Paper clip

Abstract

The present invention relates to a paper clip (1) made of at least one recyclable material, selected from the group consisting of paper, card and plastic. The paper clip has a flat extending in a plane (E) with two slot-like recesses (3a, 3b), wherein the strip (10) arranged between the slot-like recesses covers the stack of paper (2) to be bundled.

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] PAPER CLIP

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates to a recyclable paper clip, i.e. a device for releasably bundling sheets of paper.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Classic paper clips or paper clips made of metal wire for releasably bundling sheets of paper have been around for a long time. These are usually attached to the top edge of a stack of paper and clamp the stack of paper between two differently sized bent wire loops, so that a first, upper wire loop lies on top of the stack of paper and a second, lower wire loop lies on the bottom of the stack of paper. Other clips made of light metal, e.g. aluminum, are pushed over the top corner of a stack of paper and then folded over, bending and thus damaging the corner of the stack of paper. Before the stack of paper can be disposed of with the waste paper, such metal clips must be removed and disposed of separately or recycled, which is laborious and time-consuming.

[0007] PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved paper clip that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. The paper clip should not damage the stack of paper being held together and should be recyclable with the stack, so that the paper clip does not have to be removed and separately disposed of before disposing of the stack of paper. Furthermore, the paper clip should be manufactured using minimal material and be designed to save space, so that the bundled stack of paper with the paper clip can be easily inserted into an envelope.

[0009] The paper clip according to the invention for releasably bundling sheets of paper or a stack of sheets of paper is made from at least one recyclable material. The at least one recyclable material is selected from the group consisting of paper, cardboard, and plastic. It is therefore also possible for the paper clip to be made from a combination of one or more of these materials. This is preferably a material that is recyclable together with waste paper. It is particularly preferably a paper-based material. If the paper clip is made from a paper composite, i.e. a flat combination of at least two different materials, then preferably all materials can be disposed of with the waste paper, so that they are accessible for paper recycling together. The paper clip can be made from a structured paper.Preferably, all material components of the paper clip comply with the DIN SPEC 6745 and / or DIN EN643:2014 standards. The material from which the paper clip is made should have a certain strength, ideally exceeding the strength of the paper bundled within it, to best fulfill its purpose. Such a strong paper preferably has a paper weight of 100-500 g / m². 2 , the paper weight being particularly preferably in a range of 250-400 g / m 2 and most preferably in a range of 320-350 g / m 2 If the paper clip is coated, a thinner paper thickness may be sufficient to form the paper clip than if the paper clip is uncoated, since the coating contributes to the strength and stability of the paper clip.

[0010] Advantageously, the paper clip has a coating made of a recyclable material. According to another preferred embodiment, the paper clip has a coating containing a polymer, most preferably a water-soluble polymer, which is preferably selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and polyvinylene chloride (PVDC). Waste paper is usually dissolved in approximately 36-42°C warm water for the recycling process. The coatings optionally used for treating the paper clip according to the invention are therefore preferably also removable or soluble at this temperature.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the paper clip has a biodegradable coating. The coating can be made from natural raw materials, for example, from plant components, proteins, or waxes, optionally with the addition of bio-based additives. A paper clip coated in this way can be disposed of with waste paper after use. Due to its biodegradability and simple enzymatic separation of the multiple layers, paper recycling is not disrupted in this case.

[0012] In addition to recyclability, another advantage of a paper clip according to the invention is that notes or instructions can be written on the paper clip itself with a pen, eliminating the need for sticky notes. This, in turn, is environmentally desirable, as it reduces waste. Alternatively, an imprint on the paper clip, for example, in the form of a company logo or advertising slogan, would also be possible.

[0013] For use in hospitals and doctor's offices, the paper clip can contain a biocidal agent, preferably in a coating of the paper clip, to comply with any applicable sterility regulations. The biocidal agent preferably has an antibacterial, antiviral, and / or fungicidal effect. These can be, for example, biodegradable antimicrobial substances or biopolymers with intrinsic antimicrobial activity. Additionally or alternatively, recyclable polymers with antibacterial, antiviral, and / or fungicidal effects can be used.

[0014] The paper clip according to the invention has a flat extension extending in a plane, with a top side and a bottom side. A first slot-shaped recess with a first longitudinal axis and a second slot-shaped recess with a second longitudinal axis extend in the plane. The (first) longitudinal axis of the first slot-shaped recess extends along a straight section of the first slot-shaped recess or parallel thereto. The (second) longitudinal axis of the second slot-shaped recess extends along a straight section of the second slot-shaped recess or parallel thereto.

[0015] The first longitudinal axis of the first slot-shaped recess is preferably arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second slot-shaped recess in the plane, at least in the region of the respective straight section of the respective slot-shaped recess. The slot-shaped recesses penetrate the plane. In the form of elongated incisions, which can be produced by cutting, scoring, or punching transversely to the plane of the paper clip, the slot-shaped recesses penetrate the plane of the paper clip and extend from the top to the bottom of the paper clip.

