THE MANUFACTURE OF FILE FOLDERS

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a file folder includes the steps of displacing a predetermined length of a flexible material in a feed direction and forming a pair of spaced apertures in the material. The method further includes the steps of inserting a prong of a binder through each aperture, the binder having an elongate central portion with a prong extending from each end of the central portion, displacing the prongs so that they lie substantially flat against the material and securing the central portion of the binder to the material. The invention also relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a file folder.

Description: THE MANUFACTURE OF FILE FOLDERS THIS INVENTION relates to the manufacture of file folders. More particularly, this invention relates to a method of manufacturing a file folder and to an apparatus for manufacturing a file folder. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a file folder, the method including the steps of displacing a predetermined length of a flexible material in a feed direction; forming a pair of spaced apertures in the material; inserting a prong of a binder through each aperture from a first side, the binder having an elongate central portion with a prong extending from each end of the central portion; displacing the prongs relative to the central portion towards a second side of the material so that the prongs lie substantially flat against the second side of the material; and securing the central portion of the binder to the material. The method may further include supplying the flexible material from a roil of the flexible material; and parting the material to form sheets, so that each sheet has the predetermined length. Alternatively, the method may include supplying pre-cut sheets of the material from a supply of sheets, each sheet having the predetermined length. The apertures may be formed in the material along a line parallel to the feed direction. The material may be punched to form the apertures. A depression may be formed on a first side of the material, to extend at least between the apertures, to accommodate the central portion of the binder. An adhesive may be applied in the depression prior to inserting the prongs of the binder through the apertures, for securing the central portion of the binder to the material. The method may further include supplying the binder with its prongs extending substantially transversely to the central portion and inserting the prongs through the apertures from a first side of the material; and displacing the prongs relative to the central portion towards a second side of the material so that the prongs lie substantially flat against the second side of the material. The binder may be secured in position by adhering a length of tape to a first side of the material along a line parallel to the feed direction, to cover the central portion of the binder. An adhesive may be applied to the length of tape prior to adhering it to the material. The tape may be continually adhered to the first side of the material and parted so that a portion of the tape extends beyond an edge of either side of each length of material. Each portion of tape may be folded about its associated cut edge and adhered to a second side of each length of material. The method may further include scoring each length of material to form at least one fold line along a line parallel to the feed direction in a region of the material which is covered by the tape. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing a file folder, the apparatus including a material displacement means for displacing a predetermined length of a flexible material in a feed direction; an aperture forming means for forming a pair of spaced apertures in the material; an inserting means for inserting a prong of a binder through each aperture from a first side of the material, the binder having an elongate central portion with a prong extending from each end of the central portion; a prong displacement means for displacing the prongs relative to the central portion towards a second side of the material so that the prongs lie substantially flat against the second side of the material; and a securing means for securing the central portion of the binder to the material. The apparatus may also include a supply means for supplying the flexible material from a roll of the flexible material; and a parting means for parting the material to form sheets, so that each sheet has the predetermined length. The roll of the flexible material may be in the form of a roll of paper board. Alternatively, the apparatus may include a supply means for supplying pre-cut sheets of the material from a supply of sheets, each sheet having the predetermined length. The aperture forming means may be a punching device which includes a punching die which is displaceable towards and away from the material to punch the apertures in the material. The punching die may be configured so that when the punching die executes an