577831 A7 ___B7________ 五、發明說明（丨） 本發明之領域 本發明係有關一種用於保持複數量穿孔紙張或類似者 之裝訂元件，本發明尤其係有關用於在自動化裝訂程序中 所使用之耦合裝訂元件的結構。 本發明之背景 各種不同形式之裝訂元件已被用於裝訂整疊之穿孔紙 張或類似者。此類裝訂元件之範例爲線圈梳狀物或是掛鉤 式的設計被揭示在例如是給土賽爾(Tmssell)之美國專利第 2，1 12,389號及給瓊斯(Jones)之美國專利第4,832,370號及 第4,873,858號中；而用於組裝之機器例如裝訂機則係揭 示在給亞當斯(Adams)之美國專利第4,031，585號、給阿契 爾等（Archer et al)之美國專利第4,398,856號、給瓊斯 (Jones)之美國專利第4,525，117號、給霍雷特(Flatt)之美國 專利第4,934,890號及給巴果改（Bagroky)之美國專利第 5,370,489號等之中；其他之裝訂裝置則係揭示在例如下列 之案例中：給艾瑪(Emmer)之美國專利第2,089,881號及第 2,363,848號、給斯契德（Schade)之美國專利第2,435,848 號、給利伯曼(Liebman)之美國專利第2,466,451號、給欲 森韋德(Heusenkveld)之美國專利第4,607,970號、給艾門 (Im)之美國專利第4,904，103號、給阿姆瑞契等(Amdch et al)之美國專利第5,028，159號及給阿畢稿德等(Abildgaard et al)之美國專利第4,369,013號再審查證明B1 4,369,013 及Re.28,202 ;用於組裝塑膠梳狀或指狀之裝訂元件之機器 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) · —線- 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 577831 A7 _ B7___ 五、發明說明（〆） 則係揭示在例如是給薛惹(Scharer)之美國專利第4,645,399 號、給伯汐羅(Vercillo)之美國專利第4,900,211號、給雷 諾斯等(Nanos et al)之美國專利第5,090,859號及給哈特闊 斯基等(Hotkowski et al)之美國專利第5,464,312號等之 中。此等專利藉由參考被包括於此。 裝訂元件典型係包括有一脊柱，複數個指狀件則自其 延伸出，其等可穿過一疊紙張中之穿孔而被組裝。此脊柱 可以是線性的，可具有或不具有一縱向的延伸鉸鏈。或 者，該脊柱可藉由一線圏之連續彎曲而形成，如同具有芽泉 圈梳狀物或掛鉤式之裝訂元件。 由於此等包括有細長脊柱及指狀件之裝訂裝置的，結 構，該等裝訂裝置於整堆存放時，通常會形成纏結之狀 況。將纏結之裝訂元件解開以將元件組裝於一堆疊之紙張 或將元件放置入一裝訂機中會是一厭煩而費時的程序。再 者，此種會產生纏結之傾向可能會使此等之裝訂裝置於其 中需要自動進給之自動裝訂程序或機器中的使用變得複雜 或受阻礙。將裝訂元件手動進給至一機器中將會被有效率 大量自動化裝訂操作所禁止。 本發明之目的 本發明之主要目的即在提供複數個裝訂元件，其等可 以直接應用於自動進給入一裝訂機器中，且能抵抗纏結。 本發明之另一目的係提供一耦合之裝訂元件群組，其 中，耦合結構並不會和一裝訂元件之使用及最後之外觀干 -：_____4_____ 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公爱） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) % 訂： 線· 577831 A7 ----- -B7____ 五、發明說明（：）） 渉。一個相關之目的係提供具有一種耦合結構之複數個裝 訂元件，其係可於一自動裝訂程序中自裝訂元件被切除。 本發明之又一目的係提供複數個裝訂元件，其等係可 以符合經濟效益及有效率地被製造出。 本發明之另一目的係提供一耦合之裝訂元件群組，其 等係可使用習知之模製技術模製出。 習於相關技術者在閱讀過下列之槪要及詳細說明及參 考圖式後，將可十分明白本發明之此些及其他目的及優 點。 發明槪要 本發明提供一種複數個裝訂元件’其等係特別適合使 用於自動化之裝訂程序中。依據本發明之第一實施例，一 種連續之細長裝訂元件被提出，其可被捲成一扁平之捲 筒，不然便是沿著一心軸被捲製。於使用中，該實際上係 爲一種由複數個個別裝訂元件耦結一起之連續裝訂元件可 被進給入一自動化之機器中，且個別裝訂元件被切割成所 需要之長度。 該種連續之裝訂元件可藉由任何恰當的方法來製造’ 然而現有之較佳方法包括:於模子中模製成一段長度之一或 多個裝訂元件，將模製完成之元件去模，以及將模製完成 之元件前進至位於模穴之間或鄰靠模穴的位置並模製成一 連結之裝訂元件。於如是之模製元件中，裝訂元件之尾部 可能只有部分被模製到，且可能只有部分被模製到之裝訂 ___ S —___ 本·紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公t ) (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁)577831 A7 ___B7________ V. Description of the invention (丨) Field of the invention The present invention relates to a binding element for holding a plurality of perforated papers or the like, and particularly relates to the coupling binding used in an automated binding process The structure of the component. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various forms of binding elements have been used to bind a stack of perforated paper or the like. Examples of such binding elements are coil combs or hook-type designs which are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 2,1, 12,389 to Tmssell and U.S. Patent No. 4,832,370 to Jones. And 4,873,858; and machines for assembly such as binding machines are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,031,585 to Adams, U.S. Patent No. 4,398,856 to Archer et al., US Patent No. 4,525,117 to Jones, US Patent No. 4,934,890 to Flatt and US Patent No. 5,370,489 to Bagroky; etc .; other binding devices It is disclosed in, for example, the following cases: U.S. Patent Nos. 2,089,881 and 2,363,848 to Emmer, U.S. Patent No. 2,435,848 to Schade, U.S. Patent to Liebman No. 2,466,451, U.S. Patent No. 4,607,970 to Heusenkveld, U.S. Patent No. 4,904,103 to Immen, U.S. Patent No. 5,028 to Amdch et al , No. 159 and to Abend (Abildgaard et al) U.S. Patent No. 4,369,013 reexamination certificate B1 4,369,013 and Re. 28,202; Machines for assembling plastic comb or finger binding components (Please read the precautions on the back before filling out this page) ·- Line-This paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) 577831 A7 _ B7___ V. The description of the invention (〆) is disclosed in, for example, US Patent No. 4,645,399 to Scharer , U.S. Patent No. 4,900,211 to Vercillo, U.S. Patent No. 5,090,859 to Nanos et al, and U.S. Patent No. 5,464,312 to Hotkowski et al. In. These patents are incorporated herein by reference. The binding element typically includes a spine from which a plurality of fingers extend, which can be assembled through perforations in a stack of paper. The spine may be linear, with or without a longitudinal extension hinge. Alternatively, the spine can be formed by continuous bending of a string of wires, like a budding ring comb or a hook-type binding element. Due to the structure of these binding devices including slender spines and fingers, these binding devices usually form a tangled state when stored in a whole stack. Untangling the bound binding elements to assemble the elements on a stack of paper or to place the elements into a binding machine can be a tiresome and time-consuming process. Further, such a tendency to cause tangling may complicate or hinder the use of such a binding device in an automatic binding process or machine in which automatic feeding is required. Manual feeding of binding elements into a machine will be inhibited by efficient mass automated binding operations. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION The main object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of binding members, which can be directly applied to an automatic binding machine and can resist tangling. Another object of the present invention is to provide a coupled binding element group, in which the coupling structure does not interfere with the use of a binding element and the final appearance-: _____4_____ This paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification ( 210 X 297 public love) (Please read the notes on the back before filling out this page)% Order: Line · 577831 A7 ----- -B7 ____ 5. Description of the invention (:)) 渉. A related object is to provide a plurality of binding elements having a coupling structure, which can be cut away from a self-binding element in an automatic binding process. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of binding elements, which can be manufactured economically and efficiently. Another object of the present invention is to provide a group of coupled binding elements, which can be molded using conventional molding techniques. Those skilled in the relevant arts will clearly understand these and other objects and advantages of the present invention after reading the following summary and detailed description and reference drawings. Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a plurality of binding elements' which are particularly suitable for use in an automated binding process. According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a continuous elongated binding element is proposed, which can be rolled into a flat roll, or else it is rolled along a mandrel. In use, this is actually a continuous binding element coupled by a plurality of individual binding elements, which can be fed into an automated machine, and the individual binding elements are cut to the required length. Such a continuous binding element can be manufactured by any suitable method. However, the presently preferred methods include: molding one or more binding elements of a length in a mold, demolding the molded component, and The molded component is advanced to a position between or adjacent to the cavities and molded into a linked binding component. In such a molded component, the tail portion of the binding component may be only partially molded, and may only be partially molded to the binding ___ S —___ This paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 male t) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page)
