WO2004000574A2

WO2004000574A2 - Hanging binding element

Info

Publication number: WO2004000574A2
Application number: PCT/US2003/019897
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Kurth; Michael D. Prince; Sona N. Patadia
Original assignee: General Binding Corporation
Priority date: 2002-06-24
Filing date: 2003-06-24
Publication date: 2003-12-31
Also published as: WO2004000574A3; AU2003247626A1

Abstract

The invention is directed to a binding element for binding a stack of perforated sheets into a bound book and for suspending the bound book between a pair of rails. The binding element includes first and second elongated spine portions that have an elongated spine, and a plurality of fingers sized to be received in the perforations and secured to the elongated spines in said bound book, whether by being initially molded to one or both of the spines or later secured. Other than the connection via the plurality of fingers, the elongated spine portions are unconnected to one another in the final bound book. The binding element further includes first and second selectively extendible hangers extending at opposite ends of the book binding from one or both of the elongated spine portions whereby the bound book may be suspended between a pair of rails.

Description

HANGING BINDING ELEMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to binding elements for binding a stack of sheets into a bound book, and more particularly relates to such a binding elements that may be suspended between two parallel support rails as a "hanging file."

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] One popular form of filing systems in wide use today is the so-called "hanging file" in which two parallel, spaced support rails are positioned within a drawer and the file folders are suspended between and from the support rails. File folders with hooks disposed at their upper outside edges are placed within the file drawer and are suspended by the hooks resting on the support rails. The most common of such suspended files is a simple hammock-type folder having hooks extending from each of the four corners of the open edge of the folder. While such files offer many advantages, they are not generally suitable for permanently binding the documents contained therein into a book.

[0003] One attempt at providing a more permanent binding arrangement is disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,400,107 to Pitts. The '107 patent incorporates a binder, such as a three- ring binder or coil binder at the lower most, otherwise folded, trough section of a hanging folder, maintaining the four hooks at the corners of the upper free edges of the hanging folder. While serving its purpose, the bound book of the '107 patent was not particularly attractive, or suitable or useful for alternately displaying the bound book on a shelf or the like. Moreover, the protruding hooks of the '107 patent arrangement may otherwise hinder stacking of such bound documents outside of the file drawer or may catch on clothing or the like.

[0004] Various types of binders have also been developed that include a pair of arms that selectively extend from the ends of the spine itself. In such arrangements, the spine in conjunction with a plurality of looped fingers form a closed loop around the documents, the fingers extending through perforations in the document edge. Such arrangements are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patents 3,801,175, 3,993,374, 4,208,146, 5,163,768, and 5,358,125. In each arrangement, the spine itself is of a given, permanent width such that each stack of sheets bound by such an arrangement would yield a book having the given spine thickness, regardless of the actual thickness of the stack of sheets so bound.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is a primary object of the invention to provide a book binding arrangement that results in a book that may be suspended between a pair of parallel, spaced apart rails, and that has a thickness that is proportional to the thickness of the bound stack of sheets themselves. A related object is to provide a book binding arrangement that presents a professional appearance with no protruding hangers or the like extending from the book spine when the hanging feature is not in use.

[0006] Another object of the invention is to provide book binding arrangements wherein hangers are presented as part of the binding element and, additionally and alternately, where separate hangers may be utilized to retrofit a binding element to permit suspension of a previously bound book between a pair of spaced apart rails.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide a hangable binding arrangement that may be economically manufactured.

[0008] A further object of the invention is to provide a hanging binding element wherein the binding process itself is familiar to users.

[0009] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a binding element arrangement that includes a selectively extendible tab for labeling the contents of the bound book. [0010] These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In accordance with the invention, there is provided a binding element having first and second spine portions which are disposed along opposite sides of the stack of sheets, and a plurality of fingers extending through the perforations in the stack of sheets to bind the stack into a book. The binding element also includes a pair of hangers extending from opposite ends of the binding element. For example, the hangers may extend from opposite ends of the first spine portion and/or opposite ends of the second spine portion, or the hangers may extend from one end of the first spine portion and the opposite end of the second spine portion such that the hangers extending from opposite ends of the book allow the bound book to be suspended between a pair of rails. The hangers may be either included as part of the spines themselves or may be separately provided such that they may be utilized to retrofit a bound book.

[0012] Various designs of the hanging binding element are envisioned. The hangers may be pivotably or slidably coupled to the spine portion(s). For example, the hangers may be integrally formed with the spine portion such that a living hinge therebetween allows the hanger to pivot away from the spine portion, or the hanger may be separately formed from the spine portions and protrusions and detents or a separate hinge pin may be utilized to hinge one to the other. Alternately, the hangers may be slidably mounted either internally relative to one another or by complementary recesses and protrusions. Protrusions and recesses may be used to assist in maintaining the relative positions of the hangers and spine portions in either an extended position or a retracted position. Further, the spine portions and the hangers may be made of similar or dissimilar materials.

