US3596929A - Book formed of plastic strips and studs - Google Patents

Abstract

A first strip having longitudinally spaced, upstanding studs and a second strip having holes corresponding in spacing to, and of a size slightly smaller than, the studs are used to bind sheets apertured adjacent one margin to receive the studs. Apparatus provides a support for the first strip with the studs fitting through the holes in the sheets. A retractable member which receives the second strip is slidable toward the first strip and compresses the sheets against the first strip. Shear means in the retractable member sever the excess length of the studs projecting through the holes in the second strip. The studs are then frictionally held by the second strip. Means is provided for more permanently holding the strips in position, as by deforming the ends of the studs. The product is a temporary or permanent binding for paper sheets apertured adjacent one margin having a first strip on one edge carrying studs projecting received in undersized holes in a second strip. The studs are cut off to length and temporarily held in the second strip by friction or by more permanent means involving deformation of the severed ends of the studs.

Description

tates [72] Inventors William H.Abildgn Los Altos Illilh; Charles T. Groswith, 1111, Palo Alto, both 01,

Calll. [21 App]. No. 799,045 [22] Filed Feb. 13, 1969 [45] Patented Aug. 3, 1971 [73] Assignee Ablldgaard Laboratories, lnc.

Mountain View, Cnlll.

[54] BOOK FORMED 0F PLAST 1C STRIPS AND STlUlDS 9 Claims, 16 Drawing Fig.

[52] 1.1.5. 181 281/21, 11/] [51] lull.C1 lBdZd 1/06 [50] Field ol Search 281/21- [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,087,498 4/1963 Vogel 281/375 )4 3,260,264 7/1966 McKowen 281/25 x 3,419,297 12/1968 Diepenhorst et a1 85/37 x 3,452,376 7/1969 lto ll/l Primary Examiner-Lawrence Charles Attorney-Julian Caplan ABSTRACT: A first strip having longitudinally spaced, upstanding studs and a second strip having holes corresponding in spacing to, and of a size slightly smaller than, the studs are used to bind sheets apertured adjacent one margin to receive the studs. Apparatus provides a support for the first strip with the studs fitting through the holes in the sheets. A retractable member which receives the second strip is slidable toward the first strip and compresses the sheets; against the first strip. Shear means in the retractable member sever the excess length of the studs projecting through the holes in the second strip. The studs are then frictionally held by the second strip. Means is provided for more permanently holding the strips in position, as by deforming the ends of the studs. The product is a temporary or permanent binding for paper sheets apertured adjacent one margin having a first strip on one edge carrying studs projecting received in undersized holes in a second strip. The studs are cut off to length and temporarily held in the second strip by friction or by more permanent means involving deformation of the severed ends of the studs.

os Qe Patented Aug, 3, 1971 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. 2

mtent'ed Aug. 3 1911 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 PEG.

BOOK FORMED OI" lPIJlbTItIS l lt 1 AND SIUll'b This invention relates to a new and improved apparatus for binding apertured sheets and to the product produced by such apparatus.

Basically, the present invention provides an office-type combination press and shear which is used to assemble apertured loose or previously bound sheets and to bind them together. The apparatus uses two strips, one having spaced studs which project through the apertures in the sheets and the other strip being apertured to receive the studs. The two strips are pressed together with the pages to be bound interposed and with the studs fitting through the holes in the pages. The excess lengths of the studs are sheared off. The holes in the second strip are sufficiently undersized to frictionally hold the assembled product together at least temporarily. However, as hereinafter explained, a variety of different ways may be used to more permanently secure the product in assembled condition.

One of the features of the invention is the fact that it accepts a variety of different types of pages. One such type is a stack of ordinary paper which has been punched or drilled adjacent one of its margins. A second type paper is looseleaf, previously punched paper. In addition, it is sometimes desirable to rebind books or to bind assembled pluralities of books, pamphlets, catalogs and the like. For this operation, the material is punched or drilled adjacent one margin thereof. The versatility of the apparatus as far as the variety of material accepted is one of the principal features of the invention.

