file

Abstract

To provide a file with a configuration that can excellently take a spread posture and a closed posture of a cover.SOLUTION: A file is configured to change postures so that a cover A can take a spread posture (H) and a closed posture. A binding tool B is provided with back and forth binding rings R(f), R(r) configured to be able to take an open posture (P) and a closed posture, and a base part d2 fitted to an inner surface of a back cover 3. A right cover 1 and a rear cover 2 are provided with first and second continuous holes a1, a2 that allow passage of the back and forth binding rings R(f), R(r) so that they can change postures between the spread posture (H) and the closed posture.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a file provided with a cover and a binding tool.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various files provided with a cover and a binding tool have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Among such files, there is one having a configuration in which the base of the binding tool is attached to the outer surface of the back cover.

[0004] However, due to the presence of a base having a certain size, a file having such a configuration has a difficult-to-stabilize open posture in which the front cover and the back cover can be unfolded so as to be substantially flush on a placement surface such as a top plate.

[0005] In addition, it is desirable that the file can preferably adopt a closed posture in which the inner surfaces of the front cover and the back cover face each other without being affected by the presence of the binding tool when not in use or the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The present invention has been made paying attention to the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a file having a configuration that can preferably adopt at least an open posture and a closed posture of the cover.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] That is, the present invention has the following configuration.

[0009] The invention described in claim 1 is a file comprising a cover and a binding mechanism, wherein the cover has a front cover, a spine, and a back cover connected via a hinge, and is configured to be changeable in orientation so as to be able to assume an open position in which the front cover and back cover can be opened so as to be substantially flush with each other, and a closed position in which the inner surfaces of the front cover and back cover can face each other, the binding mechanism comprises a binding ring configured to assume an open position and a closed position, and a base portion attached to the inner surface of the spine, and the front cover and back cover are provided with a communication hole that allows the binding ring to pass through so as to be able to change orientation between the open position and the closed position, The communication hole provided in the front cover extends to the spine as well. The file is characterized in that the width of the spine is set to be approximately the same as or longer than the width of the base, and shorter than the width of the binding rings.

[0010] The invention described in claim 2 is a file comprising a cover and a binding mechanism, wherein the cover has a front cover, a spine, and a back cover connected via a hinge, and is configured to be changeable in orientation so as to be able to assume an open position in which the front cover and back cover can be opened so as to be substantially flush with each other, and a closed position in which the inner surfaces of the front cover and back cover can face each other, the binding mechanism comprises a binding ring configured to assume an open position and a closed position, and a base portion attached to the inner surface of the spine, and the front cover and back cover are provided with a communication hole that allows the binding ring to pass through so as to be able to change orientation between the open position and the closed position, The communication hole provided in the front cover extends to the spine as well. The aforementioned file is configured such that the cover can be repositioned so that it can be folded in a way that allows the outer surfaces of the front and back covers to face each other.

[0011] The invention described in claim 3 is a file comprising a cover and a binding mechanism, wherein the cover has a front cover, a spine, and a back cover connected via a hinge, and is configured to be changeable in orientation so as to be able to assume an open position in which the front cover and back cover can be opened so as to be substantially flush with each other, and a closed position in which the inner surfaces of the front cover and back cover can face each other, wherein the binding mechanism comprises a binding ring configured to assume an open position and a closed position, and a base portion attached to the inner surface of the spine, and the front cover and back cover are provided with a communication hole that allows the binding ring to pass through so as to be able to change orientation between the open position and the closed position The communication holes provided on the front cover are also provided on the spine. It is a file.

[0012] The invention described in claim 4 is, The base portion is equipped with a mounting device for attaching it to the inner surface of the spine, wherein the mounting device comprises a mounting base disposed on the outer surface side of the spine and an engaging projection that protrudes from the mounting base, penetrates the spine, and engages with an engaging portion formed on the base portion. Claims that 3 This is the file mentioned.

[0013] The invention described in claim 5 is, The aforementioned engaging protrusions are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the mounting base, and these engaging protrusions engage with the engagement portion in a fixed, fitted state. Claim 4 This is the file mentioned.

