Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6206070
-
Patent Number
6,206,070
-
Date Filed
Friday, January 15, 199925 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, March 27, 200123 years ago
-
Inventors
-
-
Examiners
Agents
- Aquilino, Welsh & Flaxman
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 156 251
- 156 515
- 156 530
- 156 252
- 156 299
- 156 513
- 156 564
- 156 565
- 156 570
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A reinforcing hole punch including a reciprocating punch member supported for movement toward a base is disclosed. The reciprocating punch member is actuated to form a hole within a sheet of paper positioned on the base. The hole punch also includes a dispensing sleeve positioned about the punch member, defining a space between an inner wall of the dispensing sleeve and the punch member, in which reinforcing members are positioned for attachment to a sheet of paper when the punch member is actuated to form a hole within a sheet of paper.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a paper hole punch. More particularly, the invention relates to a paper hole punch which applies a reinforcing member to a sheet of paper as a hole is created in the sheet of paper.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Hole punches for creating a series of holes in a sheet of paper are well known. In most instances, the holes are created so that the sheet of paper may be securely placed within a binder. Unfortunately, however, holes made in this manner are often fragile, and may easily be torn from the binder.
Reinforcing members have, therefore, been developed for positioning about holes created within a sheet of paper. These reinforcing members are commonly applied to the sheet of paper after the holes have been formed by a hole punch. Hole punches have been developed for applying reinforcing members adjacent formed holes as the holes are created by the hole punch. These prior hole punches are generally difficult to use and do not efficiently apply reinforcing members to a sheet of paper as holes are created therein.
As a result, a need exists for a hole punch which efficiently and effectively applies reinforcing members about a hole generated when the hole punch cuts through a sheet of paper. The present invention provides such a hole punch.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a reinforcing hole punch including a reciprocating punch member supported for movement toward a base. The reciprocating punch member is actuated to form a hole within a sheet of paper positioned on the base. The hole punch also includes a dispensing sleeve positioned about the punch member, defining a space between an inner wall of the dispensing sleeve and the punch member, in which reinforcing members are positioned for attachment to a sheet of paper when the punch member is actuated to form a hole within a sheet of paper.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a hole punch wherein the dispensing sleeve includes an open end adjacent a distal end of the punch member, and the open end includes a stopper for controlling the dispensing of reinforcing members.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a hole punch wherein the stopper includes an opening slightly smaller than the reinforcing members to control the dispensing of the reinforcing members until the punch member is actuated to form a hole within a sheet of paper.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hole punch wherein a spring is positioned within the dispensing sleeve to force a reinforcing member into contact with a sheet of paper when the punch member is actuated to form a hole in the sheet of paper.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a hole punch wherein the dispensing sleeve is releasably positioned about the punch member.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a hole punch including a second reciprocating punch member supported for movement toward the base, wherein the second reciprocating punch member is actuated to form a hole within a sheet of paper positioned on the base. The hole punch also includes a second dispensing sleeve positioned about the second punch member to define a space between an inner wall of the second dispensing sleeve and the second punch member in which reinforcing members are positioned for attachment to a sheet of paper when the second punch member is actuated to form a hole within a sheet of paper.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a perspective view of the present hole punch reinforcer.
FIG. 2
is a cross sectional view of the present hole punch in the puncturing position.
FIG. 3
is a cross sectional view of the present hole punch in the separation point of the first reinforcing member from the second reinforcing member.
FIG. 4
is detailed view showing the separation point and angle α of the paper.
FIG. 5
is a cross sectional view showing the manner in which the stopper supports the reinforcing members.
FIG. 6
is a side view of a reinforcing member.
FIG. 7
is a detailed cross sectional view showing the attachment of the dispensing sleeve.
FIG. 8
is a detailed cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment showing a flexible connection for the dispensing sleeve.
FIG. 9
is a cross sectional view of a reinforcing member stamp.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limited, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention.