Another feature of the invention is the fact that a considerable range in the thickness of the pages is accommodated. The studs of one of the strips heretofore mentioned are of extended length to fit a relatively thick book. The apparatus shears off the excess lengths of the studs where less than the maximum length is required. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the bond is relatively independent of the thickness of papers involved. In addition, the apparatus will accept a variety of sizes of the sheets within limits.

A further feature of the apparatus is the fact that the sheets are tightly pressed together and then locked in place in compressed condition.

Still another feature of the invention is the fact that the strips are first frictionally locked together by the apparatus. If desired, various means may be used to more permanently secure the product in assembled condition. Among such means are various ways of deforming the severed ends of the studs as by swagging, cold forming, hot forming or the like. The strips may be covered by a booklet cover or by a binding strip which conceals the ends of the studs.

One of the features of the invention is the fact that it is easily operated by relatively untrained personnel. Little physical effort is required to operate the machine and the operation is rapid.

In the drawings:

FIG. I is a front elevational view of the apparatus which is the subject of this invention, partly broken away in section to reveal internal construction.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top plan partly broken away in section to reveal internal construction.

FIGS. 4 to l, inclusive, are fragmentary, enlarged schematic sectional views showing means for permanently binding the product together.

FIGS. 8 and fl are'schematic sequential steps in the compressing and shearing methods performed by the apparatus.

FIG. M3 is a side elevational view of one of the strips used in forming the product.

FIG. II is a top plan thereof.

FIG. I2 is a side elevational view of another of the strips so used.

FIG. 13 is a top plan thereof.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along the line MAM of FIG. Ml.

FIG. M is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along the line Iii-lb of FIG. 12.

FIG. In is an exploded side elevational view of a modified structure, similar to FIGS. Ill and 112.

The apparatus hereinafter described is used to bind together either temporarily or permanently sheets of paper or the like which are designated in the accompanying drawings generally by reference numeral 211. Each sheet is formed with a series of spacedholes 22 along one margin thereof, the spacing between the holes corresponding to the spacing of thestuds 23 of first strip 2d, hereinafter described. Theholes 22 may be made by means of a paper punch. Occasionally, it is desirable to cover a book such as a paperbound book. Where the thickness of the book makes punching unsatisfactory, holes 22 may be drilled. The dimensions of the pages 2l which are accepted by the apparatus hereinafter described are subject to considerable variation, the apparatus being made large enough to accommodate a range of sizes although a length of page of 11 inches is standard. The thickness of the sheets which are to be bound is likewise subject to variation between a very few sheets and a thickness of sheets which is within the limits of the length of thestuds 23 of the strip 2d. Used in conjunction with strip M is asecond strip 26 having a series ofholes 27 formed therein which correspond in spacing to the distance betweenstuds 23. The diameter of the holes 2'7 is preferably slightly less than the diameter of thestuds 23 so that when the product is assembled, the parts will be held in frictional engagement against reasonable stress. As hereinafter appears, in some of the more permanent means of bonding thestrips 24, 26 together, acounter sink 22 may be formed in one surface ofstrip 26 at eachhole 27.

The length ofstrips 2% -inch subject to variation, but where l 1-inch pages are being bound, the overall length is preferably I l inches, although an overlap may be provided where a cover larger than the pages is used. The strips are preferably molded or otherwise formed of a plastic material. One suitable material is a rigid polyvinyl chloride which is thermoplastic. Polystyrene is also suitable for such strips. In permanent bonding, it is desirable, as hereinafter appears, to distort the ends of thestuds 23 after they have been sheared off by heat either by direct application of a hot iron or by spinning. Further, it is sometimespossible to distort the end of the stud by cold forming as by swagging. The plastic elected should be suitable for such purposes. To facilitate locatingstrips 24, 26 in the apparatus, as hereinafter explained,depressions 25 are formed in the undersides of said strips at fixed locations.

