A binding folder

Abstract

 A loose leaf binding (10) to secure together a plurality of loose sheets. The binding (10) is formed of plastics material and includes am edge strip (11) to which there is pivotally attached a pair of flanges (13, 14). Extending from the flange (14) are projections (17) which snap engage in sockets (19) formed in the other flange (13). A retaining means (21) is located at each end of the binding (10) and is adapted to inhibit pivoting of the flanges (13, 14) accidentally. The securing means (21) includes a pivotally mounted flange (22) at each end of the strip (11), with the flanges (22) adapted to snap engage the ends of the flanges (13, 14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to binders and folders employed to secure together a plurality of loose sheets of paper. More particularly, the present invention relates to binding strips formed of plastics material.

Background of the Invention

[0002] There is a wide variety of binders employed to bind sheets together for general office use. Such binders include comb binders which require the sheets to be punched with a plurality of rectangular slots. The comb binder has a plurality of resilient fingers which pass through aligned holes in the sheets. This type of binding has shown to be a reasonably low cost method of binding loose sheets.

[0003] The above discussed comb binders do not securely bind the sheets together and do not provide a professional appearance in respect of the finished product.

[0004] The above discussed problem was addressed by the binder described in Australian Patent 636080. Described in this patent is a binding strip molded from plastics material. The strip is generally of a "U-shaped" transverse cross section so as to have a base and a pair of flanges extending therefrom. The flanges are pivotally attached to the base. Extending from one of the flanges are projections which snap engage with apertures in the other flange. The projections pass through punched holes in the sheets. However this particular binding suffers from the disadvantage that the flanges easily separate and therefore the sheets contained in the binding become loose.

[0005] US Patent 5,183,296 discloses a binding for loose sheets. At each end of the binding there is provided a pivotally movable tab which is adapted to retain the sheets secure to the binding. These pivotally movable tabs do not inbibit movement of the two flanges between which the sheets are located.

[0006] US Patent 2,472,969 discloses a loose leaf binder of a relatively old and conventional structure. It consists of a base with a pair of flanges between which the loose sheets are secured. Neither of the flanges are pivotally attached to the edge strip. However, there is provided a mechanism by which the overall depth of the binding can be adjusted.

[0007] US Patent 4,257,715 discloses a binding which appears to be of a pressed metal construction. The binding includes a pair of flanges with projections extending from a pivoted one of those flanges. The projections are intended to pass through loose sheets. The extremities of the projections are then secured to the other flange.

[0008] US Patent 4,239,411 discloses a ring binder with securing straps to aid in retaining the binder closed. This binder is not formed of plastics material and the binder is hinged in the centre of the edge strip.

[0009] US Patent 3,582,224 shows a loose leaf post binder. Flexible posts extend through apertures in the paper and then the posts are secured one of the covers forming the binder.

[0010] US Patent 5,163,768 shows a binder for loose sheets however, there is no means of securing the binder in the closed position apart from the projections which pass through the apertures in the loose sheets.

[0011] US Patent 4,919,557 discloses a metal binder assembly consisting of two discrete strips, one of the strips being provided with projections which pass through the sheets. The other strip then engages those projections.

[0012] US Patent 4.352,582 discloses a loose leaf binder which consists of two halves pivotally secured down the centre of the edge strip of the binder. Prongs are provided to pass through the apertures in the loose sheets. The binder is secured in a closed position by means of a latch assembly.

[0013] US Patent 4,171,852 discloses a loose leaf binder. The binder has end projections which pass through the apertures in the loose sheets. Particularly the sheets would be computer "tractor feed" sheets. The binding consists of two halves pivotally connected down the centre of the edge strip. A catch is employed to secure the binder in the closed position.

[0014] US Patent 3,734,634 discloses a binding consisting of two halves which are slidably associated. A securing mechanism retains the binding in its closed position.

Object of the Invention

[0015] It is the object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate the above disadvantage.

Summary of the Invention

[0016] There is disclosed herein a loose leaf binding to secure together a plurality of loose sheets, the sheets having apertures through which the binding extends, said binding comprising:
   an edge strip having longitudinal edge portions;
   a pair of longitudinal flanges generally parallel and co-extensive with respect to the edge strip, with at least one of the flanges being pivotally attached to a respective one of the edge portions so that the edge strip is located between the two flanges, said one flange being pivotable with respect to the edge strip so as to be movable between a closed position in which the binding is generally "U-shaped" in transverse cross section, and an open position;
   a plurality of projections fixed to one of the flanges and extending generally normal therefrom and to pass through the holes in the sheets to secure the sheets to the binding;
   a plurality of sockets in the other flange to the flange having the projections, the sockets being adapted and positioned to releasably engage the extremities of the projections;
   securing means to retain each pivotably movable flange in the closed position; and wherein
   said edge strip, flanges, projections and sockets are integrally formed from plastics material.

[0017] Preferably, the securing means is located at each end of the binding strip.

