EP1060087B1 - System and method for temporary binding, and ring-element used in said system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a system for temporary binding. It also relates to the process of temporary binding implemented in this system as well that a ring-element at the base of this system.

Found in many business sectors economic and in daily life needs in temporary binding of elements of all kinds such as as documents or samples. We can in particular to cite the case of commercial documentation, sample presentations, technical sheets or course notes.

The number of devices likely to realize this type of assembly is not very high and the main and most widespread mainly concern the binding of documents, with characteristics and various performances.

• la reliure dite "spirale plastique" met en oeuvre une bande centrale liante pourvue sur toute sa longueur d'un ensemble de griffes conformées de sorte que leurs extrémités se trouvent en partie recouvertes par la bande, en position fermée;
• la reliure dite "spirale métalique" constituée d'un fil métallique qui est, en fait, soit une hélice, soit un repliement formant des anneaux reliés;
• le classeur à anneaux -les modèles à deux ou quatre anneaux sont les plus connus et permettent la reliure de feuilles de format A4, scolaire et demi-A4, nous rangeons également dans cette catégorie les agendas et autres organiseurs qui utilisent ce même système à une échelle de taille réduite avec éventuellement un dispositif d'ouverture automatique des anneaux par pression sur un des deux boutons situés de par et d'autre de la pièce métallique support des anneaux-,
• La reliure par anneaux pleins. Il s'agit de disques plats dont la circonférence est renflée. Chaque élément à relier possède une série de perforations le long d'un de ses bords; ces perforations étant ouvertes sur le bord pour permettre l'insertion du renflement circonférenciel de l'anneau;
• la reliure à anneaux de Shade constituée d'anneaux réalisés dans un matériau suffisamment élastique pour présenter deux états stables, l'un ouvert, l'autre fermé;
• la reliure à anneaux de Renschler constituée d'anneaux fendus, également réalisés dans un matériau élastique et dont chacune des deux extrémités est terminée par une petite protubérence;
• enfin, la reliure de Berberich , de conception proche de la reliure "spirale plastique" à cela près que la bande liane comprend répartie sur sa longueur non pas un mais deux jeux de griffes. celles-là se recouvrent mutuellement en position fermée et la fermeture peut-être "vérouillée" par l'adjonction d'une glissière couvrant en partie ces faux anneaux.

Below is a table summarizing the state of the art in the field of temporary binding, represented mainly by seven document binding systems:

• the so-called "plastic spiral" binding implements a central binding strip provided over its entire length with a set of claws shaped so that their ends are partially covered by the strip, in the closed position;
• the so-called "metallic spiral" binding made up of a metallic wire which is, in fact, either a helix or a folding forming of connected rings;
• the ring binder - the models with two or four rings are the best known and allow the binding of A4, school and half-A4 sheets, we also classify in this category the diaries and other organizers who use this same system to a small scale, possibly with an automatic ring opening device by pressing one of the two buttons located on either side of the metal piece supporting the rings,
• Binding with solid rings. These are flat discs with a swollen circumference. Each element to be linked has a series of perforations along one of its edges; these perforations being open on the edge to allow the insertion of the circumferential bulge of the ring;
• the Shade ring binder consisting of rings made of a sufficiently elastic material to present two stable states, one open, the other closed;
• the Renschler ring binder made of split rings, also made of an elastic material and each of the two ends of which is terminated by a small protuberance;
• finally, the Berberich binding, a design close to the "plastic spiral" binding, except that the liana band comprises distributed over its length not one but two sets of claws. these overlap each other in the closed position and the closure may be "locked" by the addition of a slide partially covering these false rings.

