EP1569804A1

EP1569804A1 - A combined document binder and paper punch

Info

Publication number: EP1569804A1
Application number: EP03812667A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Bruno Siegal
Original assignee: Lap-Institute for Advanced Surgery Ltd
Current assignee: Lap-Institute for Advanced Surgery Ltd
Priority date: 2002-12-08
Filing date: 2003-12-07
Publication date: 2005-09-07
Also published as: IL153315A0; WO2004052658A1; AU2003302912A1

Abstract

The invention provides combined document binder and paper punch, comprising a stiff-cover document binder 12, a base member 14 rigidly attached to the binder 12, a plurality of spaced-apart document-retaining axially movable prongs 18 at least indirectly supported by the base member 14, a plurality of spaced-apart curved prongs 22 each having a first end 24 hinged 28 proximate to the base member 14, and a second end 26 adapted to be brought into register and to align with an upper end of an adjacent axially movable prong 18, a plurality of spaced-apart apertures 30 provided in the base member 14, a plurality of axially movable paper punches 32, each having a cutting lower end 34 and arranged to punch a hole in a paper document 44 in combination with the apertures 30, and a mechanism 38 and operating handle 40 for operating and displacing at least the curved prongs 22, the arrangement being such that the curved prongs 22 are displaceable between an open position allowing the introduction of documents 44 onto either pair of prongs 18, 22, and intermediate position contacting the axially movable prongs 18, and a fully closed position pressing the axially movable prongs 18 to a downward position, and wherein the axially movable paper punches 32 are provided with an upper end 46 normally in contact with lower ends 48 of the axially movable prongs 18, the paper punches 32 being positioned to enter the apertures 30 when the axially movable prongs 18 are pressed into the downward position to punch a plurality of holes in a document 44 previously inserted between the paper punches 32 and the base member 14.

Description

A COMBINED DOCUMENT BINDER AND PAPER PUNCH

The present invention relates to physical document storage, specifically to a document storage loose-leaf binder of the lever arch type provided with an integrated paper hole punch.

Paper document storage in present day offices is effected either by storing the source documents in a shelf file or cabinet file, or by storing some representation of the document by micro-filing, by aperture cards or by electronic storage in a computer disk or tape.

Either because of cost, inconvenience or because of some legal requirement, the long-known microfiling and aperture card systems have been adopted by only a minority of offices. Most offices today keep practically all documents, including those already dealt with, in the original form. Even when a file is obsolete or no document in a file has been added, removed or even referred to for over a year or more, the file might be sent to an archive. In organizations big and small, nobody seems to have the authority to throw out anything. It is no wonder that most offices today are awash with more paper and storage files than ever before.

Typically, where the file to be stored comprises only a few pages, these are stored loose in a carton folder.

Larger files, typically in the range of 10 - 50 pages, are stored after hole punching in a suspended file in a file cabinet.

Files comprising between 50 - 300 pages are often held in lever arch files, which are typically placed on shelving. Such files are much in evidence in homes and offices. Pending the arrival of the long-forecast paperless office, use of the lever arch file is certain to continue into the foreseeable future.

Regarding the use of the lever arch file.-ϊf a new document is to be inserted between previously filed papers, some of the upper papers are temporarily moved over to the curved prongs, the file prongs are separated by opening the lever mechanism. The new document is placed over the remaining pair of retaining prongs, the lever mechanism is closed and the upper documents are returned to their original location.

Before filing, a paper punch is used to cut . a pair of holes near the page's edge. The idea of combining the function of paper punching with paper filing is known in the prior art. For example, such a device is seen in German Patent No: 2 947 367. The inventor discloses a mechanism wherein the opening movement of the curved prongs is used to push down a pair of punches.

The disadvantage of this arrangement is that the force available for punching is limited to that provided by the return spring, and from this must be subtracted the normal force which the spring needs to supply for carrying out its initial task of opening the prongs after release by the lever-operated mechanism. Additionally, force is also needed to overcome the punch return spring. Thus, it is doubtful that such a mechanism will be able to function. But, assuming that the device does function, the punch mechanism described in the German patent will not be able to punch holes in anything other than thin paper. The punches will not have sufficient strength to pierce thick paper, plastics or carton.

