Self-loading binder

Abstract

A system is disclosed for locating a label on the spine of a bound work. An elongate leader extends through a slot formed when an overlay cover is placed on and sealed to the spine of the bound work, and out each end of the slot. The leader includes an adhesive portion in the vicinity of one end onto which a label can be affixed. The leader is pulled longitudinally through the slot, causing the label to enter the slot through one transverse edge. Pressure is then applied to the label via the overlay cover, and the force on the leader is continued until the leader separates from the label, leaving the label at a desired position along the spine of the bound work. The label can be removed from the spine in a similar fashion by sliding the adhesive portion of the leader through one transverse edge of the slot until it adheres to the label. The leader and label are then withdrawn from the slot. The system allows the placement and removal of a label from a slot located on the spine of a bound work without damaging the label during the insertion or removal, and also ensures that the label will not be worn or inadvertently removed from the spine until intended.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.