with reference to figure 3, the capacity post ~3 comprises one or more inner posts 50 with a terminal post 52 attached to the last inner post 50. Each inner post 50 comprises a threaded male portion 54 adapted to co-operate with the screw threading 48 on the inner surface of the bushing 46, a central portion 56 and a screw threaded female end portion 58. The female end portion 58 may receive the male portion 54 of another inner post or alterna-tively, the screw threaded male portion 60 of the terminal post 52. The terminal post 52 has a dome-shaped end portion 62.
If desired, the terminal post 52 may be itself secured to the base bushing.
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1 ~s will be readily appreciated, any number of inner posts 50 may be firmly secured together between the bushing 46 and the terminal post 52 to produce a capacity post 43 of the desired height.
When the binder is in use, it is essential that the component parts be securely locked together yet consideration must also be given to releasing the component parts when the user wishes to add new pages or remove old pages.
The locking means 30 must therefore securely hold the 1~ parts together yet be easily releasable when desired. The present invention provides these features by the use of an actuator plate and a plurality of locking plates, one for each capacity post of the assembly.
Referring first to figure 4 and figure 5, there are shown top and side views respectively~ of the actuator plate 64 of the present invention. The actuator plate 64 comprises a thin, light weight body of a length less than the width of the first frame 10. The length of the actuator plate 64 is such as to accommodate the capacity posts 43 at the peripheral end of each of the slots 66 in the plate. The sides 68 of the plate 64 beside the peripheral portion of the slot 66 are raised (in the shape of an inverted V) and the end portions 70 of the plate 64 are bent upwards. The central part 72 of the plate is also raised as will be explained.
The locking means also includes a plurality of locking plates 74 as shown in front view in figure 6 and in side view in figure 7. A spring 76 is affixed to the plate 74 as shown in figure 7 and preferably, this spring is a double torsion spring. ~ hole 78 is cut in the central part of locking plate 74 through which the capacity post can extend.
1 Referring now to figure 8, the operatior. of the locking means will now be explained. Figure 8 is a cu-t-away view of the first frame 10 with the actua-tor plate 64, the locking plate 74 and the spring 76 assembled. For the purpose of explanation, only one end of the first frame lO
is shown as the opposite end is complementary thereto.
The actuator plate 64 is first placed in the first ~rame lO so that slots 66 are located over holes 28. Thus, when the capacity posts 43 are inserted through the holes 28, they protrude as well, through slot 66.
The locking plate 74 is then placed over the slot 66 and feet 80 of the locking plate 74 are set in holes 82 in the bottom wall of the first frame 10. The spring 76 i5 inserted onto the locking plate 74 by hooking the coiled part 84 of the spring over the protrusions 86 of the locking plate 74. The spring 76 presses against the inner upper surface of first frame 10 to retain the locking plate 7a in place.
The action of the spring 76 holds the locking plate 74 in misalignment with the capacity post 43. Thus, because the locking plate 74 bears or jams against the capacity post 43, the first frame lO can only be moved in the direction of the second frame 16, that is, to an assembled position. The two frames cannot be separated or disassembled and thus, this construction securely holds the two frames together.
In order to disassemble the device, the actuator plate 64 is moved towards the capacity post. By doing so, raised portions 68 of the actuator plate 64 contact the under surface of the leading edge 88 of locking plate 74 and drive it upwards thus aligning the hole 78 of the locking plate 74 with the capacity post 43.
When the hole 78 is aligned with the capacity post 43, the ca~acity post 43 moves freely and the first frame 10 may 6 ~
1 be easily and quickly removed from the capacity post 43. It is important that-the sloped portion 90 of the r~ised portion 68 of the actuator plate 64 be such that the portion 88 of the locking plate 74 will ride easily up the surface and the plate will be therefore deflected into alignment.
The actuator plate 64 is suitable for deflecting both locking plates 74 at each end of the first frame 10.
Both locking plates 74 and springs 76 are aligned in the same manner at each end so that both are deflected in the same fashion.
The present invention also provides novel releasing means to move the actuator plate when desired. The plate may be moved from the top of the first frame 10 or from the side, by a conventional method or by any one of the following methods.
~ eferring to figure 9, the central part 91 of the plate is provided with a rack 92 on its raised central part and a pinion 94 is secured in the upper surface of the frame member 10 such that the rack 92 will engage the pinion 92.
