GB2079224A - Spacer Clip for Files & Binders - Google Patents

Abstract

A spacer (10) for spacing apart the cover leaves of a file or binder comprises a bridging piece (12) interconnecting a pair of opposite end portions (14, 16). The end portions are each shaped to provide a recess in the form of a resilient loop (20) which resiliently grip the edge parts of the file cover leaves. The file is more stable when stood on a shelf with the spacer in position. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Spacer Clip For Files and Binders This invention relates to a clip for spacing apart the cover leaves of a file or binder. The invention is particularly useful with a file of the arch-lever type.

Large files and binders such as those of the arch-lever type normally are shelved for reference by being stood on and with the spine of the file exposed to view. It is well known that such files have a tendency to become unstable in the shelved position, particularly when only partially filled with papers. This instability is caused by the free upright edges of the cover leaves closing together with the result that the files are easily toppled over.

One aspect of the present invention provides a spacer for spacing apart the cover leaves of a file or binder which spacer has a bridging piece interconnecting a pair of opposite and portions, which portions are each shaped to provide a recess adapted to receive an edge part of a file cover leaf in close fitting relationship.

According to a feature of this aspect of the invention those portions of the spacer defining the recesses may be resilient so that edge parts of the file cover resiliently are gripped by the end portions. In constructions where this feature is adopted the end portions may each be formed by a part of the spacer which is bent to form a resilient loop, the loop having a mouth which is biased to close the loop when the spacer is unstrained, and which is sprung open when an edge part of the file cover is received in the loop.

Preferably the spacer is formed from spring steel.

Another aspect of the invention provides a binder or file whose cover leaves are held apart by a spacer as defined in either of the two immediately preceding paragraphs and in which the bridging piece is sized to approximate the width of the spine of the file or binder.

According to a feature of this aspect of the invention one of the end portions of the spacer may be secured to a cover leaf of the file or binder. Preferably, the spacer spans the free edges of the file cover leaves which are remote from the spine of the file.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a spacer clip in the unstrained condition, and Figure 2 shows the spacer clip connected to and spanning the cover leaves of a file.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a spacer clip 10 formed from spring steel. The clip 10 comprises a central bridging piece 12 which interconnects integral and portions 14, 16, respectively. Each end portion is bent to form a resilient loop 1 8 (see e.g. end portion 14) having a lead part 20 integral with the bridging piece 12 and a tail part 22 which closes the mouth 24 of the loop 18.

To apply the spacer clip 10 to a file the mouth 24 of each loop 18 is opened by pushing apart the tail parts 22 and inserting the file cover leaves into the recesses thus provided (Figure 2) so that the cover leaves resiliently are gripped by the end portions 14, 1 6 respectively. Of course, a clip is chosen whose bridging piece approximates the width of the file spine so that when fitted the spacer clip 10 will hold the cover leaves in approximately parallel relationship thereby improving the rigidity and stability of the file. The clip may be attached to span the file cover leaves at any suitable location eg. across the top horizontal edges or the vertical edges remote from the spine. In the latter case it is preferable to attach the clip adjacent the lowermost corners of the file covers.In this way, by virtue of the configuration of the clip, the end portions 14, 1 6 provide a pair of 'feet' which assist in maintaining the file upright when shelved.

It is envisaged that the clip may be attached to one of the file covers so that it is not inadvertently misplaced. Attachment may be by any suitable means, for example, by riveting one tail part 22 to the file cover.

Claims

1. A spacer for spacing apart the cover leaves of a file or binder which spacer has a bridging piece interconnecting a pair of opposite end portions characterized in that the end portions are each shaped to provide a recess adapted to receive an edge part of a file cover leaf in close fitting relationship.

2. A spacer according to claim 1 , further characterized in that those portions of the spacer defining the recesses are resilient so that edge parts of the file cover resiliently are gripped by the end portions.

3. A spacer according to claim 2, further characterized in that the end portions are each formed by a part of the spacer which is bent to form a resilient loop, the loop having a mouth which is biased to close the loop when the spacer is unstrained, and which is sprung open when an edge part of the file cover is received in the loop.

4. A spacer according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the spacer is formed from spring steel.

5. A binder or file whose cover leaves are held apart by a spacer as defined in any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the bridging piece is sized to approximate the width of the spine of the file or binder.