The apparatus used is preferably suitable for installation on an office desk and hence is relatively small and compact. A horizontal table BI is provided having dependingsides 32 and a front 33. The top inner edge of the table 31 is provided with atransverse ledge 37 dimensioned to receivestrip 24 withstuds 23 extending upward.Pins 35 fit intodepressions 25 instrip 24 to locate same longitudinally. At the back end of table 311 areside pieces 34 which project above the table 31 and have inward turnedmarginal flanges 36. Extending betweensides 34 below the level of table 31 are horizontal transverse shafts ll, 32 and forward of shafts ill, 412 is transverse shaft d3. At either end of shafts ll, 42 are matching spur gears lti respectively. At its center,shaft 42 carries sprocket 457 and shaft d3 carries sprocket db. Sprockets d7, db are interconnected by chain d9. Outside the right-hand side 32 is handle bit on shaft d3. When handle 51 is pulled forwardly, gears M, as are caused to revolve. On either side of the machine reciprocating vertically withinmembers 32 are front andrear racks 52, 53 respectively, which mesh withgears 4d, 46, and are interconnected byvertical plates 50 formed with elongated vertical slots 5 through which shafts ill, 42 extend. Hence, whenhandle 51 is moved, the turning ofgears 44, 46 causes the racks d2, 53 to reciprocate vertically in unison.

Press block assembly 56 is pivoted by means of horizontaltransverse shaft 57 to the rear racks 53.Press block 56 in its operative position is shown in full line in FIG. 2. When the handle M is turned so that theracks 52, 53 are fully elevated, theshaft 57 assumes the position indicated byreference numeral 57a in FIG. 2. When thus located, thehandle 58 attached toupstanding flange 60 on the front ofassembly 56 is pushed rearwardly to the dotted line position shown byreference numeral 58b, at which position theassembly 56 is fully retracted. In fully retracted position,ledge 37 is exposed for installation ofstrip 24 and thepages 21 are installed in position over thestuds 23 or such installation may be previously performed and the pages andstrip 24 installed as shown in FIG. 2.

'Assembly 56 has alower part 61 and anupper part 62 separated by openings within which reciprocateshearing blades 63.Part 61 terminates immediately inside ledge-37 in the operative position of the device to provide arecess 65 forstrip 26 between the inner edge ofplate 61 and a lip 64 projecting down from the forward edge ofplate 62.Pins 59 fit intodepressions 25 instrip 26 to locate same accurately in position relative to strip 24.Holes 66 are formed inplate 62 in alignment withstuds 23.

Forward rack 52 carries apin 70 upon which ledge 64 rests in the operative position ofpress block assembly 56.Rack 52 also carries a horizontally reciprocatingdetent 68 which engages the top offlange 67 in the operative position. The outer end 69 ofdetent 68 is bevelled and is biased outwardly by a spring (not shown). In the upper position of the press block assembly indicated byreference numeral 56a in FIG. 2, thedetent 68 is projected outwardly so that its end 690 overhangs the upper edge ofmember 34 and its inner end clearsflange 67. Hence, theassembly 56 can be pivoted counterclockwise as indicated in FIG. 2 by reference numeral 56b to fully retracted position. When theassembly 56a is pivoted clockwise from theposition 56b to theposition 56a and is depressed, the end 69 engages the upper edge ofside piece 34 and is pressed inwardly. Thereupon thedetent 68 engages the top oflip 67, looking theassembly 56 for movement with theracks 52, 53.

Thehandle 51 is turned clockwise as viewed in FIG. 2 until theassembly 56 is lowered so that the tops of thestuds 23 enter theholes 27 ofstrips 26 and the movement is continued until thepaper 21 is compressed between table 31 and lip 64.Shaft 57 carries a plurality ofcams 71 which engage the ends ofshearing blades 63 reciprocating betweenparts 61, 62 and biased by springs (not shown) to inoperative position. Certain of the earns 71 are connected to handle 72. When handle 72 is pulled forwardly, thecams 71 cause theblades 63 to move inwardly and to shear off the ends ofstuds 23 above the level ofstrip 26.

