Patent Grant
9283800
This application is the U.S. national phase of International Application No. PCT/EP2012/051854 filed 3 Feb. 2012 which designated the U.S. and claims priority to NL 1038563 filed 4 Feb. 2011, and EP 11154027.4 filed 10 Feb. 2011, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
The invention relates to a device for holding together an end of a stack of sheets. The invention further relates to an intermediate product for the manufacturing of such a device. The invention also relates to a method for holding together an end of a stack of sheets.
The first paperclip was patented in 1867 by Samuel B. Fay. Following this in quite a few new paperclips were patented, wherein the Gem paper clip (the wire clip with three curved parts) is the best known. Where this patent refers to the “traditional paperclip”, this means the wire paperclip including all variants which are based on the same function principle. Almost all paperclips acquire their binding power by exerting with the paperclip a clamping force on the stack of sheets, whereby they are joined together. This clamping force is achieved by a combination of the stiffness of the material (metal or plastic) and the shape of the paperclip. Benefits of traditional paperclips are the low costs and intuitive function of the clips. Disadvantages of traditional paperclips are the moderate binding quality (stacks of sheets can fall out from between the stack of connected sheets of paper) and the chance of damaging the paper by the protruding ends of the wire of the paperclips. Another disadvantage of the traditional paperclip is the use of material. Paperclips are made of metal or plastic. These are not sustainable materials, whereby the paperclips have a negative effect on the well-being of the environment. This also applies to the recycling process, wherein the material used for paperclips must be separated from the paper. In addition, traditional paperclips have a single functionality, namely the binding of paper. Traditional paperclips do not have the possibility of combining promotional or illustrative expressions with the binding functionality. The final disadvantage of the traditional paperclips is that, when paperclips are applied to a larger quantity of paper sheets, the paperclip can spring off, whereby the clip itself may cause injury to the user (for example to the eye). Also a paperclip based on clamping force may damage the nails of the user when the clip is attached.
In the past, many improvements have been made to the traditional paperclip to increase the clamping force and prevent damage to the paper (for example U.S. D623.229 S, U.S. 2009/0165260 A1, U.S. 2009/0151129 A1). However the improved designs are usually based on the same connecting principle, namely by exerting a clamping force on the stack of sheets by the material used and by the shape of the paperclip. Hereby the disadvantage remains that sheets of paper can fall out from between the stack of papers joined together. Often alternative improved variants to the traditional paperclip can only be achieved at the cost of other functional requirements and properties in relation to the traditional paperclip, such as higher costs, less intuitive functionality, higher weight and more (non-sustainable) material use.
A second category of paperclips, promotional paperclips to which a promotional or illustrative expression can be applied, works on the same binding principle as traditional paperclips, namely by exerting clamping force on the stack of sheets (examples of this category of paperclips are GB930491, GB1561417, GB1582799, GB1602118). The advantage of this second category of paperclips is the possibility of combining the connecting function with the possibility of applying a promotional or illustrative expression to the paperclips by means of printing. The other disadvantages of the traditional paperclips persist with these paperclips.
A third category of paper binders uses connection by making a perforation through the stack of sheets and joining the sheets together by inserting a form/binder through the perforation (for example rivets, connecting clamps). The advantages of these paper binders is that they have a good binding quality and no sheets can fall out from the stack of joined papers. The disadvantages of this category of paper binders are that the material used (usually metal) is not sustainable, the paper is damaged by the perforation and the paper binders usually fulfill a single function. Also the removal of paper binders of this category is typically more complicated.
Next to the solutions mentioned above, there exists another solution for joining papers, namely by a paper corner device such as disclosed in NL1011526, in which a flat sheet is folded over the paper by folding movements, thus connecting the stack of sheets. The advantages of this paper binder are that the solution offers a good binding quality, no stacks of sheets can fall out from between the stack of papers, several functions can be combined (connecting and illustrative expression), there are no safety risks for the product and the paperclip is made of a sustainable material. Also thanks to the material used, the paperclip can be passed through a shredder and be recycled with old paper even without removing the clip from the stack of sheets. The disadvantage of this solution is the poor user-friendliness of the paperclip. The paperclip is attached by performing six actions (rotating clip, inserting paper, folding paper, folding part of clip, folding other part of clip, insertion of front of clip in recess to fasten the clip). Of these six actions, three are not intuitive. To remove the paperclip from the stack of sheets, all actions must be carried out in reverse order.