P •線· A7 577831 五、發明說明（> ) 元件的尾部被前進至模子之導端凹穴以模製於連續裝訂元 件之下一段上，完成第一段成形之裝訂元件之部分被模製 到的尾部。或者，亦可將一擠製成之細長帶或其他之脊柱 元件可被置放入模子中，並沿著連續之脊柱連續模製指狀 件。 或者，複數個裝訂元件可以與配置於脊柱或細長帶之 縱向端的捲軸被耦結在一起。以此種方式之複數個裝訂元 件可以分離片或以一連續片被提供’連續片係以一種近似 上述連續模製裝訂元件之方式被捲起來。如當具有上述之 單一連續裝訂元件，連續片可藉由一於尾穴中之部分模製 而被模製成，之後其可被前進至導端凹穴。或者’ 一擠製 成或其他方式製成之條帶可以在複數個裝訂元件之縱向端 當成連續捲軸被使用。於另一實施例中，捲軸可以爲一堆 延伸於指狀件間或鄰接裝訂元件之其他部分之間的分離鍊 結的形式。 再者，耦I合結構可包括多於一種之稱合結構。例如， 除了捲軸外，複數個裝訂元件可包括如同揭示於2001年2 月28日提申之PCT申請案PCT/US0106362的堆疊或群結 結構，該申請案係以美國之臨時申請案60/ 188372爲基礎 案，而其是由本申請案具名之發明人之一所發明的，且係 被讓渡給本申請案之受讓人。藉由參考PCT申請案 PCT/US0106362之所有揭示而將其倂入於此。該群結之元 件可被配置於捲軸之內側或外側。於使用中，群結之結構 可被使用於堆疊由捲軸耦結之裝訂元件的紙張。或者若僅 —^ —J----------- (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 一aj· 線 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 577831 A7 _______B7______ 五、發明說明（< ) 耦合或群結結構之一被使用於儲存、進給及/或組裝程序 中，則未使用之結構可在程序前被簡單地切除，或可被保 留爲一在儲存、進給及/或組裝程序之後和其他耦結或群 結結構被切除之多餘的結構。 在本申請案之另一實施例中，該於縱向端由捲軸耦結 之整片裝訂元件(帶有或不帶有堆疊結構），或分別之裝訂 元件（帶有或不帶有堆疊結構），可被配置於一進給結構 中，例如一扁平之盒子、卡匣或匣盒之安排，其具有一部 分開放用於將包含於內之裝訂元件進給入一連續之裝訂程 序。 在一裝訂元件及該耦合結構及/或該堆疊結構之間， 較佳係模製有一小彈簧。該小彈簧可和裝訂元件被一體模 製，並提供介於裝訂元件及進給或組合機器構件間之某些 彈性。因此，結合如是之彈簧係用於減少或消除介於模製 部件及機械處理結構之間任何影響容許度之變化之不利的 作用，例如於模製期間由於塑膠部件之收縮所產生之變 化。 習於相關技術者在讀取下列之槪述及詳細說明並參考 圖式後，將可明瞭本發明之此些及其他目的及優點。 圖式簡單說明： 圖1係爲一習知技術之裝訂元件的立體視圖； 圖2係爲依據本發明之教導所構成之一複數個裝訂元 件； _ _7_ ——_ 木紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) -tr°J·. |線· 577831P • Line · A7 577831 V. Description of the invention () The tail of the element is advanced to the leading end pocket of the mold to be molded on the lower section of the continuous binding element, and the part of the binding element that completes the first stage is molded. To the tail. Alternatively, an extruded slender band or other spinal element may be placed in a mold and the fingers may be continuously molded along the continuous spine. Alternatively, a plurality of binding elements may be coupled to a reel disposed at the longitudinal end of the spine or the elongated band. The plurality of binding members in this manner may be separated or supplied as a continuous sheet. 'The continuous sheet is rolled up in a manner similar to the above-mentioned continuous molded binding member. For example, when having the single continuous binding element described above, the continuous sheet can be molded by molding a part in the tail cavity, and then it can be advanced to the leading end pocket. Alternatively, an extruded or otherwise formed strip may be used as a continuous reel at the longitudinal ends of the plurality of binding elements. In another embodiment, the scroll may be in the form of a stack of separate links extending between fingers or other parts adjacent to the binding element. Furthermore, the coupling structure may include more than one type of coupling structure. For example, in addition to the scroll, the plurality of binding elements may include a stacked or grouped structure as disclosed in PCT application PCT / US0106362 filed on February 28, 2001, which is based on US provisional application 60/188372 This is a basic case, which was invented by one of the inventors named in this application, and was assigned to the assignee of this application. It is hereby incorporated by reference to all disclosures of PCT application PCT / US0106362. The clustered components can be placed inside or outside the scroll. In use, the knot structure can be used for stacking papers of binding elements coupled by a roll. Or if only — ^ —J ----------- (Please read the notes on the back before filling in this page) One aj · The size of the paper is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) 577831 A7 _______B7______ 5. Description of the invention (<) One of the coupling or grouping structures is used in the storage, feeding and / or assembly process, and the unused structure can be simply removed before the process. Or it may be retained as a redundant structure that is cut away from other coupling or grouping structures after storage, feeding and / or assembly procedures. In another embodiment of the present application, the whole sheet binding element (with or without a stacking structure) or a separate binding element (with or without a stacking structure) coupled by a scroll at the longitudinal end. It can be arranged in a feeding structure, such as an arrangement of a flat box, a cassette or a box, which has a part open for feeding the contained binding elements into a continuous binding process. A small spring is preferably molded between a binding element and the coupling structure and / or the stacked structure. The small spring can be integrally molded with the binding element and provide some elasticity between the binding element and the feed or combination machine component. Therefore, combined springs are used to reduce or eliminate any adverse effects that affect tolerance changes between the molded part and the mechanical processing structure, such as changes due to shrinkage of plastic parts during molding. Those skilled in the relevant art will understand these and other objects and advantages of the present invention after reading the following description and detailed description and referring to the drawings. Brief description of the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a binding element of a conventional technology; Figure 2 is a plurality of binding elements constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) -tr ° J ·. | Line · 577831
i '發明說明（l；) 圖3係爲依據本發明之教導所構成之一複數個裝訂元 件的第二實施例； 圖4係如圖2及圖3所示，爲依據本發明之教導所構 成之一模製裝訂元件的立體視圖； 圖5係爲圖4中所示之模具之尾端的放大片段立體視 圖，其上帶有一被模製之裝訂元件的片段立體視圖； 圖6係爲圖4中所示之模具之前導端的放大片段立體 視圖，其上帶有一依據本發明之教導所構成之被模製之裝 訂元件之尾端的片段立體視圖； 圖7係依據本發明教導所構成之模具裝訂元件之第二 方法之一模具的立體視圖； 圖8係依據本發明之教導所構成之複數個裝訂元件之 第四實施例之立體視圖； 圖9係依據本發明之教導所構成之複數個裝訂元件之 第五實施例之立體視圖； 圖10係依據本發明之教導所構成之複數個裝訂元件 之第六實施例之立體視圖； 圖11A係包括一堆疊結構之一裝訂元件之立體視圖； 圖11B係圖11A中之裝訂元件之另一側之立體視圖； 圖11C係圖11A及B中之裝訂元件之放大端視圖； 圖12係依據本發明之教導所構成之複數個裝訂元件 之第七實施例之立體視圖； 圖13係依據本發明之教導所構成之複數個裝訂元件 之第八實施例之立體視圖； __8____ 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) -禮 . -·線· 577831 A7 __B7_______ 五、發明說明（1 ) 圖14係依據本發明之教導所構成之複數個裝訂元件 之第九實施例之放大片段立體視圖； 圖15係依據本發明之教導所構成之複數個裝訂元件 之第十實施例之立體視圖； 圖16係依據本發明之教導所構成之複數個裝訂元件 之第十一實施例之立體視圖； 圖17係依據本發明之教導所構成之複數個裝訂元件 之第十二實施例之中單一裝定單元之片段側面視圖； 圖18係沿圖17中之線18-18所取之一堆疊帽之放大 剖面視圖； 圖19係沿圖17中之線19-19所取之複數個裝訂元件 之片段平面視圖； 圖20係依據本發明之教導所構成之複數個裝訂元件 之第十三實施例之立體視圖；及 圖21係圖20中所示之裝訂元件端段之放大片段視 圖。 主要部件之符號說明 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) -tr°J. 丨線· 20 裝訂元件 20b 裝訂元件 20c 裝訂元件 20d 裝訂元件 20e 裝訂元件 20f 裝訂元件 _9 本纸張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公爱_) 577831 A7 B7 五、發明說明（s 20g 裝訂元件 20h 裝訂元件 20k 裝訂元件 22 脊柱 22a 脊柱 22b 脊柱 24 指狀件 24e 指狀件 26 活動鉸鏈 30 裝訂元件 30a 裝訂元件 30b 裝訂元件 30d 裝訂元件 30e 裝訂元件20e之複數件形式 30f 複數件裝訂元件 30g 複數件裝訂元件 34 模具 36 凹穴 38 裝訂元件 38a 裝訂元件 40 前導端 42 尾端 42a 尾端 44 凹穴 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 577831 A7 _B7 五、發明說明（？） 46 模具之前導端 50 連續條帶 54 捲軸 54d 捲軸 54f 捲軸 54g 捲軸 56 捲軸 56d 捲軸 56f 捲軸 56g 捲軸 60 盒子 60c 輸送結構或匣盒匣盒 60d 匣盒 60f 匣盒 64 鏈帶 66 類似捲軸之裝置 70 堆疊結構 70a 堆疊結構 70b 堆疊結構 72 彈性連接結構或彈性接頭 74 開口 76 一個或多個捲軸段 78 耦合結構 78a 公構件 _11 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 577831 A7 B7 五、發明說明（) 78b 母構件 80a 殼體 80b 殻體 80c 殼體 81a 開口 81b 開口 81c 開口 82a 層 82b 層 82c 層 83a 凹槽或導軌 83b 凹槽或導軌 83c 凹槽或導軌 84a 通槽 84b 通槽 85 驅動桿 86 彈性指狀件 87 推動表面 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 訂- -丨線- 本發明之詳細說明 現在開始轉移注意於各圖式上，圖1係顯示一典型之 裝訂元件20，其包括一脊柱22及複數個指狀件24，指狀 件24係自脊柱22之兩側延伸出。