Device for binding and protecting sheet-like articles

Claim 1

A device for binding sheet-like articles, such device comprising first and second covers, a plurality of discrete sheet-like articles interposed between the covers and releasably secured therebetween enabling insertion, removal and reinsertion of the sheet-like articles and wherein: the device includes a folding spine member having the adhesive thereon; the folding spine member is elongated and has first and second opposed edges, first and second edge-adjacent portions, and a middle portion therebetween; an adhesive extends from the first edge to the second edge of the spine member; the first and second covers are made of a durable material and include respective cut edges, cut-edge-abutting outer surface portions and oppositely-disposed free edges; the cut edges of the first and second covers are spaced from one another and the adhesive contacts an area of the cut-edge-abutting outer surface portions so as to permanently attach the covers to the spine member thereby creating a book-like binding; each of the articles has a lateral cut-and-bound edge and parallel, substantially planar surfaces delimited thereby; the lateral cut-and-bound edges of the articles are aligned in registry with one another; the planar surfaces of the articles are free of the adhesive; the adhesive being releasable with respect to edge contact; and the adhesive contacts only the lateral cut-and-bound edges of the articles, whereby the durable covers are attached to the spine member to form a permanent book having articles that can be readily removed from and reattached to the spine member.

Claim 2

A device for binding sheet-like articles, such device comprising first and second covers, a plurality of discrete sheet-like articles interposed between the covers and releasably secured therebetween enabling insertion, removal and reinsertion of the sheet-like articles and wherein: the device includes a folding spine member having the adhesive thereon; the folding spine member is elongated and has first and second opposed edges, first and second edge-adjacent portions, and a middle portion therebetween; an adhesive extends from the first edge to the second edge of the spine member; the first and second covers are made of a durable material and include respective cut edges, cut-edge-abutting outer surface portions and oppositely-disposed free edges; the cut edges of the first and second covers are spaced from one another and the adhesive contacts an area of the cut-edge-abutting outer surface portions so as to permanently attach the covers to the spine member thereby creating a book-like binding; each of the articles has a lateral cut-and-bound edge and parallel, substantially planar surfaces delimited thereby; the lateral cut-and-bound edges of the articles are aligned in registry with one another; the planar surfaces of the articles are free of the adhesive; the adhesive being releasable with respect to edge contact; and the adhesive contacts only the lateral cut-and-bound edges of the articles, whereby the durable covers are attached to the spine member to form a permanent book having articles that can be readily removed from and reattached to the spine member.