AU739938B2

AU739938B2 - Folder having a cover and a binding device

Info

Publication number: AU739938B2
Application number: AU28324/99A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Frank Hoffmann
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-02-13
Filing date: 1999-02-08
Publication date: 2001-10-25
Anticipated expiration: 2019-02-08
Also published as: CA2324604A1; WO1999041088A1; JP2002502742A; AU2832499A; EP1054779A1

Description

I

Folder having a cover and a binding device The invention relates to a folder having a cover and a binding device with two or more binding posts for receiving and holding perforated sheets which have corresponding holes assigned to an outer edge, the binding posts having a preformed angled piece on the top side, the angled piece exceeding a perforation size of the sheets.

Such folders are possible in many different embodiments.

As a rule, these folders have plastic or sheet-metal binding strips for receiving and holding perforated sheets.

After these perforated sheets have been bound, a securing strip is generally slipped over the binding strips for resting on the bound sheet or on the bound stack of sheets, via which securing strip the binding strips are finally bent into a position lying on the topmost sheet or on the securing strip. Such binding devices for folders are also known as loose parts. In this case, reference is made, for example, to DE-U1 87 10 063. In addition, with regard to the prior art, GB Patent 354, 257 may also be referred to.

This document has already disclosed a folder as characterized at the beginning. However, the angled pieces of the posts can only be removed or are integrally 25 connected thereto. This still involves certain difficulties during use.

30 The above discussion of background art is included to explain the context of the invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in Australia at the priority date of any of the claims of this specification.

It would therefore be desirable to configure and develop a folder in such a way that advantageous handling is made possible in a simple construction.

Y:\violet\nodelete\28324-99 2 According to a broad aspect, the present invention provides a folder having a cover and a binding device with two or more binding posts for receiving and holding perforated sheets which have corresponding holes assigned to an outer edge. The binding posts have a preformed angled piece on the top side. The angled piece exceeds a perforation size of the sheets, so that the angled piece is movable relative to a binding post in a horizontal or vertical plane. Also, the angled piece is mounted so as to be rotatable or pivotable on the binding post.

The binding device of the folder according to the invention has an aesthetically pleasing effect. Furthermore, the shape of the binding posts provided with the angled pieces already predetermines the manipulation required by the user for binding the sheets. To form the folder, the binding device is adhesively bonded or clipped into place, for example, in the cover. In addition, welding of the binding device to the cover is also conceivable. In this case, it proves to be a further advantage that the binding device is formed in one piece. There is therefore no risk of a part of the binding device shifting, like the securing strips in the prior art for example. Furthermore, it is preferable to adapt the binding posts with regards to their mutual spacing and their number to the hole standardization for standardized sheets. Thus, for example, two binding posts spaced apart at the standard spacing and having angled pieces are provided in order to bind perforated DIN A4 sheets having a double sheet perforation. In the case of a quadruple sheet perforation, four binding posts are accordingly provided. Since there are a small number of sheets in most cases in which individual sheets, for example special written documents (orders, applications, reports, conference documents, etc.), are bound in presentation folders, provision is made in a form of the subject matter of the invention for the binding posts to have a post height adapted to a bound stack height of about 2 4mm, preferably 2.5mm. In further configurations of the binding device, higher binding posts for larger numbers Y:\vioet\nodelete\28324-99 3 of sheets are also conceivable. In addition, a variable post height is also conceivable. Furthermore, provision is made for the binding device to be made in one piece. Thus the binding device is preferably formed as a plastics injection moulding. In addition, the binding device may also be produced as a metal die-casting or as a sheet-metal bent part. In addition to the advantages in terms of production, this one-piece construction of the binding device also proves advantageous for type-pure disposal after the useful life has expired. Furthermore, it is first of all preferred to produce the binding device only from a homogeneous casting. However, it is also conceivable to produce the binding device from a plurality of individual parts of a material. With regard to the disposal, it also proves advantageous if the cover and the binding device of the folder are made of the same material. Thus, if the cover and the binding device are made from a plastics material, only one type of material to be disposed of occurs. On the other hand, if a cover made of a cardboard/paper material is selected, only two types of material, which are simple to separate, occur if the binding device is made from a plastics material or metal.

In order to further increase the fixing of the sheets held 25 in the binding device, provision may be made for the angled piece to be movable relative to the post in a horizontal plane. As a result of this configuration, the angled piece can be shifted, for example, from an insertion position, in which the angled piece runs in the direction of the outer 30 edge of the sheet, by 900 into a blocking position. In this case, a blocking position is preferred in which the angled piece is pivoted in a horizontal plane and runs approximately parallel to the outer edge of the sheet held.

It is thus also preferred that the angled pieces are oriented so as to point towards one another when two binding posts are disposed in this blocking position.

Furthermore, as an alternative to or also in combination with the feature described above, provision may be made for the angled piece to be movable relative to the post in a Y:\violeft'nodelete\28324-99 4 vertical plane. In this case, it is preferred that the angled piece points upwards in an insertion position, i.e.

in an extension of the binding post, whereby the sheets to be bound can be guided in the simplest manner and in the usual manner from above over the angled pieces and binding posts. To achieve a blocked or securing position of the sheets, the angled piece is then pivoted in a vertical plane preferably by 900 into a further preferred position running parallel to the outer edge of the bound sheet. As indicated, mobility of the angled piece relative to the post in both a horizontal and vertical plane is also conceivable.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, provision is made for the angled piece to run in the direction of that outer edge of the sheet to which the holes are assigned.

As a result of this confiuration, the angled pieces extend in a direction opposed to a pulling direction of the paper when leafing through it, whereby the bound pages continue to be securely held even leafing through them.

C. *oe Alternatively, in another preferred embodiment of the invention the configuration may be selected in such a way that the angled piece runs in the direction of the 25 longitudinal outer edge opposite the holes of the sheet.

As a result of this configuration, the bound sheets are securely held irrespective of the degree of filling even when leafing through them. The angled pieces are opposed to the direction of movement of he sheets when leafing through 30 them. In addition, this solution proves to be advantageous eeee to the effect that, to release bound stacks of sheets, these stacks can be gripped from below on the left, i.e. on C. S.the side of the perforation outer edge on the short side.

