US3608117A - Machine for binding and punching sheets - Google Patents

Abstract

D R A W I N G
AN OFFICE-TYPE MACHINE IS PROVIDED FOR FIRST PUNCHING HOLES IN SHEETS AND THEN BINDING THE SHEETS TO FORM A BOOK. USED WITH THE MACHINE ARE TWO PLASTIC STRIPS, ONE HAVING LONGITUDINALLY SPACED UPSTANDING STUDS AND THE OTHER HAVING HOLES CORRESPONDING IN SPACING TO THE STUDS. THE MACHINE HAS A PUNCH TO PREPARE THE SHEETS. PUNCHED SHEETS ARE POSITIONED IN THE MACHINE ON TOP OF THE SECOND STRIP AND THE STUDS OF THE FIRST STRIP ARE INSERTED THROUGH THE HOLES IN THE PAPER AND THE HOLES IN THE SECOND STRIP. THE STRIPS WITH THE PAPER THEREBETWEEN ARE COMPRESSED TOGETHER. EXCESS LENGTHS OF THE STUDS ARE CUT OFF BY HOT BLADES AND RIVET-LIKE HEADS ARE FORMED ON THE SEVERED ENDS OF THE STUDS BY HEADING ARMS WHICH STRIKE THE MOLTEN ENDS OF THE STUDS AND LOCK THE STRIPS AND INTERPOSED SHEETS IN ASSEMBLED POSITION.

Description

Sept. 28, 1971 w, ABlLDGAARD EIAL 3,608,111

MACHINE FOR BINDING AND PUNCHING SHEETS Filed Nov. 10, 1969 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 I N VENTOR. W/LL/AM H. AB/LDGAARD CHARLES Z' GROSW/THIZI BY DALNY TRAVAGL/O QAW 4 4 ATTORN EY Sept. 28, 1971 w. H. ABILDGAARD A 3,608,117

I MACHINE FOR BINDING AND PUNCHING SHEETS Filed Nov. 10, 1969 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. WILL/AM l-LAB/LDGAARD CHARLES 7f GROSW/THM' BY DALWY TRAVAG'L/O ATTORNEY Sept. 28, 1971 w. H. ABILDGAARD EI'A 3,503,117

MACHINE FQR BINDING AND PUNCHING SHEETS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Nov. 10, 1969 IN E T WILL/AM H. A5/L%6 /&RD CHARLES ZGROSW/THJH BY )DALNY TRAl/AGL/O a a n,

ATTORNEY Sept. 28, 1971 W. H. ABILDGAARD ETA L MACHINE FOR BINDING AND PUNCHING SHEETS 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Nov. 10, 1969 INVENTOR- WILLIAM H. AB/LDGAARD CHARLES TGROSW/THHZ' BY DALNY TRAVAGL/O ATTORNEY Sept. 28, 1971 w. H. ABILDGAARD ETAL 3,503,117

MACHINE FOR BINDING AND PUNCHING SHEETS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Nov. 10, 1969 E nAmm U OA/L N mw m wmw T M W 7 HSW M m9 M mm n k\ wt 8 K B mm H 7 mm a 8 R S 8 wt 8 Q a Q n L United States Patent Otfice 3,608,117 Patented Sept. 28, 1971 MACHINE FOR ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An office-type machine is provided for first punching holes in sheets and then binding the sheets to form a book. Used with the machine are two plastic strips, one having longitudinally spaced upstanding studs and the other having holes corresponding in spacing to the studs. The machine has a punch to prepare the sheets. Punched sheets are positioned in the machine on top of the second strip and the studs of the first strip are inserted through the holes in the paper and the holes in the second strip. The strips with the paper therebetween are compressed together. Excess lengths of the studs are cut off by hot blades and rivet-like heads are formed on the severed ends of the studs by heading arms which strike the molten ends of the studs and lock the strips and interposed sheets in assembled position.

This application is a continuation-in-art of copending application Ser. No. 799,045 filed Feb. 13, 1969.