[0013] The binding element may also be provided with a selectively retractable tab that may be utilized to identify the contents of a bound book. The tab extends from the binding element in a plane substantially contiguous with or parallel to the plane of the book itself. Preferably, the retractable tab is integrally formed with the binding element along an area of reduced thickness which acts as a living hinge, allowing the tab to be pivoted from a retracted position to a position wherein it protrudes from the spine edge of the book. Alternately, the tab may be a separate piece that is then secured to the spine edge of the book, extending outward from the book along the spine edge in a plane substantially contiguous with or parallel to the sheets of the book. Further, the tab and binding element may include a structure which allows the tab to be snapped in the display position wherein it protrudes from the spine edge away from the book.

[0014] These and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIGURE 1 A is a fragmentary perspective view of a binding element according to prior art.

[0016] FIGS. IB-ID are fragmentary, cross-sectional views of the binding element of FIG. 1A being assembled into a stack of sheets.

[0017] FIG. 2 A is a fragmentary perspective view of a binding element constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 2B is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 2A in a extended position.

[0019] FIG. 2C is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 2A in a stored position.

[0020] FIG. 2D is a fragmentary perspective view of the hinged coupling of FIG. 2 A intermediate between a extended position and a stored position. [0021] FIG. 3 A is a fragmentary perspective view of a second embodiment of a binding element constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 3B is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 3 A in a extended position.

[0023] FIG. 3C is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 3 A in a stored position.

[0024] FIG. 3D is a fragmentary perspective view of the hinged coupling of FIG. 3 A intermediate between a extended position and a stored position.

[0025] FIG. 3E is a fragmentary top plan view of the binding element of FIG. 3 A showing a fragmentary enlarged section of the hinge connection.

[0026] FIG. 4A is a fragmentary perspective view of a third embodiment of a binding element constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention.

[0027] FIG. 4B is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 4A in a extended position.

[0028] FIG. 4C is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 4A in a stored position.

[0029] FIG. 5 A is a fragmentary perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a binding element constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention.

[0030] FIG. 5B is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 5 A in a extended position. [0031] FIG. 5C is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 5 A in a stored position.

[0032] FIG. 6A is a fragmentary perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a binding element constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention.

[0033] FIG. 6B is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 6A in a extended position.

[0034] FIG. 6C is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 6A in a stored position.

[0035] FIG. 7A is a fragmentary perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a binding element constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention.

[0036] FIG. 7B is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 7A in a extended position.

[0037] FIG. 7C is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 7A in a stored position.

[0038] FIG. 7D is a fragmentary perspective view of the proximal end of a hanger of FIG. 7A.

[0039] FIG. 7E is a fragmentary perspective view of the binding element of FIG. 7A showing the assembly of the hanger into the spine portion.

[0040] FIG. 7F is a fragmentary perspective rear view of a portion of the spine portion of the binding element of FIG. 7 A. [0041] FIG. 8A is a fragmentary perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a binding element constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention.

[0042] FIG. 8B is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 8A in a extended position.

[0043] FIG. 8C is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 8A in a stored position.

[0044] FIG. 8D is a fragmentary perspective view of a binder with the hanging element in a stored position.

[0045] FIG. 9A is a fragmentary perspective view of an eighth embodiment of a binding element constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention.

[0046] FIG. 9B is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 9 A in a extended position.

[0047] FIG. 9C is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 9A in a stored position.

[0048] FIG. 9D is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 9D-9D in FIG. 9A.

[0049] FIG. 10A is a fragmentary perspective view of a ninth embodiment of a binding element constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention.

[0050] FIG. 10B is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 10A in a extended position. [0051] FIG. IOC is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 10A in a stored position.

[0052] FIG. 10D is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of the binding element of FIG. 10 A.

[0053] FIG. 11 A is a fragmentary perspective view of a tenth embodiment of a binding element constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention.

[0054] FIG. 1 IB is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 11 A in a extended position.

[0055] FIG. 1 IC is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 11 A in a stored position.

[0056] FIG. 12A is a fragmentary perspective view of an eleventh embodiment of a binding element constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention.

[0057] FIG. 12B is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 12A in a extended position.

[0058] FIG. 12C is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 12A in a stored position.

[0059] FIG. 13 A is a fragmentary perspective view of a twelfth embodiment of a binding element constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention.

[0060] FIG. 13B is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 13 A in a extended position. [0061] FIG. 13C is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 13 A in a stored position.

[0062] FIG. 13D is a fragmentary perspective view of the binding element of FIG. 13 A.

[0063] FIG. 14A is a fragmentary perspective view of a thirteenth embodiment of a binding element constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention.

[0064] FIG. 14B is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 14A in a extended position.

[0065] FIG. 14C is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 14A in a stored position.

[0066] FIG. 14D is a fragmentary, perspective exploded view of the binding element of FIG. 14A.

[0067] FIG. 15 A is a fragmentary perspective view of a fourteenth embodiment of a binding element constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention.

[0068] FIG. 15B is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 15A in a extended position.