• l'ajout et le retrait d'éléments (ici de feuilles);
• la possibilité d'ouverture à plat (180°) du document permettant notamment sa consultation et/ou la prise de notes;
• la possibilité de rabattre les éléments reliés au dos de l'ouvrage (rotation à 360°) de telle sorte qu'ils soient bien plaqués au dos du document cela permettant la consultation et/ou la prise de note dans de bonnes conditions ergonomiques;
• la possibilité de reliure d'éléments rigides ne supportant pas la déformation (ex : plaques métalliques fines, cartons épais durs...);
• le type de perforation supportée ou impérative;
• la résistance à l'arrachage des éléments reliés, particulièrement quand ceux-ci sont fragiles (feuilles de papier...);
• solidité de la reliure elle-même (ses constituants);
• le vieillissement ou non suite à une utilisation normale;
• la qualité de la rotation des éléments reliés autour de la reliure;
• la possibilité de personnalisation du format;
• le choix de matériau utilisable ou son absence
• la "tenue" des éléments reliés et la possibilité d'alignement des bords des éléments reliés;
• le taux de remplissage de la reliure (rapport de l'épaisseur maximale d'éléments reliés au diamètre intérieur de l'anneau;
• enfin, l'échelle d'utilisation, appréciée d'après le diamètre constaté ou possible des anneaux. reliure à spirale plastique reliure à spirale métallique classeur à anneaux reliure à anneaux pleins anneau de Schade anneau de Rensch.ler reliure de Berberich possibilité d'ajout / retrait de feuilles laborieux sans machine non oui oui relatif (voir commentaire) laborieux (voir commentaire) oui ouverture à 180° oui oui oui oui oui oui relative rotation des feuilles à 360° non oui non oui oui oui non (voir commentaire) reliure d'éléments rigides oui oui oui limitée relative (voir commentaire) oui oui perforations possibles standart "spirale plastique" standart "spirale métallique" standart "classeur à anneaux" spéciale (voir commentaire) (voir commentaire) standart "spirale plastique" ? résistance à l'arrachage très bonne bonne médiocre médiocre médiocre médiocre bonne solidité de la reliure écrasement possible écrasement possible bonne arrachage des anneaux risque d'ouverture risque d'ouverture bonne vieillissement nul nul nul nul usure possible usure possible usure possible qualité de la rotation bonne bonne bonne bonne entravée entravée entravée possibilité de personnaliser le format oui oui non oui relative relative oui matériau plastique métal métal matériaux rigides matériaux élastiques matériaux élastiques matériaux élastiques "tenue" et allignement des bords assez bons assez bons moyens bons relatifs (voir commentaire) mauvais assez bons taux de remplissage 80% 80% 80% 80% (voir commentaire) pas de données pas de données échelle d'utilisation qqs mms à qqs cms qqs mms à qqs cms qqs mms à qqs cms qqs cms qqs cms qqs mms à qqs cms qqs mms à qqs cms

These binding processes are analyzed as to their respective performance relative to the expectations of the user with regard to this type of product:

• adding and removing elements (here sheets);
• the possibility of flat opening (180 °) of the document allowing in particular its consultation and / or taking notes;
• the possibility of folding down the elements connected to the back of the book (360 ° rotation) so that they are well placed on the back of the document allowing consultation and / or note taking in good ergonomic conditions;
• the possibility of binding rigid elements that cannot withstand deformation (eg thin metal plates, thick hard cardboard, etc.);
• the type of perforation supported or imperative;
• the resistance to tearing of the connected elements, particularly when these are fragile (sheets of paper, etc.);
• solidity of the binding itself (its constituents);
• aging or not following normal use;
• the quality of the rotation of the linked elements around the binding;
• the possibility of customizing the format;
• the choice of usable material or its absence
• the "holding" of the connected elements and the possibility of aligning the edges of the connected elements;
• the filling rate of the binding (ratio of the maximum thickness of elements connected to the inside diameter of the ring;
• finally, the scale of use, assessed according to the diameter found or possible of the rings. plastic spiral binding metal spiral binding ring binder solid ring binder schade ring Rensch.ler ring Berberich binding possibility of adding / removing sheets laborious without machine no Yes Yes relative (see comment) laborious (see comment) Yes 180 ° opening Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes on 360 ° leaf rotation no Yes no Yes Yes Yes no (see comment) binding of rigid elements Yes Yes Yes limited relative (see comment) Yes Yes possible perforations "plastic spiral" standard "metallic spiral" standard standard "ring binder" special (see comment) (see comment) "plastic spiral" standard? pull-out resistance very good good poor poor poor poor good solid binding possible overwriting possible overwriting good tear off the rings risk of opening risk of opening good aging no no no no possible wear possible wear possible wear quality of rotation good good good good hampered hampered hampered possibility to customize the format Yes Yes no Yes on on Yes material plastic metal metal rigid materials elastic materials elastic materials elastic materials "hold" and alignment of edges pretty good pretty good means good relative (see comment) bad pretty good filling rate 80% 80% 80% 80% (see comment) no data no data use scale some mms to some cms some mms to some cms some mms to some cms some sms some sms some mms to some cms some mms to some cms

