US2200460A - Loose-leaf binder - Google Patents

Description

May 14, 1940. UNGER AL r 2,200,460

- LOOSE-LEAF BINDER Filed April 2, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 WII Jl.

,1. M W h.

INVENTORS PAUL. 0. UNGER FRED D WEDGE fTORNE Y May '14, 1940. l 0. UNGER r AL LOOSE-LEAF BINDER Filed April 2, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 5R5 56 0 GD E K MNE m 52 muw m z 77% WO M ll.|ril\ l L H 110 ||||I I UE H Tm May 14, 1940. UNGER ET 2.200.460

LOOSE-LEAF BINDER Filed April 2, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 5 INVEA-VTORS 5 PAUL 0. UNGEI? 4 BY fkED D WEDGE I -35 57 5 4! ATTORNEY.

Patented May 14, 1940 warren stares LOOSE-LEAF BINDER- setts Application April 2, 1934, Serial No. 718,646

21 Claims.

This invention relates to a loose-leaf binder which may be expanded to vary its capacity.

It is an object of this invention to provide a loose-leaf binder of variable capacity capable of holding a plurality of sheets under compression. It is a further object of this invention to provide means for adjusting the back of the binder to the contents with greater accuracy than has heretofore been possible. this invention will become apparent upon reading the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of the back of a loose-leaf binder embodying the invention, with parts broken away to facilitate illustration of the structure;

Figure 2 is a rear plan view of the binder back with the outer rounded back plate removed;

Figure 3 is a cros sectional view of the binder;

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the ratchet and pawl mechanism for controlling the expansion of the binder;

Figure 5 is a longitudinalsectional view taken generally along the line VV of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is an end elevation of the binder; Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional View taken generally along the line VII-VII of Figure 3;

Figure 8 is a rear plan View of a modified embodiment of the invention, with parts broken away to facilitate illustration of the structure;

Figure 9 is a cross sectional View taken generally along the lineIX-JX of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a fragmentary perspective View of the binder associated with a modified form of post bars;

Figure 11 is a perspective 'view of another embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 12 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 11.

In the drawings, the reference numeral 2 indicates a pair of cover members connected to opposite edges of a pair. of compression members 3 and 4 having upstandingside walls 5 and 8, respectively. A metal plate member 1 is secured to each compression member by means of rivets 8 or similar securing means. The inner edge of each cover member is positioned between the upstanding side wall of one compression member and one plate member 7 and is permanently held therein by means of the rivetst which pass therethrough. The plate member i is provided with a horizontal flange 9, overlying the outer edge of the compression member, and a vertical flange H1 at each end of the plate member.

Other objects of The flanges 9 and i ii facilitate proper positioning of a pair of post bars I! and maintain the post bars in position in the binder. The post bars are of a length equal to the distance between the flanges l and are each provided with a projection l2 on each end so that longitudinal displacement of the post bars is impossible after they have been properly positioned. Each post bar is provided at its top edge with a plurality of projections l3 which are preferably formed by bending the edge of the post bar. The lower edges of the post bars may have similar projections to increase the eilective thickness of the post bars. The lower edge is also provided with a plurality of notches It to provide adequate 15 clearance for various parts of the binder mechanism.

. A plurality of sheet retaining posts or prongs [5 are permanently secured to each post bar I! in any suitable manner. The sheet retaining posts or prongs are shown as being curved in cross section so as to provide a greater area of contact with the edges of the apertures It of the sheets I! impaled thereon, It is obvious, however that flat prongs or prongs of any desired configuration can be substituted for the prongs shown in the drawings. Each post bar I I is provided at its upper edge with a notch l8 opposite each sheet retaining prong secured to theother post bar so that the free end of each prong may be positioned under the flange 9 of the opposite post barwhen the binder is compressed to its minimum position.

A modified form of post bar l9 having round telescoping sheet retaining posts or prongs 2B and 2| is shown in Figure 10. In this embodiment the bar project slightly above the flanges 9. A plurality of projections 22 are provided to fit under the flanges 9. The lower edge of each post bar may be provided with a plurality of projections 23 which increase the effective thickness of the bar.

