WO1999039920A1

WO1999039920A1 - Ring binder mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO1999039920A1
Application number: PCT/CH1999/000053
Authority: WO
Inventors: Manfred Baumann-Aebi
Original assignee: Brainwave Ltd.
Priority date: 1998-02-05
Filing date: 1999-02-05
Publication date: 1999-08-12
Also published as: CH692495A5; DE59902036D1; JP2002502728A; EP1054780A1; AU748380B2; CA2319369A1; AU2147399A; EP1054780B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a ring binder mechanism with at least two rings consisting of at least two ring elements (2, 3). The ring elements (2, 3) are pivotally fixed on a pad (1) so that the end zones (9, 10) of said ring elements (2, 3) contact each other in a closed end position. The ring elements (2, 3) are made of plastic and are fixed on the pad (1) by means hinge elements (11). This enable simple and cost-effective large-scale production of ring binder mechanisms.

Description

Ring binder mechanism

The invention relates to a ring binder mechanism, in particular for a folder, with at least two rings, each consisting of two ring elements, the ring elements being pivotably attached to a bracket so that they are in contact with one another with their end regions in a closed end position .

Ring binder mechanisms for folders are used in a variety of ways. For commercial folders for commercial purposes, two metallic, solid material clips are used in Europe, which can hold several unlabelled or labeled sheets in the corresponding folder. These then mostly D-shaped rings are opened and closed by a mechanism with the aid of a spring and the corresponding bracket. They are usually riveted to the folder wall.

Resilient ring binder mechanisms are known for smaller amounts of sheets, which have two, three or four rings. Under a rigid cover, which is mostly made of metal, two parallel and pre-stressed metal strips are inserted, into which half-rings are riveted in corresponding holes. The open half-rings can be closed by pressing the two metal strips over their dead center into a second stable position.

This means that several blank or labeled sheets can be combined in a spine-like envelope so that the individual sheets can be replaced as often as required. The metal strip is a base rail that can be fastened in the book cover with the two or more rings attached to it. Such ring binder mechanisms, which consist of metal, are expensive and complex to process.

On the basis of this prior art, the object of the invention is to create such a mechanical book mechanism of the type mentioned at the outset, which can be manufactured more cost-effectively and has a lower consumption of raw materials.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that the ring elements consist of plastic and are fastened to the console via hinge elements.

The fact that plastic is used and in particular plastic-injection-molded elements are used means that almost no assembly effort is required during production. This can massively simplify the mass production of ring binders.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the ring binder mechanism consists of a single molded plastic part.

Further advantageous embodiments are characterized in the subclaims.

Various exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated below in the drawings. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a mechanical book mechanism according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIGS. 2 and 3 show a partially sectioned side view and FIG

Detailed view of a mechanical mechanism according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIGS. 4 and 5 a partially sectioned side view and a plan view of a mechanical mechanism according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention, Fig. Β a ring binder mechanism according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention, Fig. 7 a ring binder mechanism: according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the invention, Fig. 8 a ring binder mechanism according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the invention, Figs. 9 and 10 different exemplary embodiments of end areas of half rings for one Ring binder mechanism according to the invention, and FIGS. 11 to 14 a side view, a cross-sectional view, a

Top view and a further cross-sectional view of the ring binder mechanism according to one of the exemplary embodiments described above with a separate base.

Before entering the description of the figures, some terms are explained below. The term ring binder mechanics means different folder arrangements:

A folder with a front and a back cover, for example in A4 format and with a front that is narrower in relation to these cover pages. The ring binder mechanism is usually fastened either on the front side or on the rear cover side in the alignment of the hinge axis between the cover side and the front side. - The folder device can also be used independently as a binding jerk, the back of the device corresponding to the above-mentioned front. It is then the bare mechanics without cover pages.

Modifications to the two principles mentioned above, as can be seen from the following description.

1 shows a ring binder mechanism in a cross-sectional view according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention. A ring binder mechanism is intended to be attached to a book cover or folder. She then picks up perforated sheets of paper on the edge. It has a cross-section for this via a console 1, which preferably runs across the long side of the book cover. At least one, for example four or even a large number, such as 20 rings, are provided on this bracket 1, which consist of two ring halves 2 and 3. Of course, the ring halves 2 and 3 can also be of different sizes in terms of the included radius and can accordingly be referred to as ring elements. In the case of round ring halves, halving the circumferential area is advantageous. Ring elements are also understood to be D-shaped, rectangular or polygonal elements that can be joined together to form a closed torus.

In the first embodiment, the console 1 is open like a U-profile, where it tapers upwards in a trapezoid shape and is fastened in the folder with the wider base area. There are thus two inclined side flanks 4 and 5. The semicircular ring halves 2 and 3 respectively rest on these. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the imaginary extension lines of the sides 4 and 5 intersect in a straight line 6, which in FIG. 1 runs perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and at the same time forms the center of the ring halves 2 and 3. Preferably, the ring halves 2 and 3 each have complementary fastening elements 7 and 8 with which the end faces 9 and 10 of the ring halves 2 and 3 abut one another. The fastening element 8 is a push button which engages in the complementary cavity 7. A locking of the ring halves 2 and 3 to closed rings is thus achieved in a simple manner.