脊柱22可進一步包括一 活動鉸鏈26或類似件，其可方便指狀件24彼此相向之彎 _12_ 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 577831 A7 B7 五、發明說明（) (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 曲。以此種方式，則指狀件24可被穿插通過一疊紙張(未 顯示)之穿孔以將該等紙張裝訂在一起。於該論述之實施例 中，活動鉸鏈26係爲一沿著脊柱225 1較薄厚度之縱向延 伸線的形式。此一類型之裝訂兀件係揭不於2001年8月7 日取得之美國專利US6,270,280中，而該專利將藉由參考 其所有揭示之內容而合倂於此。 線· 依據本發明，裝訂元件20係被當成複數個裝訂元件 之一部分，複數個裝訂元件係以相對彼此預定之鄰近空間 關係而配置，以便於自動化之裝訂程序。其將係可被瞭解 的，此處所用及之用詞 ''鄰近〃不僅包括裝訂元件係被非 常靠近地配置，亦指只要空間關係被保持，則裝訂元件係 彼此相分隔開的。如此配置之複數個裝訂元件可被直接處 理而不會產生纏結的現象，且可被耦結於一自動化之裝訂 機（未顯示）上，以使用於大量之裝訂程序中。一介於複數 個裝訂元件20間之耦合結構接著被典型地切割或切除，以 在處理程序、閉合程序及/或裝訂程序之前、其間或之後將 元件分開。或者，若耦合結構係爲匣盒或類似之形式，則 匣盒可被拋棄或收回以待日後使用。 其將係可被習於相關技術者所瞭解的，即裝訂元件20 本身之特殊設計可以係以下之說明中所揭示者之另一種構 形。例如，裝訂元件20可包括如相對於成雙自脊柱22延 伸出之指狀件24的單一件。然而，較佳地，裝訂元件20 係爲一種設計，其可藉由例如是射出成形之處理而以塑膠 直接模製而成。其他片狀裝訂元件結構之範例係被說明於 ^_13 ___ 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 x 297公董了 577831 A7 B7 五、發明說明（//) 給阿畢稿德等(Abildgaard et al)之美國專利第4,369,013 號、給欲森韋德（Heusenkveld)之美國專利第4,607,970 號、給瓊斯(Jones)之美國專利第4,873,858號、給伯沙羅 (Vercillo)之美國專利第4,900,211號、給艾門(Im)之美國專 利第4,904，103號及給阿姆瑞契等(Amrich et al)之美國專利 第 5,028，159 號中。 現在轉移至圖2,其顯示了依據本發明所教導而構成 之一種複數個裝訂元件30的第一實施例。當顯出類似一連 續之裝訂元件，該圖2中所顯示之複數個裝訂元件30基本 上係由一串列端部接端部之裝訂元件20所模製成。該細長 條帶之複數個裝訂元件30可以任何適當的方式捲收起來， 例如捲成如圖2中所示平捲，或是捲成如圖3中所示之纏 捲。該複數個裝訂元件30接著可被鬆捲成至一平整樣子， 而自該脫捲出之條帶剪出一所需長度之裝訂元件20。將可 被瞭解的是，於此實施例中，該細長之脊柱22本身係介於 個別裝訂元件20間之耦合結構。以此種方式，在於複數個 裝訂元件30可被應用於裝訂不同長度之紙堆的安排上，此 實施例係特別有用。 脊柱22之橫斷面係可爲大致均等的，然亦樂見經過 複數個裝訂元件30之脊柱22的細長長度亦可包括不同的 橫斷面於沿著複數個裝訂元件30之脊柱22之長度上的每 隔段上。例如，脊柱22可在每隔一段標準長度上具有較小 尺寸的橫斷面，例如爲8又1/2吋，11吋或14吋，其係 便於切斷相鄰接之裝訂元件。 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) )aj« - --線· 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 577831 A7 _________Β7 _ 五、發明說明（Μ ) (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 一種模製連續複數個裝訂元件(如顯示於圖2及3中者) 之方法係將其等模製於圖4中所顯示之模具中。依據該方 法，模具34(模具之下半部係顯示於圖中)具有—凹穴36用 以模製一段長度之具有一則導端40及〜尾端42的裝訂元 件38。依據該方法之一重要觀點，於其內尾端42被^製 之凹穴44的部分係設定成僅模製出尾端42之一部分(請參 考圖5)。於該說明之實施例中，僅有一部分之尾端指狀件 及尾端脊柱於該模製凹穴之尾端44中被模製出。於此一方 式中，在一段長度之裝目了兀件38被模製出後，被模製出之 長度38自模具中被移出，並移前至該段長度之裝訂元件 38之尾端42係置於位在模具之前導端46上之凹穴36中 的位置上(請參考圖6)。於下列之模製循環中，〜第二段長 度之裝訂元件被模製，而前段之裝訂元件38之尾端42變 成該第二段長度之裝訂元件的前導端40，第二段長度之裝 訂元件的模製完成了第一段長度之裝訂元件38的脊柱&在 尾端42之指狀件。以此種方式，一連續長度之條帶或一複 數個裝訂元件30可被模製成一連續件。 較佳地，模製長度38之尾端42的部分模製係如是以 使其可造成和接繪長度3 8之結合’例如係顯不於圖5及6 中者。所說明之實施例包括一部分模製之指狀件的尾部及 部分模製之結合脊柱，然可想而知，亦可採用其他不同之 安排。例如，指狀件之尾部可被完全模製，而脊柱則僅以 一結構被部分模製，以便於模製下一段之脊柱。其係可期 盼的，即顯示於圖4至6中之鴿尾式配置之脊柱’即使未 __15_____ 幸、紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 577831 A7 ____B7_________ 五、發明說明（作） 具有指狀件之尾部的部分模製，亦足以提供一種和接續之 模製長度之裝訂條帶的確實接附。然而，在設計上，部分 模製係可非常簡易，例如於初始之模製循環中，可模製一 半之脊柱及在尾端42上之一半之指狀件。 第二種模製連續長度之裝訂元件30a的方法，係藉由 將指狀件24模製於一沿著脊柱區域配置之預先形成的^續 條帶50，其配置係如圖7所範例解釋之方式。依據此方 法，一模製長度之裝訂元件38a的所有指狀件典型的係完 整地形成’而非僅部分地形成條帶之尾端42a。條帶50可 以任何適當之材料形成，例如紡織材料、金屬材料或擠製 之塑膠或聚合材料。爲配合本發明之說明目的，線繩(c〇rd) 一詞係意指包括紡織材料、線或細繩材料、繩子或類似之 材料’且金屬線(wire) —詞係意指包括金屬線、細絲或薄平 片。圖7係顯不一相當大之矩形連續條帶50，然可瞭解的 是，只要是可以提供一條帶長度可被模製之一連續元件， 則連續條帶50係可有不同之厚度、寬度及形狀的。例如， 連續條帶50可以爲一細線繩，且指狀件24和大部分之脊 柱22a可以模製成線繩以形成連續長度之條帶。 接著參考圖8，該圖顯示一種複數個裝訂元件3〇b之 另一實施例。於此一實施例中，一片平行之裝訂元件20b 係和捲軸54、56被一起模製，將裝訂元件20b沿著脊柱 22b之相對縱向端耦結在一起。以此種方式，複數件裝訂 元件30b可被進給至婢汪訂機器中裝訂成疊之紙張。該等 複數件裝訂元件30b可例如像圖8所示，被直接進給入一 度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X ) 一 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 嫌 線· 577831 A7 ______Β7 _ 五、發明說明（^) 機器中，或複數個裝訂元件30b可被配置於一進給結構 中，例如圖9中所顯示之盒子60中。以此種方式，捲軸 54、56可被應用於進給程序中或應用於位在裝訂或進給機 器(未顯示)中之結合結構中。 或者，個別之裝訂元件20c可被配置於如是之輸送結 構或匣盒60c中。裝訂元件20c可以如圖1〇中所示係爲個 別之元件20c，其基本上係爲一種使裝訂元件20c被裝束 最終之成片狀束疊之形式；或是裝訂元件20h可包括一堆 疊或分離之結構70,例如係揭示於已讓渡予本申請案之受 讓人之申請案PCT/US01/06362中者。申請案 PCT/US01/06362中所揭示之內容已整體合倂於此被參考， 即藉由參考其有關堆疊結構之揭示，其可能之設計，及於 堆疊中堆疊結構可互相配合之方式。 於圖12至14中所例述之目前之較佳實施例中，如圖 11A至11C中所示之一複數個裝訂元件20b係配置於不同 之匣盒設計60d、60e、60f中。該裝訂元件20h包括堆疊 結構70，其具有一大致係爲圓筒之形狀。當配置於匣盒 60d、60e、60f中時，堆疊結構70僅彼此相互鄰靠，以保 持裝訂元件20h之相對位置。因此，該堆疊結構可爲任何 可將裝訂元件20h保持於其個別之分開位置之適當設計。 其將係可被認同的，即穿過每個堆疊結構70之中心之穿孔 71係可方便於將裝訂元件20h自動地排置於匣盒60d、 60e、60f中，如藉由容置一可以有效率地將裝訂元件20h 裝載於匣盒中之探針或相似物（未顯示）。再者，堆疊結構 _ 17 ___ 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) •嫌 訂： .線· 577831 A7 ___B7____ 五、發明說明（β) (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 70本身之尺寸可被製成使堆疊結構70之截面或長度可提 供指出裝訂元件本身之尺寸，例如裝訂元件20h之最終閉 合直徑。 如圖12至14中所示之匣盒60a、60b、60c各設計成 包括不同層數之裝訂元件20h，匣盒60d、60e、60f亦具 有一些相似之特徵，即包括一界定一中空內部之殼體 80a、80b、80c，裝訂條帶20h被存置於其內，且通過一開 口 81a、81b、81c被配送至一機器(未顯示）。雖然所舉例 說明之實施例包括壁面，但殻體亦可爲框架之形式，其係 設計成同樣界定出一中空內部使裝訂條帶20h被存置於其 內。爲確保於匣盒60a、60b、60c中之裝訂元件20h之正 常移動，各層82a、82b、82c設有一凹槽或導軌83a、 83b、83c，使排成列之堆疊結構70群組可沿其配置。因此 將可理解到裝訂元件20h將會被保持於一給定之方位，而 不會傾倒或旋轉，確保可一貫而精確地被輸送至一自動裝 訂機中。 爲了使一給定層82a、82b之裝訂條帶20h機械式地 則進，匡盒60d、60e可設置有一^個或較多個通槽84a、 84b。通槽84a、84b可被用於視覺上確定容置於匣盒 60d、60e中之裝訂元件20h之數目，及取得條帶20h本身 之個別堆疊結構70。以此種方式，裝訂或處理機器之一元 件(未顯示出)可經由該(等)通槽84a、84b取得複數個裝訂 條帶20h，以藉由施力於連結之堆疊結構70上，而將裝訂 條帶20h向前移動穿過匣盒60d、60e。 ___18___ 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 577831 A7 ______B7 ___ 五、發明說明（”） 如圖13中所顯示的，匣盒60e可進一步包括一驅動 桿85，其可被配置於一給定層之相配合之凹槽或導軌83b 中，於裝訂元件20h之堆疊後。於舉例說明之實施例中’ 該驅動桿85之相對端包括有彈性指狀件86。將可理解到 一裝訂或處理機器之一機械元件可直接結合彈性指狀件86 之一推動表面87，以往前推動裝訂元件20h之堆疊通過匣 盒60e中之凹槽。此外，彈性指狀件86可防止驅動桿85 並繼而防止裝訂元件20h之堆疊滑落回匣盒60e中，亦即 裝訂元件20h被傾向開口。或者，或再者，凹槽或導軌 83b之下表面，及/或驅動桿85之彈性指狀件86可具有較 大之用於裝訂條帶20h或驅動桿85移動之摩擦阻力。依據 另一實施例，可設置條帶20h及/或驅動桿85之一棘輪配 置，以防止條帶20h退回匣盒60d、60e、60f中。 再次參考圖13，匣盒60e亦可設置一表面，以防止當 裝訂條帶20h未和處理或裝訂機器結合時自匣盒60c中被 移開。就此一考慮而言，可設置有一以單一或多個例如是 蓋、門、凸緣或條帶之形式的限制裝置。例如顯示於圖13 之蓋或門87之尺寸可被做成覆蓋整個開口 81b，而其只要 做成可防止裝訂條帶20h脫離匣盒60e之尺寸即可。於範 例說明之實施例中，細長樞轉門87係設置於匣盒6〇e之開 口 81b之任一側。因而可想而得知，門87僅覆蓋裝訂條帶 20h之堆疊結構70係配置於其中之凹槽83b，限制其兩 端，且因而限制了整個裝訂條帶20h。 顯示於圖13及14之匣盒實施例60e、60f進一步包括 ___19_____ 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210x297公釐） ' (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) .嫌 _ 線- 577831 A7 ____JB7_ 五、發明說明（/ ¾ ) 支架88a、88b，其等將匣盒80a、80b之中空內部分隔成 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 裝訂條帶20h之隔層。於圖13之實施例中，支架88a、 88b包括導引件89，其大致以正交支架之角度延伸出。此 些導引件89係設置於裝訂條帶20h之指狀件之間，以方便 將各層裝訂條帶20h保持於所需要之位置，且使裝訂條帶 20h可自匣盒60e平順地移動。於此，導引件89可由一簡 單之支架88a、88b本身彎折所形成。導引件89亦可由和 支架88a、88b —體成形之片塊所形成，或者是由附接於支 架88a、88b之分離件所形成。 然而，如圖12至14中所提出之此些支架並不須配置 於裝訂條帶20h藉由凹槽83a、83b、83c而限制定位之 處，只要裝訂條帶20h本身之剛性足夠，且該等設置可提 供條帶適當之支撐以防止條帶糾纏。同樣地，可想而知， 匣盒本身並不限於是盒形之結構。例如，匣盒可以爲一種 支撐裝訂條帶而無壁面之類似框架配置之形式。 依據另一實施例，複數件裝訂元件之平行配置可被模 製成一連續長度之裝訂元件30d，近似參考圖2至7所舉 例說明之連續長度。如圖15所顯示的，被配置於個別裝訂 元件20d之相對縱向端的捲軸54d、56d提供了裝訂元件 20d間之連續性及連接，且該連續長度可如圖15所示以本 身自行捲起，或捲於一捲軸或線軸上。當模製連續複數個 如圖15中所說明之裝訂元件30d，個別裝訂元件20d可以 近似圖7中所說明之連續脊柱沿著連續捲軸54d、56d而被 模製。或者，連續複數個裝訂元件30d可以類似於圖4至 — _____________20___ 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 577831 A7 ___ B7 _ —―一― 五、發明說明（J ) 6所述之方式被模製，藉由僅部分模製該捲軸之尾端及/或 尾隨之裝訂元件30d於一模製長度之裝訂元件的尾端。 可想而知，耦合結構可延伸於裝訂元件20之任何適 當部分之間，例如脊柱22或指狀件24之間。於圖16所範 例說明之實施例中，捲軸係爲複數件鏈帶64之形式’鏈帶 延伸於相鄰裝訂元件20e之指狀件24e之間。當鏈帶64係 說明爲延伸在最外一對之指狀件之間時，可想而知一或多 個鏈帶64亦可被設置成延伸在其他成對之指狀件之間，或 者，若裝訂條帶係相對於成對之情況，則具有單一指狀件 一或多個鏈帶64亦可被設置成延伸在例如是指狀件及脊柱 之間。如是被鏈帶之裝訂元件20e之複數件形式30e可以 類似圖15所示之方法捲於其本身上，或是如圖16所示 的，被捲在一類似捲軸之裝置66上。於使用時，裝訂元件 20e之複數件形式30e可被鬆捲送入一機器中，且將連結 之鏈帶64被切斷及丟棄。 接著參考圖17至21，依據本發明之其他特徵，複數 件裝訂元件30f、30g亦可設置有堆疊結構70a、70b以方 便堆疊如同複數件形式30f、30g之一部分的裝訂元件 20f、20g，亦即若捲軸54f、54g、56f、56g被切開，以片 狀或類似狀，或個別的方式被堆疊。 該堆疊結構70a、70b可爲各種方便堆疊之適合方 式。用於堆疊結構70之各種設計係顯示於例如是 PCT/US0106362之申請案中。