WO2005042270A1

WO2005042270A1 - Binding mechanism for a file

Info

Publication number: WO2005042270A1
Application number: PCT/NL2004/000591
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hendricus Antonius Hoogland
Original assignee: Novem International B.V.
Priority date: 2003-08-22
Filing date: 2004-08-23
Publication date: 2005-05-12
Also published as: NL1024154C2

Abstract

A binding mechanism (1) for a file, comprising at least two divisible locking rings.(2) and an operating mechanism (3) for moving said locking rings (2) between an opened and a closed position, while at least the locking rings (2) can be folded down.

Description

Title: Binding mechanism for a file

The invention relates to binding mechanisms for files. Files for storing papers and the like are generally known. Such files have, for instance, two locking rings made of wire material which extend approximately parallel to each other and are divisible in a direction at right angles thereto. For operating these binding mechanisms, an operating mechanism is provided with which a moveable part of the locking rings can be pivoted relative to a fixed part. The binding mechanism is attached to a cover of a file and has a height, measured approximately at right angles to the cover, that is approximately equal to the width of the spine of the file. - For packaging such binding mechanisms, relatively much space is required as a consequence of, in particular, the height mentioned, while much of the space is, in fact, empty. As a result, use of such binding mechanisms leads to a highly inefficient use of space, in particular during storage and transport. The object of the invention is to provide a binding mechanism for files with which, in particular during storage and transport, a more efficient use of space is possible. To that end, a binding mechanism according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 1. With a binding mechanism according to the invention, the locking rings can be folded down in a storing position such that the height of the binding mechanism in this storing position is considerably reduced. In such a storing position, the binding mechanisms can be packaged simpler and with less empty space. Moreover, in such a storing position, the binding mechanisms are better protected, in particular the locking rings. In an advantageous embodiment, a binding mechanism according to the invention is further characterized by the features of claim 2. ^~ With such an embodiment, the locking rings can be laid approximately flat in the plane they define so that a minimal height can be obtained in the folded-down or storing position. It is then preferred that the first axes extend approximately at right angles to the second axes, while a moveable part of each locking ring is pivotable about the or a second axis. Preferably, the first and second axis or axes include approximately a right angle, which is understood to mean at least an angle between 75 and 105 degrees. In a still further advantageous embodiment, a binding mechanism according to the invention is characterized by th.e features of claim 5. In such an embodiment, in a particularly simple and advantageous manner, a collapsible binding mechanism is obtained which can be packaged in a particularly compact manner. In a further elaboration, it is then preferred that each locking ring is provided with a base element, which base element, when the locking rings are in the storing position, extends approximately at right angles to the baseplate and, when the binding mechanism is in a position of use, is fastened against the baseplate such that with it, the respective locking ring is held in a position of use. Thus, in a particularly simple manner, the binding mechanism can be brought from the storing position with locking rings folded down to a position of use. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a binding mechanism according to the invention is characterized by th.e features of claim 7. With such an embodiment, a movable part of each locking ring is pivotally connected to the base element, which base element is connected to a respective first axis. By coupling the first axis to the baseplate, in a particularly efficient and simple manner, a connection is obtained between parts of the locking rings and the baseplate, while moreover, the desired pivotability of the locking rings and of their movable parts is obtained. In a further advantageous embodiment, a binding mechanism is characterized by the features of claim 8. In such an embodiment, a particularly simple operating mechanism is presented, with which the locking rings are movable between an opened and a closed position by the same lever. The invention further relates to a method for presenting, at least producing and/or packaging and/or storing binding mechanisms for files and/or files provided with such a binding mechanism. Upon storing and/or packaging, the binding mechanisms are then brought to a storing position, with locking rings folded down, so that at least the height of the respective binding mechanism is considerably reduced and packaging can take place with less empty space. This can be done inside as well as separately from a file. If the binding mechanisms in the files are brought to a storing position, the advantage is achieved that files can be packaged more flatly so that there too, considerable gain in space is obtained. A binding mechanism according to invention can be used in existing types of files. In a particularly advantageous elaboration, a binding mechanism according to the invention is used in a file as described in NL 1019739, NL 1020158 and NL 1022485, which applications are incorporated herein by reference. These files have the advantage that they can be manufactured and stored in a particularly flat condition so that further space can be saved, while the binding mechanisms can be placed particularly simply. In clarification of the invention, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be further elucidated with reference to the drawing. In the drawing: Fig. 1 shows, in perspective view, a binding mechanism according to the invention, in closed condition of use; Fig. 2 shows the binding mechanism according to Fig. 1 in opened condition of use; Fig. 3 shows a binding mechanism according to the invention, in folded down storing condition; Fig. 4 shows a binding mechanism according to the invention, during set up to a condition of use; and Fig. 5 shows a file suitable for a binding mechanism according to the invention, in a storing condition. In this description, identical or corresponding parts have identical or corresponding reference numerals. The embodiments shown are merely shown as illustration and are not construed to be limitative in any manner. In the embodiment shown, only "two-ring" binding mechanisms are represented. However, it will be clear that also several locking rings next to each other can be provided, while in one file also several binding mechanisms next to each other can be utilized. In the drawing, a binding mechanism 1 is shown, provided with two divisible locking rings 2, and an operating mechanism 3 for moving the locking rings 2 between an opened position (figure 2) and a closed position (figure 1). The binding mechanism 1 comprises a baseplate 4, on which first brackets 5 are provided in which a first part, also to be called fixed part 6 of a respective locking ring 2 is included. The locking rings 2 are substantially manufactured from wire material, for instance plastic or, preferably, metal. The respective fixed part 6 comprises a first portion 7 which is included in a first bracket 5 and defines a first axis 8. The second portion 9 of the fixed part 6 is bent relative to the first portion 7 through an angle α, for instance an angle α of approximately 90°, and extends on a first side of the respective first bracket 5. This portion 9 has a bent end for linking up with a movable part 16. On the opposite side of the bracket 5, on the first portion 7, a plate element 10 is provided which is connected to a base element 11 which has a main surface 12 extending approximately at right angles to the longitudinal direction L₂ of the first portion 9 of the fixed part 6. This longitudinal direction L₂ and the first axis 8 define a(n) (imaginary) plane V in which the respective locking ring 2 is substantially located. In the embodiment shown, the main surface 12 of the base element 11 extends approximately at right angles to this plane V. The plate part 10 is connected to the base element 11 such that when the locking ring 2 is pivoted about the first axis 8 in the first direction Z, the base element 11 pivots along. On the base element 11, a second bracket 13 is provided in which a primary portion 14 of a movable part 16 of the respective locking ring 2 has been included. The second bracket 13 defines a second axis 50, which includes an angle β with the first axis 8. