Abstract:
A method of removing and retrieving a staple or other fastening device for a plurality of objects, commonly paper, without the use of additional tools. The combined fastening removal and retrieval device comprises a tab of tear-resistant material that is placed on top of or around the objects being stapled or otherwise fastened together. The combination of the stack of papers and the combined fastening removal and retrieval device is then fastened together to form a single object. To remove the fastening device, the user pulls on the tab, which in turn pulls on the fastening device, such as a staple, until the staple or other fastening device is removed from the stack of papers. An additional benefit is that the staple will remain attached to the fastening removal device.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to a combined fastener removal and retrieving device and more particularly, to a combined staple removing and retrieving device.  
         BACKGROUND INFORMATION  
         [0002]    A common method and economical means of fastening several objects together is with the use of a fastening device such as a staple. Unfortunately, the staple must often be removed for a wide variety of reasons. This presents a problem because the objects which are fastened together, usually paper, often become damaged during the process of removing the fastener. Generally the individual removing the staple will need a tool since it is very difficult to remove staples by hand.  
           [0003]    The most common staple remover is a claw-like device such as the one described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,974,999 to Bertolet or 5,875,503 to Cheldin that have opposing pairs of claws that are forced between the staple and the paper, forcing the bent legs of the staple to be straightened and removed.  
           [0004]    Another prior art staple remover is a blade of increasing width that is slid between the staple and the paper such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,553,737 to Yi or 4,901,981 to Knippels or 5,720,062 to Vaught. As the blade is slid or inserted between the staple and the paper, the increasing width of the blade causes the staple to be lifted through the stapled papers.  
           [0005]    The disadvantage of both devices is that you still need a tool to remove the staple. Another disadvantage is that the claw-like staple remover usually damages the paper if the claws accidentally dig into the papers. A further disadvantage is that the removed staple is easily dropped or lost and since most staple removing is done at a copier machine, the removed staple may become lodged inside and damage the copier machine.  
           [0006]    Accordingly, what is needed is a method/device for removing a fastening means without the use of a tool. Also, there is a need for a method/device for removing a fastening device that will not damage the previously fastened objects. Further, there is a need for a method/device for removing and automatically recovering a fastening device.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    One embodiment of the present invention is a combined fastening removal and retrieval device comprising a portion of a tear-resistant material. The combined fastening removal and retrieval device has an inner surface and an outer surface and a length. The combined fastening removal and retrieval device is preferably rectangular in shape, although additional shapes are contemplated. The combined fastening removal and retrieval device is placed at least on the top of the objects prior to being fastened. During the fastening, the combined fastening removal and retrieval device is secured to the objects by the fastener.  
           [0008]    Another embodiment of the present invention utilizes a crease in the tear-resistant material. The crease creates a front tab and a back tab. The front tab end and the rear tab end are placed on the top and bottom respectively of the objects being fastened in a manner such that the combined fastening removal and retrieval device partially surrounds a portion of the objects where the fastening device is to be placed.  
           [0009]    The tear-resistant material can be of any material having suitable strength to withstand the force generated during the removal process such as acetate, fluropolymers, PEEK, MYLAR, polycarbonate, polyester (PET, PET G), polyethylene (LDPE), or PVC. The only limitation being that the material must be in a form suitable for a think film. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]    These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein:  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1 is an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIGS. 2A, 2B, and  2 C are plain views showing three different embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIGS. 3A and 3B are plain views showing two different dispensing embodiments of the present invention including a roll holder and a stack;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 4 is another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 5 is a plain view showing an embodiment of the present invention in combination with a plurality of objects prior to being fastened;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 6 is a plain view showing an embodiment of the present invention in combination with a plurality of objects after being fastened;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 7 is a plain view showing an embodiment of the present invention in combination with a plurality of objects during one removal method of a fastening device; and  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 8 is a plain view showing an embodiment of the present invention in combination with a plurality of objects after removal of a fastening device. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0019]    The present invention includes a device  10 , FIG. 1, and a method for removing and retrieving a fastening device without the need for an additional tool. In one embodiment of the present invention, a combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10  is constructed of a portion of tear-resistant material having an inner surface  11 , an outer surface  12 , a back tab end  13 , a front tab end  14 , and a transverse crease  15  disposed between and forming the back tab end  13  and the front tab end  14 .  
         [0020]    The combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10  may be composed of a polymeric material such as mylar, acetate, or as a composite such as a fiber reinforced composite or laminate composite such as polypropylene film with fiberglass or polypropylene filament or any other tear-resistant material capable of withstanding the force generated during removal. The thickness of the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10  will depend on the material chosen and on the strength and tearing properties of the material. The selection of the material and its thickness is well within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the materials art. In a preferred embodiment, the material is Mylar having a thickness of generally between 1 mil. to 4 mil.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIGS. 2A, 2B, and  2 C illustrate three different material embodiments of the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10 . In one embodiment, FIG. 2A, the material may be a composite material containing fibers  17  embedded in the polymer matrix  19  and orientated along the length of the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10  for providing additional strength along the length of the device  10  to prevent tearing of the removal device  10  as the fastening device is removed.  
