US3830524A

US3830524A - Book bound by ultrasonic means

Info

Publication number: US3830524A
Application number: US00358033A
Authority: US
Inventors: W Abildgaard; C Groswith
Original assignee: VeloBind Inc
Current assignee: VeloBind Inc
Priority date: 1971-05-10
Filing date: 1973-05-07
Publication date: 1974-08-20
Anticipated expiration: 1991-08-20

Abstract

Plastic studs fit through apertures adjacent the spine margin of sheets and also either into holes in a binding member on at least one end of the book to be formed or into holes in both the binding members. Where the holes are formed in neither or in only one binding member, the studs are preferably integral with the other binding member. The binding members are preferably narrow plastic strips, but may be of metal and may be the covers of the books. The binding members are compressed toward each other, with the sheets therebetween, excess stud lengths are sheared off, and the studs at either or both ends are ultrasonically welded to the binding members.

Description

U 1 ite tees atent I 1191 Ahildgaard et al. 1*Aug. 20, 1974 [54] BOOK BOUND BY ULTRASONIC MEANS 3,452,376 7/1969 lIO 281 21 R 3,560,290 2/l97l S d t l 281/21 R [75] Inventors: w Ablldgaardgms Altos 3,576,690 4/1971 Sfzi at s ef all 11 /1 A H1115; Charles Gmswflh, L05 3,596,929 8/1971 Abildgaard et al. 281/21 R Altos, both of Calif. FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [73] Assgnee' VelmBmd Sunnyvale 950,768 2/l964 Great Britain 402/63 Notice: The portion of the term of this patent subsequent to Aug. 3, 1988, Primary Examiner-Lawrence Charles has been disclaimed. Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Julian Caplan 22 Fl (1: M 7 1973 l 1 e ay 57 ABSTRACT [21] Appl' 358033 Plastic studs fit through apertures adjacent the spine Related Us. Application Data margin of sheets and also either into holes in a binding 0 Division of Ser 141,755, May 10, 971, member on at least one end of the book to be formed abandoned, continuatiomimpan f Set. or into holes in both the binding members. Where the 799,045, Feb. 13, 1969, Pat. No. 3,596,929. holes are formed in neither or in only one binding member, the studs are preferably integral with the [52] U.S. Cl 281/21, 1 III other binding member. The binding members are pref- [51] Int. Cl B42d 1/06 erably narrow plastic strips, but may be of metal andv [58] Field of Search 281/21, 25, 28; 11/1; m y be the cov r of the books- The binding members 402/63 are compressed toward each other, with the sheets therebetween, excess stud lengths are sheared off, and [56] References Cited the studs at either or both ends are ultrasonically UNI STATES PATENTS welded to the binding members. 3,159,411 12/1964 McKowen 281/25 R 5 Claims, 19 Drawing Figures PAIfiNlEnmcaomn I saw 1 or a 28 FIGZ 32 CONVERTER FIG. 5

P0 R suP Y I 1 BOOK BOUND BY ULTRASONIC MEANS This application is a division of Ser. No. 141,755 filed May 10, 1971 and now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 799,045 filed Feb. 13, 1969, now Pat. 3,596,929.

This invention relates to a new and improved method and apparatus for binding books, wherein plastic studs pass through apertured sheets and are welded or staked to plastic binding strips, or covers, by ultrasonic means, and to the book produced thereby.

In a preferred form of the invention, there is provided a machine of a size suitable for use in a business office which binds sheets of paper or books together, using two plastic strips, one having spaced studs which project through apertures in the sheets and the second formed with holes to receive the ends of the studs. The two strips are pressed toward each other with the sheets to be bound interposed and with the studs fitting through the apertures in the sheets and through the holes in the second strip. By the machine hereinafter described, the excess length of each stud is sheared off by means of a blade or other means and the ends of the studs are staked or welded to the second strip by ultrasonic means.

One of the features of the invention is the fact that the machine and method bind a wide variety of types of materials. Thus ordinary paper which has been punched or drilled adjacent one margin may be used. It is sometimes desirable ro rebind books or to bind as sembled pamphlets, magazines or the like. Further, books similar to conventional books may be bound. The versatility of the machine is an important feature of the invention.

Another feature of the invention is the wide range of thickness of pages accommodated. The studs of the first strip are of extended lengths so as to fit through a relatively thick book. The machine shears off the excess lengths of the studs where less than maximum length is required. The effectiveness of the binding is relatively independent of the thickness of the paper.

