Abstract: A bookbinding device receives a sheet on which an image is formed from an image forming apparatus. In the bookbinding device, a punching unit performs a punching process on a sheet; an aligning unit aligns a plurality of sheets on which holes are punched; and a ring binding unit mounts, in the holes of the sheets aligned by the aligning unit, a ring-shaped binding tool to create a booklet. A prohibiting unit, if a sheet received from the image forming apparatus is a punched sheet having a hole thereon, causes the punching unit not to perform the punching process on the punched sheet.

Abstract: A system for binding books includes a flexible binding material in the form of a stud having top and bottom caps. The stud is inserted into signature staples that protrude from the body of the signature to form stud holes. The binding material can be any material that is extremely flexible, including silicone, metals, etc., as long as it allows the signatures to open in a lay-flat manner either at the signature interfaces or in the body of any signature. The flexible binding material can also be used to temporarily bind pre-punched pages of a book by inserting the flexible binding material into the pre-punched holes to facilitate lay-flat opening of the book.

Abstract: The subject invention is an improved paper clamping and insertion device. The clamping device comprises of two members connected by an elastic material where each member together with the elastic material can fit through a hole punched by the insertion device or any other standard paper punch. The insertion device consists of a U shaped upper support structure housing a punch and lower support structure housing a magazine of clamping devices. Operation of the insertion device will result in the punch descending and punching the paper sheets. After the punch has penetrated the sheets it then engages one of the clamping devices legs and withdraws it through the punched hole simultaneously the second leg of the clamping device is separated from the magazine and is positioned on the underside of the sheets. Further upward movement of the punch releases the top leg of the clamping device, which in turn is positioned by the elastic member to securely hold the papers between the two legs.

Abstract: A method of binding folded signature sections together into a book comprised of a signature comb element having teeth which are inserted through perforations in the fold of the signatures and the teeth having tabs which secure the signature comb in slots between two or more spine tapes. The spine tapes adjustably lock into the hinge of the covers by a tooth and pawl mechanism, further interlocking one or more signatures to the spine of the book and securely fasten together the signatures and book cover.

Abstract: A kit for making an original holder is disclosed. In the kit, a holder 10 of A4 size with a paper fastener 7 is divided into two and provided as two members 11 and 12. The member 11, consisting of a front panel 1 isolated from other portions of the holder cover, is a substantially flat paper sheet and generally rectangular in standardized lengthwise A4 size which is adapted to be passed through common personal printers easily. The member 12 consists of the rest of the holder cover and a paper fastener 7. The rest of the cover is made with a single paper sheet in which a back panel 2, a spine panel 3, a pleat 4 and a joint portion 5 are defined by folding the sheet, and the paper fastener 7 is secured on the pleat 4. A double-coated adhesive tape 6 is adhesively bonded on the outside surface of the joint portion 5 along a line a—a. Upon making the holder 10 with this kit, the member 11 is fed through a printer and any desired designs are printed thereon.

Abstract: A punch and binding machine including a punching mechanism and a binding mechanism for punching and binding a stack of sheets by spreading the curled fingers of an elastic binder. The binding mechanism has a longitudinal extension in parallel to the edge of the sheets and a binding handle. The punching handle for operating the punching system has the binding handle mounted to it so the binding handle can be rotated with respect to the punching handle. The binding mechanism may be a separate unit unattached to the punching mechanism.

Abstract: A two-piece cover for binding a stack of loose sheets into a booklet or brochure is disclosed. The cover includes a front cover panel and a rear cover panel. The rear cover panel includes a cover portion and a spine portion. The spine portion includes a front side and a back side, and is adapted to be folded to securely bind the stack of loose sheets within the cover. The spine portion includes a plurality of score lines respectively defining fold sections. The cover further includes a first second and third adhesive strips respectively coupled to the back side of the first fold section, the back side of the fourth fold section, and the front side of the fifth fold section. In use, the spine portion is folded along the third score line to create a recess between the second fold section and the third fold section into which the loose sheets of paper may be placed and secured.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a binder to the spine of a cover with rivets. A pair of rivet supports holding two rivets in a support position over a pair of anvils is movable between release and support positions with a biasing spring returning the rivet support to the release position. A drive shaft moves the pair of rivets in a downward vertical direction terminating in a downward stroke so as to drive the plain ends of the rivets through the cover spine and the binder. Drive linkage connected to a horizontal rotatable drive bar activated by a lever activates the drive shafts to a limited lowered position and a raised position. The anvils receive the plain ends of the rivets and make the plain ends of the rivets into second heads upon termination of the downward stroke of the drive shafts whereby the rivets secure the binder and the cover spine. Keepers prevent lateral and transverse movement of the binder and and cover.