[0014] The invention described in claim 6 comprises a first fastening member having a base portion and a first ring component extending from the base portion and constituting the fastening ring, and a second fastening member having a second ring component constituting the fastening ring, wherein the second fastening member is configured to be rotatable relative to the first fastening member so as to be able to assume a closed position in which the respective tip portions of the first and second ring components are engaged with each other, and an open position in which the respective tip portions of the first and second ring components are separated. 3 This is the file mentioned.

[0015] The invention described in claim 7 is the file according to claim 6, wherein each of the first fastening member and the second fastening member is made of synthetic resin. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a file having a configuration that can preferably adopt at least the open and closed positions of the cover.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] Perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Plan view in the same embodiment. [Figure 3] Perspective view in the same embodiment. [Figure 4] Perspective view in the same embodiment. [Figure 5] Perspective view in the same embodiment. [Figure 6] Perspective view in the same embodiment. [Figure 7] Exploded perspective view in the same embodiment. [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 2. [Figure 9] Exploded perspective view in the same embodiment. [Figure 10] Exploded perspective view in the same embodiment. [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 2. [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 4. [Figure 13] Cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in FIG. 5. [Figure 14] Left side view in the same embodiment. [Figure 15] Cross-sectional view taken along line E-E in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] Cross-sectional view showing the case where the cover adopts the folded-back position (cross-sectional view of the same cutting position as in FIG. 15).

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16. Note that the settings of the vertical direction, horizontal direction, and front-rear direction in this embodiment are for convenience of explanation.

[0019] This embodiment applies the present invention to a binding device B that can bind binding objects J such as paper having binding holes j1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "binding objects J"), and to a file having said binding device B.

[0020] The file comprises a cover A and two binding devices B attached to the inner surface of the spine 3 on cover A. The two binding devices B are identical in structure. The two binding devices B are attached to the front and back ends of the spine 3 using mounting devices G, spaced apart from each other.

[0021] The following details the structure of each file.

[0022] <<Cover A>> Cover A has a front cover 1, a spine 3, and a back cover 2 that are connected to each other so as to be rotatable via a hinge N. Cover A is in the form of a sheet made of synthetic resin.

[0023] Cover A is configured to be able to change orientation so that it can take on a spread position (H) in which the front cover 1, spine 3, and back cover 2 are almost flush on a surface such as a top plate, a closed position (T) in which the inner surfaces of the front cover 1 and back cover 2 face each other, and a folded position (K) in which the outer surfaces of the front cover 1 and back cover 2 face each other.

[0024] <Front Cover 1> The front cover 1 is generally in the shape of a rectangular plate. The front cover 1 comprises a base front cover portion 12 adjacent to the spine 3 via a hinge portion N, and a front cover body portion 11 connected to the base front cover portion 12 via an intermediate hinge portion cn.

[0025] In this embodiment, the front cover 1 is composed of a front cover body 11, an intermediate hinge portion cn, and a base front cover portion 12. That is, the front cover 1 is provided with an intermediate hinge portion cn. Therefore, in the closed position (T), the relative position of the front cover 1 between the front cover body 11 and the base front cover portion 12 can be flexibly changed in accordance with the amount, number, and size of the bound material J bound by the binding device B.

[0026] The base front cover portion 12 is set to have a width dimension that is approximately the same as or shorter than the width dimension w1 of the spine 3. In this embodiment, the base front cover portion 12 is set to have a width dimension that is shorter than the width dimension w1 of the spine 3. The front cover body portion 11 constitutes the main part of the front cover 1.

[0027] The front cover 1 is provided with a first communication hole a1, which is a communication hole that allows the front and rear binding rings R(f) and R(r) of the binding mechanism B to pass through, so that the cover can change orientation between an open position (H) and a closed position (T). The first communication hole a1 is such that the left portion of the front and rear binding rings R(f) and R(r), i.e., the front and rear second ring components e1(f) and e1(r), can pass through it.

