Punching and binding apparatus

Punching and binding apparatus, comprising:

• punching means for punching apertures along an edge of a stack of sheet material;
• binding means for inserting the flexible fingers of a comb binder through the punch apertures for binding the sheet material together and including,
• an elongated rigid comb plate member having a plurality of comb teeth,
• an elongated rigid hook plate having a plurality of hooks corresponding in number to the number of said comb teeth, and
• guide means to which said comb plate and said hook plate are mounted, said guide means permitting said comb plate to move in its longitudinal direction between a first position and a second position, said hook plate being mounted adjacent said comb means with its hooks being positioned proximate said comb plate and being movable away from said comb plate;
• and
• actuating means for actuating said punching means and said binding means including,
• an actuating shaft,
• a first camming means coupled to said comb plate and including a first camming surface,
• a second camming means coupled to said hook plate and including a second camming surface,
• a first arm extending radially from said shaft and having one end affixed thereto and an opposite end cammingly engaging said first camming surface, and
• a second arm extending radially from said shaft and having one end affixed thereto and an opposite end cammingly engaging said second camming surface;
• whereby rotation of said shaft in one direction actuates said punching means and rotation of said shaft in the opposite direction causes said first arm to move said first camming means which in turn moves said comb plate from said first position to said second position and rotation of said shaft in said opposite direction also causes said second arm to move said hook plate away from said comb plate.