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the angle β is approximately 90°. In the set-up position of use as shown in Fig. 1, the first and the second axes 8, 15 are in a plane approximately parallel to a main surface 17 of the baseplate 4, approximately at right angles to the plane V of the locking rings 2. On one side, the primary portion 14 of the part 16 of the locking ring 2 is connected to a secondary portion 18, which extends approximately parallel to the second portion 9 of the fixed part 6 and which is bent on the top such that in closed condition as shown in Fig. 1, it links up with a dividing joint 19 of the second portion 9 of the fixed part 6. On the opposite side of the second bracket 13, the primary portion 14 is bent, forming a tertiary portion 20, which extends approximately parallel to the first axis 8, in the direction of the fixed part 6. In the position shown in Fig. 1, the movable part 16 is rotatable about the second axis 15 such that a free end 21 of the tertiary portion 20 can be raised relative to the baseplate 4, and the locking ring 2 is divided at the dividing joint 19 for clearing an opening 22, as shown in Fig. 2, so that material having an appropriate perforation, such as paper, can be slid over the fixed parts 9 and/or the movable parts 16 of the locking rings 2, whereupon the locking rings 2 can be closed again. On the free end 21 of each tertiary portion 20, a guide element 23 is provided, for instance a wheel, for reasons to be indicated hereinafter. As clearly appears from Fig. 3, each locking ring 2 can be pivoted in the direction Z to a folded down position while the (imaginary) plane V extends approximately parallel to the base 17 of the baseplate 4. The total height H i of the binding mechanism 1 is then substantially determined by the length of the primary portion 14 of the fixed part 16 of the locking ring 2. As appears from Figs. 3 and 4, the baseplate 4 is provided with two recesses 24, substantially on opposite sides of the operating mechanism 3. Each recess 24 has a size such that a base element 11 can be included therein, at least partly. Each base element 11 is provided with a longitudinal edge 25, preferably on two sides, which longitudinal edge 25 can be clamped below an undercut 26 of a respective recess 24. Thus, it is ensured that if a locking ring 2 is pivoted from the position shown in Fig. 3 about the first axis 8, via the intermediary position shown in Fig. 4 and to be discussed further, to a position shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the base element 11 can be fixed in the respective recess_24 through cooperation of the longitudinal edge or edges 25 and the undercuts 26. The planes V defined by the locking rings 2 are then brought to and held in a position wherein these planes V extends approximately parallel to each other, at right angles to the base 17 of the baseplate 4. The operating mechanism 3 comprises a lip 27 which is connected to the baseplate 4, to which lip 27 a pivot plate 28 is connected via a third axis 29 which extends approximately parallel to the first axis 8. At a distance from the third axis 29, a rod 40 is connected to the pivot plate 28 via a fourth axis 30, which extends approximately parallel to the third axis 29. Adjacent its middle, the rod 40 is connected to the fourth axis 30 and has a length and position such that two opposite ends 31 thereof are located beyond the free ends 21 of the tertiary portions 20 of the moveable parts 16 of the locking rings 2. Preferably, the guide elements 23 are profiled such that the rod 40 can rest therein and is guided. As is clear in particular in Figs. 3 and 4, resilient elements 32 are provided in the baseplate 4 on which, in the set-up position as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the tertiary portions 20 rest. The operating mechanism 3 is provided with an arm 33, fixedly connected to the pivot plate 28, for instance at the location of the fourth axis 30, with which the rod 40 can be moved in vertical direction, i.e. at right angles to the baseplate 4, by pivoting the pivot plate 28. The rod 40 will then be held substantially horizontally and rotate about the third axis 29. _^ In the closed, set-up condition shown in Fig. 1, the guide elements 23 and hence the tertiary elements 20 are pressed down in the direction of the baseplate 4, while the resilient elements 32 are elastically deformed. If the arm 33 is raised to the position shown in Fig. 2, the movable parts 16 of the locking rings 2 are pivoted about the second axis 15 as a result of the resilient action of the resilient elements 32. The locking rings 2 are thus pressed to the opened position mentioned earlier. By pivoting the arm 33 back to the position shown in Fig. 1, the binding mechanism 1 is brought back, with the aid of the rod 40, to the closed position as shown in Fig. 1. _ As shown in Fig. 4, the lever 33 can be pivoted such that the pivot plate 28 is brought beyond a position which is parallel to the baseplate 4. The rod 40 is then moved from the baseplate 4 so far that when the locking rings 2 are pivoted, the guide elements 22 can move under the rod 40, for moving the locking rings 2 to a set-up condition as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. In Fig. 5, in top plan view and side view, a file 41 is shown, suitable to be used with a binding mechanism according to the invention. Such a file is described in more detail in Dutch patent applications NL. 1019739, NL 1020158 and NL 1022485, which applications are incorporated herein by reference. However, this file 41 is shown only as an example. Naturally, a binding mechanism 1 according to the invention can also be used with other files, for instance cardboard or plastic files known per se, in storage boxes and the like. The file 41 as shown in Fig. 5 comprises a front cover 42, a back cover 43 and a spine 44, interconnected by hinges 45, 46. In the spine, an opening 53 can be provided for engagement. Preferably, the file 41 is manufactured from plastic, for instance by injection molding. Methods thereto have been described as example in the earlier mentioned Dutch patent applications. On the back cover 43, adjacent the spine 44, a receiving space 47 is provided in which a binding mechanism 1 according to the invention can be included. The receiving space 47 comprises a guide rail 48 and, at a distance therefrom, two locking protrusions 49 with receiving cavities 50. A binding mechanism 1 can be slid with the base plate 4 below the guide rail 48 so far that the fixed parts 6 of the locking rings 2 are pressed into the cavities 50 of the locking protrusions 49, thereby securing the binding mechanism in a position of use. As is clearly visible in the side view in Fig. 5, the file 41 is particularly flat in opened position. This means that a great number of files can be stacked in a relatively small space. As the binding mechanisms 1 in the folded down storing position shown in Fig. 3 also have a relatively small height H, these binding mechanisms can also be stored in a relatively small space.

