WO2007143070A2

WO2007143070A2 - Collapsible lever arch binder device and uses thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2007143070A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/012900
Authority: WO
Inventors: Curtis Patrick Taylor; Anthony J. Decarlo
Original assignee: Ideastream Consumer Products, Llc
Priority date: 2006-05-31
Filing date: 2007-05-31
Publication date: 2007-12-13
Also published as: WO2007143070A3

Abstract

A collapsible binder including rings that flatten into a collapsed position. Exemplary binders include a static ring portion and a movable ring portion, with both ring portions having a first degree of freedom permitting them to be moved between collapsed and upright configurations and at least the movable ring portion including a second degree of freedom permitting it to be moved between open and closed positions, relative to the static ring portion. A binder mechanism having a base (310), a bracket (320), a movable ring (350), and a static ring (350a). The bracket is movably secured to the base so as to provide a first degree of freedom permitting the movable ring and the static ring to move into an upright position. A secured end of the movable ring is movably secured to the bracket so as to provide a second degree of freedom permitting movement of a free end of the movable ring toward the static ring.

Description

COLLAPSIBLE LEVER ARCH BINDER DEVICE AND USES THEREOF

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to, and any other benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/910,284, filed April 5, 2007, and entitled COLLAPSIBLE LEVER ARCH BINDER DEVICE (Attorney Docket 31622/04020); U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/893,480, filed March 7, 2007, and entitled COLLAPSIBLE LEVER ARCH BINDER DEVICE (Attorney Docket 31622/04013); and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/809,332, filed May 31, 2006, and entitled COLLAPSIBLE RING BINDER AND USES THEREOF, the entire contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0002] The application is also related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/724,135, filed October 6, 2005, and entitled COLLAPSIBLE BINDER DEVICE AND USES THEREOF; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/742,561, filed December 5, 2005, and entitled COLLAPSIBLE RING BINDER AND USES THEREOF; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/544,472, filed on October 6, 2006, and entitled COLLAPSIBLE BINDER DEVICE AND USES THEREOF (Attorney Docket 31622/04003); U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/544,465, filed October 6, 2006, and entitled COLLAPSIBLE BINDER DEVICE AND USES THEREOF II (Attorney Docket 31622/04009); and International Application No. PCT/US06/39203 (Attorney Docket 31622/04008), filed on October 6, 2006, and entitled COLLAPSIBLE BINDER DEVICE AND USES THEREOF, the entire contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a ring binder adapted to releasably hold together documents (e.g., sheets of paper). More particularly, the present invention relates to a collapsible ring binder adapted to be disposed in either an upright configuration for holding documents together or a collapsed configuration for flattening the binder.

Background

[0004] A ring binder is a device for holding together documents, such as sheets of paper, for storage, transport, etc. As known, conventional ring binders generally include a binder casing having a front cover, a rear cover, and an interconnecting spine. The front cover and the rear cover are typically pivotal relative to the spine for providing book-like opening of the binder. The binder also includes a binder device, typically a tandem array of two to five rings that are movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. Documents to be attached to the binder are typically provided with a number of holes disposed along one side thereof, which number generally corresponds to the number of rings present in the binder device. To attach documents to the ring binder, a user opens the rings and passes the rings through the documents' holes. Thereafter the binder device is returned to a closed configuration, thereby securely retaining the documents in the binder.

[0005] Conventional ring binders occupy a large volume of space relative to the actual dimensions of the binder. The position of the rings of the binder device within the binder causes conventional binders to be thick even when empty, especially in the case of larger binders (e.g., binders with 3, 4, or more inch high rings). The thicknesses of the binders wastes space in packaging, shipping, retail display, user storage, and the like. Regardless of clever packaging schemes employed for conventional binders, a large amount of space remains unutilized when a plurality of binders are packaged or stored together. Summary

[0006] An aspect of one or more embodiments of the present invention provides a collapsible binder that includes rings that flatten into a collapsed position. With the rings collapsed, the binder is significantly flatter, which facilitates denser packaging and storage of similar collapsible binders. According to a further aspect of one or more of these embodiments, the collapsing mechanism is easily operated such that an end user can easily position the rings in an upright, usable position to use the binder.

[0007] Exemplary embodiments may include a static ring portion and a movable ring portion, with both ring portions having a first degree of freedom permitting them to be moved between collapsed and upright configurations and at least the movable ring portion including a second degree of freedom permitting it to be moved between open and closed positions, relative to the static ring portion. The exemplary embodiments may include an actuator (such as a lever) operatively connected (directly or indirectly) to one or more rings to move them between the open and closed positions. There may be one such actuator for each ring or one actuator may operate a plurality of rings. The static ring portion and the movable ring portion may be under spring tension with respect to the first degree of freedom while in the upright position, providing additional stability. In addition, or in the alternative, the ring portions may be under spring tension with respect to the first degree of freedom while in the collapsed position and in the upright position, providing additional stability. In addition, or in the alternative, the movable ring portion may be under spring tension with respect to the second degree of freedom while in the open position and in the closed position, providing additional stability. Having the ring portions under spring bias while in the open and closed positions, and also in at least the upright position (and also perhaps in the collapsed position), gives the rings a sturdier feel to the user, which may be desirable. Embodiments shown herein without included biasing mechanisms may be modified to include at least a first biasing mechanism (such as a spring) providing spring bias to the movable ring portion in both the open and closed positions (e.g., bias toward the closed position). Similarly, embodiments shown herein without biasing mechanisms may be modified to include at least a second biasing mechanism (such as a spring) providing spring bias to the ring portions while in the upright position, and perhaps also in the collapsed position (e.g., bias toward the collapsed position). [0008] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the binder mechanism comprises a base, at least one bracket movably secured to the base, a movable ring having a free end and a secured end, with the secured end being movably secured to the bracket; and a static support fastened to the bracket. The bracket may be movably secured to the base so as to provide at least a first degree of freedom permitting the movable ring and the static support to move into an upright position. In addition, the secured end of the movable ring is movably secured to the bracket so as to provide at least a second degree of freedom permitting movement of the free end of the movable ring toward the static support so that the free end of the movable ring engages the static support when the movable ring and static support are in the upright and closed position.

[0009] Additional and/or alternative advantages, objects, and/or salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings and claims, disclose exemplary embodiments of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] FIGs. IA and IB are side and front schematic views respectively of an exemplary binder device for a ring binder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the binder device is in a collapsed and open configuration; ;

[0011] FIG. 1C is a top schematic view of the exemplary binder device of FIGS. IA and IB, wherein the binder device is in a collapsed and closed configuration;

[0012] FIG. ID is a side schematic view of the exemplary binder device of FIGS. IA and IB, wherein the binder device is in an upright and open configuration;

[0013] FIG. IE is a side schematic view of the exemplary binder device of FIGS. IA and IB, wherein the binder device is in an upright and closed configuration;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary using two of the binder device of FIGS. IA and IB, wherein the binder devices are in a collapsed and open configuration inside the exemplary binder;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of two exemplary binder devices for a ring binder according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein one binder device is in an upright and closed configuration and the other binder device is exploded or disassembled generally in the upright configuration;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a top view of the two exemplary binder devices of FIG. 3, wherein both binder devices are in an upright and closed configuration;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a front view of the two exemplary binder devices of FIG. 3, wherein both binder devices are in an upright and closed configuration;

[0018] FIG. 6 is a right side view of the two exemplary binder devices of FIG. 3, wherein both binder devices are in an upright and closed configuration;

[0019] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the two exemplary binder devices of FIG. 3, wherein both binder devices are in an upright and open configuration; [0020] FIG. 8 is a top view of the two exemplary binder devices of FIG. 3, wherein both binder devices are in an upright and open configuration;

[0021] FIG. 9 is a front view of the two exemplary binder devices of FIG. 3, wherein both binder devices are in an upright and open configuration;

[0022] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the two exemplary binder devices of FIG. 3, wherein both binder devices are in an upright and open configuration;

[0023] FIG. 11 is a right side view of the two exemplary binder devices of FIG. 3, wherein both binder devices are in an upright and open configuration;

[0024] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the two exemplary binder devices of FIG. 3, wherein one binder device is in an upright and open configuration and the other binder device is in a collapsed and open configuration;

[0025] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the two exemplary binder devices of FIG. 3, wherein one binder device is in an upright and open configuration and the other binder device is in a collapsed and open configuration;

[0026] FIG. 14 is a top view of the two exemplary binder devices of FIG. 3, wherein one binder device is in an upright and open configuration and the other binder device is in a collapsed and open configuration;

[0027] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the two exemplary binder devices of FIG. 3, wherein one binder device is in an upright and open configuration and the other binder device is in a collapsed and open configuration;

[0028] FIG. 16 is a front view of the two exemplary binder devices of FIG. 3, wherein one binder device is in an upright and open configuration and the other binder device is in a collapsed and open configuration;

[0029] FIG. 17 is a rear view of the two exemplary binder devices of FIG. 3, wherein one binder device is in an upright and open configuration and the other binder device is in a collapsed and open configuration; [0030] FIG. 18 is a left side view of the two exemplary binder devices of FIG. 3, wherein one binder device is in an upright and open configuration and the other binder device is in a collapsed and open configuration;

[0031] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an exemplary binder with the two exemplary binder devices of FIG. 3, wherein both binder devices are in an upright and closed configuration in the exemplary binder, which is open;

[0032] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the exemplary binder of FIG. 19, wherein both binder devices are in an upright and open configuration in the exemplary binder;

[0033] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the exemplary binder of FIG. 19, wherein both binder devices are in a collapsed and open configuration in the exemplary binder;

[0034] FIG. 22 is a side view of the exemplary binder of FIG. 3, wherein both binder devices are in a collapsed and open configuration in the exemplary binder, which is closed in this view;

[0035] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of two exemplary binder devices for a ring binder according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein one binder device is in an upright and closed configuration and the other binder device is exploded or disassembled in a generally upright configuration;

[0036] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the two exemplary binder devices of FIG. 23, wherein both binder devices are in an upright and closed configuration;

[0037] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the two exemplary binder devices of FIG. 23, wherein both binder devices are in a collapsed and open configuration;

[0038] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an exemplary binder using the exemplary binder device of FIG. 23, wherein both rings are in an upright and closed configuration in the exemplary binder, which is open;

[0039] FIG. 27 is a front/right/top perspective view of an exemplary binder device for a ring binder according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the binder device is in an upright, closed, and locked configuration; [0040] FIGs. 28-30 are top plan, front elevational, and rear elevational views respectively of the binder device shown in FIG. 27, wherein the binder device is in the upright, closed, and locked configuration;

[0041] FIG. 31 is a front/right/top perspective view of the exemplary binder device shown in FIGs. 27-30, wherein the binder device is in an upright and open configuration;

[0042] FIGs. 32 and 33 are front/right/top and rear/left/top perspective views respectively of the binder device shown in FIG. 27, wherein the binder device is in a collapsed configuration;

[0043] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a lever-arch type collapsible binder device according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the binder device of FIG. 34 incorporated into a binder;

[0045] FlG. 36 is a partially disassembled perspective view of the binder device of FIG. 34 in a collapsed position;

[0046] FIG. 37 is a partially disassembled perspective view of the binder device of FIG. 34 in an upright, open position;

[0047] FIGs. 38 and 39 are partially disassembled perspective views of the binder device of FIG. 34 in an upright, closed position;

[0048] FIGs. 40A-40C are perspective views showing the sequential opening of the binder device of FIG. 34;

[0049] FIG. 41 is a partially disassembled perspective view of a lever-arch type collapsible binder device according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention in a collapsed position;

[0050] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the binder device of FIG. 41 in an upright, open position;

[0051] FIG. 43 is a partial side view of the binder device of FIG. 41 in a collapsed position, showing the locking mechanism of this embodiment; [0052] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the binder device of FIG. 41 in an upright, closed position;

[0053] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a lever-arch type collapsible binder device according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a lever-arch type collapsible binder device according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a movable member of the binder device of FIG. 46;

[0056] FIGs. 48-53 are perspective views of lever-arch type collapsible binder devices according to alternative embodiments of the present invention;

[0057] FIG. 54 is a perspective view of an exemplary collapsible binder according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

[0058] FIG. 55 is a side view of the binder of FIG. 54 in a collapsed position;

[0059] FIG. 56 is a partial perspective view of a binder device of the binder of FIG. 54 in a collapsed position;

[0060] FIG. 57 is a partially disassembled perspective view of the binder device of the binder of FIG. 54 in a collapsed position;

[0061] FIG. 58 is a partial perspective view of the binder device of the binder of FIG. 54 in an open position;

[0062] FIG. 59 is a partial perspective view of a cover plate of the binder device of the binder of FIG. 54;

[0063] FIG. 60 is a partial perspective view of the binder device of the binder of FIG. 54 in a closed position; and

[0064] FIG. 61 is a partial perspective view of one of the rings of the binder device of the binder of FIG. 54 in a closed position. [0065] FIGs. 62-63 are partial perspective views illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the present invention that is identical to the embodiment of FIGs. 27-33, except there is a spring loaded latch instead of a lever arch clamping mechanism.

[0066] FIGs. 64-65 are partial perspective views illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the present invention that is identical to the embodiment of FIGs. 27-33, except there is a latch formed from flexible members instead of a lever arch clamping mechanism.

[0067] FIGs. 66A-66E are various views (partial perspective view, partial side view, partial top view, partial side view, and partial side view, respectively) of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention that is identical to the embodiment of FIGs. 27-33, except there is a pressure latch instead of a lever arch clamping mechanism.

[0068] FIGs. 67-68 are partial perspective views illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the present invention that is identical to the embodiment of FIGs. 27-33, except there is a movable plate-mounted lever arch clamping mechanism instead of a base-mounted lever arch clamping mechanism.

Detailed Description

[0069] This Detailed Description describes exemplary embodiments of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the specification in any way. Indeed, the invention as described is broader than and unlimited by the preferred embodiments, and the terms used herein have their full ordinary meaning. It should be noted, however, that for the purpose of this application, the terms binder device, binder mechanism, collapsible binder device, collapsible lever arch binder device, and the like include any number of binding devices. For example, a binder device may have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more rings capable of securing documents to a binder.