~ The pinion 94 is so constructed such that it may ~e rotated by means of key 96. This is shown in figure 9 as a small rectangular protrusion 98 set in a circular depression in the top surface of the pinion 94 which is complementary to a female member 100 in key 96. Thus, when the key 96 is placed on the pinion 94 and turned, pinion 94 interacts with rack 92 which in turn moves the actuator plate in either direction.
A second example of the means to move the actuator plate is by means of a push button at the side of the upper frame. As shown in figure 10, a push button 102 is placed 1 through one end of the first frame 10 and when depressed, moves the actuator plate towaras the opposite end of the first frame 10. A spring 104 is placed between the actuator plate and the opposite end of the first frame 10 and acts in the opposite direction tending to force the actuator plate towards the push button 102.
When the push button 102 is pushed inwardly, the actuator plate 64 is moved also and raised portions 68 of the actuator plate 64 contact the under surface of the leading edge 88 of locking plate 104 and drive it upwards thus aligning the hole 78 of the locking plate 74 with the capacity post 43.
When the button 102 is released, the spring forces the actuator plate 64 back to its original position and the action of the spring 76 then holds the locking plate 74 in misalignment with the capacity post 43 preventing disassembling from occurring.
A third example is the top lock push button as shown in figure 11. In this embodiment, the central part 72 of the actuator plate 64 is offset and a key hole slot 106 is cut in the top of the first frame 10 above the offset portion 72. A push button 108 is secured to the offset area 72 by, for example, swaging and the push button 108 can move freely in the slot 106. As shown in figure 11, the button 108 comprises an enlarged base portion 110 and a narrow stem portion 112. When the push button 10~ is inserted through the slot 106 and affixed to offset portion 72 of actuator plate 64, the button 108 will only move along -the slot when stem portion 112 is aligned with the slot. The base por-tion 110 is too large to allow movement along the slot so it is only when stem 112 is aligned with the slot, that the button will move through the slot.
Field of the Invention . _ This invention relates generally to ledger binder books and more particularly, to a novel construction for the locking mechanism used in conjunction with conventional ledger binder books.
Description of the Prior Art _ _ _ _ _ _ Ledger binders are conventional and are used extensively in many industries. In particular, in bookkeeping and accounting practices, these books or binders are very popular to facilitate proper record keeping.
The conventional binder comprises a front and a back cover which may or may not be identical, a plurality of pages or ledger sheets therebetween, and a system for releasably locking the covers together with the sheets therebetween.
It must be easy for the user to disassemble the binder to remove pages or add new pages yet this must be balanced with a secure construction which will not allow accidental disengagement. Many persons also insist that the binder have a key or other locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized disassembling and possible tampering with the contents of the binder.
The prior art binders usually comprise a first frame which is attached to-a cover, and a second frame attached to a second cover. A plurality of capacity posts (usually two) are affixed to one frame and extend through complementary holes in the ledger sheets then through the second frame.
A form of locking device is built into the second frame which releasably secures the capacity posts to the second frame.
Thus, once assembled, the frames and the ledger sheets are 1 secured together. When the user wishes to add or remove sheets, the locking device is deactivated or :released and the frames are removed from each other thereby allowing access to the ledger sheets. The sheets are added or removed, and then the binder is reassembled and locked again.
Various systems have been proposed for the locking mechanism but all of these systems are ~uite expensive to manufacture and are not always reliable. These systems have included key locks, plunger locks and top locking systems which use offset plates to jam against the capacity posts. When the binder is to be disassembled, the plates are aligned with the posts to allow for removal.
Also, the prior art devices re~uire a different construction of locking mechanism to accommodate different rel~asing mechanisms, such as the key loc~s, top locks etc.
The lack of interchangability of the parts has increased the cost of these binders substantially.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention utilizes the same principle of the prior art but uses a much simpler apparatus to achieve this result. The locking system has been simplified and its cost significantly reduced. Also, with the present invention, the basic mechanism may be used with any of the conventional release mechanisms without the need for different locking systems. Thus, with the single locking system, different types of binders may be economically produced.
To this end, in one of its aspects, the invention provides a frame for use with a binder assembly, said frame comprising:
(a) an open, tubular main frame;
(b) an actuator means within said main frame;
(c) at least one locking plate, said at least one locking plate releasably secure~ to said main frame, an~ adapted to be moved from an unlocked position to a locked position or fro~ a locked position to an unlocked position in response to movement by said actuator means.