operating stroke, at least a region between the apertures is embossed to define a depression. The apparatus may further include an adhesive application means, located upstream of the inserting means, for applying adhesive in the depression, between the apertures. The inserting means may include a magazine for carrying a plurality of the binders, the magazine being configured to feed a binder, with its prongs extending substantially transversely to the central portion, at predetermined intervals, which correspond with the rate at which each pair of apertures passes the magazine. The apparatus may further include a displacement means for displacing the prongs relative to the central portion towards a second side of the material so that the prongs lie substantially flat against the second side of the material. The securing means may include a dispenser for dispensing tape, the dispenser being positioned relative to the material to dispense a length of tape on to a first side of the material so that the tape is adhered to the first side of the material and covers the central portion of the binder. The dispenser may be positioned to dispense the tape continually on to a central region of the material to extend substantially parallel to the feed direction. The dispenser may include an adhesive applicator for applying adhesive to the tape prior to the tape being adhered to the material. The dispenser may further include a roll of the tape and an application means for applying the tape from the roll on to the side of the material. In one embodiment of the invention, the parting means may be in the form of a first cutter which is positioned upstream of the dispenser, to cut the material into the required lengths prior to the tape being applied to the material.A separating means which may be positioned downstream of the first cutter to separate the lengths of material so that the lengths of material are spaced a predetermined distance apart. The apparatus may further include a second cutter which is positioned downstream of the dispenser to cut the tape so that a portion of the tape extends beyond each cut edge of the lengths of material. In another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus may include a cutter which is positioned downstream of the dispenser to cut the tape so that a portion of the tape extends beyond each cut edge of the lengths of material. The apparatus may then include a folding device for folding each portion of the tape over its associated edge and applying each portion to an opposed side of the material. The apparatus may also include a fold line forming means for scoring each length of material to form at least one fold line along a line parallel to the feed direction in a region of the material which is covered by the tape. The invention is now described, by way of examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional, schematic view of a first embodiment of an apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for manufacturing a file folder; Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional, schematic view of a second embodiment of the apparatus; Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of a third embodiment of the apparatus; Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of a fourth embodiment of the apparatus; Figure 5 shows a side view of a device for bending prongs of a binder in a first stage of operation; and Figure 6 shows a side view of the device of Figure 5 in a second stage of operation. In Figure 1 , reference numeral 10 generally indicates a first embodiment of an apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for manufacturing a file folder. The apparatus 1 0 includes a supply means in the form of a roll 1 2 of paper board 14. The roll 1 2 supplies a sheet 1 6 of the paper board 14. The apparatus 10 includes a displacement means in the form of roller sets 1 5. The roller sets 1 5 displace the sheet 1 6 in a feed direction indicated by an arrow 1 8. The apparatus 10 includes an aperture forming means 20 for forming a pair of spaced apertures 22 in the sheet 1 6. An inserting means 24 inserts a prong 26 of a binder 28 through each aperture 22. Each binder 28 has an elongate central portion 30. One prong 26 extends from each end of the central portion 30. The central portion 30 is thus positioned on the sheet 16. A securing means 34 secures the central portion 30 to the sheet 16. A parting means 36 parts the sheet 1 6 to provide required lengths 38. Each length 38 has a binder 28 secured thereto. The aperture forming means 20, the inserting means 24, the securing means 34 and the parting means 36 are at different stations. The inserting means 24 is downstream of the aperture forming means 20. The parting means 36 is located downstream of the securing means 34. The apertures 22 are formed by punching. The aperture forming means 20 includes a punching die 40. The die 40 is displaceable towards and away from the sheet 1 6. The die 40 punches the apertures 22 in the sheet 1 6. A depression 42 is formed