Improved Combined Letter File and Binder and Combined Perforating Device.
Year: 1888

page_text: Improved Combined Letter File and Binder and Combined
Perforating Device.
I SOPHUS MATHIAS SCHEEN Agent 26" Prindsens Gado Christiania Norway do
hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to improvements upon transfer files.
The object of the improvements is to produce a file, which holds and oncloses the
papers filed therein such as letters, invoices, price lists in a desirable compact book
form, with facilities for the convenient survey of the papers and the secure keeping of
same, and which may when filled serve as a permanent binder to the papers; further
to provide simple and efficient means ready to hand, by which clean apertures may
be cut in the papers, so as to facilitate the passing of the papers and alphabetical
index strips filed with them to and fro over the needles and corresponding transfer
wires, and by which this perforating and the required guaging of the papers for the
exact carrying out of same may most easily and conveniently be performed.
In the accompanying drawings is Figure I a vertical section of a combined letter
file and binder and combined perforating device opened out inside up displaying to
transfer clips attached to a binding case, the clips being shown in the position, which
they occupy, when papers are being passed to and fro over needles and transfer wires,
and the latter in the closed position by dotted lines and in the open by full lines.
And the perforating device is shown farthest out to the left. Figure II is a plan
view of the file opened out. The two clips are here shown in the position, parallel
with each other, which they occupy, when papers are transferred from needles to
transfer wires by dotted lines, and in the position, which they occupy in two recesses
cut out in the bottom board of the binding case, as when closing the file,-by full
lines. Figure 1II is a vertical section of the binding case provided with a flap, at
the junction of backpiece and bottom board of same. Figure IV is a detailed side
view of a clip baseplate provided with a groove in its side. Fig. V is a detailed
sectional view of a short needle or stud for perforating provided with a notched point,
and Figure VI is a plan view of a keoper, which inserted on the needles on top
of the papers, serves to keep these compactly together, when the file is closed.

page_text: a
The invention as shown figure I and II consists primarily in constructing the
Improved Combined Letter File and Binder and Combined Perforating Device with
binding case A B C corresponding to that of an ordinary book and with one or more,
but preferably two transfer clips, which instead of being rigidly fastened to the
binding case, to attain the desired compact form of the file, have been attached to its
binding case as described afterwards. The two transfer clips, the leading feature of
which is the needle, on which the papers are inserted and its corresponding transfer
wire, which may be thus employed and for that purpose, may differ as to construction
and mechanism and be attached to the binder in more than one way. The needle
may thus be straight or more or less curved, a solid pin or a hollow tube; the transfer
wire may by its controlling mechanism be made to open from the needle by pushing
it backwards or by swinging it to the side; the needle may be fixed immediately in
the bottom board of the binding case and the transfer wire in a baseplate of its own;
a simple clip may even consist of needle and transfer wire alone; the needle is then
a hollow tube, which may be fixed immediately in the bottom board of the binding
case; but preferably consists each of the clips of the needle D, projecting upwards
from a suitable baseplate F and of transfer wire E also at its inner or lower end
attached to the same base plate F, and which are attached to the bottom board C of
the binding case in the following manner: Employed in the usual manner the clips
would rigidly be fixed on the inner side of the bottom board C; the outer or back
ends of the baseplates F and the back ends of the transfer wires E would then be
situated right out at the inner edge of the bottom board C, where it is joined to the
back-piece B of the binding case, and a paper inserted on the needles D in the
usual way would with its inner edge by some distance in from the joint on the board (),
and when the file was closed by folding the binding case together, there would then
be a considerable empty space between the inner side of the backpiece B and the
inner or back ends of the papers, and a bad form thus imparted to the whole structure.