• La mise en oeuvre des systèmes de reliure temporaire "spirale plastique" et "spirale métallique" suppose l'utilisation d'un appareil spécifique et il est relativement délicat et long de modifier la reliure obtenue. Par ailleurs, le premier de ces deux systèmes ne permet pas un rabattement complet (360°) des éléments reliés.
• le classeur à anneaux ne permet pas non plus cette rotation à 360°. De plus, il n'autorise pas de personnalisation du format et la résistance à l'arrachage des éléments reliés tels des feuilles de papier est médiocre (il est vendu des "oeillets" autocollants conçus pour la réparation des bords de perforation déchirés...).
• la reliure à anneaux pleins nécessite une perforation spéciale, ouverte sur le bord de l'élément. Il est difficile de relier des éléments rigides tels des plaques de carton (cela nécessite sa déformation provisoire au niveau de la collerette de la perforation) et impossible de relier des éléments rigides pour lesquels cette déformation n'est pas possible (plaque métallique...). La résistance à l'arrachage des anneaux -surtout ceux des extrémités- ou des éléments reliés est médiocre.
• La reliure avec les anneaux de Shade : La possibilité d'ajout d'éléments à relier et/ou de retrait d'éléments reliés est dépendante de plusieurs paramètres. En effet, l'écartement des deux extrémités de l'anneau ouvert se produit selon une direction parallèle à son axe de rotation et non (comme par exemple pour le classeur à anneaux) perpandiculaire à lui. Cela pour conséquence principale qu'il faut faire subir à chaque anneau une légère rotation (selon un axe qui passe par le point de contact anneau/bord-de-la-perforation) afin de rendre son ouverture accessible la manipulation est délicate : il faut, l'un après l'autre, tenir chaque anneau d'une main et l'introduire dans une des perforations de l'élément que l'on tient dans l'autre main). Cependant cette rotation est d'autant moins aisée que le nombre d'éléments déjà reliés est important et que l'espace libre entre l'anneau et le bord de la perforation est restreint. Par ailleurs, l'accès à cette ouverture est d'autant plus facile que la perforation se situe proche du bord de l'élément (ici la feuille) et que l'écart entre les deux extrémités est important. Enfin, la manipulation est d'autant plus facile que les-éléments à rajouter ou à ôter sont souples et que le nombre d'anneaux est petit... Mais en contre-partie, une perforation trop large par rapport à la largeur de l'anneau nuit à la bonne tenue des éléments; un trop petit nombre d'anneaux et une perforation trop proche du bord diminue la résistance à l'arrachement des éléments reliés...Enfin, la présence d'une surépaisseur au niveau de la jonction des extrémités fait entrave à une bonne rotation des éléments et il se produit inévitablement une usure du bord des perforations de ce fait. L'utilisation normale de ces anneaux implique une déformation suffisamment sévère pour concevoir un vieillissement du dispositif à l'usage.
• La reliure avec les anneaux de Renschler : Comme précédemment, la manipulation d'ajout/retrait d'élément(s) est délicate et il faut agir successivement sur chaque anneau élastique. En pratique cela restreint le nombre d'anneaux qu'il est possible d'utiliser pour une reliure avec pour corollaire une résistance à l'arrachement amoindrie. La présence de protubérances aux extrémités de l'anneau, d'une part, implique l'utilisation d'une perforation de diamètre beaucoup plus important que la largeur de sa majeure partie avec pour effet une mauvaise tenue des éléments reliés qui "flottent" autour de l'anneau; d'autre part, constitue une entrave à la bonne rotation des éléments reliés. L'élasticité requise pour le matériau constitutif des anneaux pour conséquence un risque de vieillissement conduisant, notamment, à une mauvaise jonction de leurs extrémités.
• La reliure de Berberich : Le rabattement des éléments au dos de l'ouvrage (rotation à 360°) est impossible du fait de la barre portant les éléments annulaires. Si le rabattement partiel d'éléments souples est possible, il ne procure pas, notamment, les conditions ergonomiques satisfaisantes à une prise de notes. De plus, le fait que ce rabattement ne soit plus du tout réalisable avec des éléments rigides l'exclut dès caractéristiques de ce système.

