MXPA97003700A - An argol folder - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a ring binder characterized in that it comprises a substantially rigid upper structure, the upper structure having a top and bottom surface, at least an inwardly turned part protruding from the lower surface of the rigid upper structure; lower structure supported by the upper structure to which at least two pairs of semi-hoop members are mounted, the lower structure is pivotally movable between a first position in which the half-hoop members are closed, and a second position in wherein the semi-hoop members are opened, and at least one holding means for holding a pair of semi-hoop members while closing, the holding means is supported by at least one of the parts turned inward of the structure superior between at least two of at least two pairs of semi-argol members

Description

AN ARGOLLAS FOLDER DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a ring binder, and in particular, a ring binder that includes a substantially rigid support structure, supporting a pivotable lower structure, to which many pairs of rings are mounted. semiargollas. The existing ring binders include different types of fastening mechanisms to prevent accidental opening of the semi-grommet pairs, thus allowing the paper to fall out of the binders. In the absence of a clamping mechanism, if the ring binder is in a vertical position, the paper can force the pairs of half-gouges to open, thus trapping one or more sheets of paper between them. In addition, if there is no proper fastening mechanism, in the case where the ring binder is turned when it holds a large amount of the paper, the paper by virtue of its weight, forces the pairs of half-gouges to open. There are existing ring binders that include at either end a lever, which is operable to pivot the bottom plates to selectively open and / or close pairs of the ring members mounted on the plates. Such levers are movable between a first position, in which the pairs of ring members close and are clamped against any force applied to them, a second position in which the pairs of ring members are closed, but can be opened by the force applied on any of the pairs of the ring members and a third position in which the pairs of ring members are open. According to the present invention, there is provided a ring binder comprising a substantially rigid upper structure supporting a lower structure to which at least two of the pairs of half-gusset members are mounted, the lower structure being pivotally movable between a first position in which the semi-garrison members are closed and a second position in which the half-garrle members are open and a fastening means for holding at least one of the pairs of the half-garrison members while closed, characterized in that the clamping means is supported by the upper structure between the two pairs of half-garring members. Advantageously, the fastening means can be supported by at least a portion turned inwardly of the upper structure. Conveniently, the fastening means can be supported by the upper structure substantially along its midline.

Suitably, the upper structure may consist of slot means for receiving therein at least part of the fastening means. The slot means can advantageously be provided on the surface of the lower side of the upper structure. The upper structure may conveniently consist of flange means on its upper side surface. The fastening means may suitably be oscillatingly movable in relation to the support structure. Advantageously, the clamping means can be movable between a clamped position in which the lower structure is clamped against the movement from the first position to the second position and an unclamped position, in which the lower structure is movable from the first position to the second position. Conveniently, the clamping means may consist of at least one clamping member which, when the clamping means is in its clamped position, engages the lower structure against pivotal movement. Suitably, the securing means may consist of two holding members.

The clamping members, in their clamped position, can advantageously couple an upper surface of the lower structure. The lower structure may conveniently consist of stop means or detent against which the clamping members engage when the clamping means is in its clamped position. The lower structure may suitably consist of the opening means for receiving at least part of the clamping members, when the lower structure moves from its first position to its second position. Advantageously, the fastening means may consist of a key member operable to move the fastening means from the fastened position to the unclamped position. Conveniently, the key member can be operable to decouple the clamping members from the lower structure. Suitably, the key member may be operable to decouple the clamping members from the upper surface of the lower structure. The key member can advantageously be operable to uncouple the clamping members from the stop means or detent.

