GB2356172A

GB2356172A - Document binder clip to group together and sub-divide sheets in a ring binder

Info

Publication number: GB2356172A
Application number: GB9926367A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bruce Stanley John Hutchison; Alasdair Max Barnett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-11-09
Filing date: 1999-11-09
Publication date: 2001-05-16
Also published as: GB9926367D0

Abstract

A clip fastens documents 5 together and has holes 7 which allow it to be mounted in a ring binder (fig 2). A push-fit pin 3 and socket 4 arrangement can be provided to engage with holes 6 in the sheets 5. The clip can protect and strengthen the holes 6 in the sheets 5 and can provide rigidity to the back of the document 5. The clip is provided in a number of embodiments which include: a clip comprising a single part 10 divided by an integral hinge 11; identical and reversible parts (fig 4); a clip including a descriptive label (12, fig 5); a clip with a pen or pencil holder (13, fig 6); and, a clip with a separation aid (15, fig 7).

Description

2356172 This invention relates to a document clip system.

Existing paper connection devices such as staples make separating sheets for individual access ie for faxinglphotocopying difficult once stapled together while paper clips are non-permanent and paper is easily loosened. Both are awkward to use once filed ie in a ring binder, neither protect the punched holes (tend to rip easily) and both do not keep edges rigid. An alternative solution is to place documents into a clear sleeve which has pre-punched holes on one edge which can be placed into a ring binder However to access the document it must be removed from the sleeve separating the sheets once again.

According to the present invention there is provided a clip that connects a number of loose sheets to create a document clip system. Me clip is easily releasable and could have a variety of methods to connect the loose sheets into a document. 7he method we have adopted for the purpose of this application consists of a pin and hole push-fit of parts to connect the clip via pre-punched holes. Holes in the clip then allow filinglarchiving in a ring binder or similar storage product to create an intemal subdivided document system. Me clip can then support the punched holes, protect the document edge and stop paper from being accidentally ripped out.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG I is perspective view of a typical document clip with sheets FIG 2 is a perspective view of a complete assembly with standard ring file; FIG 3 is a perspective view of an alternative single part hinging document clip; FIG 4 is an identicallreversible document clip; FIG 5 illustrates a feature to locate a descriptive label; FIG 6 illustrates a feature to store a writing instrument; FIG 7 illustrates an alternative feature to aid releasing parts; 2 Referring to the drawings a typical document clip is shown in FIG 1 and consists of a top plate I and clamping plate 2 each with a corresponding pin 3 and hole 4 which push-fit together thus connecting loose sheets 5 via pre-punched holes 6 to create a document. Holes 7 can then be used to store the document clip in a typical filing product 9. To release the parts to access individual sheets a feature 8 is used.

Figure 2 illustrates a typical assembly with document clip located within a typical filing product 9.

Figure 3 illustrates an alternative single part document clip 10 with an integral hinge 11.

Figure 4 illustrates an identicallreversible document clip.

Figure 5 illustrates a feature I I to locate a descriptive label 12 to differentiate documents when in a storage configuration.

Figure 6 illustrates a feature 13 to store a writing instrument 14 Figure 7 illustrates an alternative feature 15 to aid releasing parts.

The document clip could be manufactured in a variety of colours to guide the user to relevant coded sub-divided documents. Accordingly, the document clip includes a configuration that is simple and cost-effective to manufacture in high volume and can include a variety of sizes and shape variations. The length of the clip can also increase to provide extra support along the document edge.

3

Claims

Claims

I A releasable document clip which connects a number of individual sheets.

Holes in the clip then allow filing in a typical storage product thus creating an internal sub-divided and easy access document system.

2 A document clip as claimed in Claim I which protects and strengthens prepunched holes in the connected sheet material and also provides rigidity along the joined edge.

3 A document clip as claimed in Claim 7-2 comprising of a single part with an integral hinge.

4 A document clip as claimed in Claim 1-2 comprising of 2 identical and reversible parts that join through pre-punched holes to create a document clip A document clip as claimed in Claim 1-2 wherein a feature is provided to store a writing instrument.

6 A document clip as claimed in Claim 1-2 wherein a feature is provided to store a descriptive label. The clip could also be colour coded to differentiate documents when filed in a storage product.

7 A document clip as claimed in Claim 1-2 where the clip could vary in depth to accept different document thickness 8 A document clip substantially as described herein with reference to figures 1- 7 of the accompanying drawing.