Abstract: A binding apparatus for bookbinding strips with flexible studs. The binding apparatus includes a frame having a recess shaped to receive the female strip and a platen for supporting the sheets to be bound. A compression member on the frame compresses the male and female strips toward one another with said sheets positioned between the strips. At least one carriage assembly is mounted to the frame and the compression member for movement parallel to the strips. The carriage assembly engages the compression member for applying a compressive force thereto and has at least one stud-bending member shaped and positioned to engage the excess length of the studs extending beyond the female strip and bend the excess length into grooves in the female strip as the carriage assembly is moved relative to the compression member and the frame.

Abstract: Plastic binding strips, one strip having studs which fit through holes in sheets to be bound, the other strip having holes to receive the studs are bound in a machine which compresses the strips toward each other, then cuts of excess stud length and forms rivet heads on the stud ends to bind the strips together. The present improvement over such machines uses a motor to drive linkages previously manually actuated. The binding motor drives linkages on either side of the machine which cause a transverse pressure bar to apply a pre-selected compressive force on the strips, then to initiate the movement of the knives which cut off the studs and form heads thereon and finally release the compressive force. The cutting and head forming functions are performed by springs which pull a transverse rod rearward of the machine to push rearward a support for the knives. A second motor drives a linkage which returns the pressure bar to its upward position as the binding cycle is completed.

Abstract: A debinding apparatus for inclusion in a machine adapted to bind together sheets formed with first apertures spaced longitudinally on one edge thereof. The machine uses a first narrow thermoplastic strip which has studs projecting therefrom and spaced complementary to the first apertures in the sheets and a second narrow strip formed with second apertures spaced complementary to the first apertures in the sheets. The machine has a frame and a platen for supporting the second strip with the sheets superimposed on the second strip and the studs of the first strip extending through the first and second apertures and protruding below the second strip. In addition, the machine includes a plurality of cutting elements, heating elements for heating the cutting elements, and a mechanism for moving the cutting elements to cut off excess stud length and to initiate the formation of heads on the ends of the studs.

Abstract: A bookbinding apparatus for binding together perforated sheets comprises a first strip, spaced-apart studs extending from the first strip, spaced-apart locking caps extending around each stud, a second strip, spaced-apart first openings extending through the second strip, each first opening being aligned with a corresponding stud of the first strip and each first opening having a size larger than the cross-section of the corresponding stud of the first strip to freely receive the stud, and a locking member formed on the second strip for locking the studs to the second strip, the locking member including second openings, each second opening being located next to and in partial contact with a first opening, and each second opening having a size smaller than the cross-section of the studs at a locking cap but larger than or equal to the cross-section of the studs between locking caps such that the second strip after receiving studs of the first strip with the first openings in the second strip locks the studs of

Abstract: A molded plastic binding for positively securing a plurality of sheets of thin material having apertures along one edge, wherein two binding strips are provided, one with projecting fingers which mesh with the apertures of the thin material and apertures of the second binding strip; wherein the linear protrusions on the projecting fingers of the first binding strip lock beneath wedges along elongated holes on the second binding strip so that the sheets are securely fastened together against accidental or deliberate opening. A preferred embodiment incorporates rectangular apertures in the thin material on any multiple of 0.5625 inch centers with the fingers having a cross-section considerably less than the area of the individual apertures of the thin material but with a finger width slightly less than the narrow side of the rectangular aperture.

Abstract: A binding system, employing a first plastic elongated strip with spaced integral studs and a second plastic elongated strip having similarly spaced apertures and recesses, is provided which resists impact forces caused by dropping a bound book. A first fixed spacing of studs is provided along a mid-span portion of the first strip and a second fixed smaller spacing of studs provided at both end portions of the first strip which reinforces the end portions against stud breakage or extrusion caused by impact forces. In the preferred embodiment, the three end studs at each end of the strip are spaced at a second fixed spacing distance stud center-to-center of only one-half the first fixed spacing at the long mid-span portion of the strip. In another embodiment, a generally second fixed spacing of one-third the mid-span spacing with the at least two of the end portion studs being staggered from the center longitudinal axis of the strip is shown.

Abstract: There is provided herein a binding apparatus for use with a cartridge having at least one curled-finger ring-type edge binder, which apparatus is adapted to bind prepunched sheets together and form a booklet. The binding apparatus defines a binding position and includes cartridge support means for supporting a cartridge having at least one binder therein at the binding position, paper guide means for guiding sheets of paper with prepunched apertures to the binding position, insertion tool means for axial insertion into the binder to bind same to receive sheets therein, and clamp means are provided for selectively receiving paper for binding and for positioning the binder means at the clamping position.

