US3766626A

US3766626A - Apparatus for manufacture of loose-leaf binder

Info

Publication number: US3766626A
Application number: US00207367A
Authority: US
Inventors: C Mjos; R Stockwell
Original assignee: Meredith Corp
Current assignee: Hawkeye Acquisition Inc
Priority date: 1971-12-13
Filing date: 1971-12-13
Publication date: 1973-10-23
Anticipated expiration: 1990-10-23

Abstract

An entirely automatic apparatus for fabricating loose-leaf binders includes a first station for receiving the binder cover and for punching holes in the cover. The cover is then transported to a second station where it is automatically combined with spine members which are fastened to the cover. Then, the cover passes to a third station where a metal is positioned against the spine of the binder. Thence, the binder passes through a fourth station which fastens the metal to the spine members.

Description

United" States Patent 1 Mjos et al,

[ 1 Oct. 23, 1973 APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURE OF LOOSE-LEAF BINDER [75] lnventorsz Clarence B. Mjos, Golden Valley;

Reed Stockwell, Columbia Heights,

both of Minn.

[73] Assignee: Meredith Corporation, Des Moines,

. lowa I v [22] Filed: Dec. 13,1971

21 Appl. No.: 207,367

[52] U.S. Cl. 29/208 D, 29/200 A [51] Int. Cl B23 19/04, B23p 19/00 [58] Field of Search 29/208 D, 211 D,

. 29/208 R, 211 R, 200 A [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,718,018 9/1955 Hildmann l1/1 CD 3,175,847 3/1965 McKowen 281/36 Primary Examiner--Thomas H. Eager Attorney-A. W. Molinare et al.

[57] ABSTRACT An entirely automatic apparatus for fabricating looseleaf binders includes a first station for receiving the binder cover and for punching holes in the cover. The cover is then transported to a second station where it is automatically combined with spine members which are fastened to the cover. Then, the cover passes to a third station where a metal is positioned against the spine of the binder. Thence, the binder passes through a fourth station which fastens the metal to the spine members.

35 Claims, 31 Drawing Figures VET STATION PATENTEUHBIZBIBH I T 3.7es;s2e SHEET 010? 13 SPINE STATION FIRST FOLD METAL STATION RIVET STATION INVENTORs: CLARENCE B. NIJOS REED G. STOCKWELL ATT'YS mmm'mzams- 3.7661626 FIG.7

INVENTORSI gLARENCE B. MJOS EED G.STOCKWELL ATT'YS PMENTEUnm 23 I973 sum user 13 L a L ROE m E NM s E. Y

m W O W ET 4A CS 3 N 6 mm LE4, CR

' PATENTEDUBI 23 ms- SIIEET 08 0F 13 I N VIiN TURS CLARENCE arvwos REED G. STOCKWELL PATENTEnumzsms 3.786.626 sum 080F13 INVENTORS. CLARENCE B. MJOS REED G. STOCKWELL PATENTEDUBI 23 I975 3. 766,626 SHfiEI USUF 13 INVENTORS CLARENCE B. IVIJOS REED G. STOCKWELL v ATT'YS PATENTEUUUZSIQH. 6.766626 INVENTORS! CLARENCE B. MJOS REED G. STOCKWELL ATT'YS Pmiminnmams 3.766.626

. sum. nor 13 I2 242 Ii-Hr l4 FIGZO [A'VLiY/ORS CLARENCE B. MJOS REED e. STOCKWELL ATT' YS PATENTEUUBT 23 m5 3.766.626

' SHEET 13M 13 INVENTORS. 1 1 CLARENCE B. mos REED e. STOCKWELL BY: Zak/uni ATT YS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an apparatus for the construction of a loose-leaf binder. Generally, binders can be classified into three categories. 1) A cut-flush or one-piece binder is comprised of a single case or outside cover cooperable with a metal utilized to hold inner loose-leaf sheets. (2) A vinyl binder of the concealed or exposed rivet type includes a case fabricated from a pair of outer sheets, usually vinyl. The sheets are heat sealed together about a center board and a metal is then attached bymeans of rivets to the case or cover fabricated from the vinyl sheets. (3) The turned-edge or three-piece binder of the concealed or exposed rivet type includes a pair of fiberboards glued to a cover. The edges of the cover are thenturnedover the fiberboard and a liner or lining is secured to the opposite sides of the fiberboard. A metal is then attached by means of rivets or the like to the centerof the cover fabricated from the fiberboards.

Thus, in general, the binder includes a case, which is the outside covering portion of the binder, and a metal, which is attached to the case by some means and is utilized to hold the sheets of paper or material in the binder.There are numerous types of metals such as prong, ring and post metals aswill be recognized by those skilled in the art.

The binders as described above are typically manufactured' by manual operation or by a semi-automatic operation requiring a great amount of manual labor. In the example of the invention which will follow, the turned-edge ofthree-piece type of binder is discussed in detail. A typical apparatus utilized to make a specific embodiment of a turned-edge or three-piece binder is disclosed in the prior art patent to Hildmann, US. Pat. No. 2,718,018. The apparatus disclosed in the Hild-. mann patent as well as the binder which the apparatus manufactures is an excellent .product and many millions of binders of this type have been made and utilized. I

However, in us. Pat. No. 3,175,847, there is disclosed an improved" binder construction which has great utility for loose-leaf publications, While the binder shown in the No. 3,175,847 patent is an improved, useful binder, such a binder is commercially desirable only if it can be manufactured inexpensively and in volume numbers. Such a manufacturing operation desirably requires a minimum number of manual operations or, in other words, a maximum amount of mechanization.