It is possible to punch the required holes by conversion of the upper prong extremities into a punch and die respectively. The present inventor has reviewed, but not pursued this option because of several disadvantages inherent therein.

A) The die must have a larger outer diameter than the punch, resulting in a situation wherein papers previously stored in a lever arch file cannot be temporarily transferred to the curved prongs acting as dies, as the punched holes produced by the punch prongs are too small to permit such. transfer.

B) The waste paper disk formed by punching enters the hollow die prong and its clearance therefrom is- difficult, making blockages likely and thus preventing continued operation.

C) There are difficulties in ensuring and maintaining precise axial alignment between the die and punch.

D) The diameter of the punched hole is equal to the diameter of the prong, thus posing difficulties in axial sliding of documents along the prongs.

Hwang Suk-Hyuπ discloses a document file having a punching function in WO9954149 wherein a prong has an enlarged diameter head to punch a hole larger than the main body of the same prong. It is however not clear how this mechanism would fit into a file, how documents can be transferred to the curved prongs and what arrangements are proposed to capture the waste paper disks. An improved mechanism for a file, including a punch, is disclosed by Wachsmuth in EP 1103388, the design being similar in principal to German patent No. 2 947 367. Punching is effected by a hand-operated lever. Nevertheless, the design is problematic as the hinge of the curved prong cannot be firmly supported, leading to likely misalignment of the two sets of prongs, particularly if the user attempts to punch holes in a sheet of carton.

As far as is known to the present inventor, none of the proposed designs has seen commercial use.

It is therefore one of the objects of the present invention to obviate the disadvantages of prior art combination document binders/paper punches and to provide a binder which has an integral paper punch capable of punching most paper and plastic sheets used in offices and homes.

The present invention achieves the above object by providing a combined document binder and paper punch, comprising a) a stiff-cover document binder; b) a base member rigidly attached to said binder; c) a plurality of spaced-apart document-retaining axially-movable prongs at least indirectly supported by said base member; d) a plurality of spaced-apart curved prongs each having a first end hinged proximate to said base member, and a second end adapted to be brought into register and to align with an upper end of an adjacent axially-movable prong; e) a plurality of spaced-apart apertures provided in said base member; f) a plurality of axially-movable paper punches, each having a cutting lower end and arrange to punch a hole in a paper document in combination with said apertures; and g) a mechanism and operating handle for operating and displacing said curved prongs; the arrangement being such that said curved prongs are displaceable between an open position, allowing the introduction of documents onto either pair of prongs, an intermediate position contacting said axially-movable prongs, and a fully closed position pressing said axially-movable prongs to a downward position, and wherein said axially-movable paper punches are provided with an upper end normally in contact with lower ends of said axially-movable prongs, said paper punches being positioned to enter said apertures when said axially-movable prongs are pressed into said downward position to punch a plurality of holes in a document previously inserted between said paper punches and said base member.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is a provision of a combined document binder and paper punch wherein an upper section of said axially-movable prongs is bent at an angle so that the axis of said bent upper prongs section is approximately perpendicular to a line joining the hinge center to said bent upper section, and means are provided preventing said axially-movable prongs from revolving about their own axis.

In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is a provision of a combined document binder and paper punch wherein spring means are provided urging said paper punches away from said spaced-apart apertures provided in said base member.

In a further embodiment of the invention the mechanism base is further provided with a reusable refuse container arranged to collect punched paper disks produced by operation of the punch.

Yet further embodiments of the invention will be described hereinafter.

In contradistinction to German Patent 2 947 367, the punch mechanism of the present invention is driven, typically by axially movable prong pairs, in a positive movement generated by the hand of the user. Thus, the force available for punching greatly exceeds the resistance force originating in the return spring of the lever arch mechanism. Consequently, sheets made of light carton; plastics and thick paper sheets can be punched as required.

The lever arch operating mechanism is shown in the diagrams in outline only. This mechanism is well known and no novelty is claimed in this regard.