再者，如圖20至21所顯示 的，堆疊結構70b可被配置於捲軸54g、56g內側，亦即配 _____2]____ 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 麟 ϋ n n I ϋ·-_、· ΜΗ· MM* I SIM I MM 蜃 ϋ 40幺vv 577831 A7 B7 五、發明說明（〆） 置於捲軸54g、56g及裝訂條帶20g本身之間，或是如圖 17至19所示的，係配置於捲軸54f、56f之外側，即捲軸 54f、56f係配置於堆疊結構70a和裝訂條帶2〇f之間。以 此種方式，捲軸54f、54g、;56f、56g或耦合結構及堆疊結 構70a、70b可被單獨或同時應用。若僅其中一個或另一個 被使用’則多餘無關之結構可於使用前被切除，或於裝訂 機中不使用。不管任何方式，當耦合結構54f、54g、56f、 56g及堆疊結構70a、70b在儲存及/或一自動化處理及裝 訂程序之前、中或後不再需要被用到時，二者皆最好被切 除。可想而知，堆疊結構可被形成裝訂元件本身之一部 分，而於此種方式中，則其便不須被切除。 現在參考圖20至21，捲軸54g、56g可包括一結合結 構，其可藉由一裝訂機器之機械裝置或類似者而被結合以 將整個組合體拉或推進。於該範例說明之實施例中，結合 結構係以開口 74之形式，而藉由銷或類似者可穿過開口 74來結合。習於相關技術者將可想而知，可有其他之替代 結合結構被提出，例如，一或多個凸緣或類似者可自捲軸 之表面凸出，且可用於棘接並使捲軸及附接之裝訂元件往 前進。 複數件裝訂元件可類似由單獨一個或多個裝訂元件 2〇g和一個或多個捲軸段76所形成。於圖20和21中，二 個裝訂元件20g係和配置於縱向兩端任一端之捲軸段76 — 起模製。爲將捲軸段76耦結在一起，捲軸段76較佳係設 有一耦合結構78，例如所示之鍵配置78。於目前之較佳形 _22 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 嫌 ^1 ·ϋ ϋ n n i i 一 δν > .^1 ϋ— I I 1_1 Βϋ Β ϋ 577831 A7 _____B7________ 五、發明說明（7\ ) 式中，鍵配置78包括一公構件78a，其可被收納於另一捲 軸段76之母構件78b中。或者，一單一捲軸段76可設有 用於連接一具有互相搭配構形之捲軸段的兩個公構件或兩 個母構件。習於相關技術者將可想而知，捲軸段可包括一 替代式之耦合結構，或是藉由例如超音波焊接或是施用黏 著劑之替代式方法被耦合在一起。 可想而知，條帶本身及/或於裝訂機器中處理複數件 條帶之工具經常發生變化此些變化會影響複數件條帶及工 具間之相互作用。例如，於處理塑膠材料形成之複數件條 帶期間之收縮會造成耦合結構或堆疊結構結合不良。此 外，工具之磨損或容許度之增加或於機構中移動工具會造 成一定程度之移出或鬆弛，此將不利於處理條帶。 爲減低或消除此些變化之影響，複數件條帶30f較佳 係包括一位在個別條帶及耦合結構或堆疊結構之間的彈性 連接結構或彈性接頭72。於其較佳之實施例中，該彈性接 頭72具有彎彎曲曲之形狀，且特別是如圖17及19中所顯 示之小而扁平之彈簧72形式。於使用時，該彈簧或彈性接 頭72可允許捲軸54f、56f彈向或彈離條帶20f，以調整於 機器中用於攜載捲軸54f、56f之工具。 當於圖17至19中之裝訂元件設計中範例說明了彈性 接頭72，則可想而知，於產品及耦合結構間需要一些彈性 之任何結構中，彈性接頭72亦同樣地有用。例如，彈性接 頭亦可同樣地應用於例如圖8、9、15及16中所範例說明 之設計中，或於單獨應用堆疊結構70之組合中，例如是圖 ----------23__ 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 雄 黪 577831 A7 ________Β7_________ 五、發明說明（〆） 11A至14中所範例說明且已揭示及顯示於 PCT/US01/06362之申請案中的。耦合結構本身可採用彈性 接頭之形式。例如，圖16中之鏈帶64可具有一類似彈簧 之結構。 顯示於圖17及19之小而扁平之彈簧72特別適用於 所範例說明之裝訂條帶20f之設計中，因爲整個結構可模 製於不具移動型心之兩部分模子中。可想而知，此一彈性 接頭亦可爲其他的設計，只要其可使裝訂條帶和捲軸之間 具有某些程度之彈性。例如，可設有一線圈彈簧。或者， 該彈性接頭可爲一種基本上以非呈直角而模製於裝訂條帶 2〇f上之簡單式鏈帶，以使得當施外力以移動耦合結構(例 如是捲軸54f、56f)遠離裝訂元件20f時，鏈帶可移向一垂 直角度。該鏈帶或其中之一部分係作用爲一介於捲軸或堆 疊結構及裝訂條帶之間的活動鉸鏈。相反的，若施力將捲 軸54f、56f移向裝訂元件20f，則鏈帶將會移向一較小之 角度。 大體而言，本發明提出數種不同之配置，用以將複數 個裝訂元件提供給用於自動裝訂之自動機器中。該等裝訂 元件可以於一連續長度中被終端對終端地配置，或藉由在 條帶兩端之連續捲軸以平行配置之方式耦結一起。裝訂元 件可直接被進給入裝訂機器中，或藉由一例如是盒子或類 似者之輸送結構被進給入裝訂機器中。當藉由輸送結構被 進給時，裝訂元件可彼此被分開，或以位於脊柱兩縱向相 對端之捲軸集結成片。複數個裝訂元件亦可包括堆疊結 _____24___ 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 訂---------線— 曝 577831 A7 --- ---B7 五、發明說明（>$) 構’其係當藉由耦合結構耦結在一起，或是當耦合結構已 自裝訂元件被切除，或是當耦合結構被切斷以提供具有附 接之耦合結構的個別裝訂元件，用以方便裝訂元件之堆 疊。於儲存、處理及/或裝訂程序之前、之中或之後，任 何介於條帶及堆疊結構之間的耦合結構可被切除以分開條 帶。複數個裝訂條帶亦可包括一介於條帶及耦合及/或堆 疊結構之間之彈性接頭，例如是彈簧或是類似者。由彈性 接頭所提供之額外彈性，方便了耦合結構及/或堆疊結構 和處理及裝訂機器或設備之間的相互作用。以此種方式， 複數件裝訂元件可被符合經濟效益地被製作，及有效率地 被輸送至自動化機器中，以方便大量之裝訂程序。 本發明以強調之較佳實施例來說明，但不同之較佳實 施例亦可被應用，且本發明係打算可由除開於此特別說明 之實施例外者來施行。因此，本發明包括所有如接著之申 請專利範圍所界定之本發明之精神及範圍所包含之改變。 例如，本發明之不同觀念可被同時實施，例如配置於一匣 盒中之結合有堆疊結構、彈性接頭及捲軸的複數個裝訂元 件。 所有於此引用之參考資料，包括專利、專利申請案及 公開案’係於此整體被倂入參考。 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) m-i 'Description of the Invention (l;) FIG. 3 is a second embodiment of a plurality of binding elements constructed according to the teaching of the present invention; FIG. 4 is shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. A perspective view of a molded binding element constituting one; FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragment perspective view of the tail end of the mold shown in FIG. 4 with a fragmented perspective view of a molded binding element; FIG. 6 is a diagram An enlarged fragmented perspective view of the leading end of the mold shown in FIG. 4 with a fragmentary perspective view of the tail end of a molded binding element constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a mold constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention A perspective view of a mold of one of the second methods of binding elements; FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a plurality of binding elements constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a plurality of plurality of binding elements constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention A perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a binding element; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a plurality of binding elements constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; and FIG. A perspective view of the element; FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the other side of the binding element in FIG. 11A; FIG. 11C is an enlarged end view of the binding element in FIGS. 11A and B; and FIG. 12 is a plural number constructed according to the teaching of the present invention A perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a binding element; FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of a plurality of binding elements constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; __8____ This paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification ( 210 X 297 mm) (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) -Li.-· Thread · 577831 A7 __B7_______ V. Description of the invention (1) Figure 14 is a plurality of bindings constructed according to the teaching of the present invention An enlarged fragment perspective view of a ninth embodiment of the element; FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a tenth embodiment of a plurality of binding elements constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; FIG. 16 is a plurality of bindings constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention A perspective view of the eleventh embodiment of the element; FIG. 17 is a fragment of a single binding unit in the twelfth embodiment of a plurality of binding elements constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a stacking cap taken along line 18-18 in FIG. 17; FIG. 19 is a fragmentary plan view of a plurality of binding elements taken along line 19-19 in FIG. 17; FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a thirteenth embodiment of a plurality of binding elements constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; and FIG. 21 is an enlarged fragmentary view of an end section of the binding element shown in FIG. 20. Symbol description of main parts (please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) -tr ° J. 丨 Line · 20 binding elements 20b binding elements 20c binding elements 20d binding elements 20e binding elements 20f binding elements _9 paper size Applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 public love_) 577831 A7 B7 V. Description of invention (s 20g binding element 20h binding element 20k binding element 22 spine 22a spine 22b spine 24 finger 24e finger 26 Living hinge 30 Binding element 30a Binding element 30b Binding element 30d Binding element 30e Binding element 20e Multiple forms 30f Binding element 30g Binding element 34 Mold 36 Recess 38 Binding element 38a Binding element 40 Leading end 42 Trailing end 42a Tail end 44 recess (please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) This paper size is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) 577831 A7 _B7 V. Description of the invention (?) 