Multi-functional document binding device

Abstract

The device disclosed herein is a device for performing binding functions such as stapling, hole punching, and comb binding. The device includes a housing, lid, slots for receiving sheets of material to be operated on by the punching and biding assemblies of the device. The device includes a lid to close off or inactivate portions or functions of the device and direct or guide the operator to the proper function or assembly to use for the operation. The device further includes an actuator that selectively operates functional assemblies of the device. The device may further include a moveable guide to selectively offset the punching assembly when larger dimensional covers are punched. The device may also include punching die assemblies that are easily moved and aligned from one position to another.

Claims

1. A device for performing operations on sheets of material, the device including: a housing having a first receiver for sheets of material for a first operation and a second receiver for sheets of material for a second operation, and a lid having a first position and a second position, the first receiver open to receiving sheets when the lid is in the first position, and the second receiver open to receiving sheets when the lid is in the second position, the lid blocking the second receiver from receiving sheets when the lid is in the first position.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the second operation is performed by a hole punch.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the hole punch includes a punch die assembly, the punch die assembly including a plurality of dies slidably coupled to an assembly rail, the dies coupled to move in unison when die positions are changed along the assembly rail.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the second operation is performed by a binding hole punch.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein the second receiver includes a cover spacing guide, the cover spacing guide having a first position to guide a stack of paper, and a second position to guide a cover for the stack of paper, the cover spacing guide moving from the second position to the first position after the binding hole punch is activated.

6. A device for performing operations on sheets of material, the device including: a housing having a first receiver for sheets of material for a first operation and a second receiver for sheets of material for a second operation, and a lid having a first position and a second position, the first receiver open to receiving sheets when the lid is in the first position, and the second receiver open to receiving sheets when the lid is in the second position, wherein the first operation is performed by a stapler and the second operation is performed by a hole punch.

7. The device of claim 6 further including a drawer within the housing, the drawer being prevented from opening when the lid is in the first position.

8. A device for performing operations on sheets of material, the device including: a housing having a first receiver for sheets of material for a first operation and a second receiver for sheets of material for a second operation, and a lid having a first position and a second position, the first receiver open to receiving sheets when the lid is in the first position, and the second receiver open to receiving sheets when the lid is in the second position, wherein the first receiver is a slot bounded by the lid and a surface of the housing when the lid is in the first position.

9. A device for performing operations on sheets of material, the device including: a housing having a first receiver for sheets of material for a first operation and a second receiver for sheets of material for a second operation, and a lid having a first position and a second position, the first receiver open to receiving sheets when the lid is in the first position, and the second receiver open to receiving sheets when the lid is in the second position, wherein the first operation is actuated by an actuator at a first time, and the second operation is actuated by the actuator at a second time.

10. A device for performing binding operations on sheets of material, the device including: a housing, a lid, a first slot for receiving stacks of material to be bound, and a second slot for receiving material to be punched, the lid obstructing the second slot when the lid is in a closed position, and exposing the second slot when the lid is in an open position.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein the lid includes a recess, a stapler positioned in the recess.

12. The device of claim 10 further including: a stapler in communication with the first slot, a hole punch assembly in communication with the second slot, and an actuator coupled to the stapler to actuate stapling and also coupled to the hole punch assembly to actuate punching.

13. The device of claim 12 wherein the actuator actuates the hole punch when the lid is in the open position.

14. The device of claim 12, the hole punch including a punch die assembly, the punch die assembly including a plurality of dies slidably coupled to an assembly rail, the dies coupled to move in unison when die positions are changed along the assembly rail.

15. The device of claim 10 further including a drawer in the housing, the drawer being openable when the lid is in the open position, and not being openable when the lid is in the closed position.

16. The device of claim 10, wherein the second slot includes a guide for positioning the sheets of material in the slot, the guide including a first position and a second position, the guide being movable from the first position to the second position by a user, the guide moving back to the first position upon punching of the sheets of material in the slot and removal of the sheets of material from the slot.

