US3811146A

US3811146A - Machine for binding books

Info

Publication number: US3811146A
Application number: US00323520A
Authority: US
Inventors: D Buan; W Abildgaard; H Deman
Original assignee: VeloBind Inc
Current assignee: VeloBind Inc
Priority date: 1973-01-15
Filing date: 1973-01-15
Publication date: 1974-05-21
Anticipated expiration: 1991-05-21
Also published as: YU36111B; YU11274A

Abstract

A machine binds paper punched with apertures spaced at intervals near one margin using two thermoplastic strips, the first having studs at intervals and the second having counterbored holes at the same intervals. The paper is placed on the machine platen with the second strip underlying the paper. The studs of the first strip are inserted through the holes in the paper and second strip. A pressure bar is guided to rest on the first strip. A motor is then energized to turn a cam shaft through one revolution. A pressure cam causes downward pull on the pressure bar until a pre-selected pressure is applied to the first strip, whereupon the pressure is held constant until the end of the cycle. After said pressure has been applied, a plurality of heated blades corresponding to the spacing of studs is moved by cam action to cut off the excess lengths of the studs, leaving short stubs beneath the second strip. Next, the blades are raised by cam action to deform the stubs into the counterbores in the second strip. The blades are then withdrawn. Cooling fingers are forced by cam action against the deformed studs to finish the shape of the heads of the stubs and cool same, thereby completing the binding action. The pressure cam releases the pressure bar allowing the bar to be retracted and the completed book removed.

Description

United States Patent [191 Abildgaard et al.

[ MACHINE FOR BINDING BOOKS [75] Inventors: William H. Abildgaard; Charles T.

Groswith, 111, both of Los Altos; Heiko T. Deman, Alameda; Danilo P. Buan, Pleasanton, all of Calif.

[73] Assignee: Velo-Bind, Inc., Sunnyvale, Calif. [22] Filed: Jan. 15, 1973 [211 App]. No.: 323,520

Primary ExaminerLawrence Charles Attorney, Agent, or FirmJu1ian Caplan [57] ABSTRACT A machine binds paper punched with apertures [451 May21, 1974 spaced at intervals near one margin using two thermoplastic strips, the first having studs at intervals and the second having counterbored holes at the same intervals. The paper is placed on the machine platen with the second strip underlying the paper. The studs of the first strip are inserted through the holes in the paper and second strip. A pressure bar is guided to rest on the first strip. A motor is then energized to turn a cam shaft through one revolution. A pressure cam causes downward pull on the pressure bar until a pre-selected pressure is applied to the first strip, whereupon the pressure is held constant until the end of the cycle. After saidpressure has been applied, a plurality of heated blades corresponding to the spacing of studs is moved by cam action to cut off the excess lengths of the studs, leaving short stubs beneath the second strip. Next, the blades are raised by cam action to deform the stubs into the counterbores in the second strip. The blades are then withdrawn. Cooling fingers are forced by cam action against the deformed studs to finish the shape of the heads of the stubs and cool same, thereby completing the binding action. The pressure cam releases the pressure bar allowing the bar to be retracted and the completed book removed.

10 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEDMAYZI 1914 3.811.146

SHEET 1 OF 4 I Fig. l

PATENTED MAY 21 974 SHEET 3 0F 4 Fiy. 4

MACHINE FOR BINDING BOOKS This invention relates to a new and improved machine for binding apertured sheets to produce a book.

One of the features of the invention is the fact that a machine is provided suitable for use in a business office which binds sheets together using two plastic strips the first having spaced studs which project through the apertures in the sheets, and the other being formed with holes (preferably counterbored) to receive the ends of the studs. The machine provides a pressure bar which presses the first strip toward the second with the apertured sheets interposed with a predetermined pressure. Heated knife blades cut off the excess lengths of the studs to leave stubs in softened condition. The blades then are elevated to deform the stubs into the counterbores. Thereupon, cooling fingers engage the stubs to finish the heads thereon and to cool the material, thereby permanently binding the sheets together between the strips.

An important feature of the invention is the fact that the pressure bar may be manually elevated and lowered into contact with the first strip. Thereupon, a motor in the machine is switched on for one cycle of revolution of the machine. In the beginning of the cycle, the pressure bar is forced against the first strip until there is a predetermined pressure forcing the first towards the second strip. The pressure bar is clamped in pressure position until completion of the cycle.