[0018] Preferably, both flanges are pivotally attached to the edge strip.

[0019] Preferably, the securing means extends between the two flanges when the binding is in the closed position.

Brief Desription of the Drawings

[0020] Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of an "outfolded" binding strip;

Figure 2 is a schematic end elevation of the strip of Figure 1 sectioned along the line 2-2;

Figure 3 is a schematic end elevation of the strip of Figure 1 sectioned along the line 3-3;

Figure 4 is a schematic sectioned end elevation of the strip of Figure 1 in its closed configuration;

Figure 5 is a schematic end elevation of the strip of Figure 1 sectioned along theline 5-5;

Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the strip of Figure 1 in a partly closed configuration;

Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a folder;

Figure 8 is a schematic enlarged view of a securing means employed in the folder of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a schematic alternative binding strip to be employed in the folder of Figure 7; and

Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of a modification of the folder of Figure 7.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0021] In Figures 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings there is schematically depicted a binding 10 to secure together a plurality of loose sheets; the sheets having punched therein apertures through which the binding 10 passes.

[0022] The binding 10 includes an elongated edge strip 11 having longitudinal edge portions 12. Pivotally attached to the edge portion 12 are flanges 13 and 14 by means of hinges 15. It should be appreciated that in this embodiment both flanges 13 and 14 are pivotally attached to the strip 11. However in the broad form of the invention, it is only necessary to have one of the flanges 13 or 14 pivotally secured to the strip 11. For example, the flange 14 could be permanently fixed to the strip 11 so as to be generally normal thereto. The flange 13 would then be pivotally movable.

[0023] Extending from the flange 14 is a row of projections 16 having extremities 17 with ridges 18. The other flange 13, is provided with a row of sockets 19 which are adapted to "snap" engage with the extremities 17 when the binding 10 is in the closed configuration as depicted in Figure 4. In Figure 4 the binding 10 in transverse cross section is of a generally "U-shaped" configuration. The flanges 13 and 14 are generally parallel and co-extensive with respect to the strip 11.

[0024] The binding 10 is shown in an open configuration in Figure 2.

[0025] The projections 16 pass through apertures in the sheets in order to secure the sheets to the binding 10. The sheets are passed over the projection 16 when the binding 10 is in the open configuration. Thereafter, the two flanges 13 and 14 are pivotted towards each other until the sockets 19 "snap" engage with the extremities 17. This then secures the sheets to the binding 10.

[0026] To prevent inadvertent opening of the binding 10, there is provided securing means 20. The securing means includes two securing assemblies 21 at each end of the binding 10. Each securing assembly 21 includes a securing (member) flange 22 pivotally attached to the strip 11 by means of a hinge 26. Each flange has a pair of apertures 23 which are positioned and adapted to engage projections 24 at the end of each flange 13 and 14. Preferably that engagement would be a "snap" engagement or interference fit so that the flanges 22 prevented the flanges 13 and 14 being displaced angularly so that the extremities 17 became disengaged with the sockets 19.

[0027] As a further means of inhibiting unwanted movement of the flanges 13 and 14 there is provided abutments 25. These are located so as to abut the outer surfaces of the flanges 13 and 14, when the binding 10 is in the closed configuration, as best seen in Figure 6.

[0028] Preferably, the binding 10 would be molded from plastics material so that it was of a unitary construction.

[0029] Preferably, ridges 26 would be provided to aid in guiding the projections 24 into the apertures 23.

[0030] It should further be appreciated that the binding 10 can be attached to a folder so that the strip 11 is secured to the binding edge of the folder. In a still further preferred construction, the binding 10 could be formed integral with the back and front cover sheets of a folder. In such and instance, the front cover sheet would be formed integral with the flange 13, and the rear cover sheet formed integral with the flange 14.

[0031] In a further preferred form the flange 22 is pivotally attached to an end of one of the flanges 13 or 14 and "snap" engages the projection 24 on the other flange 13 or 14. The flange 22 would not be pivotally attached to the strip 11.

[0032] In Figures 7 and 8 there is schematically depicted a folder 70. The folder 70 includes a back cover sheet 71, a front cover sheet 72, and an edge strip 73. Fixed to the strip 73 and/or sheet 71 is a binding 74. The binding 74 includes first and second elongated portions 75 and 76 joined by a base or edge strip 77. Fixed to the portion 76 are projections 78 which have their extremities snap engaged in sockets 79 formed in the portion 75. The portion 75 can be separated from the projections 78 to expose the extremities of the projections 78 enabling punched sheets of paper to be placed over the projections 78. Thereafter the sockets 79 are pushed against the projections 78 to snap engage with their extremities. This then binds the sheets together. Similarly the portion 75 may be pulled away from the projections 78 enabling sheets to be withdrawn or replaced.