Another paperclip is disclosed in NL1011086. This document discloses a compact corner device for holding together a stack of sheets. The holding method of the corner device is characterised by a foldable lever arm with a recess therein, a rigid support which is created on the first folding action of the corner device, an open ridge between a rear surface in which a foldable clamping hook is integrated and a foldable front surface in which the closing corner is integrated. By using a punch form, the corner device can be attached to and removed from the stack of sheets in a number of actions.
One problem with existing solutions is that these are not user-friendly. The existing solutions require many actions from the user, of which a number of actions are not intuitive. The paperclip in NL1011086 is described as flat sheet. The attachment of the paperclip, like the paperclip in patent no. NL1011526, consists of six actions. First the paperclip must be rotated as the paper must be attached to the back side of the clip. Then a retaining arm must be attached behind a front surface by means of folding movement, by pushing this retaining arm into a small recess. Then the stack of sheets must be pushed between this retaining arm and the rear surface. The next step consists of folding the stack of sheets over the retaining arm. This takes place including a clamping corner which is integrated with the rear surface. The penultimate step is folding the front surface over 180° to the front. To attach the paperclip as a final step the closure must be pushed into a recess in the retaining arm. The paperclip is now attached and binds a stack of sheets. The disadvantage is that the paperclip needs six actions to attach it, that the fixing is not intuitive because the clip must be attached on the back side, and the fixing of the retaining arm takes place by partly deforming the retaining arm before this can be pushed into the recess in the rear surface.
Another disadvantage of this paperclip is that there is a protrusion on the side of the paperclip (visible from the front). This is the end of the retaining arm. Because of this protrusion, the paperclip with the stack of sheets cannot or not easily be placed in an envelope as the protrusion catches the back side of the envelope.
The first object of the invention is to create a device for holding together an end of a stack of sheets, which is user-friendly. The second object of the invention is to create an intermediate product which is necessary for manufacturing of the device according to the invention. The third object of the invention is to create a method for holding together an end of a stack of sheets.
The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.
In a first aspect, in accordance with the object of the invention, the invention relates to a device according to claim 1.
The effect of the properties of the invention is as follows. The first wall and the second wall jointly define the space in which the end of the stack of sheets must be placed. The first wall and second wall are joined such that in operational use these need merely be pushed over an end of the stack of sheets, which is a first great advantage for the user who does not need to perform any complex non-intuitive actions. The pivotable auxiliary piece cooperates with the first folding edge which is formed by the first wall in the second opening. The auxiliary piece and the first folding edge are configured and positioned so as to be suitable, in operational use, via a lever arm action on the end of the stack of sheets, for folding over the end of the stack of sheets about the first folding edge in the direction of the first wall. Furthermore, the auxiliary piece is configured such that, in operational use, in unfolded state of the stack of sheets, this protrudes at least at one location further than the end of the stack of sheets so that in folded state of the stack of sheets it can make physical contact with the first wall. Furthermore, the stack of sheets is folded over the entire predetermined distance (with a corner device, this is up to the corner and against the closed edges). The fact that the auxiliary piece protrudes beyond the edge of the sheets has two very great advantages. Firstly this amplifies the lever arm effect (only very little force need be exerted) during bending of the end of the sheets. Secondly the protruding part makes the action for use very intuitive. In fact the user need perform only two steps in fitting the device to the end of the stack of sheets. The first step concerns a step described above of introducing the end in the space so that this protrudes from the second opening. The second step concerns bending the end of the stack of sheets by means of the protruding auxiliary piece. The invention thus creates a very user- friendly and intuitive solution.
It should be noted that NL1011086 describes one of the folding arms as a lever arm. According to the definition of a lever arm, this is not a lever arm. This should rather be described as a retaining arm. In the device according to the invention, however, there is a lever arm effect because the auxiliary piece protrudes beyond the stack of sheets.
In one embodiment of the device according to the invention the auxiliary piece (B) is pivotably attached to the second wall (W2) close to the second opening (O2) via a pivot axis (D1). The pivot axis facilitates the user-friendliness and intuitiveness of the device, because the user can push the auxiliary piece in only one direction. This maximises the lever arm effect on the end of the stack of sheets.
In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the auxiliary piece (B) protrudes further than the predetermined distance (DST1) by a factor in the range of 1 to 3. The range in this embodiment has been found to be most practical in relation to manufacturing and user-friendliness of the device. However, the invention is not limited to this range.
In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the auxiliary piece (B) is configured such that it protrudes, in operational use, in unfolded state of the stack of sheets (P), at least at one location so far that in folded state of the stack of sheets (P), it is able to make physical contact with a respective outermost sheet of the stack of sheets at one location beyond the first wall (W1). This embodiment has the advantage that the auxiliary piece can be fastened better, for example by connecting this with the outermost sheet via an adhesive layer (or other adhesion principle).