As stated, the idea of combining the function of paper punching with paper filing is known in the prior art for more than a century and thus one finds such patents as US Patent 419,160 from 1890 and 531 ,887 from 1895 relating to a letter file and perforator however in contradistinction to the mechanism taught and claimed in the present invention, said patents teach the use of separate rearly positioned dies or punches which are not connected or aligned with the document retaining prongs. Similarly US Patent 1 ,623,824 teaches a device comprising a base, vertical guide pins arranged on the base forming a file for receiving apertured cards, a closure for the upper end of the pin to prevent the accidental displacement of the cards form said pins, said closure comprising a rod having one end adapted for engagement with the upper end of each pin, a mounting for said closures, the other end of each rod providing a punch for facilitating the formation of holes in the cards to be filed on said pins. Thus the mechanism taught effects the punching on the diametrically opposite side of the mechanism and in an entirely different manner than that of the present invention.

In US Patents 1 ,169,876 and 5,618,121 there is also taught filing clips having a punching function however the perforation of the paper takes place between upper cutting edges of a pair of upwardly extending punching rods and the lower edges of a pair of prongs of a downwardly moving paper hanging member rather than being cut in the more effective manner of the present invention between axially-movable paper punches having a cutting lower end and spaced-apart apertures provided in the base member of the combined document binder and paper punch of the present invention.

The invention will now be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, with reference to the following illustrative figures so that it will be more fully understood.

Now, with specific reference now to the figures in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only. They are presented in order to provide what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the drawings:

FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1 c are elevational views of a preferred embodiment of a binder according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of an embodiment wherein the axially movable prongs and punches are interconnected;

FIG. 3 is a detailed view, partially sectioned, of an embodiment wherein inter- engagement means are provided for the prongs; FIG. 4 is an elevational view of an embodiment wherein the axially movable prongs have a bent upper section;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of an embodiment wherein the axially movable prongs are disposed at an angle to the vertical;

FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment wherein the pages are retained by three pairs of prongs;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a detail of an embodiment provided with a reusable refuse container arranged to collect punched paper disks; and

FIG.8 is an elevational view of the prior-art operating -mechanism for closing the prongs.

There is seen in FIGS. 1 a, 1 b and 1 c a combined document binder and paper punch 10.

A stiff-cover document binder 12, made of carton or plastic, appears from the outside like a normal prior art lever arch binder.

A base member 14, suitably made of steel sheet or any other suitable material is rigidly attached at mid height to the binder 12. The base member 14 can be hollow and in the present embodiment is arranged to capture waste paper disks 16 produced by paper punching. Means of emptying the base member 14 are provided (not shown).

A pair of spaced-apart document-retaining axially-movable prongs 18 are slidingly supported by a fixed bearing block 20 forming an extension of the base member 14. The block 20 is shown solid for convenience of illustration, and can be formed of sheet metal or any other suitable material as part of the base member 14.

An optional lip 21 is seen, which serves to guide the paper page during insertion.

A further pair of spaced-apart curved prongs 22 has two ends each 24, 26. A first end of 24 is hinged at 28 proximate to the base member 14. A second end 26 is adapted to be brought into register and to align with an upper end of an adjacent axially movable prong 18.

A pair of spaced-apart apertures 30 are provided in the upper face of the base member 14 to serve as paper cutting dies. Preferably, the apertures 30 have sharp upper edges as the aperture 30 represents the die and the sharp edges produce a smooth clean cut with little resistance.

In a further embodiment (not shown) the die apertures in the base have a chamfered upper edge. The purpose of the chamfer is to compensate for any slight punch-to-die misalignment.

Such a chamfer results in the piercing of a hole in the paper document of slightly lower, but usually acceptable quality.

A pair of axially movable paper punches 32 each have a cutting lower end 34, arranged to punch holes in a paper document 44 in combination with the apertures 30.

The circular cross-sectional area of the punches 32 exceeds the circular cross-sectional area of any of the prongs 18, 22. In practical terms, the prongs are about 4 mm diameters and the punched hole is about 6 mm diameter, as it is in common practice presently.

A prior-art mechanism 38 and operating handle 40 for operating and displacing the curved prongs is supported by the base member 14.