The key member can conveniently be fixedly coupled with the clamping members for simultaneous movement. The key member can suitably consist of an inclined portion on which the lower structure acts when the lower structure moves from its first position to its second position. Advantageously, when the inclined position of the key member is actuated by the lower structure, the clamping members can be movable from their clamped position to their unclamped position. Conveniently, the lower structure may consist of orifice means for receiving at least part of the key member when the lower structure moves from its first position to its second position. Suitably, the key member may consist of a wire element. The folder may advantageously consist of securing means adapted to secure the folder to a base member. The securing means can conveniently be integrally formed with the upper structure. The invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure -1 shows a top perspective view of a first embodiment of a ring binder according to the present invention with the half-glands in a closed position; Figure 2 shows a bottom perspective view of the ring binder shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the ring binder shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a bottom perspective view of the ring binder shown in Figure 1, with the part of the lower structure removed for clarity purposes; Figure 5 shows the ring binder of the Figure 1 with its lower structure in a partially moved position; Figure 6 shows the ring binder of Figure 1 with the half-rings in an open position; Figure 7A shows a cross-sectional view of the ring binder shown in Figure 1 through the fastening member with the half-rings in the closed position; Figure 7B shows a cross-sectional view of the ring binder shown in Figure 1 through the key member with the half-grommet in the closed position; Figure 8A shows a cross-sectional view of the ring binder shown in Figure 1, through the holding member with the half-rings in the open position; Figure 8B shows a cross-sectional view of the ring binder shown in Figure 1, through the key member with the half-rings in the open position; Figure 9 shows a top perspective view of a second embodiment of a ring binder according to the present invention with the grommets in a closed position; Figure 10 shows a bottom perspective view of the ring binder shown in Figure 9; Figure 11 shows an exploded view of the ring binder shown in Figure 9; Figure 12 shows a bottom perspective view of the ring binder shown in Figure 9, with the part of the lower structure removed for clarity purposes; Figure 13 shows the ring binder of Figure 9 with its lower structure in a partially moved position; Figure 14 shows the ring binder of Figure 9 with the half-rings in an open position; Figure 15 shows a top perspective view of a third embodiment of a ring binder according to the present invention, with the half-rings in a closed position; Fig. 16 shows a bottom perspective view of the ring binder shown in Fig. 15. As shown in Figs. 1 to 8B, a ring binder according to a first embodiment of the present invention is generally designated as a ring binder. The ring binder 10 includes a top cover 12 that supports a pair of plates 14a and 14b to which three pairs of grommets 16a, 16b and 16c are mounted. The plates 14a and 14b are pivotally movable in relation to each other, such that the semi-garrle pairs 16a, 16b and 16c can be selectively opened or closed. The half-loops 16a, 16b and 16c extend through three pairs of grooves 18a, 18b and 18c on the upper cover 12, which allows the half-loops 16a, 16b and 16c to open or close. At each end of the ring binder 10 there is a hole 20a and 20b, through which a rivet (not shown) can be received to secure the ring binder 10 to an article (not shown), for example a cover cardboard / plastic / metal.

As shown more clearly in Figure 3, the ring binder 10 includes a fastener 22 that includes a wire 24 with a fastener element 26 fixedly bent thereon. As shown in Figure 4, the wire 24 includes an arrow 28 which is secured to the lower surface of the top cover 12 by three inwardly bent portions 30 folded therewith. The fastener 22 in this way is supported by the top cap 12 along its midline and between the grommets 16a and 16b. The fastener 22, the wire 24 and the fastening element 26 in this manner are allowed to oscillate around the longitudinal axis of the arrow 28. As more clearly shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the fastener 22 is partially received in a channel 29. on the underside of the upper cover 12. A corresponding flange 31 is formed on the upper side of the upper cover 12. This arrangement also increases the resistance of the support cover 12 and thus the folder of rings 10. In the position when all semiargollas 16a, 16b and 16c are closed, as shown in Fig. 1, 2, 4, 7A and 7B, a distal end 32 of the wire 24 extends slightly through an opening 34 of the plate 14a. In this position, the clamping element 26 abuts against both of the upper surface of the plate 14b and a tongue 36. In this position, any attempt to open the half-loops 16a, 16b and 16c by applying force to the half-rings 16b or 16c will not be successful since the plate 14b and consequently the plate 14a, are prevented from presenting any upward pivoting movement by reason of the fastening element 26 acting against the plate 14b. On the other hand, if tensile force is applied on the half-loops 16a, the plate 14b will act on a bending portion 38 of the wire 24 from below. This will cause the fastener 22 to rotate about the arrow 28 in a clockwise direction, (according to Figure 7A) to the position shown in Figure 5. In this position, the wire 24 extends in addition through the opening 34 of the plate 14a, and the fastening element 26 is moved away from the upper surface of the plate 14b and the tongue 36 and aligned with an opening 40 of the plate 14b. Another pivoting movement of the plates 14a and 14b and thus opening all the half-loops 16a, 16b and 16c in this way is made possible by another pulling action on the half-loops 16a. The half-loops 16a, 16b and 16c can be rotated back to the closed position by pushing together any of the three pairs of half-loops 16a, 16b and 16c. When a pushing force is applied on any of the three pairs of half-loops 16a, 16b and 16c, the plate 14a will act from above on the bent portion 38 of the wire 24, such that the fastener 22 is rotated about the arrow 28 in a counterclockwise direction (according to Figure 8B) to the position shown in Figure 7B. The extension of the return movement of the fastener element 26 to its clamped position is governed by the tongue 36 which prevents excessive movement of the fastener element 26. This also prevents the distal end 32 of the wire 24 from being hidden in the cavity formed by the top cover 12 and the plates 14a and 14b. It is clear from the foregoing discussion that in the present invention, only a pair of half-loops, namely 16a, can be actuated to cause plates 14a and 14b to pivot and thereby open all half-loops 16a, 16b and 16c. The ring binder 10 in this way is held by any opening movement unless this specific pair of half-rings are actuated by it. On the other hand, all semi-rings 16a, 16b and 16c can be operated to close the folder. Figures 9 to 14 show a second embodiment of a ring binder according to the present invention, generally designated as 100. The main difference of this embodiment of the first embodiment discussed in the foregoing is the provision of two fastening elements 102 and 104. Accordingly, two tabs 106 and 108 are provided on the upper surface of a plate 110b for controlling the movements of the fastening elements 102 and 104 to return to the closed position and two openings 112 and 114 are provided on the plate 110b to allow part of the fastening elements 102 and 104 to pass therethrough. Figures 15 and 16 show a third embodiment of a ring binder according to the present invention, generally designated as 200. The main difference of this embodiment of the first embodiment discussed in the foregoing is the provision of two assurance members 202 at each end of the ring binder 200. Each securing member 202 includes six sectors of arched tip 204 downwardly hanging from the periphery of a hole 206. This is possible to secure the ring binder 200 to a paperboard cover / cardboard without using any rivet. It should be noted that the foregoing only illustrates the embodiments and examples in which the invention may be carried out and that other modifications and / or alterations may be made to the examples without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims (24)