In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, at least one of the auxiliary piece (B) and a receiving side of the first wall (W1) is provided with an adhesive layer so that the auxiliary piece (B), in operation use, in folded state of the stack of sheets (P), adheres to the first wall (W1). This is a first advantageous variant of a further refined device.
In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the first wall (W1) is provided with a cut (E1A), which is positioned and configured such that the auxiliary piece (B), in operational use, in folded state of the stack of sheets (P), can be pushed at least partly into the cut (E1A), securing the auxiliary piece (B). This is a second advantageous embodiment of a further refined device. An additional advantage of this embodiment if that the auxiliary piece can be released more easily, whereby the user-friendliness, but also the sustainability of the product increases.
In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the cut (E1A) is formed such that it defines a protruding part (E1A) of the first wall (W1), which hinges about a fictitious axis from the plane of the first wall (W1) on exertion of a force (FRC) on part of the first wall (W1) which, viewed from the first folding edge (E1), is positioned beyond the cut (E1A), wherein the force (FRC) has a component perpendicular to the plane of the first wall (W1). This embodiment improves the user-friendliness even further, because the insertion of the auxiliary piece in the cut becomes even simpler. Aspects of this embodiment are illustrated in
In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, on an inside of the first wall (W1) there is provided a guiding construction (E3), which guiding construction (E3) extends over at least part of the cut (E1A), (E1B) in order to prevent, in operational use, on insertion of the stack of sheets (P) into the cavity, one or more sheets of the stack of sheets (P) being pushed from the inside through the cut (E1A, E1B). This embodiment improves the user-friendliness still further, because it prevents, on insertion of the stack of sheets, these sheets being pushed into the cut. This prevents frustration in the user.
In one embodiment of the device according to the invention at least one of the first wall (W1) and auxiliary piece (B) on one side is provided with an adhesive layer. This embodiment is very advantageous because in this way a stackable device is obtained, which firstly can be packed very easily in large numbers, but which, secondly, can very easily be retrieved from a stack for use. Aspects of this embodiment are illustrated in
An advantageous variant of the embodiment is obtained if the adhesive layer is attached to the first wall, because in this case the adhesive layer has a double function, namely then it can also be used for fixing the auxiliary piece.
In one embodiment of the device according to the invention the first wall (W1) and the second wall (W2) are formed such that they form a corner device for receiving a corner of the stack of sheets (P). This embodiment is highly advantageous for many reasons. The corner construction is rigid (even when using flexible materials such as paper), small, covers as little as possible the page and facilitates leafing through the stack. However, it must be noted that the corner construction is only one embodiment. In alternative embodiments the construction is such that this can be pushed over the entire width or entire length of the stack of sheets. As long as the construction is provided with a second opening from which the sheets protrude, the same principle can be used, namely that an auxiliary piece is provided which, via a lever arm principle, folds the end of the stack of sheets about the folding edge and in embodiments these are then fixed to the construction or sheets (removably).
In an embodiment of the device according to the invention the corner device has closed edges (CE1, CE2) which together, viewed in projection on a plane of the first wall (W1), form an angle in the range of 60° to 120°. The range given in this embodiment forms the most practical, wherein an angle of 90° is most advantageous in view of the most common paper formats wherein all corners are 90°.
In one embodiment of the device according to the invention the first folding edge (E1) forms an angle in the range of 30° to 60° with at least one of the closed edges (C1, C2) of the corner device. The range given in this embodiment forms the most practical, whereby an angle of 45° is most advantageous in view of the most common paper formats wherein all corners are 90°. An angle of 45° results in the easiest folding of the sheets.
In one embodiment of the device according to the invention a size of the second opening (O2) is configured such that it establishes the predetermined distance (DST1). This applies in particular to the corner device.
In one embodiment of the device according to the invention the length of the second opening (O2) lies in the range of 10 to 60 mm. The range given in this embodiment forms the most practical in view of the formats of the most common paper, which are A3, A4 or A5.
In one embodiment of the device according to the invention the material for each of the first wall (W1), second wall (W2) and auxiliary piece (B) is selected from the group comprising: paper, plastic, wood, metal, biological materials, mixtures of these materials, and other similar materials. The materials listed here can all well be used for the device according to the invention. However the use of paper is very advantageous as the material can be shredded without problems in a shredder.
In one embodiment of the device according to the invention the first wall (W1), second wall (W2) and auxiliary piece (B) are made of one piece. This embodiment is very advantageous because it is very cheap and quick to manufacture. This embodiment is extremely advantageous when the device is made of paper.