The entire ring binder mechanism is preferably made of plastic, for example by injection molding. This applies both to the large number of ring halves 2 and 3 and to the bracket 1. The ring halves 2 and 3 are preferably attached to the bracket 1 with the aid of a thin molded film 11, which is somewhat exaggerated in its thickness in FIG. 1 Way is indicated. The film 11 forms a film hinge. The individual rings 2 and 3 arranged next to one another can run on a be attached to the surface 4 and 5 and extend away from this.

After the individual rings 2 and 3 have been closed, the ring binder holds the inserted sheets securely. To loosen the rings, it is sufficient to use an elongated object, e.g. a pencil or a finger to advance into the opening located about the axis 6, so that the individual ring halves 2 and 3 open one after the other in the direction of the axis β.

Instead of the advantageously inclined and trapezoidal tapering side surfaces 4 and 5, these can also run vertically, or in alignment in one plane, i.e. horizontally next to each other. The ring halves 2 and 3 can form a complete circle or have a thickened cross section in the area of the console.

2 and 3 show a second embodiment of the invention. The same features are provided with the same reference symbols in all drawings. In this respect, the two ring halves 2 and 3 can also be seen here, their end faces nestling against the trapezoidal bracket 1. The hinge is each produced by a pivot bearing 21, which is shown in a view from above in FIG. 3. This hinge 21 consists of a bracket 22 which is attached to the side surface 5. The ring halves 2 and 3 have L-shaped hooks 12 which can be used to engage in the openings 23 of the hinges. The lower region 13 of the ring halves 2 or 3 is preferably wider, so that there is sufficient space for the hinge 21. The rings 2 and 3 themselves can turn out to be thinner in accordance with known comb arrangements.

The inclined planes 4 and 5 also form the stop for the ring halves 2 and 3, which thereby abut one another with their upper end faces 9 and 10. These are preferably end regions and end faces 9 and 10 of the ring halves 2 and 3 with the elements 7 and 8 from FIG. 1.

4 and 5 show a third exemplary embodiment of the invention in a side view and in a plan view of a ring half 3. Here, in addition to the inclined surfaces 4 and 5, two transverse webs 31 and 32 are provided, which are arranged on their Top have a groove 33 running in the direction of the longitudinal axis 6 of the ring binder mechanism. Complementary to this channel, rods 34 and 2 are provided on the ring halves 2 and 3, which are preferably pushed in one piece through a corresponding hole in the ring halves 2 and 3. In such a way, these pins 34 project laterally beyond the ring halves 2 and 3, so that when the ring halves 2 and 3 rest on the bracket 1, the pins 34 slide over the lugs 35 of the webs and are therefore locked in the groove 33 come to rest. Due to this prestressing of the ring halves 2 and 3 on the side surfaces 4 and 5, in a simple embodiment, no push-button mechanism on the end surfaces 9 and 10 of the ring halves 2 and 3 is necessary.

Fig. 6 shows the side view of a ring of a ring binder mechanism according to a fourth embodiment in the closed state. Here, the U-shaped bracket 1 is broken up into individual elements in the area of the rings. It consists of a rigid first side part 41 and a rigid second side part 42 arranged on the other side. A movable tongue 43 with a groove 44 is provided in the cover surface aligned with the ring center 6, into which a nose 45 of the section 46 of the ring half 2 engages . According to the second exemplary embodiment, this section 46 has a hook 12 which is placed around a hinge eyelet 21. The ring elements 2 and 3 can be lined up on a continuous thin rod instead of hooks 12 with corresponding eyelets.

Each individual ring is preferably constructed symmetrically to one another in its ring elements 2 and 3, which means that at a cross-section slightly displaced in the longitudinal direction of the ring binder mechanism through the same ring elements 2, 3, there is a further tongue 43, not shown in the drawing, which runs exactly antiparallel to the tongue 43 shown, and the side part 47 also has a hook 12 and an inside Drawing not shown has nose 45 which engages in the tongue 43, not shown here.

Fig. 7 shows a fifth embodiment of the invention, in which the two ring halves 2 and 3 are designed symmetrically. The same applies to the console 1, which in each case has an obliquely running element 51, which in cross section leaves an opening 52 at the location of the rings. The base has a web 53 running transversely. Hooks 54 with a nose 55 engage in the openings 52 shown in the drawing, as is illustrated by the ring half 2. The nose 55 engages behind the L-shaped side elements 51, so that the resulting prestress causes the sides 4 and 5 to touch one another.