A further feature of the invention is the fact that the motor which actuates the other mechanism hereinafter described drives a freely rotating set of gears which grip the pressure bar under spring action. When the predetermined pressure is achieved, the cycle of the motor continues but the pressure is not increased.

A further feature of the invention is the fact that a range of thicknesses of books 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 lengths 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 book involved.

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

Still another feature of the invention is the provision of a combination of manual and mechanical means which supplies the predetermined pressure to press the pages of the book together.

Another feature of the mechanism is the fact that the pressure bar is so guided that at its extreme open position it is displaced rearwardly, permitting insertion of plastic strips having long studs even at the extreme thickest limits of the books being handled.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of a cam system which is mechanically and electrically times the cutting of the studs, the pressing of the studs into rough shapes for heads and the finishing and cooling of the heads.

A still further feature of the invention is the fact that the apparatus is easily operated by relatively untrained personnel. Little physical efiort is required to operate the machine, and the operation is very rapid as compared with conventional book binding methods.

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. lis a top plan view of the machine with the casing removed.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 22 of FIG. 1 with the casing in place.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along the line 4-4 of FIG. 1 broken away to conserve space.

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 are fragmentary enlarged sectional views taken substantially along the line 5-5 of FIG. 1 showing the parts at different positions in the cycle of operation.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary elevational view, partially broken away to show features of the paper stop.

The apparatus herein described is used to bind together either temporarily or permanently pluralities of sheets of paper 21 each formed with a series of spaced apertures 22 along one margin thereof, the spacing between the apertures corresponding to the spacing of studs 23 of first strip 24, hereinafter described. The apertures 22 are preferably round and made by means of a paper punch or prepunched pages may be used. The dimensions of the sheets 21 are subject to variation. Further, the thickness of the book which is to be bound is likewise subject to variation between very few sheets and a thickness which is within the limits of the lengths of the studs 23 of the first strip 24.

First strip 24 is preferably rectangular in cross section being about A. inches wide and 1/ 16 inches thick. The length is approximately equal to that of the sheets 21. Spaced along the center of one surface of strip 24 are integral studs 23 preferably round and formed with points 25 at their outer ends. The studs 23 are preferably between 3/ 32 inches and it inches in diameter and may be in length up to about 3 inches.

Second strip 26 also is approximately V4 inches in width and 1/16 inches in thickness and is formed with a series of holes 27 spaced in distances corresponding to the spacing of the studs 23. Preferably, a counterbore 28 is formed in each hole 27 along one surface of strip 26.

The

strips

24, 26 are preferably molded or otherwise formed of a thermoplastic material. One suitable plastic is a rigid polyvinyl chloride. Other suitable thermoplastics are high impact polystyrene and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). A function of the studs 23 is that they be flexible to permit curved opening of the eventual book formed by the apparatus.

Only the essential features of the machine are illustrated herein. There is provided a base 31 which supports a casing 32 which surrounds the mechanism. On either side of the machine mounted on base 31 are vertical side plates 33. Extending horizontally across the entire width of the machine and supported by plates 33 is a platen 34. Extending over most of the surface of platen 34 is a table 35 which terminates forwardly of the rear edge of platen 34 to provide a depression 36 shaped to receive second strip 26. Rearward of depression 36 and above the level of platen 34 is a stop 37 which limits inward movement of sheets 21 supported on table 35. The rear edge of platen 34 is notched at 78 to provide clearance for elements of the apparatus.

The first step in the operation of the machine is to place a second strip 26 in the depression 36 and then to position the stack of sheets 21 to be bound on the platen overlying strip 26 with apertures 22 aligned with holes 27. The counterbores 28 are facing downward (see FIG. The side edges of sheets 21 may be aligned by means of an edge guide 45 and such edge guide is preferably moveable to accommodate different sizes of paper.

First strip 24 is then installed by inserting studs 23 through holes 22 and 27 to assume the position shown in FIG. 5.

