EP2576235B1 - Device for holding together collections of perforated loose sheets - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for holding together perforated loose-leaf collections.

A prior art device of this type is the in Fig. 1 shown stitching strips. In the tacking strip, a flat, narrow strip of metal is passed through the holes of the perforation and then bent so that the loose-leaf collection is held together. The stitching strip has the disadvantage that the leaves must be bent when leafing in the loose-leaf collection, and that a binding margin remains, which is not visible when browsing. Therefore, information in the area of the binding margin can not be perceived, or can only be cumbersome, by loosening the stapling. Another known device is the file folder, often called Leitz folder. When filing loose-leaf collections in file folders, there is no binding margin. However, file folders have a more expensive rigid mechanics and are therefore relatively bulky and unwieldy. document GB-A-1535933 discloses a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to propose an improved device for holding together perforated loose-leaf collections, which avoids the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a simple and slim device which allows sheets to be stapled in a simple manner without buckling and / or to view without major difficulties over their entire width.

According to the invention the object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, the device comprises a band element, which can be threaded through at least two holes of the perforation of the loose-leaf collection. The perforation may be a standard perforation, for example, the standard perforation according to DIN for A4 sheets with two or four holes, but also to other standard perforations, such as the standard holes for organizer ring binders, the u. a. known as "Filofax". The band element may be single-stranded or multi-stranded, in particular formed from one or more bands, cords and / or similarly flexible components. The band element or its strands or components can have any desired cross-sectional shapes, for example round, angular or flat, wherein a thin and / or narrow configuration is advantageous in comparison to the diameter of the holes to be durchfädelnden the loose-leaf collection. By a suitable length it is achieved that the band element can be threaded through at least two holes of the perforated loose-leaf collection.

Furthermore, the device according to the invention comprises retaining means with which it can be prevented that a threaded through threaded through the holes of the loose-leaf collection tape element slips out of the holes again. For this purpose, the device according to the invention is configured such that the retaining means occupy a retaining position or can be brought by the operator into a retaining position in which they retain the leaves of a loose-leaf collection threaded through the band element on the band element. This way you can held together with the band element loose-leaf collection. Preferably, the retention means engage in the retaining position, the edges of the holes of the loose-leaf collection and thus prevent the manner of an anchor or barbs slipping of the leaves of the band member or slipping out of the band member from the perforation. The retention means need not always be in a retention position. For example, the device according to the invention can also be designed in such a way that the retaining means can be brought into positions or positions in which leaves threaded through with the band element can be removed from the loose-leaf collection or new leaves can be added, or in which Sheet collection is held together firmer or safer.

The retaining means are preferably fixed or detachably connected to the band member. Preferably, the retaining means are arranged, attached or formed at the ends of the band member. Preferably, the retaining means are made of a rigid and / or rigid material.

In a preferred embodiment, the retaining means comprise at least one retaining element which can be pushed through the perforation of the loose-leaf collection. It when the retaining means are formed by two retaining elements, both of which are hindurchsteckbar through the perforation of the loose-leaf collection is particularly advantageous. In this embodiment, it is possible to insert the retaining means with the band element attached thereto from below through two holes of the loose-leaf collection. Then, two holes are threaded through with the band member, and the retaining means can be brought into a retaining position, for example, such that it engages over the edge of the loose-leaf collection, so that a slipping back of the band member is prevented.

In another preferred embodiment, the retaining means are elongated or rod-shaped, in particular formed as small elongated rods or slender webs. They have a length which is greater than the hole diameter the holes of the loose-leaf collection to be threaded through. If the retaining means are smaller in cross-section than the hole diameter of the holes of the loose-leaf collection, they can be passed through the holes and the band member attached to them can be threaded through the holes. In the retention position, these restraints lie across the holes in the loose-leaf collection for cohesion.

In another preferred embodiment, the band member is fixed in relation to the length of the retaining means in a central region, preferably in the middle, of the retaining means. Furthermore, the length of the retaining means starting from the attachment point of the band member is smaller than the distance between the center of the holes of the loose-leaf collection and the nearest paper edge. This avoids that the retaining means protrude in the retaining position over the paper edge.

The band element is elastically extensible. Thereby, the loose-leaf collection can be held together with the device according to the invention under tension of the band member, whereby the slipping of the held together leaves can be reduced.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the length of the band element is adapted to the distance of two holes of a standard perforation and / or to certain stack heights of loose-leaf collections to be held together. For example, the band element can be selected a little bit longer than the distance of two holes of a standard punch plus twice the stack height of the loose-leaf collections to be held together. Then, the band member can be passed from one hole to the other and through both holes, and held at each hole by a retaining member. Because of the longer length, you can scroll through it comfortably.