The sequence of operation of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-3 is as follows: The press block assembly is in open position as indicated byreference numeral 56b in FIG. 2.Strip 26 is inserted inrecess 65.Strip 24 is installed onledge 37 withstuds 23 uppermost. Thepaper 21 is inserted over thestuds 23, it being understood that this operation may be performed before thestrip 24 is installed. The assembly 561; is pulled forward to the position indicated byreference numeral 56a by grasping thehandle 58. Thereupon the ends 69 ofdetent 68 are pushed inwardly as the press block assembly and racks 52, 53 move downward so that thedetent 68 engage the tops oflip 67, locking theassembly 56 for movement with theracks 52, 53.Handle 51 is pulled in a clockwise direction, causing theassembly 56 to be lowered so that the upper ends ofstuds 23 enter theholes 27 and then penetrate theholes 66. This movement is continued until the paper is compressed, between table 31 and lip 64. In other words, thestuds 23 extend as far as possible through theholes 27 instrip 26, commensurate with the thickness of pages being bound. Thereupon, theshear handle 72 is pulled forwardly, earns 71 causing theblades 63 to shear off the ends ofstuds 23 above strip 26 (see FIG. 9).Handle 72 then returns to initial position.Handle 51 is also returned to initial position, causing thepress block 56 to rise to upper position where it is then opened by pivoting backward so that the bound pages can be removed.

The foregoing operation causes frictional engagement ofstrip 26 with thestuds 23 ofstrip 24. For some purposes, the

frictional engagement ofstuds 23 withstrip 26 is satisfactory. One means of more permanent attachment is shown in FIG. 4. A longitudinally extendingstrip 76 of flexible material covers the exposed edges ofsheets 21adjacent holes 22. The edges 77 at top and bottom are bent at right angles over the exposed surfaces ofstrips 24, 26. Various means may be used to bond the edges 77 tostrips 24, 26 as by various adhesives, such asglue 78.

FIG. 6 shows a means for cold forming the ends ofstuds 23. An attachment indicated generally byreference numeral 81 is connected to press block assembly 56 (see FIG. 2),attachment 81 carrying a plurality ofreciprocating punches 82 corresponding in spacing and number to thestuds 23. The outer ends ofpunches 82 haveconical points 83 which penetrate the sheared ends ofstuds 23 and deform them outwardly. Particularly where holes 27 are formed with counter sinks 28, such outward deformation locks the sheared ends ofstuds 23 to strip 26 in permanent fashion. The details of construction ofattachment 81 will readily occur to one skilled in this art. Reciprocation ofpunches 82 may be manually or automatically accomplished by means forming no part of the present invention, the operation being performed after theshear blades 63 have returned to inoperative position.

FIG. 5 shows anattachment 81a which carries reciprocating hot Teflon coatedspot welding elements 86 which are heated to about the melting temperature ofstuds 23. Contact ofsuch elements 86 with the upstanding ends ofstuds 23 causes defonnation, particularly where the ends ofstuds 23 have been sheared off a spaced distance above the top ofstrip 26. Here again, it is preferable that counter sinks 28 be formed in the top surface ofstrip 26.

FIG. 7 shows an attachment 81b which carries a plurality of spinningelements 91. The spinning ofelements 91 causes deformation of the ends ofstuds 23 particularly when the latter have been sheared off a spaced distance above the top ofstrip 26.

It will be understood, of course, that strips similar to strip 76 may be applied to the product after the ends ofstuds 23 have been deformed as in the manner indicated in FIGS. 5 to 7 or by other means.

In the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 115, a bound book formed comprising a plurality ofsheets 21 each formed with a plurality of spacedapertures 22 adjacent one marginal edge of each sheet.Strips 24 havingintegral studs 23 or having separate studs which have been affixed thereto fits against the outside of thepages 21 on one surface thereof with the studs extending through theholes 22.Strip 26 fits along the opposite surface of the book thus formed with thestuds 23 fitting through theholes 27 and held therein by friction or by deformation of the ends of the studs. FIG. 16 shows afront cover 96 forsheets 21 and aback cover 97. To facilitate opening the covers, reduced thickness portions 98 may be formed therein adjacent the margins near which holes 22 are located. Thecovers 96, 97 are dimensioned at least as large as thesheets 21 and thus resemble conventional book covers.Studs 23a either formed integrally withcover 96 or are secured thereto in some fashion forming no part of the present invention.Studs 23a penetrate theholes 22 inpages 21 and also penetrate holes 27a incover 97. The ends of thestuds 23a are sheared off and are secured to the cover 97a in the same manner as the corresponding elements are secured to thestrip 26 in the forms of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-15.