46 Before the mold Leading end 50 Continuous strip 54 Reel 54d Reel 54f Reel 54g Reel 56 Reel 56d Reel 56 f reel 56g reel 60 box 60c conveying structure or box box box 60d box 60f box 64 chain belt 66 reel-like device 70 stacking structure 70a stacking structure 70b stacking structure 72 elastic connection structure or elastic joint 74 opening 76 one or more Each scroll section 78 Coupling structure 78a Male member _11 This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) 577831 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention () 78b female member 80a housing 80b housing 80c housing 81a opening 81b opening 81c opening 82a layer 82b layer 82c layer 83a groove or guide 83b groove or guide 83c groove or guide 84a through groove 84b through groove 85 drive rod 86 Elastic finger 87 Pushing surface (please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) Order--丨 Line-Detailed description of the present invention will now shift attention to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a typical binding The element 20 includes a spine 22 and a plurality of fingers 24. The fingers 24 extend from both sides of the spine 22. The spine 22 may further include a living hinge 26 or the like, which can facilitate the bending of the fingers 24 toward each other _12_ This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) 577831 A7 B7 V. Description of the Invention () (Please read the notes on the back before filling out this page). In this manner, the fingers 24 can be inserted through the perforations of a stack of paper (not shown) to bind the papers together. In the embodiment discussed, the living hinge 26 is in the form of a longitudinal extension line along the thinner thickness of the spine 2251. This type of binding element is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,270,280, which was acquired on August 7, 2001, and this patent will be incorporated herein by reference to all of its disclosure. Line · According to the present invention, the binding element 20 is regarded as a part of a plurality of binding elements, and the plurality of binding elements are arranged in a predetermined spatial relationship relative to each other to facilitate an automated binding process. It will be understood that the term '' adjacent '' used here includes not only that the binding elements are arranged very close together, but also that the binding elements are separated from each other as long as the spatial relationship is maintained. The plurality of binding elements thus configured can be directly processed without tangling, and can be coupled to an automated binding machine (not shown) for use in a large number of binding processes. A coupling structure between the plurality of binding elements 20 is then typically cut or cut to separate the elements before, during, or after the processing, closing, and / or binding procedures. Alternatively, if the coupling structure is a cassette or the like, the cassette can be discarded or retracted for future use. It will be understood by those skilled in the relevant art that the special design of the binding element 20 itself may be another configuration disclosed in the following description. For example, the binding element 20 may include a single piece such as fingers 24 that extend from the spine 22 in pairs. Preferably, however, the binding element 20 is a design that can be directly molded from plastic by, for example, an injection molding process. Examples of the structure of other sheet binding components are described in ^ _13 ___ This paper size is applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 x 297) 577831 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (//) (Abildgaard et al) U.S. Patent No. 4,369,013, U.S. Patent No. 4,607,970 to Heusenkveld, U.S. Patent No. 4,873,858 to Jones, U.S. Patent No. 4,873,858 to Jones, Vercillo No. 4,900,211, U.S. Patent No. 4,904,103 to Ammon (Im), and U.S. Patent No. 5,028,159 to Amrich et al. Now transfer to FIG. 2, which shows the A first embodiment of a plurality of binding elements 30 constructed and taught by the present invention. When a continuous binding element is shown, the plurality of binding elements 30 shown in FIG. 2 are basically connected by a series of ends. The end binding element 20 is molded. The plurality of binding elements 30 of the elongated strip can be rolled up in any suitable manner, such as rolled into a flat roll as shown in FIG. 2 or rolled into a roll as shown in FIG. 3. Twisted roll shown. The multiple binding The element 30 can then be unrolled to a flat shape, and a desired length of the binding element 20 is cut from the unrolled strip. It will be appreciated that, in this embodiment, the elongated spine 22 itself is a coupling structure between individual binding elements 20. In this way, this embodiment is particularly useful in that a plurality of binding elements 30 can be applied to an arrangement for binding paper stacks of different lengths. The cross-section may be approximately equal, but it is also appreciated that the slender length of the spine 22 passing through the plurality of binding elements 30 may also include different cross-sections along the length of the spine 22 along the plurality of binding elements 30. For example, the spine 22 may have a smaller cross section at every other standard length, such as 8 1/2 inches, 11 inches, or 14 inches, which is convenient for cutting adjacent binding elements. (Please read the notes on the back before filling out this page)) aj «---- line · This paper size is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) 577831 A7 _________ Β7 _ V. Description of the invention ( Μ) (Please read the notes on the back first Page write) for molding a plurality of continuous binding element (as shown in FIG.'S 2 and 3) of the mold based method which molds the like in the display of FIG. 4. According to this method, the mold 34 (the lower half of the mold is shown in the figure) has-a cavity 36 for molding a length of a binding element 38 having a leading end 40 and a trailing end 42. According to an important aspect of this method, the portion of the recess 44 at the inner end 42 is set to mold only a portion of the end 42 (see FIG. 5). In the illustrated embodiment, only a portion of the tail finger and the tail spine are molded in the tail 44 of the molding cavity. In this manner, after a length of the binding element 38 is molded, the molded length 38 is removed from the mold and moved forward to the tail end 42 of the length of the binding element 38 It is positioned in the recess 36 on the leading end 46 in front of the mold (refer to FIG. 6). In the following molding cycle, the binding element of the second segment length is molded, and the trailing end 42 of the binding element 38 of the previous segment becomes the leading end 40 of the binding element of the second segment, and the binding of the second segment length. The molding of the element completes the spine & finger at the trailing end 42 of the binding element 38 of the first length. In this manner, a continuous-length strip or a plurality of binding elements 30 can be molded into a continuous piece. Preferably, the partial molding of the tail end 42 of the molding length 38 is such that it can be combined with the drawing length 38, for example, as shown in Figs. The illustrated embodiment includes a portion of the tail of the molded fingers and a portion of the combined spine, although other arrangements are envisioned. For example, the tail of a finger can be completely molded, while the spine is only partially molded in a structure to facilitate the molding of the next segment of the spine. It can be expected, that is, the spine of the dovetail configuration shown in Figs. 4 to 6 'even if not __15_____ Fortunately, the paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) 577831 A7 ____B7_________ V. Description of the invention (work) Partial molding of the tail with fingers is also sufficient to provide a secure attachment to a binding strip with a continuous molded length. However, in design, part of the molding system can be very simple. For example, in the initial molding cycle, one half of the spine and one half of the fingers on the tail end 42 can be molded. The second method of molding the continuous-length binding element 30a is by molding the fingers 24 on a pre-formed continuous strip 50 arranged along the spinal region, and the configuration is explained as an example in FIG. 7 Way. According to this method, all the fingers of a molded-length binding element 38a are typically formed completely 'rather than only partially forming the trailing end 42a of the strip. The strip 50 may be formed from any suitable material, such as textile, metal, or extruded plastic or polymeric materials. For the purposes of the present invention, the term cord is meant to include textile materials, threads or string materials, ropes or similar materials' and wire—the word means to include metal wires , Filament or thin flat sheet. Figure 7 shows a rather large rectangular continuous strip 50. However, it can be understood that as long as a continuous element with a strip length that can be molded is provided, the continuous strip 50 can have different thicknesses and widths. And shapes. For example, the continuous strip 50 may be a thin string, and the fingers 24 and most of the spine 22a may be molded into a string to form a continuous-length strip. Referring next to Fig. 8, there is shown another embodiment of a plurality of binding members 30b. In this embodiment, a parallel binding element 20b is molded together with the reels 54, 56 to couple the binding element 20b along the opposite longitudinal ends of the spine 22b. In this manner, a plurality of binding elements 30b can be fed to a stack of sheets of paper bound in a stapling machine. These multiple binding elements 30b can be directly fed into, as shown in FIG. 8, once applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specifications (210 X). (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page.) · 577831 A7 ______ Β7 _ 5. Description of the Invention (^) The machine, or a plurality of binding elements 30b, can be arranged in a feed structure, such as the box 60 shown in FIG. 9. In this way, the reels 54, 56 can be applied to a feeding program or to a combined structure located in a binding or feeding machine (not shown). Alternatively, individual binding elements 20c may be arranged in such a conveying structure or cassette 60c. The binding element 20c may be an individual element 20c as shown in FIG. 10, which is basically a form in which the binding element 20c is finally bundled into a sheet bundle; or the binding element 20h may include a stack or The separated structure 70 is, for example, disclosed in application PCT / US01 / 06362 which has been assigned to the assignee of this application. The content disclosed in the application PCT / US01 / 06362 has been incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, that is, by referring to its disclosure of the stacked structure, its possible design, and the manner in which the stacked structure can cooperate with each other in the stack. In the presently preferred embodiment illustrated in Figs. 12 to 14, a plurality of binding elements 20b as shown in Figs. 11A to 11C are arranged in different cassette designs 60d, 60e, 60f. The binding element 20h includes a stacked structure 70 having a substantially cylindrical shape. When arranged in the cassettes 60d, 60e, 60f, the stacking structures 70 only abut each other to maintain the relative position of the binding element 20h. Therefore, the stacked structure can be any suitable design that can hold the binding element 20h in its individual separate position. It will be recognized that the perforation 71 passing through the center of each stacking structure 70 can facilitate the automatic arrangement of the binding elements 20h in the boxes 60d, 60e, 60f. Probes or the like (not shown) for efficiently loading the binding element 20h in a cassette. Furthermore, the stacking structure _ 17 ___ This paper size is applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) • Unstable:. Line · 577831 A7 ___B7____ V. Description of the invention (β) (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) The size of 70 itself can be made so that the cross-section or length of the stacking structure 70 can provide the size of the binding element itself, such as the binding element 20h Final closed diameter. The boxes 60a, 60b, and 60c shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 are each designed to include binding elements 20h of different layers. The boxes 60d, 60e, and 60f also have some similar characteristics, that is, a box defining a hollow interior. The casings 80a, 80b, 80c, and the binding strip 20h are stored therein, and are delivered to a machine (not shown) through an opening 81a, 81b, 81c. Although the illustrated embodiment includes a wall surface, the housing may also be in the form of a frame, which is also designed to define a hollow interior so that the binding strip 20h is stored therein. In order to ensure the normal movement of the binding elements 20h in the cassettes 60a, 60b, 60c, each layer 82a, 82b, 82c is provided with a groove or guide 83a, 83b, 83c, so that the stacked structure 70 group can be arranged along the same. Configuration. It will therefore be understood that the binding element 20h will be held in a given orientation without being tipped or rotated, ensuring that it can be consistently and accurately fed into an automatic binding machine. In order to advance the binding strips 20h of a given layer 82a, 82b mechanically, the boxes 60d, 60e may be provided with one or more through grooves 84a, 84b. The through grooves 84a, 84b can be used to visually determine the number of binding elements 20h accommodated in the cassettes 60d, 60e, and to obtain the individual stacked structure 70 of the strip 20h itself. In this manner, a component (not shown) of a binding or processing machine can obtain a plurality of binding strips 20h through the (or) through grooves 84a, 84b to apply force to the connected stacking structure 70, and The binding strip 20h is moved forward through the cassettes 60d, 60e. ___18___ This paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) 577831 A7 ______B7 ___ 5. Description of the invention (") As shown in Fig. 13, the cassette 60e may further include a driving rod 85, It can be arranged in a matching groove or guide rail 83b of a given layer after stacking of the binding elements 20h. In the illustrated embodiment, the opposite end of the driving rod 85 includes an elastic finger 86 It will be understood that a mechanical element of a binding or processing machine can be directly combined with a pushing surface 87 of one of the elastic fingers 86, which previously pushed the stack of binding elements 20h through the grooves in the cassette 60e. In addition, the elastic fingers The piece 86 can prevent the driving lever 85 and then the stack of binding elements 20h from slipping back into the cassette 60e, that is, the binding elements 20h are inclined to open. Or, or further, the