The present invention is apparatus designed to manufacture and assemble a binder of the type disclosed in the No. 3,175,847 patent. Additionally, the present invention may be utilized for the manufacture of numerous other types of binders.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a principal aspect, the present invention comprises an improved mechanized apparatus for the manufacture of a binder of the type including a case, at least one spine member, a metal and fastening means for fastening the metal and spine to the case. The apparatus includes means for making openings in the case at a desired position, means for then positioning the spine against the case to cooperate therewith, means for subvide apparatus for the manufacture of a binder which automatically fabricates the components of the binder into a finished product without any manual fabrication operations.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide apparatus for the manufacture of the binder, which apparatus is operable at high speeds and at the same time is reliable.

One further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for automatic manufacture of a binder of the type which includes a case, at least one spine member, a metal and fastening means for holding the metal and spine member in cooperative relationship with the case.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide an improved apparatus for the manufacture of a binder including means for precisely positioning and attaching a spine member and a metal to the case of a binder.

; One further object of the present invention is to provide apparatus for the manufacture of a binder, which apparatus operates in sequential steps to perform the manufacturing operation of the binder without the intervention of manual operations.

These and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will be set forth in greater detail in the description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING In the detailed description which follows, reference will be made to the drawings comprised of the following FIGURES:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical assembled binder;

FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of a binder of a'type which the apparatus of the present invention may be utilized to fabricate;

FIG. 3 is a partial, perspective view of the configuration of the spine members included in a binder of a type shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an end view of a binder of the type shown in FIG. 2;

FIG.'5 is a schematic, plan view of the arrangement of the operating stations of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic, perspective view of the stations and operation of the improved apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating the entire assembled apparatus;

FIG. 8 is a graphical representation of the sequence of operations performed by the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a partial, perspective view illustrating the first station of the apparatus of the invention, which station is utilized to precisely punch openings in the case of the binder;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the underside of the apparatus shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an electrical schematic showing the control circuitry for the first station of the improved apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the punch and alignment mechanism of the first station of the present invention taken substantially along the line 12-12 in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a cut-away elevation of the drive and control cam arrangement of the second station of the present invention which is utilized to precisely position the spine members of the binder in cooperation with the case of the binder;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 13 taken substantially along the line 14-14;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged, perspective view of a portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 14 utilized to position a cover sheet for the spine in relation to the case of the binder;

FIG. 15A is a partial diagrammatic view of the case in feed mechanism of the second station;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the portion of the apparatus shown in perspective in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the plate incorporated as a portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 15, which plate is utilized to transport a cover member for the spine of a binder;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the pocket construction which comprise a portion of the second station illustrated in FIG. 13; I

FIG. 19 is a series of twelve schematic figures illustrating the operation of the second station illustrated in FIG. 13;

FIG. 20 is a partial, perspective view of the apparatus of the second station which positions the spine members of the binder in cooperation with the case of the binder;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged, perspective view of the arrangement utilized to position the spine members of the binder in cooperation with the case, this arrangement having been previously illustrated in cross-sectional view in FIG. 18;

FIG. 21A is a cross-sectional view of the pocket assembly of the second station;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 2222 of FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the construction utilized to position one spine member in cooperation with the case of the binder taken substantially along the line 23-23 in FIG. 20;

FIG. 24 is an elevational view of the mechanism utilized to position the spine cover against a spine member at the second station of the apparatus;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the mechanism utilized to operate a compression driving member against the spine members of the binder, and thus maintain the spine members in a fixed position in conjunction with the case of the binder;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the mechanism for transporting the case and associated spine members from the second station of the apparatus taken substantially along the line 26-26 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the third station shutter mechanism for positioning a metal in cooperation with the spine members of a binder;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the fourth station riveting mechanism utilized to attach the metal to the spine of the binder; and

FIG. 29 illustrates in perspective a plurality of binders manufactured by the apparatus of the present invention and stacked in a box by stacking means.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As previously mentioned, the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention is utilized to manufacture a binder of the type disclosed in McKowen U.S. Pat. No. 3,175,847. U.S. Pat. No. 3,175,847 is incorporated herewith by reference. This binder is generically described in the art as a threepiece binder and is illustrated in FIG. 1 in its finished configuration. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the components which comprise the particular binder which the preferred embodiment of the present invention is designed to manufacture.

Specifically, the separate parts of the binder include a case 10, an outer spine 12, an inner spine 14, a cover sheet 16 for the outer spine, a metal 18, and a pair of

rivets

20 and 22 which are utilized to fasten the entier assembly together.

The cover 10 may be fabricated in any of a number of ways. Typically, the cover 10 includes a flexible center section 24 with stiff

side board sections

26 and 28 on opposite sides of the center section 24 to form the hard covers of the binder. A plurality of four

openings

31, 32, 33 and 34 are defined along a center line axis of the center section 24. The openings 31-34 are adapted to receive

rivet studs

41 and 44 and

spine binding studs

42 and 43 of outer spine 12. The outer spine 12 as well as the inner spine 14 are typically fabricated from a plastic material.