Sheets which are bound in place again can also be held again without problem as a result of this configuration. In order to simplify the insertion of the perforated sheets, provision is preferably made for the freely projecting end of the angled piece to taper to a point.

Y:\violet\nodelete\28324-99 In at least one form of the present invention provision is made for a horizontal extent of the angled piece to correspond to at least 1.5 times the hole diameter.

Consequently, the angled piece of a binding post projects beyond the perforation outer edge of the perforated sheet in the bound and held position of the latter.

In another preferred form of the invention, which also provides an improvement in terms of handling, it is also proposed that, when the angled piece is formed so as to be movable in a horizontal and/or vertical plane, this angled piece is secured in a latched manner in an insertion position and/or in a securing position of the received sheets. To this end, for example, the angled piece may be provided with a latching lug or the like which plunges into a correspondingly formed latching groove of the binding post in the respective position to be secured. As a result of this configuration, the angled piece can only be pivoted deliberately from the securing position into the insertion position. In addition, when an insertion position is secured in a latched manner, the handling is substantially simplified, since this position is reliably maintained during the operation of binding the sheets. Preferably, the angled piece be arched downwards in a spring-like 25 manner. Thus, for example, the angled pieces may be formed so as to be flexible and resilient in a configuration of the binding device in the form of a plastics injection moulding or also as a sheet-metal bent part. The angled piece formed in this way therefore acts upon the top side 30 of the bound stack of sheets, which intensifies the retention. Furthermore, when the binding device is formed as a plastics injection moulding, it is conceivable to strengthen in particular the region of the angled pieces with glass fibres.

In at least one preferred form of the invention, the length of the angled piece corresponds to about half the spacing between two posts. In order to keep the overall height of the folder small, according to at least one form of the a a. a a.

a Y:\vioiet\nodelete\28324-99 6 present invention there is provided that the top cover have an aperture which is adapted to the contour of the angled piece and is filled by the angled piece, or the latter passes through it, when the folder is closed. Thus, for example, positive-locking punched-out sections may be provided in the top cover. However, it is also conceivable to merely perforate this passage region. When the folder is first used, i.e. when it is first closed, these perforated zones are pierced and separated by the angled pieces striking against the latter on the inside. The angled pieces then entering or passing through the aperture when the folder is closed may be formed in a suitably aesthetic manner on the top side, i.e. on the visible side.

Thus it is conceivable, for example, to provide this surface with a logo (for example by imprinting by means of tampon printing or screen printing) or form it so as to be raised as a relief.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides that the binding posts be formed as freely projecting receiving parts curved in a preformed manner, the curvature being formed in the direction of the perforation outer edge of the sheets. The binding posts consequently merge uniformly in a curved manner into an 25 insertion zone, the curvature preferably being formed in accordance with part of a circle. In this case, it is preferred that the free ends of the posts point downwards.

As a result of this configuration, the bound sheets are secured against slipping back or falling out. Preferably, 30 provision is made in this case for the post diameter to correspond to the perforation diameter of the sheets. The binding device may be made in one piece in the form of a •plastics injection moulding or as a metal die-casting.

Furthermore, it is conceivable to form the holding device as a sheet-metal bent part. In another preferred configuration, provision is made for the post to be bent in one piece from a doubled-up wire, the point of the angled RI piece being the inflection point.

7 According to a further preferred embodiment, the present invention provides that the binding post be formed with a post head corresponding to the perforation size and a post shank reduced in diameter relative to the post head, the post shank having fluting adapted to the order of magnitude of the sheet thickness. This fluting may be in the form of micro-serrations of the post shank which have a pronounced direction, whereby removal of the sheets is made more difficult or even made impossible. In order to keep the overall height of the folder small in this case too, according to another preferred from of the invention, it is proposed that the top cover have an aperture which is adapted to the contour of the post head and is filled by the post head, or the latter passes through it, when the folder is closed.

In at least one form of the present invention, provision is made in an advantageous development for the binding posts to be disposed on a post carrier formed as a plane part.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the latter is made of the same material as the binding post S".I and, if need be, the angled piece. This binding device consisting of post carrier, binding post and, if need be, angled pieces may consist of only a one-piece part made 25 from a plastics material or metal. However, a multi-piece form is also possible. Thus, for example, it may consist of three parts (post carrier and two binding posts with possibly integrally formed angled pieces) or of five parts (post carrier, two binding posts and two angled pieces) 30 As already mentioned, the binding-device unit formed in this way may be fixed in the cover by adhesive bonding or welding (in the case of covers made from a plastics material). Preferably, it is also possible for the post carrier to have mushroom-head projections on the underside for anchoring in the cover in a latched manner. In this case, the bottom cover has corresponding punched-out sections through which the mushroom-head projections of the post carrier pass. The grip from behind which is achieved in this case firmly anchors the binding device to the Y:\violet\nodelete\28324-99 8 in this case firmly anchors the binding device to the bottom cover.

According to another preferred embodiment, in order to bind the folder according to the invention itself in document files for example, provision is made for the post carrier to have binding eyes on one side, which are formed for engagement through the rear wall or folding line of the cover. To this end, the rear wall or folding line of the cover may be provided with slits or perforated piercing zones, through which the binding eyes of the binding device are pushed from inside to outside. The entire folder formed in this way can then be bound in a document file by means of these binding eyes. Preferably, the binding eyes may be formed by punched-out holes in the post carrier, in which case the post carrier with these binding eyes is pushed over its entire extension length through the cover parallel to the rear wall or folding line of the latter.

Alternatively, it is also possible to form the binding eyes on individual binding tongues. As a result of this configuration, this binding device can be pushed through the back of a folder for binding the entire folder. In a basic version, the binding device consists of only one mechanical part made of a plastics material or metal.