In another of its aspects, the invention further provides a binder assembly which comprises:
(a) a first open, tubular main frame;
(b) a second, open, tubular main frame adapted to be releasably secured to said first frame;
~c) an actuator plate within said second main frame an,d adapted to be moved in either longitudinal direction;
(d) means for moving said actuator plate;
(e) at least one locking plate, said at least one locking plate releasably secured to said second main frame and adapted to be moved fro.~ an unlocked position to a lockea position or from a locked position to an unlocked position in response to movement by said actuator plate;
(I) a pair of capacity posts releasably secured to said first frame member and adapted to releasably secure said second main frame to said first main frame.
Further objects and advantages of the present invention will appear from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is an exploded perspective view of a binder assembly of the present invention.
FIGUR~ 2 is a side elevational view of a base bushing used in the present invention.
FIGU~ 3 is a side elevational view of a capacity post of the present invention.
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1 FIGURE 4 is a top view of the actuator plate of the locking means of the present invention.
FIGURE 5 is a side view-of the actuator plate of figure ~.
FIGURE 6 is a front view of a locking plate of the locking means of the present invention.
FIGURE 7 is a side view of the locking plate and spring of the locking means of the present invention.
FIGURE 8 is a cut away perspective view of one end of the locking means within the first frame.
-FIGURE 9 is a top view of the key-lock releasing means.
FIGURE 10 is a top view of the side button releasing means.
FIGURE 11 is an exploded view of a top lock push button releasing means. (Figure 11 appears on the same page as figure 8.) DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring first to figure 1, there is shown an exploded perspective view of a binder assembly of the present invention.
The assembly comprises a first frame 10, a first hinge pin 12, ~ a first hinge plate 14, a second frame 16, a second hinge pin 18 and a second hinge plate 20.
The first frame 10 comprises a tube 22 which is open at each end. A continuous piano-type hinge 24 is provided along one longitudinal edge of the first frame 10 and is perferably, marginally offset to allow for complete closure of the binder assembly when the ledger sheets or pages (not shown) are inserted.
The open ends of the tube 22 are sealed with suitable plugs 26 as explained hereinafter.
A pair of holes 28 extend through the height of the tube 22, which holes correspond in shape and size to the capacity 1 posts 43. In figure 1, a releasing means 30 is shown as a button within a slot 32. This releasing means will be more fully described in the disclosure and may take the form of several different embodiments within the scope of the present invention.
The first hinge plate 14 carries on one of its edges, a piano-style hinge 34 which is complementary to and co-operates with the hinge 24. By mating the hin~e 34 to the hinge 24 and inserting the hinge pin 12 through the mated hinges 24 and 34, a secure assembly of the plate 14 to the first frame portion 10 is achieved.
The first hinge plate 14 may be manufactured of any suitable material and may have a decorative coating applied thereto. The present invention is not restricted to any particular shape or material for the hinge plate.
The second frame 16 also comprises an open con-struction main tube 36 whose ends are sealed with plugs 38.
A continuous piano-type hinge 40 is secured along one length, preferably, marginally offset to allow for complete closure of the binder assembly once the pages are inserted.
A pair of spaced-apart holes 41 are provided through the height of the tube 36 and base bushings 46 are secured to the base of the tube. A pair of capacity posts 43 are screwed into or otherwise secured to the bushings 46. The construction of the capacity posts 43 will be explained in detail.
The second hinge plate 20 is complementary to the first hinge plate 14 and also carries on one longitudinal edge, a piano-type hinge 42. The hinge 42 is mated with the hinge 40 on the second frame 16 and hinge pin 44 secures hinges 40 and 42 together, in a sirnilar manner to the Eirst frame 10 and first hinge pla-te 14.
The ledger sheets (not shown) generally correspond to the size of the plates 14, 20 although they may be of any desired size or shape. The sheets have two holes punched therein and when they are to be inserted into the assembly, the posts are inserted through the holes in the ledger sheets and the binder is then assembled.
In order to disassemble and insert or remove pages, the releasing means 30 must be releasable, yet must have sufficient strength to lock the component parts of the binder together and prevent accidental disassembly.
The base bushings 46 as shown in figure 2 are secured in the holes 41 in the second frame 16, by any means well known in the art. The base bushing 46 carries screw threading - 48 on the interior thereof which receives the capacity posts 43.