Each punch 32 is provided with a compression spring 36 to urge the paper punches 32 away from the spaced-apart apertures 30, thus releasing the punched paper document 44 and allowing the insertion under the punches 32 of a further document upon release of operating handle 40.

In operation, the arrangement is such that the curved prongs 22 are displaceable to any of three^' positions.

An open position is seen in FIG. 1a. The gap between the prongs 18, 22 allows the introduction of pre-punched documents 42. The figure illustrates a block of paper documents 42 which have been temporarily transferred to the curved prongs 22 to allow viewing, insertion or removal of an interrrfediate previously stored document.

An intermediate pre-punch engagement and alignment position is seen in FIG. 1 b. The curved prongs 22 contact the axially movable prongs 18. A paper document 44 may be inserted between the punches 32 and the die apertures 30 if this has not already been done while the device was in its open position.

A fully closed position is seen in FIG. 1 c. The curved prongs 22 have pressed the axially movable prongs 18 to a downward position, which results in the punches 32 piercing the paper document 44 and entering the die apertures 30. The axially movable paper punches 32 are provided with an upper end 46 normally in contact with lower end 48 of the axially movable prongs 18. The paper punches 32 are positioned to enter the die apertures 30 when the axially-movable prongs 18 are pressed into their downward position thereby to punch a plurality of holes in a document 44 previously inserted between the paper punches 32 and the base member 14. The waste paper disks 16 are pushed into the hollow base member 14. Thus, in contradistinction to prior art mechanisms, it is the motion of curved prongs 22_. closing against and axially displacing the axially moveable prongs 18 which results in the punching of holes in documents 44 placed below the cutting edges of paper punches 32. More specifically, it is the normally stationary, upright axially moveable prongs 18 which function not only for document support but also as hole- punch actuators which are moved by the closing motion of curved prongs 22.

Release of the handle 40 and mechanism 38 allows compression springs 36 to return the prongs 18, 22 and the punches 32 to the open position seen in FIG. 1a or the pre-punch intermediate position of Fig. 1b.

With regard to the rest of the figures, similar reference numerals have been used to identify similar parts.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown in detail an embodiment of the combined document binder and paper punch 50.

The axially movable paper punches 52 and the axially movable prongs 54 are interconnected. The diagram shows a screw-threaded extension 55 of prongs 54 being retained by an appropriate female screw thread in the punch. In other embodiments (not shown) the connection is by a press fit or by means of an adhesive joint.

Interconnecting the two parts 52, 54 provides the Important advantage of improving the alignment of both components, thus reducing operating effort and reducing wear on the block 20.

While not shown, said axially moveable prongs 54 and the axially moveable paper punches 52 can be integrally formed as a single unit.

Also seen in the drawing is a punch shoulder provided in the present embodiment by a circular clip 56. The shoulder is needed to allow the spring 36 to urge the punch 52 upwards. FIG. 3 shows a detail of a preferred combined document binder and paper punch.

The axially movable prongs 58 and the curved prongs 60 are provided with inter-engagement means, a solid cone 62 and a hollow cone 64 at their exposed extremities. While such arrangements are well known in the prior art, maintaining inter-alignment of the two prong pairs 58, 60 is particularly important in the present device to ensure proper functioning of hole punching.

Seen in FIG. 4 is a further embodiment of a combined document binder and paper punch 66 wherein an upper section 68 of the axially movable prongs 70 is bent at an angle. The axis of the bent upper section is approximately perpendicular to a line joining the hinge center 72 to the bent upper section 68.

A prong interconnection strip 74 serves as means preventing the axially movable prongs 70 from revolving about their own axis, thus maintaining alignment with the curved prongs 76.

The strip 74 serves a further function in providing a punch shoulder for the spring 36 to urge the punch 78 upwards.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is depicted a combined document binder and paper punch 80 wherein the axis of the axially-movable prongs 82 are disposed at an angle to the vertical.