17. A device for binding sheets of material, the device including: a housing, a lid having an open position and a closed position, a first slot in communication with an assembly for a first operation on the sheets of material, a second slot in communication with an assembly for a second operation on the sheets of material, and a third slot in communication with an assembly for a third operation on the sheets of material, the lid and portion of the housing forming the first slot, the lid closing the second slot when in the closed position, and the third slot being blocked by the lid when the lid is in an open position.

18. The device of claim 17 wherein the assembly for the first operation, the assembly for the second operation, and the assembly for the third operation are all actuated by a same actuator.

19. The device of claim 18 wherein the actuator acts to actuate the first assembly when the lid is in the closed position, and the actuator acts to actuate the second assembly when the lid is in the open position.

20. A device for performing operations on sheets of material, the device including: a housing having a first receiver for sheets of material for a first operation and a second receiver for sheets of material for a second operation, and a lid having a first position and a second position, the first receiver open to receiving sheets when the lid is in the first position, and the second receiver open to receiving sheets when the lid is in the second position, the lid blocking the second receiver from receiving sheets when the lid is in the first position, further including a drawer within the housing, the drawer being prevented from opening when the lid is in the first position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a representation of a prior art multi-function binding machine.

(2) FIG. 2 is a representation of a prior art multi-function binding machine.

(3) FIG. 3 is of FIG. 12 from U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,728 titled Combined Paper Punch and Binding Apparatus.

(4) FIG. 4 is of FIG. 4 from U.S. Pat. No. 5,187,634 titled Punch Selectable Punch Press.

(5) FIG. 5 is a simplified chart summarizing some of our research findings and the objective of the present invention and how the improvements to the prior art brings benefits to the operator of the disclosed device.

(6) FIG. 6 is a representation of an embodiment of the stated invention utilizing modular functional additions, including an option of interlinked modules.

(7) FIG. 7 is a representation of an alternative embodiment of the stated invention utilizing modular functional additions within the main machine, such as selectable dies to emboss or die-cut.

(8) FIG. 8 is a representation of an alternative embodiment of the stated invention utilizing an optional modular and or built-in functional addition or a plurality of additions

(9) FIG. 9 is a representation of another alternative embodiment of the stated invention utilizing a differing embodiment of the modular and or built-in functional addition or plurality of additions.

(10) FIG. 10 is a representation of a staple assembly of the present invention including front loading staple refilling to ensure easy installation of refillable staples of varying staple types for varying document thickness capabilities.

(11) FIG. 11 is a representation of the stated invention staple assembly with device lid in the raised position.

(12) FIG. 12 is a representation of an improved binding comb, in particular a resilient plastic binding comb with unique locking feature.

(13) FIG. 13 is an illustration of the disclosed device's punch arrangement and its features in more detail with the upper cabinet access panel has been removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(14) FIG. 6 represents an embodiment of the stated invention utilizing modular functional additions. The Figure shows the binding machine having a rotational drive shaft, and an optional connection collet assembly, which is actuated manually by use of the handle, or alternatively a motorized assembly with an electro-mechanical actuation or controls means if the binding machine is of the automatic type. In some embodiments, the drive shaft extends outwardly from the pivot point of the handle or other actuator. In other embodiments, the shaft extends from the body or housing of the binding machine at a location other than the pivot point of the handle or other actuator. The drive shaft rotates the collet assembly which is connected to and acts upon the mechanisms of the connected or interlinked modules. The interlocking drive collet allows for the addition of modules such as an Embossing or Die-cutting module shown in FIG. 6 (depending on its inserted interchangeable die) to be added and actuated by the same drive collet located on the machine as shown in the foreground. In other embodiments, such as the interlined modules shown in in the background of FIG. 6, the figure shows the same binding machine, with a plurality of modules added whose features and actuations are driven and/or controlled by the handle or motorized assembly of the binding machine. In the embodiment, the plurality of modules are coupled to the drive shaft of the binding machine. In the represented embodiment, the rotational drive shaft can be placed either on the left or right or both sides if maximum flexibility is required. This type of arrangement as shown would allow the base binding machine to stay lower in cost and only the additional desired features then would be modularly added. Since these modular additions could be driven by the main unit's actuation and drive method, the cost of these additional modules will be lower as well. Other embodiments are not precluded, which would include fully functional modules (motorized and manual versions) which can function on their own by the inclusion of a drive device (handle or motorized assembly) to actuate and drive its functions separately from or in unison with the main unit's actuation, controller, and drive methods. In some embodiments, the additional modules may be drivable by an attachable handle or other actuator attached to a collet of module, thus making the module independently drivable and not reliant upon the base binding machine and its actuator or handle.