in the sheet 1 6 between the apertures 22. The depression 42 accommodates the central portion 30. The die 40 is configured to emboss a region between the apertures 22 to define the depression 42. The die 40 is also configured so that the central portion 30 of the binder 28 is flush with an upper side 44 of the sheet 1 6. The apparatus 10 includes an adhesive application means in the form of an applicator 106. The applicator 106 applies an adhesive to the upper side 44, in the depression 42. Thus, the central portion 30 is adhered to the upper side 44. The inserting means 24 includes a magazine 46. A plurality of the binders 28 are loaded into the magazine 46. The magazine 46 feeds a binder 28 at predetermined intervals. The intervals correspond with the rate at which each pair of apertures 22 passes the magazine 46. A binder 28 is released from the magazine 46 when each pair of apertures 22 coincides with the magazine 46. The prongs 26 of the binder 28 then move through the apertures 22. Once the prongs 26 of the binder 28 are moved through the apertures 22 and the central portion 30 is positioned in the depression 42, the prongs 26 are bent outwardly to lie against a lower side of the sheet 48. The prongs 26 are bent outwardly by means of a device 88 which includes a number of link bars 90 which are pivotally connected to each other at their ends. A first stage of operation of the device 88 is shown in Figure 5 and a second stage of operation of the device 88 is shown in Figure 6. The link bars 90 comprise a primary link bar 90.1 , a pair of secondary link bars 90.2 and a pair of tertiary link bars 90.3. An end of a secondary link bar 90.2 is pivotally connected to each end of the primary link bar 90.1 . An opposed end of a secondary link 90.2 is pivotally connected to an end of each tertiary link bar 90.3. Opposed ends of the tertiary link bars 90.3 are pivotally connected together. A push rod 92 is pivotally connected to each said opposed end of the tertiary link bars 90.3. It will be appreciated that, as the push rod 92 moves in the direction of an arrow 94, with the primary link bar bearing against the lower side of the sheet 1 6 (Figure 5), the secondary link bars 90.2 pivot outwardly in the direction of arrows 96 (Figure 6). The primary link bar 90.1 is dimensioned to be received snugly between the prongs 26, prior to the prongs 26 being bent. It follows that, once the prongs 26 have been received through the apertures 22, the device 88 is driven upwardly so that the primary link bar 90.1 is received between the prongs 26 and the portion of the sheet 1 6 between the apertures 22 is sandwiched between the central portion 30 and the primary link bar 90.1 (Figure 5). The push rod 92 is then urged upwardly so that the secondary link bars 90.2 bend the prongs 26 into a position in which they are adjacent the lower side of the sheet 16 (Figure 6). The binder 28 is secured in position by adhering a length of tape 48 to the sheet 1 6. The tape 48 is adhered over the central portion 30. The securing means 34 thus includes a dispenser 50 for dispensing the tape 48. The dispenser 50 includes a roll 52 of the tape 48. A number of tensioning rollers 54 are positioned downstream of the roll 52. A pair of sets of applying rollers 56 are positioned downstream of the tensioning rollers 54. The sets of applying rollers 56 form part of the roller sets 1 5. The tape 48 is fed from the roll 52 over the tensioning rollers 54. The tape 48 is applied to the sheet 1 6 by the applying rollers 56. The dispenser 50 also includes an adhesive application roller 57. The adhesive roller 57 applies adhesive to the tape 48. The adhesive applicator 106 and the dispenser 50 can be operated individually, one without the other, or together, depending on a user's requirements. The apertures 22 are punched on a line positioned parallel to the direction of feed. The apertures 22 are also punched centrally on the sheet 1 6. The applying rollers 56 are positioned to draw the sheet 1 6 along said line. The parting means 36 is a cutter 37. The cutter 37 comprises a pair of cutting rollers 58. The cutting rollers 58 are positioned downstream of the applying rollers 56. The cutting rollers 58 form part of the roller sets 1 5. The cutting rollers 58 facilitate displacement of the sheet 1 6 in the direction of the arrow 1 8. One of the cutting rollers 58 defines a blade 60. The other cutting roller 58 defines a bearing surface 62. The tape 48 is adhered to the sheet 1 6. The sheet 1 6 and the tape 48 pass between the blade 60 and the bearing surface 62. The cutting rollers 58 are configured to part the sheet 1 6 into the required lengths 38. The apparatus 10 includes a fold line forming means 100. The fold line forming means 100 is positioned downstream of the parting means 36. The fold line forming means 100 includes a pair of impression rollers 66. The impression rollers 66 form a fold line and parallel ridges 68 in the tape 48. The fold line and parallel ridges 68 are also formed in that portion of the sheet 1 6 covered