The clips are therefore to bring about the compact form of the file aimed at, and in
which the inner edge of a paper inserted on the needles D lies flush with and right
out at the inner edge of the bottom board C,-shifted further back to the left, their
baseplates F (See fig. 1) now projecting over the inner edge of the board C, and
when the binding case is opened out flat, resting partly on the bottom board Cand
partly on the backpiece B of the binding case. If rigidly fastened in this position,
they would however prevent the back piece B from folding up in order to close the
file; the two clips are therefore attached the bottom board (in such a manner, that
the outer parts of the two clips may be swung off the back piece B and as shown
figure II entirely in on the bottom board C, the transfer wires hereby moving close
up to the inner edge of the bottom board C and to the papers resting on same, while
the clip baseplates F disappear beneath the papers. This feature with the moveable
clips is in one form carried out by to the bottom board C, which is say of only moderate
thickness, at its inner edge, where it is joined to the back piece B to fasten a strip or
plate (d) of suitable material and of the same thickness as the clip baseplates F. In
this (See fig. I and II) inner thick part Cd of the bottom board C are, sufficiently
large and of a depth equal to the thickness of the clip base plates F, the two recesses H
cut out. The two clips deposited in these two recesses H are kept in the desired
position (See fig. II) by a loose plate K, in which are the two apertures (a) corre-
sponding to the needles D, being slipped over these and on to the before mentioned
inner thick part Cd of the bottom board C and there fastened, thus covering over the
two recesses H, the bottom of which is formed by the bottom board () in its original
form. The clips with the needles D turning in the two apertures (a) of the covering
plate K may now be swung on and off the back piece B, the transfer wires E when
the file is closed, only intervening between the inner side of the back piece B
and the papers inserted on the needles. In closing the file (See fig. II) allow two
slits (b) in the top board A of the binding case the upper curved parts of the transfer
wires to penetrate and appear on the outer side of the top board A, just sufficiently to
keep the binding case A B C in position; and the file may be conveniently handled
without the binding case slipping.

page_text: When the different parts of the binding case A B C are constructed and joined
together as described and shown figure I, where the back piece B is joined to
the bottom board C at the lower edge of the inner thick part Cd of same, are
the clips, which also is preferable,-kept altogether inside the binding case; but
the back piece may also be joined to the bottom board at the upper edge of the
inner thick part Cd of same. When the file is opened out flat, would then the
back piece B be resting on the outer parts of the clip baseplates F; two parallel
slits in the top board Å and the back piece B would allow the transfer wires E
to pass through, and not before the file was closed would the clips be free to
swing to the side; the clip baseplates F would then as before disappear in their
recesses H; but the transfer wires E instead of being as before inside, would now
be on the outside of the back piece B, the inner side of which would be in
immediate contact with the papers.
Though the combined letter filo and binder provided with the two moveable clips
immediately attached to the bottom board C as described, is in its simplest form
complete, still with the object of facilitating a mere inspection or reference to the
papers filed, at the same time adding rigidity and strenght to the structure, is in the
inost complete form of the file the binding case A B C as shown figure III on
the inner side, where back piece B and bottom board C meet, provided with a flap L, on
which are built up the two recesses in the same manner as described and shown
figures I and II. This flap L may be a strip of cloth; but more perfectly it is a
metal plate, which by its inner edge is hinged on to the lower edge of another metal
plate M fastened on the inner side of the back piece B. This metal hinge L M forms
also a suitable floor on which the clips slide, protecting under lying parts from wear.
For a mere inspection of the papers remain the clips in the recesses carried by the
flap L. When this is occupying a vertical position, are the needles, on which the
papers are filed, thrown into a horizontal position and allow the papers to fall over to
both sides, and thus be read on either side. And this feature of the file with the flap L
carrying the needles on which the papers are inserted forms also part of the invention.
As already mentioned may the two transfer clips, which may be employed and thus
attached to the binding case of the file, that the transfer wires of the clips fold close
up to the papers vary as to construction and mechanism; but the invention as relating
to this part of the letter file, consists in constructing two such clips, which are easily
worked, secure and have the advantage of a thin base-plate, adding little to the bulk of
the bottomboard of the binding case, thus specially adapted for their purpose, as
shown figures I and II each with the needle D, projecting upwards from a suitable
baseplate F and a transfer wire E, whose outer curved end preferably ending in a
wedge shaped point (c) closes in a corresponding notch or double point (e) in the
upper end of the needle D; but whose inner end is bent over and carried down to the
outer or back end of the baseplate F, where it is bent sharp over and from one side
vertically on a plan passing through the needle D and transfer wire E carried through
an aperture or slot (f); emerging from this aperture (f) on the other side of the
baseplate F it is again bent sharp over in a forward direction into an arm (g) and thus
shaped (See fig. II.) that when the transfer wire E is thrown back from the needle D
and then again pushed forward as at the closing of the clip, this arm (g) then slightly
impinges on the upper edge of the baseplate F and simultaneously with the closing of
the clip springs in under the upper edge of the baseplate F and into a shallow
groove () cut out in this side of the baseplate, locking the clip sufficiently firm to
allow the papers to be passed to and fro over needle and transfer wire; while a slight
push against the upper end of the transfer wire easily disengages the arm (g) from the
groove (h) and opens the clip. When two of these clips are attached to the bottom
board C as described, and each swung into its recess, so is this arm (g) which in each
of the clips lies on that side of the baseplate F, which first disappears in the recess by
the covering plate K, which covers the recesses as before mentioned,-prevented from
rising out of the groove (h), the clip is completely locked, and the accidental escape
of papers from the needles thus prevented.