This means that for storage and transport, particularly little space is required. Preferably, files 41 and binding mechanisms 1 are packaged separately from each other, in similar or separate storing devices and, as such, stored and transported. In order to be used by a user, a file 41 and a binding mechanism 1 are taken, the binding mechanism 1 is brought to a position of use as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and, in an earlier described manner, fixed in the file 1. The file is then ready for use. It will be clear that binding mechanisms 1 according to the invention can also be fixedly connected to a file, for instance by rivets, pop rivets, gluing or in any other appropriate manner, while preferably, the baseplate 4 is connected to the spine 43 of a file. Optionally, a baseplate 4 can be an integral part of a file. In particular the brackets 5, the recesses 24 and/or the lip 27 will then form an integral part of a cover of a file. ^'_ With a binding mechanism according to the invention, the baseplate 4 and the base elements 11 can be manufactured from any suitable material, for instance plastic or metal, as can the rod 40 and the lever formed by the pivot plate 28 and the arm 33. Thus, each time, a suitable combination of materials can be chosen. In this description, unless specifically indicated otherwise, substantially or approximately are understood to include a deviation of at least 25%, more in particular at least 15% and in any case at least 10% of any given respective value. It will be clear that the invention is not limited in any manner to the exemplary embodiments represented in the description and the drawing. Many variations are possible within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims. For instance, instead of on the sides of the locking rings 2 facing each other, the primary portions 14 of the movable parts 16 of the retaining elements 2 can be provided on the sides facing away from each other such that the locking rings 2 can be folded over each other and over the closing mechanism 3. The rod 40 will then extend through the locking rings for engagement of the guide elements 23, at least the ends 21. Thus, a smaller length of the binding mechanism in folded down condition is obtained. Naturally, the primary portions 14 can also be facing the same direction, such that the locking rings 2 can be folded down to the same side. The closing mechanism 3 can be designed in a different manner, for instance such that the rod 40 can be lowered straightforwardly, for instance by a pressure mechanism. Also, the closing mechanism can be designed such that, with the aid of resilient elements such as the elements 32, the locking rings 2 can be biased in the opened position as well as in the closed position such that with the aid of manual power, through engagement of the fixed parts and moveable parts, the locking rings can be opened and closed. Such biasing means are known per se from, for instance, multi-ring files such as multi-ring binders. The base^elements 11 can be fastened against the baseplate 4 in a different manner, for instance by form-locking, force locking, gluing, screwing means or , _„„„_Λ05/042270 10

