BINDING ELEMENT FOR SHEETS OF PAPER

Abstract: The present invention provides an element (1) for mutually binding two or more sheets of paper provided with perforator holes, comprising: a substantially flat and elongate body portion with a length roughly equal to a distance defined by two perforator holes and a width smaller than or equal to the diameter of the perforator holes; an insertion end portion (3) in the line of the body portion of a width such that it can be placed through the perforator holes; and a second end portion (4) which can be provided with a decorative part (5) which is wider than the insertion end portion (3) and which extends relative to the insertion end portion (3) in opposing direction from the body portion (2).

Description: BINDING ELEMENT FOR SHEETS OF PAPER Even in a time when personal computers are widely used for both commercial and domestic purposes, the number of reports, contracts and the like which are issued, mailed or stored seems to increase rather than decrease. Well-presented, "clean" reports are usually bound and provided with a spine, which is time-consuming and laborious and also undesirable from an environmental viewpoint. In addition, use is generally made for filing purposes of a binding element of metal arranged on a cover wherein two insertion end parts are placed through perforator holes arranged in sheets of paper and a counter-element with corresponding holes is placed thereover, whereafter the insertion end parts are fixed in place with slide elements. Due to their unattractive appearance these binding elements are little used for distribution of reports, contracts and the like. Further known from the European patent application 81.101.039.6 is a connecting element with a stem and two holding members which can be placed through oval holes in a number of sheets of paper, whereafter this connecting element must be turned in order to hold together the sheets of paper. This connecting element requires a special type of perforating machine in order to make the oval holes. The present invention provides an element for mutually binding two or more sheets of paper provided with perforator holes, comprising: - a substantially flat and elongate body portion with a length roughly equal to a distance defined by two perforator holes and a width smaller than or equal to the diameter of the perforator holes; - an insertion end portion in the line of the body portion of a width such that it can be placed t j hrough the perforator holes; and - a second end portion which can be provided with a decorative part which is wider than the insertion end portion and which extends relative to the insertion end portion in opposing direction from the body portion. The binding element according to the present invention is preferably applied in combination with round holes of a usual perforator such as is available in most offices (and households) , while the decorative part can be used in distinctive or humorous manner to draw the attention of the recipient of the sheets of paper to a logo or other message. Further advantages, features and details of the present invention will be elucidated on the basis of the following description with reference to the annexed drawings, in which: fig. 1 shows a view in perspective of a preferred embodiment of a binding element according to the present invention; fig. 2 shows a front view of the binding element of fig. 1 in use; and fig. 3 is a view in perspective of a second embodiment of the binding element according to the present invention in use. A binding element 1 according to the present invention (fig. 1 and 2) comprises a body portion 2, an insertion end portion 3 and a second end portion 4 which is provided with a decorative part 5 which can take different forms, such as the decorative part 5' of fig. 3. The decorative part 5 is preferably provided with a logo or other message printed thereon for the recipient of the report or contract formed by the sheets of paper S, S'. The decorative part 5' can likewise be printed and also be embodied in a desired colour composition. After perforator holes HI and H2 have been arranged in a plurality of sheets of paper S, S' using a normal perforator, the insertion end portion 3 is inserted through both holes and the decorative part 5 lies on the upper side thereof in a position easily visible to the recipient of the sheets of paper. The body portion 2 and the end portions 3, 4 respectively are preferably manufactured from one piece of flexible metal, thus resulting in a low cost price and preventing the binding element from buckling during use. Silver-coloured metal is also easily visible. The transition between body portion 2 and insertion end portion 3 and the second end portion 4 is preferably formed by bends 6, 7 respectively so that the sheets of paper remain lying flat on a planar base. Relative to the embodiment of fig. 1 and 2 the embodiment of fig. 3 has the further feature that the insertion end portion 3' is provided with a locking element 8 which can be fixed non-releasably to insertion end portion 3' whereby the sheets of paper, for instance together forming a contract, are joined together insepa¬ rably. The locking element 8 can for instance be snapped into the hole 9 in the insertion end portion 3• such that locking element 8 cannot be removed without noticeably damaging the insertion element 3' . Locking element 8 has a dimension which is larger than the diameter of the perforator holes (not shown in fig. 3) and can for in¬ stance be provided with a logo or the seal of a lawyer or the like. The rights applied for are in no way determined by the above described embodiments. These are defined by the following claims. *****

Claims: CLAIMS 1. Element for mutually binding two or more sheets of paper provided with perforator holes, comprising: - a substantially flat and elongate body portion with a length roughly equal to a distance defined by two perforator holes and a width smaller than or equal to the diameter of the perforator holes; - an insertion end portion in the line of the body portion of a width such that it can be placed through the perforator holes; and - a second end portion which can be provided with a decorative part which is wider than the insertion end portion and which extends relative to the insertion end portion in opposing direction from the body portion. 2. Binding element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body portion, the insertion end portion and the second end portion are manufactured in one piece. 3. Binding element as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least the body portion consists of a thin strip of strong and resilient material. 4. Binding element as claimed in claim 3, wherein the material is flexible metal which is difficult to buckle. 5. Binding element as claimed in any of the claims 1-4, wherein the transition between the body portion and the insertion end portion and/or the second end portion is defined by a bend. 6. Binding element as claimed in any of the foregoing claims provided with a locking element which has a dimension larger than the diameter of the perforator holes and which, after placing of the insertion end portion, can be fixed non-releasably thereto.

Inventors: DE JONG RONALD, PIJFERS LUCAS MARIA, DE JONG, RONALD, PIJFERS, LUCAS, MARIA
Applicants: JONG RONALD DE, JPI INNOVATORS B V, PIJFERS LUCAS MARIA, DE JONG, RONALD, JPI INNOVATORS B.V., PIJFERS, LUCAS, MARIA
Application year: 1996
Main classification: B42F13
IPC codes: B42F13