In Figures 11 and 12 one of the'post bars and one edge of the binder are the same as in the other modifications. The other edge of the binder is provided with a hinged plate 24 to which a post bar 25 is permanently secured by riveting or welding.

The binder is provided with a back member which include a flat plate 26 and a rounded I plurality of closely spaced points.

28 do not project above the surface of the plate. A reinforcing bridge member 3| may be positioned to straddle the tongue 28 to furnish added rigidity to the connection between the members 26 and 21. The rounded plate 2'! is provided with a metal strap 32 welded thereto to support it at its opposite end. The plate member 26 is provided with a plurality of longitudinal slots 33 for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

The compression members 3 and 4 are cut out on their inner edges, as indicated at 34, to allow room for a centralizing bar 35 positioned adjacent the plate member 26 by means of rivets or studs 36 which are permanently fixed to the bar 35 and project through the slots 33. The centralizing bar is connected to the compression members 3 and Q by means of a plurality of toggle links 31. Accordingly, whenever the compression members 3 and i move transversely, the centra-lizing bar must move longitudinally. If the longitudinal movement of the bar is stopped at any point, further transverse movement of the compression members in the same direction is prevented until the stop means is released. The slots 33 are of uniform length and provide positive stops to limit the total travel of the bar 35 and consequently of the compression members. Opposite ends of the plate member 26 are bent up, as indicated at 33, to provide a pair of channel members in which the ends of the compression members are adapted to move transversely.

A plate member 39 is secured against the underside of the back plate 26 by means of the rivets or studs 36 which secure the bar 35 against the top side of the back plate. One edge of the plate 35 is provided with a plurality of teeth or similar projections 40. Since the plate or rack 33 is rigidly connected to the centralizing bar 35 by the studs 36, any control of the motion of the member 33 will similarly control the motion of the bar 35 and the compression members 3 and 4.

A stud 4i secures a pair of superimposed pawl members 42 to the back plate 26 in proximity to the rack 39 so that the pawl teeth may engage e the teeth ll of the rack. The rack is as thick as the combined thickness of the two pawl members so that the teeth of either pawl member may have a substantial engagement with theteeth of the rack. The teeth of the pawl members 42 are offset longitudinally relative to each other so that when the pawls are in engagement with the teeth 58 and the binder is compressed each pawl member engages the teeth 43 alternately to provide positive stops against outward movement at a In order to provide a positive stop it is necessary for the teeth to have substantial dimensions. The sub stantial size of the teeth necessary for strength makes it impossible to secure fine adjustment with a single pawl member. With two ofiset pawl members however, it is possible to adjust the compression members to fit very closely against the contents of the binder.

A fiat spring G3 having one and secured to the plate 26 at M and the other end secured to the upper end of the pawl at 45 is provided for each of the pawls 62. The springs 43 constantly urge the pawl members into engagement with the teeth (iii to prevent outward transverse movement of the compression members.

Disengagement of the pawl members 42 from the teeth 65 against the action of the springs 43 is accomplished by means of a lever 46- which is pivoted to the back plate 28 at 4'5 and has a pin 48 positioned in a notch 49 in the lower end of each pawl member. The lower end of the lever 46 is bent around the end of the back plate 26, as indicated at 50, and is provided with a handle 5i accessible from the end of the binder so that the lever may be shifted easily. A plate member 52 bent around the end of the back plate 26 is provided with a notch 53 in which the end of the lever is positioned. The notch 53 is just wide enough to regulate the lateral movement of the lever. The plate 52 is spaced from the back plate by means of a pair of metal blocks 54 to allow a space for the ends 55 of the metal strap 32 to be received between the back plate 26 and the plate 52. The plate 52, spacing blocks 54 and back plate 26 are welded together to form a rigid structure.

The lever 46 is provided with an aperture 56 adapted to fit over a projection 51 depending from the back plate 26 to hold the lever in open position and to prevent accidental movement of the lever. The projection 51 is rounded somewhat so that lateral pressure on the lever 46 will disengage the aperture 53 and the projection 51. It will be understood that the purpose of the aperture 56 and the projection 51 is not to prevent movement of the lever 46, but is merely to prevent accidental movement. The lever is provided with a shoulder 58 against which a permanent lock is adapted to abut. No permanent lock is illustrated, 'but a suitable permanent lock is disclosed in the prior application of Paul O. Unger, Serial No. 708,757, filed January 29, 1934, which issued as Patent No. 1,996,940 on April 9, 1935.

