WO2006112736A1

WO2006112736A1 - A document perforator

Info

Publication number: WO2006112736A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2006/000077
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gavin John Donaldson
Original assignee: Gds Tooling Limited
Priority date: 2005-04-21
Filing date: 2006-04-20
Publication date: 2006-10-26
Also published as: NZ539605A

Abstract

Document perforator (10, 11) is disclosed, suitable for insertion into a document holder (30) such as a ring binder folder. The document perforator includes a base portion (1), a compressor portion (2), the base portion having at least one opening (4A,4B) through which prongs (28) of the document holder can be received. The perforator may include a latching means (16) to hold the perforator in a closed or punching condition.

Description

A DOCUMENT PERFORATOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a document perforator and related means of or for perforating a document leaf, or leaves, to be inserted in a document holder.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In particular, although not solely, the present invention relates to a document perforator device for perforating a document leaf, or leaves, to be stored in a document folder whereby the document perforator device of the present invention is also stored or capable of storage in said document folder.

When documents are placed into a document folder (or similar storage device) for filing, it is common for perforations to be made in the margin of the paper(s) so that the document leaves are able to be placed onto, or received by, the prongs of the document file. It is typical for a hole punching device to be used to perforate the document leaf and impart the required incisions (which are normally circular in shape) into the document pages prior to being inserted into the document folder for storage. It is common for a document folder (or similar) to also contain a means of compressing the stored document leaves together so that these documents are secured.

Devices for punching holes into document leaves prior to storing in document files (such as Lever Arch document holders and ring binders and the like) are not new and exist as common office stationery items. Publication WO02/055313 describes a device that performs both of the tasks mentioned above. A perforator device and a compressor bar are-combined- for documents to-perfbrate-a document-for storage-in a document-file such that the holes can engage the prongs of the document file. WO02/055313 discloses a device which therefore perforates the margins of documents in appropriate spacing. The device also provides a means of compressing stored files together securely in the document file. The device described is, however, small and does not make provision for aligning a document leaf appropriately so that adequate consistency over perforating multiple documents can be achieved while also providing an in-built reservoir for retaining waste cuttings. In the absence of a hole punching device it can be possible for the prongs of a document folder (such as a lever arch file) to be used to manually penetrate a document at the appropriate locations (normally in the region of the margin) for receiving the prongs of the document file. This action usually provides an untidy tear at the prong location that can be untidy and reduce the strength of the document in question at the perforated region. Often such a perforation in a document leaf can lead to tearing outward to the edge of the paper allowing the document to become loose and possibly lost.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It would be desirable to simplify the use of a document perforation device for perforating document leaves with appropriately spaced holes for receiving the prongs of a document file. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a document perforator device that addresses the short comings of the prior art described above and/or meet the above mentioned desiderata, or to, at least provides the public with a useful choice.

STATEMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, m a first aspect, the present invention consists in a document perforation device for imparting appropriately spaced incisions in a document for inclusion in a document folder, said document folder of a kind having prongs or like .document receiving portions, said device comprising; a base portion having a tab portion with at least one opening through which said prongs of a document folder can be received, a compressor portion, hingeably engaged to said base portion and moveable from an open condition to a punching condition wherein said compression portion and said base portion are more proximal each other than when in said open condition, said base portion providing at least two spaced apart eyelets, at least two tooth portions, one for each eyelet mounted from one of said base portion and compressor portion to be actuable for movement between an eyelet retracted position and an eyelet penetrating position by said compressor portion, each said tooth portions to fit closely within a respective complimentary eyelet portion of said base portion when in said punching condition, to impart a shearing action on a said document to generate said spaced incisions.

Preferably each said tooth portion is of a cylindrical form having a sharp, crenulated distal face, projecting from said compressor portion, to perforate a document when inserted between said base and said compressor portions.

Preferably there are at least two tooth portions and corresponding eyelets spaced at a distance equal to the spacing of the prongs of said document folder.

Preferably a first pair of said tooth and eyelet arrangement are at a distance from an upper edge of said base portion which is the same distance as that of a second of said teeth and eyelet arrangement is from a bottom edge of said base portion.

