Importance

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Abstract

A binding strip for binding a stack of sheets together in a book-like fashion. The binder strip includes an elongated substrate made of a formable material such as a strip of heavy paper. A relatively wide band of heat-activated adhesive extends down the center of the substrate. Two relatively narrow bands of heat-activated adhesive are disposed on opposite sides of the central adhesive band. The central adhesive band, which has a low viscosity at the application temperature, serves to bind the edges of the sheets together and to the substrate. The side adhesive bands, which are at least one-half as thick as the central adhesive band and which have a high viscosity at the application temperature, functions to secure the first and last sheets of the stack to the substrate. The first and last sheets serve as the cover sheets of the bound volume. The side adhesive bands also function to contain the low viscosity central adhesive during the binding process. It is preferred that the side adhesive bands be spaced apart from the longitudinal edges of the substrate a minimum amount so as to form a pair of edge gaps. These gaps increase the gripping strength of the molten side adhesive bands during the binding process.

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First Claim