With the object of keeping the papers compactly together on the needles, when the

page_text: file is closed, is the file provided with a keeper, which is inserted on the needles on top
of the papers. This as shown figure VI consists of a suitable plate N, provided with
the two apertures (i), corresponding to the needles D, and with the tube (k). A bont
wire (m) as shown figure VI is with both its ends inserted in the openings of this
tube (k). In its inner part near the tube and in a line parallel with it, is this wire (m)
from one side to another somewhat broader across than the distance between the
needles, but tapering as shown towards its outer free end, this may be swung in
between the needles. When this wire (m) is folded right down on top of the plate N,
are its two ends forced farther into the tube (k) and it acts as a spring to both sides,
pressing sufficiently hard against the needles to keep the plate N and underlying
papers compactly together. And this keeper thus constructed forms also part of the
invention.
The invention consists furthermore in constructing a suitable punch or perforator,
adapted to cut clean holes in sheets of paper (Seo Fig. I and II) with two short
needles or studs (O), the tops of which instead of being flat are as shown figuro V
notched so as to present a double point (n). The two studs (0) (See figure 1) might
be fixed in the front part of the bottom plate P of the paper punch or immediately in
the top board A itself; but preferably they are at its outer free end and on the under
side fixed in the top plate R of the punch, which at its opposite or inner end is hinged
on to the back end of the bottom plate P so as to form a flap, which may be lifted and
depressed at pleasure. On the under side of the top plate Ra suitable distance behind
the studs O is by its inner end fixed a third plate S, whose outer free end projects in
front of the studs O, which thus are situated between this latter plate S and the top
plate R. In the intermediate plate S as well as in the bottom plate P are apertures to
register with the studs O, when the flap R is pressed down. This bottom plate P
(See figure I and II) is at its outer end in front of the above mentioned two apertures
and parallel with a line between those turned up into a bevelled ridge (p), and it is
fastened to the top board A of the binding case by being slipped from the side in
under a plate T, fixed on the inner side of the top board A, and kept in position by
the above mentioned elevated ridge (p) engaging with a corresponding hollow way or
furrow (9) in the plate T. For further fastening serves a split button (8¹), which
introduced from the outside of the top board A of the binding case and pushed through
a corresponding aperture in the bottom plate P is bent over on the upper side of this.
The punch or perforator fastened to the bottom board A as described may readily be
shifted from one file and attached to another if desired. When in perforating a paper
this is deposited on the top board A, and the flap R is depressed, then is the
intermediate plate S the first to come in contact with the paper, which is kept firmly
against the board A, while the studs O entering the corresponding apertures in the
intermediate plate S and in the bottom plate P pierce the paper and lastly enter
similar apertures (t) in the top board A itself. When the flap R is lifted up
springs the plate S out and pushes the paper off the studs. For the convenient
guaging of the papers in perforating, may the perforating device be provided with
lugs against which the papers are laid; these may be fixed in the top board A
itself;
but they are most easily and conveniently formed from two narrow strips (u)
of the bottom plate P itself, bent over at a point a suitable distance behind the
two apertures in same. In other respects do the very outlines of the top board A
of the binding case itself, on which the papers are laid, afford a guidance to place
the papers for perforation thus, that inserted on the needles D they shall occupy
the desired position in the file. The paper punch constructed as described in
conjunction with the top board A of the binding case thus supply the suitable
means for guaging and perforating the papers.