Preferably said tooth and corresponding eyelet arrangements are located at a distance from a third edge of said compressor said third edge being parallel to and preferably defining an axis at which said compressor portion and said base portion hingeably engage.

Preferably said compressor portion and said base portion are of similar proportions. Preferably said compressor portion and base portion are contiguous when in the punching condition.

Preferably said tab portion of said base portion extends beyond said third edge of said compressor portion.

Preferably said tab portion has at least two openings spaced at a distance equal to the spacing of the prongs of a document folder. Preferably said tab has one opening for receiving prongs of a document folder.

Preferably said tab portion has two openings wherein a first opening is at a distance from an upper edge of said base portion which is the same distance as said second opening is from a bottom edge of said base portion. Preferably said openings are located at distances equidistant from a first edge of said base portion and a second edge of said base portion, said first edge of said base portion defining the upper edge of said base (when viewed in context with a document file) and said second edge of said base portion defining the lower edge of said base portion. Preferably the distance from said first edge of said base portion to an opening of said tab portion is substantially the same as that of said first edge of said compressor portion to a said tooth and eyelet arrangement.

Preferably the distance from said second edge of said base portion to an opening of said tab portion is substantially the same as that of said second edge of said compressor portion to a said tooth and eyelet arrangement.

Preferably said at least two openings of said tab portion are aligned with said at least two tooth and corresponding eyelet arrangements in a direction perpendicular to said pivot axis.

Preferably said tooth portions project from a first surface of said compressor portion that faces a first surface of said base portion.

Preferably said eyelet portions remain within said base portion at corresponding and thus complimentary locations in accordance with said teeth.

Preferably said eyelets are openings passing through a partial thickness of said base portion such that said tooth are not obstructed. Preferably said base portion and a cover portion define an internal cavity which captures severed material residual from perforation of a document leaf.

Preferably said cover engages with said base portion in a push-fit relationship.

Preferably said push-fit relationship is assisted by said cover portion having at least two protrusions to locate and engage with complimentary openings within said base portion. Preferably said tooth portions are integrally formed with said compressor portion.

Preferably said eyelets are integral with said base portion.

Preferably said hinge engagement between said compressor portion and said base portion comprises an appropriately sized shaft inserted into corresponding bushings within said compressor portions and said base portion to define a pivot axis.

Preferably said bushings are integral with said base portion and said compressor portion.

Preferably a biasing means is associated at said pivot point to bias said compressor portion and said base portion towards said open condition.

Preferably said biasing means is an appropriately formed spring.

Preferably said .tooth portions are of a metallic material such as steel or alloy composition.

Preferably said tooth portions are cylindrical with a first end proximal to and/or embedded or located in said compressor portion and a second distal end to perforate a document when said closed condition is affected by said compressor and said base portions.

Preferably the end face of said second distal end is appropriately crenulated to form an edge capable of producing an incision in a document when said closed condition is affected by said compressor and said base portions.

Preferably said incision is circular.

Preferably said eyelets are of a metallic material such as steel or alloy - composition-embedded- and located within-said-base-portion.

Preferably said device is no thicker than 3 cm when the box and compressor portions are in the punching condition.

Preferably said device is no thicker than 2cm when the box and compressor portions are in the punching condition.

Preferably said device is no thicker than lcm when the box and compressor portions are in the punching condition. Preferably a restraining means is engaged to an edge of said base portion opposite to said hinge engagement between said compressor portion and said base portion, said restraining means able to engage a protrusion of said compressor portion to retain said compressor portion and said base portion in said punching condition to facilitate storage of said device in a document folder,

Preferably said restraining means is a latch.

Preferably said latch articulates about an axis parallel to that which defines a pivot axis where said compressor portion and said base portion hingeably engage.

Preferably said latch articulates within a recess on an edge of said base portion opposite and parallel to said pivot axis.

Preferably said protrusion is located on an edge of said compressor portion opposite and parallel to said pivot axis.

Preferably said latch comprises a centrally located opening which, when articulated toward said protrusion (when said base portion and said compressor portion are in a closed condition), allows said protrusion to engage said opening and lock said base portion and said compressor portion together.

In yet a further aspect the present invention consists in a document perforation device as herein described with reference to one or more of the accompanying drawings. In still a further aspect the present invention consists in a document perforation device as hereinbefore described.