by the tape 48. The fold line forming means 100 can also be positioned upstream of the parting means 36. The impression rollers 66 have a number of ridges and grooves 1 10 defined thereon to form the fold line and parallel ridges 68. The tape 48 is in the form of a reinforcing strip 70. Folders formed with the apparatus 10 have the reinforcing strip 70 extending from one cut edge 72 to an opposed cut edge 74. In Figure 2, reference numeral 80 generally indicates a second embodiment of an apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for manufacturing file folders. With reference to Figure 1 , like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. In the apparatus 80, the parting means 36 includes a first cutter 102. The first cutter 102 is positioned upstream of the applying rollers 56. The cutting rollers 58 of the first cutter 1 02 part the sheet 14 into the required lengths 38. Relative speeds of the cutting rollers 58 and the applying rollers 56 define a separating means. The relative speeds result in the lengths 38 being separated once the sheet 1 6 is cut. A predetermined gap 82 is created between consecutive lengths 38. The tape 48 extends across each gap 82 downstream of the rollers 56. A second cutter 104 comprises a further pair of cutting rollers 86. The cutting rollers 86 are positioned downstream of the applying rollers 56. The cutting rollers 86 part the tape 48 midway between the edges 72, 74 of consecutive lengths 38. Thus, a portion of tape 48 extends beyond each edge 72, 74 of the lengths 38. The portions of the tape 48 are folded down in a manner described with reference to Figure 3, below. In Figure 3, reference numeral 1 20 generally indicates a third embodiment of an apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for manufacturing file folders. With reference to Figures 1 and 2, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. The apparatus 1 20 is designed to form file folders from discreet sheets of paper board, rather than from a roll of paper board. With the apparatus 1 20, the sheets are punched and embossed at a first station 1 22. The adhesive is applied in the depression 42 at a second station 1 24, downstream of the first station 1 22. The binders 28 are fed from the magazine 46 and the prongs 26 are bent outwardly by the device 88 at a third station 1 26, downstream of the second station 1 24. The application of adhesive to the reinforcing strip 70 and the attachment of the reinforcing strip 72 to each sheet occurs at a fourth station 128, downstream of the third station 126. The fold line and parallel ridges 68 are applied to the reinforcing strip 28 and the corresponding portion of each sheet at a fifth station 130, downstream of the fourth station 1 28. The reinforcing strip 70 is cut at a sixth station 1 32. Those portions of the tape 48 extending beyond the edges 72, 74 of each sheet are folded over at a seventh station 1 34. The apparatus 120 includes a conveyor belt assembly 136. A drive roller 1 38 is positioned at one end 140 of the assembly 1 36 while an idler roller 142 is positioned at an opposed end 144 of the assembly 136 in a conventional fashion. The apparatus 1 20 includes a drive motor 146. The drive motor 146 is connected to a gear box 148 which, in turn, is connected to a drive pulley 1 50 via a clutch 1 52. The drive pulley 1 50 is connected to a primary pulley 1 54 via a belt 1 56. The drive roller 1 38 is driven by the primary pulley 1 54 via a set of idler pulleys 1 58 and suitably positioned belts 1 60. The first to fourth stations 1 22 to 1 28, inclusive, are positioned along the assembly 1 36. A first stop gate 1 62 is positioned between the first and second stations 1 22, 1 24. A second stop gate 1 64 is positioned between the second and third stations 1 24, 1 26. A third stop gate 1 66 is positioned between the third and fourth stations 1 26, 1 28. Each stop gate 1 62 to 1 66 includes a stop bar 168. The stop bar 1 68 is connected to an upwardly and downwardly reciprocating mechanism 1 70. The mechanisms 1 70 are configured to displace the stop bars 1 68 into operative positions in which the stop bars 1 68 retain the sheets in a stationary position during operation of the stations. The apparatus 120 includes an infeed tray 172 from which the sheets are fed, by the assembly 1 36, towards the stations 1 22 to 1 34. A punch and die arrangement 1 74 is positioned at the first station 122. The punch and die arrangement 174 includes a punch 176. The punch 176 has a pair of punch members 1 76 positioned on each side of an embossing formation 1 78. A die 1 80 of the punch and die arrangement 1 74 is positioned below the punch members 1 76. During operation, once the stop bar 1 68 of the first stop gate 162 is displaced into its operative position so that a sheet is held stationary, the punch members 1 76 are displaced towards the die 1 80 so that the apertures 22 are punched in the sheet and the depression 42 is formed between the apertures 22. The adhesive applicator 106 is positioned at the second station 