The inner spine 14 likewise includes four stud openings 51-54 adapted to receive the studs 41-44 respectively. During assembly of the binder, the

spine binding studs

41 and 43 are positioned through openings 32 and 33 of center section 24 thence through openings 52 and 53 of inner spine 14.

Studs

41 and 43 then are compressed to lock the

spine members

12 and 14 together on opposite sides of the center section 24. The metal 18 is then positioned over the inner spine so that

metal openings

61 and 64 respectively cooperate with

studs

41 and 44. The

rivets

22 and 20 are next positioned through the

openings

61 and 64 respectively to cooperate with the

studs

41 and 44 respectively and hold the entire assembly in a fixed finished configuration.

As an optional and additional feature of the binder which is manufactured by the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the cover sheet 16 is positioned about the outer spine 12 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 3. That is, the cover sheet 16 includes a center portion 66, a first outside fold 68 and a second outside fold 70. Typically, the cover sheet 16 will be a cloth or a plastic type material having, perhaps, decorative printing or markings thereon so that the outer spine of the binder will be provided with a decorative covering.

The

folds

68 and 70 are flexible. Each fold includes openings as at 72 and 74 respectively which permit the

folds

68 and 70 to be positioned over the stud 44 and flat against the inside surface of the outer spine 12. It will also be noted in FIG. 3 that the stud 44 includes a center passage 76 to facilitate the positioning of the rivet 20in cooperation with the stud 44 as described below. a

In the end view of FIG. 4, the binder construction is illustrated in an assembled configuration. As shown, the rivet 20 cooperates with the stud 44 so that the rivet 20 is securely held by the stud 44. This is due in part to the fact that the stud 44 is fashioned from a plastic material which tends to grip the rivet 20 subsequent to driving the rivet 20 into the stud 44. Referring again to FIG. 2,the spine binding stud ,43 just extends through the opening 53 of the inner spine 14 so that the stud 43 can be flared by means of heat, compression, or heat and compression to rigidlysecure the components of the binder together. I

The foregoing has been a detailed description of the binder as manufactured by the disclosed preferred embodiment of the present invention. Although the disclosure discusses a preferred embodiment for manufacturing a particular hinder, the scope of the invention is not to be limited to either the apparatus to manufacture this particular binder or the specific apparatus described.

I. Brief Detailed Description Now referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, there is illustrated in various manners the construction and arrnagment of the entire apparatus comprising the invention. In FIG. 5, a schematic plan view illustrates the layout of the apparatus of the invention. The work stations of the invention are sequentially numbered 1 through 4. Station 1 willhereinafter be termed the punch station. Station 2 will hereinafter be termed the spine station. Station 3 will hereinafter be termed the metal station. Station 4 will hereinafter be termed the rivet station. The binder is manufactured in sequential steps as it moves from station 1 through station 4. a

FIG. 6 illustrates this arrangement in greater detail. FIG. 7 is a complete perspective view of the entire binder manufacturing apparatus. The following discussion will briefly set forth the arrangement of each station of the invention'by referring to FIGS. 6 and 7. A more detailed description will then be provided for each station. i

A. PunchStation The punch station 1 includes a magazine 82 which is filled with a plurality of cases 10 stacked one upon the other. The cases 10 are stacked adjacent a platform 84. A plate 86 driven by a hydraulic cylinder 88 and at tached linkage 90 slides back and forth beneath the stack of cases 10 thereby discharging a single case from the magazine 82 to a position on the platform 84 beneath a punch 92. Once the case is positioned beneath the punch 92, appropriate sensing circuitry causes the punch to operate, thereby precisely punching the openings 31-34 in the case 10. As an optional feature of the punch station, a glue dispenser 94 will apply desired amounts of glue to the underside of the case 10. In the following description, it should be kept in mind that the underside of the case 10 coincides with the outside of the finished product binder. l

Subsequent to application of the glue to the case and punching of the opening 31-34 inthe center section of one case 10, the plate 86 drives another case 10 onto platform 84. This second case 10 engages and drives the punched case 10 onto a conveyor 96. The conveyor 96 then operates to transport the punched case 10 to the second or spine station 2.

B. Spine Station At the spine station 2, a single cover sheet 16 from a stack of cover sheets is transported by means of a transport mechanism 152 to a central station position or pocket assembly 154. Next, the outer spine 12 is transferred from a magazine of outer spines (not shown) via an outer spine transport arm mechanism 156. The outer spine 12 is positioned over the cover sheet 16 and a folding arm mechanism (not shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) bends the outside folds 68 and of cover 16 about the outer spine 12.

Next, the case 10 is conveyed over the central station position with the center section 24 of the case 10 aligned so that the studs 41-44 of the outer spine 12 extend through the appropriate openings 31-34 punched at the punch station 2. Then, an inner spine arm transport mechanism 158 transports an inner spine 14 over the center section 24 of the case 10. An anvil 160 holds the

spine members

12 and 14 and case together and punches as at 162 and 164

compress studs

42 and 43 to lock the

spine members

12 and 14, case 10 and cover 16 together. The binder is then conveyed to the metal station 3 via a conveyor.

