GB2491122A

GB2491122A - Method of assembling a binder for loose leaf papers

Info

Publication number: GB2491122A
Application number: GB1108573.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Julia Langhein
Original assignee: FILOFAX GROUP Ltd
Current assignee: FILOFAX GROUP Ltd
Priority date: 2011-05-20
Filing date: 2011-05-20
Publication date: 2012-11-28
Also published as: GB201108573D0

Abstract

A method of assembling a binder is provided, the binder being of the type comprising a cover (12, Fig.6) and a binder structure. The binder structure comprising at least one binder loop having at least two binder loop segments 3, 4 and at least one other component 7 for operating the binder loop segments. The method comprising the steps of engaging the cover (12, Fig.6) with at least one of the binder loop segments 3, 4 or with the component 7 for operating the binder loop segments 3, 4 and, in a subsequent step, engaging the other of the binder loop segments 3, 4 or the component for operating the binder loop segments 7 to form the binder structure.

Description

I

BINDER

The present invention relates to a binder for loose leaf papers, in particular a binder of the type known as a personal organiser.

Such personal organisers are very well known, being especially represented by the designs marketed under the trade mark FILOFAX (registered trade mark).

Such personal organisers comprise a cover and a binder structure which allows loose leaf papers to be releasably and exchangeably bound in the organiser. The loose leaf papers typically comprise diary pages, blank sheets, information and address lists.

The binder may comprise a plurality of binder loops comprising loop segments, typically formed of metal. For example, there may be at least two and maybe as many as six or eight binder loops. The binder loop segments preferably have a first, contacting position for engaging holes in the loose leaf papers and holding them in position, and a second, separated position, which allows the loose leaf papers to be removed.

Known binder structures typically comprise at least two binder loops, each comprising two binder loop segments as described above, respective binder loop segments being fixed to a hinged plate. The hinged plate defines an axis about which the loop segments may be rotated into and out of the first and second positions. In order to bias the loop segments into the first or second position, the edges of the hinged plate may be urged by a tensioner in a direction generally normal to the hinge axis. For example, the hinged plate may be mounted between stop surfaces which are biased together. In this way, the hinged plate tends to form a bent configuration, under the influence of the tensioner. One bent configuration corresponds to the first position and the oppositely bent configuration corresponds to the second position. The hinged plate can be moved between the first and second configuration by pushing it into a flat configuration, against the biasing force of the tensioner, past a position of unstable equilibrium, after which the tensioner forces the hinged plate into the opposite bent configuration. Stop means may be provided for limiting the movement of the hinged plate at the first or second bent position. Typically, the stop means corresponding to the first position is simply provided by the abutment of the binder loop segments. The stop means for the second configuration may be provided by any suitable means. Typically, the mounting comprises a top plate from which the stop means project, the hinged plate being directed, in the second configuration, so that the hinge of the hinge plate moves towards the top plate and stops when the hinge or a corresponding part of the hinged plate touches the top plate. A user may move the loop segments between the first and second position either by manipulating the loops themselves or by using operating members.

In conventional binders of this type, the binder structure is first of all assembled so that all of the components discussed above are united into a functioning binder structure, and then the binder structure is fixed to the cover. For example, the binder structure may be fixed to the cover. The binder structure may be fixed by any combination of rivets, glue or any other suitable permanent or removable fixing.

Fixing the binder structure to the covering presents an extra manufacturing step which can lead to complications and extra time required in manufacturing the binder. It can require extra materials or components to fix the binder to the covering. The present invention sets out to overcome this problem, The present inventor has realised that the steps of assembling the binder structure from its components and fixing it to the cover can be integrated. It is found that this can save time and materials and lead to a good connection between the binder structure and the cover, suitably without using other materials such as rivets or adhesive.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of assembling a binder, the binder being of the type comprising a cover and a binder structure, the binder structure comprising at least one binder loop having at least two binder loop segments and at least one other component for operating the binder loop segments, the method comprising the steps of engaging the cover with at least one of the binder loop or the component for operating the binder loop and, in a subsequent step, engaging the other of the binder loop and the component for operating the binder loop to form the binder structure.