(15) FIG. 7 represents an alternative embodiment of the stated invention utilizing modular functional additions within the main machine. In some embodiments, the binding machine may include an accessory cavity to receive an accessory. In some embodiments, the accessory may be a die for embossing or die-cutting. The Figure shows the binding machine having a rotational drive mechanical assembly actuated by the handle, or motorized assembly of the machine if the binding machine is of the automatic type. The Figure shows a receptacle area with an optional lift lid in which the addition of modules such as an embossing or die-cutting (depending on the inserted interchangeable die) module to be added and installed as to be actuated by the same or alternative drive assembly of the main machine. In other embodiments, other accessories may be received and operably connected to the actuator or handle for operation of the accessory. An opening or slot in the machine's housing would allow the paper to be inserted and processed by the machine's mechanical actuator. This type of arrangement as shown would allow the base binding machine to be sold with or without the additional feature installed and the end user would determine and add which additional features are desirable. In the alternative, the unit could be sold fully-featured inclusive of additional die cut, emboss and debossing features of differing types and shapes, to name a few of many possibilities. Customized shapes such as corporate logos or seals, could be additionally obtained if desired. Other embodiments are not precluded, which could include a mixture of integrated options either installed or modularly added and or replaceable or interchangeable within, adjacent to, or separate from the existing machine.

(16) FIG. 8 represents an alternative embodiment of the stated invention multi-functional document binding device 100 utilizing an optional modular and or built-in functional addition or a multitude of additions. This embodiment of the stated invention discloses stapling assembly 700 residing within accessory cavity 702 of binding device 100. As to reduce user confusion, the document binding feature is not accessible when device lid 104 is in its lowered position but allows the operator access to the staple assembly 700, and stapler lever 706. In some embodiments, the staple assembly cannot be active for stapling when the device lid 104 is in an open position.

(17) For stapling, when a stack of paper is place within optionally adjustable guide rail 704 and slid into place, stapler lever 706 is actuated to insert the appropriate binding staple into the paper stack. In some embodiments, the staple assembly 700 may be activated to staple the stack of paper by the actuation handle 904. Actuation handle 904 may also be used for other operations, such as hole punching, by being operatively coupled to a hole punching mechanism. If the operator would like to create a staple bind along the entire spine of the document edge, stapler lever 706 can be configured to slidably move along a repositionable guide rail within cavity 702 to the next position and then actuated as to again insert the appropriate binding staple into the paper stack. This can be sequentially done several times until the desired number of binding staples have been inserted along the spine of the document. Once the document is removed, a slide on, snap on, or adhesively attached cover can be assembled over the staples as to create a higher level of finish even when the document is stapled.

(18) In some embodiments, the staple anvil of stapling assembly 700 which shapes the underside of the staple can be configured in a manner as to enable and secure the slide on or snap on cover. A heavy-duty higher capacity stapling assembly can be inserted additionally or, as an alternative and optionally, be actuated by actuation handle 904 since this handle is more robust and would give the operator more leverage. All manual stapling operations can be achieved by motorized means and be powered by battery DC or plugin AC sources and these types of stapling mechanisms are well known in the marketplace today. Disclosed as unique is a staple means which is assistive where a mechanical stapler is assisted by powered means or stored power means or mechanically actuated stored power means so as to make the enacting and/or initiating of the staple cycle feel familiar but with the added benefit the power assist allows for thicker stacks to be stapled and edge bound.