[0028] Furthermore, the first communication hole a1 is provided not only in the main cover portion 11 and the base cover portion 12 that constitute the front cover 1, but also in the spine 3, corresponding to the movable range of the front and rear second ring components e1(f) and e1(r) that move around the shaft portion e2. The left-right dimension w4 of the first communication hole a1 is set to be longer than the left-right dimension w5 of the second communication hole a2, which will be described later.

[0029] <Back cover 2> The back cover 2 is generally in the shape of a rectangular plate. The back cover 2 comprises a base back cover portion 22 adjacent to the spine 3 via a hinge portion N, and a back cover body portion 21 connected to the base back cover portion 22 via an intermediate hinge portion cn.

[0030] In this embodiment, the back cover 2 is composed of a back cover body portion 21, an intermediate hinge portion cn, and a base back cover portion 22. That is, the back cover 2 is provided with an intermediate hinge portion cn. Therefore, in the closed position (T), the relative position of the back cover 2 between the back cover body portion 21 and the base back cover portion 22 can be flexibly changed in accordance with the amount, number, and size of the bound material J bound by the binding device B.

[0031] The base back cover portion 22 is set to have a width dimension that is approximately the same as or shorter than the width dimension w1 of the spine 3. In this embodiment, the base back cover portion 22 is set to have a width dimension that is shorter than the width dimension w1 of the spine 3. The back cover body portion 21 constitutes the main part of the back cover 2.

[0032] The back cover 2 is provided with a second communication hole a2, which is a communication hole that allows the front and rear binding rings R(f) and R(r) of the binding mechanism B to pass through, so that the orientation can be changed between the open position (H) and the closed position (T). The second communication hole a2 is such that the right portion of the front and rear binding rings R(f) and R(r), i.e., the front and rear first ring components d1(f) and d1(r), can pass through it.

[0033] The second communication hole a2 is provided across the main body portion 21 and the base end portion 22 of the back cover 2. The left-right dimension w5 of the second communication hole a2 is set to be shorter than the left-right dimension w4 of the first communication hole a1.

[0034] <Spine 3> The spine 3 is located between the front cover 1 and the back cover 2. The width w1 of the spine 3 is set to be longer than the width w2 of the base part d2 that constitutes the binding mechanism B, and shorter than the width w3 of the front and rear binding rings R(f) and R(r) that form the closed position (C).

[0035] The front end (the end facing the reader) and the rear end (the end facing the reader) of the spine 3 are each equipped with a binding mechanism B spaced apart. In other words, the file has two binding mechanisms B arranged spaced apart in the front-to-back direction relative to the spine 3. The spine 3 is provided with through holes 31 through which the engaging protrusions g2 of the mounting fixtures G for attaching each binding mechanism B pass.

[0036] <Hinge section N, intermediate hinge section cn> The hinge portion N and the intermediate hinge portion cn are what are commonly referred to as resin hinges. In other words, the hinge portion N and the intermediate hinge portion cn are molded to be thinner than the main front cover portion 11, the base front cover portion 12, the spine portion 3, the main back cover portion 21, and the base back cover portion 22, making them easily deformable.

[0037] Furthermore, the front cover 1 and back cover 2 may be configured without an intermediate hinge portion cn.

[0038] <<Binding mechanism B>> The binding device B comprises front and rear binding rings R(f) and R(r) configured to be able to assume an open position (P) and a closed position (C), and a single base portion d2 provided on the base end side of the front and rear binding rings R(f) and R(r) and attached to the inner surface of the spine 3.

[0039] The binding device B comprises a first binding device member D provided with front and rear first ring components d1(f) and d1(r) that constitute the front and rear binding rings R(f) and R(r), and a second binding device member E provided with front and rear second ring components e1(f) and e1(r) that constitute the front and rear binding rings R(f) and R(r).

[0040] The fastener B is configured to be able to assume a closed position (C) in which the front and rear first and second ring components d1(f), d1(r), e1(f), and e1(r) are engaged with each other, and an open position (P) in which the front and rear first and second ring components d1(f), d1(r), e1(f), and e1(r) are separated.