in any other suitable manner. Of importance is only that the locking rings 2 can be pivoted with the aid of the base elements and be fixed in a position of use. The moveable parts can then, with the base elements, also be supplied separately from the first axes and the baseplate and be assembled prior to use. These and many comparable variations are understood to fall within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims.

Claims

1. A binding mechanism for a file, comprising at least two divisible locking rings (2) and an operating mechanism (3) for moving said locking rings (2) between an opened an a closed position, while at least the locking rings (2) can be folded down.

2. A binding mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the locking rings (2) each define a plane (V), which planes, when the locking rings (2) are in a position of use, extend approximately parallel to each other and wherein for each locking ring (2) a first pivot (8) is provided which extends approximately parallel to said plane (V) and preferably in said plane (V), about which first pivot (8) each respective locking ring can be pivoted from a folded down position to a position of use.

3. A binding mechanism according to claim 2, wherein for the locking rings (2) at least one second pivot (15) is provided, about which second pivot (15) a part of the respective locking ring (2) can be pivoted for dividing and closing the respective locking ring (2).

4. A binding mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the first pivots (8) and the or each second pivot (15) intersect, preferably at an angle of approximately 90 degrees.

5. A binding mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a baseplate (4) is provided on which the binding mechanism has been mounted and with which the locking rings (2) are pivotally connected such that the locking rings (2) can be folded down to a storing position in which the locking rings (2) extend approximately parallel to said baseplate (4).

6. A binding mechanism according to claim 5, wherein each locking ring (2) is provided with a base element (11), which base element (11), with the locking rings (2) in the storing position, extends approximately at right angles to the baseplate (4) and, with the binding mechanism in a position of use, (1) is attached to the baseplate (4) such that with it, the respective locking ring (2) is held in a position of use.

7. A binding mechanism according to claims 2, 3 and 6, wherein the first axes (8) are coupled to the baseplate (4) while each base element (11) is connected to a corresponding first axis (8) such that this base element (11) is pivotable with the locking ring (2) about the respective first axis (8), while on each base element (11) a second axis (15) is provided for the respective locking ring.

8. A binding mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein two locking rings (2) are provided on opposite sides of an operating mechanism (3) included therebetween, the operating mechanism (3) comprising a lever (28, 33) pivotable about a third pivot (29) which extends approximately parallel to the locking rings (2) in a position of use, while, via a fourth pivot (30) extending approximately parallel to the third pivot and at a distance therefrom, the lever (28, 33) is connected to a rod (40) which engages a pivotable part (16) of each locking ring (2).

9. A binding mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the pivotable part (16) of each locking ring (2) is provided with a sliding or rolling element (23) which the rod (40) engages during use.

10. A method for presenting files and/or binding mechanisms therefor, wherein the binding mechanisms of or for these files are brought into a storing position, while the locking rings of the binding mechanisms are brought to a folded down position and are packaged separately from files or together therewith.