Another feature of the machine and method is the fact that the sheets are tightly pressed together and then secured into place in compressed condition.

Another feature is that the machine is easily operated by relatively untrained personnel. Little or no physical effort is required to operate the machine and the machine is quite rapid in operation, particularly as compared to conventional bookbinding practices.

In essence, the present invention provides for ultrasonic means for attaching the studs of the one strip to another strip or to attach rod material to two strips, the studs or rods passing through apertures in sheets to be bound.

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 schematic perspective view broken away to conserve space showing two strips used in making the binding and a plurality of punched sheets to be bound.

FIGS. 2-7 inclusive are schematic views showing successive steps in the method of binding and showing par tially a section through the marginal edges of sheets to be bound, the binding strips and mechanisms used in carrying out the said steps.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view showing an alternate means for attaching strips at the beginning of the binding.

FIG. 9 is a view showing completion of the binding by the means and method of FIG. 8.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are views similar to FIGS. 8 and 9, respectively, of another alternate means and method.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are views similar to FIGS. 8 and 9, respectively, of a further alternate means and method.

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 8 wherein plastic rod material is about to be welded to two female strips by ultrasonic welding means.

FIG. 15 is a view showing an intermediate step in the method of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 9 showing completion of the stacking process initiated in FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 8 wherein the studs are ultrasonically welded to the female strip prior to being severed.

FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 9 showing completion of the welding step of FIG. 17 and showing the commencement of severing the excess length of the welded stud.

FIG. 19 is a schematic sectional view of still another modification.

Strips

26, 29 shown in FIG. 1 are similar to those shown and described in application Ser. No. 799,045, although they also may be of other constructions. In the form shown, pluralities of sheets of paper 21 which may be provided with front or back cover sheets are formed with a series of spaced apertures 22 along one margin thereof, or such apertures may be formed as notches extending inward from the said margin. First plastic strip 26 is preferably of a length approximately equal to the length of sheets 21 and is provided with integral studs 27 spaced along strip 26 at intervals corresponding to the spaces between apertures 22. The studs 27 may be formed with pointed ends 28. Cooperating with first strip 26 is a second strip 29 formed with holes 31 spaced apart the same distance as stud 27 and dimensioned to accept the same. Preferably, one surface of strip 29 is formed with counterbores 32. The

strips

26 and 29 may be formed with various plastic materials, preferably a polyvinyl chloride or other similar material which is capable of being deformed by ultrasonic means. Strip 26 is preferably rectangular in cross section and measures about one quarter inch wide and one-sixteenth inch thick. The studs 27 are preferably between three thirty-seconds and one-eighth inch in diameter and may be of a length up to 3 inches. The second strip 29 is approximately one-quarter inch in width and one-sixteenth inch in thickness and the holes 31 are preferably slightly larger in diameter than the studs 27.

The type of material which may be used with the present invention, the dimensions of the sheets 21, and the thickness of the book which is to be bound are subject to considerable variation. The

strips

26 and 29 need not be narrow but may, in fact, be front and back covers substantially the same size as sheets 21. The term binding member" is used herein to designate the strips or covers or equivalents. Further the studs 27 need not be integral with the binding members and need not necessarily be of the same material as the binding member.

Directing attention now to FIG. 2, a stationary sup port 36 is provided and is formed with an opening 37 dimensioned to receive the strip 29 with the counterbore 32 facing downward. Sheets 21 are placed on the support 36 with their apertures 22 aligned with the holes 31 of strip 29. Thereupon the strip 26 is applied, the studs 27 being inserted through the

holes

22 and 31 and projecting below the support 36. With the strips and sheets assembled, a pressure foot 38 is brought down to engage the top of strip 26 and to compress

strips

26 and 29 toward each other and likewise compress the sheets 21 'therebetween.

As shown in FIG. 4-, with the pressure foot 38 in down position, the blade 39 is reciprocated parallel to support 36 a short distance below the bottom of strip 29, severing the excess lengths of studs 27.