In one form of the Improved Combined Letter File and Binder and Combined
Perforating Device is this constructed with a binding case of cardboard of uniform
thickness, whose parts joined together in the usual way form (Soe Figure I, II and III)
the top board A back piece B and bottom board C. To the inner side of the back
piece B as shown figure III is rivetted a tin plate M, at the lower edge of which,
where back piece B and bottom board C meet, is hinged on another tin plate, which

page_text: forms the flap L, which is of the same lenght as the back piece B. On the upper side
of this flap L are in the same way as shown figure II formed two recesses; the wooden
strip (d) (See figure I and 11), which is of the same thickness as the clip baseplates F
and in which has been sawn out for the two recesses H, and there is glued on to the
bottom board C, is instead nailed on to the flap Lin figure III. In the two recesses
thus formed on the flap L are deposited the two transfer clips, which are kept in
position by a tin plate K, such as shown figure II, slipped over the needles of the
clips and. screwed down over the recesses. The clips (See figure I and II) are each
constructed of two wires D and E and an iron baseplate F. The wire D constituting
the needle is rivetted at its lower end to the baseplate F, and with a file is a notch
made in its upper end at (e). To fit this notched double point of the needle D is the
other wire E at its outer end filed into a corresponding wedge shapod point (c); its
other end is attached to the baseplate F by as described being bent over and from the
one side of the baseplate carried through the aperture (f), emerging from which on
the other side of the baseplate it is bent over and shaped into the arm (g), which in
closing the clip springs into the groove (h) cut out in the side of the baseplate F ;
this groove () being on that side of the baseplate which first disappears in the
recess, when the clip is swung to the side. The perforating device is constructed
of four small pieces of sheet tin T P S and R and the two notched steel studs O.
The two tin plates P and R, of which the first forms the bottom plate and is the
largest of the two, the other the top plate are hinged together thus, that a strip
of the bottom plate P on each side is projecting beyond the top plate R. At the
free end of this top plate R are inserted as described and rivetted the two steel
studs O and behind these soldered on the intermediate plate S. At the free end of this
plate S projecting beyond the studs O as well as in the bottom plate P and the top
board A of the binding case are bored holes to register with the studs. The free end
of the bottom plate P is turned up as shown figure into a bevelled ridge (p) and
from the side slid in under the small tin plate T, rivetted to the top board A and on
the under side of which is as shown figure I a raised hollow way or groove (q) to
correspond with the ridge (p). For further fastening is a split button (s¹) pushed
from outside through the top board A of the binding case and a corresponding hole
in the bottom plate P and on the inner side of this latter bent over. Two cuts have
been made in the before mentioned projecting parts of the bottom plate P in a forward
direction to a point a suitable distance behind the apertures in the sanie plate P, and
the two narrow strips thus produced have been cut off to a suitable lenght and bent
over to form the lugs (u) against which, when perforating, the papers are laid.
Dated this 15th day of Februa1000

page_text: Improved Combined Letter File and Binder and Combined
Perforating Device.
I SOPHUS MATHIAS SCHEEN, Agent 26 Prindsens Gade Christiania Norway do
hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement :-
My invention relates to improvements in transfer letter files namely that class of
files in which the papers are filed upon one or two fixed needles projecting upwards
from a suitable base and upon the upper ends, of which the ends of curved transfer
wires are made to close so as to permit the filed papers to be thrown back from the
needles; said needle or needles together with corresponding transfer wire and smaller
baseplate forming a file or clip, which generally is affixed to a larger tablet or
board; and the objects of my improvements are; First, to produce a file, which in
its most complete form is constructed with a binding case, corresponding to that of a
book, which holds and encloses the papers filed therein, such as letters, invoices,
price lists and papers in a desirable compact form, and which, as it may be produced
at a small cost, in this form may also, when filled, serve as a permanent binder to
the papers. Second, to produce simple and secure clips, specially adapted for such
form of file above referred to. Third to afford facilities for the convenient survey or
inspection of the filed papers. Fourth to provide simple and efficient means, by which
clean perforations may be formed in the papers, so as to facilitate the passing of the
papers and alphabetical index strips filed with them to and fro over the needle or
needles and transfer wires aforesaid, and, by which this perforating and the required
guaging of the papers for the exact carrying out of same may be most easily and
conveniently performed; and, Fifth, to provide a simple and convenient holder which,
inserted on the needle or needles aforesaid serves to keep the papers compactly
together when the file is closed.
3
I attain the above stated objects by the means illustrated in the drawings left with
my Provisional Specification.
In said drawing Figure 1 is a vertical section of the Combined Letter File and
Binder and Combined Perforating Device opened out inside up, displaying two clips
attached to a binding case; the transfer wires of the clips being shown by dotted
lines in the position (parallel with each other), which they occupy or assume when
the papers are being passed to and fro over the needles and transfer wires, and in
the open position, as for the filing of a paper, by full lines the perforating device
being shown to the left. Figure II is a plan view of the file in which the position
which the clips assume (parallel with each other) when the papers are being passed
to and fro over the needles and transfer wires is indicated by dotted lines; and, by
full lines in the position which said clips occupy in two recesses formed in the bottom
tablet or board of the binding case when the file is closed. Figure 11ª is a detached
view of a covering plate employed in connection with the device to be hereinafter
fully described. Figure III is a vertical section of the binding case of the file
showing it provided with a flap; to which in this modification it is intended to adapt
the clips. Figure IV is a detached side view of one of the base plates of the clips.