8, 9 and 10 show exemplary embodiments of the end regions of the ring halves 2 and 3 with regard to their connection. FIG. 8 shows that the ring half 2 can each have a pyramid-shaped tip 61 which dips into a corresponding cavity 62 of the ring half 3 for centering purposes. FIG. 8 also shows a ring binder mechanism that can be used as a binding spine without cover pages. For labeling the ring binder mechanism, for example, a viewing window 90 made of transparent plastic can be applied to the back 19 of the base 1. This viewing window 90 can be held on the side insertion edges and has a small cavity facing the rear side 19 for receiving a sign. A flat base 1 can also be labeled directly, for example with self-adhesive labels. In another embodiment according to FIGS. 9 and 10, the ends of the ring halves 2 and 3 consist of interlocking fingers 71 and 72, which can be seen in particular in the top view of FIG. 10. The complementary fingers of the other ring element can hook in through the openings 73 between the fingers and thus create a connection in the ring tip which is firm with respect to usual loads.

Of course, individual elements of the ring half can be combined with other hinge connections, whereby there is always the advantage that an inexpensive mass-produced article can be produced which allows the assembly of a ring binder in an environmentally friendly manner. In particular, it is possible to carve the back 19 of the console 1 into a book cover. The ring binder mechanism shown therefore has considerable economic advantages over the prior art.

The design with the thin film 11 or a one-piece design, in particular in plastic injection molding, is provided in particular for smaller ring binder diameters with many rings, and the solutions with push-button mechanics and centering means such as the pyramid heads are also suitable for larger diameters. 4 is rather intended for a small number of rings.

11 to 14 show a side view, a cross-sectional view, a top view and a further cross-sectional view of the ring binder mechanism according to one of the above-described exemplary embodiments with a separate base. The rings 2 and 3 are fastened to the console 1 in the manner described, which here a base 81 made of plastic or metal, for example. The base is a flat cuboid, while the console 1 is concave here. On the one hand, this permits a reduction in material and, on the other hand, a round shape, which is arranged around the axis 6. The console 1 is fastened to the base 81 with the aid of at least two extruded hooks 82, as can be seen in particular from FIGS. 12 and 14. The unit that can be created in this way is attached to a book spine, for example, by means of a pin 83, which is riveted into the base 81, for example.

Fig. 12 shows the hook 82 which is molded onto the base 81. To form the mutually resilient hook elements 84, the base 81 has openings 85 in each case. The two hook elements 84 have between them a web 86 connecting them to the base 81. The hooks 82, 84 extend through a bore in the console 1. According to FIG 13 can in each case in the spaces between the rings 2, 3, the hook

82 be arranged; at least there should be two hooks and associated openings at opposite ends.

The base 81 itself is then in accordance with FIG. 14 via pins

83 attached to a spine or the like. This modular solution even makes it possible to install different consoles 1 with different binding heights in the same spine. For this purpose, the bases 81 are pre-assembled and only the various binding mechanisms / brackets 1 have to be clipped on. Since the bases 81 are very thin, two or more of them can also be pre-assembled in a spine in depth and, for example, on the side, so that the user then only advances the spine in the desired color and size to the desired location attach. Of course, the base 81 can also have the opening and the hooks 82 can be formed on the console 1.

A particularly simple folder that uses all the advantages of ring binder mechanics can be designed as follows. A single cover page forms the bottom of the folder. On this, for example, the console 1 is attached to the left edge. If a distance of 2 to 3 centimeters is advantageously maintained between the left edge of the cover page and the console, 10 then this edge serves on the one hand as a handle for pulling out such folders set vertically on a shelf and on the other hand this area can be labeled so that this label of each folder can be read according to known plugged tabs, standing obliquely from the side next to the shelf. The function of the individual cover pages simultaneously forms the cover page of the folders arranged adjacent to it.

Claims

1 1Patent claims

1. Ring binder mechanism with at least two rings, each consisting of two ring elements (2, 3), the ring elements (2, 3) being pivotally attached to a bracket (1), so that they (2, 3) each have their end regions (9, 10) are in contact with each other in a closed end position, characterized in that the ring elements (2, 3) consist of plastic and are attached to the bracket (1) by means of hinge elements (11, 21).

2. Ring binder mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the mutually facing end regions (9, 10) of the ring elements (2, 3) have mutually complementary fastening elements (7, 8) with which the ring elements (2, 3) can be closed.

3. Ring binder mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that the mutually complementary fastening elements (7, 8) are mutually fitting lamellae.

4. Ring binder mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that the mutually complementary fastening elements (7, 8) consist of a push button mechanism.

5. Ring binder mechanism according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the ring elements (2, 3) are attached to the bracket (1) via a film (11) glued to their outside.

6. Ring binder mechanism according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the ring elements (2, 3) and the bracket (1) are designed in one piece. 12

7. Ring binder mechanism according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the ring elements (2, 3) on their side facing the bracket (1) have a hook (12) which fits into a corresponding eyelet (23) of the bracket ( 1) clicks into place.

8. ring binder mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that the console (1) on each ring element (2, 3) has a tongue (43; 51) with locking device (44) into which the associated grid element (45; 54, 55 ) of the ring element (2, 3) penetrates.

9. ring binder mechanism according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the console (1) has a base (81) which can be fastened with at least one pin (83) with a binding pad and which also has at least one hook (82 ) or has an opening which interacts with a complementary element, opening or hook, the console (1).

10. ring binder mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that the hooks (82) and complementary elements are each arranged between two adjacent ring elements (2, 3).