6. A binder or file according to claim 5, further characterized in that one of the end portions of the spacer is secured to a cover leaf of the file or binder.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (7)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Spacer Clip For Files and Binders This invention relates to a clip for spacing apart the cover leaves of a file or binder. The invention is particularly useful with a file of the arch-lever type. Large files and binders such as those of the arch-lever type normally are shelved for reference by being stood on and with the spine of the file exposed to view. It is well known that such files have a tendency to become unstable in the shelved position, particularly when only partially filled with papers. This instability is caused by the free upright edges of the cover leaves closing together with the result that the files are easily toppled over. One aspect of the present invention provides a spacer for spacing apart the cover leaves of a file or binder which spacer has a bridging piece interconnecting a pair of opposite and portions, which portions are each shaped to provide a recess adapted to receive an edge part of a file cover leaf in close fitting relationship. According to a feature of this aspect of the invention those portions of the spacer defining the recesses may be resilient so that edge parts of the file cover resiliently are gripped by the end portions. In constructions where this feature is adopted the end portions may each be formed by a part of the spacer which is bent to form a resilient loop, the loop having a mouth which is biased to close the loop when the spacer is unstrained, and which is sprung open when an edge part of the file cover is received in the loop. Preferably the spacer is formed from spring steel. Another aspect of the invention provides a binder or file whose cover leaves are held apart by a spacer as defined in either of the two immediately preceding paragraphs and in which the bridging piece is sized to approximate the width of the spine of the file or binder. According to a feature of this aspect of the invention one of the end portions of the spacer may be secured to a cover leaf of the file or binder. Preferably, the spacer spans the free edges of the file cover leaves which are remote from the spine of the file. An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a spacer clip in the unstrained condition, and Figure 2 shows the spacer clip connected to and spanning the cover leaves of a file. Referring to the drawings, there is shown a spacer clip 10 formed from spring steel. The clip 10 comprises a central bridging piece 12 which interconnects integral and portions 14, 16, respectively. Each end portion is bent to form a resilient loop 1 8 (see e.g. end portion 14) having a lead part 20 integral with the bridging piece 12 and a tail part 22 which closes the mouth 24 of the loop 18. To apply the spacer clip 10 to a file the mouth 24 of each loop 18 is opened by pushing apart the tail parts 22 and inserting the file cover leaves into the recesses thus provided (Figure 2) so that the cover leaves resiliently are gripped by the end portions 14, 1 6 respectively. Of course, a clip is chosen whose bridging piece approximates the width of the file spine so that when fitted the spacer clip 10 will hold the cover leaves in approximately parallel relationship thereby improving the rigidity and stability of the file. The clip may be attached to span the file cover leaves at any suitable location eg. across the top horizontal edges or the vertical edges remote from the spine. In the latter case it is preferable to attach the clip adjacent the lowermost corners of the file covers.In this way, by virtue of the configuration of the clip, the end portions 14, 1 6 provide a pair of 'feet' which assist in maintaining the file upright when shelved. It is envisaged that the clip may be attached to one of the file covers so that it is not inadvertently misplaced. Attachment may be by any suitable means, for example, by riveting one tail part 22 to the file cover. Claims

1. A spacer for spacing apart the cover leaves of a file or binder which spacer has a bridging piece interconnecting a pair of opposite end portions characterized in that the end portions are each shaped to provide a recess adapted to receive an edge part of a file cover leaf in close fitting relationship.

2. A spacer according to claim 1 , further characterized in that those portions of the spacer defining the recesses are resilient so that edge parts of the file cover resiliently are gripped by the end portions.

3. A spacer according to claim 2, further characterized in that the end portions are each formed by a part of the spacer which is bent to form a resilient loop, the loop having a mouth which is biased to close the loop when the spacer is unstrained, and which is sprung open when an edge part of the file cover is received in the loop.

4. A spacer according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the spacer is formed from spring steel.

5. A binder or file whose cover leaves are held apart by a spacer as defined in any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the bridging piece is sized to approximate the width of the spine of the file or binder.

6. A binder or file according to claim 5, further characterized in that one of the end portions of the spacer is secured to a cover leaf of the file or binder.

7. A binder or file according to claim 5 or claim 6, further characterized in that the spacer spans the free edges of the file cover leaves which are remote from the spine of the file.