The capacity posts 43 may be single posts or as in a preferred embodiment, a plurality of posts to provide addi-tional height where desired.
In A preferred embodiment, with reference to figure 3, the capacity post ~3 comprises one or more inner posts 50 with a terminal post 52 attached to the last inner post 50. Each inner post 50 comprises a threaded male portion 54 adapted to co-operate with the screw threading 48 on the inner surface of the bushing 46, a central portion 56 and a screw threaded female end portion 58. The female end portion 58 may receive the male portion 54 of another inner post or alterna-tively, the screw threaded male portion 60 of the terminal post 52. The terminal post 52 has a dome-shaped end portion 62.
If desired, the terminal post 52 may be itself secured to the base bushing.
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1 ~s will be readily appreciated, any number of inner posts 50 may be firmly secured together between the bushing 46 and the terminal post 52 to produce a capacity post 43 of the desired height.
When the binder is in use, it is essential that the component parts be securely locked together yet consideration must also be given to releasing the component parts when the user wishes to add new pages or remove old pages.
The locking means 30 must therefore securely hold the 1~ parts together yet be easily releasable when desired. The present invention provides these features by the use of an actuator plate and a plurality of locking plates, one for each capacity post of the assembly.
Referring first to figure 4 and figure 5, there are shown top and side views respectively~ of the actuator plate 64 of the present invention. The actuator plate 64 comprises a thin, light weight body of a length less than the width of the first frame 10. The length of the actuator plate 64 is such as to accommodate the capacity posts 43 at the peripheral end of each of the slots 66 in the plate. The sides 68 of the plate 64 beside the peripheral portion of the slot 66 are raised (in the shape of an inverted V) and the end portions 70 of the plate 64 are bent upwards. The central part 72 of the plate is also raised as will be explained.
The locking means also includes a plurality of locking plates 74 as shown in front view in figure 6 and in side view in figure 7. A spring 76 is affixed to the plate 74 as shown in figure 7 and preferably, this spring is a double torsion spring. ~ hole 78 is cut in the central part of locking plate 74 through which the capacity post can extend.
1 Referring now to figure 8, the operatior. of the locking means will now be explained. Figure 8 is a cu-t-away view of the first frame 10 with the actua-tor plate 64, the locking plate 74 and the spring 76 assembled. For the purpose of explanation, only one end of the first frame lO
is shown as the opposite end is complementary thereto.
The actuator plate 64 is first placed in the first ~rame lO so that slots 66 are located over holes 28. Thus, when the capacity posts 43 are inserted through the holes 28, they protrude as well, through slot 66.
The locking plate 74 is then placed over the slot 66 and feet 80 of the locking plate 74 are set in holes 82 in the bottom wall of the first frame 10. The spring 76 i5 inserted onto the locking plate 74 by hooking the coiled part 84 of the spring over the protrusions 86 of the locking plate 74. The spring 76 presses against the inner upper surface of first frame 10 to retain the locking plate 7a in place.
The action of the spring 76 holds the locking plate 74 in misalignment with the capacity post 43. Thus, because the locking plate 74 bears or jams against the capacity post 43, the first frame lO can only be moved in the direction of the second frame 16, that is, to an assembled position. The two frames cannot be separated or disassembled and thus, this construction securely holds the two frames together.
In order to disassemble the device, the actuator plate 64 is moved towards the capacity post. By doing so, raised portions 68 of the actuator plate 64 contact the under surface of the leading edge 88 of locking plate 74 and drive it upwards thus aligning the hole 78 of the locking plate 74 with the capacity post 43.
When the hole 78 is aligned with the capacity post 43, the ca~acity post 43 moves freely and the first frame 10 may 6 ~
1 be easily and quickly removed from the capacity post 43. It is important that-the sloped portion 90 of the r~ised portion 68 of the actuator plate 64 be such that the portion 88 of the locking plate 74 will ride easily up the surface and the plate will be therefore deflected into alignment.
The actuator plate 64 is suitable for deflecting both locking plates 74 at each end of the first frame 10.
Both locking plates 74 and springs 76 are aligned in the same manner at each end so that both are deflected in the same fashion.
The present invention also provides novel releasing means to move the actuator plate when desired. The plate may be moved from the top of the first frame 10 or from the side, by a conventional method or by any one of the following methods.