groove or the lower surface of the guide 83b, and / or the drive The elastic fingers 86 of the rod 85 may have a large frictional resistance for binding the strip 20h or the movement of the driving rod 85. According to another embodiment, a ratchet configuration of the strip 20h and / or the driving rod 85 may be provided. To prevent 20h returned to the cassettes 60d, 60e, 60f. Referring again to FIG. 13, the cassette 60e may also be provided with a surface to prevent it from being removed from the cassette 60c when the binding strip 20h is not combined with a processing or binding machine. For consideration, a restriction device may be provided in the form of a single or a plurality of covers, doors, flanges, or strips. For example, the cover or door 87 shown in FIG. 13 may be sized to cover the entire opening 81b. As long as it is formed to prevent the binding strip 20h from detaching from the box 60e, in the exemplary embodiment, the slender pivot door 87 is disposed on either side of the opening 81b of the box 60e. Therefore, it can be imagined that the door 87 only covers the groove 83b in which the stacking structure 70 of the binding strip 20h is arranged, limiting both ends thereof, and thus limiting the entire binding strip 20h. Shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 Examples of cassettes 60e and 60f further include ___19_____ This paper size applies to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210x297 mm) '(Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page). Suspect _ Line-577831 A7 ____JB7_ V. Description of the Invention (/ ¾) Support 88a 88b, which divides the hollow interior of the cassettes 80a, 80b into (please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) the compartment for binding the strip 20h. In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the brackets 88a, 88b include guides The guides 89 extend approximately at the angle of the orthogonal brackets. These guides 89 are arranged between the fingers of the binding strip 20h, so as to conveniently maintain the binding strips 20h at the desired position. And the binding strip 20h can be smoothly moved from the cassette 60e. Here, the guide member 89 can be formed by bending a simple bracket 88a, 88b itself. The guide 89 may also be formed of a piece integrally formed with the brackets 88a, 88b, or a separate member attached to the brackets 88a, 88b. However, such brackets as proposed in FIGS. 12 to 14 do not need to be disposed at the binding strip 20h where the positioning is restricted by the grooves 83a, 83b, 83c, as long as the binding strip 20h itself is sufficiently rigid, and the Such settings may provide appropriate support for the strip to prevent entanglement of the strip. Similarly, it is conceivable that the cassette itself is not limited to a box-shaped structure. For example, the cassette may be in the form of a frame-like configuration that supports the binding strips without walls. According to another embodiment, the parallel arrangement of the plurality of binding elements may be molded into a continuous-length binding element 30d, approximately the continuous length as exemplified with reference to Figs. 2 to 7. As shown in FIG. 15, the reels 54d and 56d arranged at the opposite longitudinal ends of the individual binding elements 20d provide continuity and connection between the binding elements 20d, and the continuous length can be rolled up by itself as shown in FIG. 15, Or rolled on a reel or spool. When molding a plurality of consecutive binding elements 30d as illustrated in Fig. 15, the individual binding elements 20d can be molded along the continuous scrolls 54d, 56d similar to the continuous spine illustrated in Fig. 7. Alternatively, a plurality of consecutive binding elements 30d may be similar to Fig. 4 to — _____________20___ This paper size is applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) 577831 A7 ___ B7 _ — — — — 5. Description of the invention (J ) 6 is molded by molding the trailing end of the reel and / or the trailing binding element 30d only partially at the trailing end of a molding length binding element. It is envisioned that the coupling structure may extend between any suitable portion of the binding element 20, such as between the spine 22 or the finger 24. In the example illustrated in Fig. 16, the reel system is in the form of a plurality of link belts 64 'which extend between the fingers 24e of the adjacent binding members 20e. When the chain 64 is described as extending between the fingers of the outermost pair, it is conceivable that one or more of the chains 64 may also be provided to extend between other pairs of fingers, or If the binding straps are relative to the pair, one or more chain straps 64 with a single finger can also be provided to extend between the fingers and the spine, for example. If it is the plural form 30e of the binding element 20e of the chain belt, it can be wound on itself like the method shown in Fig. 15, or it can be wound on a reel-like device 66 as shown in Fig. 16. In use, a plurality of forms 30e of the binding element 20e can be loosely fed into a machine, and the linked chain 64 is cut and discarded. 17 to 21, according to other features of the present invention, a plurality of binding elements 30f, 30g may also be provided with a stacking structure 70a, 70b to facilitate stacking of binding elements 20f, 20g that are a part of the plurality of forms 30f, 30g. That is, if the reels 54f, 54g, 56f, 56g are cut, they are stacked in a sheet shape or the like, or individually. The stacking structures 70a, 70b can be various suitable methods for convenient stacking. Various designs for the stacked structure 70 are shown in, for example, PCT / US0106362. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 20 to 21, the stacking structure 70b can be arranged inside the reels 54g and 56g, that is, equipped with _____ 2] ____ This paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) ) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) LINϋ nn I ϋ · -_ 、 · ΜΗ · MM * I SIM I MM 蜃 ϋ 40 幺 vv 577831 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (〆) Place on the scroll Between 54g and 56g and the binding strip 20g itself, or as shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, they are arranged outside the reels 54f and 56f, that is, the reels 54f and 56f are arranged in the stacking structure 70a and the binding strip 2. f between. In this way, the reels 54f, 54g, 56f, 56g or the coupling structure and the stacked structure 70a, 70b can be applied individually or simultaneously. If only one or the other is used ', the extraneous structures can be cut off before use or not used in the binding machine. Either way, when the coupling structures 54f, 54g, 56f, 56g and the stacked structures 70a, 70b are no longer needed before, during, or after storage and / or an automated processing and binding process, both are best resection. It is conceivable that the stacked structure can be formed as part of the binding element itself, and in this way, it need not be cut off. Referring now to Figs. 20 to 21, the reels 54g, 56g may include a coupling structure which may be combined by a mechanism of a binding machine or the like to pull or advance the entire assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling structure is in the form of an opening 74, and can be