According to another preferred embodiment, the band member in cross section is so flat and / or thin and / or slender that a held together with the device loose-leaf collection can be filed in a file folder, the holes through which the band member is threaded through, also for the Stitching can be used in the file folder. Thus, with the device bundled loose-leaf collections can be summarized in a particularly simple manner in a file folder, and the device of the invention can also fulfill a regulatory function. This embodiment offers an additional advantage over the previously known adhesive strip. The holes through which the metal strip of the Heftstreifens is guided, can not be used for filing in the file folder, since the metal strip in the perforation takes up too much space.

In another preferred embodiment, the belt element threaded through the perforation of the loose-leaf collection can be closed to form a closed belt loop, advantageously by means of the retaining means. In another preferred embodiment, the retaining means comprise two retaining elements, which in turn have connecting means for connecting the two retaining elements. In the two aforementioned embodiments, an annular closed endless belt loop can be formed with the device according to the invention, which is passed through at least two holes of the perforated loose-leaf collection and holds them together. In this case, the length of the band member can be chosen so that the guided through the perforation of the loose-leaf collection tape loop at tight ends of the band member or connected to restraint means tightly seated, so that the leaves of the held loose-leaf collection can slip only slightly against each other. It is particularly advantageous if the band element is elastically stretchable and almost twice as long as the distance between the two holes plus twice the stack height of the loose-leaf collection to be held together. Then the band element is tensioned with the loop closed and the device according to the invention is taut. When opening the loop or the connecting means then creates a free tape length, so that easily in the loose-leaf collection can be leafed without the leaves slip off the belt element, because they are retained by the retaining means.

The device according to the invention comprises tensioning means for tensioning the stretchable band element when the device is applied to a loose-leaf collection for holding it together. The stretchable band member threaded through the perforation can be tensioned with the tensioning means when the retaining means are in a retention position or otherwise fixed.

The clamping means is formed flat, for example as a rigid plate, in particular of plastic or metal, or as a card or as a comparable rigid and flat element. Thus, the clamping means can rest flat on the held together loose-leaf collection. The tensioning means is shaped such that, when the device of the invention is applied to a loose-leaf collection for holding it together, the strap element can be guided over the surfaces and around the edges of the tensioning means such that the strap element is held in tension. Preferably, the clamping means is smaller than the format of the loose-leaf collection, z. B. smaller than the format DIN-A4. Thus, on the first page of the loose-leaf collection, uncovered or readable areas remain on which the tensioning means does not rest. By suitable shaping of the clamping means, the uncovered areas can be varied in size and / or position. Alternatively or more preferably, the clamping means can also be made of a transparent or transparent or semi-transparent material, for. As plastic, be formed. Then the first side of the loose-leaf collection is at least partially visible or recognizable by the overlying clamping means.

In a further preferred embodiment, the clamping means has a perforation corresponding to the perforation, through which the band element is guided in the held together loose-leaf collection. In this embodiment, retaining means which are inserted through the perforation of the loose-leaf collection can be inserted through the clamping means in a simple manner. The insertion of the band element into the holes of the tensioning means can be further simplified if slits are formed between the holes of the tensioning means and the edge of the tensioning means.

In another preferred embodiment, the clamping means on a projection and / or a supernatant around which the band element can be placed without slipping off of the clamping means. Such a projection can be formed for example by a triangular approach to the clamping means or a bulge. Also possible are other outer contours of the clamping device, which prevent slipping of the tensioned band member, for example notches or suitable recesses. Also possible are suitable slits in the clamping element, in which the band element is inserted for holding and tension.

In another preferred embodiment, the clamping means is designed as a register element and / or protective cover and / or -rück and / or envelope and / or inscribable. In this way, the clamping means can fulfill order and / or protective functions.

In the embodiment of the device according to the invention with clamping means, the band element can be chosen to be significantly longer than the distance or twice the distance of the holes durchgefädelten with the tape means. With the clamping means, the excess length or free length of the band member is then stretched, so that the loose-leaf collection can be held tight together, and slipping of the sheets against each other can be largely prevented. Length of the band member and geometry of the clamping means can also be coordinated so that the tension of the band member is so weak at a held loose-leaf collection that can still be browsed in the loose-leaf collection, in such a way that the full page is visible or no binding margin remains. It is avoided by the correspondingly long training of the band member that this is completely flattening the elastic limit reached. The design with clamping means and long length of the band member further allows a comparatively large variability of the stack height or thickness of the loose-leaf collection. With a suitable design of the device with clamping means can be kept well together with one and the same length of the band member 5 to 300 sheets of normal typewriter paper.