The binder is provided with a cover plate 59 having depending flanges 50 to space it above the toggle mechanism of the binder. The flanges 60 are notched, as indicated at 6!, to provide the necessary clearance for the toggle links. The cover plate imparts a finished appearance to the inside of the binder back and protects the mechanism.

The operation of the binder is very simple. Starting with the binder in closed position as shown in Figure l, the lever 45 is moved to the right, to move the pawls 42 out of engagement with the rack 35. Figure 2 clearly shows the structure causing the pawls to move out of engagement with the rack. The compression members may then be moved outwardly by pulling on the cover members or compression members until the binder is open wide enough to permit removal of bars I! and prongs l5 to receive the sheets. The sheets are then impaled on the posts or prongs of the post bars and the sheet retaining unit is positioned between the compression members. The lever is then preferably moved to closed position and the compression members are moved inwardly until they fit tightly against the post bars. During this inward movement of the compression members one pawl is moved into engagement with the teeth 40 by its spring 43 while the other one is forced up the incline of the teeth 43 out of engagement. When the second pawl falls into engagement with the next tooth 40, the first pawl is moved up the incline. If desired, the lever can be left in open position until the compression members are moved in as far as possible, and then moved to closed position. In either case the compression members are adjusted very closely to the contents of the binder. V

In Figures 8 and 9 a modified form of securing means is shown for holding the rounded plate 21 to the flat plate 62 which replaces the plate 26. The plate 62 is provided with a plurality of slots 63 and depressed portions 66 adjacent thereto. A reinforcing plate 65 welded to the rounded plate 21 is provided with a plurality of tongues 66 adapted to project through the slots 63 and be bent against the depressed portions of the plate 62 to secure the rounded back plate to the flat plate.

The only other difference between the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8 and 9 and the em-' bodiment of Figures 1 to 7, inclusive, is in the specific means for moving the lever 61 which replaces the lever 46. The lever 6'! is provided with a lateral extension 68 which is provided with a plurality of spaced apertures 69. A cylinder lock 10 is secured to the plate 62 adjacent the end of the lever 67 by means of a housing H. The shaft 12 of the lock projects beyond the housing and has a toothed wheel 13 rigidly fixed thereto. The teeth of the wheel 13 engage the apertures 69 so that when the shaft is rotated by means of a key 14 the teeth of the wheel 13 move the lever so that the pawls are moved into and out of engagement with the rack. The lock 16 is constructed so that the key 14 may be moved therefrom only when the pawls are in engagement with the rack. This arrangement prevents any one from leaving the book in open condition without leaving visible evidence of the fact.

The end of the shaft 12 is supported by means of a tongue 75 struck out of the plate 62. The shaft is provided with a stop member 16 which abutsor engages the left-hand side of a lug ."l, as seen in Figure 9, to prevent movement of the shaft and lever beyond a predetermined point in one direction. The lug 1'! is struck out from the lever 61. Movement of the lever in the other direction is limited by the end 78 of the lever which abuts. the side wall of the housing H when the pawls are fully disengaged from the teeth of the rack. The lever is provided with a shoulder 19 against which a permanent lock may be positioned.

When the lever is in locked position, a space is provided adjacent thereto for the reception of a permanent lock. The lever is protected against tampering because the stop member 16 which abuts against the 111g 11 prevents any movement of the lever from its locked position. The only way possible to move the stop member 16 is by rotation of the shaft 12, and this can be accom plished only by use of the proper key.

Although we have described our invention in considerable detail, it will be understood that the description thereof is illustrative rather than restrictive, as many details may be modified or changed without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Accordingly, we do not desire to be restricted to the exact details of construction described, except as limited-by the appended claims.