page_text: Figure V is a detached sectional elevational view of a solid notched stud to serve as
a perforater, and Figure VI is a plan view of a holding device which is threaded
upon the needles on top of the papers, and serves to keep said papers secured to the
bottom tablet or board of the file.
The invention as shown Figures I and II consists primarily in the construction
of the Improved Combined Letter File and Binder and Combined Perforating
Device, and in its most complete form, with a binding case A, B, C corresponding to
that of an ordinary book, and having one or more, but preferably two transfer clips,
which, instead of being rigidly fastened to the binding case, to attain the desired
compact form of the file are attached to the bottom tablet or board C in the manner
hereinafter described. The two transfer clips above referred to (the leading feature
of which is the needle or needles on which the papers are supported or suspended,
and the corresponding transfer wire which may be thus employed,) may differ as
to construction and mechanism, and be attached to the binder in more than one way.
Thus the needles may be straight, or they may be more or less curved, and consist
of a solid pin or may be formed of a hollow tube. The transfer wire above referred
to may, by its controlling mechanism be made to open from the needle by pushing
vertically backwards or by moving laterally upon its axis. The needle or needles
aforesaid may be fixed direct to the bottom tablet or board C of the binding case,
and the transfer wire in a suitable base plate of its own; a simple clip may even
consist of the needle, which in this case comprises a hollow tube fixed direct to the
bottom board of the binding case, into the upper end of which the outer curved point
of a loose transverse wire may be inserted and lifted out at pleasure for the filing of
papers, while the other end of the transfer wire is left to hang freely down without.
being attached to any base plate, but only bent over sufficiently to prevent the papers
from slipping off.-In further reference to the features described in the preceding
paragraph the arrangement I prefer to adopt is as follows:-
Each clip comprises the needle D projecting upwards through the base plate F, and
a transfer wire E, having its lower or inner end attached to said base plate F, which
latter is arranged upon the bottom board C of the binding case in the manner
hereinafter described.
As hitherto usually arranged the two clips would be rigidly fixed to the inner side
of the bottom board C of the binding case and the backs of the base plates F and
rear ends of the transfer wires E would then be situated at the extremity of the
inner edge of the bottom board C, that is to say the point of junction with the back
piece B of the binding case; and thus a paper placed on the needle D in the usual
way would, with its inner edge be situated some distance inwards from the joint, and
when the file was closed there would be a considerable vacant space between the
back piece B and the inner ends of the papers, which would impart a slovenly
appearance to the whole arrangement. The two clips aforesaid are therefore devised
to ensure the compact form aimed at of the file, so that the inner edge of a paper
where placed on the needles shall be flush with, or close to the joint of the back
piece B and bottom board C. When the binding case A, B, C, is opened out for
the purpose of filing papers the clips would be moved out into the position shown in
full lines Figure I and in dotted lines Figure 11, in which position the clips whilst
resting partly on the bottom board C would overlap the back piece B of said binding
case.
If rigidly fastened in the position, last above described, the clips would prevent
the closing of the file; they are therefore attached to the binding case in such a
manner, that the outer parts of the two clips may be moved laterally from the back
piece B resting entirely within the recesses formed for the purpose upon the bottom
board C, the transfer wires E thereby moving close up to the inner edge of the
bottom board C and the papers resting on same, while the clip base plates slip in
under the papers. This feature of a letter file, provided with movable clips, is in one
form carried out in the following manner, that is to say :-To the inner end of the
bottom board C, where it is joined to the back piece B, is secured a strip or plate (d)
of suitable material and of the same thickness as the base plates F. In this strip d

page_text: are cut or otherwise formed two recesses H within which latter are disposed the
clips before mentioned, said clips being retained in the desired position by a plate K
(shown detached at Figure II) the two apertures (a) of which when threaded upon
the needles D allowing of said plate K resting upon and being secured to the slip d
thus covering the two recesses H, the bases of which latter are formed by the
bottom board C in its original state. The clips with the needles D turning in the
apertures (a) of the covering plate K may now be moved laterally in and out of
the recesses H, the transfer wires E, when the file is closed, only intervening between
the inner side of the back piece B and the papers inserted on the needles. To
allow of the closing of the file two slits (b) are formed in the top board A of the
binding case through which the upper curved parts of the transfer wires pass to the
outer side of the top board A, and thus the file may be conveniently handled without
disturbance of the bound contents. When the different parts of the binding
case A, B, C, are constructed and joined together in the manner above described
and shown Figure I, the back piece B is joined to the bottom tablet or board C at
the lower edge of the strip d, the two clips being preferably kept inside the binding
case; but the back piece B may if desired be joined to the bottom board C at the
upper edge of the strip d. As thus constructed, when the file is opened out, the back
piece B would be resting on the outer parts of the clip base plates F; two slits in
the top board A and back piece B of the binding case serving to allow of the
transfer wires E to pass therethrough, and only when the file is closed can the clips
be moved laterally into the recesses H. As shown in Figures I and II the clip base
plates would disappear beneath the papers; but in accordance with the last described
arrangement the transfer wires, instead of being inside the binding case, would now
fold up against the outer side of the back piece B, the inner side of which latter
would be in immediate contact with the papers.