[0070] Exemplary embodiments include a base and a static ring portion and a movable ring portion, with both ring portions having a first degree of freedom with respect to the base permitting them to be moved between collapsed and upright configurations and at least the movable ring portion including a second degree of freedom permitting it to be moved between open and closed positions, relative to the static ring portion. The exemplary embodiments may include an actuator (such as a lever) operatively connected (directly or indirectly) to one or more rings to move them between the open and closed positions. There may be one such actuator for each ring or one actuator may operate a plurality of rings. The static ring portion and the movable ring portion may be under spring tension with respect to the first degree of freedom while in the upright position, providing additional stability. In addition, or in the alternative, the ring portions may be under spring tension with respect to the first degree of freedom while in the collapsed position and in the upright position, providing additional stability. Optionally, the static ring portion and the movable ring portion may be under spring tension throughout their entire range of movement with respect to the first degree of freedom, hi addition, or in the alternative, the movable ring portion may be under spring tension with respect to the second degree of freedom while in the open position and in the closed position, providing additional stability. Optionally, the movable ring portion may be under spring tension throughout its entire range of movement with respect to the second degree of freedom. Having the ring portions under spring bias while in the open and closed positions, and also in at least the upright position (and also perhaps in the collapsed position), gives the rings a sturdier feel to the user, which may be desirable. Embodiments shown herein without a biasing mechanism with respect to opening and closing may be modified to include at least a first biasing mechanism (such as a spring) providing spring bias to the movable ring portion in both the open and closed positions (e.g., bias toward the closed position). Similarly, embodiments shown herein without a biasing mechanism with respect to movement toward a collapsed or upright position may be modified to include at least a second biasing mechanism (such as a spring) providing spring bias to the ring portions while in the upright position, and perhaps also in the collapsed position (e.g., bias toward the collapsed position). Such modifications may add bias throughout the entire range of motion, or in an initial portion thereof, and/or a final portion thereof.

[0071] FIGs. IA- IE show an exemplary binder mechanism 10, which may be used in a binder. Exemplary binder mechanism 10 comprises a base 12, a bracket 28, a movable ring 14, and a static support 24 for securing documents and other suitable articles. The bracket 28 is pivotally connected to the base 12. The movable ring 14 comprises a free end 16 and a secured end 18 with the secured end 18 being movably secured to the bracket 28. The static support 24 is also connected to the bracket 28. As shown in FIGs. 1A-1E, the static support 24 of the exemplary binder mechanism 10 is a static ring portion. However, in other embodiments, the static support 24 may comprise different components, such as a base connector (not shown), locking the free end 16 of the movable ring 14 to the bracket 28.

[0072] In this exemplary embodiment, the bracket 28 is movably secured to the base 12 so as to provide at least a first degree of freedom (e.g., shown at arrow 22 in FIG. IB) permitting the movable ring 14 and the static support 24 to move from a collapsed position (FIGs. IA- IC) into an upright position (FIGs. ID-IE). In addition, the movable ring 14 is movably secured to the bracket 28 so as to provide at least a second degree of freedom (e.g., shown at arrow 30 in FIG. ID) permitting the ring to be opened and closed, i.e., permitting movement of the free end 16 of the movable ring 14 toward the static support 24 so that the free end 16 of the movable ring 14 engages the static support 24 when the movable ring 14 and static support 24 are in the upright and closed position (FIG. IE). Thus, FIG. IE may be referred to as the closed and upright position of the binder mechanism 10. Also, in FIGs. IE and 1C the binder mechanism 10 may be referred to as being closed or in a closed configuration (i.e., the binder mechanism may be in a closed configuration in both the upright or collapsed configurations). In FIGs. IA, IB, and ID, the binder mechanism 10 may be referred to as being open or in an open configuration. [0073] The movable ring 14 and static support 24 may be moved from the collapsed position of FIGs. IA- IB into the fastened and upright position of FIG. IE via the intermediate position of FIG. ID. More specifically, the movable ring 14 and static support 24 may be moved from the position of FIGs. 1 A-IB to the position of FIG. ID, then moved from the position of FIG. ID to the position of FIG. IE. The closed and collapsed position of Fig. 1C may be used instead of, or in addition to, the position of FIGs. 1 A-IB. The free end 16 of the movable ring 14 is spaced from the static support 24 in the position of FIG. ID, which may facilitate loading documents or other articles into a binder utilizing one or more binder devices 10. The movable ring 14 may be spring-biased into the position of FIG. ID such that a slight force (or larger force) is required to move the movable ring 14 toward the position of FIG. IE. In exemplary embodiments, an optional lever (or other actuation device) may be used to provide the force required to move the movable ring 14 toward the position of FIG. IE (e.g., the lever actuator shown in FIGs. 3-22).

[0074] In this exemplary embodiment, the base 12 and/or bracket 28 may be in one piece or a plurality of pieces (e.g., a base and pivoting bracket for the movable ring 14 and a separate base and pivoting bracket for the static support 24). In FIGs. 1 A-IE, the base 12 and bracket 28 are shown as one piece, which may be an assembly. The movable ring 14 may repeatedly engage the static support 24 to put the binder mechanism 10 in a closed configuration (FIGs. 1C and IE) and repeatedly disengage from the static support 24 to put the binder mechanism 10 in an open configuration (FIGs. IA, IB, and ID). The secured end 18 of the movable ring 14 may be movably secured to the bracket 28 so that the free end 16 of the movable ring.14 can be moved away from the static support 24 when unfastened.

[0075] The secured end 18 of the movable ring 14 may be movably secured to the bracket 28 via a first pivotal connection. The first pivotal connection permits pivotal movement of the free end 16 of the movable ring 14 away from the static support 24. In addition, the bracket 28 may be movably secured to the base 12 via a second pivotal connection so that the movable ring 14 and the static support 24 can be moved into the upright position from a collapsed position that significantly reduces the height of the movable ring 14 and the static support 24 relative to the base 12. Optionally, the bracket 28 may be movably secured to the base 12 via the second pivotal connection so that the movable ring 14 and the static support 24 can be moved from the upright position and into the collapsed position. [0076] Many different configurations are possible for the base 12, bracket 28, movable ring 14, movable ring free end 16, movable ring secured end 18, and static support 24. For example, the static support 24 may optionally magnetically fasten to the free end 16 of the movable ring 14. Similarly, the static support 24 may mechanically interlock with the free end 16 of the movable ring 14 when the binder mechanism 10 is in a closed configuration. As another example, an imaginary plane passing through an axis 32 of the movable ring 14 and an axis 34 of the static support 24 in the upright position (FIGs. ID- IE) may be substantially perpendicular to the imaginary plane passing through the axis 32 of the movable ring 14 and the axis 34 of the static support 24 in the collapsed position (FIGs. IA- 1C). The movable ring 14 may comprise an arcuate portion between the free end 16 and the secured end 18. More specifically, the movable ring 14 and the static support 24 may form a U- shaped structure when the binder mechanism 10 is in a closed configuration. Similarly, the movable ring 14 and the static support 24 may form a D-shaped structure when the binder mechanism 10 is in a closed configuration. The movable ring 14 and/or static support 24 may also have a circular cross-sectional shape or a different cross-sectional shape.

[0077] Preferably, but not necessarily, the binder mechanism 10 may be configured so that a user desiring to dispose the movable ring 14 and static support 24 in an upright, fastened, and closed configuration may do so by hand, e.g., by pivoting the bracket 28 upward into the upright position and pivoting the free end 16 of the movable ring 14 towards the static support 24 until the free end 16 engages the static support 24. In the alternative, an actuator (not shown in FIGs. IA- IE), such as a lever, may be used to move the movable ring 14 between the closed position of FIG. IE and the open position of FIG. ID. In exemplary embodiments, a locking means, such as a portion of the lever, may be used to hold the movable ring 14 and static support 24 in the closed position.

[0078] In exemplary embodiments herein, the movable ring 14 and static support 24 may be locked in the upright and closed position (e.g. , 90 degrees or about 90 degrees with respect to a surface—such as a binder casing portion—supporting the base) thus giving strength to the structure. In all of the embodiments herein, the mechanisms may optionally be configured so that the movable ring and static support in a closed, fastened, and upright configuration together can support the weight of a loaded binder standing on edge. Once the free end 16 of the movable ring 14 is opened, it may be weak but when closed, the movable ring 14 may be configured to be firmly fastened, resisting all directions of force acting on the top of the movable ring 14.

[0079] Further, in virtually all of the exemplary embodiments herein, the static support 24 and the movable ring 14 may be under spring tension while in the upright position (e.g., under spring tension in the upright open position, or in the upright closed position, or in both the upright open and upright closed positions, or continuously from the upright open position through the upright closed position), providing additional stability. For example, in the exemplary embodiment of FIGs. 3-22, spring tension is provided continuously in the upright portion at least in part by the interaction between arcuate portions 122 and corresponding transverse bridge portions 114 (e.g., flexing of arcuate portions 122 and perhaps also a little flexing of corresponding transverse bridge portions 114). In addition, or in the alternative, the movable ring 14 may be under spring tension while in the open position, or in the closed position, or in both the open and closed positions, or continuously from the open position through the closed position, providing additional stability, hi the exemplary embodiment of FIGs. 3-22, spring tension is provided to the movable ring portion continuously from the open position through the closed position at least in part by the interaction between cam portions 182a of cam levers 182 and flanges 186 of corresponding spring portions 151 of the brackets 120 (e.g., flexing of spring portions 151 and perhaps also a little flexing of flanges 186).

[0080] Further, in virtually all of the exemplary embodiments herein, the static support 24 and the movable ring 14 may be under spring tension in the upright position, or in the collapsed position, or in both the upright and collapsed positions, or continuously from the upright position through the collapsed position, providing additional stability.

[0081] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary binder 40 comprising a binder casing 42 and a plurality of binder mechanisms 10 of FIGs. IA- IE affixed to the binder casing 42. Each binder mechanism 10 may be configured as any of the binder mechanisms described above, or as any of the other binder mechanisms or binder devices described and/or shown herein. The binder mechanisms 10 shown in FIG. 2 are in the collapsed and open position of FIGs. IA- IB. A quick comparison of the height of the movable ring 14 and static support 24 relative to the base 12 in any of FIGs. IA- IB to the height of the movable ring 14 and static support 24 relative to the base 12 in any of FIGs. ID- IE shows how exemplary binder 40 can collapse to a much thinner configuration than it would otherwise be able to collapse if the movable ring 14 and static support 24 were locked in the positions of any of FIGs. ID- IE.

[0082] The casing 42 of exemplary binder 40 comprises a front cover 44, a rear cover 46, and an interconnecting spine 48, all hingedly connected as known to those skilled in the art. The specific construction of the casing 42 is not pertinent to the examples herein. Any suitable fastener (not shown in FIG. 2), such as a rivet, a screw, an adhesive, and the like, may be employed to secure each binder device 10 to the exemplary binder 40. As an optional alternative, it may be possible to mold the base or a portion of the base into position on a surface of the binder without the ring, and attach the ring and any remaining components of the base in any suitable means. It may also is also possible to insert mold the base by molding a cover over some or all of the metal components instead of adding the cover as a second part. One, two, three, or more such devices 10 may be used in exemplary binder 40. Other structures, such as metal stampings and the like, may optionally be used to provide additional support between the binder mechanisms 10 and the binder casing 42. Such additional structures may be particularly helpful in supporting rings in binders having relatively tall rings, e.g., about 4 inches or taller in the upright and fastened position.

[0083] FIGs. 3-22 illustrate an exemplary collapsible binder device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The binder device 100 is a lever-arch style binder device and includes a base 110, two brackets 120, two collapsible rings 150, and two ring actuators 180. In the exemplary embodiment shown, each ring has its own actuator (here a lever), however, this embodiment may be modified to have a single actuator actuate two or more rings. Similarly, two rings are shown; of course more or fewer rings may be used, each with their own actuator, or with a single actuator for them all.

[0084] As best shown in FIGs. 3, 7, and 12, each collapsible ring 150 comprises a static ring portion 150a (i.e., static in the upright position) and a movable ring portion 150b (i.e., movable in the upright position) connected to the bracket 120. Both ring portions 150a, 150b have a first degree of freedom permitting them to be moved between collapsed (FIG. 12) and upright configurations (FIGs. 3 and 7). In addition, at least the movable ring portion 150b has a second degree of freedom permitting it to be moved between open (FIG. 7) and closed (FIG. 3) positions. The exemplary embodiment also includes at least one actuator 180 (such as a lever) operatively connected to one or more rings 150 to move them between the (FIG. 7) and closed (FIG. 3) positions. There may be one such actuator for each ring or one actuator may operate a plurality of rings. The static ring portion 150a and the movable ring portion 150b may be under spring tension with respect to the first degree of freedom while in the upright position, providing additional stability. In addition, or in the alternative, the movable ring portion 150b may be under spring tension with respect to the second degree of freedom while in the open and closed positions, providing additional stability.

[0085] Preferably, the movable ring portion 150b and static ring portion 150a are made of metal and connected to the bracket 120 with a swedge, rivet, or other fastener. A slotted swedge, rivet, or other structure may be used to prevent rotation of the ring portions. However, any other suitable material, such as plastic, or fastener, such as a screw or press fit, may be used. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the movable ring portion 150b has an arcuate portion between a free end 156 and a fixed end 158 of the movable ring portion 150b.

[0086] In the exemplary embodiment, the movable portion 150b of the collapsible ring 150 pivotally connects to the bracket 120 for relative movement about a longitudinally extending axis 130 (ring open/close axis) between an open position (shown in FIG. 7) for adding/removing documents from the binder device 100 and a closed position (shown on the left side of FIG. 3 and in FIGs. 4-6) for retaining documents in the binder device 100. In this exemplary embodiment, a spring portion 151 of the bracket 120 forms the pivotal connection between the movable portion 150b of the collapsible ring 150 and the bracket 120 permitting movement of that portion 150b between the open and closed positions. As such, the bracket may be made out of any suitable resilient material capable forming a leaf spring, preferably spring metal. However, other pivotal connections may be used.