coupled through the opening 74 by a pin or the like. Those skilled in the relevant art will envision that other alternative bonding structures may be proposed, for example, one or more flanges or the like may protrude from the surface of the reel, and may be used for ratcheting and making the reel and attachment The binding element moves forward. The plurality of binding elements may similarly be formed by a single binding element 20g or more and one or more reel sections 76. In Figs. 20 and 21, two binding members 20g are molded together with a reel section 76 arranged at either end in the longitudinal direction. To couple the reel sections 76 together, the reel sections 76 are preferably provided with a coupling structure 78, such as the key arrangement 78 shown. The better shape at present _22 This paper size is applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) Suspect ^ 1 · ϋ ϋ nnii δν & gt . ^ 1 ϋ— II 1_1 Βϋ Β ϋ 577831 A7 _____B7________ V. Description of the invention (7 \) In the formula, the key arrangement 78 includes a male member 78a, which can be stored in a female member 78b of another reel section 76. Alternatively, a single reel section 76 may be provided with two male members or two female members for connecting a reel section having a mutually matching configuration. Those skilled in the relevant art will envision that the reel section may include an alternative coupling structure, or be coupled together by, for example, ultrasonic welding or alternative methods of applying an adhesive. It is conceivable that the strip itself and / or the tool used to handle the multiple pieces in the binding machine often change. These changes will affect the interaction between the multiple pieces of tape and the tools. For example, shrinkage during processing of a plurality of strips of plastic material can cause poor coupling of the coupling structure or the stacked structure. In addition, increased wear or tolerance of the tool or moving the tool in the mechanism will result in a certain degree of removal or slack, which will be detrimental to the handling of the strip. In order to reduce or eliminate the effects of these changes, the plurality of strips 30f preferably include a single elastic connection structure or elastic joint 72 between the individual strips and the coupling structure or the stacked structure. In its preferred embodiment, the elastic joint 72 has a meandering shape, and particularly a small and flat spring 72 as shown in Figs. 17 and 19. In use, the spring or elastic joint 72 may allow the reels 54f, 56f to spring toward or away from the strip 20f to adjust the tools used to carry the reels 54f, 56f in the machine. When the elastic joint 72 is exemplified in the design of the binding element in Figs. 17 to 19, it is conceivable that the elastic joint 72 is equally useful in any structure requiring some flexibility between the product and the coupling structure. For example, the elastic joint can be similarly applied to the design illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9, 15, and 16, or in the combination of the stacked structures 70 individually applied, such as the figure --------- -23__ This paper size is in accordance with China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) Xiong 黪 577831 A7 ________ Β7 _________ V. Description of the invention (〆) 11A to 14 Exemplified and disclosed and shown in the PCT / US01 / 06362 application. The coupling structure itself may take the form of an elastic joint. For example, the chain 64 in FIG. 16 may have a spring-like structure. The small, flat spring 72 shown in Figs. 17 and 19 is particularly suitable for the illustrated design of the binding strip 20f, because the entire structure can be molded in a two-part mold without a moving core. It is conceivable that this elastic joint may be of other designs as long as it can provide a certain degree of elasticity between the binding strip and the reel. For example, a coil spring may be provided. Alternatively, the elastic joint may be a simple chain belt that is molded on the binding strip 20f at a substantially non-right angle, so that when an external force is applied to move the coupling structure (for example, the reels 54f, 56f) away from the binding With the element 20f, the chain can be moved to a vertical angle. The link or part thereof acts as a living hinge between the reel or stack structure and the binding strip. Conversely, if force is applied to move the reels 54f, 56f toward the binding member 20f, the chain belt will move to a smaller angle. Generally speaking, the present invention proposes several different configurations for providing a plurality of binding elements to an automatic machine for automatic binding. The binding elements can be arranged end-to-end in a continuous length, or coupled together in a parallel arrangement by continuous reels at both ends of the strip. The binding element may be fed directly into the binding machine, or it may be fed into the binding machine by a conveying structure such as a box or the like. When fed by the conveying structure, the binding elements can be separated from each other or assembled into sheets by rolls located at two longitudinally opposite ends of the spine. Multiple binding elements can also include stacking knots _____24___ This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) Order ------ --- Line — Expose 577831 A7 --- --- B7 V. Description of the invention (> $) The structure is to be coupled together by a coupling structure, or when the coupling structure has been cut off from the binding element, Or when the coupling structure is cut to provide individual binding elements with attached coupling structures to facilitate stacking of the binding elements. Before, during or after the storage, handling and / or stapling process, any coupling structure between the strips and the stacking structure can be cut away to separate the strips. The plurality of binding strips may also include an elastic joint between the strip and the coupling and / or stacking structure, such as a spring or the like. The additional flexibility provided by the elastic joint facilitates the interaction between the coupling and / or stacking structure and the processing and stapling machine or equipment. In this way, multiple binding elements can be produced economically and efficiently transferred to automated machines to facilitate a large number of binding procedures. The present invention is described with emphasis on the preferred embodiments, but different preferred embodiments can also be applied, and the present invention is intended to be implemented by anyone other than the implementation exceptions specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the scope of the subsequent patent application. For example, different concepts of the present invention can be implemented at the same time, such as a plurality of binding elements combined with a stack structure, elastic joints, and reels arranged in a box. All references, including patents, patent applications, and publications' are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) m-
-------訂·--------*5^ I -n H ϋ ϋ ϋ ϋ ϋ I n ϋ · ----25 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公t )------- Order · -------- * 5 ^ I -n H ϋ ϋ ϋ ϋ ϋ I n ϋ · ---- 25 This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 male t)