25 Furthermore, provision is made for the device to have rigid or rotatably mounted insertion tongues, over which the sheets are pushed onto cylindrical elements or elements of another shape and are thus fixed in a positive-locking S: manner. Furthermore, the pins with insertion tongues are disposed in a double configuration at a spacing of 80 mm in accordance with the DIN standard in Germany for A4 bindings. In addition, the binding device according to the invention may be provided with a refined surface when produced as a metal die-casting. In order to form the 35 device according to the invention in such a way that it can be adapted to different sheet-stack heights, according to Se at least one form of the present invention, it is preferred rthat the binding posts be formed so as to be variable in 1N height. This has the advantageous effect that the angled Y:\violet\nodelete\28324-99 9 pieces securing the bound sheets always lie on the topmost sheet in such a way as to be adapted to the stack height or at least run only at a slight distance from the topmost sheet. Preferably, provision may be made for the height of the binding post to be adjustable in steps. To this end, a two-piece binding post may be provided for example, this two-piece binding post being composed of an inner basic body, preferably having a circular cross section, and of an encasing body displaceable on the basic body. This results in a telescopic form of the binding post, the basic body being fastened to the post carrier and the encasing body carrying the angled piece. For the vertical adjustment in steps, the encasing body in this case may have latching lugs or the like which point inwards and plunge into corresponding latching grooves distributed over the height of the basic body. If the latching grooves of the basic body in this case are formed as encircling annular grooves, a possibility of rotating the encasing body on the basic body is obtained as a result, which leads to mobility of the angled piece in a horizontal plane. Alternatively, it is preferred that provision may also be made for the height of the binding post to be adjustable in an infinitely variable manner, for example by an encasing body sliding on a basic body, a maximum position preferably being limited 25 by a stop. As a result, the encasing body together with the angled piece disposed on it is captively held on the basic body. Preferably, the diameter of the binding post is the same over the entire height of the binding post at every e height setting. As a result of this configuration, the sheets to be bound slide easily over the binding post without catching on projecting or recessed edges. In e: addition, all the bound sheets are identically oriented by S" the configuration. Thus, for example, provision may be made for the binding post to be composed of two cages which 35 can be inserted one inside the other, one cage forming a basic body fastened to the post carrier, and the other cage forming a holding body for the angled piece, the holding A41 body being displaceable relative to this basic body.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings, which merely represent several exemplary embodiments and in which: Fig. 1 Fig. 2 shows the plan view of a binding device of first embodiment for a folder; shows the end view of the binding device of first embodiment for a folder; Fig. 3 shows a side view of the binding device of first embodiment for a folder; Fig. 4 shows a representation corresponding to Fig.

but when holding a perforated stack of sheets; Fig. 5 shows a representation corresponding to Fig.

but with higher binding posts for holding larger stack of sheets; Fig. 6 Fig. 7 Fig. 8 shows a further side view of the device, relating to an alternative embodiment of an angled piece of the binding post; shows a representation corresponding to Fig. 6, relating to a further embodiment of the angled piece; 10 show the binding device in plan view in further embodiments; o a a. *oa.

oooo oooo ooo¢ ooooo Fig. 11 shows the plan view of a further embodiment the binding device for holding paper having quadruple perforations; Fig. 12 shows the end view of the binding device according to Fig. 11; Y:\violet\nodelete\28324-99 11 Fig. 13 shows a side view of the binding device of a further embodiment of Fig. 11; Fig. 14 16 show the plan view, the end view and a side view according to Figs 11 to 13, but relating to a further embodiment; Fig. 17 shows the plan view of an alternative embodiment of the binding device for receiving sheets having double perforations; Fig. 18 shows the end view thereof of the further embodiment of Fig 17; Fig. 19 shows a side view of the binding device of the further embodiment of Fig. 17; o e• WO 99/41088 PCT/EP99/00821 12 Fig. 20 shows a greatly enlarged representation of the side view according to Fig. 19; Fig. 21 shows a representation corresponding to Fig.

but relating to an alternative embodiment of the binding post; Fig. 22 shows a folder according to the invention in plan view with a binding device according to Fig. 1; Fig. 23 shows a representation of the folder corresponding to Fig. 22, but with a binding device according to Fig. 8; Fig. 24 shows the folder with a binding device according to Fig. 9; Fig. 25 shows the folder with a binding device according to Fig. Fig. 26 shows the section along line XXVI-XXVI in Fig.

23, greatly enlarged; Fig. 27 shows the region XXVII in Fig. 26 in a greatly enlarged representation; Fig. 28 shows a representation corresponding to Fig.

26, but with higher binding posts of the binding device; Fig. 29 shows the binding device in a perspective representation, relating to a further embodiment; Fig. 30 shows a further perspective representation of Na binding device in an alternative embodiment; 13- Fig. 31 shows a side view, corresponding to Fig. 3, of a one-piece binding device; Fig. 32 shows the binding device in side view in a three-piece embodiment; Fig. 33 shows a five-piece embodiment of the binding device; Fig. 34 shows the plan view of the binding device in a further embodiment with different mushroomhead projections; Fig. 35 shows an end view of the binding device according to Fig. 34; Fig. 36 shows a side view of the binding device according to Fig. 34; o• o• Figs 37 Fig. 40 Figs 41 Fig. 44 39 show the binding device in a plan view, end view and side view in a further embodiment, with angled pieces movable horizontally relative to the binding posts; shows a greatly enlarged sectional representation of the region XL in Fig. 38, representing an alternative linking of the angled piece to the binding post; 43 show three views in accordance with Figs 37 to 39, but relating to a further embodiment of the movable angled pieces; shows the plan view of the folder according to the invention with a binding device according to Fig. 34; r r r r WO 99/41088 PCT/EP99/00821 14 Fig. 45 shows a folder with a binding device according to Fig. 37; Fig. 46 shows a representation corresponding to Fig.

44, but in an alternative construction of the top cover of the folder; Fig. 47 shows a further alternative embodiment of the folder; Figs 48 50 show the plan view, end view and a side view of a binding device in a further alternative embodiment, with the binding posts designed as freely projecting, curved receiving parts, representing the binding position; 53 show the views of the binding device according to Figs 48 to 50, but relating to the blocking position of the receiving parts; 56 show three views of the binding device in a further alternative embodiment with a binding post having an enlarged mushroom head; Figs 51 Figs 54 Fig. 57 shows a representation corresponding to Fig.

4, but relating to the binding device according to Fig. 54; Fig. 58 shows a representation corresponding to Fig.