A transverse horizontally disposed and vertically moveable pressure bar 38 is provided, the ends of the bar sliding in slots 39 formed in side plates 33. As is best shown in FIG. 2, there is an offset 41 at the top of slot 39 permitting the pressure bar 38 to be moved rearwardly at the upper end of its movement. Thus, the longest studs 23 for the highest stack of papers 21 may be accommodated without interference from the pres sure bar 38. A pivot pin 42 on each end of pressure bar 38 is attached to the vertically reciprocable pinion rack 43 which is held in place by large head screws 40. A pin 105 in the pinion rack 43 extends into side plate 33 for vertical guidance of rack 43. Vertical movement of rack 43 controls movement of pressure bar 38. However, at the commencement of the cycle of operation of the machine the pressure bar 38 is freely moveable. Preferably, the pins 44 are in the offset 41. The pressure bar 38 is manually moved forwardly and then downwardly with slight manual pressure, contacting the first strip 24. As hereinafter appears, the pressure bar 38 is mechanically gripped and forced downwardly to apply a predetermined pressure against first strip 24 biasing it towards second strip 26. The amount of this pressure is predetermined so that the bound book is properly held together.

In a preferred form of the invention, a single motor 46 is used connected by pulley 47, belt 48 and pulley 49 to cam shaft 51 so that the shaft 51 turns one revolution for each cycle of the machine. Rearwardly and below the level of shaft 51 is horizontal transverse floating shaft 52 carrying at its outer ends pinions 53 which engage racks 43. Ratchet wheels 54 are also carried by shaft 52. Pawls 56 engage ratchets 54, being biased thereagainst by springs 57. Each pawl 56 is pivoted at pivots 59, as also is bell crank lever 58. Bell crank 58 has a follower pin 68 which engages locking cam 67 on the end of cam shaft 51 and another pin 65 which engages the rear flank of pawl 56. Cam 67 at the beginning and end of each cycle disengages pawl 56 from ratchet 54. At other times spring 57 causes engagement, preventing rotation of ratchet 54 and shaft 52. Shaft 52 and pivot 59 are mounted on spring anchor 64, the rearward end of which is pivoted by means of pivot 60 to side plate 33.

Anchor 64 is attached at its forward end of flat spring 63, which is connected at its forward end to holder 69 for follower 62 which engages pressure cam 61 on shaft 51. As shaft 51 revolves, follower 62 is increasingly depressed, thus pulling rack 43 downward and causing pressure bar 38 to be forced against first strip 24 until a predetermined pressure is reached, whereupon spring 63 flexes and despite continued turning of cam 61 no greater pressure is applied.

After the pages have been clamped between the

strips

24, 26, continued turning of shaft 51 causes cutting of the excess lengths of the studs 23 projecting below the bottom of strip 26. Mounted behind depression 36 is a horizontal knife plate 71 having projecting forwardly thereof a plurality of blades 72 corresponding in spacing and number to the studs 23. Plate 71 is held in a heat insulated holder 73 containing an electric heater 74 and thermostat (not shown) which heats the blades 72 to a temperature such that they will cut through the stud material. To prevent build-up of plastic material on the blades 72, they are preferably coated with Teflon. Further, material clinging to the undersides of blades 72 is wiped off by stripper 85. Holder 73 is mounted on a bracket 76 which projects downwardly and forwardly and has an arm 77 which pivots about horizontal transverse eccentric shaft 81. Eccentric shaft 81 at either end is formed with eccentric ends 82 which are received in brackets 83 on side plates 33. Cutter arms 86 extend forwardly from their pivot position on shaft 81 and have cam followers 88 which engage cutter cams 87 on shaft 51. The function of cam 87 is to cause the knife plate 71 to move from the retracted or dot-and-dash line position shown in FIG. 3 to the solid line position. Directing attention to FIGS. 5 and 6, the movement of blades 72 is from a retracted position (shown for convenience in FIG. 6) to a projected position shown in dot-and-dash lines in FIG. 5. Since the blades 72 are sharp and hot, they cut through the thermoplastic ends of studs 23, causing them to drop into chute 89.

Lift arm 91 is fixed to shaft 81 and its forward end carries a cam follower 93 which engages lift cam 92 on shaft 51. Cam 92 causes eccentric pivoting movement of eccentric shaft 81 and this results in the holder 73 being vertically elevated. Again directing attention to FIG. 5, the stud cutting operation of blade 72 is shown in dot-and-dash lines. The function of cam 92 is to cause the blade 72 to be raised to solid line position shown in FIG. 5. This causes the stub ends of studs 23 to be deformed upwardly and into the counterbores 28 in strip 26.

