Abstract: A device for binding a stack of sheets including a binding strip (support member) to which the sheets are secured by an elongated, flexible, radially deformable filament. At least one end of the filament is attached to the binding strip by a serpentine locking channel recessed in the binding strip. The locking channel is adapted to engage and deform a length of the filament when that length is inserted into the serpentine channel. In a preferred embodiment, such engagement and deformation occur at alternating areas on opposite sides of the filament and prevent longitudinal displacement of the filament; and thus the device forms a tight binding.

Abstract: This invention relates to a small laminating machine which is primarily designed to laminate identification cards and the like with heat sealable packets of a special configuration. The packets to be used with the machine consist preferably of two sheets of Mylar film coated with polyethylene on the facing sides and attached to a tear-off tab.

Abstract: A binder for computer printout sheets is provided, said binder having front and back covers for the computer printout sheets which can be folded over into a compact form. Preferably the binder has hooks extending at each end thereof to enable the binder to be hooked over a file drawer or the like.

Abstract: An inexpensive heat sealable tag having a pressure sensitive attachment means formed as part thereof is provided. The tag can be used for a variety of purposes such as the identification of luggage and the like, an instruction sheet attached to an instrument and for many other purposes.

Abstract: An inexpensive polymeric device for releasably retaining a stack of perforated paper, including a pair of rake-like members each comprising a rail supporting projecting studs. The rake-like members are assemblable by inserting studs on each through the paper perforations from opposite sides of the stack and into sockets formed on the other rail to form a ladder-like assembly engaged with the paper. The rails on the ladder-like assembly are slid into close fitting channels defined on a backing strip which extends around the spine edge of the stack to keep the rake-like members in engagement, and are retained therein by end portions of the rails adapted to engage over the ends of the channels. Subsequently a user can squeeze together on cam surfaces on the end portions of the strips to simultaneously disengage them from the ends of the channels and move them into the channels so that the ladder-like assembly can be slid out of the backing strip and disassembled.

Abstract: An automatic laminating machine is provided for use with pre-fabricated laminating packets having a tear-off tab with a plurality of notches thereon. The machine is substantially automatic in its operation and can be easily operated by an inexperienced operator. The machine requires no warm-up time and heats up in only 10 seconds each time a packet is inserted. The machine will not operate unless it is used with a laminating packet with a pull tab of proper configuration which not only energizes the machine but also aligns the packet within the machine.

Abstract: A binder unit for stapled booklets is provided, having an edge member joining the front and back covers of the booklet wherein the edge member has a space in which the terminal ends of the staples are concealed. The space may be empty or it may be occupied by a easily compressible material such as foam plastic.

Abstract: A machine for sawing a plurality of spaced L-shaped slots through a stack of paper sheets starting from one edge surface of the stack, which slots are adapted to receive a device for binding the stack of sheets together. The machine includes a plurality of elongated saw blades having cutting teeth all around their peripheries and mounted side by side in spaced parallel relationship. The machine reciprocates the saw blades along their longitudinal axes to afford cutting engagement with the blades by the stack of sheets from any direction normal to the axes of the blades; while moving a planar support surface disposed normal to the axes of the saw blades and to which the stack of sheets is clamped in an L-shaped pattern to engage the stack of sheets with the saw blades and cut the L-shaped slots.

Abstract: In a binding machine wherein mechanical binding elements are first placed through a sheaf of papers and the surplus lengths of the studs of the binding element are cut off, an improved knife is provided wherein the knife is in the form of one or more U-shaped segments. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the arms of the U which at least partially support the binding elements also serve to move locking blocks into place. The blade element is at the bight of the U and the blade is slid along the back of the female binding element to cut off excess stud lengths flush with the binding element.

Abstract: A binder element for books and the like is provided wherein a first backing strip having a series of studs thereon, which are provided with ratchet teeth, is used in conjunction with a second backing strip for the opposite side, wherein the second strip has a series of holes each with a mating ratchet tooth for engagement with the teeth on the studs. A blocking means is provided to hold the ratchet teeth permanently in engagement with each other. After the binding has been applied, any excess length of the studs can be broken or cut off.

Abstract: A gauge and alignment device is provided for applying a hard cover to a bound sheaf of paper. The device serves both as a gauge to determine the proper size of cover to use for a given volume as well as an arcuate alignment device so that the material to be bound can be applied squarely in the center of the cover.