57, but with a larger height of the binding post; Fig. 59 shows an enlarged representation of the side view relating to a further embodiment; Figs 60 -63 show four further exemplary embodiments of the binding device, in each case in plan view; 15 Figs 64 66 show three views of a binding device as a sheet-metal bent part; Fig. 67 shows the binding device according to Fig. 64 in a perspective view; Fig. 68 70 show three views of one embodiment the binding device in a wire construction; Fig. 71 shows a perspective representation of the binding device according to Fig. 68; Figs 72 74 show the binding device as a wire bent part, in an alternative embodiment; Fig. 75 shows a perspective representation of the binding device according to Fig. 72; Fig. 76 shows a plan view, corresponding to Fig. 37, of a binding device in a further embodiment; Fig. 77 shows the section along line LXXVII-LXXVII in Fig. 76, but representing an insertion 25 position of the device; Fig. 78 shows a representation corresponding to Fig.

77, relating to a securing position; Fig. 79 shows a representation corresponding to Fig.

78, representing a vertically varied position of a binding post; Fig. 80 shows a representation corresponding to Fig.

ooeoo 79, relating to a further vertical position of ."the binding post; WO 99/41088 PCT/EP99/00821 16 Fig. 81 shows a sectional representation corresponding to Fig. 78, relating to a further embodiment; Fig. 82 shows a greatly enlarged, perspective representation of a further embodiment of a vertically adjustable binding post with an angled piece movable in a vertical plane, relating to the securing position; Fig. 83 shows a perspective representation corresponding to Fig. 82, but relating to the insertion position of the angled piece; Fig. 84 shows the section along line LXXXIV-LXXXIV in Fig. 82; Fig. 85 shows the section along line LXXXV-LXXXV in Fig. 84; Fig. 86 shows a sectional representation according to Fig. 84, relating to a further embodiment; Fig. 87 shows a schematic sectional representation of a binding post fastened to a post carrier and having an angled piece pivotable in a vertical plane, relating to a further embodiment in the insertion position; Fig. 88 shows a sectional representation corresponding to Fig. 87, relating to the securing position; Figs 89 91 show three views corresponding to Figures 34 to 36, relating to a further embodiment of the binding device; Fig. 92 shows a sectional representation corresponding to Fig. 26 through the binding device according to Figures 89 to 91; WO 99/41088 PCT/EP99/00821 17 Fig. 93 shows an enlarged detail of the region XCIII in Fig. 92; Figs 94 96 show three further views of a binding device in a further embodiment as a sheetmetal bent part; Fig. 97 shows the binding device according to Fig. 94 in a perspective view; Figs 98 100 show three views of the binding device in a wire construction, relating to a further embodiment; Fig. 101 shows a perspective representation of the binding device according to Fig. 98.

A binding device 1 for a cover 2, shown as in Fig. 22 for example, for forming a folder 3 is shown and described first off all with reference to Figs 1 to 3.

The binding device 1 substantially comprises a post carrier 4 which is formed as a flat part and on which two binding posts 5 are disposed perpendicularly to the plane extent of the post carrier 4. The mutual spacing of the binding posts 5 corresponds to the standardized hole spacing of the sheet 6 to be bound. In a binding device 1 according to Fig. 1 for sheets having double perforations, the spacing a of the binding posts 5 is mm in accordance with the DIN A4 spacing.

The length of the binding device 1, measured parallel to the spacing a, is about 1.1 times the spacing a, here about 90 mm, in the exemplary embodiment shown. The width of the binding device 1 measured at right angles to the spacing a corresponds to about a quarter of the spacing a in the exemplary embodiment shown.

WO 99/41088 PCT/EP99/00821 18 The binding posts 5 are formed in the shape of circularcylindrical pins, the diameter of which is adapted to the diameter of the paper perforation. The post diameter is thus preferably equal to the paper hole diameter.

However, it is also conceivable for the post diameter to be dimensioned to be marginally smaller.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figs 1 to 3, the binding posts 5 are dimensioned for receiving a relatively small number of sheets having a height of about 2.5 mm.

On the top side, each binding post 5 has a preformed angled piece 8 running in the direction of the perforation outer edge 7 of the sheet 6. The angled pieces 8 extend at right angles to the post extent, i.e.

parallel to the post carrier 4, and are tapered to a point in plan view in the region of their freely projecting ends 9 in order to form an insertion zone.

As can also be seen from Fig. 1, the binding device 1 has a construction which is in mirror symmetry in plan view. In an extension of the angled pieces 8 which is projected on the post carrier 4, binding tongues 10, on which binding eyes 11 are formed, are integrally formed on the post carrier 4 at the longitudinal outer edge remote from the binding posts 5. These binding eyes 11 are therefore orientated parallel to the binding posts and thereby have the same spacing a for putting the binding device 1 according to the invention into a document file or the like.

As can be seen from Figs 3 and 4, the angled pieces 8 are arched downwards in a spring-like manner (position 32), i.e. in the direction of the post carrier 4. This results in flexibility in height, by means of which the WO 99/41088 PCT/EP99/00821 19 bound sheets 6 are additionally fixed by the angled piece resting on the top side.

One or more sheets 6 are bound in the simplest manner.

To this end, the appropriately perforated sheet 6 (here having double perforations) is moved up to the binding device 1 in such a way that the angled pieces 8 pass through its holes. In this case, the angled pieces 8 first of all act as insertion aids for locating the position on the cylindrical binding posts 5 in a simple manner. On account of the post diameter selected, the sheets are then fixed and cannot slip back or even fall out, the angled pieces 8 projecting beyond the perforation outer edge providing further assistance in this respect.

In particular in the case of a flexible configuration of the angled pieces 8, a hook-like little trestle, assigned to each angled piece 8, may be integrally formed on the post carrier 4 for additional securing, the free end of the angled piece 8 being clipped in a flexible manner under the hook-like projection of this little trestle.

As can be seen in Fig. 5, other binding-post heights are also conceivable. A binding device having a post height of about 4 mm is shown here.

The binding device 1 may be produced in the form of both a plastics injection moulding and a metal die-casting, if need be with subsequent surface refinement.

Figures 6 and 7 show further embodiments of the angled piece 8. Thus the angled piece according to Fig. 6 also tapers to a point in its vertical extent towards the free end 9.