With reference to
FIGS. 1-8
, the present hole punch
10
is disclosed. While the present hole punch
10
is described for use with a sheet of paper, the punch may be used for various objects without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The hole punch
10
applies reinforcing members
12
about a hole
14
as the hole punch
10
creates the hole
14
. This obviates the need for later applying reinforcing members about a punched hole. The reinforcing members
12
include a central hole
13
, a top wax
93
surface and a bottom adhesive surface
94
.
The hole punch
10
includes an actuating member
16
coupled to a base
18
by first and second support arms
20
,
22
. The actuating member
16
rides upon the first and second support arms
20
,
22
via respective first and second guide holes
24
,
26
formed in the actuating member
16
. First and second springs
28
,
30
respectively positioned on the first and second support arms
20
,
22
, and between the actuating member
16
and the base
18
, bias the actuating member
16
from the base
18
. In this way, the actuating member
16
is forced back to a starting position after the actuating member
16
is pushed downwardly to punch a hole
14
within a sheet of paper
32
. Downward movement of the actuating member
16
is controlled by a motion limiter
33
which controls downward movement of the actuating member
16
.
The actuating member
16
supports first and second punch members
34
,
36
for movement toward the base
18
. Specifically, the first punch member
34
is provided with a proximal end
38
and a distal end
40
, and the second punch member
36
is provided with a proximal end
42
and a distal end
44
. The proximal end
38
,
42
of each of the first and second punch members
34
,
36
is engaged with the actuating member
16
such that the first and second punch members
34
,
36
move downwardly when the actuating member
16
is pushed toward the base
18
. The distal end
40
,
44
of each of the first and second punch members
34
,
36
is free and cuts a hole
14
within a sheet of paper
32
when the first and second punch members
34
,
36
are forced toward the base
18
and into contact with the sheet of paper
32
. While the present hole punch
10
is disclosed as having two punch members, a single punch member or additional punch members could be provided without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
As with conventional hole punches, the present hole punch
10
includes a base
18
with first and second anvils
46
,
48
respectively positioned in line with the first and second punch members
34
,
36
. Each of the first and second anvils
46
,
48
includes a hole
50
through which the distal ends
40
,
44
of the respective first and second punch members
34
,
36
pass when a hole
14
is cut in a sheet of paper
32
. As a result, the paper cut to create the hole
14
is forced within holes
50
,
51
formed in the first and second anvils
46
,
47
, and into a storage compartment
52
formed within the base
18
of the hole punch
10
.
Dispensing sleeves
54
,
56
are positioned about the first and second punch members
34
,
36
to supply reinforcing members
12
that are applied to the sheet of paper
32
as the punch members
34
,
36
cut holes
14
therein. The dispensing sleeves
54
,
56
are preferrably made from metal or plastic, although a wide variety of materials may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The first dispensing sleeve
54
houses a plurality of reinforcing members
12
and is concentrically positioned about the reciprocating first punch member
34
such that a plurality of reinforcing members
12
are positioned between the punch member
34
and an inner wall
58
of the first dispensing sleeve
54
. That is, the first punch member
34
and the inner wall
58
of the first dispensing sleeve
54
define an annular space in which the annular shaped reinforcing members
12
are stored.