C. Metal Station At the metal station 3, a magazine 166 discharges a single metal 18 over the inner spine 14 of each binder. The

studs

41 and 44 tend to hold the metal 18 in a fixed position once the metal 18 is positioned on the inner spine 14. The binder is then transported to the final assembly station or rivet station 4.

D. Rivet Station At the rivet station 4, the metal 18 is gripped into position against the binder and rivets 20 and 22 are discharged and hammered into the

appropriate studs

41 and 44 by means of

hammer mechanisms

352 and 354. The finished binder is then released from the rivet station 4 and discharged by means of a conveyor from the apparatus.

II. Complete Detailed Description In the following detailed discussion each of these four stations will be discussed serially in detail during the discussion, reference will be made to FIG. 8 which sets forth a graphical representation of the sequential operation of the various stations. Also, during the discussion, reference will be made to FIGS. 9-12 relative to the punch station 1; FIGS. 13-26 relative to the spine station-2; FIG. 27 relative to the metal station 3; and FIG. 28 relative to the rivet station 4.

A. Punch Station As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the punch station 1 is the first station for the apparatus. FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a partial perspective view of the punch station 1. The magazine 82 is comprised of four vertical guide arms 101-104. The case 10 of a binder is positioned in these guide arms with the outside of the case 10 facing downward. The case 10 is stretched out in a flat position for engagement by the plate 86 which slides over the platform 84 via linkage 90 in response to operation of cylinder 88. Plate 86 pushes a single case 10 to a position beneath the punch 92. Simultaneously, a case 10 previously beneath punch 92 is discharged onto the conveyor 96.

The punch 92 includes a guide plate 106 slidably mounted on four guide rods 108-111. The guide rods 108-111 are mounted on case guides 113 and 114. The

guides

113 and 114 serve to align the case 10 in a fixed position beneath the punch 92. A drive rod 116 is rigidly attached to the plate 106 and is driven in response to a signal to a coil 115 mounted in a fixed position over the plate 106. Thus, when an electric signal activates the coil 115, the rod 113 causes the plate 106 and attached punches 117, as illustratedin FIG. 12, to descend through the center portion of a case 10 positioned beneath the plate 106.

Referring to FIG. 12, it can be seen that the plate 106 includes a series of punches as at 117 cooperative with punch openings as at 119 in plate 84. The punches 117 thus cooperate with openings 119 to provide complete shearing of the material comprising the case 10. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the punch 117 may be replaced by removing a threaded retaining nut 121 which holds the flanged punch 117 in position in the plate 106. In this manner, the length of the punch 117 may be controlled depending upon the requirements. Also, it is easy to replace a broken punch with this construction.

FIG. 11 discloses a control circuit for the punch station. Power is supplied by

input lines

123 and 124. The power supply is fused by fuse 125 and a console start switch 126 is provided to activate the punch station. The switch 126 is mounted in a panel 128 as illustrated in FIG. 7. Once the switch 126 is activated to close the circuit, a telltale light 129 operates to indicate that the punch station 1 is activated.

Upon activation of the switch 126, a normally closed relay 130 remains in its closed position. A second normally open micro-switch or relay 131 also closes when a conveyor feed for the spine station 2 reverses indicating a case 10 has been delivered from the punch station 1 into the spine station 2. Thus, when the relay 131 is closed, power is supplied to control a control solenoid [32F associated with the pneumatic input to the cylinder 88. The cylinder 88 is then operated to drive its rod 89, attached linkage 90 and thus the plate 86 forward through the magazine 82, thereby driving a case 10 to a position beneath the punch 92.

When the case 10 has reached a position beneath the punch 92, a position-sensitive micro-switch opens the normally closed relay 130 and closes the normally open relay 133. Relay 133 operates the coil 115D associated with the punch 92 to drive the punch 92 in the vertically descending direction. This causes the punch 92 to make the openings 31-34 in the case 10.

At the end of the punch stroke, a position-sensitive switch closes the normally open relay 134 which causes the coil 115U to drive the rod 113 in a vertically ascending direction. Simultaneously, the coil 132B associated with the cylinder 88 is actuated as described above to return plate 86 to its original position. Each of the position-sensitive relays responds to the position of the plate 86 or punch plate 106 as they move through their cycle of operation.

The punch cycle then commences again with a case 10 being positioned over the conveyor 96 as another case is positioned below punch 92.

Upon demand then, the cycle of switching will commence and continue in the manner described above. The cases 10 are thus punched one at a time in the center portion 24 and are delivered via the conveyor 96 to the spine station 2 of the device.

Referring to FIG. 9, as a case 10 is placed over conveyor 96, a series of pivotal, parallel bars 98 mounted on a bracket comprised of rods 97 connected to cross braces 100 support the case 10 above the conveyor. Only one cross brace is shown, although a parallel brace 100 is provided. Bars 98 pivot about rods 97 as an axis. When the coil 132B operates to retract plate 86, a coil is also energized to operate a solenoid 143. The solenoid 143 moves a lever arm 144 to pivot the bars 98 in a counterclockwise direction. The case 10 thus drops uniformly onto the conveyor 96. Simultaneously, with the energization of coil 140, which is part of a contactor 141, a clutch coil 138 is energized. When the clutch coil 138 is energized, a mechanical coupling is effected between a continuously operating motor 136 and the conveyor 96. This causes the conveyor 96 to commence operation by moving in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 9.