Abstract: The system disclosed herein includes a pair of polymeric elongated edge-binding strips, each of which includes upstanding staple-like members extending from the strip adjacent the center and the ends thereof. Staple deforming depressions are positioned adjacent each staple-like member. In use a pair of edge-binding strips are positioned opposite each other and are used to bind a series of stacked sheets. In such a case, the strips are arranged to face other with staples from one strip aligned with depressions and another strip and vice versa.

Abstract: A paper sheets binder has a pair of elongated strips, one strip mounting a number of spaced integral hinged pawls and the second strip mounting a corresponding number of spaced integral bifurcated ratcheted posts. The strips are mounted on front and back margin edges of a paper sheets stack. The ratchets on the post legs of one strip connect with pawls on the other strip. To prevent disassembly of the bound document, the preferably D-shaped in cross-section post legs are oriented so that the end posts have a major axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the strip. Breakage at the root of the post legs is essentially prevented upon bowing of the document and strips, and from shear forces resultant from slippage of the paper sheets and the force generated by the shifting edges of the paper punch holes. The central post is oriented so that the legs major axis is transverse to the strip longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Apparatus is used with two binding strips, the first having at least four studs projecting therefrom which are flexible and the second having holes complementary to the studs and for each hole a groove extending therefrom toward the center of the second strip. The apparatus moves to a position aligned with holes in a stack of sheets. The second strip is deposited on top of the stack with the holes thereof aligned with the holes in the sheets. The first strip is then raised so that the studs pass through the holes in the sheets and the second strip and pressure is applied forcing the strips toward each other. Blocks then move transversely, bending down the portions of the studs projecting beyond the second strip and snapping these portions into the grooves. The steps are performed sequentially using a single pneumatic cylinder for all but the first-mentioned step.

Abstract: Supplies used with the machine include sheets with holes at intervals, first plastic strips having flexible studs at the same intervals and second strips having holes at the same intervals. The outside surface of said second strip is formed with grooves to receive the bent excess lengths of the studs. The machine has a platen supporting the sheets and a bridge supporting the second strip. The first strip is installed with the studs through the holes in the sheets and second strip. A rotating cam shaft first pulls a pressure bar against the top of the first strip to compress the sheets between the strips with a pre-determined pressure. Mounted on the cam shaft is a drum cam having a pair of grooves which receive cam followers extending from horizontally reciprocating carriages. Each carriage has a pair of bending rollers which have a path of movement immediately below the bottom surface of the second strip.

Abstract: A security binder for positively and permanently securing a plurality of sheets of thin material having apertures along one edge, wherein one or more backbone elements are provided with lateral projecting members each having angled projections permitting entry of the members into spaced apertures but preventing removal therefrom; a preferred embodiment incorporates rectangular apertures on a multiple of 0.5625 inch centers with a multiplier of 2 or more and the angled projections extend from the projecting members in a direction longitudinal of the one edge.

Abstract: A binding system, employing a first plastic elongated strip with spaced integral studs and a second plastic elongated strip having similarly spaced apertures and recesses, is provided which resists impact forces caused by dropping a bound book. A first fixed spacing of studs is provided along a mid-span portion of the first strip and a second fixed smaller spacing of studs provided at both end portions of the first strip which reinforces the end portions against stud breakage or extrusion caused by impact forces. In the preferred embodiment, the three end studs at each end of the strip are spaced at a second fixed spacing distance stud center-to-center of only one-half the first fixed spacing at the long mid-span portion of the strip. In another embodiment, a generally second fixed spacing of one-third the mid-span spacing with the at least two of the end portion studs being staggered from the center longitudinal axis of the strip is shown.

Abstract: A binder apparatus for use in binding together sheets of paper, each correspondingly pre-apertured with multiple openings along a margin includes a three panel one piece cover with a front and rear cover connected by a smaller cover spine portion with parallel scores defining respectively pivotal connections between each of the covers and the spine portions. A plastic ring-type binder includes a spine having an inner concave surface and an outer convex surface and parallel side portions, one side portion having multiple closely spaced flexible rings extending therefrom each with a single free end portion. One or more elongated adhesive bead member extends along the plastic spine convex surface and positioned adjacent the scores and the spine end portions thereof, bonding the spine to the cover set at the cover spine portion thereof.