Shown in Figures 8 to 10 are further alternative embodiments of the binding device 1, which merely differ WO 99/41088 PCT/EP99/00821 20 in the shape and extent of the respective post carrier 4. Thus free zones 12 for reducing the weight of the entire binding device 11 [sic] are provided in the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 8. These free zones 12 may be window-like apertures or even just thinned-out regions of the carrier. In Fig. 9, the width of the post carrier 4 is increased over the entire length of the same up to the free outer edge of the binding tongues so that the latter do not project from a longitudinal outer edge as in the exemplary embodiments described above but are rather an integral part of the post carrier 4. Shown in Fig. 10 is a post carrier 4 which, based on the exemplary embodiment in Fig. 9, is stiffened by struts 13.

Shown in Figs 11 to 13 in a further embodiment is a binding device 1 for receiving sheets 6 having quadruple perforations. The binding device 1 therefore has four binding posts 5 having a standardized spacing a on an appropriately lengthened post carrier 4. To file this binding device 1 on its own or in combination with a cover 2, two binding tongues 10 assigned to the centre binding posts 5 are provided as in the first exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 1. This also results in a double binding device, which in this exemplary embodiment is preferably made from a plastics material.

Furthermore, as an alternative, this binding device according to Fig. 11 may also be provided with four binding tongues 10 for filing in a quadruple document file.

The binding device 1 in this embodiment may be provided with a post carrier 4 in different constructions according to Figs 1, 8, 9 or Figs 14 to 16 show a variant similar to the exemplary embodiment according to Figures 11 to 13, a metal binding device 1 for receiving and holding sheets 6 WO 99/41088 PCT/EP99/00821 21 having quadruple perforations being shown here. This is preferably produced by a metal die-casting process.

Figs 17 to 20 show a version of the binding device 1 adapted to the embodiment according to Fig. 1. Here, the angled pieces 8 are simply formed so as to be shortened compared with this first exemplary embodiment. Thus, in the exemplary embodiments according to Figs 1 to 16, angled pieces 8 are provided whose length corresponds to about three times the hole diameter of the sheet 6 to be filed or the binding-post diameter. In the exemplary embodiment according to Figs 17 to 20, the length of the angled pieces 8 corresponds to about two times the binding-post diameter. These angled pieces 8 are also tapered to a point at their freely projecting ends.

Shown in Fig. 21 is an alternative configuration of a binding post 2 [sic], which has a shortened angled piece 8 on the top side in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 17. The binding post 5 has fluting 14 which is adapted to the order of magnitude of the sheet thickness and is in the form of micro-serrations directed downwards. By this measure, the filed sheets 6 are additionally fixed on the binding post 5 and prevented from slipping back. This fluting 14 is also conceivable in combination with one of the exemplary embodiments described above.

The angled pieces 8 of the exemplary embodiments according to Figs 17 to 21 are formed so as to be rigid, but may vary in their shape.

Figs 22 to 25 show folders 3 according to the invention, the covers 2 of which are fitted with binding devices 1 in accordance with the exemplary embodiments in Figs 1 and 8 to 10. As can be seen from the sectional representations in Figs 26 to 28, the cover 2 has RA ~punched slots 16 in the region of its rear wall 15, and

RA

13 WO 99/41088 PCT/EP99/00821 22 the binding tongues 10 are pushed through these slots 16 when the cover 2 is fitted with the binding device 1 in accordance with the exemplary embodiments according to Figs 1 or 9 (cf. Figs 22 and 23). When the cover 2 is fitted with a binding device 1 in accordance with the exemplary embodiments according to Figs 9 or 10, a slot 16 adapted to the length of the binding device 1 is provided in the rear wall 15 for the binding tongues integrated in the post carrier 4 to pass through.

As a result of this configuration, the entire folder 3 can be filed in a document file or the like by means of the binding device 1.

The slots 16 may alternatively also be formed by piercing a preperforated zone.

The binding devices 1 may rest loosely in place in the cover 2 after being put through the slots 16. However, it is preferred to fasten, for example adhesively bond, the binding device 1 in the cover 2. If both the cover 2 and the binding device 1 are made of a plastics material, the binding device 1 may also be welded on.

The top cover 17 has an aperture 18 which is assigned to each binding post 5, is adapted to the contour of the angled piece 8 and is filled by the angled piece 8, or the latter passes through it, when the folder 3 is closed (cf. Fig. 27). That surface of the angled piece 8 which is visible here on the top cover 17 may be enhanced with designer means.

Furthermore, due to this configuration, the filed sheets 6 are additionally secured by the top cover 17 to prevent them from slipping back.

The apertures 18 may be formed as positive-locking punched-out sections. However, it also conceivable here WO 99/41088 PCT/EP99/00821 23 to merely provide preperforated zones which are broken off when first pierced by means of the angled pieces 8.

Shown in Fig. 28 is a folder 3 which is fitted with a binding device 1 which has longer binding pins in order to accommodate larger filling heights.

Fig. 29, in a perspective representation, shows a binding device 1 in a variant made of a plastics material and having flexible angled pieces 8 formed as sheet-insertion tongues. In a projection of the angled pieces 8 towards the post carrier 4, the post carrier 4 has a [sic] apertures 19 adapted to the outer contour of angled pieces 8. In this exemplary embodiment, the outer contour of the post carrier 4 corresponds to that of the variant according to Fig. 1.

A further embodiment is shown in Fig. 30. This embodiment may be made both of a plastics material and of metal and has micro-serrations or fluting 14 of the binding posts 5 in accordance with the embodiment in Fig. 21.

In the exemplary embodiments described so far, the binding device 1 is produced as a one-piece part according to Fig. 31. However, multi-piece solutions are also conceivable. Thus, a three-piece solution, consisting of a post carrier 4 and two binding posts with integrally formed angled pieces 8, is shown in Fig.

32 for an exemplary binding device 1 for sheets 6 having double perforations.

Fig. 33 shows a further embodiment. Here, a five-piece solution is selected, consisting of a post carrier 4, two binding posts 5 and two angled pieces 8. In addition, solutions containing another number of parts by combining the embodiments according to Figs 31 to 33 are also conceivable.

WO 99/41088 PCT/EP99/00821 24 In a further embodiment, Figs 35 to 39 show a binding device 1 made of a plastics material or metal, which may be formed in one piece or, as shown, in several pieces.

On the underside of the post carrier 4, i.e. on the side remote from the binding posts 5, this binding device 1 has mushroom-head projections 20 for latching in the cover 2, for which purpose the bottom cover 21 has corresponding through-openings 22.