As already mentioned the transfer clips employed are attached to the binding case
of the file so that the transfer wires may be moved up to the papers. The invention
as relating to this part of the letter file consists in constructing two such clips, which
are easily worked, are secure, and have the additional advantage of possessing a thin
base plate which adds little to the bulk of the bottom board, as shown more particularly
in Figures 1 and 2, each clip comprising a needle D projecting upwards through a
suitable baseplate F, and a transfer wire E the outer curved end of which preferably
terminates in a wedge shaped point (c) which latter engages with a corresponding
notch or double point (e) in the upper end of the needle D. The lower extremity of
said transfer wire E is carried down to the outer or back end of the base plate F where
it is bent as shown and carried through an aperture or slot (f) provided in the base-
plate F, where it is again bent over in a forward direction to form the arm (g) as
shown in Figure 2, so that when the transfer wire E is thrown back from the
needle D, and then again pushed forward, as at the closing of the clip, the arm (g)
which slightly overlaps the edge of the base plate F, and simultaneously with the
closing of the clip springs in under the edge of the base plate F into a shallow
groove (h) formed in the edge of the base plate F as shewn in the detached view
Figure IV, thereby locking the clip sufficiently firm to allow papers to pass to and
fro over the needle and transfer wire, while a slight push against the upper end of the
transfer wire easily disengages the arm (9) from the groove (h) and opens the clip.
When two of these clips are attached to the bottom board C as described and are
each moved into its recess, the arm (g) (which in each of the clips lies on that side
of the base plate F which first disappears in the recess,) is prevented from rising
out of the groove (h) by virtue of the covering plate K, and thus the clip is completly
locked, and the accidental escape of papers from the needles prevented.
Though the letter file provided with the two movable clips attached to the bottom
board of the file as last above described, is, as far as the fastening of the clips to
the binding case goes, in its simplest form complete, still, with the object of facilitating
a mere inspection or reference to the papers filed, I may, as an alternative arrange-
ment employ a loose flap L (hinged to the bottom tablet or board C, at the point of
junction with the back piece B as shewn in Figure III) on which the recesses H for

page_text: carrying the clips are arranged in the same manner as described and shown Figures I
and II. This flap L may be formed by a strip of cloth, but better it is a metal plate,
which at its inner edge is hinged to another metal plate M, secured to the inner side
of the hack piece B of the binding case. The plate of the flap serves as the base
upon which the clips are arranged, thus protecting underlying parts from wear. When
inspecting the papers the clips remain in the recesses in the flap L. When said flap
is moved into a vertical position, the needles are thrown backwards iuto a horizontal
position, thus allowing the papers to fall over to either side.
The invention consists furthermore in constructing a suitable punch or perforator,
adapted to cut clean holes through sheets of paper (see Figure 1) having two short
needles or studs O of solid metal, the points of which, instead of being flat, are
provided as shown Fig. V with a notch formed into a double point (n). The two
studs O may be fixed (See Fig. 1) in the front part of the bottom plate P of the
punch, or immediately in the top board A itself, but preferably they are at its
outer free end and on the underside fixed in the top-plate R, of the preforator,
which by its opposite or inner edge is hinged on to the back end of the bottom
plate P, and thus forms a flap, which may be raised and depressed at pleasure.