[0069] FIG. 15C is a fragmentary side elevational view of the binding element of FIG. 15A in a stored position.

[0070] FIG. 15D is a fragmentary, perspective exploded view of the binding element of FIG. 15 A. [0071] FIG. 16 is a fragmentary, partially exploded perspective view of a fifteenth embodiment of a binding element constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention.

DESCRD?TION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0072] Turning now to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 A an exemplary binding element 30 according to the prior art. The binding element 30 includes a first spine portion 32 and a second spine portion 42, each of which comprises an elongated spine 34, 44, and first 36, 46 and second ends opposite the first ends (not visible in this fragmentary view, but understood by those of skill in the art). The first spine portion 32 further includes a plurality of fingers or nails 40 protruding from one side of the elongated spine 34, which are spaced and sizes to be received in a corresponding plurality of openings 50 along the elongated spine 42 of the second spine portion. As may be seen in FIGS. IB-ID, the first spine portion 32 is adapted to be disposed with its elongated spine 34 on one side of the stack of sheets 52 while the elongated spine 44 of the second spine portion 42 is disposed along the opposite side of the stack of sheets 52. In this way, the fingers 40 and openings 50 are spaced and sized such that the fingers 40 extend through perforations 54 in the stack of sheets 52 with the first ends 36, 46 and the second ends disposed at the first and second ends of the resulting bound book 60.

[0073] It is to be noted, however, that the particular nail and opening design is provided merely as an example of the type of binding element 30 to which teachings of the invention may be applied. Other binding element designs are envisioned as well, for example, the fingers and the openings may include a ratcheting mechanism whereby the fingers are passed through the openings in one direction, the ratchets along the fingers themselves preventing relative movement in the opposite direction. Further, both spine portions may include fingers which engage relatively in the center of the book to provide a bound book or the fingers may be separate elements that are assembled into a pair of spines. Thus, the particular coupling design of the first and second spine portions is not relevant to teachings of the invention, but, rather, only that two separate, otherwise unconnected spine portions are provided which are adapted to be placed along either side of the stack of sheets, with fingers extending through perforations in the stack.

[0074] In accordance with teachings of the invention, one or both of the spine portions are provided with end portions that include a hanger that, in its extended position, extends from opposite ends of the bound book. In other words, any of the following three arrangements may be provided in order to suspend the bound book between a pair of rails (not shown): the first spine portion 32 may be provided with hangers at both the first and second ends 36; the second spine portion 42 may be provided with hangers at its first and second ends 46, or the first spine portion 32 may be provided with a hanger at one end (e.g., the first end 36), and the second spine portion 42 may be provided with a hanger at its opposite end (e.g. the second end). Of course, both spine portions 32, 42 may be provided with hangers at both ends 36, 38, 46, 48.

[0075] A single such hanger 66 at the end 64 of a spine portion 62 is illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D. It will be appreciated that the hanger 66 may be provided at either end of the spine portion or at opposite or both ends of such spine portions. In its extended position, the hanger 66 protrudes from the end of the bound book, the end of the bound book (not shown in FIGS. 2A-2D) typically not extending beyond end 64. In order to assist in maintaining the bound book in position on the pair of parallel, spaced railings, the recess 68 may be provided along the lower edge of the hanger 66.

[0076] The hanger 66, itself, may be formed integrally with or separate from the spine portion 62. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2D, the hanger 66 is formed integrally with the spine portion 62, a living hinge 70 being provided between the hanger 66 and the spine portion 62. In this way, the hanger 66 may pivot between a stored position, as shown in FIG. 2C, and an extended position, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. [0077] In order to maintain the hanger 66 in the stored position, as shown in FIG. 2C, an interference may be provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the interference is in the form of a locking protrusion 72 and locking recess 74. As may best be seen FIG. 2 A, the locking protrusion 72 is provided along an intermediate surface 73 of the spine portion 62, while the locking recess 74 is provided along a distal surface 75 of the > extended hanger 66. In this way, as the hanger 66 moves to the stored position, an interference is presented between the distal surface 75 and the locking protrusion 72 until such time as the locking protrusion 72 is disposed adjacent the locking recess 74. It will be appreciated by those with skill in the art that in the preferred embodiment, the spine portion 62 presents a uniform appearance when the hanger 66 is in the stored position. In this way, as shown best in FIG. 2A, the thicknesses of the end portion 65 of the spine portion 62 and the thickness of the hanger 66 combined are approximately the same thickness as the remainder of the spine portion 62. Thus, as the hanger 66 is disposed adjacent the end portion 65, the spine portion 62 will appear to have a uniform thickness from end to end.

[0078] According to another feature of the invention, and in order to strengthen and lock the hanger 66 in the extended position shown in FIGS. 2 A and 2B, a further protrusion 76 and mating recess 78 are provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 76 extends from the spine portion 62, while the recess 78 is provided in the hanger 66. The locking protrusion recess 76, 78, however, might alternately be disposed in the reverse configuration, or both the spine portion 62 and the hanger 66 might include mating protrusions and recesses 76, 78. As may best be seen in FIG. 2D, as the hanger 66 pivots outward from the spine portion 62, the protrusion and recess 76, 78, mate and engage to lock the hanger 66 in position relative to the spine portion 62 and strengthen the suspending arrangement.