1 24. The applicator 106 includes adhesive application nozzles 1 82. Once the stop bar 1 68 of the second stop gate 1 64 has moved into its operative position to retain a sheet in a stationary position, the applicator 106 is actuated so that adhesive is applied to the sheet via the nozzles 182. The second stop gate 164 and the nozzles 182 are positioned so that the adhesive is applied to the sheet in the depression 42. The magazine 46 and the device 88 are positioned at the third station 1 26. As before, once the stop bar 1 28 of the third stop gate 1 66 is moved into its operative position, a binder 28 is fed from the magazine 46. The third stop gate 1 66, the magazine 46 and the device 88 are positioned so that, once the sheet is held stationary, the prongs 26 of the binder 28 can be fed through the apertures 22 and the device 88 operated, as described earlier, to bend the prongs 26 (Figures 5 and 6). A reciprocating mechanism (not shown) is provided which acts on the pusher rod 92 to operate the device 88. The roll of tape 52, a tape wetting arrangement 1 86 and a tape applying roller 1 88 are all positioned at the fourth station 1 28. The tape wetting arrangement includes a supply 1 90 of adhesive. The arrangement 1 86 further includes a tensioning roller 1 92 and an adhesive application roller 1 94. The tape 48 is fed from the roll 52 over the tensioning roller 1 92 and then the adhesive application roller 1 94 so that adhesive is applied to the tape 48. A tape compression roller 1 96 is positioned directly above the drive roller 1 38 of the assembly 1 36. The tape compression roller is positioned so that the tape 48 is fed beneath the roller 1 96 and sufficient pressure is exerted on the tape 48 to obtain adhesion of the tape 48 on to the sheets as the sheets pass between the conveyor and the tape compression roller 1 96. A pair of embossing rollers 1 98 is positioned at the fifth station 1 30. The rollers 1 98 are positioned so that the tape, with the sheets adhered thereto, is received between the rollers 1 98. A tensioning device 200 is mounted on an upper embossing roller 1 98.1 so that the pressure exerted by the rollers 1 98 on the tape 48 can be adjusted. The upper roller 1 98.1 is configured so that as the tape 48 and the sheets pass through the rollers 1 98, the fold line and parallel ridges 68 are formed in the tape 48 and the sheets. A lower embossing roller 198.2 is connected to the set of idler pulleys 1 58 so that the tape 48 and the sheets are driven through the embossing rollers 1 98. A pair of cut off rollers 202 is positioned at the sixth station 132. An upper cut off roller 202.1 has a pair of cutting blades 204 mounted therein, in diametrically opposed positions. A lower cut off roller 202.2 is configured to define a cutting surface for the cutting blades 204. The upper cut off roller 202.1 is of a diameter which is such that the tape 48 is cut at a position intermediate adjacent ends of consecutive sheets. The lower cut off roller 202.2 is drivingly connected to the primary pulley 1 54 so that the rollers 202 are rotated in suitable directions. It will be appreciated that, once the tape has been cut, there will be provided lengths of tape 48 adhered to each sheet with portions of the tape extending past edges of each sheet. At the seventh station 1 34, these portions are folded over opposed edges of the sheets to adhere against a lower side of each sheet. A device for folding said portions over is referred to with reference numeral 206. The device 206 includes a pair of opposed drive rollers 208 which serve to draw each length of tape and its associated sheet through the device 206. A first upper ram 210 is provided to urge a rear overhanging portion of the tape 48 downwardly. A lower ram 21 1 and a first application roller 21 2 are provided upstream of the drive rollers 208 to urge the rear overhanging portion against the lower side of the sheet. A second upper ram 214 and a second application roller 21 6 are positioned downstream of the drive rollers 208 to urge a front overhanging portion of the tape 48 downwardly and then inwardly and upwardly to bear against the lower side of the sheet. In Figure 4, reference numeral 220 generally indicates a fourth embodiment of an apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for manufacturing file folders. With reference to Figures 1 to 3, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. The apparatus 220 does not include the conveyor belt assembly 1 36. Instead, the apparatus 220 includes a first set of driving rollers 222, and second set of driving rollers 224 and a third set of driving rollers 226. The first set of driving rollers 222 includes a sheet infeed mechanism 228 so that the sheets can be fed directly to the first station 1 22. The drive rollers 222 to 226 are driven by the motor 146 via the drive pulley 1 50, the set of idler pulleys 1 58 and a series of consecutively arranged, subsidiary drive pulleys 230. The subsidiary drive pulleys 230 are connected together via a belt 232. A