This invention relates to a new and improved apparatus for binding apertured sheets to produce a book.

A feature of the present invention is the fact that it is a machine of a size suitable for use in a business office which both punches and binds sheets together, using two plastic strips, one having spaced studs which project through the holes in the sheets and the other being formed with apertures to receive the ends of the studs. When the two strips are pressed together with the sheets to be bound interposed and with the studs fitting through the holes in the sheets, a ladder-like arrangement of the strips is obtained. The excess length of the strips are sheared off by the application of heat, leaving the ends of the studs in softened condition. The ends are struck with hammer-like arms which form heads permanently binding the sheets together.

A feature of the invention is the fact that it accepts a wide variety of types of material. Thus ordinary paper which has been punched or drilled adjacent one of its margins may be used or the machine may punch the paper as a preliminary to the binding operation. On the other hand, looseleaf, previously-punched paper may be used. It is sometimes desirable to re-bind books or to bind assembled pluralities of books, pamphlets, catalogs and the like. For this operation, the material is punched or drilled adjacent one margin thereof, in a separate machine. The versatility of the apparatus, as far as the variety of mate rial accepted, is one of the features of the invention.

Another feature of the invention is the fact that a range in thickness of pages is accommodated. The studs of the first strip heretofore mentioned are of extended length so as to fit through a relatively thick book. However, the apparatus shears off the excess length of the studs where less than the maximum length is required. The effectiveness of the binding operation is relatively independent of the thickness of the papers involved. The apparatus will accept a variety of sizes of sheets within limits.

Another feature of the apparatus is the fact that the sheets are tightly pressed together and then locked in place incompressed condition.

Still another feature of the invention is the fact that by mechanical linkages hereinafter described in detail, a single operating handle may be used to operate the punch which punches the sheets and also to compress the strips together with the pages interposed therebetween.

Another feature of the invention is the fact that a timing cycle is achieved which shears the excess stud lengths and then hammers the still soft stud ends to form heads.

Another feature of the invention is the fact that it is easily operated by relatively untrained personnel. Little physical effort is required to operate the machine and the operation is rapid.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings in which similar characters of reference represent corresponding parts in each of the several views.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view partly broken away in section of the apparatus which is the subject of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view thereof showing the device in compressed condition in solid lines and in extended position in dotted lines.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing elements of the device in other positions of adjustment.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken substantially along the line 55 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken substantially along the line 6-6 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, top plan view of the structure of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the elements of the machine which shear and head the studs.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 9-9 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 showing the parts in another position in the cycle of operation.

FIG. 11 is an elevational view of one of the strips used in practice of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of another of said strips.

FIGS. 13 to 17, inclusive, are fragmentary, schematic views showing steps in the cycle of assembling the strips and sheets, compressing the same, severing the studs and heading the severed ends.

The apparatus hereinafter described is used to bind together either temporarily or permanently pluralities of sheets of paper or the like which are designated in the accompanying drawings generally by reference numeral 21. Cover sheets for the front and back of the book may also be used. Each sheet is formed with a series of spaced holes 22 along one margin thereof, the spacing between the holes corresponding to the spacing of studs 23 of first strip 24, hereinafter described. The holes 22 are preferably round and made by means of a paper punch which is a part of the apparatus herein described. Occasionally, however, it is desirable to bind pro-punched pages or to re-bind a book such as a paper bound book. Thereupon the holes 22 of such pages may be drilled or otherwise formed by separate apparatus. The dimensions of the sheets 21 which are accepted by the apparatus hereinafter described, are subject to considerable variation, the apparatus being made large enough to accommodate a range of sizes. The thickness of the book which is to be bound is likewise subject to variation between a very few sheets and a thickness which is within the wide and thick. The length is approximately equal to that of the sheets 21. Spaced along the center of one surface of the strip 24 are circular cross-section integral studs 23 formed with points 25 at their outer ends. The studs 23 are preferably between A and in diameter and may be in length up to about 3".