~ eferring to figure 9, the central part 91 of the plate is provided with a rack 92 on its raised central part and a pinion 94 is secured in the upper surface of the frame member 10 such that the rack 92 will engage the pinion 92.
~ The pinion 94 is so constructed such that it may ~e rotated by means of key 96. This is shown in figure 9 as a small rectangular protrusion 98 set in a circular depression in the top surface of the pinion 94 which is complementary to a female member 100 in key 96. Thus, when the key 96 is placed on the pinion 94 and turned, pinion 94 interacts with rack 92 which in turn moves the actuator plate in either direction.
A second example of the means to move the actuator plate is by means of a push button at the side of the upper frame. As shown in figure 10, a push button 102 is placed 1 through one end of the first frame 10 and when depressed, moves the actuator plate towaras the opposite end of the first frame 10. A spring 104 is placed between the actuator plate and the opposite end of the first frame 10 and acts in the opposite direction tending to force the actuator plate towards the push button 102.
When the push button 102 is pushed inwardly, the actuator plate 64 is moved also and raised portions 68 of the actuator plate 64 contact the under surface of the leading edge 88 of locking plate 104 and drive it upwards thus aligning the hole 78 of the locking plate 74 with the capacity post 43.
When the button 102 is released, the spring forces the actuator plate 64 back to its original position and the action of the spring 76 then holds the locking plate 74 in misalignment with the capacity post 43 preventing disassembling from occurring.
A third example is the top lock push button as shown in figure 11. In this embodiment, the central part 72 of the actuator plate 64 is offset and a key hole slot 106 is cut in the top of the first frame 10 above the offset portion 72. A push button 108 is secured to the offset area 72 by, for example, swaging and the push button 108 can move freely in the slot 106. As shown in figure 11, the button 108 comprises an enlarged base portion 110 and a narrow stem portion 112. When the push button 10~ is inserted through the slot 106 and affixed to offset portion 72 of actuator plate 64, the button 108 will only move along -the slot when stem portion 112 is aligned with the slot. The base por-tion 110 is too large to allow movement along the slot so it is only when stem 112 is aligned with the slot, that the button will move through the slot.
2~
1 In the locked position, the button 108 is at the enlarged end of the slot 106. Because of the offse-t area 72 of the actuator plate,-this forces the button upwardly so that base portion 110 of the button engages slot 106. As the diameter of the base 110 is equal to the diameter of the enlarged end of the hole, the button is forced upwardly to its maximum height. In this position, the button cannot move along the slot because the diameter of base 110 is too great for the slot 106.
To release the mechanism, downward pressure is applied to the top of the button 108. The pressure then depresses the button downwardly which moves in that direction because raised portion 72 of the actuator plate has inherent resiliency.
The button is moved downward until the undersurface of the top of the button contacts the top surface o-f the first frame.
In this position, the button can now move freely along the slot because the diameter of stem 112 is less than the diameter of the slot. The moving bu-tkon moves the actuator plate which in turn releases the locking plate and allows for disassembly of the device.
Thus, as seen by the three examples of the releasing means, each releasing means is adaptable to be used with the identical locking means structure and therefore, each of the different embodiments of the binder assembly may be manufactured from the same basic stock. This has reduced the cost of these binder assemblies significantly and represents a sub-stantial advance in the art.
Although the disclosure describes and illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood the invention i.s not restricted to this particular embodiment.
1 In the locked position, the button 108 is at the enlarged end of the slot 106. Because of the offse-t area 72 of the actuator plate,-this forces the button upwardly so that base portion 110 of the button engages slot 106. As the diameter of the base 110 is equal to the diameter of the enlarged end of the hole, the button is forced upwardly to its maximum height. In this position, the button cannot move along the slot because the diameter of base 110 is too great for the slot 106.
To release the mechanism, downward pressure is applied to the top of the button 108. The pressure then depresses the button downwardly which moves in that direction because raised portion 72 of the actuator plate has inherent resiliency.
The button is moved downward until the undersurface of the top of the button contacts the top surface o-f the first frame.
In this position, the button can now move freely along the slot because the diameter of stem 112 is less than the diameter of the slot. The moving bu-tkon moves the actuator plate which in turn releases the locking plate and allows for disassembly of the device.
Thus, as seen by the three examples of the releasing means, each releasing means is adaptable to be used with the identical locking means structure and therefore, each of the different embodiments of the binder assembly may be manufactured from the same basic stock. This has reduced the cost of these binder assemblies significantly and represents a sub-stantial advance in the art.