         [0022]    In another embodiment, FIG. 2B, the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10  may include ribs  23  on the inner surface  11  and/or outer surface  12  orientated along the length of the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10 . This configuration will also serve to strengthen the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10 . In yet another embodiment, FIG. 2C, the material may be a laminar composite comprising a polymer layer  24  bonded to a fibrous outer layer  25  that is capable of maintaining any writing on the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10  from a variety of common writing utensils such as pens, pencils and markers. Alternatively, the material that the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10  is made of may be any material that can be written on.  
         [0023]    The material from which the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10  is fabricated may be transparent to allow viewing of the entire first object and/or may be provided in a variety of colors to allow quick retrieval or additional organization capability. The material may alternatively be translucent or opaque to allow any markings on the outer surface to be easily read. Additionally, the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10  may include a design or logo on its surface.  
         [0024]    In another embodiment, the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10  may be composed of a fiber-reinforced polymer. Since the reinforcing fibers will carry the tensile load on the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10  during fastening removal, the polymer matrix acts only to maintain the position of the fibers within the matrix and may be made of thin flexible polymer.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate two different dispensing embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3A shows a dispensing embodiment wherein the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10  may be provided in a continuous roll  16 . Optionally, the continuous roll  16  may be used in conjunction with a roll holder  18  having a cutting surface  22  for cutting the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10  from the roll  16 . FIG. 3B shows a different dispensing embodiment wherein the roll  16  may be perforated to dispense the fastening removal and retrieval device  10 .  
         [0026]    Alternatively, the fastening removal and retrieval device  10  may be provided in a stack  11  wherein one end  13  may be adhered together with releasable glue in a manner similar to POST-IT® brand notes.  
         [0027]    In a further embodiment, the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10  may include a light, non-permanent adhesive  16 , FIG. 3C, on one side, as in a standard adhesive tape, to facilitate locating and positioning the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10  on the plurality of objects  20 .  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10  may be provided without the crease  15 . The absence of the crease  15  may provide for more compact storage. As shown, the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10  is relatively flat and is placed on the bottom paper  22 . Alternatively, the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10  may be placed on the top paper  21 .  
         [0029]    In another embodiment, the crease  15  is not present and the user may bend the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10  around the edge of the plurality of objects  20  being fastened. However, providing the crease  15  provides a convenient usability feature by eliminating the need for the user to bend the material around the edge of the objects  20  being fastened.  
         [0030]    For reference, the plurality of objects  20  is shown as a stack of papers  20  having a top paper  21  and a bottom paper  22 , although other types of materials such as cardboard, plastic, and other materials commonly fastened together are envisioned. Furthermore, the fastening device is shown as a staple  30  having a front member  31  and legs  32 , although other types of fastening devices including nails, clasps, or hooks are envisioned.  
         [0031]    In yet another embodiment, the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10  may be a non-rectangular shape as well. The shape may be determined by ergonomic or esthetic reasons and the selection of the shape is well within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. Possible shapes contemplated are an hourglass, a triangle, a figure “8”, or any other non-rectangular shape.  
         [0032]    FIGS.  5 - 8  illustrate a method of using the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10 . FIG. 5 shows the first step of using the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10  wherein combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10  has been wrapped under a portion of the edge of a plurality of objects  20  being fastened. Alternatively, when the crease  15  is not utilized, the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10  may be disposed on only the top  21  or the bottom paper  22  of the stack of papers  20 .  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 6 shows the configuration of a stapled stack of papers  20  with the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10 . The staple  30  has a front member  34  that is disposed above the front tab end  14  and adjacent to the outer surface  12  of the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10 . The legs  32  of the staple  30  penetrate the front tab end  14 , the stack of papers  20 , and the rear tab end  13 . The legs  32  are bent toward the front member  34  and are adjacent to the outer surface of the rear tab end  13 .  
         [0034]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the width of the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10  is sufficiently large so that both legs  32  of the staple penetrate through the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10  although this is not a limitation of the present invention as the combined fastening removal and retrieval device may include only a top or front tab end  14 .  
         [0035]    Removal of the staple  30  is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The user preferably first grasps the rear tab end  13  and pulls the rear tab end  13  away from the stack of papers  20 . FIG. 7 shows the configuration after the user has pulled the rear tab end  13  away from the stack of papers  20 . The effect of this step is to partially straighten the legs  32  of staple  30 . Partially straightening the legs  32  allows for easier removal of the staple  30  and reduces the damages to the stack of papers  20 , but is not required. The user next grasps and pulls the front tab end  14  away from the stack of papers  20 .  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 8 shows the configuration after the user has pulled the front tab end  14  away from the stack of papers  20  illustrating that the stack of papers  20  are unstapled without damage, other than the small puncture holes  33  produced by the staple  30  to the top paper  21  or bottom paper  22 . Additionally, the staple  30  is still attached to the combined fastening removal and retrieval device  10  thereby reducing the possibility that the staple  30  may lodge and damage nearby office machinery.  
         [0037]    Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention that is not to be limited except by the claims that follow.