[0079] The second illustrated embodiment of the invention, shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, similarly includes a living hinge 90 arrangement between the spine portion 82 and the hanger 86. In this embodiment, however, the interference arrangement for maintaining the hanger 86 in the stored position provides an elongated locking protrusion 92 along the hanger 86, which mates with a locking recess 94 provided in the spine portion 82. Further, the strengthening and locking protrusion 96 extends from the hanger 86, while the strengthening and locking recess 98 is provided in the end 84 of spine portion 82, as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3D, and 3E. It will be noted that the strengthening and locking recess 98 in this embodiment is not in the form of an opening through the spine portion 82 itself, as the locking and strengthening recess 78 was an opening in the hanger 66 of the first embodiment. Rather, it is an "L-shaped" recess 98, which receives a hook- shaped protrusion 96 extending from the proximal end of the hanger 86.

[0080] According to another aspect of the invention, in order to retain a suspended book on the pair of parallel spaced rails, the recess 88 may actually be formed by way of a protrusion 89 that extends from the distal end 75 of the hanger 86. Thus, when the hanger 86 is disposed such that the rail is located along the recess 88 or lower surface of the hanger 86, the protrusion 89 prevents the bound book from sliding from the rail. It will further be appreciated, that when the hanger 86 is in the stored position, such as is shown in FIG. 3C, the protrusion 89 acts as a handle of sorts for the user to engage to pivot the hanger 86 from the stored position to the extended position. According to another aspect of the invention, the thickness of the spine portion 82 and the hanger 86 are equal such that a uniform contiguous element appearance is presented in the extended position, as best seen in FIGS. 3A and 3E.

[0081] As shown in a third embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, the hanger 106 may be coupled to the spine portion 102 by hinge 110 and hinge in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the hangers 66, 86 of the first and second embodiments hinge. The hanger 106 is snap-locked into its stored position shown in FIG. 4c by the interference and engagement of a locking protrusion 112 extending from the intermediate surface 113 of the spine portion 102 being received in the locking recess 114 in the distal surface 115 of the hanger 106. Similarly, in the extended position, the locking protrusion 116 extending from the hanger 106 engages the locking recess 118 of the end 104 of the spine portion 102. It will be noted that in this embodiment, the locking protrusions 112, 116 and locking recesses 114, 118 are essentially Quonset-shaped, snapping in and out of engagement to retain the hanger 106 in either a stored or extended position. It will further be noted that the rail retention recess 108 receives a protrusion 109 when the hanger 106 is disposed in a stored position, as shown in FIG. 4C. As a result, when the hanger 106 is in the extended position, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, should the rail be disposed along the lower surface of the extended hanger 106 or the spine portion 102, the protrusion 109 will further limit the movement of the rail along the lower surface. As in the first embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D, the spine portion 102 and hanger 106 will have a relatively uniform appearance when disposed in the stored position illustrated in FIG. 4C.

[0082] The hanger and the spine portion may alternately be formed as two separate pieces which are then joined by some coupling arrangement. In a fourth embodiment, which is illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C, the hanger 126 and spine portion 122 are separately molded of a polymeric material. This spine portion 122 and the hanger 126 are then coupled together at hinge 130 by a hinge pin 131. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, that the hinge 130 might be alternately constructed, for example, by molding the hanger 126 with a pair of protrusions that extend in the axially direction of the current pin 131. Such protrusions could then be engaged in the corresponding openings in the spine portion 122. As may be seen in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a pair of locking protrusions 132 disposed along the intermediate surface 133 are engageable in a • pair of locking recesses 134 disposed along the distal surface 135 of the hanger 126 to maintain the hanger 126 in the stored position shown in FIG. 5C.

[0083] Further, the spine portion and hanger may be formed of different materials. In a fifth embodiment, which is illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6C, the spine portion 142 is molded from a polymeric material, while the hanger 146 is formed of metal, preferably stamped. In order to form the hinge 150 between the hanger 146 in the spine portion 142, the spine portion 142 is formed with a pin 151 that protrudes from a side surface to be received in a bore 147 formed in the proximal end of the hanger 146. The pin 151 may be then heat-staked or otherwise caused to spread to secure the hanger 146 to the spine portion 142. In order to maintain the hanger 146 in the desired stored or extended position, the end 144 of the spine portion 142 is preferably provided with a flange 145. In this way, the upper surface of the hanger 146 engages the flange 145 to maintain the hanger 146 in the extended position as an upward force as exerted at the rail retention recess 148. Conversely, the opposite surface of the hanger 146 abuts the flange 145 when the hanger 146 is disposed in the stored position of FIG. 6C.