The conveyor 96 includes stops 99 which drive the case 10 to the spine station 2. As the case 10 approaches the proper position relative to the spine station 2, a travel limit relay 135 in FIG. 11 is operated to de-energize the coil 140. The solenoid 143 is thus deenergized to cause the rods 98 to assume their original position illustrated in FIG. 9. The conveyor 96 also ceases to operate since the clutch coil 138 is deenergized.

An optional gluing operation is possible as illustrated in FIG. 10. There the glue nozzle 94 is positioned beneath the case 10 and plate 86. The glue nozzle 94 is positioned to lay down a strip of glue along the back outside center portion 24 of the case 10 as case 10 is being transported into position beneath the punch 92. Typically, a glue gun system of the type sold by the Fox Division of The Arc Corporation can be utilized.

In the described embodiment, the operation of the glue gun 94 is controlled by a cam 145 mounted on plate 86 as illustrated in FIG. 9. Cam 145 energizes a micro-switch 146 as the plate 86 traverses a path to place the case 10 under punch 92. That is, a follower 146A of switch 146 responds to cam 145 to operate the glue gun 94. As the micro-switch 146 completes a circuit, the glue gun system commences operation for a pre-set period of time and discharges glue onto the moving case 10. Thus, the micro-switch 146 is operated each time it engages an indentation on the cam 145 whenever the cam is moved in a forward direction to drive a case under the punch 92.

B. Spine Station Referring to FIG. 7, the spine station 2 is positioned to receive a case 10 from the punch station 1. FIGS. 7, 8 and 13-25 illustrate the construction of the spine station 2.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 13, spine station 2 is mounted on a frame which is positioned intermediate the punch station 1 and the metal station 3. A single electric motor 172 is mounted on the frame 170 and is operative through a clutch 173 and a transmission 174 to drive a shaft 175. The shaft 175 has a plurality of attached cams and gears which through various mechanical linkages operate the spine station 2.

The shaft 175 is mounted for rotation in

bearings

176, 177 and 178. Rigidly attached to the shaft 175 and operative to rotate in unison with the shaft are a plurality of gears or cams as follows: barrel cam 180 which is linked to operate a mechanism for transferring a cover 16 into position in the spine station 2; sprocket 181 (also illustrated in FIG. 14) which is operative to raise and lower a head assembly associated with fastening the spine members 12 and 14 together; cam 182 (illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 20) which is operative to feed in the outer spine member 12 into position in the spine station 2; cam 183 which is operative to raise or lower a vacuum tube arrangement associated with the outer spine positioningmechanism; a cam 184 which is operative to move a pocket assembly in which the cover 16 and spine 12 are positioned; cam 185 which is associated with the vacuum tube arrangement for positioning the inner spine member 14; cam 186 which operates the carrier mechanism operative to feed an inner spine member 14 into position in the spine station (also illustrated in FIG. 20); cam 187 which operates through a linkage to move the case into position within the spine station 2; cam 88 which'is operative to remove the case 10 from the spine station 2; a second barrel cam 189 which is operative to transport a head assembly into and out of position over the center of the spine station during the operation of the spine station; and a sprocket 190 which drives a chain 191 that, in turn, drives another sprocket 192. Sprocket 192 is operative to rotate a shaft 193. The shaft 193 has a plurality of cams 194-199 mounted thereon. As the cams 194-199 are rotated they sequentially operate switches 200-205 respectively to thereby control operation of vacuum lines associated with the spine station 2 in the manner' to be described below. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the product flow or flow of the case 10 is from right to left substantially along the flow line 207. The sequence of operation of the spine station 2 will now be discussed in the context of the order of the operations performed by the spine station 2.

First, it is to be remembered that a case 10 has been positioned adjacent the spine station 2 by the conveyor 96 from the punch station 1. Before the case 10 is fed into the spine station 2, it is necessary to position a cover 16 and an outer spine member 12 in a center pocket 210 of the spine station 2. This sequence of operation is illustrated in FIG. 19(A).

As illustrated in FIG. 19 and also by referring to FIGS. 15, 16, 17 and 21, the pocket 210 which is positioned in a center portion of the spine station 2 hasassociated therewith a head 211 to be more fully described below A cover transfer plate 212 is also associated therewith and includesa plurality of vacuum ports 213 as illustrated in FIG. 17. The plate 212 is thus positioned against a cover 16 positioned in a magazine 214.

' Magazine 214 is slidably mounted on

rods

214A and 2148. A member 214C is biasedby springs 214D to engage inagazine 214 and position the magazine 214 in snug communication with plate 212 as shown in FIG. 15. Additional covers 16 may be placed in magazine 214 by manually moving the magazine 214 against the spring 214D and inserting covers 16 into the magnzine 214.

The vacuum ports 213 of 1 plate 212 are activated through a vacuum line 215 to provide a slight vacuum pressure on the cover 16. Vacuum to the vacuum line 215 is initiated by operation of cam 194 and operating switch 200 illustrated in FIG. 13, which in turn operates as shaft 175 is rotated.

The plate 212 is then transferred along the path illustrated schematically in FIGS. and 19(A) so that the cover 16 is likewise transferred from the cover magazine 214 to a position directly over the pocket 210. The transfer of the plate 212 is accomplished by the linkage illustrated in FIGS. 13, 15 and 16.