[0041] More specifically, the binding device B is configured such that the second binding member E is rotatable relative to the first binding member D, allowing it to assume a closed position (C) where the front and rear binding rings R(f) and R(r) form a closed loop, and an open position (P) where the front and rear binding rings R(f) and R(r) do not form a closed loop.

[0042] <First fastening component D> The first binding member D is integrally formed from synthetic resin. The first binding member D is attached to the inner surface of the spine 3 using a mounting bracket G.

[0043] The first fastening member D has a base portion d2 provided with a shaft portion housing space sp that is at least open downwards and to which the shaft portion e2 of the second fastening member E can be attached, and front and rear first ring components d1(f) and d1(r) that extend integrally from the base portion d2 and constitute the front and rear fastening rings R(f) and R(r). The shaft portion housing space sp of the base portion d2 is provided in the longitudinal center (front and rear center) of the base portion d2.

[0044] [Base section d2] The base portion d2 is provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction and includes front and rear engagement holes 4f, 4r which are engagement parts into which the engaging projections g2 of the mounting fixture G can engage; a pair of front and rear shaft support portions 5f, 5r which can rotatably support both ends of the shaft portion e2 provided on the second fastening member E; a through hole M provided between the front shaft support portion 5f and the rear shaft support portion 5r that penetrates in the vertical direction; and front and rear notches Y provided between the front and rear engagement holes 4f, 4r and the through hole M to avoid interference with the base ends of the front and rear second ring components e1(f), e1(r) of the second fastening member E.

[0045] The front and rear engagement holes 4f and 4r are located outside (front and rear) of the area where the shaft housing space sp is formed in the base portion d2. The front and rear engagement holes 4f and 4r work in cooperation with the mounting fixture G to attach the base portion d2 to the spine 3 with the bottom surface of the base portion d2 in contact with the inner surface of the spine 3.

[0046] Furthermore, the shapes of the base portion d2 near the front and rear engagement holes 4f and 4r, that is, the front end shape and rear end shape of the base portion d2, are visually distinct from each other to facilitate the suppression of misidentification of the orientation during installation.

[0047] The front and rear shaft support sections 5f and 5r are capable of rotatably supporting both ends of the substantially cylindrical shaft section e2. The front and rear shaft support sections 5f and 5r are provided with left and right shaft support wall sections 51 and 52, which are spaced apart to the left and right via a shaft section housing space sp, an upper shaft support wall section 53 that connects the upper ends of the left and right shaft support wall sections 51 and 52 with the shaft section housing space sp facing downwards, and a retaining projection v that protrudes from the inner surface of the right shaft support wall section 52 toward the left shaft support wall section 51.

[0048] When the shaft portion e2 of the second fastening member E is housed in the shaft portion housing space sp from below the base portion d2, it is prevented from coming out by the retaining projections v that constitute the front and rear shaft support portions 5f and 5r, making it difficult to detach from the shaft portion housing space sp.

[0049] The through-hole M is formed by left and right intermediate wall sections 6 and 7, which are spaced apart from each other on the left and right sides via a shaft housing space sp, and front and rear connecting sections 8 that connect the front and rear ends of the left intermediate wall section 6 to the right intermediate wall section 7.

[0050] The intermediate portions in the front-to-back direction of the left and right intermediate wall portions 6 and 7 are provided with press-engagement surfaces 61 and 71 that are pressed by the convex portion t of the shaft portion e2 during the process in which the second fastening member E rotates between a closed position (C) and an open position (P).

[0051] The left intermediate wall section 6 is cantilevered to the right intermediate wall section 71 via the front and rear connecting sections 7.

[0052] [Front and rear first ring components d1(f), d1(r)] The front and rear first ring components d1(f) and d1(r) are partially annular, extending from the base component d2. Engaging claws x1 are provided projecting from the tips of the front and rear first ring components d1(f) and d1(r) in opposite directions. Specifically, the front first ring component d1(f) has an engaging claw x1 projecting inward (rearward), while the rear first ring component d1(r) has an engaging claw x1 projecting inward (forward).

[0053] <Second fastening component E> The second fastening member E is integrally formed from synthetic resin. The second fastening member E is rotatably supported relative to the first fastening member D.