Comment of the table:

• The implementation of temporary binding systems "plastic spiral" and "metal spiral" requires the use of a specific device and it is relatively difficult and time consuming to modify the binding obtained. Furthermore, the first of these two systems does not allow complete folding (360 °) of the connected elements.
• the ring binder does not allow this 360 ° rotation either. In addition, it does not allow customization of the format and the resistance to tearing of the connected elements such as sheets of paper is poor (it is sold self-adhesive "eyelets" designed for repairing torn perforation edges ... ).
• the binding with solid rings requires a special perforation, open on the edge of the element. It is difficult to connect rigid elements such as cardboard plates (this requires its temporary deformation at the level of the flange of the perforation) and impossible to connect rigid elements for which this deformation is not possible (metal plate ... ). The resistance to pulling out of the rings - especially those of the ends - or of the connected elements is poor.
• Binding with Shade rings: The possibility of adding elements to be linked and / or removing linked elements is dependent on several parameters. Indeed, the separation of the two ends of the open ring occurs in a direction parallel to its axis of rotation and not (as for example for the ring binder) perpandicular to it. The main consequence of this is that each ring must be subjected to a slight rotation (along an axis which passes through the contact point ring / edge-of-the-perforation) in order to make its opening accessible handling is delicate: it is necessary , one after the other, hold each ring in one hand and introduce it into one of the perforations of the element that is held in the other hand). However, this rotation is all the less easy as the number of elements already connected is large and the free space between the ring and the edge of the perforation is limited. Furthermore, access to this opening is all the easier since the perforation is located near the edge of the element (here the sheet) and the distance between the two ends is significant. Finally, handling is all the easier since the elements to be added or removed are flexible and the number of rings is small ... But in return, a perforation too wide compared to the width of the 'ring harms the good performance of the elements; too few rings and a perforation too close to the edge reduces the resistance to tearing of the connected elements ... Finally, the presence of an extra thickness at the junction of the ends hinders a good rotation of the elements and wear of the edge of the perforations inevitably occurs. The normal use of these rings implies a sufficiently severe deformation to conceive an aging of the device in use.
• Binding with Renschler rings: As before, the manipulation of adding / removing element (s) is delicate and it is necessary to act successively on each elastic ring. In practice, this limits the number of rings that it is possible to use for a binding with, as a corollary, a reduced resistance to tearing. The presence of protrusions at the ends of the ring, on the one hand, implies the use of a perforation of diameter much larger than the width of its major part with the effect of poor resistance of the connected elements which "float" around of the ring; on the other hand, constitutes an obstacle to the proper rotation of the connected elements. The elasticity required for the material constituting the rings results in a risk of aging leading, in particular, to a poor junction of their ends.
• Berberich binding: The elements can be folded down at the back of the book (360 ° rotation) because of the bar carrying the annular elements. If the partial folding down of flexible elements is possible, it does not in particular provide the ergonomic conditions satisfactory for taking notes. In addition, the fact that this folding is no longer possible at all with rigid elements excludes it from the characteristics of this system.