Mounted between end plates 33 extending transversely horizontally is a bridge support 96 which is located below platen 34 and forwardly of strip 26. Slidable in bridge 96 at approximately a 45 angle is a plurality of cooling fingers 97 which are spaced apart the same distance as the studs 23. These fingers function to finish the heads 29 formed on the ends of studs within counterbore 28 and also to cool the same so that after the plastic is cooled the

strips

26, 24 remain locked tightly together. The movement of fingers 97 is from the retracted positions shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 to the projected position shown in FIG. 7. Fingers 97 are received in aligned apertures in channel 98 which extends transversely across the machine. Each finger 97 has a pin 99 which slides in a slot 100 in the base of channel 98. Further, there is a spring 101 interposed between the pin 99 and one of the flanges of channel 98 which biases fingers 97 outwardly. However, if the end of a finger 97 encounters an obstacle to its outward movement, the spring 101 for that finger flexes and thus prevents injury to the mechanism. Channel 98 is mounted on self aligning brackets 102 which carry cam follower 103 engaging cooling cam 104 on shaft 51. The self aligning brackets 102 are attached to channel 98 and have bifurcations 106 which straddle shaft 51 to maintain proper alignment of the channel 98 and fingers 97.

The cycle of operation of the machine has been almost completely explained above in connection with the structure. Reference is made to the location of the sheets 21 and strips 24, 26 in position. The operator slides the pressure foot 38 forwardly relative to offset slot 41 and allows it to drop vertically-downwardly until it contacts the top of the uppermost first strip 24. Thereupon, a switch (not shown) is closed energizing motor 46 through one cycle of revolution of cam shaft 51. The first function of shaft 51 is to cause pawl 56 to engage ratchet 54 and thus to pull the pressure bar 38 downwardly, compressing strip 24 towards strip 26. When a predetermined pressure is reached, spring 63 flexes and no additional pressure is applied. It will be understood that this function is necessary because the thickness of the book being bound is variable. Cam 67 maintains pressure on pressure bar 38 until the completion of the cycle of operation whereupon the locking cam releases pawl 56 and the shaft 52 is allowed to turn freely. While the pressure is applied by bar 38, the first step in the formation of the heads on the studs is performed by cam 87 which causes the blades 72 to pivot forwardly and to cut off the excess lengths of the studs 23. Lift cam 92 then causes the blades 72 to be raised, pushing the stub ends of the studs 23 into the counterbores 28. Knife blade 72 then retracts. As the knife blade retracts, cam 104 causes the fingers 97 to be projected upwardly and the upper ends of the fingers engage the stub ends of the studs and form the heads 29, filling the counterbores 28. They also cool the material so that the plastic sets. The fingers 97 are then retracted and the pressure on bar 38 is released. The operator then raises bar 38 to its upper position in offset 41 and the book is removed.

Stop 37, as best shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, may be of two parts, lower part 37a which is movable and upper part 37b, which is fixed. The machine will accommodate

strips

24, 26 of different width, wider strips being suitable for computer print-out paper. Upper stop 37b is fixed to side plates 33 by brackets 111. Lower portion 37a has rearward extending flanges 112 having rear terminal outward bent ears 113 fitting through enlarged slots 114 in plates 33 and biased forward by springs 116 fixed to ears 113 and plates 33. Pins 117 in plates 33 fit through horizontally elongated slots 1 18 in flanges 112 to guide horizontal movement of lower part 37a. Thus, normally lower part 37a is biased forwardly by springs 116. When a wider strip 26 is used, insertion thereof between the rearward edge of sub-platen 35 (FIG. 3) and stop 37a forces the latter rearward against the force of springs 116. To insure that the strip 26 is inserted in the proper direction, off-center pin 119 projecting up from platen 34 fits into a corresponding cating hole (not shown) in strip 26. Unless the strip is in proper direction, the pin will not fit in the hole.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for binding apertured sheets together using a first strip, a plurality of thermoplastic studs projecting from and spaced longitudinally along said first strip and a second strip formed with holes spaced longitudinally of said second strip at intervals complementary to said studs, said apparatus comprising a frame having a pair of spaced sides and a platen formed to receive said second strip and to support said sheets with their apertures aligned with said holes with said first strip above said sheets with said studs extending through said apertures and said holes and protruding below said second strip, a pressure bar, cooperating means on said sides and bar for guiding movement of said bar from a first position above said platen to a first position adjacent said platen and resting on top of said first strip, actuating means for engaging said bar against said first strip, said actuating means including a spring, said spring flexing when the pressure of said bar on said first strip exceeds a predetermined amount and when flexed causing said actuating means to discontinue further movement of said bar toward said platen and holding said bar in the position it occupied when said spring flexed.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which said actuating means comprises a lever pivoted to said frame, a cam follower, said spring interposed between said lever and said follower, a cam engaged by said follower, and means for rotating said cam.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which said actuating means further comprises a rack movable with said bar, a pinion engaging said rack, said pinion rotatably mounted in said lever, a ratchet fixed for rotation with said pinion, and a pawl movable with said cam follower and engaging said ratchet to cause said bar and follower to move together until said spring flexes.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 which further comprises a second cam movable with said firstmentioned cam, a second cam follower engaging said second cam and means controlled by said second cam follower to disengage said pawl from said ratchet to permit retraction of said bar to first position.