Directing attention now to FIG. 5, commercially available ultrasonic welding equipment is employed. The details of such equipment form no part of the present invention. The machine 41 is held in a frame which may be moved toward and away from the severed end 51 of stud 27. Such machine 41 employs a power supply 46 which converts line current to high frequency alternating current of about 20,000 Hz. The power is then converted by convertor 44 into mechanical energy, likewise preferably of about 20,000 HZ. Fixed to the converter 44 is a horn 42 having points 43 on its distal end which are used to stake the end 51. Thus, the machine 41 is raised (in the schematic sense shown in FIG. until the points 43 engage in end 51. The ultrasonic vibrations of horn 42 causes the severed end 51 to flow and to form the staked end 52 shown in FIG. 6. Thereupon, the pressure foot 38 is withdrawn and the completed book may be removed from the support 36. The term ultrasonic welding is used herein to include both staking and welding by means of an ultrasonically vibrating horn.

In the form of the invention shown in FIG. 8, the fe male strip 2% is formed with holes 31a of larger diameter than the studs 27a of strip 260. However, an energy directing bead 56 is fabricated on the interior of hole 31a and is of an internal diameter sufficient to engage stud 27a. As shown in FIG. 9, an annular horn 42a is brought into contact with strip 2% surrounding the hole 31a and this causes formation of a weld 57, which is augmented by the energy director 56.

The horn 42a shown in FIG. 9 has an annular working end which surrounds the hole 31a and causes vibration of strip 29a which the energy director 56 causes to form a circular weld 57.

In FIGS. and 11, the strip 29b is shown formed without any holes corresponding to the holes 31 of strip 29 of FIG. 1 and the stud material 27 is welded to the inside surface of strip 2%. It will be understood that the same type weld may be formed at both ends of the stud material 27b, or in other words, that the strip 26b is the same as strip 2% and rods of stud material 2712 are cut to size depending upon the thickness of the book. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, strip 26b is formed with integral studs 27b. The stud material preferably has an energy directing tip 56b at its end. In forming the weld, the horn 42b is brought to bear against the outside of strip 2% and forms a weld 57b welding the stub end of stud 27b to the strip 2%.

In the modification shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, hole 310 does not pass entirely through the strip 29c but has a bottom 55 in which is positioned an energy director tip 560. The stud material 27c is truncated and fits within the hole 31c in the assembled position of the book which is shown in FIG. 12. A welding horn 420 is brought to bear against the outside of strip 29c surrounding the projection of the stud 27c and the weld 57c which is produced thereby.

Directing attention to the structure of FIGS. 1446, strip 29d may be formed essentially the same as strip 29 of FIG. 1 except that it may, if desired, be formed of metal or different material from strip 26d. The strip 61 is similar or identical to strip 29d and has a hole 62 and a counterbore 63. Plastic stud material 64 passes through holes 62 then through holes 22d and then through holes 31d of strip 26 of FIG. 1. An ultrasonic welding horn 42d is brought to bear against the end of the stud material 64 forming a stake 52d similar to the stake 52 of the modification of FIG. 6. (FIG. 15) Thereupon, the excess length of the stud 64 projecting to the left of strip 61 is cut off by blade 39d and an ultrasonic welding horn 66 similar in shape to horn 42d is brought to bear from the left to form a second stake 67 similar to stake 52d. (FIG. 16) Thus the stud material 64 is staked at both ends rather than at one end.

The modification of FIGS. 1718 shows that the excess stud material may be sheared after the weld is formed rather than in sequence shown in FIGS. l-7. Thus strip 2% has an energy director 67e on the inside of each hole 31. The stud 27s is forced as far to the right as is required for the pressure desired, and excess stud length extends into the cavity in an annular ultrasonic horn 422. After the weld 572 has been formed, a blade 39: is used to sever the excess length of the stud extending beyond the strip 2%.

In the modification of FIG. 19 a multiple welding system is shown adapted from the Sonobond Corp. Octopus system which is claimed to be covered by US. Pat. No. 3,029,766. In this system a plurality of studs 27f are staked or welded simultaneously after having been cut to length by blades (not shown). A single transducer 44f vibrates a primary coupler 71 to which is connected ten (e.g.) wave guides 72, each leading to a horn 42f carrying a tip 43f which is brought against the stud 27f. This modification reduces the time of welding.

The elements of the strip material and equipment of the preceding modifications is in many respects similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-7 and the same reference numerals followed by subscripts a, b, c, a, e andf, are used to designate corresponding parts in the modification of FIGS. 3-9, FIGS. 1011, FIGS. 12l3, FIGS. 14-16, FIGS. ll7ll8 and FIG.'19 respectively.