The second strip 26 also is approximately in width and A in thickness and is formed with a series of holes 27 spaced in distances corresponding to the spacing of the studs 23. Preferably, a countersink 28 is formed in each hole 27 along one surface of the strip 26.

The strips 24, 26 are preferably molded or otherwise formed of a plastic material. One suitable plastic is a rigid polyvinyl chloride which is thermoplastic. Another suitable thermoplastic is high-impact polystyrene.

The machine which is the subject of this invention, is preferably suitable for installation on an oifice desk or the like and hence is relatively small and compact. A base plate 31 is supported above the table or other surface on which the machine is installed by pads 32. Projecting upward along either side of the base are sides 33. Extending between the sides at the front of the machine is a horizontal lower platen 34 used to support sheets 21 during the punching operation. Spaced rearwardly of and elevated above lower platen 34 is horizontal upper platen 36 used to support sheets 21 during the shearing and heading of studs 23. Vertical panel 37 formed with an opening 38 to receive sheets 21 extends down from upper platen 36 to lower platen 34, Behind upper platen 36 is a vertical panel 39, also formed with slotted openings 41 and above panel 39 is a top 42 which connects to back 43.

Extending horizontally transversely of the machine adjacent base plate 31 and approximately midway between the front and the rear of the machine is main shaft 46. An external operating handle 47 performs a variety of operations depending upon the direction and the extent which it is moved. Directing attention to FIGS. 3 and 4, the neutral position of handle is shown by line N. Connected to shaft 46 is link 48 which is pinned by pin 49 to front and rear links 51, 52. Spaced rearwardly of panel 37 and slightly above the level of lower platen 34 is punch shaft 53 which carries a rocker arm 54 formed with an elongated slot 56 which receives pin 57 on the outer end of forward link 51. The left-hand end of slot 56 is formed with an arcuate extension 60. In neutral position, pin 57 is at the upper end of the straight stretch of slot 56. When handle 47 is pulled from the neutral position of FIG. 4 in a counterclockwise direction to the solid line position of FIG. 4, pin 57 first proceeds to the end of arcuate slot 60 and thereafter rocker arm 54 is turned in a counterclockwise direction and this turns punch shaft 53 through about thirty degrees in a counterclockwise direction. When handle 47 is returned to neutral position, rocker arm 54 is returned to the dotted line position of FIG. 4. The arcuate extension 60 positively turns shaft 53 to starting position. Shaft 53 is preferably spring-loaded to assist the return to neutral position. When handle 47 is turned in clockwise direction beyond neutral, pin 57 slides to the bottom end of slot 56 providing a lost motion connection.

The punching operation and apparatus is shown particularly in FIGS. 6 and 7. For each hole 22 to be punched in sheets 21, there is a punch rod 61 Which reciprocates vertically, being guided by upper laminae 62 and lower laminae 63 which are apertured to receive rods 61. Laminae 62 consist of apertured sheet metal strips extending the width of the machine. Lower laminae 63 are similar strips. At intervals are vertical spacers 64 which are bonded to the laminae by rivet heads 66. The third lowermost lamina is a spacer lamina 67 being shorter than the others providing space 68 for the insertion of the sheets 21 to be punched. The location of the spacer 67 is at the level of the lower platen 34. Between the vertical spacers 64, for each punch rod 61 is a segmental pinion 71 which is fixed to punch shaft 53. Each 4 ,m punch rod 61 has fixed thereto rack elements 72 which mesh with the teeth of the segmental pinion 71. The rack elements 72 may consist of several disks fixed to rod 61. Preliminary to punching, the edges of sheets 21 are inserted through opening 38 and into spacer 68. The left hand edge of each sheet is squared against side guide 73 which projects up from the level of the lower platen 34 and the inner edges of the sheets are pushed against the spacer lamina 67. When the punch shaft 53 is oscillated by pulling handle 47 from the neutral position of FIG. 4 to the solid line position thereof, the punch rods 61 are depressed and the ends of the punch rods shear against the second lowermost apertured lamina 63, punching holes 22 in the sheets 21. In order to reduce the force required for punching, pinions 71 may be staged about shaft 53 so that only a few of rods 61 contact the paper simultaneously and other rods contact the paper serially.