What we claim is:

1. In combination, a first self-supporting strip having a plurality of studs projecting from one surface thereof, said studs spaced apart in increments, and a second self-supporting strip substantially the same length and width as said first strip formed with apertures spaced apart the same increments as said studs, said apertures dimensioned to receive said studs when said studs are inserted through said apertures, each said strip being formed of extended width and length to comprise a book cover, said strips being totally disconnected from each other except by said studs, said studs formed at their outer ends with heads larger than said apertures to secure said studs to said second strip.

2. A bound book comprising a plurality of sheets each formed with a plurality of spaced apertures adjacent one margin, a first plastic self supporting, strip underlying one margin on one side of said book and covering said apertures and extending substantially the entire length of said book, a second plastic self-supporting strip overlying one margin of the side of said book opposite said first strip and of a length substantially equal to said first strip; said strips initially being freely movable toward and away from each other to accommodate a wide range of thicknesses of books, a plurality of studs fixed to said first strip and initially of a length greater than the greatest thickness of said range of thicknesses of books, said studs extending entirely through the apertures in said sheets and the apertures in said second strip, said studs sheared close to the surface of said second strip opposite from said sheets and formed with heads larger than said apertures and permanently secured to said second strip, said strips being totally disconnected from each other except by said studs.

3. A book according toclaim 2 in which said first strip compermanently prises a first cover and said second :strip a second cover for said sheets, said covers dimensioned at least as large as said sheets.

41. A book according toclaim 2 which further comprises an edge binding overlapping and adhering to both said strips and the sheared ends of said studs and] extending around and covering the edges of said sheets adjacent said one margin.

5. A book according toclaim 2 in which the sheared ends of said studs are distorted to cause said studs to adhere to said second strip.

6. A book according to claim 5 in which said studs ends are melted by heat to enlarge the size of said ends.

7. A book according to claim 5 in which said stud ends are swaged to enlarge the size of said ends.

8. A book according to claim 5 in which said stud ends are spun to enlarge the size of said ends.

9. A book according to claim 5 in which the apertures of said second strip are each formed with a countersink on the side of said second strip opposite said sheets and said ends are distorted to fill the countersinks.

Claims (9)

1. In combination, a first self-supporting strip having a plurality of studs projecting from one surface thereof, said studs spaced apart in increments, and a second self-supporting strip substantially the same length and width as said first strip formed with apertures spaced apart the same increments as said studs, said apertures dimensioned to receive said studs when said studs are inserted through said apertures, each said strip being formed of extended width and length to comprise a book cover, said strips being totally disconnected from each other except by said studs, said studs formed at their outer ends with heads larger than said apertures to permanently secure said studs to said second strip.

2. A bound book comprising a plurality of sheets each formed with a plurality of spaced apertures adjacent one margin, a first plastic self-supporting, strip underlying one margin on one side of said book and covering said apertures and extending substantially the entire length of said book, a second plastic self-supporting strip overlying one margin of the side of said book opposite said first strip and of a length substantially equal to said first strip; said strips initially being freely movable toward and away from each other to accommodate a wide range of thicknesses of books, a plurality of studs fixed to said first strip and initially of a length greater than the greatest thickness of said range of thicknesses of books, said studs extending entirely through the apertures in said sheets and the apertures in said second strip, said studs sheared close to the surface of said second strip opposite from said sheets and formed with heads larger than said apertures and permanently secured to said second strip, said strips being totally disconnected from each other except by said studs.

3. A book according to claim 2 in which said first Strip comprises a first cover and said second strip a second cover for said sheets, said covers dimensioned at least as large as said sheets.

4. A book according to claim 2 which further comprises an edge binding overlapping and adhering to both said strips and the sheared ends of said studs and extending around and covering the edges of said sheets adjacent said one margin.

5. A book according to claim 2 in which the sheared ends of said studs are distorted to cause said studs to adhere to said second strip.

6. A book according to claim 5 in which said studs ends are melted by heat to enlarge the size of said ends.

7. A book according to claim 5 in which said stud ends are swaged to enlarge the size of said ends.

8. A book according to claim 5 in which said stud ends are spun to enlarge the size of said ends.

9. A book according to claim 5 in which the apertures of said second strip are each formed with a countersink on the side of said second strip opposite said sheets and said ends are distorted to fill the countersinks.

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