What is claimed is:

ll. A bound book comprising a plurality of sheets each formed with a plurality of spaced apertures adjacent one margin, and a binding structure consisting of two components clamping said sheets together and characterized by the absence of a spine connection between the two components around the spine, one said component consisting of a first thermo-plastic, nonresilient, self-supporting strip underlying one margin on one side of said book and covering said apertures and extending substantially the entire length of said book, the other said component consisting of a second thermo-plastic, non-resilient, self-supporting strip overlying one margin of the side of said book opposite said first strip and of a length substantially equal to said first strip and having stud receiving apertures therein formed with enlargements of said apertures on the outside surface of said second strip; said strips initially being freely moveable toward and away from each other in infinitely small dimensions to accommodate a wide and continuous range of thicknesses of books, said first component further comprising at least three studs integrally molded with said first strip and projecting from one surface thereof, the opposite surface being imperforate, said studs being smooth and being of uniform cross-section between said strips and initially of a length greater than the greatest thickness of said range of thicknesses of books, said studs extending through the apertures in said sheets and the apertures in said second strip, said studs sheared close to the surface of said second strip opposite from said sheets and formed with heads larger than said apertures permanently secured to said second strip directly in engagement with the side of said second strip opposite said sheets, said strips at the completion of making said book being the same distance apart as the thickness of said sheets bound between said strips, said strips being totally disconnected from each other except by said studs, and each said strip being of substantially uniform crosssection and of substantially uniform thickness throughout from end to end, said studs being staked to said second strip by ultrasonic deformation of said studs to substantially fill said enlargements.

2. A bound book comprising a plurality of sheets each formed with a plurality of spaced apertures adjacent one margin, and a binding structure consisting of two components clamping said sheets together and characterized by the absence of a spine connection between the two components around the spine, one said component consisting of a first thermo-plastic, nonresilient, self-supporting strip underlying one margin on one side of said book and covering said apertures and extending substantially the entire length of said book, the other said component consisting of a second thermoplastic, non-resilient, selfsupporting strip overlying one margin of the side of said book opposite said first strip and of a length substantially equal to said first strip and having stud receiving apertures therein; said strips initially being freely moveable toward and away from each other in infinitely small dimensions to accommodate a wide and continuous range of thicknesses of books, said first component further comprising at least three studs integrally molded with said first strip and projecting from one surface thereof, the opposite surface being imperforate, said studs being smooth and being of uniform cross-section between said strips and initially of a length greater than the greatest thickness of said range of thicknesses of books, said studs extending through the apertures in said sheets and the apertures in said second strip, said studs sheared close to the surface of said second strip opposite from said sheets and permanently secured to said second strip directly in engagement with the side of said second strip opposite said sheets, said strips at the completion of making said book being the same distance apart as the thickness of said sheets bound between said strips, said strips being totally disconnected from each other except by said studs, and each said strip being of substantially uniform cross-section and of substantially uniform thickness throughout from end to end, said studs being welded by ultrasonic means to the walls of said apertures in said second strips.

3. A bound book comprising a plurality of sheets each formed with a plurality of spaced first apertures adjacent one margin, and a binding structure characterized by the absence of a spine connection around the spine, said binding structure consisting of a first thermo-plastic, non-resilient, self-supporting strip underlying one margin on one side of said book and extending substantially the entire length of said book, a second thermo-plastic, non-resilient, self-supporting strip overlying one margin of the side of said book opposite said first and of a length substantially equal to said first strip, each said strip formed with stud receiving second apertures therein formed with enlargements of said apertures on the outside surfaces of said trips; said strips initially being frelly moveable toward and away from each other in infinitely small dimensions to accommodate a wide and continuous range of thicknesses of books, and a plurality of at least three studs initially of a length greater than the greatest thickness of said range of thicknesses of books, said studs extending through said first apertures in said sheets and the second apertures in both said strips, said studs sheared close to the outside surfaces of said strips opposite from said sheets and formed with heads larger than said second apertures and substantially filling said enlargements and permanently secured to said strips directly in engagement with the sides of said strip opposite said sheets, said strips at the completion of making said book being the same distance apart as the thickness of said sheets bound between said strips, said strips being totally disconnected from each other except by said studs, and each said strip being of substantially uniform cross-section and of substantially uniform thickness throughout from end to end, said studs being welded by ultrasonic means to the walls of said second apertures.