Referring first to FIG. 13, a follower 216 is associated with a linkage arm 217. The follower 216 follows a cam track 218 in thebarrel cam 180 as the barrel cam 180 is rotated by virtue of rotation of the shaft 175. Linkage arm 217 is pivoted about a pivot axis 219 and operates, in turn, to drive a rack 220 through a rod 221 and arm 221A in the manner illustrated in FIG. 16. The rack 220 drives a pinion 222 which is, in turn, attached to a plate support arm 223. The plate 212 also has a second plate support arm 224 pivotally attached thereto.

As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the plate 212 has a firstside designated by the letter A and an opposite, parallel side designated .by the letter B. The linkage mechanism just described transfers the plate from the magazine 214 illustrated in FIG. 15 to the position shown in phantom in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16. When so transferred, the plate 212 operates to place the cover 16 over the pocket 210, the pocket 210 being mounted in between

bed plates

225A and 2258 as illustrated in FIG. 21. As the plate 212 positions the cover 16 over the pocket 210, a release valve 226 for the vacuum lines 215 engage a stop (not shown) on bed 225B to quickly bleed air into lines 215 and release the vacuum in the ports 213. This causes the cover 16 to be deposited onto the

beds

225A, 2258 and pocket 210. The

barrel cam 180 then continues on its rotational cycle thus removing the plate 212 from over the pocket 210, as illustrated in FIG. 19(B). Simultaneously, with release of cover 16 by ports 213, a vacuum is applied to the cover 16 through ports 256 via lines 255 as a result of operation of the cam 196 on the valve switch 203. This is indicated symbolically in FIG. 19(B) by the letter V and the arrows associated with the cover 16 and is further illustrated in FIG. 21.

Simultaneously, the head mechanism 211 is positioned over the pocket 210. As shown in FIG. 13, this positioning is effected by a cam track 228 of the rotating barrel cam 189. A cam follower 229 for track 228 is attached to a linkage arm 230 and is pivotal about a shaft 231. Arm 230 acts through a linkage rod 233 and drives a translatable carriage 232 as shown in FIG. 26.

The carriage 232 is thus translated on

rods

253 and 254 to the right in FIG. 26 and FIG. 13 so that the head 211 is positioned over the pocket 210 as illustrated in FIG. 19(C).

Simultaneous with positioning of the head 211 over the pocket 210, the outer spine member 12 is also positioned over the cover 16 as illustrated schematically in FIG. 19(C). The mechanism for feeding in the outer spine 12 is illustrated in detail in FIG. 14 and FIG. 20. This mechanism includes the cam 182 which rotates on the shaft 175. The cam 182 includes an activating lobe 235 which is followed by a follower 235A. The follower 235A is attached to a biased gear segment 236. The gear segment 236 is pivotal about a shaft 237 and cooperates with a pinion 238 on a shaft 238A. Rotation of pinion 238 causes a like rotation of pinion 239A which, in turn, drives a chain 239. The chain 239 extends over idler gears 239B, 239C and 239D and is attached to a pair of

carriage arms

240 and 241. The

carriage arms

240 and 241 may be moved to the right in FIG. 20 to the position shown in FIG. 14 by the chain 239 and thus position an outer spine 12 over the pocket 210.

The outer spine 12 is placed on the

carriage arms

240 and 241 from a magazine v242 for the outer spines 12 shown in FIGS. 7 and 20. This arrangement employs the cam 183 (in FIG. 20) which had associated therewith a follower 243 attached to a pivoted linkage arm 244. Linkage arm 244 is pivoted about pivot point 245 and operates to drive a rod 246 which, in turn, raises and lowers a vacuum plate assembly 247.

The vacuum plate assembly 247 includes a vacuum plate 248 positioned on a mounting bracket 249. A flexible vacuum hose 250 connects with the vacuum plate 248 and with a plurality of vacuum tubes 251. Prior to driving the

arms

240 and 241 into position over the pocket 210 the cam 183 operates to drive the rod 246 and vacuum assembly 247 upward so as to engage an outer spine 12. The vacuum tubes 251 are then provided with vacuum pressure through the hose 250 upon contact with the outer spine 12. This negative pressure is effected by cam 195 operating valve switch 210 for line 250 in FIG. 13. The outer spine 12 is pulled from the magazine 242 and downward as rod 246 is moved downward toward the

arms

240 and 241. Upon reaching the

arms

240 and 241, the vacuum is released by operation of cam 195. In this manner, an outer cover is placed on the

arms

240 and 241 ready for positioning over the pocket 210. The

arms

240 and 241 then proceed to place the spine 12 over the pocket 210 in the manner previously described.

After the spine 12 is placed over the pocket 210, the head 211 is made to operate and drive the spine 12 between the

arms

240 and 241 and into the pocket 210. This is illustrated schematically in FIG. 19(D) and FIG. 19(E) wherein the head 211 is driven downward to engage the spine 12 and the cover 16. It should be noted that during this sequence of operation the cover 16 is maintained in position by vacuum ports in contact with the cover 16. This prevents the cover 16 from sliding out of position over the pocket 210, particularly when the spine 12 is driven downward into engagement therewith. This vacuum arrangement is illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 21 and was discussed, in part, above.

Referring to FIG. 18, FIG. 21, and FIG. 21(A), the pocket 210 is supported on a pocket support rod 260. The pocket support rod 260 may be operated to move the pocket 210 up and down as required into and out of a position between the

beds

225A and 225B. The pocket 210 is moved upward by the cam 184 in FIG. 13. The cam 184 directly engages a follower (not shown) attached to the rod 260 to drive the pocket upward or to permit downward movement of the pocket 210 since the pocket 210 is biased downward by a spring (not shown) attached between pocket 210 and the frame 170.

Referring to FIG. 19(F), it will be seen that once the outer spine 12 and cover 16 are positioned in the pocket 210 by the head 211, they are retained in position by vacuum ports 257 in FIG. 21A of pocket 210 and ports 256 of beds 225A and 2253. This maintains the cover 16 in position in the pocket 210.

The structure for maintaining the spine 12 in the pocket 210 is depicted in FIG. 21A. The pocket 210 is movable on the rod 260. Attached pivotally to the end of the pocket 210 is a plate 216. The outside of the plate 261 includes an inclined cam 262 which is adapted to engage a fixed cam 263. Cam 263 is attached to the frame 170 of the apparatus. During operation of the spine station 2 as illustrated in FIG. 19(F), the rod 260 causes the pocket 210 to be lowered. As this occurs, the cam 262 engages the fixed cam 263 driving the plate 261 about its pivotal axis and against the spine member 12 in the pocket 210.

It will be noted that the pocket 210 has a curvature substantially identical to the curvature of the spine 12. With the ends of the spine 12 engaged by and helf between the plate 216 at each end of pocket 210, the pocket 210 may be lowered even further. As the pocket 210 is lowered, it causes the cover 16 to be drawn between the beds 255A and 255B. This causes the flaps or edge portions of the cover 16 to be folded upward. This upward folding action is assisted by removal of vacuum through the passages 255.

After the pocket 210 is lowered, the side flaps 0r folds 68 and 70 of the cover 16 are folded over the outer spine 12. This is illustrated schematically in FIGS. 19(G) and 19(H). The apparatus utilized to achieve this folding motion is illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 24. Referring to FIG. 24, a pair of fold-over

plates

264 and 265 are positioned on opposite sides of the pocket 210 and are pivotal about

shafts

266 and 267 respectively. Each

plate

264 and 265 is comprised of an

arcuate sheet

268 and 269 respectively which is adapted to engage one side or the other of the cover 16. Each

sheet

268 and 269 respectively is, in turn, attached to spring biased

arms

270 and 271. Thus, the arm 270 is biased by a spring 273 in a counterclockwise direction about the shaft 266. A cam surface 274 of the arm 270 engages a follower 275 attached to the end of a rod 276.

The sheet 268 extends the length of the pocket 210. Thus, upon engagement of the follower 275 with the cam surface 274 to bias the arm 270 against the spring 273, the sheet 268 will be caused to move about the axis 266 in a clockwise direction and engage the flap 68 of cover 16 in the manner shown in FIG. 19(G). The fold-over plate 265 operates in substantially the same manner and operates to fold over the opposite flap 70 of the cover 16 as schematically illustrated in FIG. 19(H).

It should be noted that the fold-over

plates

264 and 265 fold the

flaps

68 and 70 so that the punched flap openings, illustrated in FIG. 2, fit over the spine projections 41-44 in FIG. 2. This locks the cover 16 in a fixed rigid position about the outer spine 12.

The plate 265 is driven by the following described mechanism. The rod 276 is driven in response to a cam 184A attached to rotate coincidentally with cam 184 as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 24. Cam 184 drives a follower path 184C and thus the rod 276 as shown in FIG. 24. Another cam 184B on shaft and also rotating coincidentally with cam 184 operates to drive fold-over plate 264 in a similar manner.

The next operation performed by the spine station 2 is movement of the case 10 into position over the pocket 210. Attention is directed to FIGS. 7, 13, 15A and 19 wherein-(particularly in FIG. 15A) there is illustrated a means by which the case 10 is positioned over the pocket 210. This means includes a pusher assembly 278 which is mounted on a chain 294. The pusher assembly 278 engages a case 10 and drives it in the direction of path 207 into a precise position over the pocket 210. Simultaneously, the pocket 210 is raised by operation of the support rod 260 so that the spine 12 and cover 16 are brought into position against the center back portion 24 of the case 10. This is illustrated schematically in FIG. 19(1).

The pusher assembly 278 is operated in response to the operation of cam 187 by a mechanical linkage in frame 170. FIG. 15A is a diagrammatic view of this mechanical linkage which drives pusher 278 in response to rotation of cam 187. The cam 187 rotates on the shaft 175. A follower 281 is mounted on a pivoted arm