As in the exemplary embodiments described above, the angled pieces 8 of the binding posts 5 may be formed so as to be rigid. In the exemplary embodiment shown, however, the angled pieces 8 are movable relative to the binding posts 15 [sic] in a horizontal plane. The angled pieces 8, for filing perforated sheets 6, are thus first of all shifted into an insertion position according to Fig. 34, in which the free ends 9 of the angled piece 8 point in the direction of the perforation outer edge 7 of the sheet 6. After the sheets 6 have been filed, the angled pieces 8 are preferably pivoted by 90' into an opposite position according to Fig. 37 securing the stack of sheets.

In this case, various embodiments are conceivable. Thus, for example, a unit consisting of binding post and angled piece 8 can be mounted such that it is rotatable on the post carrier 4. According to the sectional representation in Fig. 40, it is also possible to mount only the angled piece 8 such that it is rotatable on the post carrier 4, for which purpose the post carrier 4 passes through the angled piece 8 in the region of a constriction 23 of the post carrier 4. In the region of this constriction 23, the binding post 5 has lug-like prominences 24 on its circumferential wall 4 [sic], which are offset from one another in plan view by 900, for the entry of a correspondingly shaped groove of the Sangled piece 8 in the region of its hole through which WO 99/41088 PCT/EP99/00821 25 the constriction 23 passes. As a result of this configuration, the angled piece 8 is latched in each 900 position. Alternatively, the angled piece 8 may also be provided with a lug in the region of its hole and the binding post 5 may be provided with recesses in the region of its constriction.

An alternative embodiment of the pivotable angled pieces 8 is shown in Figs 41 to 43. These angled pieces 8 have a horizontal length which corresponds to approximately half the spacing a between the post carriers 4 [sic] As a further alternative, the angled pieces 8 may also be rotated out of the insertion position according to Fig. 34 in order to fix the filed stack of sheets, in which securing position the angled pieces 8 point in the direction of the longitudinal outer edge of the sheet 6 opposite the perforation outer edge 7.

Figs 44 to 47 show folders according to the invention having binding devices 1 in accordance with the exemplary embodiments according to Figs 34 to 40, the top covers 17 of which have apertures 18 adapted in each case to the angled pieces 8. In this case, Figs 44 to 46 show folders 3 in combination with binding devices 1 which have rigid angled pieces 8. On the other hand, Figs 45 and 47 show folders 3 in combination with a binding device 1 having rotatable angled pieces 8, in which case the apertures 18 in the top cover 17 are disposed in accordance with the rotated securing position of the angled pieces 8.

A further alternative embodiment of the binding device 8 [sic] is shown in Figs 48 to 53. Here, the binding post 5 is formed as a freely projecting receiving part curved in a pre-embossed manner, the curvature, at least in the insertion position, being formed in the direction P of the perforation outer edge 7 of the sheets 6 (cf.

WO 99/41088 PCT/EP99/00821 26 Fig. 50). The free ends 26 of the receiving parts 25 are directed downwards in the direction of the post carrier 4, in which case a curvature angle relates to [sic] 1100 or more. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the curvature angle is about 170.

This embodiment of the binding device 1 may be provided with rigid receiving parts 25 in accordance with the exemplary embodiments described above. In the exemplary embodiment shown, however, rotatable receiving parts are also conceivable for the purpose of better locking of the bound sheets, which receiving parts 25 latch into place in 90' positions in a perceptible manner.

In the exemplary embodiments according to Figs 54 to 63, the angled pieces 8 of the binding posts 5 are replaced by post heads 27 adapted to the perforation size of the sheets 6 to be bound. The post shanks 28 are formed so as to be reduced in diameter relative to the post heads 27. The perforated sheets 6 are pushed directly over the post head 27, which form [sic] a slight undercut on account of the differences in diameter between post head 27 and post shank 28, in order to prevent the bound sheets 6 from slipping out.

In this exemplary embodiment, too, the post heights may vary. Thus a post height of about 2.5 mm is selected in Fig. 59. According to Fig. 58, binding posts of, for example, 4 mm may also be used, for example for receiving larger filling heights.

In addition, the binding-post shank 28 may be provided with micro-serrations or fluting 14 in accordance with the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 21 in order to improve the holding.

WO 99/41088 PCT/EP99/00821 27 Figs 60 to 63 show alternative embodiments of the binding device 1 with post head 27 in combination with various post carriers 4.

As an alternative to the embodiments of the binding device 1 as a plastics injection moulding or metal diecasting, the binding device 1 may also be formed as a sheet-metal bent part according to Figs 64 to 67. In this case, the binding posts 5 are formed as sections which are bent from the post carrier 4 by 900 and adjoining which are the angled pieces 8, bent further by 900 into a position parallel to the post carrier 4. The stamped-out binding tongues 10 have constricted zones 29 in the region adjoining the post carrier 4 for securing the binding device 1 from behind on the cover 2.

The width b of the binding posts 5, which are rectangular in plan view, corresponds to the perforation diameter or is kept slightly smaller.

Furthermore, the binding device 1 may also be bent from a wire 30. An embodiment in this respect is shown in Figs 68 to 71, the wire 30 in this exemplary embodiment being bent in accordance with the outer contour of the binding device 1 according to the exemplary embodiment in Fig. 67. The binding posts 5 with the angled pieces 8 are also formed in one piece from this wire, the point of the angled piece 8 forming the inflection point 31 of the wire 30, which is doubled-up this [sic] region.

In this region, too, relieved portions 29 for clipping the binding device 1 into the rear wall 15 of the cover 2 are formed in the transition region from post carrier 4 to the binding tongues A further wire construction of a binding device 1 is Sshown in Figs 72 to 75, the wire 30 in this case being bent in accordance with the contour of the binding WO 99/41088 PCT/EP99/00821 28 device in the exemplary embodiment in Figs 48 to 50 for forming the bending posts 5 in the form of freely projecting receiving parts 25 curved in a preformed manner.

Shown in Figs 76 to 80 is a further embodiment of a binding device 1 in which the angled pieces 8 are movable relative to the associated binding posts 5 in a vertical plane. To this end, an angled piece 8 is pivotable via a pivot pin 35 mounted in the binding post transversely to the vertical extent of the latter. The binding post 5 has a pocket-like recessed portion 36 on the head side for receiving that end section of the angled piece 8 which faces it. This recessed portion 36 has two stop surfaces 37, 38 oriented substantially perpendicularly to one another for defining an insertion position and a securing position of the angled piece 8.