4 A bound book comprising a plurality of sheets each formed with a plurality of spaced apertures adjacent one margin, and a binding structure consisting of two components clamping said sheets together and characterized by the absence of a spine connection between the two components around the spine, one said component consisting of a first thermo-plastic, nonresilient, self-supporting strip underlying one margin on one side of said book and covering said apertures and extending substantially the entire length of said book, the other said component consisting of a second thermo-plastic, non-resilient, self-supporting strip overlying one margin of the side of said book opposite said first strip and of a length substantially equal to said first strip; said strips initially being freely moveable toward and away from each other in infinitely small dimensions to accommodate a wide and continuous range of thicknesses of books, said first component further comprising at least three studs integrally molded with said first strip and projecting from one surface thereof, the opposite surface being imperforate, said studs being smooth and being of uniform cross-section between said strips and initially of a length greater than the greatest thickness of said range of thicknesses of books, said studs extending through the apertures in said sheets and the apertures in said second strip, said studs sheared close to the surface of said second strip nearest said sheets and permanently secured to said second strip, said strips at the completion of making said book being the same distance apart as the thickness of said sheets bound between said strips, said strips being totally disconnected from each other except by said studs, and each said strip being of substantially uniform cross-section and of substantially uniform thickness throughout from end to end, the sheared ends of said studs being ultrasonically welded to the inside surface of said second strip.

5. A bound book comprising a plurality of sheets each formed with a plurality of spaced apertures adjacent one margin, and a binding structure consisting of two components clamping said sheets together and characterized by the absence of a spine connection between the two components around the spine, one said component consisting of a first thermoplastic, nonresilient, self-supporting strip underlying one margin on one side of said book and covering said apertures and extending substantially the entire length of said book, the other said component consisting of a second thermo-plastic, non-resilient, self-supporting strip overlying one margin of the side of said book opposite said first strip and of a length substantially equal to said first strip and having stud receiving blind apertures therein extending inward from the inside surface of said second strip but only part way through said second strip, said strips initially being freely moveable toward and away from each other in infinitely small dimensions to accommodate a wide and continuous range of thickness of books, said first component further comprising at least three studs integrally molded with said first strip and projecting from one surface thereof, the opposite surface being imperforate, said studs being smooth and being of uniform cross-section between said strips and initially of a length greater than the greatest thickness of said range of thicknesses of books, said studs extending through the apertures in said sheets and into the blind apertures in said second strip, said studs sheared to length to fit into said blind apertures and permanently secured to said second strip, said strips at the completion of making said book being the same distance apart as the thickness of said sheets bound between said strips, said strips being totally disconnected from each other except by said studs, and each said strip being of substantially uniform cross-section and of substantially uniform thickness throughout from end to end, said studs being ultrasonically welded to said second strip in the areas of the walls of said blind aper-

Claims

1. A bound book comprising a plurality of sheets each formed with a plurality of spaced apertures adjacent one margin, and a binding structure consisting of two components clamping said sheets together and characterized by the absence of a spine connection between the two components around the spine, one said component consisting of a first thermo-plastic, non-resilient, self-supporting strip underlying one margin on one side of said book and covering said apertures and extending substantially the entire length of said book, the other said component consisting of a second thermo-plastic, non-resilient, self-supporting strip overlying one margin of the side of said book opposite said first strip and of a length substantially equal to said first strip and having stud receiving apertures therein formed with enlargements of said apertures on the outside surface of said second strip; said strips initially being freely moveable toward and away from each other in infinitely small dimensions to accommodate a wide and continuous range of thicknesses of books, said first component further comprising at least three studs integrally molded with said first strip and projecting from one surface thereof, the opposite surface being imperforate, said studs being smooth and being of uniform cross-section between said strips and initially of a length greater than the greatest thiCkness of said range of thicknesses of books, said studs extending through the apertures in said sheets and the apertures in said second strip, said studs sheared close to the surface of said second strip opposite from said sheets and formed with heads larger than said apertures permanently secured to said second strip directly in engagement with the side of said second strip opposite said sheets, said strips at the completion of making said book being the same distance apart as the thickness of said sheets bound between said strips, said strips being totally disconnected from each other except by said studs, and each said strip being of substantially uniform cross-section and of substantially uniform thickness throughout from end to end, said studs being staked to said second strip by ultrasonic deformation of said studs to substantially fill said enlargements.