subsidiary drive pulley 230 is connected to each set of drive rollers 222 to 226, via a belt 234. The apparatus 220 does not include the adhesive applicator 106. Instead, the device 88 is relied upon to secure the binder 28 to the sheet. The second set of drive rollers 224 is positioned downstream of the magazine 46 and the device 88. The third set of drive rollers 226 is positioned at the fourth station 1 28. An upper roller of the third set 226 is the tape compression roller 1 96. The apparatus 220 does not include the stop gates 1 70. Instead, the apparatus 220 relies on control of the drive rollers 222 to 226 to determine the position of the sheets at the stations 1 20, 1 26 and 1 28. The Applicant believes that the invention provides a method and apparatus for manufacturing file folders in a substantially quicker and more cost effective manner than is presently possible with existing equipment.

Claims: CLAIMS 1 . A method of manufacturing a file folder, the method including the steps of displacing a predetermined length of a flexible material in a feed direction; forming a pair of spaced apertures in the material; inserting a prong of a binder through each aperture from a first side, the binder having an elongate central portion with a prong extending from each end of the central portion; displacing the prongs relative to the central portion towards a second side of the material so that the prongs lie substantially flat against the second side of the material; and securing the central portion of the binder to the material. 2. The method as claimed in Claim 1 , which includes supplying the flexible material from a roll of the flexible material; and parting the material to form sheets, so that each sheet has the predetermined length. 3. The method as claimed in Claim 1 , which includes supplying pre-cut sheets of the material from a supply of sheets, each sheet having the predetermined length. 4. The method as claimed in Claim 1 , which includes forming the apertures in the material along a line parallel to the feed direction. 5. The method as claimed in Claim 1 , which includes punching the material to form the apertures. 6. The method as claimed in Claim 1 , which includes forming a depression on a first side of the material, to extend at least between the apertures, to accommodate the central portion of the binder. 7. The method as claimed in Claim 5, which includes applying an adhesive in the depression prior to inserting the prongs of the binder through the apertures, for securing the central portion of the binder to the material. 8. The method as claimed in Claim 1 , which includes supplying the binder with its prongs extending substantially transversely to the central portion and inserting the prongs through the apertures from a first side of the material; and displacing the prongs relative to the central portion towards a second side of the material so that the prongs lie substantially flat against the second side of the material. 9. The method as claimed in Claim 1 , which includes securing the binder in position by adhering a length of tape to a first side of the material along a line parallel to the feed direction, to cover the central portion of the binder. 10. The method as claimed in Claim 9, which includes applying an adhesive to the length of tape prior to adhering it to the material. 1 1 . The method as claimed in Claim 10, which includes continually adhering the tape to the first side of the material and parting the tape so that a portion of the tape extends beyond an edge of either side of each length of material. 1 2. The method as claimed in Claim 1 1 , which includes folding each portion of tape about its associated cut edge and adhering each portion to a second side of each length of material. 13. The method as claimed in Claim 9, which includes scoring each length of material to form at least one fold line along a line parallel to the feed direction in a region of the material which is covered by the tape. 14. An apparatus for manufacturing a file folder, the apparatus including a material displacement means for displacing a predetermined length of a flexible material in a feed direction; an aperture forming means for forming a pair of spaced apertures in the material; an inserting means for inserting a prong of a binder through each aperture from a first side of the material, the binder having an elongate central portion with a prong extending from each end of the central portion; a prong displacement means for displacing the prongs relative to the central portion towards a second side of the material so that the prongs lie substantially flat against the second side of the material; and a securing means for securing the central portion of the binder to the material. 1 5. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 14, which includes a supply means for supplying the flexible material from a roll of the flexible material; and a parting means for parting the material to form sheets, so that each sheet has the predetermined length. 1 6. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 14, which includes a supply means for supplying pre-cut sheets of the material from a supply of sheets, each sheet having the predetermined length. 1 7. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 14, in which the aperture forming means is a punching device which includes a punching die which is displaceable towards and away from the material to punch the apertures in the material. 1 8. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 7, in which the punching die is configured so that when the punching die executes an operating stroke, at least a region between the apertures is embossed to define a depression. 1 9. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 8, which includes an adhesive application means, located upstream of the inserting means, for applying adhesive in the depression, between the apertures. 20. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 4, in which the inserting means includes a magazine for carrying a plurality of the binders, the magazine being configured to feed a binder, with its prongs extending substantially transversely to the central portion, at predetermined intervals, which correspond with the rate at which each pair of apertures passes the magazine. 21 . The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 5, in which the securing means includes a dispenser for dispensing tape, the dispenser being positioned relative to the material to dispense a length of tape on to a first side of the material so that the tape is adhered to the first side of the material and covers the central portion of the binder. 22. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 6, in which the securing means includes a dispenser for dispensing tape, the dispenser being positioned relative to the material to dispense a length of tape on to a first side of the material so that the tape is adhered to the first side of the material and covers the central portion of the binder. 23. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 21 , in which the dispenser is positioned to dispense the tape continually on to a central region of the material to extend substantially parallel to the feed direction. 24. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 21 , in which the dispenser includes an adhesive applicator for applying adhesive to the tape prior to the tape being adhered to the material. 25. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 21 , in which the dispenser includes a roll of the tape and an application means for applying the tape from the roll on to the side of the material. 26. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 25, in which the application means includes at least one roller which is positioned to bear against the side of the material so that the tape from the roll is pressed on to the material while the material is fed. 27. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 21 , in which the parting means is in the form of a first cutter which is positioned upstream of the dispenser, to cut the material into the required lengths prior to the tape being applied to the material. 28. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 27, which includes a separating means which is positioned downstream of the first cutter to separate the lengths of material so that the lengths of material are spaced a predetermined distance apart. 29. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 28, which includes a second cutter which is positioned downstream of the dispenser to cut the tape so that a portion of the tape extends beyond each cut edge of the lengths of material. 30. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 29, which includes a folding device for folding each portion of the tape over its associated edge and applying each portion to an opposed side of the material. 31 . The apparatus as claimed in Claim 22, which includes a cutter which is positioned downstream of the dispenser to cut the tape so that a portion of the tape extends beyond each cut edge of the lengths of material. 32. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 31 , which includes a folding device for folding each portion of the tape over its associated edge and applying each portion to an opposed side of the material. 33. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 21 , which includes a fold line forming means for scoring each length of material to form at least one fold line along a line parallel to the feed direction in a region of the material which is covered by the tape. 34. A method of manufacturing a file folder substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 35. An apparatus for manufacturing a file folder substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Inventors: BLUMBERG MURRAY BASIL, HOFFMAN WILLIAM MARION, BLUMBERG, MURRAY, BASIL, HOFFMAN, WILLIAM, MARION
Applicants: PRESS PRODUCTS PROPRIETARY LTD, PRESS PRODUCTS (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED
Application year: 2000
Main classification: B42F
IPC codes: B42C7