Preferably, the binder structure comprises at least one binder loop, the binder loop comprising two binder loop segments having a first, contacting position and a second, separated position, a first binder loop segment being mounted on a first plate part and the second binder loop segment being mounted on a second plate part, the first and second plate parts being hingedly connected together about a hinge axis, the binder structure further comprising a tensioner for urging the first and second plate parts together in a direction substantially normal to the hinge axis and stop means for limiting the movement of the plate parts in the urging direction in positions corresponding to the first and second position, the method comprising the steps of engaging the cover with at least one of the binder loop segments, the tensioner or the stop means, and, in a subsequent step, engaging at least one other of the binder loop segments, first and second plate parts, tensioner and stop means! to form the binder structure.

In contrast to conventional processes in which the components of the binder structure are engaged with one another and subsequently, the complete binder structure is engaged with the cover, in the invention, the cover is engaged with at least one component of the binder structure before it is engaged with other components of the binder structure.

Preferred and optional features of the invention will be described further below.

The components of the binder structure comprise binder loop segments and means for operating the binder loop segments, for example at least two plate parts, a tensioner and a stop means. There may be other optional components as well, for example, a top plate, base plate, operating tab or rivet.

The components of the binder structure may be assembled in any order. Preferably, the binder structure is assembled with the following steps: 1. The binder loop segments are engaged with the respective plate part.

Typically the binder loop segments are permanently fixed to the respective plate part, for example by welding, riveting, stamping or any other suitable means.

2. The two plate parts are hingedly engaged with one another. A hinge comprising a hinge pin may be used. However, preferably, the plate parts comprise cooperating hinge formations, which engage one another to allow the plate parts to be mounted adjacent to one another and rotatably with respect to one another through a sufficient angle to allow the binder loop segments to occupy the first and second positions.

3. The tensioner is engaged with the plate parts. This will be discussed further below.

4. Optionally1 the stop means is engaged with the tensioner, the plate parts or both of them. This is an optional step, because, as explained below, the stop means may be provided by any of the hinge parts, binder loop segments or the tensioner.

5. Optionally, other components of the binder structure are engaged. For example, a top plate and/or a base plate may be engaged. The top plate and/or base plate may be provided to protect the mechanism and/or for aesthetic reasons.

Step 1 may hvae been already carried out in a spearate manfcaturing step.

The step of engaging the cover with the respective component may take place between any of the above-mentioned steps. It is particularly preferable that it takes place in a step after step 1). Preferably, as explained below, it takes place in a step immediately following step 1).

Binder Structure.

Preferably, there are at least two binder loops. They are preferably separated from one another along an axis which is parallel to the spine axis of the binder. They may be separated from one another by any suitable distance, for example a distance which is equal to at least half the height of the cover in the direction of the spine axis.

Preferably, there are more than two loops. For example, there may be three loops, four loops or more than four loops. The loops may be arranged into groups of loops.

The loops may be arranged into groups of loops. For example, there may be a first group preferably comprising two or three loops and a second group, preferably comprising two or three loops.

The tensioner may comprise any suitable means. The tensioner is configured to apply pressure to the two plate parts in a direction substantially normal to the hinge axis, so that they tend to adopt a bent or buckled position.

The tensioner preferably comprises a resilient part. The tensioner may comprise a spring. The tensioner suitably comprises stop parts joined by a resiliently deformable member, the stop parts being spaced apart, when no tension is applied, by a distance which is less than the width of the plate parts when they are assembled so that they are hinged together and laid flat. This is how a buckled or bent configuration can be applied. For example, the resilient part may comprise a resiliently deformable metal sheet. The tensioner may comprise a resiliently deformable sheet with depending sections at an angle to the deformable sheet, the depending sections preferably having means for engaging the plate parts. The means for engaging the plate parts suitably comprise recesses or formations into which the edges of the plate parts can fit. The tensioner is suitably formed from a metal sheet part, for example by forming, stamping or bending. The tensioner may be of the same length as the plate parts or of a different length. It may be shorter than the extent of the plate parts in the direction of the hinge axis. It may comprise slots or holes through which the binder loop segments can project.

Suitably the tensioner comprises a resiliently deformable part which is engaged with the plate parts on a side opposite to the side on which the binder loop segments are located. This means that the tensioner does not obstruct the movement or engagement of the binder loop segments.

Commonly, a tensioner is employed in conventional designs, but it is typically placed on the same side as the binder loop segments.

The tensioner can be engaged with the plate parts by any suitable means. For example, it may be pressed into engagement with them. The tensioner may comprise projecting parts, the projecting parts being moved apart as the tensioner is pushed into engagement with the plate parts, against the resilience of the resiliently deformable tensioner, the tensioner forming a snap fit in the desired position. Alternatively, the tensioner can be slid into engagement with the plate parts in a direction substantially parallel to the hinge axis.