In another embodiment of the device according to the invention one or more of the first wall (W1), second wall (W2) and auxiliary piece (B) are attached to the device as separate components. This can for example be achieved by means of gluing, riveting, and other comparable techniques. Within these variants of the invention for example the auxiliary piece (B) can be attached to the device as a separate component. In the light of the invention in any case it is important that the auxiliary piece (B) is attached to be pivotable about at least one pivot point (or pivot axis) and whereby the pivot point, in relation to the folding edge (E1), is positioned, and wherein the auxiliary piece is configured such that this at least at one point protrudes beyond the stack of sheets when, in operational use, these are inserted in the device to the maximum pre-specified distance.
In a second aspect the invention relates to an intermediate product for manufacturing of the device according to the invention. It must be noted that also the intermediate product from which the device is manufactutred enjoys an important advantage of the invention, namely that of user-friendliness, due to the lever arm principle of the auxiliary piece. Such an intermediate product should therefore in the future also be able to be sold as an independent product.
An embodiment of the intermediate product according to the invention corresponds with regards to shape to one of
A further improved embodiment of the intermediate product is made of one piece, which is advantageous for the manufacturing of the intermediate product. This can be produced by means of cutting out from the flat sheet and punching the folding lines.
In a third aspect the invention relates to a method according to claim 22. The basic principle of the invention can be applied in many ways, also in ways which are not explicitly mentioned in this description. However, all these variants fall under the scope of protection of the claims. In addition all these variants use the method according to the invention which actually comprises two steps. The first step concerns the insertion of the stack of sheets to beyond a folding edge over the entire predetermined distance (for a corner device, this is up to the corner and against the closed edges). The second step concerns folding of the end of the stack of sheets using an auxiliary piece which has a lever arm effect on the end of the stack of sheets. It should be noted that the invention actually connects the stack of sheets together with only one movement, namely that of bending the corners of the sheets using the auxiliary piece. This in itself is a unique feature, which distinguishes the invention from existing paperclips which also work on the folding principle, but in which many actions are required before the sheets in the stack are attached to each other.
In a fourth aspect the invention relates to a stack of devices according to claim 23. An advantageous embodiment of the stack is obtained with great value if at least the respective devices in the stack (at least one but preferably all) are provided with an adhesive layer as described in claim 18 and described in the description variant thereof with double function. Such a stack is illustrated in
These and other details of the invention are described below with reference to the Figures, which serve to illustrate the invention, but are not to be considered as restrictive for the invention, wherein:
In the following description, the emphasis is on a very advantageous embodiment namely the corner device. At some locations other terms are used than those in the introduction and claims. The Figures, however, make it clear which component is meant by which term.
Embodiments of the invention concern a paper paperclip wherein a good solution is offered for all aspects/properties which are relevant for a paper binder, namely the invention guarantees a good binding quality, the invention is cheap to produce, when fitting the invention the stack of sheets to be joined are not damaged, by the material used, manufacturing process and use of specific embodiments of the invention this is environmentally-friendly and sustainable. In addition the invention offers good functionality and is user-friendly when attacjomg and removing the invention. Also specific embodiments of the invention are totally safe for the user to use.
It is also important to emphasise that the invention creates a device for holding together an end of a stack of sheets which is attached with one folding movement (of the auxiliary piece), which is removed with one folding movement, which joins the stack of sheets with one folding movement, and which releases the stack of sheets with one folding movement. This is a very distinct advantage of the invention.
The connecting principle of the invention works by pushing the stack of sheets to be joined into a closed corner device (space defined by two walls as given in the claims) and folding the corners of the stack of sheets, via an auxiliary construction (auxiliary piece) which uses a lever arm action, about a folding line of the closed corner device. Then there are at least two ways for attaching the auxiliary device with which the stack of sheets are joined, namely:
According to the inventor a paper binder (device for holding together a stack of sheets or a paperclip) has a number of important functional requirements and properties which a paper binder must fulfil in order to be able to achieve its function, namely to perform the joining of paper well, safely and sustainably. The following functional aspects and properties are deemed relevant or may be relevant for a paper binder:
In the past, many variants of the paperclip or other connection possibilities for paper have been developed. The existing solutions for binding paper such as the wire paperclip, promotional paperclips and rivets, only offer solutions to a number of the above-mentioned functional requirements and properties which are or could be relevant for the paper binder. Embodiments of this invention offer a good solution to all important functional requirements and properties.
The object of the embodiments of the invention is to offer a solution for as many important functional requirements and properties as possible which apply or could apply to the connecting of paper as stated in the problem description. In each case the invention is intended to create a solution which is more user-friendly than the existing (paper) paperclip solutions.