[0087] As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the spring portion 151 of the bracket 120 comprises an obtuse bend. On the right side of FIG- 3, the spring portion 151 of the disassembled bracket 120 is shown in its relaxed state. Alternatively, the spring portion 151 of the assembled bracket 120 shown on the left side FIG. 3 is compressed. In the closed position, the spring portion 151 is compressed and the free end 156 of the movable ring 150b engages the free end 152 of the static ring 150a (as shown in FIGs. 3 and 6). In the open position, the spring portion 151 is less compressed (may or may not be completely relaxed) and the free end 156 of the movable ring 150b moves away from the free end 152 of the static ring 150a (as shown in FIGs. 7 and 11). Preferably, the spring portion 151 is' not completely relaxed in the open position. The slight compression (from lever 182) allows for greater structural strength of the binder device 100.

[0088] The exemplary binder device 100 also includes two ring actuators 180 for opening and closing the rings 150 and locking the rings 150 in their closed positions. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, as best shown in FIGs. 3, 7, and 12, the ring actuator 180 includes a flange 186, a cam lever 182, and a vertical support 184. The vertical support 184 is fastened to the bracket 120 and may be made from any suitable material, such as plastic or metal, or attached by any suitable means, such as a swedge, rivet, or other fastener. The cam lever 182 is rotatably attached to the vertical support 184. The cam lever 182 may be attached to the vertical support 182 by any means that allows the cam lever 182 to rotate freely relative to the vertical support 184, such as with a rivet, pin, swedge, etc. The cam lever 182 comprises a cam portion 182a and a lever portion 182b. The cam portion 182a communicates with a flange 186 that extends from the spring portion 151 of the bracket 120 to compress and decompress the spring portion 151.

[0089] In the exemplary embodiment, the cam portion 182a of the cam lever 182 compresses the spring portion 151 of the bracket 120 whether the rings 150 are in the open or closed position. However, in certain embodiments, the cam portion 182a may allow the spring portion 151 to relax in the open position. To close the rings 150, the lever portion 182b is rotated downwardly and the cam portion 182a compresses the spring portion 151, forcing the free end 156 of the movable ring 150b against the free end 152 of the static ring 150a. To open the rings 150, the lever portion 182b is rotated upwardly and the cam portion 182a allows the spring portion 151 to decompress, pulling the free end 156 of the movable ring 150b away from the free end 152 of the static ring 150a.

[0090] The bracket 120 pivotally connects to the base 110 for relative movement generally about a longitudinally extending axis 170 (collapsing axis) between an upright position (shown in FIGs. 3-11) and a collapsed position (shown in FIGs. 12-18). The collapsing axis 170 extends in a direction perpendicular to the ring open/close axis 130 in this example, but may alternatively extend in any other suitable direction without deviating from the scope of the present invention. The base 110 rigidly connects to a rear cover of a binder casing (FIGs. 19-22). [0091] As best shown in FIGs. 3, 7, and 12 in this exemplary binder device, the base 110 comprises planar 118, arcuate 122, and flange 124 portions. The planar portions 118 generally provide a surface relative to which the bracket 120 pivots. The flange portions 124 preferably extend about a front edge and portions of side edges of the planar portions 118, as generally shown in FIG. 3, and may be slightly vertically offset relative to the planar portions 118. The arcuate portions 122 are preferably disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base 110, and extend from terminal portions of the flange portions 124. The positioning of the arcuate portions 122 generally creates a channel defined by bottom faces of the arcuate portions 122 and a top face of the planar portions 118, in which channel the bracket 120 is generally pivotally disposed.

[0092] As best shown in FIGs. 3, 7, and 12 in this exemplary binder device 100, the bracket 120 comprises two rectangular holes 112, a transverse bridge portion 114, and shoulder portions 116. The transverse bridge portion 114 of the bracket 120 includes the area between the holes 112 and the outer edge of the bracket 120 farthest from the base 120. The shoulder portions 116 of the bracket 120 include the area between the holes 112 of the bracket 120 and the area between the front hole 112 and the front edge of the bracket 120 (away from the spring portion). As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the arcuate portions 122 of the base 120 extend through the holes 112 in the bracket 120 so that the transverse bridge portion 1 14 of the bracket 120 is disposed within the arcuate portions 122. The transverse bridge portion 114 is preferably a generally rectangular planar portion having a longitudinal dimension sufficient to enable opposite ends of the transverse bridge portion 114 to be disposed within the arcuate portions 122. Further, the arcuate portions 122 are preferably dimensioned with a vertical profile that is slightly reduced relative to the width of the transverse bridge portion 114, and are preferably constructed of a flexible material (e.g., spring steel, etc.).

[0093] As best shown in FIGs. 3 and 7, the transverse bridge portion 114 of the bracket 120 is disposed within the arcuate portions 122 of the base 110. In the collapsed condition, the bracket 120 is rotated against tabs 126 on the edge of the planar portions 118 of the base 110 such that the bracket 120 is substantially vertical (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the casing of the binder) and the side faces of the transverse bridge portion 114 simultaneously contact both the planar portions 118 and bottom surfaces of the arcuate portions 122 (as shown in FIGs. 12-18). To move the rings 150 from a collapsed position (as shown in FIGs. 12-13) to an upright position (as shown in FIGs. 3 and 7), a user simply rotates the rings 150 into the upright position. As the user rotates the rings 150, the relatively reduced vertical profile of the arcuate portions 122 provides an impediment or resistance to the free rotation of the transverse bridge portion 114 relative to the base 110. The applied force to _^continue the pivoting of the rings 150 suitably overcomes the impediment by causing the arcuate portions 122 to flex, thereby permitting the transverse bridge portion 114 to continue its rotation within the arcuate portions 122 and dispose the rings 150 in a fully pivoted and upright configuration. The rotation impediment suitably provides a biasing effect that urges the rings 150 to remain in either an upright configuration or a collapsed configuration, absent a force directing the rings 150 otherwise.

[0094] In the exemplary embodiment, the biasing effect urges the rings 150 toward a collapsed configuration when the rings are in the upright configuration. To overcome this biasing effect, the exterior edge of the bracket 120 (closest to the base) is held by a clip 132 attached to the base 110. The clip 132 snaps over the edge of the bracket 120 when the rings 150 are rotated into the upright configuration (as shown in FIG. 3). The clip 132 may be attached to the base 110 by any suitable means, such as a rivet, swedge, or other fastener. Further, in certain embodiments (not shown), the clip 132 may be formed as part of the base 110. Although the biasing effect created by the arcuate portions 122 urges the rings 150 toward the collapsed configuration, the clip 132 holds the bracket 120 and rings 150 upright providing for a more sturdy, stable binder device 100.

[0095] If desired, to collapse the rings from an upright position (as shown in FIGs. 3 and 7) to a collapsed position (as shown in FIGs. 12-13), a user optionally manually releases the clip 132 and rotates the rings 150 to the collapse position. As the user rotates the rings 150, the relatively reduced vertical profile of the arcuate portions 122 provides an impediment or resistance to the free rotation of the transverse bridge portion 114 relative to the base 110. The applied force to continue the pivoting of the rings 150 suitably overcomes the impediment by causing the arcuate portions 122 to flex, thereby permitting the transverse bridge portion 114 to continue its rotation within the arcuate portions 122 and dispose the rings 150 in a fully pivoted and collapsed configuration. The rotation impediment suitably provides a biasing effect that urges the rings 150 to remain in either an upright configuration or a collapsed configuration, absent a force directing the rings 150 otherwise. [0096] As shown in FIGs. 3-18, the exemplary binder device 100 further comprises an optional decorative cover 134. The decorative cover 134 covers the base 110. The decorative cover 134 may be attached to the base 110 by any suitable means, such as with a swedge, rivet, snap fit, screw, or any other like fastener. Further, the decorative cover 134 may be made of any suitable material, such as metal or plastic.

[0097] FIGs. 19-22 show an exemplary binder 200 comprising a binder casing 202 and a plurality of binder devices 100 affixed to the binder casing 202. Each binder device 100 may be configured as described above and/or shown herein. The binder devices 100 shown in FIG. 19 are in the upright and closed position, FIG. 20 are in the upright and open position, and FIG. 21 are in the collapsed and open position. FIG. 22 is a side view of the exemplary binder 200 in the closed position with the binder devices 100 in the collapsed position. FIG. 22 illustrates how the exemplary binder 200 can collapse to a much thinner configuration than it would otherwise be able to collapse if the binder devices 100 were locked in the upright positions.

[0098] The casing 202 of exemplary binder 200 comprises a front cover 204, a rear cover 206, and an interconnecting spine 208, all hingedly connected as known to those skilled in the art. The specific construction of the casing 202 is not pertinent to the examples herein. Any suitable fastener (not shown in FIGs. 19-22), such as a rivet, a screw, an adhesive, and the like, may be employed to secure each binder devices 100 to the exemplary binder 200. As an optional alternative, it may be possible to mold the base or a portion of the base into position on a surface of the binder without the ring, and attach the ring and any remaining components of the base in any suitable means. It may also is also possible to insert mold the base by molding a cover over some or all of the metal components instead of adding the cover as a second part. One, two, three, or more such devices 100 may be used in exemplary binder 200. Other structures, such as metal stampings and the like, may optionally be used to provide additional support between the binder mechanisms 100 and the binder casing 202. Such additional structures may be particularly helpful in supporting rings in binders having relatively tall rings, e.g., about 4 inches or taller in the upright and fastened position.

[0099] FIGs. 23-26 illustrate an exemplary collapsible binder device 300 according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention. Binder device 300 is very similar to exemplary binder device 100 shown in FIGs. 3-22. Binder device 300 is a lever-arch style device and includes a base 310, two brackets 320, two collapsible rings 350, and two ring actuators 380, as shown and described above. However, the clip 332 of binder device 300 is different from the clip 132 of binder device 100 in that the clip 332 of binder device 300 permits easier release of the rings from the upright position into the collapsed position via a sliding member. More specifically, two curved portions 332a of the clip 332 hold the central edge of the bracket 320 (edge closest to the center of the base) when the rings 350 are rotated into the upright configuration (as shown in FIGs. 23 and 24). If desired, to collapse the rings 350 from an upright position (as shown in FIGs. 23 and 24) to a collapsed position (as shown in FIG. 25), a user may manually engage (e.g., with the tip of a stylus or pen) exposed portions 332b of the clip 332 and slide the clip 332 toward the center of the base 310, causing the clip portions 332a to release the bracket 320, permitting the rings 350 to be rotated into the collapse position. The cover 334 has notches 334a that provide access to the engageable portion 332b of the clip 332.

[00100] Further, the shape of cam portion 382a of binder device 300 is different from the shape of cam portion 182a of binder device 100. The shape of the cam portion 382a provides a force profile for the spring portion 351 of the bracket 320 when the rings 350 are opened and closed using the cam lever 382. This force profile is different from the force profile created by cam portion 182a for the spring portion 151 of binder device 100.

[00101] In addition, the free end 356 of the movable ring 350b of binder device 300 is pointed (has a frustoconical tip) unlike the free end 156 of the movable ring 150b of binder device 100. The pointed free end 356 is received in a like-shaped cavity at the free end 390 (best shown in FIG. 25) of the static ring 350a when the rings 350 are in a closed configuration.

[00102] FIGs. 27-33 illustrate an exemplary collapsible binder device 400 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The binder device 400 is a lever- arch style binder device that includes a base plate 410, a movable plate 420, two collapsible rings 450, at least one ring locking mechanism 480, and a lever-arch clamping mechanism 460. The base plate 410 pivotally connects to the movable plate 420 via hinge 421 for relative movement about a longitudinally extending axis 430 between an open position (shown in FIG. 31) for adding/removing documents from the binder device 400 and a closed position (shown in FIG. 27) for retaining documents in the binder device 400. The base plate 410 also rigidly connects to a rear cover of a binder casing (not shown). In this exemplary embodiment, the pivotal connection between static ring portion 450a and movable ring portion 450b is formed by a pin 451 extending through an opening in an extension 450c of static ring portion 450a and through an opening in movable ring portion 450b. Other pivotal connections may be used.

[00103] As best shown in FIGs. 27 and 31, each collapsible ring 450 comprises a static ring portion 450a (i.e., static in the upright position) and a movable ring portion 450b (i.e., movable in the upright position). The ring portions 450a, 450b pivotally connect to each other for relative movement about a ring open/close axis 460 between an open position (shown in FIG. 31) for adding/removing documents from the binder device 400 and a closed position (shown in FIG. 27) for retaining documents in the binder device 400. Axis 430 and axis 460 are co-axial in this embodiment. Each ring 450 pivotally connects to the base plate 410 for relative movement about a collapsing axis 470 between an upright position (shown in FIGs. 27-31) and a collapsed position (shown in FIGs. 32 and 33). The collapsing axis 470 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axes 430, 460 in this example, but may alternatively extend in any other suitable direction without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

[00104] As best shown in FIGs. 27, 32, and 33 in this exemplary binder device, the pivotal connection between the ring 450 and the base plate 410 is formed by a tubular opening 410a in the base 410 that aligns with the axis 470, and a portion 450c of the static ring portion 450a that aligns with the axis 470 and is disposed in the opening 410a for relative pivotal movement about the axis 470. The opening 410a may be formed from a part of the base 410 that is partially die-cut and bent to define the opening 410a. Alternatively, the opening 410a may be formed between the base 410 and an additional partially-cylindrical part that clamps the ring portion 450c between it and the base 410. Such an additional partially-cylindrical part may be fastened to the base 410 in any suitable manner (e.g., rivets, spot welding, adhesive(s), bolts, etc.). Moreover, the pivotal connection between the ring 450 and base plate 410 (or between any other pivotally connected components of this or other embodiments) may be formed in any other suitable manner without deviating from the scope of the present invention (e.g., fastening opposing sides of a conventional hinge to the ring 450 and base 410, respectively; fastening bushings or bearings to the base 410 with the ring portion 450c extending through the bushings or bearings, etc.). The opening 410a and ring portion 450c may also include abutting shoulders that prevent or limit relative axial movement along the axis 470. Other pivotal connections may be used.

[00105] The ring portions 450a, 450b remain pivotally connected to each other about the pivot axis 460 regardless of whether the rings 450 are in their collapsed or upright positions. The continuous pivotal connection tends to keep the ring portions 450a, 450b aligned with each other such that the ring portions 450a, 450b accurately and precisely engage each other when pivoted into their closed positions.

[00106] The binder device 400 includes at least one locking mechanism 480 for locking the rings 450 in their upright positions. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, as best shown in FIGs. 27 and 31-33, the locking mechanism 480 includes a flange 486 that extends from the base plate 410. The flange 486 has a lip 484 that communicates with a locking portion 45Od of the static ring portion 450a to hold the ring 450 in its upright position. In the present embodiment, the locking portion 450d has a flattened edge 482 to facilitate the engagement between the locking portion 45Od and the lip 484. However, any suitable means for locking the static ring portion 450a to the base plate 410 may be used, such as for example, a groove (not shown) in the locking portion 45Od of the static ring portion 450a that communicates with the lip 484 of the flange 486 when the ring 450 is in its upright position.

[00107] To lock a ring 450 in its upright positions, the ring 450 is pivoted upwardly from its collapsed position (shown in FIGs. 32 and 33) about the axis 470 to its upright position (shown in FIGs. 27-31). As the ring 450 pivots, the locking portion 45Od of the static ring portion 450a engages the flange 486 extending from the base plate 410. The lip 484 on the flange 486 will hold the ring 450 in its upright position, even as the movable portion 450b is rotated between open and closed positions.

[00108] As best shown in FIGs. 31-33, once the rings 450 are locked in the upright position, the movable plate 420 may rotate about axis 430 and connect to the movable ring portions 450b. Each movable ring portion 450b has a ridge 488 that snaps into a slot 422 located on an edge of the movable plate 420. This connection allows the movable ring portion 450b and the movable plate 420 to pivot together relative to the base plate 410 and static ring portion 450a about the coaxial axes 430, 460 between the open and closed positions. Any other suitable fastening mechanism may alternatively be used to selectively secure the movable ring portions 450b to the movable plate 420 without deviating from the scope of the present invention (e.g., screws, magnets, etc.). Such fastening mechanisms may be single-use fasteners that permit the movable ring portions 450b to be fastened to the movable plate 420 once and then remain permanently fastened thereto. Alternatively, the fastening mechanisms may permit the movable ring portions 450b to be repeatedly fastened to and detached from the movable plate 420 for repeated sequential use and storage of the binder device.

[00109] As shown in FIGs. 27 and 31, the binder device 400 includes a lever-arch clamping mechanism 460 in the form of lever 462 that pivotally connects to the base plate 410 via an intermediate connecting plate 464 (best shown in FIG. 30). The lever 462 includes an eccentric cam surface 466 to facilitate selective clamping of the movable plate 420 and movable ring portions 450b in their closed position. Once the lever 462 is connected to the base plate 410, the rings 450 are in their upright and locked positions, and the movable plate 420 is connected to the movable ring portions 450b, the lever 462 may be used to selectively clamp the movable ring portions 450b in their closed positions or release the movable ring portions 450b from their closed positions. As the lever 462 rotates from the open position (shown in FIG. 31) to the closed position (shown in FIG. 27), the eccentric cam surface 466 applies a force to a leaf spring 468 (best shown in FIGs. 32 and 33) connected to the movable plate 420. In return, the leaf spring 468 applies an opposite force against the eccentric cam surface 466. The force applied by the leaf spring 468 allows the movable plate 420 and movable ring portions 450b to spring open when the lever 462 rotates back to the open position and the force applied by the eccentric cam surface 466 is released. As such, the leaf spring 468 helps to facilitate the clamping of the movable ring portions 450b.

[00110] FIGS. 34-40C illustrate a collapsible binder device 1000 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The binder device 1000 is a lever-arch style binder device that includes a base plate 1010, a movable plate 1020, two collapsible rings 1050, a locking mechanism 1080, and a lever-arch clamping mechanism 1 120.

[00111] As shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, the base plate 1010 pivotally connects to the movable plate 1020 for relative movement about a longitudinally extending axis 1030 between an open position (shown in FIG. 37) for adding/removing documents from the binder device 1000 and a closed position (shown in FIG. 34) for retaining documents in the binder device 1000. As shown in FIG. 35, the base plate 1010 rigidly connects to a rear cover of a casing 1040. [00112] As shown in FIG. 37, each collapsible ring 1050 comprises a static ring portion 1050a and a movable ring portion 1050b. The ring portions 1050a, 1050b pivotally connect to each other for relative movement about a ring open/close axis 1060 between an open position (shown in FIG. 37) for adding/removing documents from the binder device 1000 and a closed position (shown in FIG. 34) for retaining documents in the binder device 1000.

[00113] As shown in FIG. 37, each ring 1050 pivotally connects to the base plate 1010 for relative movement about a collapsing axis 1070 between an upright position (shown in FIG. 37) and a collapsed position (shown in FIG. 36). The collapsing axis 1070 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axes 1030, 1060, but may alternatively extend in any other suitable direction without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

[00114] As shown in FIG. 37, the pivotal connection between the ring 1050 and the base plate 1010 is formed by a tubular opening 1010a in the base 1010 that aligns with the axis 1070, and a portion 1050c of the static ring portion 1050a that aligns with the axis 1070 and is disposed in the opening 1010a for relative pivotal movement about the axis 1070. The opening 1010a may be formed from a part of the base 1010 that is partially die-cut and bent to define the opening 1010a. Alternatively, the opening 1010a may be formed between the base 1010 and an additional semi-cylindrical part that clamps the ring portion 1050c between it and the base 1010. Such an additional semi-cylindrical part may be fastened to the base 1010 in any suitable manner (e.g., rivets, spot welding, adhesive(s), bolts, etc.). Moreover, the pivotal connection between the ring 1050 and base plate 1010 (or between any other pivotally connected components of this or other embodiments) may be formed in any other suitable manner without deviating from the scope of the present invention (e.g., fastening opposing sides of a conventional hinge to the ring 1050 and base 1010, respectively; fastening bushings or bearings to the base 1010 with the ring portion 1050c extending through the bushings or bearings, etc.).

[00115] The opening 1010a and ring portion 1050c may include abutting shoulders that prevent or limit relative axial movement along the axis 1070.

[00116] The ring portions 1050a, 1050b remain pivotally connected to each other about the pivot axis 1060 regardless of whether the rings 1050 are in their collapsed or upright positions. The continuous pivotal connection tends to keep the ring portions 1050a, 1050b aligned with each other such that the ring portions 1050a, 1050b accurately and precisely engage each other when pivoted into their closed positions.

[00117] The binder device 1000 includes a locking mechanism 1080 for locking the rings 1050 in their upright positions. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 37, the locking mechanism 1080 comprises a threaded nut 1090 and a threaded bolt 1100 for each ring 1050. The threaded nut 1090 connects to the movable ring portion 1050b for common movement with the movable ring portion 1050b relative to the ring portion 1050a and base plate 1010. The bolt 1100 operatively connects to the movable plate 1020 for movement with the movable plate 1020 relative to the base plate 1010. The bolt 1100 is rotatable relative to the movable plate 1020 about a bolt axis 1110 that is parallel to and spaced from the axis 1030.

[00118] Operation of the locking mechanism 1080 is described with reference to FIGS. 36 and 37. FIG. 36 illustrates the binder device 1000 in a collapsed position, which facilitates higher density packing and storage of binders incorporating the binder devices 1000. To lock the rings 1050 into their upright, usable position, an user manually rotates the rings 1050 upwardly about the axis 1070 from the collapsed position to the upright position. The operator aligns the respective threaded nuts 1090 and bolts 1100 and threads the bolts 1100 into the nuts 1090 using hand grips 1100a on the bolts 1100 to lock the rings 1050 in their upright usable positions. With the locking mechanism 1080 engaged, the movable ring portions 1050b and movable plate 1020 pivot together relative to the base plate 1010 and static ring portions 1050a about the coaxial axes 1030, 1060 between the open and closed positions.

[00119] In the illustrated embodiment, the bolts 1100 are axially aligned with each other but rotate independently of each other. According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the bolts 1100 are replaced by a single rod that is threaded on both ends. One end of the rod is right-hand threaded while the other end is left hand threaded. The respectively positioned nuts 1090 are correspondingly threaded. To lock the locking mechanism, the rings are pivoted into their upright positions with the nuts aligned with the rod. The rod is then rotated to simultaneously engage the nuts of both rings.

[00120] The relative positions of the nuts 1090 and bolts 1100 may be switched without deviating from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, while the illustrated embodiment utilizes nuts 1090 and bolts 1100 to selectively secure the movable ring portions 1050b to the movable plate 1020, any other suitable fastening mechanism may alternatively be used to selectively secure the movable ring portions 1050b to the movable plate 1020 without deviating from the scope of the present invention (e.g., screws, magnets, parts that snap together as shown below with respect to the binder device 1200, etc.). Such fastening mechanisms may be single-use fasteners that permit the movable ring portions 1050b to be fastened to the movable plate 1020 once and then remain permanently fastened thereto. Alternatively, the fastening mechanisms may permit the movable ring portions 1050b to be repeatedly fastened to and detached from the movable plate 1020 for repeated sequential use and storage of the binder device.

[00121] As shown in FIGS. 38-40C, the binder device 1000 includes a lever-arch clamping mechanism 1120 in the form of lever 1120 that pivotally connects to the base plate 1010 via an intermediate connecting plate 1130. As shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, the connecting plate 1130 includes openings 1140 that are positioned to engage detents 1150 on the base plate 1010 when the connecting plate 1130 is pushed onto the base plate 1010. The easy snap connection of the connecting plate 1130 and base plate 1010 facilitates transportation and storage of the lever 1120 and base plate 1010 in a flattened, disassembled configuration that takes up less space. The connecting plate 1130 may be connected to the base plate 1010 when the rings 1050 are locked into their upright positions.

[00122] The lever 1 120 includes an eccentric cam surface 1120a to facilitate selective clamping of the movable plate 1020 and movable ring portions 1050b in their closed position. Once the lever 1 120 is connected to the base plate 1010 and the locking mechanism 1080 locks the rings 1050 in their upright positions, the lever may be used to selectively clamp the movable ring portions 1050b in their closed positions or release the movable ring portions 1050b from their closed positions, as is sequentially illustrated in FIGS. 40A-40C.

[00123] FIGS. 41-44 illustrate a lever-arch type binder device 1200 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The binder device 1200 is generally similar to the binder device 1000. Accordingly, a redundant description of similar features is omitted. A locking mechanism 1210 of the binder device 1200 differs from the locking mechanism 1080 of the binder device 1000. As shown in FIG. 41, the locking mechanism 1210 includes flanges 1220 that extend from a movable plate 1230. Apertures 1230 are disposed in the flanges 1220. As shown in FIG. 43, the locking mechanism 1210 also includes a U-shaped channel 1240 rigidly attached to each movable ring portion 1250b. Resilient, ratchet-tooth- shaped detents 1260 are formed in the U-shaped channels 1240.

[00124] To lock the movable ring portions 1250 in their upright positions, the movable ring portions are first pivoted from their collapsed positions (shown in FIGS. 41 and 43) into their upright positions (shown in FIGS. 42 and 44). The movable plate 1230 is then pivoted relative to a base plate 1270 to move the flanges 1220 into the U-shaped channels 1240 and to engage the detents 1260 with the apertures 1230, thereby locking the movable ring portions 1250 in their upright positions, as shown in FIGS. 42 and 44.

[00125] FIG. 45 illustrates a lever-arch type collapsible binder device 1400 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The binder device 1400 includes a base plate 1410, a movable plate 1420, two rings 1440, a locking mechanism 1480, and a lever arch mechanism 1510.

[00126] The base plate 1410 and movable plate 1420 pivotally connect to each other for relative movement about a longitudinally-extending open/close axis 1430 between open and closed positions.

[00127] Each ring 1440 comprises a static ring portion 1440a and a movable ring portion 1440b. In the illustrated embodiment, the static ring portions 1440a are integrally formed with each other from a continuous wire. Alternatively, the static ring portions 1440a may be separately formed. The static ring portions 1440a pivotally connect to the base plate 1410 for relative pivotal movement about a collapsing axis 1450 between an upright position (shown in FIG. 45) and a collapsed position in which the static ring portions 1440a fold toward the movable plate 1420 into a flatter position. The collapsing axis 1450 is parallel to the axis 1430, but may alternatively be disposed in a variety of other orientations without deviating from the scope of the invention.

[00128] Each movable ring portion 1440b pivotally connects to the movable plate 1420 for relative movement about its respective collapsing axis 1460 between an upright position (shown in FIG. 45) and a collapsed position in which the ring portion 1440b pivots away from the movable plate 1420 into a flatter position. The axes 1460 are generally perpendicular to the axis 1430. The ring portion 1440b is further collapsed by pivoting the movable plate 1420 about the axis 1430 about 90 degrees away from the base plate 1410 to orient an arced portion 1440c of the movable ring portions 1440b in a flatter position that is generally parallel to a plane defined by the base plate 1410.

[00129] The locking mechanism 1480 selectively locks the ring portions 1440a, 1440b in their upright positions. The locking mechanism 1480 includes locking clips 1490, 1500. The locking clips 1490 movably connect to the base plate 1410 and are movable between (a) released positions that permit the static ring portions 1440a to pivot between their upright and collapsed positions, and (b) locked positions that lock the ring portions 1440a in their upright positions relative to the base plate 1410. Similarly, the locking clips 1500 movably connect to the movable plate 1420 and are movable between (a) released positions that permit their respective movable ring portions 1440b to pivot between their upright and collapsed positions, and (b) locked positions that lock their respective movable ring portions 1440b in their upright positions relative to the movable plate 1420. When the locking clips 1500 are in their locked positions, the movable ring portions 1440b move with the movable plate 1420 relative to the base plate 1410 between the open and closed positions.

[00130] The lever arch mechanism 1510 mounts to the base plate 1410 and is positioned to selectively clamp the movable plate 1420 (and movable ring portions 1440b) in the closed position.

[00131] FIGS. 46 and 47 illustrate a lever-arch type collapsible binder device 1600 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The binder device 1600 includes a base plate 1610, a movable member 1620, two rings 1640, a locking mechanism 1680, and a lever arch mechanism 1720.

[00132] The base plate 1610 and movable member 1620 pivotally connect to each other for relative movement about a longitudinally-extending open/close axis 1630 between open and closed positions.

[00133] Each ring 1640 comprises a static ring portion 1640a and a movable ring portion 1640b. The static ring portions 1640a each pivotally connect to the base plate 1610 for relative pivotal movement about respective collapsing axes 1650 between an upright position (shown in FIG. 46) and a collapsed position in which the static ring portions 1640a fold away from the base plate 1610 into a flatter position. The collapsing axes 1650 are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axis 1630, but may alternatively be disposed in a variety of other orientations without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

[00134] Each movable ring portion 1640b pivotally connects to the movable member 1620 for relative movement about its respective collapsing axis 1660 between an upright position (shown in FIG. 46) and a collapsed position in which the ring portion 1640b pivots away from the movable plate 1620 into a flatter position. The axes 1660 are generally perpendicular to the axis 1630.

[00135] The illustrated pivotal connection between the ring portion 1640b and the movable member 1620 comprises a U-shaped bracket 1620a disposed on the movable member 1620. Holes extend through the U-shaped bracket 1620a and the ring portion 1640b and are aligned with the axis 1660. A pin 1670 extends through the holes such that the ring portion 1640b can pivot relative to the movable member 1620 about the axis 1660. Alternatively, the pivotal connection between the ring portion 1640b and movable member 1620 may comprise any other suitable pivotal connection without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

[00136] The locking mechanism 1680 selectively locks the ring portions 1640a, 1640b in their upright positions. The locking mechanism 1680 includes a U-shaped portion 1690 at an end of each static ring portion 1640a. The movable ring portions 1640b each include lever arms 1700 that engage the U-shaped portions 1690 when the movable ring portions 1640b are in their upright positions. The engagement retains the static ring portions 1640a in their upright positions. Locking collars 1710 movably mount onto the movable ring portions 1640b. When the movable ring portion 1640b is in its upright position, the associated locking collar 1710 can be moved into a locking position that encloses the pivotal connection between the movable ring portion 1640b and the movable member 1620 to keep the movable ring portion 1640b in its upright position. The locking collar 1710 may be threaded and so as to threadingly mate with corresponding threads on the movable member 1620 and/or the movable ring portion 1640b to retain the locking collar 1710 in its locking position. While specific locking mechanisms are described to lock the ring portions 1640a, 1640b in their upright positions, any other suitable locking mechanism may alternatively be used without deviating from the scope of the present invention. [00137] With the ring portions 1640a, 1640b locked in their upright positions, the movable ring portions 1640b and movable member 1620 move with each other relative to the base plate 1610 and static ring portions 1640a between the open and closed positions. The lever arch mechanism 1720 mounts to the base plate 1610 and is .positioned to selectively clamp the movable member 1620 (and movable ring portions 1640b) in the closed position.

[00138] FIG. 48 illustrates a lever-arch type collapsible binder device 1800 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The binder device 1800 includes a base plate 1810, a movable member 1820, two collapsing plates 1835, two rings 1640, a locking mechanism 1855, and a lever arch mechanism 1870.

[00139] The base plate 1810 and movable member 1820 pivotally connect to each other for relative movement about a longitudinally-extending open/close axis 1830 between open and closed positions.

[00140] Each collapsing plate 1835 pivotally connects to the base plate 1810 for relative movement about collapsing axes 1850 between an upright position (shown in FIG. 48) and a collapsed position in which the collapsing plate 1835 pivots distally away from the base plate 1810 to lay the rings 1840 in a generally flat orientation that is generally parallel to the base plate 1810.

[00141] Each ring 1840 comprises a static ring portion 1840a and a movable ring portion 1840b. The static ring portions 1840a each rigidly connect to their respective collapsing plates 1835 for movement with their collapsing plates 1835 relative to the base plate 1810 between upright and collapsed positions. The collapsing axes 1850 are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axis 1830, but may alternatively be disposed in a variety of other orientations without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

[00142] Each movable ring portion 1840b pivotally connects to its respective collapsing plate 1835 for relative movement about an open/close axis 1860 between open and closed positions. The movable ring portions 1840b pivot with the collapsing plates 1835 relative to the base plate 1810 about the collapsing axes 1850 between upright and collapsed positions.

[00143] The locking mechanism 1855 is defined by the movable ring portions 1840b and the movable member 1820. When the collapsing plates 1835 are in their upright positions, the axes 1860 are coaxial with the axis 1830. The movable ring portions 1840b each include proximally extending arms 1840c that extend toward each other. The arms 1840c also extend eccentrically relative to the axis 1860. The movable member 1820 includes a J-shaped hook that can snap over the arms 1840c when the movable ring portions 1840b are in their upright positions. Once snapped together via the movable member 1820, the movable member 1820 retains the movable ring portions 1840b (and the collapsing plates 1835 and static ring portions 1840a) in their upright positions. The movable member 1820 also causes the movable ring portions 1840b to pivot with each other and the movable member 1820 relative to the base plate 1810, collapsing plates 1835, and static ring portions 1840a between the open and closed positions. The lever arch mechanism 1870 mounts to the base plate 1810 and is positioned to selectively clamp the movable member 1820 (and movable ring portions 1840b) in the closed position.

[00144] FIG. 49 illustrates a lever-arch type collapsible binder device 1900 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The binder device 1900 comprises a base plate 1910, a subbase plate 1920, two collapsing plates 1935, two rings 1940, a locking mechanism 1970, and a lever arch mechanism 1990.

[00145] The base plate 1910 and subbase plate 1920 pivotally connect to each other for relative movement about a longitudinally-extending collapsing axis 1930 between an upright position (shown in FIG. 49) and a collapsed position in which the base plate 1910 pivots away from the subbase plate 1920 by about 90 degrees. The subbase plate 1920 mounts to a casing in a manner similar to the base plates of the above-described embodiments.

[00146] Each collapsing plate 1935 pivotally connects to the base plate 1810 for relative movement about a collapsing axis 1950 between an upright position (shown in FIG. 48) and a collapsed position in which each collapsing plate 1935 pivots distally away from the base plate 1910 by about 90 degrees. The collapsing axes 1950 are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axis 1930.

[00147] Each ring 1940 comprises a static ring portion 1940a and a movable ring portion 1940b. The static ring portions 1940a each rigidly connect to the base plate 1910 for pivotal movement with the base plate 1910 about the axis 1930 relative to the subbase plate 1920 between upright and collapsed positions. [00148] Each movable ring portion 1940b pivotally connects to its respective collapsing plate 1935 for relative movement about an open/close axis 1960 between open and closed positions. The movable ring portions 1940b pivot with the collapsing plates 1935 relative to the base plate 1910 about the collapsing axes 1950 between upright and collapsed positions.

[00149] The binder device 1900 utilizes a multiple collapsing axis arrangement to collapse the rings 1940. To move the rings 1940 from their upright positions (shown in FIG. 49) to their collapsed positions, the collapsing plates 1935 are first pivoted 90 degrees away from the base plate 1910 about the axes 1950. The collapsing plates 1935 and base plate 1910 are then together pivoted 90 degrees about the axis 1930 away from the subbase plate 1920. This compound pivotal movement causes the large arcs of the movable ring portions 1940b to lay generally flat against a rear cover of a casing to which the binder device 1900 is mounted. The arced portions 194Od of the collapsed movable ring portions 1940b are therefore generally parallel to the subbase plate 1920.

[00150] The locking mechanism 1970 comprises a threaded collar 1980 that can simultaneously and selectively thread onto threaded ends of eccentric arms 1940c of the movable ring portions 1940b when the movable ring portions 1940b are in their upright position. The threaded collar 1980 holds the movable ring portions 1940b together and prevents the collapsing plates 1935 from pivoting toward their collapsed positions.

[00151] An additional locking mechanism (not shown) may selectively hold the base plate 1910 in an upright position relative to the subbase plate 1920. The additional locking mechanism may be similar to the locking mechanism discussed below with respect to the binder device 2000. Alternatively, the base plate 1910 may be allowed to freely pivot about the axis 1930 relative to the subbase plate 1920.

[00152] The lever arch mechanism 1990 mounts to the base plate 1910 and is positioned to selectively clamp the collar 1980, arms 1940c, and movable ring portions 1940b in the closed position.

[00153] FIG. 50 illustrates a lever-arch type collapsible binder device 2000 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The binder device 2000 comprises a base plate 2010, a subbase plate 2020, two rings 2040, a locking mechanism 2060, and a lever arch mechanism 2070. [00154] The base plate 2010 and subbase plate 2020 pivotally connect to each other for relative movement about a longitudinally-extending collapsing axis 2030 between an upright position and a collapsed position in which the base plate 2010 pivots away from the subbase plate 2020 by about 90 degrees. The subbase plate 2020 mounts to a casing in any suitable manner. FIG. 50 illustrates the base plate 2010 midway between its upright and collapsed positions.

[00155] Each ring 2040 comprises a static ring portion 2040a and a movable ring portion 2040b. The static ring portions 2040a each rigidly connect to the base plate 2010 for pivotal movement with the base plate 2010 about the axis 2030 relative to the subbase plate 2020 between upright and collapsed positions.

[00156] Each movable ring portion 2040b pivotally connects to the base plate 2010 for relative movement about an open/close axis 2050 between open and closed positions. The movable ring portions 2040b pivot with the base plate 2010 about the collapsing axis 2030 between upright and collapsed positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the ring portions 2040b are integrally formed with each other from wire or other suitable material such that the ring portions 2040b pivot with each other relative to the base plate 2010 about the open/close axis 2050.

[00157] In this embodiment, even when the rings 2040 are collapsed, the arced portions 204Od of the rings 2040 remain perpendicular to the subbase plate 2020 and associated casing cover. Consequently, the rings 2040 to not lay as flat relative to other embodiments of the present invention, but nonetheless are disposed in a substantially flat position relative to their upright positions. The specific form factor reduction depends, in part, on the height of the upright rings 2040 relative to their width (i.e., the distance between opposite sides of the U shape).

[00158] The locking mechanism 2060 comprises a spring-biased detent 2060 disposed on the subbase plate 2020. When the base plate 2010 is pivoted into its upright position, the detent 2060 engages the base plate 2010 to retain the base plate 2010 and rings 2040 in their upright positions.

[00159] The lever arch mechanism 2070 pivotally mounts to the base plate 2010 and is positioned to selectively engage a portion 2040c of the movable ring portions 2040b that is disposed eccentrically with respect to the axis 2050 to clamp the movable ring portions 2040b in their closed positions, as shown in FIG. 50.

[00160] FIG. 51 illustrates a lever-arch type collapsible binder device 2100 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The binder device 2100 comprises a base plate 2110, a subbase plate 2120, two rings 2140, a locking mechanism 2180, and a lever arch mechanism 2220.

[00161] The base plate 2110 and subbase plate 2120 pivotally connect to each other for relative movement about a longitudinally-extending collapsing axis 2130 between an upright position (shown in FIG. 51) and a collapsed position in which the base plate 2110 pivots away from the subbase plate 2120 by about 90 degrees. The subbase plate 2120 mounts to a casing.

[00162] Each ring 2140 comprises a static ring portion 2140a and a movable ring portion 2140b. The static ring portions 2140a each rigidly connect to the base plate 2110 for pivotal movement with the base plate 2110 about the axis 2130 relative to the subbase plate 2120 between upright and collapsed positions.

[00163] Each movable ring portion 2140b pivotally connects to the subbase plate 2120 via a movable member 2160 for relative movement about an axis 2150 between open and closed positions. Each movable ring portion 2140b pivotally connects to the movable member 2160 for relative pivotal movement about a collapsing axis 2170.

[00164] The binder device 2100 utilizes a multiple axis collapsing mechanism for the movable ring portions 2140b. To fully collapse the movable ring portions 2140b from their fully upright position shown in FIG. 51, the movable ring portions 2140b are pivoted about the axes 2170 by about 90 degrees, and pivoted about the axis 2150 away from the subbase plate 2120 by about 90 degrees to position the arcs of the movable ring portions 2140b in a flattened, collapsed position.

[00165] The locking mechanism 2180 comprises spring-biased detents 2190 disposed on the subbase plate 2120. When the base plate 2110 is pivoted into its upright position, the detents 2190 engage apertures 2200 in the base plate 2110 to retain the base plate 2110 and static ring portions 2140a in their upright positions. The locking mechanism 2180 also includes a mechanism such as the illustrated splined collars 2210 to selectively prevent pivotal movement of the movable ring portions 2140b about the axes 2170 relative to the movable member 2160. The splined collars 2210 may engage corresponding splines in the movable ring portions 2140b. Axial movement of the movable ring portions 2140b may selectively bring the splines into and out of engagement with each other to selectively permit and prevent pivotal movement of the movable ring portions 2140b about the axes 2170 (e.g., by sliding or rotating a threaded engagement between the collar 2210 and the ends of the member 2160 and movable ring portion 2140b). Alternatively, any other suitable locking mechanism may be used to lock the ring portions 2140a, 2140b in their upright positions relative to the movable member 2160.

[00166] The lever arch mechanism 2220 pivotally mounts to the base plate 2110 and is positioned to selectively engage the movable member 2160 to clamp the movable member 2160 and movable ring portions 2140b in their closed positions, as shown in FIG. 50.

[00167] FIG. 52 illustrates a lever-arch type collapsible binder device 2300 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The binder device 2300 comprises a base plate 2310, a subbase plate 2320, a movable plate 2335, two rings 2340, a locking mechanism 2390, and a lever arch mechanism 2420.