(19) In embodiments that include a round hole punch function, round hole punch slot 504 is accessible since this is a less complex operation than comb binding and is the next most commonly used binding operation after stapling. After raising punch actuation handle 904 upwards, which in turn rotates actuation mechanism assembly 900 ensuring the punch dies are then in their retracted state (not shown), the operator then places a stack of paper into round hole punch slot 504, and while holding the inserted stack in place and/or allowing the stack to rest against an optional pull-out or wireframe paper stack support assembly, the operator then proceeds to lower punch actuation handle 904 in a downward stroke, which in turn rotates the actuation mechanism 900 to engage the punch dies with the inserted stack of paper to create the desired round punch holes along the spine of the inserted stack of paper. After the punch sequence has been completed, actuation handle 904 then can be raised again sequentially to release the punch die from the paper to allow the paper to be retracted from punch slot 504. As an alternative to the directly engaged punch die to handle actuation, an interim cam-driven mechanism can be utilized to allow paper to be inserted even when actuation handle 904 is in the lowered position, as the handle is raised rotating actuation mechanism 900 which then engages the punch die actuator and on the operator's downstroke action of the actuation handle 904, the punch die is actuated, the paper stack is punched within punch slot 504, and the die is retracted on the same sequential downstroke. This punch actuation sequence uniquely allows the paper stack to be inserted and retracted when the actuation handle 904 is in the lowered position. All manual punching operations can be achieved by motorized means and be powered by battery DC or plug-in AC sources and these types of punching mechanisms are well known in the marketplace today.

(20) FIG. 9 represents another alternative embodiment of the stated invention multi-functional document binding device 100 utilizing an alternate embodiment of the modular and or built-in functional addition or plurality of additions. This particular embodiment of the stated invention discloses stapling assembly 700 residing within accessory cavity 702 of binding device 100 in such a way as to easily identify the mechanism's function since it has the similar signaling elements as the familiar desk top stapler. Similar to the FIG. 8 embodiment, the document binding feature such as a hole punch is not accessible when device lid 104 is in its lowered position, but allows access to the staple assembly 700 and stapler lever 706. When a stack of paper is place against optionally adjustable guide rail 704 and slid into place, stapler lever 706 is operator actuated to insert the appropriate binding staple into the paper stack. If the operator would like to create a staple bind along the entire spine of the document edge, the document is manually moved along adjustable guide rail 704 within the mating cavity created by the lowered device lid 104 and upper cabinet member 106 to the next position, and then staple lever 706 is actuated again to insert the appropriate binding staple into the paper stack. In some embodiments, the stapling action is actuated by actuation handle 904. No matter how actuated, the stapling can be sequentially done several times until the desired number of binding staples have been inserted along the spine of the document. A heavy-duty higher capacity stapling assembly can be inserted additionally or in place of staple assembly 700 with a larger staple lever 706 or converting lever handle or, as another alternative option, be configured to be actuated by actuation handle 904 since this handle is more robust and would give the operator more leverage.

(21) In some embodiments, round hole punch slot 504 is accessible since this is a less complex operation than comb binding and is the next most commonly used binding operation after stapling. However, in other embodiments, only one operation is operable at any one time. The operator places a stack of paper into round hole punch slot 504, and while holding the inserted stack in place and/or allowing the paper stack to rest against an optional pull-out or wireframe paper stack support assembly (currently shown in the retracted or lowered state), the operator then proceeds to lower punch actuation handle 904 in a downward stroke to engage the punching mechanism of the machine.