As can be seen from Fig. 77, the stop surface 38 is formed in such a way that, in the insertion position shown here, the angled piece 8 points substantially perpendicularly upwards in an extension of the binding post 5. The position securing the bound sheets is shown in Fig. 78. Here, it turns out that the stop surface 37 is formed in such a way that, in this securing position, the angled piece 8 is oriented substantially horizontally, preferably facing the angled piece of the opposite binding post.

Furthermore, a latching means is provided for fixing both the securing position and the insertion position of the angled piece 8. To this end, the angled piece 8, in the region lying in the recessed portion 36, has a latching lug 39 oriented radially to the pivot pin and projecting beyond the lateral surface of the end section of the angled piece. The latter enters correspondingly formed latching recesses 40, 41 of the recessed portion 36, which is pan-shaped in this region.

WO 99/41088 PCT/EP99/00821 29 In the insertion position according to Fig. 77, the latching lug 39 plunges into the latching recess 40 to secure this insertion position. In the securing position according to Fig. 78, the latching lug 39 plunges into the latching recess 41 intended for securing this position. As a result of this configuration, both positions can only be neutralized deliberately.

Furthermore, vertical variability of the binding post is provided in this embodiment. To this end, the binding post 5 is formed in two pieces, consisting of a cylindrical basic body 42 fastened to the post carrier 4 and an encasing body 43 slipped over the basic body 42 and carrying the pivotable angled piece 8. In the region of its bottom, free end, the encasing body 43 has latching lugs 44 which project inwards and are preferably distributed over the circumference. If the encasing body 43 is of flexible configuration, a continuous latching ring is also conceivable.

The basic body 42 has correspondingly shaped annular grooves 45 on its lateral surface, three annular grooves at a uniform distance from one another being provided over the vertical extent of the basic body 42 in the exemplary embodiment shown.

As can be seen from Figs 78 to 80, a telescopic vertical adjustment of the binding post 5 is made possible by this configuration. The encasing body 43 is longitudinally displaceable relative to the basic body 42 in accordance with the desired height of the binding post, the desired height being secured by entry of the latching lugs 44 into the corresponding annular groove In addition, due to the disposition of annular grooves the encasing body 43 is rotatably mounted on the WO 99/41088 PCT/EP99/00821 30 basic body 42, thereby permitting pivoting of the angled piece 8 in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

Alternatively, the configuration may also be selected without a latching means, thereby resulting in infinite adjustability of the height of the binding post. The selected height can be set, for example, by frictional connection between encasing body 43 and basic body 42.

In a further embodiment, Fig. 81 shows a vertically adjustable binding post 5 in accordance with the example described above. The angled piece 8 linked to this binding post 5 merely has a latching means for the securing position. The insertion position is merely limited by the stop surface 38.

A further embodiment of the vertical adjustability of the binding post 5 is shown in Figs 82 to 85. Here, too, the binding post 5 consists of two parts, which are formed in a basket-like manner. Also provided here is a basic body 42, which is fastened to the post carrier 4 and has guide webs 46, which are distributed uniformly over the outer circumference of the binding post extend perpendicularly to the post carrier 4 and project radially from a basic-body core 47. The top free end region of the basic body 42 is formed as a lid-like disc 48 extending radially beyond the core 47 over the guide webs 46. In the guide slots 49 left between the guide webs 46, the disc 48 is in each case provided with a window-like cavity 50 open at the margin. In this case, the radial depth of each cavity 50 is dimensioned to be smaller than the radial depth of the associated guide slot 49, as a result of which a stop shoulder 51 is formed by means of the stump of the disc 48, the stump projecting in this way into the region of the guide slots 49.

WO 99/41088 PCT/EP99/00821 31 The other basket-like part of the binding post 5 is substantially composed of a solid post head 52 carrying the angled piece 8 and sliding webs 53 projecting perpendicularly downwards from the underside of the post head 52. The sliding webs 53 are uniformly distributed relative to one another over the lateral surface of the binding post 5 in accordance with the guide webs 46 of the basic body 42. Accordingly, sliding slots 54 are left clear between the sliding webs 53.

The outside diameter of this second basket part corresponds to the outside diameter of the basic body 42 in the region of the guide webs 46.

The radial thickness of the sliding webs 53 corresponds to the radial depth of the cavities The two basket parts are assigned to one another in such a way that the sliding webs 53 pass through the cavities 50 and project right into the region of the guide slots 49, each sliding web 53 being guided between two guide webs 46 due to the identical spacing and dimensioning of the guide webs 46.

In the region of the bottom free end, each sliding web 53 has a projection 55 on the inside. The latter serves as a means of preventing the second basket part from being pulled off the basic body 42 and, in a maximum extension position, runs against the underside of the stop shoulders 51 of the disc 48 on the basic-body side.

As a result of the configuration described, the diameter of the binding post is the same size over the entire height of the binding post at every height setting. Due to the telescopic vertical adjustment of the binding post 5, no projections or recesses in cross section are produced, so that the sheets to be bound can slide over the binding posts 5 virtually without resistance.

WO 99/41088 PCT/EP99/00821 32 The binding post 5 formed in this way is infinitely adjustable in its height, in which case the desired height can be secured by frictional connection.

In this exemplary embodiment, too, the angled piece 8 is pivotable in a vertical plane, for which purpose it is mounted on the post head 52 via a pivot pin Fig. 86 shows an alternative configuration of the exemplary embodiment described above. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment described above, a vertical adjustment of the binding post 5 in steps is proposed here, for which purpose the projections 55 are provided with latching lugs 44 which plunge into annular grooves made in the lateral wall of the basic-body core 47 in such a way as to be uniformly distributed over the height of the latter.

As a further alternative, it is also conceivable to provide the lateral wall of the basic body 42 or the basic-body core 47 with micro-serrations for the entry of correspondingly shaped latching projections of the sliding webs 53 or of the encasing body 43, as a result of which virtually infinitely variable adjustability of the height of the binding post can be achieved while at the same time securing this position in a latched manner.