The stop means may be any suitable stop means.

For example, stop means for defining the first position may simply comprise the engagement of the binder loop segments with one another.

In the second (open) position, the binder loop segments are rotated away from each other and the plate parts tend to form an upwardly bent formation, with the hinge raised in the sense of being closer to the observer when the observer looks onto the binder structure from the same side as the binder loop segments. The stop means for defining the second position of the binder loop segments suitably comprises a surface which is contactable by the hinge of the plate parts, or the surface of the plate parts which is on the same side as the binder loop segments, or a structure formed on at least one of the plate parts which is on the same side as the binder loop segments.

Alternatively, the stop means for defining the second position may engage the binder loop segments. Suitably, the tensioner comprises a surface which defines the stop means for the first position or the stop means for the second position.

If the tensioner engages the plate parts from the same side as the binder loop segments, it is straightforward for the tensioner to define the surface for defining the second position. For example, it may comprise a surface which the hinge part of the plate parts engages in the second position.

Any alternative stop means may be provided for defining the second position. It may comprise a clip, bar, stop, catch or any other suitable surface.

The cover may be engageable with the part with which it is engaged in the first step of the present invention by any suitable means. For example, it may be gripped or held by a part or parts of the binder structure.

However, in a preferred embodiment, the cover comprises at least one hole for engaging at least one binder loop segment.

Preferably, the cover comprises holes for engaging the binder loops. The number of holes may depend upon the system selected for engaging the binder loops with the cover. In a first embodiment of connection, a binder loop segment is engageable with two corresponding holes of the cover. Preferably, the binder structure is located on the inside of the cover, a binder loop segment passing out through a first hole, and then in to the inside of the cover through a second hole.

Preferably, a first binder loop segment engages a front cover section and a second binder loop segment of the same binder loop engages a rear cover section.

Preferably, each binder loop segment of a binder loop engages two respective holes, formed respectively in a front cover section or rear cover section of the cover. When the binder is closed, this gives a distinctive appearance, with parts of the binder loop segments visible from the outside. Preferably, the ends of the binder loop segments meet at a position which, in the closed position, is inside the binder and therefore protected.

Preferably, every binder loop engages a respective pattern of holes. This gives a particularly secure mounting of the cover to the binder structure. It also allows the cover to fit smoothly over the binder structure.

In this first embodiment of connection, if both binder loop segments engage respective sets of holes of the cover, the two sets of holes may be spaced apart from one another so that the respective holes can be engaged with respective binder loop segments either at the same time or in succession. In this respect, it is noted that in many cases, the binder loops have diameters in the range 1 cm-4 cm and preferably 1.5-3.0 cm.

Given the normal spacing of binder loop segments in the open position, this may require the holes to be placed from one another by a distance in the range 5-10 cm, more preferably 5.5-6.5 cm.

Where there are two holes for engaging a respective binder loop segment, they may be spaced apart by any suitable distance, for example 0.5 cm-3 cm, more preferably 1-2 cm.

In order to allow two holes to engage the same binder loop segment, the cover may comprise a fold or gusset. For example, the cover may comprise, adjacent a front or rear cover section, a gusset section. In this case, one hole may be formed in the front or rear cover section and the corresponding hole formed in the gusset section.

In a second embodiment of connection, a binder loop segment engages just one respective hole in the cover. In a preferred embodiment, the cover comprises a face cover section (being for example a front cover section or rear cover section). The cover face section comprises a hole for engaging a respective binder loop segment.

Further, there is a second cover section, joined to and extending from a part of the face cover section which is located further from an edge of the face cover section adjacent to the hole than the hole itself. In this way, the second cover section covers the hole, the binder loop segment and as much of the binder structure as would otherwise be visible. This construction may be used for both the front face and the rear face.

A combination of the first and second embodiments of connection may be formed.

For example, on a front face, a respective binder loop segment may engage two holes of the cover whereas on a rear face, the respective binder loop may engage just one hole (or the opposite configuration may be used).

In the present invention, an additional fixing may be provided between the cover and the binder structure. In this case, the additional fixing may comprise at least one rivet, an adhesive layer or any other suitable fixing.

Where the cover is fixed to the binder structure by holes, the holes may be of any suitable configuration. They may be punched or formed by any other suitable means in the cover. They may have any suitable shape, being preferably circular but they may be in the form of slits or slots. It is simply required that they should permit the passage of a binder loop segment from one side of the cover material to the other.