In yet a further aspect the present invention consists in a method of operating a document perforation device as hereinbefore defined.

Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun. The term "comprising" as used in this specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of; that is to say when interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include "comprising", features, other than those prefaced by this term in each statement, can also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to be interpreted in similar manner.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

With reference to the accompanying drawings preferred embodiments of the present invention are now described whereby: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of one preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention whereby a closed condition is shown, Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the of the preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention whereby an open condition is shown, Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention whereby an enlarged detailed schematic is shown of the hinge between the compressor portion and the base portion,

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the underside of the present invention in a closed condition,

Figure 5 shows an underside view of the present invention with the base cover removed showing the internal cavity to which waste paper is captured, Figure 6 shows a top side view of the cover used in accordance with the present invention to form the base of the internal cavity used to retain waste incision material of perforated document leaves,

Figure 7 shows a schematic of the present invention when received by the prongs of a standard document folder wherein two opening are present in the tab portion of the present invention to receive the two prongs of a document folder, Figure 8 shows a schematic of the present invention whereby a single opening is present within the tab portion of the present invention when received by two prongs of a document folder,

Figure 9A shows a schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment whereby the tab portion of the base portion resides opposite to the pivot axis of the base portion,

Figure 9B shows a schematic perspective view of a further alternative embodiment whereby the tab portion of the base portion resides on either the upper or lower edge of the base portion, Figure 10 shows a cross sectional view of an alternative configuration whereby the tooth and eye arrangement reside on the base portion and are actuable by protrusion on the compressor portion, Figure 1 IA shows a perspective view of one preferred embodiment in accordance with the invention, in a closed condition, and Figure 1 IB shows the embodiment of 1 IA in an open condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will now be described with reference to the figures defined above and enclosed at the end of the document.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the present invention showing the main components used to provide the functionality of the device. A base portion 1 provides the main chassis from which the compressor portion 2 rotates relative to, to effect a

^" perforatum in a document leaf/ ^'A further element of the ^"base portion 1 Ts a^'taU portion

3, extending beyond a hinge line or pivot axis 7 (Figure 2) about which the compressor portion 2 moves relative. The tab portion 3 provides a region containing at least two openings 4 A, 4B which may be received by the prongs 28 of a lever arch or document file 30 (shown in Figures 7 and 8) so that the present invention may be stored appropriately within a document file, lever arch or ring binder. Figure 1 presents the configuration where the base portion 1 and compressor portion 2 are in a closed condition 10. An alternative configuration (shown in Figure 9A) may also be realised in that said tab portion 3 of the base portion 1 could be located on the opposite side of said base portion 1. As such, the tab portion 3 (of said base portion 1) may reside proximal to the edges of said compressor portion 2 when in a closed (punching) condition 10 rather than being proximal to said pivot axis 7. Similarly, said tab portion 3 of said base portion 1 may also be configured or adapted to reside proximal to either the upper or lower edges of said base portion 1 as indicated in Figure 1OB.

Figure 2 presents a similar perspective view as that shown in Figure 1. An open condition 11 is affected whereby the compressor portion 2 projects substantially upwards of the base portion 1. Preferably the compressor portion 2 is inclined upward at an angle from said base portion 1 whereby the compressor portion 2 and base portion 1 are hingeably engaged along a pivot axis 7. In the most preferred embodiment the hinge mechanism is effected by. a metallic or similar shaft inserted into complimentary bushing portions 12 and 19 of the base portion 1 and compressor portion 2 respectively (Figure 3). The effect of the hinge assembly allows the compressor portion 2 to move relative to the base portion 1 in an articulating manner that allows said closed condition 10 and said open condition 11 to occur as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 respectively.

Figure 3 shows a close up perspective view of an edge of the base portion 1 and compressor portion 2 (as viewed in an open condition 11). Shown is the bushing 12 of the base portion 1 into which the shaft 9 is inserted to define and effect articulation of the compressor portion 2. The relative positioning of the eyelet 6B is shown to be proportionally closer to the hinge line or pivot axis 7 than the opposite edge. This is so

^" because it is generally witKiirthe^~maxgin^"of^'most printed matter,^{' "}or blaHk lined^'paper; that perforations are made for the purposes of storage within a document file 30. It may therefore be appreciated that the location of the tooth and eyelet arrangements may vary depending upon margin size and format so that a wide variety of document formats can be accommodated.