Although the disclosure describes and illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood the invention i.s not restricted to this particular embodiment.
Claims (12)
1. A frame for use with a binder assembly, said frame comprising:
(a) an open tubular main frame with a hinge means secured to one longitudinal side thereof, (b) an actuator plate inside said tubular-frame and adapted to be moved in either longitudinal direction;
(c) means for moving said actuator plate in either longitudinal direction;
(d) a pair of locking plates, each locking plate at the respective ends of the actuator plate and adapted to be deflected in response to movement in a first direction by said actuator plate to an unlocked position from a locked position and also adapted to be released from the locked position to an unlocked position upon movement of the actuator plate in the opposite direction.
(a) an open tubular main frame with a hinge means secured to one longitudinal side thereof, (b) an actuator plate inside said tubular-frame and adapted to be moved in either longitudinal direction;
(c) means for moving said actuator plate in either longitudinal direction;
(d) a pair of locking plates, each locking plate at the respective ends of the actuator plate and adapted to be deflected in response to movement in a first direction by said actuator plate to an unlocked position from a locked position and also adapted to be released from the locked position to an unlocked position upon movement of the actuator plate in the opposite direction.
2. A frame as claimed in claim 1 further including a spring means releasably secured to each locking plate, each spring means tending to hold said locking plate in a first position.
3. A frame as claimed in claim 2 wherein said means for moving said actuator plate comprises a rack affixed to the central part of the actuator plate, a pinion adapted to co-operate with said rack, and a key adapted to turn said pinion, whereby the actuator plate is moved in either longitudinal direction in response to turning of said key.
4. A frame as claimed in claim 2 wherein said means for moving said actuator plate comprises a spring means inserted
4. A frame as claimed in claim 2 wherein said means for moving said actuator plate comprises a spring means inserted
Claim 4 continued between the actuator plate and the adjacent end of said main frame tending to force the actuator plate towards the opposite end of the frame, and a push button at the opposite end of the main frame, whereby when the push button is pushed, the actuator plate is moved towards the opposite end of the main frame thereby depressing said spring means, and when the push button is released, the spring means forces the actuator plate in the opposite direction.
5. A frame as claimed in claim 2 wherein said means for moving said actuator plate comprises a button with a small stem portion and an enlarged based portion, said button affixed to a raised, central portion of said actuator plate, and a slot in the top surface of said main frame through which the button extends, the central raised portion of the actuator plate forcing the button upwardly, whereby when depressed, the button is movable through said slot thereby moving the actuator plate.
6. A binder assembly which comprises:
(a) a first open, tubular main frame;
(b) a second open, tubular main frame with a hinge means secured to one longitudinal side thereof and adapted to be releas-ably secured to said first frame;
(c) an actuator plate within said second main frame and adapted to be moved in either longitudinal direction;
(d) means for moving said actuator plate in either longitudinal direction;
(e) a pair of locking plate, each locking plate at the respect-ive ends of the actuator plate and adapted to be moved from
6. A binder assembly which comprises:
(a) a first open, tubular main frame;
(b) a second open, tubular main frame with a hinge means secured to one longitudinal side thereof and adapted to be releas-ably secured to said first frame;
(c) an actuator plate within said second main frame and adapted to be moved in either longitudinal direction;
(d) means for moving said actuator plate in either longitudinal direction;
(e) a pair of locking plate, each locking plate at the respect-ive ends of the actuator plate and adapted to be moved from
Claim 6 continued an unlocked position to a locked position or from a locked position to an unlocked position in response to movement by said actuator plate;
(f) a pair of capacity posts releasably secured to said first frame member and adapted to releasably secure said second main frame to said first main frame.