We claim: I

1. In a loose-leaf binder, aback plate provided with a plurality of slots, a pair of transversely movable compression members, a bar adapted to control the transverse movement of said compression members, a second bar rigidly secured to said first mentioned bar by means of a plurality of studs, said studs passing through said slots to limit the movement of said bars, projections on said second mentioned bar, and apair of relatively offset pawl members engageable with said projections to prevent movement of said bars in one direction.

2. In a loose-leaf binder, a back plate,- a longitudinally movable bar positioned adjacent one surface of said back plate, a pair of transversely movable compression members, the movement of said compression members being controlled by the longitudinal movement of said bar, a second bar rigidly secured to said first mentioned bar, said second bar being positioned adjacent the opposite surface of said back plate, a plurality of teeth on said second mentioned bar, and a pair of superimposed pawl members engageable with said teeth to control the movement of said bars in one direction, said pawls being relatively offset to increase the fineness of adjustment of said compression members.

3. In a loose-leaf binder, a back member, a pair of compression members movable transversely relative to said back member, a bar connected to said compression members and movable longitudinally of said back member when said compression members are moved transversely, a rack rigidly connected to said bar, a pair of relatively offset pawl members engageable with said rack to prevent longitudinal movement of said'bar in one direction, and a single lever operable to move both of said pawl members into and out of engagement with said rack.

4. In a loose-leaf binder, a pair of transversely movable compression members, means to control the outward movement of said compression members, said means including a bar provided with a plurality of teeth on one edge and a pair of superimposed pawl members adapted to engage said teeth alternately during the inward movement of said compression members to provide positive stops against outward movement at a plurality of closely spaced points, and a single lever operable to move said'superimposed pawl members out of engagement with said teeth to permit outward movement of said compression members.

5. In a loose-leaf binder, a back member, a pair of compression members movable transversely of each other, a rack positioned adjacent said back member and operatively connected to said compression members, a pair of pawls superimposed in planes parallel to said back member, said pawls being pivoted on said back member and engageable with said rack at intervals less than the distance between adjacent teeth of said rack to prevent outward movement of said compression members, and key operated means, for movingsaid pawls into and out of locking position.

6. In a loose-leaf binder, a pair of compression members, a rack connected to said compression members, a stationary back plate, a pair of superimposed pawls pivoted to said back plate, spring means tending to move said pawls into engagement with said rack to prevent outward movement of said compression members, a lever pivoted to said back plate, said lever engaging said pawl members, and key operated means engaging said lever for moving said pawls out of engagement with said rack against the action of said spring.

'7. Ina loose-leaf binder, a pair of compression members, a rack connected to said compression members, a back member, a pair of superimposed pawl members connected to said back member, a lever pivoted to said back member, said lever engaging said pawl members, and a single key operated means engaging said lever for moving said pawl members into and out of engagement with said rack.

8. In a loose-leaf binder, a pair of compression members, a rack connected to said compression members, a back member, a pair of superimposed pawl members pivoted to said back member, a lever pivoted to said back member and having a pin in engagement with said pawl members, and a key operated shaft, said lever being operable by means of said key operated shaft.

9. In a loose-leaf binder, a pair of compression members, a rack connected to said compression members, a back member, a pair of pawl members pivoted to said back member, and a lever pivoted to said back member and engageable with said pawl members to move said pawl members into and out of engagement with said rack.

10. In a loose-leaf binder, a pair of compression members, a rack connected to said compression members, a back member, a pair of superimposed pawl members pivoted to said back member, said pawl members being provided with a notch in one edge of each, and a lever having a projection engaged in said notches, said lever being operable to move said pawl members into and out of engagement with said rack.

11. In a loose-leaf binder, a pair of transversely movable compression members, each of said compression members having an upstanding side wall along its outer edge, a plate member adjacent each of said side Walls, a pair of cover members, each of said cover members having an edge permanently secured between one of said side walls and its adjacent plate member to form two upstanding units extending along the outer edges of said compression members, a post bar hingedly fixed to one of said units, an unattached post bar adapted to cooperate with said hingedly fixed post bar to retain a plurality of sheets in orderly arrangement, and means on said other unit for positively retaining said unattached post bar in engagement with said last mentioned unit.

