Binding elements and plurality of binding elements particularly suited for automated processes

A stack of binding elements adapted for binding stacks of perforated sheets, the stack comprising:

• a first binding element including
• a rear surface having an adhesive thereon;
• front surface having a release coating thereon;
• a spine;
• and
• a plurality of fingers extending from the spine;
• wherein the adhesive on the rear surface includes multiple distinct areas of adhesive on the spine, each distinct area of adhesive being aligned with a respective one of the plurality of fingers;
• a second binding element including
• a rear surface having an adhesive thereon;
• a front surface having a release coating thereon;
• a spine;
• and
• a plurality of fingers extending from the spine;
• wherein the adhesive on the rear surface of the first binding element is positioned on the rear surface such that the adhesive (a) releasably attaches the first binding element to the front surface of the second binding element, and (b) attaches the plurality of fingers of the first binding element to the spine of the first binding element when the first binding element is separated from the second binding element and coupled to a stack of perforated sheets;
• and
• wherein the stack of binding elements is configured for use in an automated binding machine operable to separate the first and second binding elements from one another and couple the first binding element with a stack of sheets, and wherein each of the first and second binding elements further includes locating structure adapted to be engaged by at least one locating portion of the automated binding machine.