2. A bound book comprising a plurality of sheets each formed with a plurality of spaced apertures adjacent one margin, and a binding structure consisting of two components clamping said sheets together and characterized by the absence of a spine connection between the two components around the spine, one said component consisting of a first thermo-plastic, non-resilient, self-supporting strip underlying one margin on one side of said book and covering said apertures and extending substantially the entire length of said book, the other said component consisting of a second thermoplastic, non-resilient, self-supporting strip overlying one margin of the side of said book opposite said first strip and of a length substantially equal to said first strip and having stud receiving apertures therein; said strips initially being freely moveable toward and away from each other in infinitely small dimensions to accommodate a wide and continuous range of thicknesses of books, said first component further comprising at least three studs integrally molded with said first strip and projecting from one surface thereof, the opposite surface being imperforate, said studs being smooth and being of uniform cross-section between said strips and initially of a length greater than the greatest thickness of said range of thicknesses of books, said studs extending through the apertures in said sheets and the apertures in said second strip, said studs sheared close to the surface of said second strip opposite from said sheets and permanently secured to said second strip directly in engagement with the side of said second strip opposite said sheets, said strips at the completion of making said book being the same distance apart as the thickness of said sheets bound between said strips, said strips being totally disconnected from each other except by said studs, and each said strip being of substantially uniform cross-section and of substantially uniform thickness throughout from end to end, said studs being welded by ultrasonic means to the walls of said apertures in said second strips.

4. A bound book comprising a plurality of sheets each formed with a plurality of spaced apertures adjacent one margin, and a binding structure consisting of two components clamping said sheets together and characterized by the absence of a spine connection between the two components around the spine, one said component consisting of a first thermo-plastic, non-resilient, self-supporting strip underlying one margin on one side of said book and covering said apertures and extending substantially the entire length of said book, the other said component consisting of a second thermo-plastic, non-resilient, self-supporting strip overlying one margin of the side of said book opposite said first strip and of a length substantially equal to said first strip; said strips initially being freely moveable toward and away from each other in infinitely small dimensions to accommodate a wide and continuous range of thicknesses of books, said first component further comprising at least three studs integrally molded with said first strip and projecting from one surface thereof, the opposite surface being imperforate, said studs being smooth and being of uniform cross-section between said strips and initially of a length greater than the greatest thickness of said range of thicknesses of books, said studs extending through the apertures in said sheets and the apertures in said second strip, said studs sheared close to the surface of said second strip nearest said sheets and permanently secured to said second strip, said strips at the completion of making said book being the same distance apart as the thickness of said sheets bound between said strips, said strips being totally disconnected from each other except by said studs, and each said strip being of substantially uniform cross-section and of substantially uniform thickness throughout from end to end, the sheared ends of said studs being ultrasonically welded to the inside surface of said second strip.

5. A bound book comprising a plurality of sheets each formed with a plurality of spaced apertures adjacent one margin, and a binding structure consisting of two components clamping said sheets together and characterized by the absence of a spine connection between the two components around the spine, one said component consisting of a first thermo-plastic, non-resilient, self-supporting strip underlying one margin on one side of said book and covering said apertures and extending substantially the entire length of said book, the other said component consisting of a second thermo-plastic, non-resilient, self-supporting strip overlying one margin of the side of said book opposite said first strip and of a length substantially equal to said first strip and having stud receiving blind apertures therein extending inward from the inside surface of said second strip but only part way through said second strip, said strips initially being freely moveable toward and away from each other in infinitely small dimensions to accommodate a wide and continuous range of thickness of books, said first component further comprising at least three studs integrally molded with said first strip and projecting from one surface thereof, the oppOsite surface being imperforate, said studs being smooth and being of uniform cross-section between said strips and initially of a length greater than the greatest thickness of said range of thicknesses of books, said studs extending through the apertures in said sheets and into the blind apertures in said second strip, said studs sheared to length to fit into said blind apertures and permanently secured to said second strip, said strips at the completion of making said book being the same distance apart as the thickness of said sheets bound between said strips, said strips being totally disconnected from each other except by said studs, and each said strip being of substantially uniform cross-section and of substantially uniform thickness throughout from end to end, said studs being ultrasonically welded to said second strip in the areas of the walls of said blind apertures.