In addition, an angled piece 8 which is pivotable in a vertical plane relative to the binding post 5 is shown in Figs 87 and 88 in a further embodiment, in which the stop limit of the insertion position is formed according to Fig. 87 by a step 56 which is formed on the angled piece 8 and runs against a stop surface 57 of the binding post 5 in this insertion position. The securing position according to Fig. 88 is defined by virtue of WO 99/41088 PCT/EP99/00821 33 the underside of the angled piece running against a topside edge of the binding post.

Figs 89 to 91 show a further embodiment of the binding device 1, which to a very large extent corresponds in the basic construction to the embodiment according to Figs 34 to 36. However, unlike the latter, the angled pieces 8 disposed on the binding posts 5 are oriented in the direction of the longitudinal outer edge 60 opposite the holes of the sheet 6 to be bound and accordingly rotated by 1800 compared with the exemplary embodiment in Fig. 34. As a result of this configuration, the angled pieces in the exemplary embodiment shown project beyond that outer edge of the post carrier 4 which is assigned to the angled pieces 8 and are accordingly positioned in a projection substantially outside the area of the post carrier. However, it is also conceivable to form the post carrier 4 to be correspondingly wider, so that in a projection the angled pieces 8 lie within the area of the post carrier.

As a result of this configuration, the bound sheets are securely held, irrespective of the degree of filling.

This configuration proves to be especially advantageous when leafing through a bound stack of sheets, since the angled pieces 8 in this case, in particular their freely projecting ends 9, are opposed to the direction in which the sheets are turned.

This configuration is also conceivable in combination with vertically adjustable binding posts Figs 94 to 97 show a binding device 1 as a sheet-metal bent part. Here, too, the binding posts 5 are formed as sections which are bent from the post carrier 4 by 900 and adjoining which are the angled pieces 8, bent further by 90' into a position parallel to the post carrier 4. In accordance with the exemplary embodiment 34 described above, the angled pieces 8 point away from the binding eyes 11 in the direction of that longitudinal outer edge 60 of the sheets 6 to be bound which is opposite the perforation outer edge 7.

Here, too, the width b of the binding posts 5, which are rectangular in plan view, corresponds to the perforation diameter. If need be, the width b is kept slightly smaller.

Furthermore, the construction with angled pieces 8 pointing towards the longitudinal outer edge opposite the perforation outer edge of the sheets to be bound may also be bent from a wire 30. An embodiment in this respect is shown in Figs 98 to 101, in which case the wire 30 is also bent in this exemplary embodiment approximately in accordance with the outer contour of the binding device 1 in the exemplary embodiment in Fig.

97. The binding posts 5 with the angled pieces 8 pointing away from the binding eyes 11, likewise formed by.the wire 30, are also formed in one piece from this wire.

All the embodiments described above can also be combined 25 with one another, in particular with regard to the form of post carrier 4, binding post 5 and angled piece 8, with regard to the mushroom-head projections 20 on the underside, and with regard to the number of binding *Q posts/angled pieces and binding tongues.

Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, device previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.

Claims

1. A folder having a cover and a binding device with two or more binding posts for receiving and holding perforated sheets which have corresponding holes assigned to an outer edge, the binding posts having a preformed angled piece on the top side, the angled piece exceeding a perforation size of the sheets, wherein the angled piece is movable relative to a binding post in a horizontal or vertical plane, namely mounted so as to be rotatable or pivotable on the binding post.

2. A folder according to claim 1, wherein the angled piece runs in the direction of that outer edge of the sheet to which the holes are assigned.

3. A folder according to claim i, wherein the angled piece runs in the direction of the longitudinal outer edge opposite the holes of the sheet.

4. A folder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the freely projecting end of the angled piece tapers to a point.

5. A folder according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a horizontal extent of the angled piece corresponds to at least 1.5 times the hole diameter.

6. A folder according to any one of claims 1 to wherein when the angled piece is formed so as to be movable in a horizontal and/or vertical plane, this angled piece can be secured in a latched manner in an S: insertion vertical plane, this angled piece can be 35 secured in a latched manner in an insertion position and/or in a securing position of the received sheets. Y:\violet\nodelete\28324-99 36

7. A folder according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the angled piece is arched downwards in a spring-like manner.

8. A folder according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the length of the angled piece corresponds to about half the spacing between two posts.

9. A folder according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the top cover has an aperture which is adapted to the contour of the angled piece and is filled by the angled piece, or the latter passes through it, when the folder is closed.

10. A folder according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the binding posts are formed as freely projecting receiving parts curved in a preformed manner, the curvature being formed in the direction of the perforation outer edge of the sheets.

11. A folder according to claim 10, wherein the free ends of the posts point downwards.

12. A folder according to any one of claims 10 or 11, 25 wherein the curvature angle is 1100 or more. o e•

13. A folder according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the post is bent in one piece from a doubled- up wire, the point of the angled piece being the inflection point.

14. A folder according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the binding posts are formed with a post head, 60:666 :O:corresponding to the perforation size, and a post 35 shank reduced in diameter relative to the post head, the post shank having fluting adapted to the order of magnitude of the sheet thickness. 37 A folder according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the top cover has an aperture which is adapted to the contour of the angled piece or of the post head and is filled by the angled piece or the post head, or the angled piece or the post head passes through it, when the folder is closed.

16. A folder according to any one of claims 1 to wherein the binding posts are disposed on a post carrier formed as a plane part.

17. A folder according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the post carrier has mushroom-head projections on the underside for anchoring in the cover in a latched manner.

18. A folder according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the post carrier has binding eyes on one side, which are formed for passing through the rear wall or folding line of the cover.

19. A folder according to claim 18, wherein the binding eyes are formed on individual binding tongues. o.oi

20. A folder according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the binding posts are formed so as to be variable in height. o S S:e *21. A folder according to claim 20, wherein the height of the binding post is adjustable in steps. oboe

22. A folder according to claim 20, wherein the height of the binding post is adjustable in an infinitely variable manner. S. 23. A folder according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the diameter of the binding post is the same Sover the entire height of the binding post at every height setting. Y:\violet\nodelete\28324-99

24. A folder substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. DATED: 19 June, 2001 PHILLIPS ORMONDE &FITZPATRICK Attorneys for: FRANK HOFFMANN .06 *0: 00 0 Y:\violethnodelete\28324-99