Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a sizing guide or gage for selecting a binding device to bind a set of sheets using a binding machine typically referred to as a comb binder. The sizing guide includes a plurality of apertures corresponding to a range of binding devices, each aperture corresponding to a particular size of binding device. The aperture includes a rounded portion and is linked to a slot corresponding to the maximum number of sheets to be bound by the binding device corresponding to the aperture. The sizing guide may be formed as part of the binding machine.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to binding machines and in particular to a sizing guide for a binding machine. 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    Binding machines are used for binding paper or card documents formed from a set of separate sheets. Typically, the binding machine performs a first function of punching a series of holes in the sheets to be bound and then performs a second function of enabling a binding device such as a comb or coil to be inserted or threaded through the holes to complete the binding process. In order to successfully and optimally bind a document the correct sized coil or comb must be chosen for the given set of sheets. If a comb or coil which is too small is chosen then there is the risk that the sheets of the document will not be securely bound and may become detached in use. If too large a coil or comb is used then the finished product can look aesthetically displeasing and there is also a danger that the pages of the bound document will be too loose. Combs and coils are available in a number of standard sizes such as ¼ inch (6.35 mm), ⅜ inch (9.53 mm), 5/16 inch (7.94 mm), ½ inch (12.7 mm), ⅝ inch (15.88 mm), 1 inch (25.4 mm) and 1½ inch (38.1 mm) sizes. Previously graphical measuring scales have been provided wherein printed markings on a sheet are provided which attempt to allow a user of a binding machine to judge which is the best coil or comb to use. However, such graphical scales are inaccurate and difficult to use quickly when binding a number of documents in succession. 
         [0003]    The present invention seeks to provide a device for helping a user of a binding machine choose an appropriate sized comb or coil for each binding operation which is more accurate and quicker to use than conventional devices. The user may use the guide to select a comb for a particular set of sheets, and may also use the guide to determine how many sheets a particular comb can accommodate. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Accordingly, the present invention provides a binding machine for binding a set of sheets during a binding operation using a binding device, the binding machine comprising a sizing guide for determining a correct size of binding device to be used in the binding operation dependant on the thickness of the set of sheets to be bound, the sizing guide comprising a plurality of openings of varying size, the openings corresponding to varying sizes of binding device. 
         [0005]    The use of openings rather than a printed scale allows for quicker and more accurate use of the sizing guide as a user can easily present the set of sheets to the openings and determine whether there is a correct fit of the sheets in each opening. In contrast trying to correctly align a set of sheets against a printed marking and keep the set aligned while judging by eye whether the set of sheets exceeds a particular dimension is relatively awkward. 
         [0006]    Preferably, each opening is provided with a marking or other indication indicating the binding device that corresponds to that opening. In one example, the sizing guide may have printed thereon the size of the corresponding binding device in alphanumeric characters, such as “¼ inch” for a ¼ inch binding device. 
         [0007]    Preferably, each opening includes a slot having a width corresponding to the maximum thickness of the set of sheets that should be bound using the binding device corresponding to said opening. 
         [0008]    In this way a user can be assured that if the set of sheets fits in the slot the corresponding binding device will be suitable and not too small. 
         [0009]    Optionally, the width of each slot is the same as the maximum thickness of the set of sheets that should be bound using the binding device corresponding to said opening. Alternatively, the sizing of the slots can allow for a small margin of error in measurement to help ensure that a user does not try and bind too many sheets with the corresponding binding device. For example, a binding device capable of binding 25 sheets of A4 paper having a weight of 80 g/m 2  may have a slot width in the sizing guide which can accommodate a maximum of 23 sheets only. 
         [0010]    Preferably each opening includes an aperture having a characteristic dimension corresponding to the diameter of the binding device corresponding to said opening. 
         [0011]    In this way the same sizing guide may be used to measure the binding devices, such as coils or combs, to ensure that the correct size is used in the subsequent binding operation. 
         [0012]    Preferably the aperture includes a rounded portion. The rounded portion of each opening may be linked to a slot portion of said opening. The rounded aperture may be positioned near or adjacent to the slot, or it may be in communication with the slot. 