7. A binder assembly as claimed in claim 6 which comprises:
(a) a first open, tubular main frame with sealed ends, a hinge secured to one longitudinal side edge thereof, and a pair of holes extending through the frame, each hole adjacent the respective end of said frame, (b) a first hinge plate comprising a hinge complementary to the hinge on the first frame and a plate secured thereto;
(c) a first hinge pin adapted to releasably secure the hinge of said first frame to the hinge of said first hinge plate;
(d) a pair of base bushings, one base bushing secured at the bottom of each hole in the first frame;
(e) a pair of capacity posts, each post releasably secured in one base bushing and extending through said first frame member and beyond;
(f) a second, open, tubular main frame with sealed ends, a hinge secured to one longitudinal side edge thereof, and a pair of holes extending through the frame, each hole adjacent the respective end of said frame;
(g) a second hinge plate comprising a hinge complementary to the hinge on the second frame and a plate secured thereto;
(h) a second hinge pin adapted to releasably secure the hinge of said second frame to the hinge of said second hinge plate;
(f) a pair of capacity posts releasably secured to said first frame member and adapted to releasably secure said second main frame to said first main frame.
7. A binder assembly as claimed in claim 6 which comprises:
(a) a first open, tubular main frame with sealed ends, a hinge secured to one longitudinal side edge thereof, and a pair of holes extending through the frame, each hole adjacent the respective end of said frame, (b) a first hinge plate comprising a hinge complementary to the hinge on the first frame and a plate secured thereto;
(c) a first hinge pin adapted to releasably secure the hinge of said first frame to the hinge of said first hinge plate;
(d) a pair of base bushings, one base bushing secured at the bottom of each hole in the first frame;
(e) a pair of capacity posts, each post releasably secured in one base bushing and extending through said first frame member and beyond;
(f) a second, open, tubular main frame with sealed ends, a hinge secured to one longitudinal side edge thereof, and a pair of holes extending through the frame, each hole adjacent the respective end of said frame;
(g) a second hinge plate comprising a hinge complementary to the hinge on the second frame and a plate secured thereto;
(h) a second hinge pin adapted to releasably secure the hinge of said second frame to the hinge of said second hinge plate;
Claim 7 continued (i) an actuator plate within said second main frame and adapt-ed to be moved in either longitudinal direction;
(j) means for moving said actuator plate;
(k) a pair of locking plates, each locking plate releasably secured to said second main frame and adapted to lock to a capacity post when said capacity post is inserted through the holes in said second main frame, and adapted to move from an unlocked position to a locked position or from a locked position to an unlocked position in response to move-ment by said actuator plate;
(j) means for moving said actuator plate;
(k) a pair of locking plates, each locking plate releasably secured to said second main frame and adapted to lock to a capacity post when said capacity post is inserted through the holes in said second main frame, and adapted to move from an unlocked position to a locked position or from a locked position to an unlocked position in response to move-ment by said actuator plate;
8. A binder assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein said capacity posts each comprise one or more inner posts and a terminal post.
9. A binder assembly as claimed in claim 7 further in-eluding a spring means releasably secured to each locking plate, each spring means tending to hold said locking plate in a first position.
10. A binder assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein said means for moving said actuator plate comprises a rack affixed to the central part of the actuator plate, a pinion adapted to co-operate with said rack, and a key adapted to turn said pinion, whereby the actuator plate is moved in either longitud-inal direction in response to turning of said key.
11. A binder assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein said means for moving said actuator plate comprises a spring means inserted between the actuator plate and the adjacent end of said main frame tending to force the actuator plate towards
11. A binder assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein said means for moving said actuator plate comprises a spring means inserted between the actuator plate and the adjacent end of said main frame tending to force the actuator plate towards
Claim 11 continued the opposite end of the frame, and a push button at the opposite end of the main frame, whereby when the push button is pushed, the actuator plate is moved towards the opposite end of the main frame thereby depressing said spring means, and when the push button is released, the spring means forces the actuator plate in the opposite direction.
12. A binder assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein said means for moving said actuator plate comprises a button with a small stem portion and an enlarged base portion, said button affixed to a raised, central portion of said actuator plate, and a slot in the top surface of said main frame through which the button extends, the central raised portion of the actuator plate forcing the button upwardly, whereby when de-pressed, the button is movable through said slot thereby moving the actuator plate.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA327,006A CA1106720A (en) | 1979-05-04 | 1979-05-04 | Binder assembly for ledger binder books |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA327,006A CA1106720A (en) | 1979-05-04 | 1979-05-04 | Binder assembly for ledger binder books |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1106720A true CA1106720A (en) | 1981-08-11 |
Family
ID=4114144
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA327,006A Expired CA1106720A (en) | 1979-05-04 | 1979-05-04 | Binder assembly for ledger binder books |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1106720A (en) |
-
1979
- 1979-05-04 CA CA327,006A patent/CA1106720A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |