Importance

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Abstract

A locking assembly (10) is for use in a ringbinder (12) used to hold and store sheets (S) of paper or other material in which at least one hole (H) is punched for capturing the sheet of paper and holding it in place. The assembly includes at least one binder ring (14). Each binder ring has first and second mating segments (14a, 14b). These are movable into and out of contact with each other. A sheet of paper is inserted onto one of the ting segments, when the segments are out of contact with each other, by inserting the hole in the sheet of paper over the ting segment. One end of one of the ring segments is attached to a first elongated plate (48), and a corresponding end of the other ring segment is attached to a second elongated plate (50). The plates are positioned side-by-side and extend generally parallel to each other. Respective levers (54, 56) are located adjacent opposite ends of the assembly for simultaneously moving each of the two plates from a first position in which the ring segments are in contact with each other to a second position in which the ring segments are spaced apart from each other. The first position comprises a ringbinder closed position, and the second position a ringbinder open position. A manually operable lever actuator (62, 64) is operable to move each lever to open the ringbinder. The actuator is positioned intermediate the ends of the two plates. The profile of the actuator is such that it is generally flush with the sides of the plates. Paper inserted into the ringbinder will overlay the lever actuator. And, the lever actuator is operable even when a substantial number of sheets of paper are inserted into the ringbinder. Accordingly, the ringbinder can be used to hold sheets of paper the length and width of which generally correspond with the length and width of the ringbinder.

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First Claim