         [0013]    For example, a user may determine, in a first step by presenting the set of sheets to successive slots of the plurality of openings, that a binding device of size ½ inch (12.7 mm) is the optimum size for the number of sheets sought to be bound. The user may then select the correct binding device from the storage tray. If they are in doubt as to the size of the binding device the user may present the end of the binding device to the rounded portion of the opening to check that the binding device is of a matching size. 
         [0014]    The sizing guide may be formed as an integral part of a component of the binding machine. For example, the guide may be formed as an integral part of a storage tray of the binding machine or an integral part of a waste bin of the binding machine. 
         [0015]    Advantageously forming the sizing guide as an integral part of a component of the binding machine ensures that the sizing guide is not easily lost and is readily available for use. Incorporating the sizing guide as part of the storage tray is preferred since the binding devices are then close at hand when the sizing step is undertaken. Advantageously, the storage tray may be provided with separate compartments for each size of binding device and further, the sizing guide may be provided with a graphical indication linking each opening with a corresponding compartment of the storage tray. 
         [0016]    As an alternative the sizing guide may be a separate part from a body of the binding machine. 
         [0017]    Preferably, the sizing guide is moveable between a storage position, in which the sizing guide is substantially contained within a body of the binding machine, and an operating position, in which the sizing guide is extended or removed from the body of the binding machine to allow sets of sheets to be sized. 
         [0018]    The sizing guide may be arranged to slide laterally or forwards and backwards relative to a front edge of the binding machine between the storage and operating positions. 
         [0019]    The sizing guide may be formed from plastic. 
         [0020]    The binding device may be a comb, coil, or similar device. 
         [0021]    The present invention also provides a binding machine sizing guide, the binding machine being of the type used for binding a set of sheets during a binding operation using a binding device, and the sizing guide including a plurality of openings of varying size, the openings corresponding to varying sizes of binding device. 
         [0022]    Preferably each opening defines a slot having a width corresponding to the maximum thickness of the set of sheets that should be bound using the binding device corresponding to said opening. 
         [0023]    The width of each slot may be the same as the maximum thickness of the set of sheets that should be bound using the binding device corresponding to said opening. 
         [0024]    Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0025]    In summary, the invention provides for a sizing guide for selecting a binding device to bind a set of sheets, the sizing guide including plurality of apertures corresponding to a range of binding devices, each aperture corresponding to a particular size of binding device, the aperture including a rounded portion and linked to a slot corresponding to the maximum number of sheets to be bound by the binding device corresponding to the aperture. The linking of the slot to the rounded portion may be done by locating the slot adjacent to the rounded portion, or placing them in communication with each other. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of a first embodiment of binding machine according to the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of the binding machine of  FIG. 1  with an upper cover in an open position; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of a comb storage tray of the binding machine in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of storage tray for a binding machine according to the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the storage tray of  FIG. 4 ; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of the storage tray of  FIG. 4 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0032]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the binding machine  1  comprises a housing  2  having an upper cover  3  which is movable between closed and open positions as shown respectively in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The upper cover  3  covers the internal mechanisms of the binding machine  1  such as the hole punch mechanism (not shown) and the comb fitting unit  7 . One skilled in the art will recognize that the hole punch mechanism is not crucial to the invention. 
         [0033]    A first operating lever  4  (punch handle) is provided for operating the hole punch mechanism and a second operating lever  5  (comb opening lever) is provided for operating the comb fitting unit  7 . 
         [0034]    An elongate waste bin  6  is provided located immediately beneath the hole punch mechanism for collecting the chads ejected in use from the hole punch mechanism. The waste bin  6  may be slid laterally into and out of a side of the housing  2  to allow the waste bin  6  to be easily emptied. 