Directing attention again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the rear link 52 carries a pin 76 which fits in arcuate lost motion slot 77 in triangular second rocker arm 78 which is pivoted about pivot 79 attached to an upward projection 81 of base 31. An elongated lever 82 is pivoted to the corner of rocker arm 78 opposite pivot 79 and the outer end of link 82 is pinned to pressure bar 83. On each side of the machine an alignment pin 84 depends from bar 83. See FIG. 5. Alignment pin 84 fits in a vertical socket 86 in block 87 fixed to base plate 31, the lower end of the pin being chamfered to facilitate insertion in the alignment socket. An apertured guide fitting 88 is pivoted by pin 89 to block 87. When alignment pin 84 is released from its socket 86, it remains Within fitting 88 and its movement is restricted thereby. When alignment pin 84 is depressed as hereinafter explained, fitting 88 guides the end of alignment pin 84 into its socket 86.

The linkage is such that when handle 47 is in neutral position, pin 76 is at the right hand end of slot 77 as viewed in FIG. 4, but arm 78 is in solid line position. During the punch operation pin 76 slides in arcuate slot 77 and rocker arm 78 remains stationary aaginst stop 80. When handle 47 is moved from neutral position in clockwise direction, however, pin 76, being seated at the right end of .slot 77, pivots rocker arm 78 from the solid line position of FIG. 4 to the dotted line position thereof. In the solid line position of arm 78 in FIG. 4, lever 82 raises pressure bar 83 and lifts alignment pin 84 out of its socket 86. This tilts pressure bar 83 rearwardly behind panel 39 for a purpose which hereinafter appears. Clockwise movement of handle 47 from neutral or solid line position to the dotted line position of FIG. 4 or solid line position of FIG. 3 pulls alignment pin 84 down into socket 86 and pulls bar 83 downwardly. Coil springs 91 which interconnect bar 83 and shaft 79 apply a downward pressure on pressure bar 83.

The upper platen 36 is formed with a transverse depression 96 immediately before opening 41 and immediately in front of panel 39 and into this depression the second strip 26 is installed with the countersunk holes 28 downwards. The punched sheets 21 are then installed on top of the second strip 26, their side edges being squared against side guide 97 and their inner edges panel 39. The holes 22 in the paper and holes 27 in the second strip are thereby aligned. Studs 23 are then inserted through the holes until the first strip 24 is on top of the top sheet 21. Since studs 23 may be of extended length, the capacity of the machine is increased by permitting the upper transverse pressure bar 83 to tilt rearwardly as is shown in solid lines in FIG. 4. As handle 47 is moved from the neutral position shown in FIG. 3 to the solid line position of FIG. 3, pressure bar 83 first returns to horizontal position by reason of guide fittings 88 directing the lower ends of the alignment pins 84 in the alignment socket 86 and the lever 82 next pulls the pressure bar 83 downwardly as guided by the alignment pins 84. Springs 91 press bar 83 against first strip 24 and compress sheets 21 between the first and second strips. (See solid line position of FIG. 3.) As a safety measure, the movement of bar 83 may be damped by a dashpot or other means (not shown). The excess length of studs 23 project below the bottom surface of second strip 26. Springs 91 hold the hook in place during the severing and heading operations, which are next described. Thereafter handle 47 is returned to neutral and pressure bar 83 to the position shown in FIG. 4.