The present invention will be described further, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Brief Descrjption of the Drawings Figures 1 and 2 show left and right plate parts for use in the method of the invention.

Figure 3 shows a tensioner for use in the method of the invention.

Figure 4 shows a stop means for use in the method of the invention.

Figure 5 shows a side view of Figure 4.

Figure 6 shows a cover for use in the method of the present invention.

Figure 7 shows a first step in the method of the present invention.

Figure 8 shows a second step in the method of the present invention.

Figure 9 shows a third step in the method of the present invention.

Figure 10 shows a fourth step in the method of the present invention.

Figure 11 shows an end view of the cover, after the fourth step in the method of the present invention.

Figure 12 shows a fifth step in the method of the present invention.

Figure 13 shows an end view after the fifth step in the method of the present invention.

Figures 14-16 show views of a binder, assembled according to the method of the present invention.

Detailed DescrjpUon of the Drawinq Figures 1 and 2 show plate parts of a binder structure for use in the method of the present invention. There is a left plate part I and a right plate part 2. Each plate part is formed with six binder loop segments (3, 4) respectively which (as can be seen in Figure 14) in the completed binder cooperate in pairs to form a binder ioop which can be used to hold loose leaf pages, by engaging holes in the loose leaf pages.

Six pairs of binder loop segments are shown, but any number or configuration can be used.

The plate parts I and 2 also comprise hinge formations 5 and 6.

The hinge formations 5 and 6 are known in the art of the construction of binder structures for binders. They are suitably formed by pressing or shaping a plate part 1 or 2 so that it comprises at least one notch or projection into which a corresponding adjacent edge of the other plate part 2 or 1 can be received, so that, as long as the plate parts are held together with their edges abutting, a certain amount of hinging movement can be obtained.

Figures 1 and 2 also show end views respectively of the left hand plate part 1 with its corresponding binder segment 3 and the right hand plate part 2 with its corresponding binder segment 4.

Figure 3 shows a tensioner 7 for use in the method of the present invention. It comprises a resilient metal strip of length approximately equal to the length of the plate parts 1 and 2. It comprises a bowed part comprising inwardly directed parts 8 along each edge, for receiving corresponding edges of respective plate parts 1 and 2, as will be described further below.

Figure 3 also shows an end view of the tensioner 7.

Figure 4 shows a stop means in the form of a plate 9.

The plate 9 has substantially the same area in plan as the tensioner 7. As will be described further below, it is to be placed in contact with the plate parts I and 2.

Accordingly, it has cut out portions 10, each of which is configured to receive and allow movement of respective binder loop segments 3 and 4.

Also, at each end of the stop means 9 there is a resilient clip 11 which will be described further below. Figure 5 shows a side view of Figure 4 and Figure 4 includes an end view of the stop means 9.

Figure 6 shows a cover for use in the method of the present invention. The cover 12 may be formed of any suitable material, being preferably formed of flexible material or of a material having folds or flexible portions. For example, it may comprise leather with a fabric backing.

The cover comprises a front cover section 13, a first gusset section 14, a spine section 151 a second gusset section 16 and a rear cover section 17.

It also comprises six sets of holes, for engaging respective binder loops. In particular, it can be seen that one set of holes comprises first and second holes 18 and 19 for engaging the first binder loop segment 3 and third and fourth holes 20 and 21 for engaging the second binder loop segment 4, as will be described further below.

Figure 7 shows a first step in the method of the present invention.

In this step, the front cover section has been folded back on the first gusset section 14 so that the holes 18 and 19 align and have been engaged with the respective binder loop segment 3 which passes through one hole 19 and out through the second hole 18 so that the respective plate part I is retained in the cover.

In Figure 8, a corresponding action is carried out by folding the rear cover section 12, over the second gusset section 16 and passing the second binder loop segment 4 through the respective holes 20 and 21.

In the third step shown in Figure 9, the plate parts I and 2 are moved together so that respective hinge parts 5 and 6 engage corresponding edges of the respective plate part 2, 1 to form the hinge construction.

In the fourth step shown in Figure 10, the tensioner 7 is slid in a direction parallel to the axis so that the outer edges of the plate parts I and 2 are engaged by the inwardly directed parts 8 and held in position. It can be seen that the tensioner 7 is received between the plate parts and the spine section 15.

The resulting structure can be seen in Figure 11.