[00168] The base plate 2310 and subbase plate 2320 pivotally connect to each other for relative movement about a longitudinally-extending collapsing axis 2330 between an upright position (shown in FIG. 52) and a collapsed position in which the base plate 2310 pivots away from the subbase plate 2320 by about 90 degrees. The subbase plate 2320 mounts to a casing in any suitable manner.

[00169] The movable plate 2335 pivotally connects to the subbase plate 2320 for relative movement about a collapsing/opening axis 2350 between an upright position (shown in FIG. 52) and a collapsed position in which the movable plate 2335 pivots away from the subbase plate 2320 by about 90 degrees. The axes 2330, 2350 are parallel to each other.

[00170] Each ring 2340 comprises a static ring portion 2340a and a movable ring portion 2340b. The static ring portions 2340a each rigidly connect to the base plate 2310 for pivotal movement with the base plate 2310 about the axis 2330 relative to the subbase plate 2320 between upright and collapsed positions. [00171] Each movable ring portion 2340b rigidly connects to a disc 2360 that, in turn, pivotally connects to the movable plate 2335 for relative movement about a collapsing axis 2370.

[00172] The binder device 1900 utilizes a multiple collapsing axis arrangement to collapse the movable ring portions 2340b. To move the movable ring portions 2340b from their upright positions (shown in FIG. 52) to their collapsed positions, the discs 2360 are pivoted by about 90 degrees about the axes 2370 and the movable plate 2335 is pivoted about 90 degrees away from the subbase plate 2320. This compound movement lays the arced portions 2340c of the movable ring portions 2340b in a generally flat, collapsed position that is generally parallel to the underlying casing and subbase plate 2320.

[00173] The locking mechanism 2390 comprises any suitable mechanism for selectively locking the discs 2360 in the pivotal positions shown in FIG. 52 relative to the movable plate 2335. For example, the locking mechanism 2390 may include pins 2400 that selectively extend through aligned holes in the discs 2360 and movable plate 2335 to pivotally lock the discs. The locking mechanism 2390 also includes spring-biased detents 2410 that mount to and extend from the movable plate 2335. When the base plate 2310 is in its upright position and the movable plate 2335 is pivoted into its upright position, the detents 2410 retain the base plate 2310 in its upright position. The lever arch mechanism 2420 mounts to the base plate 2310 and is positioned to selectively clamp the movable plate 2335 and movable ring portions 2340b in the closed position. The base plate 2310, movable plate 2335, detents 2410, and lever arch mechanism 2420 interact to lock the base plate 2310 in its upright position and lock the movable plate 2335 in its upright, closed position.

[00174] FIG. 53 illustrates a lever-arch type collapsible binder device 2500 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The binder device 2500 includes a base plate 2510, a movable member 2520, two rings 2540, a locking mechanism 2570, and a lever arch mechanism 2590.

[00175] The base plate 2510 and movable member 2520 pivotally connect to each other for relative movement about a longitudinally-extending collapsing/opening axis 2530 between open/collapsed positions and closed/upright positions. [00176] Each ring 2540 comprises a static ring portion 2540a and a movable ring portion 2540b. In the illustrated embodiment, the static ring portions 2540a are integrally formed with each other from a bent wire. Alternatively, the static ring portions 2540a may be separately formed. The static ring portions 2540a pivotally connect to the base plate 2510 for relative pivotal movement about a collapsing axis 2550 between an upright position (shown in FIG. 53) and a collapsed position in which the static ring portions 2540a fold away from the movable member 2520 into a flatter, collapsed position. The collapsing axis 2550 is parallel to the axis 2530, but may alternatively be disposed in a variety of other orientations without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

[00177] Each movable ring portion 2540b pivotally connects to the movable member 2520 for relative movement about its respective collapsing axis 2560. The axes 2560 are generally perpendicular to the axes 2530, 2550.

[00178] The binder device 2500 utilizes a multiple collapsing axis arrangement to collapse the movable ring portions 2540b. To move the movable ring portions 2540b from their upright positions (shown in FIG. 53) to their collapsed positions, the movable ring portions 2540b are pivoted by about 90 degrees about the axes 2560 and the movable member 2520 is pivoted about 90 degrees away from the base plate 2510. This compound movement lays the arced portions 2540c of the movable ring portions 2540b in a generally flat, collapsed position that is parallel to the underlying casing.

[00179] The locking mechanism 2570 selectively locks the ring portions 1440a, 1440b in their upright positions. The locking mechanism 2570 includes locking clips 2580. The locking clips 1490 movably connect to the base plate 2510 and are movable between (a) released positions that permit the static ring portions 2540a to pivot between their upright and collapsed positions, and (b) locked positions that lock the ring portions 2540a in their upright positions (shown in FIG. 53). In the illustrated embodiment, the locking clips 2580 slidingly connect to the base plate 2510. However, the locking clips 2580 may alternatively movably connect to the base plate 2510 in any other suitable manner (e.g., pivotally, as shown in FIG. 55 with respect to the locking clips 1490).

[00180] The locking mechanism 2570 also includes a mechanism to selectively lock the movable ring portions 2540b in their upright, usable positions relative to the movable member 2520. This mechanism 2570 may comprise any suitable mechanism for preventing relative pivotal movement between the movable member 2520 and the movable ring portions 2540b about the axis 2560. For example, the mechanism 2570 may comprise pins that pin the movable ring portions 2540b to the movable portion 2520, as discussed above with respect to the locking mechanism 2390.

[00181] The lever arch mechanism 2590 mounts to the base plate 2510 and is positioned to selectively clamp the movable member 2520 (and movable ring portions 2540b) in the closed position.

[00182] FIGS. 54-61 illustrate a collapsible binder 3000 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The binder 3000 includes a casing 3010 and a binder device 3020 mounted to a back cover of the casing 3010. The binder device 3020 comprises a base plate 3030, a movable member 3050, a plurality of rings 3070, and a locking mechanism 3100. The movable member 3050 is pivotally attached to the base plate 3030 for relative movement about an axis 3060 between an open/collapsed position and a closed/upright position. The proximal end 3070a of each ring 3070 is attached to the movable member 3060. The locking mechanism 3100 removably attaches the distal end 3070b of each ring 3070 to the base plate when the rings 3070 are in the closed/upright position.

[00183] As shown in FIG. 57. the base plate 3030 mounts to the casing 3010 in any suitable manner (e.g., rivets 3040, screws, adhesive, etc.). As shown in FIGS 56 and 58, the movable member 3050 comprises an elongated rod 3050 that pivotally attaches to the base plate 3030 for relative movement about an axis 3060 between an open/collapsed position (shown in FIGS. 54-58) and a closed/upright position (shown in FIGS. 60 and 61).

[00184] As shown in FIG. 56, each ring 3070 has a proximal end 3070a that mounts to the movable member 3050 for pivotal movement with the movable member 3050 relative to the base plate 3030. As shown in FIG. 58, each ring 3070 also has a distal end 3070b that includes an annular groove 3070c. The rings 3070 comprise a strong, flexible material (e.g., flexible 0.15" diameter wire) that enables the rings 3070 to be manually flexed between a straight, collapsed position (shown in FIGS. 54-57) and a U-shaped upright position (shown in FIGS. 58, 60, and 61) with no or essentially no plastic deformation. [00185] A length of each ring 3070 is sized to match the desired size of the binder 3000. For example, for a 1 inch binder, each ring 3070 may be about 2 ¹A inches long such that the U shape of the bent ring 3070 has approximately a 1 inch width. The rings 3070 may alternatively be sized for other size binders (e.g., "Λ", 1 54", or 2" binders, etc.).

[00186] As shown in FIG. 55, when the movable member 3050 is in its open/collapsed position and the rings 3070 are in their straight/collapsed positions, the binder device 3020 is substantially flatter than when the movable member 3050 is in its closed/upright position or when one or more of the rings 3070 are in their U-shaped, upright positions. The collapsed positions therefore facilitate compact shipping and storage of the binder 3000.

[00187] The locking mechanism 3100 selectively locks the distal ends 3070b of the rings 3070 to the base plate 3030 in a closed position (shown in FIGS. 60-61) to retain any hole-punched documents that were fed onto the rings 3070 while in their open positions. As discussed in greater detail below, the locking mechanism 3100 comprises a lock/release member 3110 that cooperates with locking apertures 3130 in the base plate 3030 and the distal ends 3070b of the rings 3070 to selective lock the rings 3070 closed.

[00188] As shown in FIG. 57, the elongated lock/release member 3110 slides within an elongated opening in the tubular base plate 3030 along a path that parallels the axis 3060. The member 3110 is slidable between a locked position (shown in FIGS. 56, 58, 60, and 61) and a released position. As shown in FIG. 57, a spring 3120 extends between the member 31 10 and base plate 3030 to bias the member 3110 toward the locked position. The member 3110 includes a proximal button 3110a that protrudes out of the base plate 3030. As shown in FIG. 61, a user may push the button 3110a in the direction of the arrow to move the member 3110 into its released position against the biasing force of the spring 3120.

[00189] As shown in FIG. 57, the member 3110 also includes three notches 3110b, one for each ring 3070. Each notch 3110b includes a locking surface 3110c and a releasing surface 311Od, which are discussed in greater detail below.

[00190] As shown in FIGS. 59 and 61, each aperture 3130 includes an enlarged portion 3130a that is large enough for the distal end 3070b of the ring 3070 to extend therethrough. Each aperture 3130 also includes a narrower slot 3130b extending from the enlarged portion^"3130a. The slot 3130b is L-shaped with one end of the L connecting to the enlarged portion 3130a and the other end of the L extending toward the button 3110a. The slot 3130b has a width that is smaller than the distal end 3070b of the ring 3070 but is slightly larger than the diameter of the annular groove 3070c in the ring 3070.

[00191] To operate the locking mechanism 3100, a user first bends the rings 3070 into their upright position (shown in FIG. 58). Before or after such bending, the user extends the rings 3070 through holes punched in documents to be held by the binder 3000. The user then pivots the rings 3070 and movable member 3050 about the axis 3060 to bring the distal ends 3070b of the rings 3070 into proximity with the apertures 3130. As shown in FIG. 58, the locking surfaces 3110c of the locking member 3110 are aligned with the enlarged openings 3130a when the locking member 3110 is in its locked position. The user pushes the distal end 3070b of one of the rings 3070 into the enlarged opening 3130a of its respective aperture 3130. As the distal end 3070b moves into the aperture 3130, the annular groove 3070c slides into the slot 3130b. The locking surface 3110c is sloped relative to the path of movement of the locking member 3110 along the axis 3060. Accordingly, as the distal end 3070b moves r- into the aperture 3130, it pushes the locking surface 3110c in a cammed manner, which causes the locking member 3110 to move toward its released position against the biasing force of the spring 3120. When the annular groove 307Oc reaches the apex of the L shape of the slot 3130b, the spring biased force of the locking member 3110 pushes the distal end 3070b toward the button 3110a and away from the enlarged opening 3130a, thereby locking the ring 3070 in its closed position.

[00192] The user then sequentially pushes the remaining distal ends 3070b of the remaining rings 3070 into their respective apertures 3130. Locking each successive ring 3070 to the base plate 3030 involves moving the locking member 3110 toward its released position. Each locking surfaces 3110c is spaced sufficiently far from the releasing surface 3110d of the respective notch 3110 that this partial movement of the locking member 3110 toward the released position does not cause the releasing surface 311Od to move the previously locked ring 3070 out of its respective aperture 3130. Consequently, locking each additional ring 3070 into the base 3030 does not result in the inadvertent release of previously locked rings 3070.

[00193] To release the rings 3070 and open the binder device 3030, the user pushes the button 3110a in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 61 to move the locking member 3110 into its released position. The motion causes the releasing surfaces 3110d to abut and move the distal ends 3070b of their respective rings 3070 out of their respective apertures 3130 in a camming action, thereby releasing the rings 3070.

[00194] While a particular locking mechanism 3100 is illustrated, any other suitable locking mechanism may alternatively be used to selectively lock the distal ends of the rings 3070 to the base 3030 to close the rings 3070 without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

[00195] Other latching mechanisms (also referred to herein as "actuators") may be used the various embodiments herein. For example, in the context of Figures 27-33, a latch mechanism may be used instead of a lever-type actuator. Such a latch mechanism may engage and retain the movable plate in a downward position, with the rings in the upright closed position. To open the binder, a user releases the latch, which permits the spring under the movable plate to lift one end of the movable plate, which opens the rings, as discussed above in the context of the lever arch. To close the binder, the user pushes down on the movable plate, which compresses the spring under the movable plate and lowers the movable plate, which closes the rings and the latch retains the movable plate in the downward position with the rings closed. In all the various embodiments herein, mechanical compression caused by firm engagement of the two rings (or ring portions) in the closed position may be used to provide a more stable binder.

[00196] Figures 62-68 illustrate several latching mechanisms (actuators) that may be used with various embodiments having movable rings (also referred to herein as movable ring portions) coupled to a movable plate, e.g., the embodiment of Figures 27-33.

[00197] FIGs. 62-63 illustrate an exemplary collapsible binder device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of FIGs. 62-63 is identical to the embodiment of FIGs. 27-33, except there is a spring loaded latch instead of a lever arch clamping mechanism. Thus, the binder device of FIGs. 62-63 includes a base plate, a movable plate, two collapsible rings, and at least one ring locking mechanism that are identical to FIGs. 27-33, except the lever-arch clamping mechanism has been replaced with a spring loaded latch for opening and closing the rings while in the upright position, as further described. The embodiments of FIGs. 27-33 and FIGs. 62-63 are the same with respect to moving between the collapsed position and the upright position, and between the upright open and upright closed positions, except for differences pertaining to the spring loaded latch vis-a-vis the lever arch clamping mechanism.