In another preferred embodiment, the clamping means on resilient elements, in which the band element can be hung and held on train. Preferably, the resilient elements may be helical and have recesses and / or slots, in which the band element is inserted and held there with the retaining means. Also in this embodiment, a tension of the band member and a tight holding the loose-leaf collection is possible, even with a non-stretchable band member.

Advantageously, the device according to the invention is made of environmentally friendly materials and / or made of materials which are shredderable, so that removal prior to shredding the held-together paper is not required.

Fig. 1:

Einen aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten Heftstreifen,

Fig. 2:

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,

Fig. 3:

das Durchfädeln der Lochung einer Lose-Blattsammlung mit dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,

Fig. 4:

eine mit dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung durchfädelte Lose-Blattsammlung,

Fig. 5:

die beiden Rückhalteelemente des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in Rückhalteposition,

Fig. 6:

das Blättern einer mit der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zusammengehaltenen Lose-Blattsammlung,

Fig. 7:

das Verbinden der beiden Rückhalteelemente beim ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,

Fig. 8:

die verbundenen Rückhalteelemente beim ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,

Fig. 9:

die Abheftung einer mit der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zusammengehaltenen Lose-Blattsammlung in einem Aktenordner beim ersten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 10:

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung, die ein Spannmittel umfaßt,

Fig. 11:

das Durchfädeln einer Lose-Blattsammlung beim zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,

Fig. 12:

eine mit der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung durchfädelte Lose-Blattsammlung beim zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 13:

eine erste Phase des Spannens des Bandelements beim zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 14:

eine zweite Phase des Spannens des Bandelements beim zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 15:

das Herumführen des Bandelements um das Spannmittel beim zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 16:

das Abheften einer mit Spannmittel zusammengehaltenen Lose-Blattsammlung in einem Aktenordner beim zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 17:

ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit Ausgestaltung des Spannmittels als Registerblatt,

Fig. 18 und 19:

das Durchfädeln einer Lose-Blattsammlung beim dritten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 20 bis 22:

das Spannen des Bandelements beim dritten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 23:

die Abheftung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in einem Aktenordner beim dritten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 24:

ein viertes Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit Federelementen,

Fig. 25 bis 28:

das Durchfädeln einer Lose-Blattsammlung mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung und das Einhängen des Bandelements im Federelement beim dritten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Embodiments of the invention are based on the FIGS. 1 to 30 explained in more detail. The in the FIGS. 1 to 9 embodiments shown are not covered by the claims. Show it:

Fig. 1:

A stitching strip known from the prior art,

Fig. 2:

a first embodiment of a device according to the invention,

3:

threading the perforation of a loose-leaf collection with the first embodiment of the device according to the invention,

4:

a loose-leaf collection threaded through the first embodiment of the device according to the invention,

Fig. 5:

the two retaining elements of the first embodiment of the device according to the invention in the retaining position,

Fig. 6:

the scrolling of a loose-leaf collection held together with the device according to the invention,

Fig. 7:

the connection of the two retaining elements in the first embodiment of the device according to the invention,

Fig. 8:

the connected retaining elements in the first embodiment of the device according to the invention,

Fig. 9:

the binding of a loose-leaf collection held together with the device according to the invention in a file folder in the first exemplary embodiment,

Fig. 10:

A second embodiment of a device according to the invention comprising a tensioning means,

Fig. 11:

the threading of a loose-leaf collection in the second embodiment of the device according to the invention,

Fig. 12:

a loose-leaf collection in the second exemplary embodiment threaded through with the device according to the invention,

Fig. 13:

a first phase of the tensioning of the band element in the second embodiment,

Fig. 14:

a second phase of tensioning the band member in the second embodiment,

Fig. 15:

moving the band element around the tensioning means in the second embodiment,

Fig. 16:

the filing of a tension-held loose-leaf collection in a file folder in the second embodiment,

Fig. 17:

A third embodiment of a device according to the invention with design of the clamping means as a tab sheet,

FIGS. 18 and 19:

threading a loose-leaf collection in the third embodiment,

20 to 22:

the tensioning of the band member in the third embodiment,

Fig. 23:

the binding of a device according to the invention in a file folder in the third embodiment,

Fig. 24:

A fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention with spring elements,

FIGS. 25 to 28:

the threading of a loose-leaf collection with a device according to the invention and the hanging of the band element in the spring element in the third embodiment,

Fig. 1 shows the prior art adhesive strip H1 with the thin and narrow metal strip H2, which is inserted through the perforation of the loose-leaf collection 30 and then bent so that it holds the loose-leaf collection together. When stapling with the stitching strip, the disadvantageous binding margin H3 remains hidden, concealing the information located in this area.