Abstract: Male and female book binding strips are packaged in cassettes and the respective cassettes are stacked in male and female hopper stations. Punched sheets are deposited in a staging station. The components of the book are then assembled in an assembly station. Thus the stack of sheets is fed onto one jaw and one male strip is fed onto that jaw while a female strip is fed onto the opposite jaw superimposed above the first-mentioned jaw. The two jaws are moved toward each other until the stack is loosely held therebetween. Thereupon the jaws are pivoted to vertical position, the stack resting on a base plate attached to one one jaw. The stack is jogged so that the holes in the sheets are aligned with each other and with the holes in the female strip. The male strip is pushed inward toward the stack, the studs fitting through the holes in the sheets and through the female strip.

Abstract: One type of bookbinding strip consists of a male strip with plural flexible studs projecting therefrom and a female strip with complementary holes and grooves in the outer surface thereof extending from each hole. The studs are inserted through holes in the punched paper, then through the holes in the female strip. The present invention compresses the strips toward each other with the paper therebetween and then, upon manual actuation of a lever, causes blocks carrying rollers to bend 90.degree. the portion of the studs projecting beyond the female strip, causing these portions to snap into the grooves. Since the grooves on each end of the strip extend toward the middle of the strip, two blocks are used, each moving inward toward the center upon actuation of the lever.

Abstract: A binding member having a pair of spaced ratcheted-surfaced posts which includes a bifurcated rim separated by an open groove, and extending from a binding member head. The binding member head is insertible into a counterbore in a paper sheets stack binding strip, the strip having an aperture through which the binding member posts are inserted. The rim includes a beveled ridge which passes through the strip aperture and snap locks into an exit portion of the aperture on a side of the strip opposite the counterbore. A finger-operated flat push disc binding/debinding tool is utilized to push and ratchet a pawl-containing locking collar on the posts and into a strip counterbore to clamp a paper sheets stack. An edge of the disc is insertible between the posts for breaking off excess length of a post extending from the strip and locking collar. The disc also contains a bifurcated bit for shearing from the posts.

Abstract: A prong or tang-type paper sheets binding system includes a cover marginal edge on which or over which the connector base and the prongs or tangs are abutted or bent with respect to the edge. An integral imperforate edge extension is provided which is foldable over the bent prongs and any keeper and foldable over the prong base or head to cover the exposed unattractive metal components of the connector including the prongs or tangs. In a preferred embodiment a second integral edge extension which contains a slot sized to encompass the bent prongs and a keeper if employed, or the prong base is foldable over the imperforate extension so that a planar smooth-finished surface of the imperforate extension covers the otherwise exposed metal components of the connector.

Abstract: Male and female book binding strips are packaged in cassettes and the respective cassettes are stacked in male and female hopper stations. Punched sheets are deposited in a staging station. The components of the book are then assembled in an assembly station. Thus the stack of sheets is fed onto one jaw and one male strip is fed onto that jaw while a female strip is fed onto the opposite jaw superimposed above the first-mentioned jaw. The two jaws are moved toward each other until the stack is loosely held therebetween. Thereupon the jaws are pivoted to vertical position, the stack resting on a base plate attached to one jaw. The stack is jogged so that the holes in the sheets are aligned with each other and with the holes in the female strip. The male strip is pushed inward toward the stack, the studs fitting through the holes in the sheets and through the female strip.

Abstract: For convenient packaging of plastic bookbinding strips, cassettes are provided. The end edges of each strip are received in channels formed in opposed side rails. The rails engage adjacent either end the depending legs of transverse spacer bars. The spacer bars have plural sockets to engage projections on the upper ends of the legs so that the spacing between side rails may be varied to accommodate strips of different lengths--e.g., 81/2 inches, 11 inches, etc. Different length legs may be used to accommodate different length studs formed on the strips. By eliminating the legs entirely, flat female binding strips may be packaged in the cassette. A detent is provided in the ends of the rails preventing removal of strips until the detent is bent out of position. The cassette is especially useful in equipment which mechanically assembles punched sheets and strips preparatory to binding a book in a binding machine.

Abstract: A strip binding system is provided wherein the elements to be bound are held in compression by pulling from below so that no binding bar is required. The binding posts are of a thermoplastic material but the binding strips themselves can be of a different plastic.

