Abstract: A bound document is made by placing one or more sheets of paper to be bound inside a binder having a hot-melt adhesive and then exposing the binder to microwave energy for a sufficient period of time to cause the hot-melt adhesive to melt bond onto an edge of the sheets of paper. In one embodiment of the invention, the hot-melt adhesive is microwave activatable. In another embodiment of the invention, the hot-melt adhesive is not necessarily microwave activatable and the binder includes a strip of susceptor material which converts incident microwave radiation to heat. In still another embodiment of the invention, the hot-melt adhesive is not necessarily microwave activatable and a quantity of microwave responsive material is incorporated into the hot-melt adhesive. In still yet another embodiment, the hot-melt adhesive is not necessarily microwave activatable, and a microwave susceptor is incorporated into a stand on which the binder may be placed during exposure to the microwave radiation.

Abstract: Apparatus for binding a plurality of sheets of paper or other media, including an assembly for clamping a plurality of sheets together with binding edges of respective sheets in alignment, and an assembly for coating the binding edges of the sheets with a quick-drying adhesive. The coating assembly advantageously includes an applicator member such as a porous pad, a supply of adhesive to the applicator member and a slidable mounting for the applicator member to guide the member along the binding edges of the clamped sheets. The applicator pad and adhesive may be contained in a telescoping housing which opens to expose the applicator pad during the process of sliding the housing toward and along the binding edges of the sheets.

Abstract: Cover folders for permanently binding a stack of paper sheets without the use of fasteners. The cover folder has a binder spline which contains a quick drying adhesive which is protected by a removable protective film. The film is removed just prior to use to expose the adhesive. The cover folder allows for quick permanent binding of the stack of paper sheets which are pressed into contact with the adhesive. In alternative embodiments the adhesive may be applied directly to the binder spline from a dispenser and the stack of sheets then inserted in the spline. The dispenser may be in the form of a squeezable tube or pouch positioned in the binder spline. As the tube or pouch is pulled it ruptures, releasing adhesive into the spline channel.

Abstract: Cover folders for permanently binding a stack of paper sheets without the use of fasteners. The cover folder has a binder spline which contains a quick drying adhesive which is protected by a removable protective film. The film is removed just prior to use to expose the adhesive. The cover folder allows for quick permanent binding of the stack of paper sheets which are pressed into contact with the adhesive. In alternative embodiments the adhesive may be applied directly to the binder spline from a dispenser and the stack of sheets then inserted in the spline.