Method of Manufacturing a Ring Mechanism

A method of manufacturing a ring mechanism for retaining loose leaf pages includes forming a generally planar frame element blank having ears with openings. The ears project from the blank and lie generally in the plane of the blank. The ears are bent so that the ears lie substantially in a plane forming an angle with the plane of the blank. Ring members are mounted on the blank. The ring members are adapted to mate with other ring members to form a closed ring for retaining the loose leaf pages. A hinge pin is inserted through the bent ears whereby a frame element made from the frame element blank is pivotable on the hinge pin.