It may well be appreciated that the shaft is inserted from any edge of the base portion 1 in a direction aligned substantially with the pivot axis 7. The shaft is inserted so that it also fits within at least one spring biasing means 8A and 8B to establish a means of maintaining the open condition 11 as a default position; awaiting the insertion of a document leaf. It may be appreciated that other mechanical systems may be used to provide and affect a similar biasing means. The most preferred embodiment employs a simple and readily available spring based system as is presented.

Figure 3 also shows the relative relationship of the tooth and eyelet arrangement 13 A and 6A respectively. It is inherent within the present invention that the location of at least two tooth portions (denoted by 13 A and 13B) extend inward from the inner surface of the compressor portion 2. Each tooth portion 13 A or 13B comprise a proximal end, which is preferably imbedded and located within the inner surface of compressor portion 2 (that surface which faces base portion 1), and a distal end, being crenulated in an appropriate fashion so that it presents a sharp edge which is able to readily perforate the material (normally paper) of a given document leaf. In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, such teeth 13A and 13B are of a cylindrical form with a crenulated distal end able to produce a circular incision within an inserted document leaf. It may be appreciated that other shapes may be used to define the teeth and eyelet elements of the present invention depending upon the cross sectional characteristics of the prongs 28 used by a given document file.

As has been apparent, perforation of a document leaf can be effected when the compressor portion 2 is pressed, or articulated, toward the base portion 1. As a consequence of this movement, the teeth elements 13 A and 13B are rotated about the pivot axis 7 and thus are pushed or pressed toward a document leaf inserted between the compressor portion 2 and base portion 1. The document leaf, when inserted, remains positioned atop the base portion 1 and aligned by an edge aligning means 2^'0^~δf the^~base portion 1 so that the edge of the document leaf is straight relative to the tooth portions. The latter ensures that the distance between each perforation and the aligned edge will be equal.

The eyelets 6A and 6B are located in corresponding positions on base portion 1 so that the teeth 13A and 13B fit closely within said eyelets thus affecting a shear within the material of an inserted document leaf. Preferably said eyelets are made from the same material as those of said teeth and alternatively may be merely openings within the base portion 1. It may be appreciated that the eyelets 6 A and 6B are imbedded within base portion 1 so that they remain flush with the inner (compressor portion 2 facing) surface of base portion 1.

A further embodiment of the present invention (shown in Figure 10) may be described in that tooth portions may also be located on the base portion 1 at locations that also correspond with said eyelet locations such that a similar tooth and eyelet arrangement is established and located on said base portion 1. In this instance, the compressor portion 2 has at least one actuating element 35, projecting from said compressor portion 2 in a location such that it may engage, and thus actuate, a corresponding tooth portion on said base portion 1 when said compressor portion is affected to a punching condition 10. The actuation portions are preferably of a cylindrical form and of similar material to that of said tooth portions. Alternatively, the actuating portions 35 may be integrally moulded with the compressor portion 2 as they do not (in this embodiment) perform any shearing action as do said tooth and eyelet portions. This embodiment may also require a further biasing means 38 so that the tooth portion, located on the base portion 1, can be returned to a default position after a perforation has been made. Such a default position would preferably be elevated with respect to the respective and corresponding eyelet portions at a distance that would enable the desired number of document leaves to be easily inserted for perforation.

The locations of the eyelets in relation to the base portion 1 is further presented in Figure 3. Preferably the tooth and eyelet arrangements are such that they correspond to the spacing of the prongs 28 located in a standard lever arch or document file 30 (sharing ^"also the^" fact that the positioning of the prongs 28 remains ^"in the^'margins^'so as to lessen any disruption of printed matter). The geometry of the tooth and eyelet arrangement is such that the perforations made by the present invention establish circular holes in a document leaf that are easily engageable by said prongs 28. It is therefore preferable (for convenience) that the teeth and eyelet arrangements are equidistant from a first edge of said base portion (defining an upper edge of the present invention) and a second edge of base portion 1 (defining a lower most edge of the present invention). Both edges remain perpendicular to the pivot axis establishing the hinge between base portion 1 and compressor portion 2. It may be appreciated that some lever arch folders or document files may contain more than two prongs. In this instance the present invention may be easily adapted to accommodate another tooth and eyelet arrangement so that a document leaf may be prepared appropriately to receive prongs of this nature. However, for the most part, it is usually sufficient for two circular perforations to be used to adequately store a document leaf in a document file or similar storage device.

