Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
195 words
A device for binding a stack of paper sheets in which the stack is formed with at least two spaced holes therethrough, comprising (a) a cross-piece, (b) at least a pair of semi-flexible foldable stems extending from one face of said cross-piece, (c) said stems when folded into an open position with said stems generally parallel to one another and perpendicular to said cross-piece are spaced apart from one another by a distance substantially equal to the distance between holes in a stack of paper sheets, (d) said stems when parallel and perpendicular to said cross-piece adapted to be threaded through holes in a stack of paper sheets and each stem having a length sufficient to overlap an adjacent stem when both stems are folded into a closed position against the top of a stack of paper sheets parallel to said cross-piece, (e) each of said stems being formed along the length thereof with cooperating locking means for locking engagement between adjacent stems when folded one against the other, (f) each of said stems being formed also with integral retractable stop means at the distal end thereof for resulting separation of sheets from said stack.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
195 words
A device for binding a stack of paper sheets in which the stack is formed with at least two spaced holes therethrough, comprising (a) a cross-piece, (b) at least a pair of semi-flexible foldable stems extending from one face of said cross-piece, (c) said stems when folded into an open position with said stems generally parallel to one another and perpendicular to said cross-piece are spaced apart from one another by a distance substantially equal to the distance between holes in a stack of paper sheets, (d) said stems when parallel and perpendicular to said cross-piece adapted to be threaded through holes in a stack of paper sheets and each stem having a length sufficient to overlap an adjacent stem when both stems are folded into a closed position against the top of a stack of paper sheets parallel to said cross-piece, (e) each of said stems being formed along the length thereof with cooperating locking means for locking engagement between adjacent stems when folded one against the other, (f) each of said stems being formed also with integral retractable stop means at the distal end thereof for resulting separation of sheets from said stack.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
60 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said locking means includes a male locking member formed along the length of one of said stems and a female locking member formed along the length of an adjacent stem, said male and female members being located on said stems so as to be in opposing relation when folded into a closed position,
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
A device according to claim 2 wherein said male locking means includes a rib formed lengthwise of said one stem and said female locking means includes a mating groove formed lengthwise of said adjacent stem.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
39 words
A device according to clam 3 wherein said rib is formed with a relatively wide outer portion and a relatively narrow inner portion and said groove is formed with a relatively narrow entrance and a relatively wide inner portion.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
39 words
A device according to clam 3 wherein said rib is formed with a relatively wide outer portion and a relatively narrow inner portion and said groove is formed with a relatively narrow entrance and a relatively wide inner portion.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
A device according to claim 2 wherein said locking means includes a plurality of detents spaced evenly along the length of said one stem and a plurality of indents spaced evenly by similar distances along the length of an adjacent stem.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
55 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said stop means at the end of each of said stems having two operative positions said stop means in one position allowing placement and removal of sheets on and from said stems and in another position preventing placement and removal of said sheets on and from said stems.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
58 words
A device according to claim 6 wherein said stop means includes a bar hinged to the end of said stem and movable from a position generally lengthwise of said stem to a position generally perpendicular to said stem, said bar having a length greater than the diameter of each of the holes in a stack of paper sheets.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
57 words
A device according to claim 7 wherein said bar is hinged off-center to said stem whereby said bar will swing into a position generally lengthwise of said stem when said stem is in a generally vertical position and will swing in a position generally perpendicular to said stem when said stem is in a generally horizontal position.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
A device according to claim 1 including extension means detachably connected to the ends of said stems for transferring at least a portion of said stack from said stems to said extension means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device according to claim 9 wherein said extension means includes a tubular member formed with a flange at one end thereof.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
40 words
A device according to claim 9 wherein said extension means includes a tubular U-shaped member formed with a cross-piece and a pair of parallel legs spaced from one another by a distance generally equal to the distance between said stems.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
37 words
A device according to claim 1 in combination with a compressor bar, said bar being formed with a hole for each stem and retaining means for engaging stems through said holes and bent against said compressor bar.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 1 including a stratum of pressure sensitive adhesive on the other face of said cross-piece and a release sheet covering said stratum.