[0054] The second fastening member E comprises a shaft portion e2 rotatably supported with respect to the base portion d2, and front and rear second ring components e1(f) and e1(r) that extend integrally from the shaft portion e2 and constitute the front and rear fastening rings R(f) and R(r).

[0055] [Shaft e2] The shaft portion e2 is a rod-shaped object extending in the front-rear direction. At least both ends of the shaft portion e2 in the longitudinal direction are cylindrical in shape so as to be rotatably engaged with the front and rear shaft support portions 5f and 5r.

[0056] A protrusion t is integrally provided in the longitudinal middle portion of the shaft portion e2, projecting in a direction perpendicular to the axis s. The protrusion t can temporarily expand the spacing between the pair of wall portions that form the through hole M, i.e., the left and right intermediate wall portions 6 and 7, during the process of the second fastening member E changing its orientation from a closed position (C) to an open position (P).

[0057] In other words, the spacing w7 between the left and right intermediate wall sections 6 and 7 when the second fastening member E is in a position between the closed position (C) and the open position (P), i.e., an intermediate position (U), is longer than the spacing w7 between the left and right intermediate wall sections 6 and 7 when the second fastening member E is in the closed position (C) and the open position (P).

[0058] The protrusions t are provided in pairs so as to project in opposite directions relative to the shaft e2. The pair of protrusions t are positioned so that their protruding ends t1 substantially coincide with a virtual straight line q that is perpendicular to the axis s of the shaft e2.

[0059] The pair of protrusions t are configured to protrude diagonally from the shaft portion e2 when the second fastening member E is in the closed position (C) and the open position (P).

[0060] The pair of protrusions t are configured to protrude substantially horizontally from the shaft portion e2 when the second fastening member E is in an intermediate position (U).

[0061] In this embodiment, the areas where the shaft portion e2 and the protrusion t are provided have a roughly lemon shape in cross-sectional view.

[0062] [Front and rear second ring components e1(f), e1(r)] The front and rear second ring components e1(f) and e1(r) are partially annular, extending from the shaft e2. Engaging claws x2 are provided at the tips of the front and rear second ring components e1(f) and e1(r), facing in opposite directions. Specifically, the front second ring component e1(f) has an engaging claw x2 projecting outward (forward), while the rear second ring component e1(r) has an engaging claw x2 projecting outward (rearward).

[0063] The user can use their fingers to temporarily elastically deform the front and rear second ring components e1(f) and e1(r) in a direction that brings them toward each other, thereby releasing the interaction between the tips of the front and rear second ring components e1(f) and e1(r) and the tips of the front and rear first ring components d1(f) and d1(r). Subsequently, by rotating the second fastener member E relative to the first fastener member D, the front and rear fastening rings R(f) and R(r), which are in a closed position (C), can be changed to an open position (P).

[0064] <<Mounting bracket G>> The mounting bracket G is for attaching the base portion d2 to the inner surface of the spine 3. The mounting bracket G is made of synthetic resin.

[0065] The mounting device G comprises a mounting base g1 positioned on the outer surface of the spine 3, and an engaging projection g2 that protrudes from the mounting base g1, passes through a through hole 31 provided in the spine 3, and engages with front and rear engaging holes 4f and 4r formed in the base portion d2.

[0066] The mounting base g1 is attached to the outer surface of the spine 3. The mounting base g1 is a rectangular plate that extends along the longitudinal direction of the spine 3. The width dimension w6 of the mounting base g1 is set to be shorter than the width dimension w1 of the spine 3.

[0067] The left and right side ends of the mounting base g1 are provided with notches g11 to avoid interference with the front and rear second ring components e1(f) and e1(r), which are movable ring parts.

[0068] Furthermore, since the mounting bracket G has a symmetrical shape, it can properly engage with the base portion d2 of the fastener B even if it is reversed left or right.

[0069] The engaging projection g2 is provided protruding from both longitudinal ends of the mounting base g1. The engaging projection g2 is composed of two claw portions g21 that are spaced apart from each other. Retraction projections tk are formed at the tips of the two claw portions g21 that make up the engaging projection g2.