Abstract: A two-part binding system includes one or more bifurcated posts integrally extending from a clamping strip or member. The posts are inserted into one or more apertures in a stack of punched paper or other material and a second clamping strip having one or more integral or separate latching buttons inserted over and around the posts. Each button includes one or a pair of toothed pawls integrally hinged to a cross bar extending across a button aperture. The posts contain a series of transverse ratchets facing each other. As the second strip and its integral or snap-in latching button is manually pressed over the posts toward the first clamping strip, the teeth of the pawl teeth ratchet successively into the posts toward the base of the posts until the stack of paper is firmly grasped and the teeth mesh with a final transverse ratchet. At this position, the strips are bowed putting the edges of the stacked sheets in compression.

Abstract: Binding strips are used to bind punched paper. A first strip has studs fitting through the holes in the paper and in a second strip. In one form of the invention the studs are flexible and are bent over to snap into grooves in the second strip so that the studs may be unbent to add or remove paper. In another, more permanent, form the studs may be cut off and riveted to the second strip. One of the strips or an intermediate strip has lateral ears formed with hooks which fit over the conventional parallel bars of suspension-type file drawers. One of the strips may be formed with file tabs to indicate the subject matter of the bound paper. Such file tab may be notched to facilitate removal of a pressure-sensitive label affixed to the tab.

Abstract: A male bookbinding member comprises a relatively thin, narrow strip having studs projecting therefrom at intervals. The ends of the studs are formed as male paper punches. A female paper punch comprises a female bookbinding strip having holes at the same intervals as the studs. Individual or small batches of paper (or other sheet material) are brought into position overlying the female punch. The male member advances toward the sheets punching them in cooperation with the female strip. The paper remains on the studs. The operation is repeated until all the sheets of the book are on the studs. The strips are forced together, excess stud lengths cut off and heads formed on the ends of the studs to rivet the book together or the strips are held together by other means. Alternatively, a hardened female punch die is used and the female binding strip brought into contact with the studs after the sheets are assembled thereon.

Abstract: A first plastic strip has longitudinally spaced studs each of which can be bent over at a 90.degree. angle. A second strip has holes through which the studs fit and grooves which receive and secure the bent over studs. Paper punched to receive the studs is clamped between the two strips. The studs are then bent over into grooves in the second strip and held in bent position. The grooves have overhanging lips which detachably retain the studs in place. The paper in thus securely bound. To prevent cracking the studs, the abruptness of the 90.degree. bend may be relieved by forming an annular depression around the base of each stud.

Abstract: A hand-operated punch is formed of molded parts which interfit for easy and rapid assembly and disassembly. This feature is particularly useful if there are paper jams. A handle hooks under a wall of the base. Depressing the handle forces downward a transverse bar recessed to accept the upper ends of the male punch elements, which are spring-biased to travel with the transverse bar. The punch elements reciprocate within a die bar detachably connected to the base. The die bar is formed with a throat for insertion of papers to be punched. The front edge of the base is formed with a transverse groove to accept a male binder element during assembly of a book comprised of the punched paper.

Abstract: A first plastic strip has longitudinally spaced studs each of which can be bent over at a 90.degree. angle, the studs being serrated. A second strip has holes through which the studs fit and grooves which receive and secure the bent over studs, the grooves being serrated. Paper punched to receive the studs is clamped between the two strips. The studs are then bent over into grooves in the second strip and held in bent position in part by said teeth intermeshing. The paper is thus securely bound.

Abstract: Heretofore, there have been two common systems of strip binding. One uses paper punched with rectangular holes and curled plastic combs having fingers passing through the holes. The other uses round holes in the paper and male and female strips, the studs of the male strips fitting through the holes in the paper and in the female strips. Excess stud length is cut off and rivet heads formed to make a permanent bind. The present invention uses rectangular punched paper similar to the first systems and strips generally similar to the second system. At least two studs and female strip holes are offset to prevent lateral displacement of the paper.

Abstract: An improvement on commercial machines which bind documents using plastic strips. The punch mechanism may be automatically actuated when the paper sheets are properly aligned on a punch platen or actuated manually at the user's discretion. Distance of the holes from the edges of the sheets may be indexed.

Abstract: A bookbinding is provided by plastic studs which fit through holes vicinal one margin of each sheet and strips which are fixed to the ends of the studs. The studs may be formed integrally with one or, in alternating arrangement, with both strips and complementary holes formed in the matching strip or strips to receive the stud ends. Excess stud lengths are sheared and headed to lock the strips and interposed sheets in position. Both strips may be apertured and the studs inserted through the holes in the strips and interposed sheets, both ends of the studs being headed. To facilitate handling, strips may be assembled in cartridges or coils, and studs in rods or coils. For thicker books, strips are formed with flanges fitting behind the page margins. Spine concealing tapes and caps fit over or around the spine edges of the sheets.