Fig. 2 to 9 show a first embodiment of the device 10 according to the invention for holding together perforated loose-leaf collections. As in Fig.2 illustrates, the device 10 comprises a flexible, elastically extensible band member 12 which is formed as a flat rubber band 12. At the two ends of the rubber band 12 as retaining means each flat, elongated retaining elements 14, 16 are attached. The band member 12 is based on the length of the retaining elements 14, 16 attached in the middle. The retaining elements 14, 16 in turn have connecting means 18, 20 in the form of hooks. These connecting means or hooks can be detachably connected to each other or hooked into each other, so that the device 10 forms a closed band loop.

For bundling a loose-leaf collection 30, the two elongate, rod-shaped retention elements 14, 16, as in Fig. 3 illustrated with the arrows, inserted from below through each one of the two holes 32, 34 of the perforated loose-leaf collection 30. Fig. 4 shows the device according to the invention, after which the retaining elements 14, 16 have been inserted through the holes 32, 34 of the loose-leaf collection 30. The band member 12 is threaded through the loops 32, 34 of the loose-leaf collection, with a central portion of the band member 12 at the bottom of the loose-leaf collection between the two holes 32 and 34, and the two end portions of the band member 12 at the top of the loose-leaf collection 12 from the holes 32, 34 reach out. Figure 4 also shows that the rubber band 12 is narrower than the diameter of the holes 32, 34. In Fig. 5 the two retaining elements 14, 16 have assumed a retaining position RP in which they prevent the band element 12 fastened to them from being able to slip out of the perforation 32, 34, so that the perforation 32, 34 remains threaded through the band element 12. Thus, the loose-leaf collection 30 is held together with the device according to the invention.

When the device according to the invention as in Fig. 5 shown inserted into the loose-leaf collection 30 remains at a corresponding thickness of the loose-leaf collection 30 a free length of the tape element 12, which goes beyond the minimum length which is required for threading through the holes 32, 34. The free tape length has a suitable degree, so that in accordance with Fig. 5 held together loose-leaf collection 30 as in Fig. 6 can be scrolled shown without a disturbing binding margin remains, and without the leaves must be kinked.

Fig. 7 illustrates the connection of the two retaining means 14,16 by the connection or entanglement of the two connecting means or hooks 18, 20. Since the band member 12 is threaded through the perforation 32, 34 of the loose-leaf collection 30, the device according to the invention forms when connecting the Connecting means a closed band loop which passes through the two holes 32, 34 of the loose-leaf collection 30 and holds them together securely. As in Fig. 8 As shown, the length of the stretchable band member may be selected such that the band loop formed upon connection of the connecting means 18, 20 is seated with proper tension so that the loose sheet stack 30 is held together well and the individual sheets are avoided slipping against each other.

As in Fig. 9 shown, the according to Fig. 8 held together in a file folder 60, because the band member 12 is a thin rubber band, so that the folder bars 62, 64 pass through next to the band member 12 through the holes 32, 34 of the loose-leaf collection 30.

The device according to the invention according to the first embodiment can be used for different hole spacings. Band element, retaining elements and hooks are flat and space-saving designed.

10 to 16 show a second embodiment of a device according to the invention 10. In this embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a clamping means 40 for tensioning the elastically extensible band member 12. The band member 12 is formed as a round elastic in cross-section 12, at the ends of which the retaining elements 14, 16 are located. The retaining elements are elongate webs 14, 16, in the middle of which the ends of the Band element 12 are attached. The clamping means 40 is formed as a flat, rigid plastic plate 40, which has a projection with a triangular edge region 41. The tensioning means 40 has holes 42, 44 corresponding to the perforation of the loose-leaf collection 30 to be held together. Starting from the holes 42, 44 lead slots 46, 47 to the edge of the clamping means, which facilitate the insertion of the band member 12.