The axis of the prongs 82 is approximately perpendicular to a line joining the hinge center 28 to the bearing axis. The advantage of this geometry is that it practically eliminates the side forces, which need to be resisted by the bearings 84 of the axially movable prongs 82, and less effort is needed to operate the mechanism 38. The curved prongs 86 and the bearing block 88 are shaped as required by the sloped axially movable prongs 82.

Turning now to FIG. 6, there is shown a combined document binder and paper punch 88 wherein three spaced-apart prong pairs 90, 92 are provided for retaining pages 94 filed in the binder. Correspondingly, three paper punches 96 are provided for cutting the necessary holes in the paper page 98. The embodiment is otherwise the same as that seen in FIG. 1c. The number of prongs can vary accordingly.

In FIG. 7 there is shown an embodiment of the binder 100 wherein a waste cassette 102 in provided for collection of the waste paper disks 104. The cassette 102 fits into the hollow base 106 and is provided with an aperture 108 allowing passage of the disks 104. The cassette can be manufactured cheaply enough so that it can be discarded. However, to re-use the cassette 102, it is slid out from the hollow base 106. The contents can be emptied by shaking out the disks 104 through the aperture 108, which is made large enough for this purpose. Thus, the cassette 102 can be of a sliding type or any other means of opening, whichever is preferable, to empty its contents.

As will be realized the cassette for collection of waste paper disks can be positioned internally or externally with relation to the document binder.

For reference purposes FIG. 8 is included, showing the prior-art lever arch mechanism 38 with operating handle 40 as applied to a binder having two pairs of prongs 18, 22.

It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing illustrative embodiments and that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A combined document binder and paper punch, comprising a) a stiff-cover document binder; b) a base member rigidly attached to said binder; c) a plurality of spaced-apart document-retaining axially-movable prongs at least indirectly supported by said base member; d) a plurality of spaced-apart curved prongs each having a first end hinged proximate to said base member, and a second end adapted to be brought into register and to align with an upper end of an adjacent axially-movable prong; e) a plurality of spaced-apart apertures provided in said base member; f) a plurality of axially-movable paper punches, each having a cutting lower end and arranged to punch a hole in a paper document in combination with said apertures;. and g) a mechanism and operating handle for operating and displacing at least said curved prongs; the arrangement being such that said curved prongs are displaceable between an open position allowing the introduction of documents onto either pair of prongs, an intermediate position contacting said axially-movable prongs, and a fully closed position pressing said axially-movable prongs to a downward position, and wherein said axially-movable paper punches are provided with an upper end normally in contact with lower ends of said axially-movable prongs, said paper punches being positioned to enter said apertures when said axially-movable prongs are pressed into said downward position to punch a plurality of holes in a document previously inserted between said paper punches and said base member.

2. A combined document binder and paper punch according to claim 1 , wherein spring means are provided urging said paper punches away from said spaced-apart apertures provided in said base member.

3. A combined document binder and paper punch according to claim 1 , wherein said axially movable paper punches and said axially movable prongs are interconnected.

4. A combined document binder and paper punch according to claim 1 , wherein said base member is hollow and is arranged to capture waste paper disks produced by paper punching.

5. A combined document binder and paper punch according to claim 1 , wherein said axially movable prongs and said curved prongs are provided with inter - engagement means at their exposed extremities.

6. A combined document binder and paper punch according to claim 1 , wherein an upper section of said axiaily-movable prongs is bent at an angle so that the axis of said bent upper section is approximately perpendicular to a line joining the hinge center to said bent upper section, and means are provided preventing said axially-movable prongs from revolving about their own axis. ^•

7. A combined document binder, and paper punch- according to claim 1 , wherein the axis of said axially-movable prongs and said punches are disposed at an angle approximately perpendicular to a line joining the hinge center to a bearing axis of said prongs.

8. A combined document binder and paper punch according to claim 1 , wherein the circular cross-sectional area of said punches exceeds the circular cross-sectional area of any of said prongs.

9. A combined document binder and paper punch according to claim 1 , wherein at least three spaced-apart prong pairs are indirectly supported by said base member.

10. A combined document binder and paper punch according to claim 1 , further provided with a refuse container arranged to collect punched paper disks produced by operation of the punch which container is openable for the emptying of paper disks therefrom.