Extending transversely about at the level of upper platen 36 is a stud severing and heading cycling shaft 98 which is driven through one revolution by an electric motor 99 when the operator presses a button. Extending transversely horizontally of the machine is a hollow tube 101 which receives a heating element (not shown) which is thermostatically controlled to heat tube 101 and also the horizontally reciprocating knife blades 102 which project horizontally forwardly therefrom through opening 41 in front panel 39. On their forward movement, the blades cut off the excess lengths of the studs 23 slightly below the level of second strip 26 (see FIG. 9.) On the retractive stroke (dotted line position of FIG. 9), the blades are retracted behind front panel 39 and thus do not constitute a hazard to personnel. Below the level of the blades 102 is an extension 103 of front panel 39 Which serves as a wiper to strip off excess plastic which tends to cling to blades 102. Tube 101 is supported at each end by leaf springs 104 which are fixed at their lower ends and which bias tube 101 to rearward or dotted line position of FIG. 9. On timing shaft 98 are a plurality of cams 106 having high dwells 107. When the high dwells 107 contact tube 101 as shaft 98 turns in clockwise direction, the tube is forced forwardly (to the left in FIG. 9). After shaft 98 has turned so that high dwells 107 are no longer in contact with tube 101, springs 104 return to the blades to retracted position.

For each stud 23 there is a heading arm 111 which performs a hammering function. The heading arms 111 are pivoted about shaft 112 which is parallel to and behind timing shaft 98. Compression springs 113 bias the arms 111 in a clockwise direction (see FIG. 10). Each arm 111 has a forward projecting extension 114 which has an upward turned striking portion 116 in alignment with stud 23. Each arm 111 also is formed with a cam following finger 117. For each arm 111 there is a cam 118 on timing shaft 98. Each cam 118 has a low dwell 119 or idling portion, then a constantly increased radius portion 121 and finally a trigger or substantially radial stretch 122 which joins the low dwell portion 119. The cam follower finger 117 of each arm 111 engages cam 118. As shaft 98 turns, cam 118 moves arm 111 from the dotted line position of FIG. 9 to the solid line position thereof (which also is a movement from the solid line position of FIG. 10 to the dotted line position thereof). The downward or counterclockwise movement of arm 111 compresses spring 113 and hence when shaft 98 reaches the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 10, arm 111 springs upward from the dotted line position to the solid line position with considerable force. Blades 102 have heated the ends of stud material 23 during the time that the studs are being cut and the stud ends are still quite soft. Hence when the striking ends 116 of the arms 111 forcibly contact the plastic stud, heads are formed on the stud and the material is forced into the countersunk portions of second strips 26. The volume of material in the arms 111 operates as a heat sink which cools the studs 23 causing them to become non-plastic as the cams 118 travel through their low dwell portion 119. The arms 111 are then retracted to the dotted line position of FIG. 10 and the cycle is ready for repetition.

Directing attention now to FIGS. 13-17, the method of operation of the machine is best illustrated. Preliminarily, the sheets 21 are inserted in whatever quantity the punch will accept in spacer 67, the holes 22 to be punched being properly located by the inner edges of the paper contacting the spacer 67 and the margins of the pages contacting the side guide 73. The handle 47 is pulled from neutral position forwardly causing the punch rods 61 to punch holes in the paper and then returned to neutral position. The punching operation may be repeated several times until all of the sheets 21 Which are to form the book have been punched. It will be understood, as has already been explained, that holes 22 may be pre-punched or may be drilled where necessary.

The second strip 26 is then installed in the depression 96 in the rearward end of top platen 36 with the countersunk surfaces of the holes lowermost. The sheets 21 are then piled on top of platen 36 and square against the back panel 39 and side guide 97. The holes 22 27 in the sheets and lower strip are thereby aligned. Thereupon the upper strip 24 is installed with studs 23 extending down through the holes 22 in the sheets 21 and through the holes 27 in the second strip 26 and projecting below the second strip (see FIG. 14).

With the handle in neutral position, the pressure bar 83 is tilted backward permitting the installation of first strips 24 with elongated studs 23 and with a considerable thickness of material to be bound. As the control handle 47 is moved rearwardly in a clockwise direction the pressure bar 83 is brought to horizontal position by reason of the fact that the pivoted guide fittings 88 direct the lower ends of the alignment pins 84 into the vertical guide sockets '86.