5. Apparatus according to claim 2 which further comprises a cam shaft on which said cam is mounted rotatable in said frame, means for turning said cam shaft through one cycle of rotation, a cutter cam on said shaft, a cutter cam follower engaging said cutter cam, a knife plate having a plurality of blades projecting therefrom, heating means for said blades, and blade actuating means under control of said cutter cam for moving said blades from a retracted position to a cutting position whereby said blades cut off the excess lengths of said studs protruding beyond said second strip and then to retract said blades to retracted position.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 in which said blade actuating means comprises a pivot shaft on which said cutter cam follower is pivotally mounted, an eccentric mounting said pivot shaft in said frame, a knife bar raising cam on said cam shaft, a knife bar raising cam follower connected to said eccentric and engaging said knife bar raising cam to raise said knife bar and said blades toward said second strip after said blades have moved into cutting position and then to lower said blades.

7. Apparatus according to claim 5 which further comprises a cooling cam on said cam shaft, a plurality of cooling fingers, a holder, said fingers movable with said holder, and a cooling cam follower on said holder engaging said cooling cam operable to move said fingers against the severed ends of said studs to form heads on said ends.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 which further comprises resilient means biasing said fingers to protrude from said holder and flexible to permit relative movement of said fingers and holder when a finger encounters an obstacle to movement.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1 which further comprises a cam shaft rotatable in said frame, a motor operable to turn said cam shaft one revolution, said actuating means including a lever pivoted to said frame, a pressure cam follower, said spring interposed between said lever and said pressure cam follower, a pressure cam engaged by said pressure cam follower fixed on said shaft, a second cam fixed on said cam shaft, a second cam follower engaging said second cam, means controlled by said second cam follower to disengage said pawl from said ratchet to permit retraction of said bar to first position at the end of the cycle of revolution of said cam shaft, a cutter cam on said cam shaft, a cutter cam follower engaging said cutter cam, a knife plate having a plurality of blades projecting therefrom, heating means for said blades, and blade actuating means under control of said cutter cam operable after said pressure cam has actuated said actuating means for moving said blades from a retracted position to a cutting position whereby said blades cut off the excess lengths of said studs protruding beyond said second strip and then to retract said blades to retracted position, said blade actuating means including a pivot shaft on which said cutter cam follower is pivotally mounted, an eccentric mounting said pivot shaft in said frame, a knife bar raising cam on said cam shaft, a knife bar raising cam follower connected to said eccentric and engaging said knife bar raising cam to raise said knife bar and said blades toward said second strip after said blades have moved into cutting position and then to lower said blades, a cooling cam on said cam shaft, a plurality of cooling fingers, a holder, said fingers movable with said holder, and a cooling cam follower on said holder engaging said cooling cam operable to move said fingers against the severed ends of said studs to form heads on said ends after said blades have been lowered by said knife bar raising cam and retracted by said cutter cam.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1 which further comprises a substantially vertical stop between said sides and above said platen and horizontally reciprocable relative to said sides, guide means on said sides and stop restricting said stop to horizontal-longitudinal movement and resilient means biasing said stop forwardly.

Claims

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 which further comprises a second cam movable with said first-mentioned cam, a second cam follower engaging said second cam and means controlled by said second cam follower to disengage said pawl from said ratchet to permit retraction of said bar to first position.