On the under side of the top plate R and at a suitable distance behind the studs O
is fixed by its inner end a third plate S. the outer free end thereof projecting in front of
the studs O, which thus are situated between the latter intermediate plate S. and the
top plate R. In the intermediate plate S, as well as in the bottom plate P and the
top board A are apertures to agree with the studs O when the plate R is pressed
down. Said bottom plate P (See Figs. I and II) is, at its outer end in front of the
above mentioned apertures and parallel with a line between these, turned over into
a bevelled ridge (p), and fastened to the top board A of the binding case by being
slipped from the side in under a plate T. fixed on the inner side of the top board A.
and is kept in position by the above mentioned ridge (p) engaging with a corre-
sponding hollow way or channel (9) in the plate T. A split button (¹) serves as a
further fastening which upon being introduced from the outside of the top board A
and pushed through a corresponding aperture in the bottom plate P is bent over on
the inner side of said bottom plate P. The punch or perforator fastened to the top
board A, as described, may readily be detached from one file and attached to another
if desired. When perforating a paper it is placed on the top board A, and the flap R
is depressed. It will then be seen that the intermediate plate S will be the first to
come in contact with the paper and keeps it pressed down against the top board A,
while the studs 0, entering the corresponding apertures in this plate S and in the
bottom plate P pierce the paper and lastly enter the corresponding apertures (t) in
the top board A itself. When the flap R is lifted up, the plate S. springs out and
pushes the paper off the studs.
For the convenient and accurate guaging of the papers in perforating, the
perforating device is provided with the lugs (u), against which the papers are laid,
said lugs are most conveniently formed from two narrow strips of the bottom plate P.
bent over in a forward direction as shewn Figs. I and 11 at a point a suitable distance
behind the apertures (t). In order to perforate the papers to be filed centrally or
nearly so, the width of the top board A will serve as a guide thereto. After said
papers have been perforated they are threaded upon the needles D of the clip and will
then occupy the desired position in the file.
The punch constructed as above described will thus serve in conjunction with the
top board A of the binding case as a suitable means for guaging and perforating the
papers.
With the object of keeping the papers compactly together on the needles, when the
file is closed, the file is provided with a holder which is inserted on the needles on
the top of the papers. This as shown Fig. VI consists of a suitable plate N in which
are the two apertures (i) by means of which it is threaded on the needles D.
This plate N is provided with a tube (k), and a bent wire (m) as shown Fig. VI,
the ends of the latter being inserted in the openings of the tube (k). In its inner
part near the tube and in a line parallel with said tube this wire (m) is somewhat
B

page_text: broader across than the distance between the needles and tapers as shown Fig. VI
towards its outer free end. By passing said wire (m) between the needles it acts as a
spring the two ends entering further into the tube (k) and pressing sufficiently hard
against the needles to retain the plate N in the required position on top of the papers.
And this holder thus constructed, forms also part of the Invention.
The letter file is, in its most complete forin constructed with a binding case A. B. C.,
but a mere tablet or board may be substituted for this to form the suitable base,
carrying one or more clips, and against which the papers rest. Such tablet or board
is represented by the bottom board C of the binding case, which only requires to be
of sufficient size to project somewhat beyond the inner edge of the filed papers, to
afford sufficient space for fastening the inetal plate M thereto, which, in the form of
file herein before inentioned was fastened on the inner side of the back piece B in the
same manner as in the preceding arrangement described and shown in Fig. III. The
flap L would then be attached to this first plate M; and the clips would in their turn
be attached and kept in position on this flap in the same manner and by the same
means as described and shown Fig. I II and III, in connection with the complete
binding case A. B. C. A hole made through the base board or tablet in that part of
same where the plate M would be fixed and by which it may be hung in any
convenient place, would complete the file, in which by means of the clips having free
lateral movement and the provision of flap L which throws the needles into a
horizontal position, a convenient inspection of the filed papers is made possible,
without having recourse to the transfer of the papers to the transfer of the file.
file thus constructed with a mere tablet or board as a suitable base instead of the
complete binding case A B C. is also embraced by the Invention.
The
In one form of the Improved Combined Letter File and Binder and Combined
Perforating Device it is thus constructed with a binding' case of cardboard of uniform
thickness, the parts thereof joined together in the usual manner form (See Figs. I
II and III) the top board A, back piece B, and the bottom board C. To the inner
side of back piece B as shown Fig. III is rivetted a tin plate M, at the lower edge of
which at the point of junction of the back piece B and the bottom board C. is hinged
another tin plate forming the flap L. which is of the same length as the back piece B.