Similarly, the second dispensing sleeve
56
houses a plurality of reinforcing members
12
and is concentrically positioned about the second reciprocating punch member
36
such that a plurality of reinforcing members
12
are positioned between the second punch member
36
and an inner wall
60
of the second dispensing sleeve
56
. As with the first dispensing sleeve
54
, the second punch member
36
and the inner wall
60
of the second dispensing sleeve
56
define an annular space in which the annular shaped reinforcing members
12
are stored. Although the dispensing sleeves and the punch members are disclosed as defining an annular space in which the reinforcing members are positioned, the dispensing sleeves and punch members may take on a variety of shapes without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Each of the dispensing sleeves
54
,
56
also includes an open end
62
,
64
adjacent the distal end
40
,
44
of the respective punch members
34
,
36
. In this way, the reinforcing members
12
are selectively released from the first and second dispensing sleeves
54
,
56
for attachment to a sheet of paper
32
as a hole
14
is created by the respective first and second punch members
34
,
36
. Stoppers
62
,
64
are secured adjacent the open end
66
,
68
of each of the first and second dispensing sleeves
54
,
56
. The stoppers
66
,
68
control the dispensing of reinforcing members
12
from the first and second dispensing sleeves
54
,
56
. Each stopper
66
,
68
includes an opening
70
,
72
slightly smaller than the reinforcing members
12
. As such, the stoppers
66
,
68
create a ledge upon which the reinforcing members
12
sit until the reinforcing members
12
are brought into contact with a sheet of paper
32
. Specifically, the reinforcing members
12
are brought into contact with the sheet of paper
32
as the distal ends
40
,
44
of the first and second punch members
34
,
36
cut holes within the sheet of paper
32
.
With this in mind, each of the dispensing sleeves
54
,
56
is provided with a spring
74
,
76
(or weight member). The spring
74
,
76
forces the stack of reinforcing members
12
downward to ensure that the bottom reinforcing member contacts the sheet of paper
32
when the first and second punch members
34
,
36
are moved downwardly into contact with the sheet of paper
32
.
With reference to
FIGS. 7 and 8
, alternate embodiments for attaching the first and second dispensing sleeves
54
,
56
are disclosed. Whether the embodiment of
FIG. 7
or
FIG. 8
is employed, the dispensing sleeves
54
,
56
are releasably attached to the actuating member
16
such that they may be readily refilled by removing them from the actuating member
16
and simply placing additional reinforcing members
12
therein.
In accordance with the embodiment disclosed in
FIG. 7
, the dispensing sleeve
54
′ includes internal threading
78
along its proximal end
80
which engages a threaded abutment
82
extending from the actuating member
16
′. A flexible attachment is disclosed in
FIG. 8
in which the dispensing sleeve
54
″ includes a minimal internal threading
84
followed by an internal rim
86
. The internal threading
84
is designed to engage an abutment
88
formed on the actuating member
16
″. The abutment
88
is threaded
90
along its end such that the internal threading
84
passes thereby and the threading
90
on the end of the abutment
88
is held within the internal rim
86
.
In use, a sheet of paper
32
is placed on the anvils
46
,
48
and below the paper stopper
92
. The actuating member
16
is then pushed toward the base
18
against the pressure of the first and second springs
28
,
30
. Movement of the actuating member
16
forces the first and second punch members
34
,
36
into contact with the sheet of paper
32
and the cutting edges of the first and second punch members
34
,
36
cut holes
14
through the sheet of paper
32
. At the same time, the first and second anvils
46
,
48
push the paper
32
toward the reinforcing members
12
located at the bottom of the first and second dispensing sleeves
54
,
56
. As this occurs, the exposed adhesive portions
94
of the bottom reinforcing members
12
found in the first and second dispensing sleeves
54
,
56
contact the sheet of paper
32
adjacent the hole
14
being formed in the sheet of the paper
32
. Contact with the sheet of paper forms a relatively strong adhesive bond.
When the user ceases to push the actuating member
16
, the first and second springs
28
,
30
force the dispensing sleeves
54
,
56
and punch members
34
,
36
from the anvils
46
,
48
. When disengagement occurs, the sheet of paper
32
is pulled always from the anvils
46
,
48
because it is bound to be reinforcing members
12
still held in the dispensing sleeves
54
,
56
. At this point, the paper stopper
92
prevents further movement of the paper
32
and a separation angle α is created. The strong adhesive bond between the paper
32
and the reinforcing members
12
generates force at the separation angle α which pulls the reinforcing members
12
from their respective sleeves
54
,
56
. In this way, the bottom reinforcing member is pulled from its adjacent reinforcing member and the adjacent reinforcing member becomes the bottom reinforcing member.
With reference to
FIG. 9
, a reinforcement stamp
100
is disclosed. The stamp
100
is substantially similar in function to the dispensing sleeves discussed above with regard to
FIGS. 1-8
. However, the stamp
100
allows individuals to readily apply reinforcing members
112
at desired locations without employing the entire punch assembly.
The stamp
100
includes a cylindrical sleeve
102
having an open first end
104
and an open second end
106
. A cap
108
is applied to the first end
104
to selectively cover the first end
104
. As such, individuals may selectively refill the stamp
100
by removing the cap
108
and inserting new reinforcing members
112
within the sleeve
102
.
The second end
106
of the sleeve
102
is covered in a manner permitting the selective release of the reinforcing members
112
. Specifically, a stopper
110
is secured to the open second end
106
of the sleeve
102
. The stopper
110
controls the dispensing of reinforcing members
112
from the stamp
100
. The stopper
110
defines an opening
114
slightly smaller than the reinforcing members
112
. As such, the stopper
110
creates a ledge upon which the reinforcing members
112
sit until the reinforcing members
112
are brought into contact with a sheet of paper. Specifically, the reinforcing members
112
are brought into contact with the sheet of paper as the second end
106
of the sleeve
102
is pressed onto a sheet of paper.
With this in mind, the sleeve
102
is provided with a spring
116
(or weight member). The spring
116
forces the stack of reinforcing members
112
downwardly to ensure that the bottom reinforcing member contacts the sheet of paper when the stamp
100
is brought into contact with a sheet of paper.
Release of the reinforcing members
112
occurs in much the same manner as with the embodiments disclosed in
FIGS. 1-8
. Specifically, the second
106
of the sleeve
102
is brought into contact with a sheet of paper. The adhesive portion of the reinforcing member
112
forms a bond with the paper. As a result, when the second end
106
of the sleeve
102
is drawn away from the paper, the reinforcing member
112
is pulled from the sleeve
102
and remains on the paper.
While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
- 1. A reinforcing hole punch, comprising:a reciprocating punch member supported for movement toward a base, the reciprocating punch member being actuated to form a hole within an object positioned on the base; a dispensing sleeve positioned about the punch member to define a space between an inner wall of the dispensing sleeve and the punch member in which reinforcing members are positioned for attachment to the object when the punch member is actuated to form the hole within the object.
- 2. The reinforcing hole punch according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing sleeve includes an open end adjacent a distal end of the punch member, the open end having a stopper for controlling the dispensing of the reinforcing members.
- 3. The reinforcing hole punch according to claim 2, wherein the stopper includes an opening slightly smaller than the reinforcing members to control the dispensing of the reinforcing members until the punch member is actuated to form the hole within the object.
- 4. The reinforcing hole punch according to claim 3, wherein a spring is positioned within the dispensing sleeve to force a reinforcing member into contact with the object when the punch member is actuated to form the hole in the object.
- 5. The reinforcing hole punch according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing sleeve is releasably positioned about the punch member.
- 6. The reinforcing hole punch according to claim 1, further including a second reciprocating punch member supported for movement toward the base, the second reciprocating punch member being actuated to form a hole within the object positioned on the base;a second dispensing sleeve positioned about the second punch member to define a space between an inner wall of the second dispensing sleeve and the second punch member in which reinforcing members are positioned for attachment to the object when the second punch member is actuated to form the hole within the object.
- 7. The reinforcing hole punch according to claim 6, wherein the dispensing sleeve includes an open end adjacent a distal end of the punch member, the open end having a stopper for controlling the dispensing of the reinforcing members; and the second dispensing sleeve includes an open end adjacent a distal end of the second punch member, the open end having a second stopper for controlling the dispensing of the reinforcing members.
