Flat Binder Clip

Abstract

This invention relates to a type of paper clip known as a binder clip. Binder clips are a class of clips -suitable for binding together thicker stacks of paper or other thin sheets, up to a stack inch thick, or approximately 125 sheets. Typical binder clips currently available on the market are comparably bulky and heavy, and add thickness above the height of a stack. As an improvement, this invention has a quite flat, low and compact configuration and is light in weight, which overcomes these typical problems. Additionally, it can provide a flat surface to accommodate writing or advertising graphics.

Claims

1. A binder clip comprising two elements: a spring wire-form having nine straight sections wherein each of said sections is joined by a 90 degree bend with it adjacent section, and wherein a first short straight section and a last straight section of said wire-form extend inwardly and are colinear; and a platen mating with the wire-form wherein said first and last straight sections respectively pivotably engage holes in projections extending from said platen.

2. A binder clip comprising a spring wire-form surrounding and pivotably engaging a platen, wherein the general plane of the wire-form is essentially coplanar with the platen.

3. A binder clip according to claim 1 wherein the platen is made of rigid non-metallic material.

4. A binder clip according to claim 1 wherein the platen is made of metal.

5. A binder clip according to claim 1 wherein the platen may have graphics and/or written characters.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a widely used type of spring steel binder clip which is bulky and requires excessive finger force to use.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of this invention.

[0014] FIG. 3 shows three orthographic views of wire-form 11 of the preferred embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 4 shows two views of platen 12 of the preferred embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 5 gives two views of the method of applying the preferred embodiment to a stack of sheets.

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the various elements and features of this embodiment are identified: a wire-form 11 and a platen 12. Wire-form 11 is made of a resilient material such as steel spring wire, and has eight right-angle bends alternating with nine straight sections, resulting in the configuration shown. Multiple sheets of paper 27 are shown gripped by the preferred embodiment

[0018] In the preferred embodiment, wire-form 11 acts as a three-dimensional spring element wherein straight sections 19, 20, 21, and 22 act as cantilever flexing members, while straight sections 23 and 24 act as torsional flexing members. Together, these flexing elements act together to provide the clamping forces and resiliency necessary to meet the design requirements of this novel clip. Platen 12 is made of relatively thin, flat, and rigid material, such as plastic or metal. Platen 12 has two projecting ears 13 and 14 and having cylindrical holes 15 and 16, respectively, with common centerline 26. Short end sections 17 and 18 of wire-form 11 are inserted into holes 15 and 16, respectively. Said holes mate and pivotably engage said end sections, thereby combining wire-form 11 and platen 12 into a unitary assembly which comprises the device of this invention.

[0019] While the embodiment of this invention described above is the preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art should recognize that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, modified irregular rectangular design could be included with such scope.

[0020] While the embodiment of this invention described above is the preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art should recognize that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, modified irregular rectangular design could be included with such scope. Likewise, a rounded platen surrounded by a suitable mating wire-form could be devised, accomplishing the same objects of this invention, within the scope of the following claims: