ring binder
One of the earliest forms of LOOSE-LEAF BINDING .
The ring binder is a form of mechanical binding
similar to the ring notebook paper binder, only
much larger. This type of binder has declined in
popularity in recent times because it is prone to
accidental opening, and, in addition, the bulk of
the spine is large in proportion to the quantity
of paper it can hold. The binder is usually
constructed with two or three rings mounted on a
metal backpiece. A mechanism inside the metal back
links the rings together so that they all open and
close simultaneously, being held closed by spring
tension. Some binders open when a small latch at
the end of the backpiece is pressed, and close
when the latch at the other end is depressed,
while others have fiber strips designed to slip
over the rings. When these strips are pulled in
opposite directions the rings snap open. In the
usual case, the bindery produces the binding, but
purchases the assembled mechanism. (276 , 339 )
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