[0033] The extremities of the binding 74 are provided with flanges 80 which cooperate with the portions 75 and 76 to define slots 81. To be received within the slots 81 are flanges 82 of a retaining member 83. The flanges 82 cooperate with the flanges 80 to retain the binding 74 in the configuration shown in Figure 7. Preferably the flanges 80 and 82 are provided with cooperating recesses and projections 84 which snap engage to retain the securing member in position. The securing member 83 has an end wall 85 and a cover wall 86. A securing member 83 would be used at each end of the binding strip 74.

[0034] The binding 74 would have the portions 75 and 76 joined to the base 77 by means of hinges. The binding 74 would be formed of plastics material, with the hinge being resilient portions coupling of the binding 74.

[0035] In Figure 9, there is schematically depicted a modification of the binding 74 of Figure 7. In this embodiment, the retaining member 83 is integrally formed with the binding 74 so as to be a part thereof, and is attached thereto by means of a flexible hinge 87. Accordingly the retaining member 83 would be integrally formed with the binding 74, that is they would be integrally formed from plastics material.

[0036] In Figure 10 there is schematically depicted a folder 50. The folder 50 has integrally formed with it a binding such as the binding 74. However in this embodiment the folder 50 has a front cover 52 integrally formed with the flange 55, while the back cover 51 is integrally formed with the flange 53. The cover 52 could be coupled to the flange 55 by a hinge 56. The flanges 53 and 55 would be connected by hinges 54 to an edge strip 57. The flange 53 would have projections 58 and the flange 55 with cooperating sockets.

[0037] The folder would be formed of plastics material so as to be of a uniform construction. In this embodiment, the folder 50 is provided with a retaining member 83 as described with reference to the embodiments of Figures 7 to 9. In this embodiment the retaining member 83 is integrally formed with the remainder of the folder 50 however, the retaining member 83 could be separately formed.

[0038] It should be appreciated that the retaining member 83 could be provided with slots on the extremity of the flanges 82, with the flanges 80 adapted to be received therein.

[0039] As a further alternative the retaining member 83 could have slots as discussed, with portions of the back and front covers 51 and 52 received therein.

Claims

1. A loose leaf binding 10 to secure together a plurality of loose sheets, the sheets having apertures through which the binding 10 extends, said binding 10 comprising:
   an edge strip 11 having longitudinal edge portions 12;
   a pair of longitudinal flanges 13, 14 generally parallel and co-extensive with respect to the edge strip 11, with at least one of the flanges 13, 14 being pivotally attached to a respective one of the edge portions 12 so that the edge strip 11 is located between the two flanges 13, 14, said one flange 13, 14 being pivotable with respect to the edge strip 11 so as to be movable between a closed position in which the binding 10 is generally "U-shaped" in transverse cross section, and an open position;
   a plurality of projections 16 fixed to one of the flanges 14 and extending generally normal therefrom and to pass through the holes in the sheets to secure the sheets to the binding 10;
   a plurality of sockets 19 in the other flange 13 to the flange 14 having the projections 16, the sockets 19 being adapted and positioned to releasably engage the extremities 17 of the projections 16;
   securing means 20 to retain each pivotably movable flange 13, 14 in the closed position; and wherein
   said edge strip 11, flanges 13, 14, projections 16 and sockets 19 are integrally formed from plastics material.

2. The binding 10 of claim 1, wherein both said flanges 13, 14 are pivotally attached to said edge strip 11 at said edge portions 12

3. The binding 10 of claim 2, wherein said securing means 20 extends between the two flanges 13, 14 when said binding 10 is in its closed position.

4. The binding 10 of claim 3, wherein said securing means 20 includes a securing assembly 21 at each end of the binding 10, each securing assembly 21 including a securing member 22 pivotally attached to an associated end of the strip 11, each securing member 22 being pivotable about an axis generally transverse of the strip 11.

5. The binding 10 of claim 4, wherein each securing assembly 21 includes snap engaging means 23, 24 to secure the member 22 to an end portion of each of the flanges 13, 14.

6. The binding 10 of claim 1, wherein both said flanges 13, 14 are pivotally attached to said strip 11, and said securing means 20 includes a securing member 22 pivotally attached to one of said flanges 13, 14 and snap engaging means 23, 24 to releasably attach said securing member 22 to the other flange 13, 14.

7. The binding 10 of claim 6, wherein said snap engaging means 23, 24 includes a projection 24 extending from the flange 13 to which the securing member is pivotally attached and an aperture 23 in said securing member 22.

8. The binding 10 of claim 1, wherein said securing means 20 includes a securing member 22 adapted to engage an end of at least one of the flanges 13, 14, said securing member 22 having an abutment 25 to engage a surface of said at least one flange 13, 14 to prevent movement of the said one flange 13, 14 to the open position.

9. A folder 50 including the binding 74 of claim 1, said folder 50 having a front cover sheet 72 and a back cover sheet 71, with said front cover sheet 72 being formed integral with one of said flanges 75, and said back cover sheet 72 being formed intregral with the other flange 76.

Drawing