[00198] More specifically, the embodiment of FIGs. 62-63 includes a movable plate 2600 (identical to plate 420, except for the opening 2630), a base plate 2610 (identical to plate 410) hingedly connected to plate 2600, a spring-loaded latch mechanism 2620, and an opening 2630 in plate 2600 into which the latch mechanism 2620 extends. As shown in FIG. 63, with the movable plate 2600 removed, it can be seen that the latch mechanism 2620 is spring- biased via a spring 2640 and pivotally connected to tabs on the movable plate 2600 via an axle 2660. The latch 2620 has at least one notch (here a pair of notches 2680 formed by a pair of tabs) that retains the movable plate down with the rings in the closed position. In the upright closed position of FIG. 62, the tabs 2680 engage an edge 2682 of the movable plate 2600 at the opening 2630 through which the latch 2620 extends. The spring 2640 biases the latch 2620 into the closed (latching) configuration of FIG. 62 (i.e., biases the latch roughly clockwise in the figures). The exemplary latch 2620 also is shown with an optional second notch (here a pair of notches 2690 formed by a pair of tabs) that keeps the movable plate from moving any further upward with the rings in the open position (i.e., keeps the movable plate from being flipped over into the configuration of FIGs. 32-33). That said, the exemplary latch 2620 shown can be moved to permit the movable plate 2600 to be moved further into the configuration of FIGs. 32-33, if desired by the user.

[00199] Based on the description above, use of the embodiment of FIGs. 62-63 ought to be straightforward. From the collapsed position, the rings are moved into their upright position in exactly the same manner as described above in the context of FIGs. 27-33. From there, once the rings are locked in the upright position, the user may rotate the movable plate 2600 about its axis with respect to the base plate 2610 and connect the plate 2600 to the movable ring portions by pushing on the plate 2600, taking care to ensure that the latch 2620 moves through the opening 2630 in the movable plate 2600 as the plate is rotated down. Once the latch 2620 is inside the opening 2630, the user may merely push down on the plate 2600 to both engage the movable ring portions and latch the binder in the closed position. From there, the user may release the latch to release the plate 2600 to open the rings, add and/or remove sheets, and push down on the plate 2600 to close the rings and latch the binder in the closed position with the latch 2620. [00200] FIGs. 64-65 illustrate another exemplary collapsible binder device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of FIGs. 64-65 is identical to the embodiment of FIGs. 27-33, except a latch formed from flexible wings is used instead of a lever arch clamping mechanism. Thus, the binder device of FIGs. 64-65 includes a base plate, a movable plate, two collapsible rings, and at least one ring locking mechanism that are identical to FIGs. 27-33, except the lever-arch clamping mechanism has been replaced with a latch having flexible wings for opening and closing the rings in the upright position, as further described. The embodiments of FIGs. 27-33 and FIGs. 64-65 are the same with respect to moving between the collapsed position and the upright position, and between the upright open and upright closed positions, except for differences pertaining to the flexible wings vis-a-vis the lever arch clamping mechanism.

[00201] More specifically, the embodiment of FIGs. 64-65 includes movable plate 2700 (identical to plate 420, except for the opening 2750), a base plate (identical to plate 410) hingedly connected to plate 2700, two flexible wings 2710a, 2710b, and an opening 2750 in plate 2700 in which the notches 2730 of the wings 2710 engage. The wings flex into engagement with the opening in the movable plate to latch and retain the movable plate. The wings are also hinged to permit them to be moved into a collapsed position while the rings are in their respective collapsed position. To open the binder, a user squeezes the tips of the wings 2710a, 2710b toward each other a little, which releases the movable plate and permits the spring under the movable plate 2700 to lift one end of the movable plate, which opens the rings, as discussed above. To close the binder, the user merely pushes down on the movable plate 2700, which compresses the spring under the movable plate, such that notches 2730 on the outer edge of the wings engage the edge of the wide portion 2750a of the opening 2750 (as shown in FIG. 65), holding the rings in the closed position. The notches may be configured to permit this easy closure. In the alternative, to close the binder, the user may squeeze the wings 2710a, 2710b together and push down on the movable plate 2700, which compresses the spring under the movable plate. The user then releases the wings 2710a, 2710b such that notches 2730 on the outer edge of the wings engage the edge of the wide portion 2750a of the opening 2750 (as shown in FIG. 65), holding the rings in the closed position.

[00202] Based on the description above, use of the embodiment of FIGs. 64-65 ought to be straightforward. From the collapsed position, the rings are moved into their upright position in exactly the same manner as described above in the context of FIGs. 27-33. From there, _^ once the rings are locked in the upright position, the user may rotate the movable plate 2700 about its axis with respect to the base plate and connect the plate 2700 to the movable ring portions by pushing on the plate 2700, taking care to ensure that the wings 2710a, 2710b are flexed so as to move through the narrow portion 2750b of opening 2750 in the movable plate 2700 as the plate is rotated down. Once the wings 2710a, 2710b are inside the opening 2750, the user may push down on the plate 2700 to both engage the movable ring portions and latch the binder in the closed position. From there, the user may squeeze the wings 2710a, 2710b together a little to release the plate 2700 to open the rings, add and/or remove sheets, and push down on the plate 2700 to close the rings and latch the binder in the closed position with the wings 2710a, 2710b.

[00203] The flexible wings 2710a, 2710b are pivotally connected to the base and rotate about axis 2720. In order to collapse the wings 2710a, 2710b, the user squeezes the wings together such that the wings fit through the narrow portion 2750b of the opening 2750. The user then rotates the wings 2710a, 2710b about axis 2720 from a generally upright position (shown in FIG. 64) to a collapsed position.

[00204] FIGs. 66A-66E illustrate another exemplary collapsible binder device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of FIGs. 66A-66E is identical to the embodiment of FIGs. 27-33, except there is a pressure held latch instead of a lever arch clamping mechanism. Thus, the binder device of FIGs. 66A-66E includes a base plate, a movable plate, two collapsible rings, and at least one ring locking mechanism that are identical to FIGs. 27-33, except the lever-arch clamping mechanism has been replaced with a pressure held latch for opening and closing the rings in the upright position, as further described. The pressure latch of this embodiment does not have its own spring; instead, pressure from the spring acting on the movable plate maintains engagement between the movable plate and the pressure latch, holding the movable plate and the movable ring portion in the closed position. The embodiments of FIGs. 27-33 and FIGs. 66A-66E are the same with respect to moving between the collapsed position and the upright position, and between the upright open and upright closed positions, except for differences pertaining to the pressure held latch vis-a-vis the lever arch clamping mechanism. [00205] More specifically, the embodiment of FIGs. 66A-66E includes a movable plate 2800 (identical to plate 420, except for the opening 2830), a base plate (identical to plate 410) hingedly connected to plate 2800, a pressure held latch mechanism 2870, and an opening 2830 in plate 2800 into which the latch mechanism 2870 extends. As shown in FIGs. 66C- 66E, the pressure held latch mechanism 2870 includes a press plate 2810, an engagement tooth 2820, and a spacing plate 2860. The spacing plate 2860 is hingedly connected to the base plate and rotates about axis 2850. The press plate 2810 is hingedly connected to the spacing plate 2860 and rotates about axis 2840.

[00206] To open the binder, a user pushes down on the movable plate 2800, which compresses . the spring under the movable plate, and slides the engagement tooth 2820 out of the opening 2830 by simultaneously rotating the press plate 2810 about axis 2840 and the spacing plate 2860 about axis 2850. Depending on the configuration of tooth 2820 and opening 2830, a user may be able to merely push the press plate in a direction to disengage the tooth 2820 from the opening 2830. The user then releases the movable plate 2800, which permits the spring under the movable plate to lift one end of the movable plate, which opens the rings, as discussed above. Similarly, to close the binder, the user pushes down on the movable plate 2800, which compresses the spring under the movable plate and closes the rings. The user then slides the engagement tooth 2820 into the opening 2830 by simultaneously rotating the press plate 2810 about axis 2840 and the spacing plate 2860 about axis 2850. The user releases the movable plate 2800 and the latch mechanism 2870 retains the movable plate in the downward position with the rings closed.

[00207] Based on the description above, use of the embodiment of FIGs. 66A-66E ought to be straightforward. From the collapsed position, the rings are moved into their upright position in exactly the same manner as described above in the context of FIGs. 27-33. From there, once the rings are locked in the upright position, the user may rotate the movable plate 2800 about its axis with respect to the base plate and connect the plate 2800 to the movable ring portions by pushing on the plate 2800. To latch the binder in the closed position, the user may merely push down on the plate 2800 and slide the engagement tooth 2820 of the locking mechanism 2870 into the opening 2830. To release the plate 2800 to open the rings, add and/or remove sheets, the user need only push down on the plate 2800 and move the engagement tooth 2820 out of the opening 2830. [00208] The latch mechanism 2870 is pivotally connected to the base and rotates about axis 2850. In order to collapse the latch mechanism 2870, the user removes the engagement tooth 2820 from the opening 2830, as described above, and rotates the latch mechanism about axis 2850 to a collapsed position (best shown in FIG. 66D).

[00209] FIGs. 67-68 illustrate an exemplary collapsible binder device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of FIGs. 67-68 is identical to the embodiment of FIGs. 27-33, except there is a movable plate-mounted lever mechanism instead of a base-mounted lever' arch clamping mechanism (both are considered to be lever arch clamping mechanisms). Thus, the binder device of FIGs. 67-68 includes a base plate, a movable plate, two collapsible rings, and at least one ring locking mechanism that are identical to FIGs. 27-33, except the base-mounted lever-arch clamping mechanism has been replaced with a movable plate-mounted lever for opening and closing the rings in the upright position, as further described. The embodiments of FIGs. 27-33 and FIGs. 67-68 are the same with respect to moving between the collapsed position and the upright position, and between the upright open and upright closed positions, except for differences pertaining to the plate mounted lever vis-a-vis the lever arch clamping mechanism.

[00210] More specifically, the embodiment of FIGs. 67-68 includes a movable plate 2900, a base plate (identical to plate 410) hingedly connected to plate 2900, a plate mounted lever mechanism 2970 having a stationary plate 2920 and a latch plate 2910 hingedly mounted to plate 2900, and an opening 2930 in plate 2900 into which the stationary plate 2920 of the plate mounted lever mechanism 2970 extends.

[00211] To close the binder, the user rotates the latch plate 2910 in a direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 68, which compresses the spring under the movable plate and closes the rings. The curved end 2910a of the latch plate 2910 engages the curved end 2920a of the stationary plate 2920 such that the base mounted lever mechanism 2970 retains the movable plate in the downward position with the rings closed. To open the binder, a user rotates the latch plate 2910 in a direction opposite the arrow shown in FIG. 68, which disengages the curved end 2910a of the latch plate from the curved end 2920a of the stationary plate 2920 and releases the movable plate 2900, which permits the spring under the movable plate to lift one end of the movable plate, which opens the rings, as discussed above. [00212] Based on the description above, use of the embodiment of FIGs. 67-68 ought to be straightforward. From the collapsed position, the rings are moved into their upright position in exactly the same manner as described above in the context of FIGs. 27-33. From there, once the rings are locked in the upright position, the user may rotate the movable plate 2900 about its axis with respect to the base plate and connect the plate 2900 to the movable ring portions by pushing on the plate 2900, taking care to ensure that the stationary plate 2920 moves through the opening 2930 in the movable plate 2900 as the plate is rotated down. To latch the binder in the closed position, the user may merely rotate the latch plate 2910 in a direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 68, which compresses the spring under the movable plate and closes the rings. To release the plate 2900 to open the rings, add and/or remove sheets, the user need only rotate the latch plate 2910 in a direction opposite the arrow shown in FIG. 68, which disengages the curved end 2910a of the latch plate from the curved end 2920a of the stationary plate 2920 and releases the movable plate 2900, which permits the spring under the movable plate to lift one end of the movable plate, which opens the rings.

[00213] The various embodiments of FIGs. 62-68 have been presented in the context of FIGs. 27-33. Based on the teachings herein, these various embodiments may be used with virtually any embodiment having a movable plate to which the movable rings (or movable ring portions) are secured, in place of another latch mechanism (or actuator).

[00214] While several embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described in considerable detail, the present invention is not to be considered limited to the precise constructions disclosed. Various adaptations, modifications and uses of the invention may occur to those skilled in the arts to which the invention relates. For example, all of the various embodiments herein may be modified so that the static ring (or static ring portion) is rigidly connected to the base, rather than being movably connected to the base. In these cases, it may be that making only the movable ring (or movable ring portion) collapsible may suffice to provide sufficient space savings. Similarly, all of the various embodiments herein may be modified so that the static ring (or static ring portion) is removably connectable to the base (shipped unconnected to the base and able to be rigidly or movably connected thereto at a later time for use), rather than being movably connected to the base. It is the intention to cover all such adaptations, modifications and uses. Further, all combinations and permutations of the different features illustrated in the above embodiments may be combined with any of the binder devices or binder mechanisms described. Further, any binder device or binder mechanism described above may be used in a binder.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A collapsible binder mechanism, comprising: a base; a static ring movably secured to the base and having a first degree of freedom permitting the static ring to move from a collapsed position into a locked, upright position in which the static ring is rigidly secured upright relative to the base; a movable ring movably secured to the base and having at least two degrees of freedom: a first degree of freedom permitting the movable ring to move from a collapsed position into a locked, upright position in which the movable ring is movably secured upright relative to the base, and a second degree of freedom permitting the movable ring to move between upright open and upright closed positions relative to the static ring, with the closed upright position permitting sheets to be held by cooperation of the static and movable rings and with the upright open position permitting sheets to be added; and an actuator for moving the movable ring between the upright open and upright closed positions relative to the static ring; and wherein, while in their respective collapsed positions, the heights of the movable ring and the static ring relative to the base are reduced as compared to their respective upright positions.

2. The collapsible binder mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the static ring is removably connected to the base and the first degree of freedom is provided by connection of the static ring to the base.

3. The collapsible binder mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the static ring is pivotally connected to the base and the movable ring is pivotally connected to the base via a bracket.

4. The collapsible binder mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the static ring is pivotally connected to the base via a bracket and the movable ring is pivotally connected to the base via a bracket.

5. The collapsible binder mechanism according to any of claims 2 - 4 wherein the bracket comprises a plate pivotally connected to the base and to which at least the movable ring is pivotally connected.

