The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 18, 2007
Filed:
May. 26, 2004
Marilyn J. Morgan, Downers Grove, IL (US);
Paul D. Hatch, Chicago, IL (US);
Chris K. Barmore, Chicago, IL (US);
Philip M. Anthony, Iii, Chicago, IL (US);
Aaron B. Eiger, Chicago, IL (US);
Marilyn J. Morgan, Downers Grove, IL (US);
Paul D. Hatch, Chicago, IL (US);
Chris K. Barmore, Chicago, IL (US);
Philip M. Anthony, III, Chicago, IL (US);
Aaron B. Eiger, Chicago, IL (US);
ACCO Brands USA LLC, Lincolnshire, IL (US);
Abstract
A ring mechanism includes a chassis and a hinge blade coupled to the chassis. An actuator coupled to the chassis moves the hinge blade between a first position and a second position. A ring half coupled to the hinge blade is positioned in a closed position when the hinge blade is in the first position, and an open position when the hinge blade is in the second position. A dampening member is positioned at least partially between the inner surface of the chassis and the actuator to prevent at least a portion of the actuator from directly engaging the inner surface of the chassis during movement of the actuator between the first and second positions. A locked state indicator indicates to the user whether the ring mechanism is in a locked position or an unlocked position. The dampening member can function as the lock state indicator and vice versa.