The presence of the ends of the elements annulars intersecting inside the perforations impedes proper rotation of the elements and can cause wear at the edge of the perforations

The field of use of all these devices is document binding on a scale of the order of a few decimeters. In practice, the format is even restricted to that of the notebook for Schade and Renschler rings.

All of these systems have a requirement for constituent material (plastic / metal / rigid / elastic).

The object of the present invention is to remedy to the various disadvantages of these devices in offering a temporary binding system that meets to all the expectations you can have of this kind of product, namely: that it is of use (add / remove elements) easy and fast while being robust and light, it allows to fold down the elements on the back of the book (360 ° rotation) while allowing (for a document) consultation and / or note taking in very good conditions ergonomics, that he can also present a book-like finish (edges of elements aligned), that it offers great resistance to tearing linked items and the ability to link rigid elements and that it can be realized in a large choice of materials, in particular -for a shape particular of the invention- of rigid materials (such as metals ...), its normal functioning does not requiring no deformation; hence an adaptation possible under various conditions of use (climatic ...) and the possibility of taking into account considerations related to user taste such design. In addition, this binding system allows format customization, a wide choice of perforations (it suffices that the profile of the ring be adapted), a good rotation of the elements around rings and, outside the framework of the only assembly of documents, a wide spectrum of use scale ( there are no technical constraints which would oppose, for example, the binding of elements the size of a door with dimension rings adequate). The lifespan of the device is that of the constituent material and the filling rate of 80%.

This objective is achieved with a system for temporarily link elements with perforations, comprising a set of element rings each with an opening over its entire width to allow its introduction into one of perforations of each of said elements to be connected.

According to the invention, each element ring has a permanent opening corresponding to a absence of material on an angular portion determined from said element ring, and a suitable profile to provide multiple points of contact with the perforation in which said element ring is introduced.

It is then possible, thanks to the opening permanent of each element ring, add a element to be linked or to remove an element linked in optimal ergonomic conditions, adapting the profile of the element ring making it possible to obtain a perfect hold and cohesion of the binding system according to the invention.

The absence of material can be obtained either directly during a molding, casting or injection, either indirectly by recess or removal of material from complete element rings or by grooving tubes which are then cut to obtain the element rings.

It should be noted that provision can be made for the production of element rings, i.e. materials rigid or hard providing a high level of robustness, i.e. elastic materials offering the possibility of rapid extraction of the binding.

In a particular form of the invention, the temporary binding system further includes a first and second dish elements provided for enclose a set of elements to be connected, and a part back in flexible material fixed on the one hand to the first dish element and secondly to the second element of flat, at least one of said first and second elements of dish being provided with perforations to receive said element rings.

In a first exemplary embodiment, the two first and second elements of dishes are provided with perforations to receive the element rings and the back piece is fixed to said first and second flat elements, so that in the closed position the back piece completely covers the element rings while in the folded position the back piece is completely inserted between the two dish elements.

In a second embodiment, only one first and second dish elements is provided with perforations to receive the element rings and the back piece is fixed on the one hand on an edge end of the other dish element and secondly at a determined distance from an end edge of the dish element provided with perforations, so in the closed position the back piece covers the element rings completely.

According to another aspect of the invention, it is proposed a method for temporarily connecting elements provided with perforations, used in the temporary binding system according to the invention, characterized in that, to add an element to connect or remove a connected element, we align beforehand the respective openings of the element rings by rotation of these element rings, and for close (lock) the binding, we misalign the openings.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, it is proposed a ring-element forming part of a temporary binding system according to the invention.

This element ring preferably has on either side of its opening, the ends of which the thickness gradually thins.

Furthermore, on both sides of his opening, the edges of the ends are advantageously rounded on both sides of said ring-element. This arrangement facilitates movement elements connected around the element ring and adding the elements to be linked by increasing the effect of slide of aligned openings.