[0070] The two engaging protrusions g2 provided on the mounting base g1 engage in a fixed state with the front and rear engaging holes 4f and 4r formed in the base portion d2 of the fastener B.

[0071] Next, we will explain the operation of the fastener B when the front and rear fastening rings R(f) and R(r), which are in the closed position (C), are changed to the open position (P) via the intermediate position (U).

[0072] First, when the front and rear binding rings R(f) and R(r) are in the closed position (C), the engaging claws x1, which are the respective tip portions of the front and rear first ring components d1(f) and d1(r), and the engaging claws x2, which are the respective tip portions of the front and rear second ring components e1(f) and e1(r), are engaged with each other.

[0073] From that state, the user uses their fingers to temporarily elastically deform the front and rear second ring components e1(f) and e1(r) in a direction toward each other in order to disengage the engaged claws x1 and x2 that are in an engaged state, and at the same time rotates the second fastener member E, which has the front and rear second ring components e1(f) and e1(r), relative to the first fastener member D in a direction that moves the engaged claws x1 and x2 apart from each other in the left and right directions.

[0074] At this time, the pair of protrusions t provided on the shaft portion e2 temporarily expand the spacing between the left and right intermediate wall portions 6 and 7 that form the through hole M during the process in which the second fastening member E changes its orientation from a closed position (C) to an intermediate position (U).

[0075] In other words, the left intermediate wall section 6, which is cantilevered to the right intermediate wall section 7 via the front and rear connecting sections 8, can be temporarily elastically displaced away from the right intermediate wall section 5 when pressed by the protrusion t during the change in posture from the closed position (C) to the intermediate position (U).

[0076] In other words, the shaft portion e2, which has a pair of protrusions t, presses against the left and right intermediate wall portions 6 and 7 outward during the process in which the second fastening member E changes its position from the closed position (C) to the intermediate position (U).

[0077] In the closed position (C), the pair of protrusions t that protrude diagonally become approximately horizontal in the intermediate position (U). In the intermediate position (U), the shaft portion e2 having the pair of protrusions t is longer in the lateral direction than in the closed position (C). As a result, the shaft portion e2 having the pair of protrusions t pushes the left intermediate wall portion 6 outward against the elastic restorative force of the member that tries to return the left intermediate wall portion 6 to its original position, and the distance between the left and right intermediate wall portions 6 and 7 is temporarily expanded.

[0078] From that state, when the shaft portion e2 having a pair of protrusions t rotates further, that is, when it rotates from the intermediate position (U) to the open position (P), the elastic restorative force of the left intermediate wall portion 6 trying to return to its original position presses against the portion of the protrusion t on one side other than the top. The second fastening member E, which is being biased, is biased in the open position (P) direction and rotates until it reaches the final open position (P).

[0079] Through the above process, the second fastening member E can move from a closed position (C) through an intermediate position (U) to an open position (P), and can stabilize in the final open position (P) in a state where it is difficult to revert to the previous position.

[0080] Furthermore, the second fastening member E can be rotated from the open position (P) through the intermediate position (U) to the closed position (C) by using the user's operating force to perform the procedure in the reverse order described above.

[0081] As described above, the file according to this embodiment comprises a cover A and a binding mechanism B.

[0082] Furthermore, the cover A has a front cover 1, a spine 3, and a back cover 2 connected via a hinge N, and is configured to be able to change its orientation so that it can be opened (H) in which the front cover 1 and back cover 2 are substantially flush, and closed (T) in which the inner surfaces of the front cover 1 and back cover 2 face each other.

[0083] The binding device B comprises front and rear binding rings R(f) and R(r) configured to take an open position (P) and a closed position (C), and a base portion d2 attached to the inner surface of the spine 3. The front cover 1 and back cover 2 are provided with a first communication hole a1 and a second communication hole a2, which are communication holes that allow the front and rear binding rings R(f) and R(r) to pass through, so that they can change position between an open position (H) and a closed position (T).

[0084] Therefore, with a file according to this embodiment, in a configuration in which the binding mechanism B is arranged on the inner surface of the spine 3, it is possible to provide a file that can suitably adopt not only the open position (H) but also the closed position (T) of the cover A.