[0084] As shown in a sixth embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7G, the stamped metal hanger 156 may pivot through a plane perpendicular to that utilized in the fifth embodiment. More specifically, in this embodiment, the end 154 of the spine portion 152 includes a channel 155 which receives the hanger 156. It will be noted that the proximal, hinged end of the hanger 156 includes an L-shaped channel 157, which extends beyond the edges of the hanger 156 to form "pin" protrusions 157a. In this way, when received in openings 161 in the spine portion 152, the protrusions 157a and openings provide a hinge 160 between the hanger 156 and the spine portion 152. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the L-shape of the pin protrusions 157a provide greater strength to the protrusions 157a than would be provided with protrusions of the same thickness in a single plane. As may be seen in FIGS. 7D-7F, the hanger 156 maybe coupled to the spine portion 152 by advancing the hanger 156 from the position shown in phantom in FIG. 7E through an opening 159 in the spine portion 152 (see FIG. 7F) until such position as the protrusions 157a are received in the openings 161. From this position, the hanger 156 may be pivoted to either the protruding or the stored positions shown in figures 7A-7C. The hanger 156 is held in the stored or extended position by pairs of locking protrusions 162, 166 which present an interference between the body of the hanger 156 itself and the channel 155 [0085] As shown in the seventh embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8D, in order to provide additional strength to the binding element in the extended position, the stamped metal hanger 176 may have a U-shaped configuration, or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the U-shaped hanger 176 presents an internal channel 176a in which the end portion 174 of the spine portion 172 nests when the hanger 176 is in the stored position shown in FIGS. 8C and 8C. In a manner similar to that shown in the fifth embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6C, the end portion 174 includes flanges 175 along either side which are engaged by surfaces of the hanger 176 in both the extended position and the stored position. To hingedly couple the hanger 176 to the spine portion 172, the spine portion 172 is molded with pins 181 extending from either side thereof, which are received in bores 177 in the proximal end of the hanger 176. In this embodiment, the pins 181 are staked to broaden the end of the pin into a head portion and prevent separation of the hanger 176 from the spine portion 172.

[0086] In order to position the hanger 176 on a rail in a manner similar to that provided in the second embodiment as shown in FIGS. 3A-3E, the hanger 176 is provided with one or more protrusions 179 along the lower surface thereof when the hanger 176 is in the extended position shown in FIGS. 8 A and 8B. In this way, the protrusions 179 operate to inhibit separation of the suspend bound book from the parallel, spaced rails, i.e., the protrusion 179 in essence creates a rail retention recess 178 between the protrusions and the edge of the book itself when the hanger 176 is in the extended position. Moreover, when the hanger 176 is in the stored position illustrated in FIGS. 8C and 8D, the protrusion 179 acts as a handle portion by which the user may readily pivot the hanger 176 from the stored position to the extended position. As may best be seen in the FIG. 8D, the spine portion 172 is preferably provided with a relief or recess 173 that is disposed between the protrusions 179 when the hanger 176 is in the stored position. In this way, the user may readily push downward on the protrusions 179 to initiate the pivoting motion of the hanger 176. [0087] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a hanger may alternately be coupled to a spine portion by way of a sliding type arrangement. For example, as shown in an eighth embodiment, which is illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9D, the hanger 186 is coupled to the spine portion 182 by a mating channel arrangement. More specifically, in this embodiment of the invention, the end portion 184 of the spine portion 182 includes an elongated, dovetail-shaped protrusion 185, while the hanger 176 includes an elongated channel 187 which receives the elongated protrusion 185 to slidingly couple the hanger 186 to the spine portion 182. It will be appreciated, however, that an alternate mating canalicular arrangement may be provided. For example, the dovetail protrusion may be provided along the hanger and the recess channel provided along the spine portion, or alternate protrusions and recesses may be provided. To assist in moving the hanger 186 from the stored position shown in FIG. 9C to the extended position shown in FIGS. 9 A and 9B such that the rail retention recess 188 is accessible, a protrusion 189, or the like, may be provided to facilitate the application of a sliding force to the hanger 186.

[0088] As with the hinged attachment between the hanger and the spine portion, the hanger and spine portion end of such sliding attachments may likewise be constructed of dissimilar or like materials. In a ninth embodiment, which is illustrated in FIGS. 10A- 10D, the spine portion 182 is formed of a polymeric material, while the hanger 186 is formed of a stamped metal material. The canalicular coupling arrangement of this embodiment includes a pair of channels 183, 187 and an elongated protrusion 185. As may best be seen in FIG. 10 A, the spine portion 182 includes an elongated protrusion 185 which is received in an elongated channel 187 of the hanger 186. Further, the end portion 184 of the spine portion 182 includes an elongated channel 183 which slidingly receives the hanger 186 itself to further support the hanger 186, particularly when the hanger 186 is cantilevered in the extended position of FIGS. 10A and 10B. As with the seventh embodiment of the invention, for example, illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8D, the ninth embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A-10D includes a protrusion 189 that acts to retain the hanger 186 on a support rail disposed along the rail retention surface 188. Further, the protrusion 189 acts as a handle by which the user may apply an appropriate force to move the hanger 186 between the stored position and the extended position.