The temporary binding system according to the invention offers the possibility of folding the elements indefinitely on the back of the book (360 ° rotation) (hence a minimal footprint while allowing, for a document, consultation and / or taking notes in very good ergonomic conditions), and to connect thick elements (the thickness is only limited by the width of the ring opening) and rigid. Through elsewhere, it allows a spacing of the perforations not necessarily regular, as well as a wide variety of perforation forms. In addition, with this system of temporary binding, slices of connected elements can be aligned along a convex curve which facilitates their handling.

The ring structure of the system temporary binding according to the invention also provides a high level of robustness and lightness and makes possible customization of the format of the elements to connect.

It should be noted that the shape and size of the perforations must be compatible with the profile element rings to allow them to operate effectively.

Furthermore, the use of a sufficient number of rings allows you to make a document in which are inserted elements cut out and connected by a only part of the rings of the binding. Many elements cut in the same places allow in particular the realization of assemblies in which a page can have several easy to consult: just turn the parts of the page not relevant.

• la figure 1 est une vue d'un anneau-élément mis en oeuvre dans un système de reliure temporaire selon l'invention;
• la figure 2 illustre une étape particulière du procédé de reliure temporaire selon l'invention, au cours de laquelle les ouvertures respectives des anneaux-éléments sont alignées;
• la figure 3 représente, suivant un plan de coupe AA en figure 1, différents profilés possibles d'un anneau-élément selon l'invention;
• les figures 4A, 4B et 4C illustrent trois situations caractéristiques d'un premier exemple de réalisation d'un système de reliure temporaire selon l'invention; et
• les figures 5A, 5B et 5D illustrent trois situations caractéristiques d'un second exemple de réalisation d'un système de reliure temporaire selon l'invention.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear in the following description of the appended drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples:

• Figure 1 is a view of a ring-element used in a temporary binding system according to the invention;
• FIG. 2 illustrates a particular step in the temporary binding method according to the invention, during which the respective openings of the element rings are aligned;
• 3 shows, along a section plane AA in Figure 1, different possible profiles of a ring-element according to the invention;
• FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate three characteristic situations of a first embodiment of a temporary binding system according to the invention; and
• Figures 5A, 5B and 5D illustrate three situations characteristic of a second embodiment of a temporary binding system according to the invention.

A ring-element 10 according to the invention has, with reference to FIG. 1, an opening 1 over all its width to allow its introduction into a perforations of each of the elements to be connected. The width of this opening is only a small proportion of the circumference of the ring. By hand and on the other side of the opening 1 of the element ring 10, the thickness of the ends 2, 3 becomes thinner gradually from its inner circumference 4 to its outer circumference 5. The edges of the ends 2, 3 are rounded on both sides of the element ring.

The material of realization of the element ring must combine robustness and lightness. The surfaces must be smooth in order to limit friction against the inside edges of the perforations.

In the version with rigid element rings, we can use for the realization of these element rings materials as diverse as resin epoxy, stone, agate, hardwood such as ebony, or metallic materials.

In the version with elastic element rings, we can use plastic materials, or based on rubber, or any other material with elasticity properties. However, care must be taken to what the materials used also allow meet the requirements for robustness and functionality requested from element rings.

An S temporary binding system according to the invention includes a set of element rings 10-1, ..., 10-N, as shown in Figure 2. These element rings can be introduced by their respective openings in perforations P-1, ..., P-N an element to be linked, for example a document under the shape of a sheet of paper.

a) introduction de tous les anneaux-éléments nécessaires dans les perforations du plus rigide des éléments à relier, si ce choix existe ;

- b) maintien du premier élément plaqué sur un support quelconque (table-) et alignement de l'ouverture de tous les anneaux-éléments pour ajouter, les uns après les autres, tous les éléments à relier ;

c) fin de l'assemblage : le désalignement de l'ouverture des anneaux verrouille la reliure.