On the upper side of this flap are as shown Figs. I and II, built up the two
recesses H. A wooden strip (d) (See Figs. 1 and II), which is of the same thickness
as the base plates F, of the transfer clips and in which has been formed the two
recesses, instead of being secured direct on the bottom board C, is attached in any
convenient manner to the flap L Fig. IlI. In the two recesses thus carried by the
flap L. are disposed the two baseplates F of the transfer clips. Said clips are retained
in the required position by the covering plate K shown in Fig I, and in the detached
view Fig. 1a which latter is slipped on to the needles of the clips and fastened down
over the recesses as hereinbefore fully described.
The clips (See Figs. I and II) are each constructed of the two wires D and E. and
an iron baseplate F.. The wire D. constituting the needle is rivetted at its lower end
serving as a pivot to the baseplate F. The other wire E forming the transfer wire is
attached to the baseplate F. in the manner before described the lower end being
carried in and out of an aperture or channel (✓) bored in the baseplate F, and then
bent into the arm (9), which, shaped as described becomes locked in the groove (h)
forined in the side of the baseplate as aforesaid.
The perforating device is constructed of four small pieces of sheet tin T. P. S.
and R and the two notched solid steel studs O. The two tin plates P and R of which
the first forms the bottom plate and is the largest of the two are hinged together, a
strip u of the bottom plate P projecting beyond the top plate R on each side as
shown in Figure II. At the free end of this top plate Ŕ are inserted and rivetted
the two steel studs O. and behind these upon the under side of the top plate R is
soldered the intermediate plate S. At the free end of this plate S, projecting beyond
the studs O, as well as in the bottom plate P and the top board A¹ of the binding
case are bored holes to correspond with the studs O. The free end of the bottom
plate P is turned up into a bevelled ridge (p) as herein before described, and from the

page_text: Two
side, slid in under the small tin plate T, rivetted to the top board A, and on the
under side of which is a raised hollow way or groove (9) to correspond with the
ridge (p). For the further fastening of the bottom plate P to the top board A a
split button (s) is inserted through an aperture in the top board A from outside and
through a corresponding hole in the bottom plate P where it is bent over.
cuts having been made in the before mentioned projecting parts of the bottom plate P
the two narrow strips (u) thus produced are cut off to a suitable length and bent
over in a forward direction to form the lugs against which the papers are laid when
perforating same.
The holder is constructed from a small strip of sheet tin N which has been bent
over to form the tube (k) in which an iron wire (m) shaped as described and shown
Fig. VI has been inserted.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said Inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare, that what I
claim is:
I. In a file for letters, invoices, papers and the like the combination of a base C.
impaling needle or needles D and transfer wire or wires E, which latter with their
forward curved ends closing on, or interlocking or aligning with the needles D are
susceptible of a lateral movement, by which the back ends of the said transfer wires E.
swing close up to the inner edge of the base C and to the papers resting on same;
substantially as and for the purposes specified.
II. In a file for letters, invoices, papers and the like the combination with a base
plate F of a transfer wire E which by its inner end is attached to said base plate F
and provided with an arm (9) substantially as specified.
III. The combination with the arm (9) of the transfer wire E pressing against the
side of the baseplate F, of a groove (h) formed in the side of said baseplate sub-
stantially as and for the purpose specified.
IV. In a file for letters, invoices, papers and the like the combination with a base C
of a flap L for carrying needle or needles D, and which allows these to be thrown
backwards into a horizontal position substantially as and for the purpose specified.
V. In a file for letters, invoices papers and the like constructed with a binding
case A. B. C. and transfer wire or wires E, the combination with said transfer wire or
transfer wires E of an oblique slit or of oblique slits (b) formed in the top board A
of the binding case, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
VI. In a perforator or punch for files for cutting holes in the documents to be filed
on the needles, the studs of solid metal having notched tops (n) substantially as
specified.
VII. In a perforator or punch for files the combination with the studs O, fixed in
a plate R, of a plate S provided with apertures corresponding with the studs O, sub-
stantially as and for the purpose specified.
VIII. The combination of the bottom plate P of the perforator provided with a
bevelled ridge (p) engaging with a corresponding groove (g) in the plate T, for
securing the perforator to the baseplate substantially as specified.
IX. The Improved holder for letter files and binders to be inserted on the needles,
consisting of a plate N provided with holes (i) and a wire (m), the latter steadied and
turning in the tube (k) substantially as specified.