(22) FIG. 10 represents staple assembly 700 including front-loading staple refilling to ensure easy installation of refillable staples of varying staple types for varying document thickness capabilities. To refill the unit, staple lever 706 is lifted upwards to access staple sleeve retainer 710. The retainer 710 is designed to accommodate preloaded staple cartridges as well to a standard staple sleeves, to allow for ease of changing staples for specific needs and for refilling purposes. Adjustable guide rail 704 (not shown) allows the paper position relative to the staple to be adjusted and is user configurable. The optionally adjustable guide rail 704 can reside on the upper cabinet member of the unit allowing registration with a significant portion of the document to be staple bound.

(23) FIG. 11 represents the stated invention multi-functional document binding device 100 with device lid 104 in the raised position. When the operator wants to go into binding mode utilizing the disclosed device, they would reconfigure the device by initially lifting device lid 104 in the raised position. When lifted, staple assembly 700 is also in the raised position to make its functionality momentarily restricted (the staple feature can be configured to be optionally lowered and/or raised free of the lid while still being raised when the lid is raised by the use of resistive detents or pull or slide latch mechanism). This momentary restricted accessibility of staple assembly 700 allows the operator to focus on the steps needed to utilize the comb binding feature by making the other features more difficult to access as compared to the easily or obviously accessible features when the machine has been reconfigured for a particular function of its multi-functions, and/or operationally inaccessible when the machine has been manually or, alternatively, automatically reconfigured to be in an alternative user selected mode.

(24) For example, when the machine is in plastic comb binding mode, device lid 104 is in a raised position and is configured to momentarily block easy access to round hole punch slot 504. This is done to make it easier for the operator to understand binding hole punch slot 602 is the primary punch slot to use when binding. Similarly, in some embodiments, access to the stapler assembly 700 is also blocked. In some embodiments the placement of device lid 104 in the raised position prevents the stapler assembly from being activated. In other embodiments, various features are made less easy to access in order to signal or guide the operator to the correct apparatus to use. Thus, one skilled in the art will recognize that describing a function as blocked may have a range of meaning, including making a function or apparatus less easy to access or use.

(25) Furthermore, binding comb storage drawer 310 is allowed to be opened to access the stored binding combs when the device is in the binding configuration. When binding, the operator raises punch lever handle 904 upwards, which in turn rotates actuation mechanism assembly 900 ensuring the punch dies of binding punch assembly 600 are then in their retracted state (not shown), the operator then places a stack of paper into binding hole punch slot 602, and while holding the inserted stack in place and/or allowing the stack to rest against an optional pull-out or wireframe paper stack support assembly, the operator then proceeds to lower punch actuation handle 904 in a downward stroke, which in turn rotates the actuation mechanism 900 to engage the punch dies with the inserted stack of paper to create the desired punch holes along the spine of the inserted stack of paper. After the punch sequence has been complete, actuation handle 904 then can be raised again sequentially to release the punch die from the paper to allow the paper to be retracted from binding hole punch slot 602.

(26) As an alternative to the directly engaged punch die to handle actuation, an interim cam-driven mechanism can be utilized to allow paper to be inserted even when actuation handle 904 is in the lowered position, as the handle is raised rotating actuation mechanism 900 which then engages the binding punch assembly 600's actuator and downstroke of the actuation handle 904, the punch die is actuated, the paper stack is punched within binding hole punch slot 602, and the die is retracted on the same sequential downstroke. This punch actuation sequence uniquely allows the paper stack to be inserted and retracted when the actuation handle 904 is in the lowered position.

(27) All manual punching operations can be achieved by motorized means and be powered by battery DC or plug-in AC sources, and these types of punching mechanisms are well known in the marketplace today.