[0089] In a tenth embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 11 A-l IC, the hanger 196 is received within an internal channel 193 in the end portion 194 of the spine portion 192. In this particular embodiment, the hanger 196 is visible and accessible through at least one opening 193 A along the side of the spine portion 192. To facilitate sliding of the stamped metal hanger 196 within the channel 193, the hanger 196 preferably includes a protrusion 199 that acts as a handle to allow the user to readily slide the hanger 196 between a stored position and an extended position, wherein the rail retention recess 198 is disposed to receive the support rail. The extreme stored and extended positions of the hanger 196 within the channel 193 are determined by the movement of the protrusion 198 within the opening 193 A. More specifically, the spine portion 192 is provided with one or more locking protrusions 202 which define a locking recess 204 within the opening 193 A. When the protrusion 199 moves beyond the locking protrusions 202 into the locking recess 204, the interference between the locking protrusions 202 and the protrusion 199 locks the hanger 196 in the stored position, as is shown in FIG. 1 IC. Conversely, when the protrusion 199 abuts the limiting surface 206 of the opening 193 A, the hanger 196 is disposed in the extreme extended position. It will be noted that the hanger 196 itself may include a number of openings 196 A which reduce the weight of the hanger 196 while maintaining its structural integrity and strength. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the tenth embodiment may be fabricated by first stamping the metal insert 196 and then molding the spine portion 192 about the insert 196.

[0090] As shown in an eleventh embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12C, the hanger 216 may alternately be formed of a metal wire or the like. In this particular manifestation of the invention, the length of wire is bent to a right angle at one end to form the protrusion 219 that forms the rail retention recess 218. The opposite end of the wire is formed into a loop that includes a locking recess 224. The looped end of the wire is received in a channel 213 formed inside of the end portion 214 of the spine portion 212. In order to maintain the hanger 216 in the stored or extended positions, the channel 213 may further include locking protrusions 222, 226 which engage the locking recess 224 to create detent positions for the stored and extended positions, respectively. It will be appreciated, however, that alternate designs may be possible. For example, the end surface 223 of the spine portion 212 may include an upwardly extending flange that inhibits the proximal end 217 of the hanger 216 from being pulled from the channel 213 of the spine portion 212. In order to facilitate the user's grasping and moving the hanger 216 from the stored position shown in FIG. 12C to the extended positions shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, a cut-out 211 may be provided in the end of the spine portion 212.

[0091] As may be seen in FIGS. 13A-13D, the hanger 236 may alternately have a looped wire 235 configuration with a over-molded or otherwise attached cap 237 at its distal end. As with embodiments such as the ninth embodiment of FIGS. 10A-10D, the hanger cap 237 may include a protrusion 239 which defines the rail retention recess 238. In a manner similar to that shown in the eleventh embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12 A- 12C, locking protrusions 242, 246 may be provided in the channel 233 of the spine portion 232 to define the stored and extended positions, respectively. In this embodiment, the locking protrusions 242, 246 along with internal walls of the channel 233 define locking recesses 244, 248 which receive looped wire portion 235 to define the location of the stored and extended positions of the hanger 236.

[0092] It will further be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the hangers 256 may not only be separately formed from the spine portion 252, but they may be maintained separately such that an existing bound book may be retrofit with hangers 256 to selectively provide a bound book that may be suspended between parallel spaced rails. In a thirteenth embodiment, which is illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14D, a metal hanger 256 may be selectively engaged with a channel 253 in a spine portion 252. In this embodiment, beyond the surfaces of the hanger 256 generally conforming with the surfaces of the channel 253, the hanger 256 may include locking protrusions 257 which engage locking recesses or surfaces 258 of the channel 253 to prevent subsequent separation of the hanger 256 from the spine portion 252.

[0093] Similarly, in a fourteenth embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15D, a molded hanger 266 includes an arm having an enlarged head 267 that may be selectively engaged with a recess or channel 263 having an enlarged portion 268 for receiving the enlarged head of the arm 267. It will be appreciated, that inasmuch as the arm 267 slidingly engages the channel 263 through the lower surface of the spine portion 262, the hanger 266 will remain coupled to the spine portion 262 as an upward force is exerted on the cantilevered portion of the hanger 266 or as the bound book itself exerts a downward force on the arm 267 of the hanger 266. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many alternate forms of hanger and spine arrangements may be constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention.