[0085] In other words, since the base portion d2 of the binding mechanism B is attached to the inner surface of the spine 3, the open position (H) of the cover A can be suitably adopted on a mounting surface such as a top plate.

[0086] Furthermore, the closing position (T) of cover A can also be suitably adopted. Specifically, the front cover 1 and back cover 2 are provided with a first communication hole a1 and a second communication hole a2. Due to the presence of the first communication hole a1 and the second communication hole a2, the front cover 1 and back cover 2 are less likely to interfere with the front and rear binding rings R(f) and R(r) of the binding device B.

[0087] In other words, because the first communication hole a1 and the second communication hole a2 are provided, the orderly closed position (T) of the front cover 1 and the back cover 2 is less likely to be impaired. The cover A, which forms the closed position (T), can suitably adopt an overall thin form in cooperation with the front cover 1 and the back cover 2.

[0088] The device includes a mounting bracket G for attaching the base portion d2 to the inner surface of the spine 3. The mounting bracket G comprises a mounting base g1 positioned on the outer surface of the spine 3, and an engaging projection g2 that protrudes from the mounting base g1, penetrates the spine 3, and engages with front and rear engaging holes 4f and 4r formed in the base portion d2.

[0089] Therefore, the binding mechanism B can be suitably attached to the inner surface of the spine 3 using the mounting device G.

[0090] The engaging protrusions g2 are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the mounting base g1. These engaging protrusions g2 are designed to engage with the front and rear engaging holes 4f and 4r in a fixed, fitted state.

[0091] Therefore, the binding mechanism B, which is attached to the spine 3 by the mounting bracket G, is designed not to detach easily.

[0092] The width dimension w1 of the spine 3 is set to be approximately the same as or longer than the width dimension w2 of the base part d2, and shorter than the width dimension w3 of the front and rear binding rings R(f) and R(r).

[0093] Therefore, the width dimension w2 of the base portion d2 in the binding device B is set to a value that allows it to be suitably attached to the spine 3, and the front and rear binding rings R(f) and R(r) in the binding device B are designed to suitably bind the items to be bound J.

[0094] The cover A is configured to be posteriorly adjustable so that it can assume a folded position (K) where the outer surfaces of the front cover 1 and the back cover 2 face each other.

[0095] Therefore, by allowing the cover A to be folded back (K), the file can adopt a form that is highly convenient for the user.

[0096] The fastener B comprises a first fastener member D having a base portion d2 and first ring components d1(f) and d1(r) extending from the base portion d2 and constituting front and rear fastening rings R(f) and R(r), and a second fastener member E having second ring components e1(f) and e1(r) constituting front and rear fastening rings R(f) and R(r).

[0097] Furthermore, the second fastening member E is configured to be rotatable relative to the first fastening member D so that it can assume a closed position (C) in which the front and rear first and second ring components d1(f), d1(r), e1(f), and e1(r) are engaged with each other, and an open position (P) in which the front and rear first and second ring components d1(f), d1(r), e1(f), and e1(r) are separated.

[0098] Therefore, the binding device B has a suitable configuration that allows the object to be bound J to be bound by the first and second binding device members D and E.

[0099] The first fastening member D and the second fastening member E are each made of synthetic resin.

[0100] Therefore, binding device B offers excellent flexibility in elastic deformation, as well as a high degree of design freedom that allows for lightweight construction and the formation of complex shapes.

[0101] However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in detail above.

[0102] The base portion of the first fastening member may have a recess that is open upwards, rather than a through hole that penetrates vertically. Even with such a configuration, the convex portion of the second fastening member can temporarily widen the spacing between the pair of wall portions that form the recess, thereby achieving the intended purpose.

[0103] The first and second fastening members are not limited to being configured to rotate relative to each other. For example, the first and second fastening members may be displaced relative to each other by sliding or other means, and may take on a closed position in which the respective tip portions of the first and second ring components are engaged, and an open position in which the respective tip portions of the first and second ring components are separated.