It should be noted that the distance between the inwardly directed parts 8 of the tensioner 7 is less than the width of the plate parts 1 and 2 in the same direction when laid flat. As a result, they are caused to adopt a downwardly bent configuration as shown in Figure 11, which corresponds to the closed position of the binder loop segments 3 and 4.

In Figure 12, a fifth step is shown. The binder loop segments 3 and 4 are manipulated into the second position so that they are open. Through the gap between the ends of the binder loop segments, the stop means 9 is passed and pressed down onto the top of the plate parts I and 2. The resilient clip 11 at each end is designed to be resilient and to pass over the corresponding ends of the plate parts I and 2 to snap into position so that the stop means 9 is held in position as shown in Figure 13. In this configuration, the stop means 9 prevents the plate parts hinging in such a manner that the binder loop segments 3 and 4 move further apart from one another or so that the plate parts disconnect and fall out of engagement with the inwardly directed parts 8 of the tensioner. That is, the stop means 9 defines a stop for the second position of the binder loop segments 3 and 4.

The binder shown in Figure 13 is substantially complete. Optional further components may be added, for example a rivet or other fixing means to further secure the parts together, operating devices for opening and closing the binder loop segments and other components.

The completed binder is shown in a closed position in Figures 14-16.

The present invention has been described above purely by way of example and modifications can be made within the spirit of the invention, which extends to equivalents of the features described. The invention also consists in any individual features described or implicit herein or shown or implicit in the drawings or any combination of any such features or any generalisation or any such features or combination.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1 A method of assembling a binder, the binder being of the type comprising a cover and a binder structure, the binder structure comprising at least one binder loop having at least two binder loop segments and at least one other component for operating the binder loop segments, the method comprising the steps of engaging the cover with at least one of the binder loop segments or with the component for operating the binder loop segments and, in a subsequent step, engaging the other of the binder loop segments or the component for operating the binder loop to form the binder structure.
2. A method according to Claim 1, wherein the component for operating the binder loop segments comprises at least two plate parts, a tensioner and a stop means.
3. A method according to Claim I or 2, wherein the binder loop segments have a first, contacting position and a second, separated position, a first binder loop segment being mounted on a first plate part and the second binder loop segment being mounted on a second plate part, the first and second plate parts being hingedly connected together about a hinge axis, the binder structure further comprising a tensioner for urging the first and second plate parts together in a direction substantially normal to the hinge axis and stop means for limiting the movement of the plate parts in the urging direction in positions corresponding to the first and second position, the method comprising the steps of engaging the cover with at least one of the binder loop segments, the tensioner or the stop means, and, in a subsequent step, engaging at least one other of the binder loop segments, first and second plate parts, tensioner and stop means, to form the binder structure.
4. A method according to Claim 2 or 3, comprising the steps of: a. engaging the two plate parts hingedly with one another; and b. engaging the tensioner with the plate parts; wherein the step of engaging the cover with at least one of the binder loop segments or with the component for operating the binder loop takes place before step (a) between steps (a) and (b).
5. A method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the tensioner comprises stop parts joined by a resiliently deformable member, the stop parts being spaced apart, when no tension is applied, by a distance which is less than the width of the plate parts when they are assembled so that they are hinged together and laid flat.
6. A method according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the tensioner comprises a resiliently deformable sheet with depending sections at an angle to the deformable sheet.
7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the depending sections have means for engaging the plate parts.
8. A method according to any of claims 2 to 7, wherein the tensioner comprises a resiliently deformable part which is engaged with the plate parts on a side opposite to the side on which the binder loop segments are located.
9. A method according to any of claims 2 to 8, wherein the tensioner is slid into engagement with the plate parts in a direction substantially parallel to the hinge axis.
10. A method according to any of claims 2 to 9, wherein the stop means for defining the first position comprise the engagement of the binder loop segments with one another.
11. A method according to any of claims 2 to 10, wherein the stop means for defining the second position of the binder loop segments comprise a surface which is contactable by the hinge of the plate parts, or the surface of at least one of the plate parts which is on the same side as the binder ioop segments, or a structure formed on at least one of the plate parts which is on the same side as the binder loop segments.
12. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover comprises at least one hole for engaging at least one binder loop segment.
13. A method according to claim 12, wherein a binder loop segment is engaged with two respective holes of the cover.
14. A method according to claim 12, wherein a binder loop segment engages one respective hole in the cover.
15. A method of assembling a binder, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.