The assembly of the elements to be connected within the temporary binding system S according to the invention can be carried out as follows:

a) introduction of all the necessary element rings into the perforations of the most rigid of the elements to be connected, if this choice exists;

- b) maintaining the first plated element on any support (table-) and aligning the opening of all the element rings to add, one after the other, all the elements to be connected;

c) end of the assembly: the misalignment of the opening of the rings locks the binding.

The elements can then rotate freely around the binding rings and be indefinitely folded down on the back of the work (rotation at 360 °).

Once the work is completed, the addition or removal of elements only requires the alignment of the opening of the rings, their misalignment locking the binding again.

For the operation of adding an element to be linked, it should be noted that the aligned openings form a slide. The element to be linked is presented by one of its ends at one of the ends of this slide. It is introduced there and is slid until that its positioning in the binding is adequate and that its perforations are located at the level of the rings correspondents. The element is then gently hoisted partially out of the slide in one movement which places the perforations opposite the ends rings, to then introduce these ends in the perforations of the element. The element is then gently shaken to complete its implementation.

The system according to the invention does not involve any severe format or number constraints elements to be linked. However, it should be noted that at least three element rings for the system works and too many rings can generate significant friction. In addition, the system according to the invention imposes no constraints particular on the spacing of the perforations between they.

According to particular embodiments, the temporary binding system according to the invention can be available in different diameters (for example 1 cm, 1.5 cm, 2 cm ... for binding documents) allowing the realization of assemblies of various thicknesses as a function of the number and thickness of elements to be linked.

The ring profile can have different shapes to best adapt to the perforations for which the ring is intended, as illustrated in figure 3. The profile of the element-ring must indeed be adapted to the type of perforation used, to make sufficient contact between the element ring and the edge of the perforation, with several points of contact between the element ring and the perforation. We can for example provide shaped profiles polygonal, rectangular, circular, elliptical or lenticular, which can be determined by particular depending on the shape of the perforation used.

According to a particular form of the invention, the temporary binding system is also provided rigid plate or cover elements connected by a back piece in flexible material, with for result in a book-like finish. Initially exemplary embodiment of such a system implemented to bind a set of documents and illustrated by Figures 4A-C, the system S 'comprises a set of element rings 10-1, ..., 10-N introduced at the same time in perforations of a first element substantially rigid constituting according to terminology employed in the field of binding a first plate PL1 'and in perforations of a second element substantially rigid constituting a second flat PL2. AT As a practical example, the first PL1 'dish achieves the front cover of a book while the second plat PL2 makes the back cover.

A back D, made of a flexible material by example based on canvas or a sheet of material plastic using conventional bookbinding techniques, is attached to the front PR1 'of the first flat PL1' and on the back PV2 of the second dish PL2 so that completely cover all the element rings 10-1, ..., 10-N when the temporary binding is in the closed position (Figure 4.A). Fixing the back D on the front PR1 'and on the back PR2 can be made in using classic bonding techniques or welding or any other fixing technique suitable for materials used for dishes and back and for the use made of it.

It should be noted that the back D is fixed sufficiently set back (for example 2 to 3 mm) from the edge of the front of the first plate PL1 'and on the back of the second plate PL2, at beyond the perforations of said first and second dishes.

In the open position (Figure 4B), the two dishes PL1 ', PL2 can be articulated around the element rings 10-1, ..., 10-N whose misalignment ensures the locking of the binding.

The first PL1 'dish can be completely folded under / against the second plate PL2 (Figure 4C). The back D is then inserted between the front of the first flat PL1 'and the back of the second flat PL2.

In a second example of embodiment of a temporary binding system S '' according to the invention illustrated by FIGS. 5A to 5D, the back D is fixed on the one hand on an edge B1 of the front of the first dish PL1 "not perforated and on the other hand on the back PV2 of the second plate PL2 which is provided with perforations arranged to receive the element rings 10-1, ..., 10-N. Attaching the back D to the back of the second cover PL2 is carried out behind the edge of this second plate beyond the perforations.

In the closed position (Figure 5A), the back D covers the element rings 10-1, ..., 10-N completely. When the work thus connected is opened (Figure 5B), the back D is then separated from the element rings 10-1, ..., 10-N, only the second PL2 dish being part integral of the binding.