Figure 4 shows the underside of the present invention showing base portion 1, and compressor portion 2 in a closed condition 10. A cover 15 is shown and may be constructed of a similar material to that of the base portion 1. The cover 15 is shown placed in position to form an internal cavity 22 (see Figure 5) with base portion 1 where waste perforations from use of the present invention may be retained. Physical definition of this internal cavity is further shown in Figure 5 where the cover 15 is removed showing the internal geometry of the cavity 22. The cover is held in place by preferably two small openings 18 A and 18B both receiving complimentary protrusions emanating from cover plate 15 as shown in Figure 6. Protrusions 24 A and 24B of cover plate 15 engage openings 18A and 18B. For securement, cover 15 therefore engages the underside of base portion 1 with a push fit relationship. It will be appreciated that this general cavity region 22 may be produced or defined in other ways that allow such a cavity to capture the discarded waste material when in use.

The present invention is to be similarly stored in a lever arch or document file (as shown in Figures 7 and 8) such that one is at hand when documents are to be stored.

Figures HA and HB further illustrate an^" important feature of the invention. " "In a preferred form at the periphery of the base portion 1, a hinged latch portion 16 is provided, formed with a slot or aperture 17 complimentary to and adapted to engage a protruding tab 18 formed in the compressor portion 2. As can be seen in Figure HA, showing the closed condition 10 the latch portion 16 fits over and engages the protruding tab 18 thereby holding the compressor portion 2 in the closed configuration 10. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art other suitable restraining means may be employed within the scope of the invention. Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and/or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIMS IS:-

1. A document perforation device for imparting appropriately spaced incisions in a document for inclusion in a document folder, said document folder of a kind having prongs or like document receiving portions, said device comprising; a base portion having a tab portion with at least one opening through which said prongs of a document folder can be received, a compressor portion, hingeably engaged to said base portion and moveable from an open condition to a punching condition wherein said compressor portion and said base portion are more proximal each other than when in said open condition, said base portion providing at least two spaced apart eyelets, at least two tooth portions, one for each eyelet mounted from one of said base portion and compressor portion to be actuable for movement between an eyelet retracted position and an eyelet penetrating position by said compressor portion, each said tooth portions to fit closely within a respective complimentary eyelet portion of said base portion when in said punching condition, to impart a shearing action on a said document to generate said spaced incisions.

2. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 1 wherein each said tooth portion is of a cylindrical form having a sharp, crenulated distal face, projecting from said compressor portion, to perforate a document when inserted between said base and said compressor portions.

3. A document perforation-device as claimed in claims 1 or -2- wherein there-are at least two tooth portions and corresponding eyelets spaced at a distance equal to the spacing of the prongs of said document folder.

4. A document perforation device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a first pair of said tooth and eyelet arrangement are at a distance from an upper edge of said base portion which is the same distance as that of a second of said teeth and eyelet arrangement is from a bottom edge of said base portion.

5. A document perforation device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said tooth and corresponding eyelet arrangements are located at a distance from a third edge of said compressor said third edge being parallel to and preferably defining an axis at which said compressor portion and said base portion hingeably engage.

6. A document perforation device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said compressor portion and said base portion are of similar proportions.

7. A document perforation device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said compressor portion and base portion are contiguous when in the punching condition.

8. A document perforation device as claimed any one of the preceding claims wherein said tab portion of said base portion extends beyond said third edge of said compressor portion.

9. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 8 wherein said tab portion has at least two openings spaced at a distance equal to the spacing of the prongs of a document folder.

10. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 9 wherein said tab has one opening for receiving prongs of a document folder.

11. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 10 wherein said tab portion has two openings wherein a first opening is at a distance from an upper edge of said base portion which is the same distance as said second opening is from a bottom edge of said base portion.

12. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 11 wherein said openings are located at distances equidistant from a first edge of said base portion and a second edge of said base portion, said first edge of said base portion defining the upper edge of said base (when viewed in context with a document file) and said second edge of said base portion defining the lower edge of said base portion.

13. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 12 wherein the distance from said first edge of said base portion to an opening of said tab portion is substantially the same as that of said first edge of said compressor portion to a said tooth and eyelet arrangement.

14. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 13 wherein the distance from said second edge of said base portion to an opening of said tab portion is

5 substantially the same as that of said second edge of said compressor portion to a said tooth and eyelet arrangement.

15. A document perforation device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14 wherein at least two openings of said tab portion are aligned with said at least two tooth and corresponding eyelet arrangements in a direction perpendicular to said pivot

10 axis.

16. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 15 wherein said tooth portions project from a first surface of said compressor portion that faces a first surface of said base portion.

17. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 16 wherein said eyelet 15 portions remain within said base portion at corresponding and thus complimentary locations in accordance with said teeth.

18. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 17 wherein said eyelets are openings passing through a partial thickness of said base portion such that said tooth are not obstructed.

20 19. A document perforation device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said base portion and a cover portion define an internal cavity which captures severed material residual from perforation of a document leaf.

20. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 19 wherein said cover engages with said base portion in a push-tit relationsmp.

25.

21. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 20 wherein said push-fit relationship is assisted by said cover portion having at least two protrusions to locate and engage with complimentary openings within said base portion.

22. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 18 wherein said tooth portions are integrally formed with said compressor portion.

23. A document perforation device as claimed in claims 18 or 22 wherein said eyelets are integral with said base portion.

24. A document perforation device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said hinge engagement between said compressor portion and said base portion comprises an appropriately sized shaft inserted into corresponding bushings within said compressor portions and said base portion to define a pivot axis.

25. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 24 wherein said bushings are integral with said base portion and said compressor portion.

26. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 25 wherein a biasing means is associated at said pivot point to bias said compressor portion and said base portion towards said open condition.

27. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 26 wherein said biasing means is an appropriately formed spring.

28. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 27 wherein said tooth portions are of steel or metal alloy composition.

29. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 28 wherein said tooth portions are cylindrical with a first end proximal to and/or embedded or located in said compressor portion and a second distal end to perforate a document when said closed condition is affected by said compressor and said base portions.

30. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 29 wherein the end face of said second distal end is appropriately crenulated to form an edge capable of producing an incision in a document when said closed condition is affected by said compressor and said base^~portions. -

31. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 30 wherein said incision is circular.

32. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 31 wherein said eyelets are of a metallic material such as steel or alloy composition embedded and located within said base portion.

33. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 32 wherein said device is no thicker than 3 cm when the box and compressor portions are in the punching condition.

34. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 33 wherein said device is no thicker than 2cm when the box and compressor portions are in the punching condition.

35. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 34 wherein said device is no thicker than lcm when the box and compressor portions are in the punching condition.

36. A document perforation device as claimed in any one the preceding claims wherein a restraining means is engaged to an edge of said base portion opposite to said hinge engagement between said compressor portion and said base portion, said restraining means able to engage a protrusion of said compressor portion to retain said compressor portion and said base portion in said punching condition to facilitate storage of said device in a document folder.

37. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 36 wherein said restraining means is a latch.

38. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 37 wherein said latch articulates about an axis parallel to that which defines a pivot axis where said compressor portion and said base portion hingeably engage.

39. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 38 wherein said latch articulates within a recess on an edge of said base portion opposite and parallel to said pivot axis.

40. A document perforation device as claimed in claimT39 wherein^" said protrusion is^~ located on an edge of said compressor portion opposite and parallel to said pivot axis.

41. A document perforation device as claimed in claim 40 wherein said latch comprises a centrally located opening which, when articulated toward said protrusion (when said base portion and said compressor portion are in a closed condition), allows said protrusion to engage said opening and lock said base portion and said compressor portion together.

42. A document perforation device substantially as herein described with reference to one or more of the accompanying drawings.

43. A method of operating a document perforation device substantially as hereinbefore described.