1. CLAIMS 1. A ring binder comprising a substantially rigid upper structure, supporting a lower structure to which at least two pairs of half-garring members are mounted, the lower structure being pivotally movable between a first position in which the members of semi-glue are closed and a second position in which the semi-gusset members are open, and fastening means for holding at least one of the pairs of the half-glue members, while closed, characterized in that the fastening means is supported by minus one part turned inward of the upper structure between the two pairs of the semi-glue members.
2. 2. The ring bin according to claim 1, further characterized in that the fastening means is supported by the upper structure substantially along a longitudinal axis of the folder.
3. 3. The ring binder according to claim 1 or 2, further characterized in that the fastening means is supported by the upper structure substantially along its midline.
4. 4. The ring bin according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further characterized in that the upper structure comprises slot means for receiving therein at least part of the fastening means.
5. 5. The ring bin according to claim 4, further characterized in that the groove means is provided on the surface of the lower side of the upper structure.
6. 6. The ring binder according to claim 4 or 5, further characterized in that the upper structure comprises rim means on its surface of the lower side.
7. The ring binder according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the fastening means is oscillatingly movable relative to the upper structure.
8. The ring bin according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the clamping means is movable between a closed position in which the lower structure is clamped against the movement from the first position to the second position and a position unclamped in which the lower structure is movable from the first position to the second position.
9. The ring binder according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the fastening means comprises at least one clamping member which, when the clamping means is in its clamped position, engages the lower structure against the clamp. pivotal movement.
10. 10. The ring binder according to claim 9, further characterized in that the holding means comprises two holding members.
11. The ring binder according to claim 9 or 10, further characterized in that the clamping members, in their clamped position, engage an upper surface of the lower structure.
12. 12. The ring binder according to claim 9, 10 or 11, further characterized in that the lower structure comprises catch means against which the fastening members engage, when the fastening means is in its clamped position.
13. 13. The ring binder according to any of claims 9 to 12, further characterized in that the lower structure comprises opening means for receiving at least part of the fastening members, when the lower structure moves from its first position to its second position.
14. 14. The ring binder according to any of claims 8 to 13, further characterized in that the fastener means comprises a key member operable to move the fastener means from the position - held to the unclamped position.
15. 15. The ring binder according to claim 14, further characterized in that the key member is operable to decouple the fastener members from the lower structure.
16. 16. The ring binder according to claim 14 or 15, further characterized in that the key member is operable to decouple the fastener members from the upper surface of the lower structure.
17. 17. The ring binder according to any of claims 14 to 16, further characterized in that the key member is operable to decouple the fastener members from the catch means.
18. 18. The ring binder according to any of claims 14 to 17, further characterized in that the key member is fixedly coupled with the clamping members for simultaneous movement.
19. 19. The ring binder according to claim 18, further characterized in that the key member comprises an inclined portion on which the lower structure acts when the lower structure moves from its first position to its second position.
20. 20. The ring bin according to claim 19, further characterized in that when the inclined position of the key member is actuated by the lower structure, the clamping members are movable from their clamped position to their unclamped position.
21. 21. The ring binder according to any of claims 14 to 20, further characterized in that the lower structure comprises orifice means for receiving at least part of the key member, when the lower structure moves from its first position to its second position.
22. 22. The ring binder according to any of claims 14 to 21, further characterized in that the key member comprises a wire element.
23. 23. The ring binder according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the folder comprises securing means adapted to secure the ring binder to a base member.
24. 24. The ring binder according to claim 23, further characterized in that the securing means is integrally formed with the upper structure.