(28) To punch covers and backs with the proper spacing, cover spacing guide 606 can be utilized to ensure the cover and back pages are punched properly. Typically covers and backs are dimensionally larger than the pages which are to be bound in-between. Spacing guide 606 is designed to move outwards by a preset range (optionally adjustable by the operator) which in turn shifts the alignment of binding hole punch slot 602 in a manner as to accommodate the larger cover and back sheets. As an alternative embodiment, the spacing guide can be configured to return to its default position (non-cover spacing position) after the punching cycle, to ensure the operator engages the spacing guide 606 only as needed and doesn't inadvertently leave it in the incorrect position and create waste due to incorrectly punched pages.

(29) After a cover or back has been punched, or when the operator is ready to bind the pages with a comb, plastic comb 320 can be inserted into binding assembly 300, in this case a comb spreader assembly, (other binding systems would include a metal comb versus plastic comb 320 and the corresponding metal comb holder and crimper, a document clamp and spiral binder spinner, etc.), placing the plastic comb 320 behind and aligned with comb retainer 302 ensuring the comb is engaged with comb prongs 304. Prong lever 308 is pulled towards the front of the machine which in turn slides the comb prongs 304 toward the front of the machine, which then opens or expands plastic comb 320. The operator then places either the previously punched cover or back onto the expanded plastic comb 320, and then the sequentially corresponding pages with the cover or back then being the last one inserted, depending on how the operator has initiated their document stacking order. Once the entire document has been assembled, prong lever 308 is actuated in the reversed direction to release plastic comb 320, allowing it to retract to its natural state securing all the document's pages within.

(30) FIG. 12 represents an improved binding comb, in particular a resilient plastic binding comb with unique locking feature. Plastic combs are manufactured as a resiliently returning shape and therefore after binding can be re-opened with ease, causing some of the resilient comb teeth to release, inadvertently causing pages or portions of pages to not stay retained. We are disclosing a resilient plastic binding comb with a slot feature which adds the functionality of a locking tab to resolve the aforementioned issues with standard binding combs. Binding comb 322 is configured with comb slot 324. The comb slot allows comb locking tab 326 to be easily pushed through comb slot 324. After being pushed through, wing tabs of comb locking tab 326 are configured in such a way to impede the comb locking tab 326 from being reversed out of comb slot 324. Other embodiments would allow for multiple locking tab points, to be able to adjust the comb to a variety of sizes which still allow the bound pages to turn easily and lay flat in spite of the locking tab feature. Another advantage of comb slot 324 is its ability to make the typically easier to use and lower cost plastic binding comb have the look and appearance of a wire-bound document.

(31) FIG. 13 is an illustration of the disclosed device's punch arrangement and its features in more detail. Upper cabinet access panel has been removed to expose round hole punch assembly 500. Round hole punch die assembly 506a, 506b and 506c are retained by assembly rail 502. One or more die assemblies of the die assemblies are slidably mounted onto assembly rail 502. For example, to move die assembly 506c, the operator engages die latch 510c to release the catch tab from the corresponding notch on assembly rail 502, moving the Die Assembly 506c to the desired position releasing the die latch 510c to lock the die assembly into place. Assembly rail 502 can be configured with a slidably actuated rail section which would allow one or more of the die assemblies to move in unison, to ease changing and adjusting of the dies to go from a two-hole to three-hole punch, and other possible configurations, and then back again easily. This actuation rail can be operator adjustably modified to adjust the center-to-center alignment and movement range of the attached die assemblies, along with the movement range of the rail itself. This movement allows the mounted die assemblies to move in unison as well as center-to-center variable die spacing in relationship with each other with the movement of the actuation lever for maximum adjustability and reconfigurability. The actuation lever can be configured to be a two-position and/or a multitude of positions. In one embodiment, the slidably actuated rail section's actuation lever or levers would protrude through the upper support shell 112 and the corresponding cover. In another it can reside towards the back, with the actuation lever protruding out the back of the machine or anywhere for ease of accessibility and use.

(32) The foregoing disclosure of specific embodiments is intended to be illustrative of the broad concepts comprehended by the invention.