For bundling the loose-leaf collection, the tensioning means 40, as in Fig. 11 shown, from above onto the loose-leaf collection 30 so that the holes 42, 44 of the clamping means with the holes 32, 34 of the loose-leaf collection 30 are aligned. The two retaining elements 14, 16 with the band means 12 attached thereto are inserted from below through the two holes of the loose-leaf collection and the tensioning means. Fig. 12 shows the two retaining elements 14, 16 after passing through the perforation 32, 34, 42, 44th In Fig. 13 the two retaining elements 14, 16 are in a retaining position RP. In this position, the loose-leaf collection 30 is held together, leaving a free ribbon length of the ribbon member 12, and as shown in FIG Fig. 6 illustrated in the loose-leaf collection 30 are scrolled. Fig. 13 also shows that the length of the retaining elements 14, 16 is dimensioned so that they do not protrude in the retaining position beyond the edge 31 of the loose-leaf collection 30 close to the perforation.

To achieve a close cohesion of the loose-leaf collection, the operator, as in Fig. 13 indicated by the arrow, pull on the central portion of the elastically extensible band member 12 and this, as in Fig. 14 and 15 shown, put over triangular projection 41 of the clamping means 40. Thus, the middle portion of the band member 12, which exits downwardly from the perforation of the loose-leaf collection, is passed around the edge 31 of the loose-leaf collection 30 and placed around the tensioning means 40 on the top of the loose-leaf collection. This will make the in Fig. 13 apparent free tape length as in Fig. 15 obviously curious. As in Fig. 15 shown, the band element is placed around the oblique edges of the triangular portion 41 of the clamping means 40 and so on Vorderund Led back of the clamping device. By suitable adjustment of the length of the stretchable band member 12 to the dimensions of the clamping means 40 is determined by the in Fig. 15 shown leadership of the band member 12 reaches an elongation, which causes a tight hold together the loose-leaf collection. This can avoid that the individual leaves of the loose-leaf collection 30 strongly slip against each other. If the central portion of the band member 12 is again removed from the clamping means 40 and in the in Fig. 13 brought shown situation, the held together with the device according to the invention loose-leaf collection is open and it can as in Fig. 6 be scrolled without difficulty. This opening and subsequent re-closing can be done with a simple handle, especially one-handed. Due to the length of the band member 12 can also be browsed in the closed loose-leaf collection so that the full page is visible or no binding margin remains, since even with complete flipping the elastic limit of the band member 12 is not reached. As in particular in Fig. 15 Good to see, wide areas of the first page of the loose-leaf collection are not covered by the overlying clamping means, so that the information printed there remains readable. By suitably changing the shape of the tensioning means 40, the uncovered or readable area of the first side of the loose-leaf collection can also be varied in size and shape. If the clamping means made of a transparent or transparent or semi-transparent material, and the area covered by the clamping means remains readable or recognizable.

Fig. 16 shows that a loose-leaf collection 30, which is held together with a device according to the invention according to the second embodiment, can be stored in a file folder 60.

Fig. 17 to 23 show a third embodiment of a device 10 according to the invention, in which the clamping means 50 is designed as a tab sheet 50, which may be made of a rigid cardboard or of a rigid plastic. To reinforce the tab sheet 50 may be folded double-layered. In this embodiment, for tensioning the stretchable band member 12 is a Holding device 52 formed in the register sheet 50. As in Fig. 17 shown, the holding device 52 is formed by suitable arcuate slotting of the register sheet 50. FIGS. 18 to 22 show the threading of the loose-leaf collection 30 with the device according to the invention and the tensioning of the band member 12 in this embodiment. As in FIG. 22 the tension of the band member 12 is shown by attaching the band member 12 in the holding device 52 of the register sheet or clamping means 50th Fig. 23 shows that even after this embodiment, bundled loose-leaf collection 30 can be stored in a file folder 60, wherein a labeling area 54 of the tab sheet 50 can be expanded. The fold-in and unfoldability of the tab sheet 50 is particularly advantageous because in this way during transport by folding damage to the tab projection can be avoided, which protrudes beyond the edge of the loose-leaf collection. In addition, the paper stack is given additional stability by the double thickness of the register sheet. If necessary, the tab can then be unfolded and fulfill its order function.