[0104] The protrusion is not limited to those provided on the shaft. The protrusion can be provided on the second fastening member.

[0105] The shape of the communication holes provided on the front and back covers can take various forms and is not limited to those shown in the embodiments described above.

[0106] The method by which the base of the binding mechanism is attached to the inner surface of the spine can be any appropriate method. For example, the base may be attached to the inner surface of the spine using adhesive rather than a mounting device.

[0107] The mounting device may be a single device or two or more devices. In other words, two binding devices may be attached to the spine of the cover using one mounting device, or one binding device may be attached to the spine of the cover using two or more mounting devices.

[0108] The engaging projection may not engage with the engaging portion in a fixed, fixed manner.

[0109] The engaging portion is not limited to the engaging hole; it may have any shape as long as it is structured to engage with the engaging projection.

[0110] The width of the spine may be set to be approximately the same as the width of the base.

[0111] The cover may be constructed in a way that prevents it from being folded in a way that allows the outer surfaces of the front and back covers to face each other.

[0112] Furthermore, the specific configuration of each part is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0113] A...cover 1…Front cover 2…Back cover 3…Spine B... Binding device D...First fastening component E...Second fastening component G... Mounting hardware

Claims

1. A file comprising a cover and a binding mechanism, The cover has a front cover, a spine, and a back cover connected via a hinge, and is configured to be able to change its orientation so that it can be opened so that the front cover and back cover are substantially flush, and closed so that the inner surfaces of the front cover and back cover face each other. The binding device comprises a binding ring configured to be able to assume an open position and a closed position, and a base portion attached to the inner surface of the spine. The front and back covers are provided with communication holes that allow the binding rings to pass through so that they can change position between the open position and the closed position. The communication hole provided in the front cover extends to the spine as well. A file in which the width of the spine is set to be approximately the same as or longer than the width of the base, and shorter than the width of the binding rings.

2. A file comprising a cover and a binding mechanism, The cover has a front cover, a spine, and a back cover connected via a hinge, and is configured to be able to change its orientation so that it can be opened so that the front cover and back cover are substantially flush, and closed so that the inner surfaces of the front cover and back cover face each other. The binding device comprises a binding ring configured to be able to assume an open position and a closed position, and a base portion attached to the inner surface of the spine. The front and back covers are provided with communication holes that allow the binding rings to pass through so that they can change position between the open position and the closed position. The communication hole provided in the front cover extends to the spine as well. A file in which the cover is configured to be able to change its orientation so that it can be folded in a way that allows the outer surfaces of the front cover and the back cover to face each other.

3. A file comprising a cover and a binding mechanism, The cover has a front cover, a spine, and a back cover connected via a hinge, and is configured to be able to change its orientation so that it can be opened so that the front cover and back cover are substantially flush, and closed so that the inner surfaces of the front cover and back cover face each other. The binding device comprises a binding ring configured to be able to assume an open position and a closed position, and a base portion attached to the inner surface of the spine. The front and back covers are provided with communication holes that allow the binding rings to pass through, so that their orientation can be changed between the open position and the closed position. A file in which the communication holes provided on the front cover are also provided on the spine.

4. The base portion is equipped with a mounting device for attaching it to the inner surface of the spine, The file according to claim 3, wherein the mounting device comprises a mounting base disposed on the outer surface side of the spine, and an engaging projection that protrudes from the mounting base, penetrates the spine, and engages with an engaging portion formed on the base.

5. The file according to claim 4, wherein the engaging projections are provided on both longitudinal ends of the mounting base, and these engaging projections engage with the engaging portion in a fixed, fitted state.

6. The fastening device comprises a first fastening member having a base portion and a first ring component extending from the base portion and constituting the fastening ring, and a second fastening member having a second ring component constituting the fastening ring. The file according to claim 3, wherein the second fastening member is configured to be rotatable with respect to the first fastening member so that it can assume a closed position in which the respective tip portions of the first and second ring components are engaged with each other, and an open position in which the respective tip portions of the first and second ring components are separated.

7. The file according to claim 6, wherein each of the first fastening member and the second fastening member is made of synthetic resin.

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