Other advantages given by the invention are:
To facilitate a detailed discussion of the embodiment, a number of expressions and terms are defined below.
In the description the term “rotation axis/pivot axis” is defined as an axis or point in relation to which a part (such as the auxiliary piece) can rotate or pivot. It does not necessarily mean an additional component such as a shaft, but this is possible. Such a rotation axis can for example also be formed by a fold seam in a wall, in relation to which part of the wall can pivot. Or it may be that an auxiliary piece is attached rotatably to a wall in another manner.
In the description the term “stack” is defined as at least two sheets. These sheets can also be made of any type of material. However the invention can also be used on just one sheet. The device is then attached to a corner of the sheet. In this case for example the promotional function can be emphasised by means of a logo on one of the walls of the device.
In the description the term “folding edge” is defined as an edge about which the end of the stack of sheets is folded when fitting the device.
The definition of “lever arm” is a mechanism with which a small force in combination with a large movement is converted into a small movement which shifts a great load, for which a large force is required. Therefore, in the invention there is a lever arm effect when the stack of sheets is moved over the entire predetermined distance into the cavity between the walls (for a corner device, this means into the corner and against the closed edges). The auxiliary piece protrudes at least at one location in the position of the stack of sheets. In addition the further it protrudes, the greater the lever arm effect. The lever arm effect is the greatest (and this is therefore the most advantageous embodiment) if the auxiliary piece in unfolded state stands perpendicular to the folding edge.
The “closed corner device” is defined in this description as the part of the paperclip which comprises the joined front surface with rear surface of the paperclip and the insertion space which is formed between the two surfaces, into which the paper can be inserted. In the claims such a construction is described further.
In
In
The invention can be produced from one piece of paper. It is also possible to produce the invention in parts, wherein the end product can have the same external features and the same functionalities as described in this application.
In
A number of embodiments of the invention are described below:
The invention relates to a device for holding together a stack of sheets which has a good binding quality, is simple, intuitive and quick to attach, offers multiple functionalities, uses sustainable materials and can be used safely. Because of the simple construction, the invention can be manufactured cheaply and quickly and offers a good solution for the business market wherein speed of attachment, good binding quality and a sustainable appearance together with the combined functionalities (joining paper, promotional expression by means of printed logos on the clip, marking possibilities) offers added value in comparison with existing solutions. For the retail market the invention also offers a good alternative to existing solutions. Certain embodiments of the invention are cheap, sustainable, function well and offer numerous possibilities for application. The function of the invention is based on a number of basic principles, the most important of which are: visually clearly distinguished areas renders the use intuitive, by using a lever arm effect minimises the effort required for fixing, by using, in certain embodiments, an adhesive layer or a retaining system the fixing requires particularly few actions, whereby the invention is simple, intuitive and functions appropriately.
The invention can be used in various application areas. It can be used amongst others in office environments, but also certainly in all households.
Various variations of the invention and the embodiments described here are possible. However, these do not fall outside the scope of protection of the invention as defined in the claims.
It must be noted that the above embodiments illustrate the invention rather than limiting it and that the skilled person will be able to come up with many alternative embodiments without going outside the scope of protection of the attached claims.
The claims use reference Figures in brackets and these should not be interpreted as limiting the claims. The term “comprise” and its additions do not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those cited in the claims. The word “a” which stands before an element does not exclude the possibility of several of the elements being able to be present. The invention can be implemented as a device but also as an intermediate product. In the device claims, various means can be named with which several of such means are performed in one and the same piece of hardware. All dependent claims can be combined unless explicitly stated or evidently impossible. In the Figures same or corresponding properties or elements are indicated with same reference numerals.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1038563 | Feb 2011 | NL | national |
| 11154027 | Feb 2011 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2012/051854 | 2/3/2012 | WO | 00 | 7/25/2013 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2012/104413 | 8/9/2012 | WO | A |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2326366 | Krenke | Aug 1943 | A |
| 2843901 | Bukowski | Jul 1958 | A |
| D271213 | Sato | Nov 1983 | S |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2871216 | Feb 2007 | CN |
| 138 962 | Feb 1920 | GB |
| 2003251958 | Sep 2003 | JP |
| 2007245698 | Sep 2007 | JP |
| 1011086 | Jul 2000 | NL |
| 1011526 | Sep 2000 | NL |
| 1 017 399 | Aug 2002 | NL |
| WO2006011010 | Feb 2006 | WO |
| Entry |
|---|
| International Search Report for PCT/EP2012/051854 mailed Mar. 26, 2012. |
| Search Report for NL1038563 dated Feb. 4, 2011. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20130305501 A1 | Nov 2013 | US |