- 8. The reinforcing hole punch according to claim 7, wherein the stopper includes an opening slightly smaller than the reinforcing members to control the dispensing of the reinforcing members until the punch member is actuated to form the hole within the object; and the second stopper includes an opening slightly smaller than the reinforcing members to control the dispensing of the reinforcing members until the second punch member is actuated to form the hole within the object.
- 9. The reinforcing hole punch according to claim 8, wherein a spring is positioned within the dispensing sleeve to force a reinforcing member into contact with the object when the punch member is actuated to form a hole in the object; and a second spring is positioned within the second dispensing sleeve to force a reinforcing member into contact with the object when the second punch member is actuated to form a hole in the object.
- 10. The reinforcing hole punch according to claim 6, wherein the space between the inner wall of the dispensing sleeve and the punch member is an annular space, and the reinforcing members are annular shaped; and the space between the inner wall of the second dispensing sleeve and the second punch member is an annular space, and the reinforcing members are annular shaped.
- 11. A hole punch applying reinforcing members about a hole created when the hole punch is actuated to create the hole within an object, comprising:a reciprocating punch member supported for movement toward a base, the reciprocating punch member being actuated to form the hole within the object positioned on the base; a dispensing sleeve housing a plurality of reinforcing members, the dispensing sleeve being positioned about the reciprocating punch member such that the plurality of reinforcing members are positioned between the punch member and an inner wall of the dispensing sleeve, the dispensing sleeve also including an open end adjacent a distal end of the punch member whereby a reinforcing member is applied to the object as the punch member forms the hole within the object.
- 12. The reinforcing hole punch according to claim 11, wherein the open end includes a stopper for controlling the dispensing of the reinforcing members.
- 13. The reinforcing hole punch according to claim 12, wherein the stopper includes an opening slightly smaller than the reinforcing members to control the dispensing of the reinforcing members until the punch member is actuated to form the hole within the object.
- 14. The reinforcing hole punch according to claim 13, wherein a spring is positioned within the dispensing sleeve to force a reinforcing member into contact with the object when the punch member is actuated to form the hole in the object.
- 15. The reinforcing hole punch according to claim 11, wherein the dispensing member is releasably positioned about the punch member.
- 16. The reinforcing hole punch according to claim 11, further including a second reciprocating punch member supported for movement toward the base, the second reciprocating punch member being actuated to form a hole within the object positioned on the base;a second dispensing sleeve housing a plurality of reinforcing members, the second dispensing sleeve being positioned about the second reciprocating punch member such that the plurality of reinforcing members are positioned between the second punch member and an inner wall of the second dispensing sleeve, the second dispensing sleeve also including an open end adjacent a distal end of the second punch member whereby a reinforcing member is applied to the object as the second punch member forms the hole within the object.
- 17. The reinforcing hole punch according to claim 16, wherein the open end of the dispensing sleeve includes a stopper for controlling the dispensing of reinforcing members; and the open end of the second dispensing sleeve includes a second stopper for controlling the dispensing of reinforcing members.
- 18. The reinforcing hole punch according to claim 17, wherein the stopper includes an opening slightly smaller than the reinforcing members to control the dispensing of the reinforcing members until the punch member is actuated to form the hole within the object; and the second stopper includes an opening slightly smaller than the reinforcing members to control the dispensing of the reinforcing members until the second punch member is actuated to form the hole within the object.
- 19. The reinforcing hole punch according to claim 18, wherein a spring is positioned within the dispensing sleeve to force a reinforcing member into contact with the object when the punch member is actuated to form the hole in the object; and a second spring is positioned within the second dispensing sleeve to force a reinforcing member into contact with the object when the second punch member is actuated to form the hole in the object.
- 20. The reinforcing hole punch according to claim 16, wherein the space between the inner wall of the dispensing sleeve and the punch member is an annular space, and the reinforcing members are annular shaped; and the space between the inner wall of the second dispensing sleeve and the second punch member is an annular space, and the reinforcing members are annular shaped.
US Referenced Citations (12)