12. In a loose-leaf binder, a pair of compression members, a rack operatively connected to said compression members, a back plate, a pair of pawls adapted to engage said rack, said pawls being superimposed in planes parallel to said back plate, a lever pivoted on said back plate and engaging said pawls, and means to move said lever on said back plate to move said pawls into and out of engagement with said rack.

13. In a loose-leaf binder, a flat back plate, a pair of compression members movable trans versely relative to said back plate, a rack positioned against said back plate and operatively connected to said compression members, and a pair of superimposed pawls offset relatively to each other and movable in planes parallel to the plane of said rack and said back plate, said pawl members being engageable with said rack to control the outward movement of said compression members.

14. In a loose-leaf binder, a back member, a pair of compression members movable transversely relative to said back member, a flat plate member positioned against said back member, a plurality of projections on one edge of said plate 5' member, and a pair of superimposed pawl members onset relatively to each other, said plate member being operatively connected to said compression members independently of said pawl members, said pawl members being engageable with said projections tocontrol the outward movement of said compression members.

15. In a loose-leaf binder, a pair of compression members, each of said compression members having an upstanding side wall at its outer longitudinal edge, a plate member adjacent each of said side walls, a pair of cover members, each of said cover members having one edge secured between one of said side walls and its adjacent plate member, one of said plate members having a flange overhanging the top of the side wall of one of said compression members, a post bar hingedly fixed to said other compression member, and a detachable post bar having sheet retaining prongs adapted to cooperate with said fixed post bar to retain a plurality of sheets in orderly arrangement, the top edge of said detachable post bar engaging with said flange to prevent accidental displacement of the sheets.

16. In a loose-leaf binder, a pair of cover members, a pair of plate members secured to the inner edges of said cover members, said cover members being adapted to move said plate members transversely of each other, a post bar hingedly fixed to one of said plate members, an unattached post bar adapted to cooperate with said hingedly fixed post bar to retain a plurality of sheets in orderly arrangement, a plurality of projections on said unattached post bar, and means on said other plate member engaging the projections on said unattached post bar for positively retaining said unattached post bar against longitudinal movement relative to said last mentioned plate member.

17. In a loose-leaf binder, a back member, a longitudinally movable bar positioned adjacent said back member, a pair of flanged compression memlbers connected to said bar and movable transversely by the longitudinal movement of said bar, a rack rigidly secured to said bar, a pawl member engageable with said rack to control movement of said bar in one direction, and a pair of detachable post bars provided with posts upon which a plurality of sheets may be impaled, said post bars being adapted to retain one edge of a plurality of sheets between said compression members, and a plurality of projections on said post bars, said projections being adapted to engage the flanges of said compression members to prevent accidental displacement of the sheets.

18. In a loose-leaf binder, a back member, a longitudinally movable bar positioned adjacent said back member, a pair of flanged compression members connected to said bar and movable transversely by the longitudinal movement of said bar, a pair of detachable post bars provided with posts upon which a plurality of sheets may be impaled, said post bars being adapted to retain one edge of a plurality of sheets between said compression members, and a plurality of projections on said post bars, said projections being adapted to engage the flanges of said compression members to prevent accidental displacement of the sheets.

19. In a loose-leaf binder, a back plate, a rack slidably secured to said back plate, a pair of relatively oiiset superimposed pawls secured to said back plate and pivoted to move in planes parallel to said back plate, and a pair of spring members mounted on said back plate, said spring members normally urging said pawls into engagement with said rack.

20. In a loose-leaf binder, a back plate, a rack secured to said back plate and movable longitudinally thereof in a plane parallel thereto, a pair of relatively offset pawls pivoted to move in planes parallel to said back plate, and a pair of spring members secured to said back plate, said spring members normally urging said pawls into engagement with said rack.

21. In a loose-leaf binder, a back plate, a rack secured to said back plate and movable longitudinally thereof in a plane parallel thereto, a pair of relatively offset pawls pivoted to move in planes parallel to the plane of said back plate, spring means urging said pawls into engagement with said rack, and a lever operable to move both of saidpawls out of engagement with said rack against the action of said spring means.

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