Continued movement of handle 47 pulls pressure bar vertically downwardly under the influence of springs 91, forcing the studs 23 down and compressing sheets 21 between the lower 26 and upper 24 strips (see FIG. 15). Handle 47 remains in rearward position, the extent of movement depending upon the thickness of sheets to be handled in the maximum position. A control light indicates whether the heating elements have heated the blades 102 to a sufiiciently high temperature to perform their function. When this is indicated, the operator pushes a button which cycles motor 99 to turn shaft 98 through one revolution. At the start of the cycle, blades 102 are retracted and the heading arms 111 are also in the retracted position. As shaft 98 turns, cams 106 force tube 101 forwardly against the force of springs 104 causing blades 102 to cut off the ends of the studs 23 a short distance below the bottom surface of the second strip 26, the severed ends dropping into a receptacle (not shown). The blades 102 not only sever studs 23 but also heat the lower ends thereof so that they are soft. Blades 102 then retract under the action of springs 104 as shaft 98 continues to revolve. The continued turning of shaft 98 further depresses the arms 111 against the force of springs 113 until the trigger portion 122 of cam 11 8 passes the cam follower fingers 117 of arms 1'11 and thereupon the springs 113 forcibly impel the arms 111 in an upward, clockwise direction. The working ends 116' of arms 11'1 forcibly strike the soft ends of the studs 23, forming heads thereon and forcing the material to fill the countersunk portions 28 of the holes 27. The arms 111 remain in contact with studs 23 a sufiicient length of time to cool the same, whereupon the arms 111 are retracted to initial position and the timing cycle is ready for repetition. Handle 47 is returned to neutral position and the bound book is removed.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for binding sheets together with the use of a first strip, a plurality of studs projecting from and spaced longitudinally relative to said first strip and a second strip formed with apertures spaced longitudinally of said second strip at intervals complementary to said studs, said apparatus comprising a frame having means shaped to receive one said strip, a platen table adjacent said means to support apertured sheets, a pressure foot formed to engage the other of said strips, cooperating means on said frame and said pressure foot to move said pressure foot toward said first-mentioned means to bring said strips together with said studs projecting through said apertures,

and shear means to cut off the ends of said studs projecting through said second strip.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which said cooperating means comprises actuating means mounted on said frame, means articulately connecting said actuating means and said pressure foot, and cooperating guide means on said frame and said pressure foot, said actuating means forcing said pressure foot in a direction perpendicular to said platen to compress said strips toward each other.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which said guide means disengage when said pressure foot is positioned remote from said platen and said means articulately connecting said actuating means and said pressure foot tilts said pressure foot at an angle relative to said platen, and second guide means for reengaging said first-mentioned guide means when said last-mentioned means moves said pressure foot toward said platen.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which said shear means comprises a plurality of blades, means reciprocating said blades in a direction transverse to said studs and heating means to heat said blades.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 which further comprises a plurality of heading means mounted on said frame and heading actuating means for moving said heading means against the ends of studs cut off by said shear means to form heads on said ends, securing said studs and said strips in assembled position.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 which further comprises heating means to heat and make plastic said ends, whereby said heading actuating means upset said plastic ends.

7. Apparatus according to claim 5 in which said heading means comprises a plurality of levers pivotally mounted on said frame having cam follower fingers, a shaft, cams on said shaft engaged by said fingers, resilient means biasing said levers toward said ends, said cams shaped to force said levers against the force of said springs away from said ends and then rapidly to release said levers for hammer-like blows of said heading means against said ends, and means for turning said shaft.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 which further comprises second cams on said shaft engaging said shear means, said second cams forcing said shear means to out off said ends prior to said heading means being driven against said ends.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8 which further comprises heating means to heat said shear means to soften said ends as said ends are cut 01f.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1 which further comprises means on said frame to deform the cutoff ends of said studs to hold said studs and said second strip bound together.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,908,173 10/1959 Bardy.

3,125,887 3/1964 Bouvier et a1. 3,452,376 7/1969 Ito.

LAWRENCE CHARLES, Primary Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R. 281-21

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