[0094] Such a hanging bound book arrangement may be further enhanced by ready identification of the suspended bound book. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the binding element 270 may be provided with an upstanding label 271. In the currently preferred embodiment, which is illustrated in FIG. 16, the label portion 271 may be unitarily molded with the spine portion 272 by a living hinge 273 or the like. When it is desired to so identify a suspended bound book, the label plate 271 may be pivoted from the phantom position shown in FIG. 16 to the upstanding position and appropriate markings by way of a label 274 or the like may be placed on the label plate 271. To assist in retaining the label plate 271 in the upstanding position, the spine portion 272 may be provided with flanges 275 at either side of the label plate 271, for example, which presents a slight interference as the label plate 271 is snapped into the upstanding position. Further or alternately, the spine portion 272 may be provided with a protrusion 276 or the like which is received in an opening 277 in the label plate 271. It will be appreciated, however, that alternate designs are envisioned within the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, as with the various designs of hangers, the label plate may be constructed of an alternate material which is later coupled to the spine portion 272, the label plate may be alternately hinged or coupled to the spine portion, or may be provided as an entirely separate structure which may be selectively coupled to the bound book as desired.

[0095] In summary, the invention provides an economically fabricated, and easily utilized structure and method for suspending a book bound with two separate binding elements. Moreover, the invention provides for ready identification of the suspended and bound book by the inclusion of an upstanding label plate which may be marked to identify the book contents.

[0096] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

[0097] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0098] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above- described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A binding element for binding into a bound book a stack of perforated sheets having a plurality of perforations therethrough and for suspending said bound book between a pair of rails, said bound book having a first end and a second end, said binding element comprising: a first elongated spine portion comprising an axis, and a first end and a second end, a second elongated spine portion comprising an axis, and a first end and a second end, a plurality of fingers, said fingers being sized to be received in said perforations, said plurality of fingers being secured to said elongated spine portions in said bound book, said first ends of the first and second elongated spine portions being disposed adjacent the first end of said bound book, and said second ends of the first and second elongated spine portions being disposed adjacent the second end of said bound book, said first and second elongated spine portions being otherwise separate from one another when the stack is not in the bound book, a first hanger pivotably coupled to and selectively extendible from at least one of said first ends of said first and second elongated spine portions, and a second hanger pivotably coupled to and selectively extendible from at least one of said second ends of said first and second elongated spine portions, and said first and second hangers being adapted to engage said pair of rails to suspend said bound book between said pair of rails when said first and second hangers are extended.

2. The binding element of claim 1 wherein the first hanger is adapted to move between an extended position wherein said first hanger is disposed relative to said first or second elongated spine portion to engage one of said pair of rails, and a stored position wherein said first hanger is disposed relative to said first or second elongated spine portion such that said first hanger does not engage one of said pair of rails.

3. The binding element of claim 2 wherein the second hanger is adapted to move between an extended position wherein said second hanger is disposed relative to said first or second elongated spine portion to engage one of said pair of rails, and a stored position wherein said second hanger is disposed relative to said first or second elongated spine portion such that said second does not engage one of said pair of rails.

4. The binding element of any of claims 1 -3 wherein said hangers are integrally formed with said elongated spine portions, said hangers being hingedly coupled to said elongated spine portions by living hinges.

5. The binding element of any of claims 1 -4 wherein at least one of the first hanger and said first ends of said first and second elongated spine portions comprises at least one locking protrusion and the other of said first hanger and said first ends of said first and second elongated spine portions comprises at least one mating recess.

6. The binding element of claim 5 wherein said first hanger is in the stored position when said locking protrusion engages said mating recess.

7. The binding element of claim 5 wherein said first hanger is in the extended position when said locking protrusion engages said mating recess.

8. The binding element of any of claims 1 -7 wherein said first hanger comprises a wire.

9. The binding element of any of claims 1 -8 further comprising a hinge pin.

10. The binding element of any of claims 1-9 wherein at least one of the hangers comprises a protruding surface to facilitate movement of the at least one hanger between a stored position and an extended position relative to the first or second elongated spine portion.

11. The binding element of any of claims 1-10 wherein said first and second elongated spine portions are formed of a polymeric material and said hangers are at least partially formed of metal.

12. The binding element of any of claims 1-11 wherein said hangers are formed separately from said first and second elongated spine portions and are adapted to be assembled to at least one of said first and second elongated spine portions in order to allow suspension of said bound book between said pair of rails.

13. The binding element of any of claims 1-3 and 5-12 wherein said hangers may be assembled to and disassembled from said at least one of said first and second elongated spine portions.

14. The binding element of any of claims 1-13 further comprising a hinge protrusion.

15. The binding element of any of claims 1-14 wherein at least one of the first hanger or said at least one of said first ends of said first or second elongated spine portions comprises a channel for receiving the at least a portion of the other of the first hanger or said at least one of said first ends of said first or second elongated spine portions.

16. The binding element of any of claims 1-15 wherein the first hanger and said first or second elongated spine portions are pivotably coupled by way of a heat staked protrusion extending through a bore.

17. The binding element of any of claims 1-16 further comprising a label plate adapted to protrude from at least one of the first or second elongated spine portions.

18. A binding element for binding a stack of sheets into a bound book, said binding element comprising a first elongated spine portion molded from a polymeric material, and a label plate adapted to protrude from said first elongated spine portion.