Claims

1. An apparatus for manufacturing binders of the type including a case, at least one spine member, a metal, and fastening means for fastening said spine and metal in coopeative relationship with said binder comprising, in combination: means for making openings through said case, means for positioning said spine with said case in a predetermined geometrical relationship with said openings, means for positioning said metal in cooperation with said spine and said case, and means for securing said fastening means through said metal in said case and said spine.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said binder is of the type which includes an inner spine member and an outer spine member, said metal being contacted with said inner spine member and wherein said means for positioning said spine comprises, means for positioning said case to receive said spine members, means for transporting said outer spine member to the outside surface of said case and maintaining said outer spine member against said case, means for transporting said inner spine member to the inside surface of said case and for maintaining said inner spine member against said case, and means for fastening said spine members together.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for making openings comprises, means for aligNing said cover, means for making openings through said case when said case is held in said aligned position, and means for discharging said case subsequent to providing openings therethrough.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 including means for applying adhesive to said case prior to the attachment of said spine and said metal.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for making openings includes means for aligning a single cover prior to making said openings through said case.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for positioning said spine includes means for wrapping said spine with material prior to positioning said spine relative to said case.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for making openings comprises a platform for said case, cover positioning means for driving said case onto said platform, punch means positioned over said platform to punch said case subsequent to positioning thereof by said case positioning means, control means for operating said means for positioning said punch means, and means for discharging said case subsequent to making openings therethrough by said punch means.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said case positioning means comprise a drive plate for engaging said case and moving said case to a required position on said platform.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said platform includes anvil means therein cooperative with one side of said case and hammer means cooperative with the opposite side of said case and said anvil means to secure said case in fixed, desired position subsequent to punching openings therethrough.

10. The apparatus of claim 7 including adhesive dispensing means for placing adhesive on said case prior to attachment of said spine member thereto.

11. The apparatus of claim 7 including magazine means for dispensing cases serially to said punch means.

12. The apparatus of claim 7 including transport means for transporting said cases from said means for making openings in said cases to said means for positioning said spine with said case.

13. Apparatus for providing precisely positioned openings in the case of a loose-leaf binder during the manufacturing operation of said binder comprising, in combination, a platform for receiving said case, a plate for driving said case on said platform, an anvil incorporated as a portion of said platform, a hammer cooperable with said case and said anvil to hold said case in a fixed position on said platform, means associated with said hammer to provide openings through said case and control means to control the sequence of operation of said platform and said means for providing openings in said case.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 including means for dispensing adhesive onto said case to thereby facilitate cooperation of said case with a spine of a binder during a manufacturing operation.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 including guide means on said platform for assisting in the positioning of said case.

16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for positioning said spine with said case comprise a separate working section, including means for positioning said case in said station in cooperation with an outer spine member and an inner spine member, one of said spine members including projections for extending through said openings defined in said case and adapted to cooperate with said other spine member.

17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for positioning said spine with said cover comprises a spine carrying member for carrying a spine to a first position, means for maintaining said spine member in said first position, means for transporting said case over said spine member in said first position, such that said spine member comprises the outer spine member of said binder, means for transporting an inner spine to said first position on the opposite side of said case and means for fastening said spine members together.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for positioning said spIne with said case includes a frame, means for storing spines in said frame, means for discharging and positioning a single spine at a work position in said frame, means for subsequently transporting a case to said work position, and means for attaching said spine to said case.

19. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for positioning said spine with said case includes a frame, means for transporting a single spine to a work position in said frame, means for subsequently transporting a case to said work position, and means for attaching said spine to said case.

20. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for positioning said spine with said case includes frame means, a pair of spine transport arms, means in said frame means for operating said transport arms and moving said arms from a first position for receipt of a spine to a second spine discharge position at a work position, means for discharging said spine at said work position, means for subsequently positioning a case at said work position, and means for attaching said spine to said case.

21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein at least two pairs of spine transport arms are provided to transport said spine members.

22. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said work position includes a pocket member for receipt of said spine.

23. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein said work position includes means for maintaining said spine member in a relatively fixed immovable position, said means including a pocket member for receipt of said spine.

24. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said work position includes a pocket member having at least one pivotal end plate, said end plate adapted to pivot and engage a spine member and hold said spine member in said pocket upon release of said spine member to said work position.

25. The apparatus of claim 20 including vacuum port means for positioning a spine on said spine transport arms.

26. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said means for attaching said spine to said case includes a head assembly, means for transporting said head assembly over said work position subsequent to positioning said case over said spine, said head assembly including means for engaging and fastening said spine to said case.

27. The apparatus of claim 20 including means for positioning a cover over said spines before said spines in said case are attached together.

28. The apparatus of claim 20 including a cover positioning mechanism mounted on said frame, said cover positioning mechanism operative to position a cover at said work position prior to placement of said spine at said work position.

29. The apparatus of claim 28 including means for wrapping said spine with said cover prior to positioning of said case over said spine.

30. The apparatus of claim 20 including means for positioning a cover at said work position prior to placement of said spine, means for wrapping said cover about said spine, means for subsequently positioning said case over said wrapped spine, means for positioning a second spine over said case and said spine, and means for attaching said spines together in rigid relationship on opposite sides of said case.

31. The apparatus of claim 20 including means for removing the assembled spine and case from said work position and subsequently positioning said assembled spine and case to receive said metal.

32. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said frame means has motor means mounted thereon, said motor means operative to drive a shaft, said shaft including a plurality of mechanical linkages to drive said spine transport arms, said means for positioning said case and said means for attaching said spine to said case.

33. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said frame means includes means for providing vacuum suction selectively to said work position during the assembly operation performed by said apparatus.

34. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for securing said fastening means comprises at least one apparatus for dispensing a fastener into fAstening cooperation with said binder, said means for dispensing being positioned on a frame and mounted over a conveyor for transporting said case.

35. The apparatus of claim 34 including means for grasping and maintaining said case, spine and metal in a fixed position during attachment of fastening means.