Fig. 24 to 28 show a fourth embodiment of the device 10 according to the invention with a clamping means 70 which is formed of plastic with helical spring elements 72, 74. Due to the helical design, a spring effect can be generated with a suitable choice of material for the clamping means 70. For bundling a loose-leaf collection 30, the retaining elements 14, 16 are passed from below through the loose-leaf collection 30 to be held together and the perforation 76, 78 of the tensioning means 70. As in Fig. 28 shown, the band member 12 can be hung with the retaining means 14, 16 in the slots 80, 82 in the helical spring elements 72, 74 of the clamping element 70, so that the ends of the band member 12 are held there. The different slot positions allow different thicknesses of loose-leaf collections 30 or different stress levels. Due to the spring action of the helical spring elements 72, 74, the band member 12 must not be designed to be stretchable in this embodiment. If you want to scroll in the loose-leaf collection, the retaining elements 14, 16 are off the slots in the spring elements 72, 74 taken out. Then they can slip back to the holes 76, 78 in the clamping means 70. This creates a free length of tape, so that it is easy to leaf through the loose-leaf collection.

With the invention a number of advantages are achieved. With a device according to the invention perforated loose-leaf collections of different stack heights, preferably between 5 and 300 sheets of writing paper, can be bundled and held together in a simple manner. The loose-leaf collections can be scrolled through in a simple manner without being folded or kinked or a binding margin arises. The bundled leaf collections can also be stored in a file folder. The device according to the invention saves space and can at the same time serve as an advertising medium, for example by suitable shaping of the elements and / or printing.

Claims (13)

1. An apparatus (10) for holding together loose collections of punched sheets (30) which comprises a ribbon element (12), which can be threaded through at least two holes (32, 34) of the loose collection of sheets (30), and retention means (14, 16), wherein the retention means (14, 16) can adopt a retaining position (RP) in which they hold together a collection of loose sheets (30) threaded through by the ribbon element (12),
   wherein the apparatus comprises a clamping means (40, 50, 70) for clamping the ribbon element (12) and wherein the ribbon element (12) is elastically stretchable and the clamping means (40) are configured as planar,
   characterised in that
   the ribbon element (12) for holding together a collection of loose sheets (30) can be guided over the surfaces and around the edges of the clamping means such that the ribbon element is held tensioned over its total length.
2. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the retention means (14, 16) comprise at least one retention element (14, 16) which can be pushed through the punched hole arrangement (32, 34) of the collection of loose sheets.
3. An apparatus in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the retention means (14, 16) are configured as elongate, in particular in rod shape or in web shape, and have a length which is larger than the hole diameter of the holes (32, 34) of the collection of loose sheets.
4. An apparatus in accordance with the preceding claim, characterised in that the ribbon element (12) is fastened to the retention means (14, 16) such that the fastening preferably starts in a middle region with respect to the length of the retention means, preferably at the centre, and the length of the retention means is configured such that the retention means do not project beyond the closest paper edge (31) of the collection of loose sheets (30) in the retention position (RP).
5. An apparatus in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the length of the ribbon element (12) is adapted to the spacing of two holes (32, 34) of a standard punched hole arrangement and/or to specific stack heights of collections of loose sheets to be held together.
6. An apparatus in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the ribbon element (12) is configured as so flat and/or thin and/or slim in cross-section that a collection of loose sheets (30) held together by the apparatus (10) can be filed in a folder (60).
7. An apparatus in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the ribbon element (12) threaded through the punched hole arrangement of the collection of loose sheets can be closed by means of the retention means (14, 16) to form a closed ribbon loop.
8. An apparatus in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the retention means comprise two retention elements (14, 16) which have connection means (18, 20) for a releasable connection of the retention elements.
9. An apparatus in accordance with the preceding claim, characterised in that the ribbon element (12) is formed with such a length between the two retention elements (14, 16) that a collection of loose sheets of a specific stack height threaded through by the ribbon element is held together with a tensioning of the ribbon element with connected retention elements.
10. An apparatus in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the clamping means has a punched hole arrangement (42, 44) which is arranged in accordance with the punched hole arrangement (32, 34) of the collection of loose sheets (30) to be held together.
11. An apparatus in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the clamping means (40, 50)

    - has a projection and/or an overhang (41) about which the ribbon element (12) of an apparatus (10) holding together a collection of loose sheets can be laid and/or

    - has a slit (52) into which the ribbon element (12) of an apparatus (10) holding together a collection of loose sheets can be laid
    without it slipping off the clamping means.
12. An apparatus in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the clamping means is configured as a register element (50) and/or as a protective cover and/or as a protective back and/or as a protective envelope and/or can be written on.
13. An apparatus in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the clamping means (70) has spring elements (72, 74) for tensioning the stretchable or non-stretchable ribbon element (12).

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