19. The binding element of claim 18 wherein the first elongated spine portion and the label plate are unitarily molded.

20. A binding element for binding into a bound book a stack of perforated sheets having a plurality of perforations therethrough and for suspending said bound book between a pair of rails, said bound book having a first end and a second end, said binding element comprising: a first elongated spine portion comprising an axis, and a first end and a second end, a second elongated spine portion comprising an axis, and a first end and a second end, a plurality of fingers extending from the second elongated spine portion, said fingers being sized to be received in said perforations, said plurality of fingers being unitarily molded with the second elongated spine portion and being secured to said first elongated spine portion in said bound book, said first ends of the first and second elongated spine portions being disposed adjacent the first end of said bound book, and said second ends of the first and second elongated spine portions being disposed adjacent the second end of said bound book, said first and second elongated spine portions being otherwise separate from one another when the stack is not in the bound book, a first hanger selectively extendible from at least one of said first ends of said first and second elongated spine portions, and a second hanger selectively extendible from at least one of said second ends of said first and second elongated spine portions, and said first and second hangers being adapted to engage said pair of rails to suspend said bound book between said pair of rails when said first and second hangers are extended.

21. The binding element of claim 20 wherein the first hanger is adapted to move between an extended position wherein said first hanger is disposed relative to said first or second elongated spine portion to engage one of said pair of rails, and a stored position wherein said first hanger is disposed relative to said first or second elongated spine portion such that said first hanger does not engage one of said pair of rails.

22. The binding element of claim 21 wherein the second hanger is adapted to move between an extended position wherein said second hanger is disposed relative to said first or second elongated spine portion to engage one of said pair of rails, and a stored position wherein said second hanger is disposed relative to said first or second elongated spine portion such that said second does not engage one of said pair of rails.

23 The binding element of any of claims 20-22 wherein the first hanger is hmgedly coupled to the at least one of said first ends of said first and second elongated spine portions, and the second hanger is hingedly coupled to the at least one of said second ends of said first and second elongated spme portions.

24. The binding element of any of claims 20-23 wherein said hangers are integrally formed with said elongated spine portions, said hangers being hingedly coupled to said elongated spine portions by living hinges.

25. The binding element of any of claims 20-24 wherein at least one of the first hanger and said first ends of said first and second elongated spine portions comprises at least one locking protrusion and the other of said first hanger and said first ends of said first and second elongated spine portions comprises at least one mating recess.

26. The binding element of any of claims 20-22 wherein said first hanger is slidably coupled to at least one of said first ends of said first and second portions.

27. The binding element of any of claims 20-27 wherein said first hanger comprises at least one shaft, and the elongated spine portion of said at least one of said first ends of said first and second elongated spine portions comprising at least one channel extends substantially axially, said at least one shaft being slidably received in said at least one channel.

28. The binding element of any of claims 10-27 wherein said first hanger comprises a wire.

29. The binding element of any of claims 20-25 further comprising a hinge pin.

30. The binding element of any of claims 26-28 wherein at least one of said first ends of said first and second elongated spine portions and said first hanger comprises at least one dovetail, and the other of said first ends of said first or second elongated spine portions of said first hanger comprises a channel adapted to receive said dovetail.

31. The binding element of any of claims 20-30 wherein at least one of the hangers comprises a protruding surface to facilitate movement of the at least one hanger between a stored position and an extended position relative to the first or second elongated spine portion.

32. The binding element of any of claims 20-31 wherein said first and second elongated spine portions are formed of a polymeric material and said hangers are at least partially formed of metal.

33. The binding element of any of claims 20-32 wherein said hangers are formed separately from said first and second elongated spine portions and are adapted to be assembled to at least one of said first and second elongated spine portions in order to allow suspension of said bound book between said pair of rails.

34. The binding element of any of claim 20-23 and 25-33 wherein said hangers may be assembled to and disassembled from said at least one of said first and second elongated spine portions.

35. The binding element of any of claims 20-34 wherein at least one of the first hanger and said first ends of said first and second elongated spine portions comprises at least one locking protrusion and the other of said first hanger and said first ends of said first and second elongated spine portions comprises at least one mating recess.

36. The binding element of any of claims 26-28, 30-33, and 35 wherein at least the first hanger comprises a channel and at least one of said first or second elongated spine portions comprises a slide protrusion, said slide protrusion being slidably disposed in said hanger channel.

37. The binding element of any of claims 23, 24, and 29 further comprising a hinge protrusion.

38. The binding element of any of claims 23, 24, and 29 wherein at least one of the first hanger or said at least one of said first ends of said first or second elongated spine portions comprises a channel for receiving the at least a portion of the other of the first hanger or said at least one of said first ends of said first or second elongated spine portions.

39. The binding element of any of claims 23, 24, and 29 wherein the first hanger and said first or second elongated spme portions are pivotably coupled by way of a heat staked protrusion extending through a bore.

40. The binding element of claim 1 further comprising a label plate adapted to protrude from at least one of the first or second elongated spme portions.