6. The collapsible binder mechanism according to any of the foregoing claims wherein the static ring and the movable ring are pivotally connected to the base via a single bracket.

7. The collapsible binder mechanism according to any of the foregoing claims wherein the static ring and the movable ring are spring biased for stability with respect to the first degree of freedom while in the upright position.

8. The collapsible binder mechanism according to any of the foregoing claims wherein the static ring and the movable ring are spring biased for stability with respect to the first degree of freedom continuously between the collapsed position and the upright position.

9. The collapsible binder mechanism according to any of the foregoing claims wherein the movable ring is spring biased for stability with respect to the second degree of freedom while in the upright closed position.

10. The collapsible binder mechanism according to any of the foregoing claims wherein the movable ring is spring biased for stability with respect to the second degree of freedom toward the open position while in the upright closed position, and actuating the actuator permits the spring bias to move the movable ring between the upright open and upright closed positions relative to the static ring.

11. The collapsible binder mechanism according to any of the foregoing claims wherein the movable ring is spring biased for stability with respect to the second degree of freedom continuously between the upright open position and the upright closed position.

12. The collapsible binder mechanism according to any of the foregoing claims wherein the movable ring is pivotally connected to a plate that is spring biased with respect to the second degree of freedom toward the open position while in the upright closed position, and actuating the actuator permits the spring bias to move the plate and the movable ring between the upright open and upright closed positions relative to the static ring.

13. The collapsible binder mechanism according to any of the foregoing claims wherein the movable ring is pivotally connected to a plate that is spring biased with respect to the second degree of freedom toward the open position while in the upright closed position, wherein the actuator is a latch that latches the plate in the closed position, and wherein actuating the actuator releases the plate, permitting the spring bias to move the plate and the movable ring between the upright open and upright closed positions relative to the static ring.

14. The collapsible binder mechanism according to any of claims 1 - 11 wherein the movable ring is spring biased for stability with respect to the second degree of freedom by a spring formed by a bent portion of a bracket hinged to the base to provide the first degree of freedom for at least the movable ring.

15. The collapsible binder mechanism according to any of claims 1 - 11 wherein the movable ring is spring biased for stability with respect to the second degree of freedom by a spring formed by a bent portion of a bracket hinged to the base to provide the first degree of freedom for the static and movable rings, and wherein the movable ring is secured to the bent portion of the bracket.

16. The collapsible binder mechanism according to any of the foregoing claims wherein the static ring comprises a first static ring and the movable ring comprises a first movable ring, and further comprising: a second static ring movably secured to the base and having a first degree of freedom permitting the second static ring to move from a collapsed position into a locked, upright position in which the second static ring is rigidly secured upright relative to the base; and a second movable ring movably secured to the base and having at least two degrees of freedom: a first degree of freedom permitting the second movable ring to move from a collapsed position into a locked, upright position in which the second movable ring is movably secured upright relative to the base, and a second degree of freedom permitting the second movable ring to move between upright open and upright closed positions relative to the second static ring, with the closed upright position permitting sheets to be held by cooperation of the second static and movable rings and with the upright open position permitting sheets to be added; and wherein the actuator moves the second movable ring between the upright open and upright closed positions relative to the second static ring as the first movable ring is moved; and wherein, while in their respective collapsed positions, the heights of the second movable ring and the second static ring relative to the base are reduced as compared to their respective upright positions.

17. A collapsible binder mechanism, comprising: a base; at least one bracket movably secured to the base; a static ring rigidly secured to the bracket and the bracket providing a first degree of freedom permitting the static ring to move from a collapsed position into a locked, upright position in which the static ring is rigidly secured upright relative to the base; a movable ring having a free end and a secured end, with the secured end being movably secured to the bracket, and the movable ring having at least two degrees of freedom: a first degree of freedom provided by the bracket permitting the movable ring to move from a collapsed position into a locked, upright position in which the movable ring is movably secured upright relative to the base, and a second degree of freedom permitting the free end of the movable ring to move between upright open and upright closed positions relative to the static ring, with the free end of the movable ring engaging the static ring in the upright closed position permitting sheets to be held by engagement of the static and movable rings and with the upright open position permitting sheets to be added; and wherein, while in their respective collapsed positions, the heights of the movable ring and the static ring relative to the base are reduced as compared to their respective upright positions.

18. The collapsible binder mechanism according to claim 17, wherein the secured end of the movable ring is movably secured to the bracket via a first pivotal connection and the first pivotal connection permits pivotal movement of the free end of the movable ring away from the static ring, and wherein the bracket is movably secured to the base via a second pivotal connection so that the movable ring and the static ring can be moved into the upright position from the collapsed position.

19. The collapsible binder mechanism according to any of claims 17 - 18, wherein the free end of the movable ring is biased away from the static ring.

20. The collapsible binder mechanism according to claim 19, wherein the first pivotal connection comprises a spring that biases the free end of the movable ring away from the static ring.

21. The collapsible binder mechanism according to any of claims 17 - 20, wherein an actuator permits movement of the free end of the movable ring between open and closed positions.

22. The collapsible binder mechanism according to claim 20, wherein an actuator movably secured to the bracket compresses the spring as the free end of the movable ring moves into the close position and allows the spring to decompress as the free end of the movable ring moves into the open position.

23. The collapsible binder mechanism according to claim 22, wherein the actuator is a lever having a cam surface and the actuator is movably secured to the bracket via a vertical support.

24. The collapsible binder mechanism according to claim 23, wherein the lever is rotatably attached to the vertical support such that the spring is compressed by the cam surface when the lever is horizontal and allowed to decompress by the cam surface when the lever is vertical.

25. The collapsible binder mechanism according to any of claims 18 - 24, wherein the second pivotal connection comprises at least one transverse bridge portion of the bracket; wherein the base further comprises at least one central portion and at least a first and second other portions on either side of the central portion; and wherein the transverse bridge is positioned between the central portion and the first and second other portions of the base to permit pivotal movement of the movable ring and the static ring away from the base.

26. The collapsible binder mechanism according to claim 25, wherein the transverse bridge portion of the bracket cooperates with at least the central portion and the first and second other portions to bias the movable ring and static ring into a collapsed position.

27. The collapsible binder mechanism according to claim 26, wherein the first and second other portions are curved to provide a spring bias tending to move the movable ring and static ring into the collapsed position.

28. The collapsible binder mechanism according to any of claims 18 - 24, wherein the second pivotal connection comprises at least one transverse bridge portion of the bracket; wherein the base further comprises at least one central portion, at least one flange portion, a pair of arcuate portions on either side of the central portion, and a tab connected to the central portion of the base; and wherein the transverse bridge is positioned between the central portion and the arcuate portions of the base to permit pivotal movement of the movable ring and the static ring away from the base.

29. The collapsible binder mechanism according to claim 28, wherein the transverse bridge cooperates with the central portion, the flange portion, the pair of arcuate portions, and the tab of the base to bias the movable ring and static ring into a collapsed position.

30. The collapsible binder mechanism according to claim 28, wherein the static ring is fastened to a shoulder portion of the bracket.

31. The collapsible binder mechanism according to claim 28, wherein the second pivotal connection further comprises a snap attached to the base and holds the bracket, movable ring, and static ring in the upright position.

32. The collapsible binder mechanism according to claim 18, wherein the static ring comprises a fixed arm having a free end and a secured end.

33. The collapsible binder mechanism according to claim 32, wherein the free end of the fixed arm engages the free end of the movable ring when the binder mechanism is in a closed configuration.

34. The collapsible binder mechanism according to claim 18, wherein the binder mechanism further comprises a cover that attaches to the base.

35. The collapsible binder mechanism according to claim 18, wherein the binder mechanism is further characterized by any one or any two or more of the following: the free end of the static ring magnetically fastens to the free end of the movable ring when the binder mechanism is in a closed configuration; the free end of the movable ring is pointed and received in the free end of the static ring when the binder mechanism is in a closed configuration; the free end of the static ring interlocks with the free end of the movable ring when the binder mechanism is in a closed configuration; an axis of the movable ring in the upright position is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the movable ring in the collapsed position; the movable ring comprises an arcuate portion between the free end and the secured end; the movable ring and the static ring engage to form a U-shaped structure when the binder mechanism is in a closed configuration; and the movable ring and the static ring engage to form a D-shaped structure when the binder mechanism is in a closed configuration.

36. The collapsible binder mechanism according to any of claims 17 - 35, wherein the static ring and the movable ring are spring biased for stability with respect to the first degree of freedom while in the upright position.

37. The collapsible binder mechanism according to any of claims 17 - 35, wherein the static ring and the movable ring are spring biased for stability with respect to the first degree of freedom continuously between the collapsed position and the upright position.

38. The collapsible binder mechanism according to any of claims 17 - 35, wherein the movable ring is spring biased for stability with respect to the second degree of freedom while in the upright closed position.

39. The collapsible binder mechanism according to any of claims 17 - 35, wherein the movable ring is spring biased for stability with respect to the second degree of freedom continuously between the upright open position and the upright closed position.

40. The collapsible binder mechanism according to any of claims 17 - 39, wherein the static ring comprises a first static ring and the movable ring comprises a first movable ring, and further comprising: a second static ring rigidly secured to the bracket and the bracket providing a first degree of freedom permitting the second static ring to move from a collapsed position into a locked, upright position in which the second static ring is rigidly secured upright relative to the base; a second movable ring having a free end and a secured end, with the secured end being movably secured to the bracket, and the second movable ring having at least two degrees of freedom: a first degree of freedom provided by the bracket permitting the second movable ring to move from a collapsed position into a locked, upright position in which the second movable ring is movably secured upright relative to the base, and a second degree of freedom permitting the free end of the second movable ring to move between upright open and upright closed positions relative to the second static ring, with the free end of the second movable ring engaging the second static ring in the upright closed position permitting sheets to be held by engagement of the second static and movable rings and with the upright open position permitting sheets to be added; and wherein, while in their respective collapsed positions, the heights of the second movable ring and the second static ring relative to the base are reduced as compared to their respective upright positions.

41. A collapsible binder, comprising: a binder casing; and a plurality of binder mechanisms affixed to the binder casing, wherein each binder mechanism comprises: a base; at least one bracket movably secured to the base; a static ring rigidly secured to the bracket and the bracket providing at least one degree of freedom permitting the static ring to move from a collapsed position into a locked, upright position in which the static ring is rigidly secured upright relative to the base; a movable ring having a free end and a secured end, with the secured end being movably secured to the bracket, and the movable ring having at least two degrees of freedom: a first degree of freedom provided by the bracket permitting the movable ring to move from a collapsed position into a locked, upright position in which the movable ring is movably secured upright relative to the base, and a second degree of freedom permitting the free end of the movable ring to move between upright open and upright closed positions relative to the static ring, with the free end of the movable ring engaging the static ring in the upright closed position permitting sheets to be held by engagement of the static and movable rings and with the upright open position permitting sheets to be added; and wherein, while in their respective collapsed positions, the heights of the movable ring and the static ring relative to the base are reduced as compared to their respective upright positions.

42. The collapsible binder of claim 41, wherein the secured end of the movable ring is movably secured to the bracket via a first pivotal connection and the first pivotal connection permits pivotal movement of the free end of the movable ring away from the static ring, and wherein the bracket is movably secured to the base via a second pivotal connection so that the movable ring and the static ring can be moved into the upright position from the collapsed position.

43. The collapsible binder of claim 42, wherein the first pivotal connection comprises a spring that biases the free end of the movable ring away from the static ring and an actuator movably secured to the bracket compresses and decompresses the spring; and wherein the actuator releasably compresses the spring, permitting the free end of the movable ring to repeatedly engage and disengage the static ring.

44. The collapsible binder of claim 42, wherein the second pivotal connection comprises at least one transverse bridge portion of the bracket; wherein the base further comprises at least one central portion, at least one flange portion, a pair of arcuate portions on either side of the central portion, and a tab connected to the central portion of the base; and

> wherein the transverse bridge is positioned between the central portion and the arcuate portions of the base to permit pivotal movement of the movable ring and the static ring away from the base.

45. A collapsible binder mechanism, comprising: a base; and two brackets movably secured to the base, wherein each bracket comprises; a movable ring having a free end and a secured end, with the secured end being movably secured to the bracket; and a static ring fastened to the bracket; and wherein the bracket is movably secured to the base so as to provide at least a first degree of freedom permitting the movable ring and the static ring to move into an upright position; and wherein the secured end of the movable ring is movably secured to the bracket so as to provide at least a second degree of freedom permitting movement of the free end of the movable ring toward the static ring so that the free end of the movable ring engages the static ring when the movable ring and static ring are in the upright and closed position.

46. A collapsible binder mechanism, comprising: a base plate; at least one movable plate pivotally secured to the base plate; a movable ring portion having a free end and a secured end, with the secured end being movably secured to the base plate; and a static ring portion movably secured to the base plate; and wherein the movable ring portion and the static ring portion are movably secured to the base plate so as to provide at least a first degree of freedom permitting the movable ring portion and the static ring portion to move into an upright position; and wherein the secured end of the movable ring portion is movably secured to the movable plate so as to provide at least a second degree of freedom permitting movement of the free end of the movable ring portion toward the static ring portion so that the free end of the movable ring portion engages the static ring portion when the movable ring portion and static ring portion are in the upright and closed position.

47. The collapsible binder mechanism according to claim 46, wherein the secured end of the movable ring portion is movably secured to the movable plate via a first pivotal connection and the first pivotal connection permits pivotal movement of the free end of the movable ring portion away from the static ring portion, and wherein the static ring portion and the movable ring portion are movably secured to the base plate via a second pivotal connection so that the movable ring portion and the static ring portion can be moved out of the upright position and into a collapsed position that significantly reduces the height of the movable ring portion and the static ring portion relative to the base plate.

48. The collapsible binder mechanism according to claim 47, wherein the binder mechanism further comprises at least one clamping mechanism that facilitates selective clamping of the movable plate and movable ring portion in a closed position.

49. The collapsible binder mechanism according to claim 47, wherein the binder mechanism further comprises at least one locking mechanism for locking the movable ring portion and the static ring portion in an upright position.