In the fold-down position, illustrated by the FIG. 5D, the back D is stretched and the first flat PL1 " is offset from the second flat PL2. This position allows easy access to all element rings in particular for aligning or misalign to add or remove an item.

It should be noted that, for reasons of clarity, Figures 4A to 4C and 5A to 5D do not represent elements inside the bindings. It is obvious that the temporary binding system according to the invention is all the more efficient and easy to handle that a sufficient number of elements are connected by this system in particular to ensure correct maintenance element rings.

Of course, the invention is not limited to examples just described and many adjustments can be made to these examples without depart from the scope of the invention. So it is possible to vary the number of element rings used in a binding, and to adapt their geometry and their constitution according to the nature of the elements to connect and the desired quality for the work. Through elsewhere, the temporary binding system according to the invention can be implemented in other areas other than document binding publishing, especially in the fields of furniture urban, signage, information panels or commercial presentation materials, for example example for tiles.

Claims (9)

1. Ring-element (10) characterized in that it presents an opening (1) releasing two ends (2, 3) which never overlap and the thickness of at least one of them never increases to the aforementioned opening.
2. Ring-element (10) according to claim number 1 characterized in that it presents, over its whole width, a permanent opening (1) corresponding to an absence of matter on a given angular portion of the aforesaid ring-element.
3. Ring-element (10) according to one of the claims number 1 or 2, characterized in that on both sides of its opening (1), the edges of the ends (2, 3) are rounded on both faces of the aforesaid ring-element (10).
4. Ring-element (10) according to any of the claims number 1 to 3, characterized in that it is made of rigid material.
5. Ring-element (10) according to any of the claims number 1 to 3, characterized in that it is made of elastic material.
6. System (S, S', S") to bind temporarily elements (100) with perforations (P-1,...,P-N), characterized in that it consists of a set of ring-elements (10-1,...,10-N) according to the claim 1 and in that it includes moreover a first and a second element of cover (PL1', PL1''; PL2) enclosing a set of elements to be bound, and a part of spine (D) made of flexible material fixed, on the one hand, on the first element of the cover (PL1', PL1'') and, on the other hand, on the second element of the cover (PL2); one at least of the aforesaid first and second elements of the cover (PL1', PL1''; PL2) being equipped with perforations to receive the aforementioned ring-elements (10-1,...,10-N).
7. System (S') according to the claim 6, characterized in that both first and second elements of the cover (PL1', PL2) are equipped with perforations to receive the aforementioned ring-elements (10-1, 10-N) and in that the part of spine (D) is fixed on the aforesaid first and second elements of the cover (PL1', PL2), so that in closed position the aforementioned part of spine (D) covers completely the aforementioned ring-elements (10-1,...,10-N) while in folded position (after a rotation of 360°) the aforementioned part of spine (D) is inserted between the two elements of the cover (PL1', PL2).
8. System (S") according to the claim 6, characterized in that only one (PL2) of the aforesaid first and second elements of the cover (PL1", PL2) is equipped with perforations to receive the aforementioned ring-elements (10-1,...,10-N) and in that the part of spine (D) is fixed, on one hand, on an edge of the other element of the cover (PL1 ") and, on the other hand, at a given distance of an edge of the aforesaid element of cover (PL2) equipped with perforations, so that in closed position the aforementioned part of spine (D) covers completely the aforementioned ring-elements (10-1,...,10-N).
9. System of temporary binding (S, S', S") according to any of the claims number 6 to 8, characterized in that, to add an element to be bound or to withdraw a bound element, the respective openings (1) of ring-elements (10-1,...,10-N) are beforehand aligned by individual rotations of the aforesaid ring-elements (10-1,...,10-N) - the aforementioned openings, aligned, then forming a groove; and in that, to close the binding, the aforementioned openings are disaligned by individual rotations of only a part of the ring-elements (10-1,...,10-N).

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