         [0035]    According to the present invention there is also provided a storage tray  10  having a sizing guide. The storage tray  10 , as most clearly shown in  FIG. 3 , is elongate and generally rectangular in shape and is preferably formed as an integral moulding from a plastics material. The storage tray  10  comprises two receptacles  12 ,  13  in which plastic or wire combs or coils  20  may be stored prior to use and a flange  15  which is provided as an integral part of the storage tray  10 . The flange  15  projects forwardly from the receptacles  12 ,  13  and, when the storage tray is positioned in the binding machine as shown in  FIG. 2 , is directed towards a front edge of the binding machine  1 . The flange  15  is provided with a series of openings  16  in a front edge thereof forming a sizing guide  14 . Each opening  16  comprises a rounded portion  18  which is linked to the front edge by means of a slot  19  defined by two parallel edge walls  17 . With such construction, the rounded portion  18  and the slot  19  are in communication. However, such communication is not required, and the rounded portion  18  and the slot  19  defined by parallel edge walls  17  may be merely adjacent one another, with a structure, such as a wall, between them. 
         [0036]    As most clearly seen in  FIG. 3 , the openings  16  have a range of sizes progressing from a smallest opening at one end of the flange  15  to a largest opening at an opposed end of the flange  15 . Each of the openings  16  is designed to equate to a standard size of comb or coil to be used with the binding machine  1  and is provided with an etched or printed marking or indicia indicating the size of the corresponding comb or coil. 
         [0037]    As shown, the openings  16  are bottomless, in other words, the openings pass through the full depth of the flange  15 . 
         [0038]    In use, a user of the binding machine  1  may determine the correct size of coil or comb  20  to be used for each binding operation by collating the sheets to be bound into a set and bringing the set of sheets up to interface with the openings  16  of the sizing guide  14 . The fixed spacing of the parallel walls  17  of the slot of each opening  16  determines a maximum number of sheets (or width of material) that can be inserted into each opening  16 . Thus, a user can attempt to insert the set of sheets to be bound into each opening  16 . If the set of sheets to be bound are too thick to be inserted into one opening then the user may try the next larger opening until an opening  16  is found in which the set of sheets to be bound can be inserted. At this point, the user can read off the size of comb or coil that is required from the markings or indicia on the sizing guide  14 . It will be noted that the rounded portion  18  of each opening  16  is generally of the size and shape of the rounded portion of the corresponding coil or comb  20 . Thus, the user can use the rounded portion  18  of the openings  16  as a means for measuring the size of the combs or coils  20  contained in the storage tray  10  by inserting an end portion of the comb or coil into the rounded portion  18 . 
         [0039]    The binding step can then be undertaken using the optimum coil or comb  20  which is then selected from one of the receptacles  12 ,  13  of the storage tray and, if required, measured using the rounded portions  18  of the openings  16 . 
         [0040]    Advantageously, when the storage tray  10  is not in use it may be slid sideways into the housing  2  of the binding machine in a similar manner to the waste receptacle  6 . 
         [0041]      FIGS. 4 to 6  show an alternative embodiment of sizing guide  114 . In this sizing guide  114  the storage tray  110  is designed to be slid forwards and backwards into and out of the binding machine  1  rather than slid laterally as in the first embodiment. As before, the tray  110  provides two storage receptacles  112 ,  113  for storing the combs or coils  20  before use and provides a series of opening  116  of varying sizes, each size equating to a standard size of comb or coil. A flange  115  extends forwards from the receptacles  112 ,  113  and defines a front edge of the tray  110 . In the illustrated embodiment the flange  115  extends along the full width of the storage tray  110 . 
         [0042]    As before each opening  116  comprises a rounded portion  118  joined to the front edge of the flange  115  by a slot  119  defined by two parallel walls  117 . The width of the slot  119  determines the maximum width of material that can be inserted into the opening  116  during the measuring step. In this embodiment, the openings  116  do not pass through the entire height of the flange  115  but are provided with a closed base  121 . In practice the user wishing to determine the correct size of comb or coil to be used for a binding operation places an end portion of the set of sheets to be bound in the successive openings  116  resting on the base  119  until the correct sized opening  116  is determined. Then the correct coil or comb to be used can be read off using the markings indicated on the flange  115 . As in the first embodiment the rounded portions may also be used to measure the combs or coils  20 . 
         [0043]    In the embodiments described above, the sizing guide has been described as integrally moulded as part of a comb or coil storage tray  10 ,  110 . However, the sizing guide may also be moulded or formed as part of another portion of the binding machine  1  or may be provided as a separate, removable unit which is not integral with the binding machine  1 .