Binding element and associated method for binding

A binding structure for binding a bundle of sheets and comprised of an element that includes a base, a pair of opposed position legs that are integrally formed with and extend from respective sides of the base, said pair of legs and base together defining a retention area in which the bundle of sheets is held, said pair of legs constructed and arranged with a resilient bias toward each other, but separable to enable the bundle of sheets to be held therebetween under a biasing force, said legs each having a series of spacedly disposed and inwardly directed ribs arranged for contact with opposed sides of the bundle of sheets, each leg having a substantially planar surface disposed at an acute angle to the base, from which the series of spacedly disposed ribs is supported and each rib is formed as a somewhat elongated flexible rib extending in a direction at an acute angle to the substantially planar surface and a thermal adhesive layer disposed on the base and upon which the bundle of sheets rests.