[0016] The paper clip according to the invention has a first support area, a second support area, and a web arranged between the first support area and the second support area. The support areas are thus each separated from the web by one of the two slot-shaped recesses. This separation occurs along the length of the respective slot-shaped recess. At the periphery of the paper clip beyond the curved sections of the slotted recesses in the edge area of ​​the paper clip, i.e., towards the legs of the paper clip, the web and support areas are connected to one another or merge into one another. When no stack of paper is bundled in the paper clip, the support areas and the web are all in the same plane.When the paper clip contains a stack of paper, the web curves either upwards or downwards depending on the thickness of the paper stack, depending on how the stack of paper is inserted, and lifts itself off the plane of the two support areas. As mentioned, the web is delimited in a first direction by the first slot-shaped recess and in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, by the second slot-shaped recess. The first direction in the plane preferably extends transversely to the (first) longitudinal axis of the first slot-shaped recess, and the second direction in the plane extends transversely to the (second) longitudinal axis of the second slot-shaped recess.

[0017] The ridge is well-suited for printing, as mentioned above, provided the paper stack is inserted according to the first method. However, if the paper stack is inserted according to the second method, the first support area is more suitable for labeling. Which area is appropriate for labeling depends on which areas are covered by the paper, if the paper clip is removably attached to a corner of the paper stack, preferably the top left corner.

[0018] The paper clip according to the invention preferably has the shape of a polygon extending in a plane. A triangular shape, in particular a right-angled triangle, is particularly advantageous for bundling rectangular sheets of paper, most preferably an isosceles-right-angled triangle. According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one corner of the polygon, or in the case of a triangle, at least one corner of the triangle, can be rounded, with all corners preferably being rounded.

[0019] If the paper clip is essentially in the shape of a triangle, it has a first leg and a second leg, with a first angle enclosed by the first leg and the second leg in the first corner of the triangle. In the case of a right-angled triangle, this first angle in the first corner of the triangle is 90 degrees. A side opposite the first angle connects the first leg to the second leg. Preferably, the length of the first leg is the same as the length of the second leg. In an isosceles right-angled triangle, the two legs of the triangle represent two legs, and the side of the triangle opposite the first angle corresponds to the base and thus a hypotenuse. This base is flanked by the two base angles.However, it is also possible for the two legs to differ in their length, whereby preferably the leg with the greater length is arranged along a long side of the stack of paper to be bundled or is arranged parallel to the side edge of a sheet of paper which is held by the paper clip.

[0020] The first and second sides preferably each have a length of 2-8 cm, particularly preferably 3-7 cm, most preferably 4-6 cm. The base preferably has a length of 4-10 cm, particularly preferably 5-9 cm, most preferably 6-8 cm.

[0021] In a further preferred triangular embodiment, the (first) longitudinal axis of the first slot-shaped recess and the (second) longitudinal axis of the second slot-shaped recess are arranged parallel to the side of the paper clip opposite the first angle. Preferably, the (first) longitudinal axis of the first slot-shaped recess and the second longitudinal axis of the second slot-shaped recess are arranged at right angles to an angle bisector of the first angle formed in the first corner. The plane of the paper clip is spanned in the triangular shape between the three corners, or between the two legs.

[0022] The first slot-shaped recess is preferably shorter than the second slot-shaped recess. This means that the length of the first slot-shaped recess, which in the case of a triangular shape is arranged closer to the first corner and thus closer to the first angle of the paper clip than the second slot-shaped recess, is smaller than the length of the second slot-shaped recess, which is arranged closer to the side of the paper clip opposite the first angle than the first slot-shaped recess. The second slot-shaped recess is pierced first when the paper stack is inserted into the paper clip in a paper insertion direction and encloses a wider diagonal section of the paper stack bundled in the paper clip than the first slot-shaped recess, which, when the paper clip is mounted on the paper stack, is closer to the upper left corner of the paper stack bundled in the paper clip.

[0023] The paper clip can be designed to save particularly much material and space if it has a triangular shape. But even with a rectangular, particularly square, or trapezoidal shape, the stack of paper to be bundled can be inserted into the paper clip in such a way that the edges of the sheets of paper lie as close as possible to the edges or sides of the paper clip. With a triangular or rectangular paper clip, the top left corner of the stack of paper therefore lies directly on the top left corner of the paper clip, with the distance between the outer edge of the stack of paper and the outer edge of the paper clip corresponding to the distance mentioned below between the ends of the slot-shaped recesses and the respective adjacent side of the paper clip. The shorter the distance from the ends of the slot-shaped recesses to the edge orThe closer the paper clip is to the sides of the paper clip, the more space-efficiently the stack of paper with the attached paper clip can be stored in an envelope, as the edges of the paper clip protrude as little as possible beyond the edges of the stack of paper being bundled. A triangular, trapezoidal, or rectangular paper clip is the easiest way to store the stack of paper bundled in the paper clip in an envelope. The trapezoidal shape uses even less material than the triangular shape, but the corner of the stack of paper bundled in the paper clip is less supported.

[0024] However, it is also conceivable in principle that, instead of a polygon, the paper clip could be at least partially circular, or even have a shape with an irregular, possibly curved periphery, as might be desirable, for example, with decorative paper clips. As long as the stack of paper is accommodated by the two slot-shaped recesses, allowing the stack of paper to pass under the web in a first insertion direction, or over the web in a second insertion direction, the shape of the two support areas can be varied by decoratively designing the periphery or edges of the paper clip.

[0025] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the slot-like recesses are not only designed in the form of a straight slot, but each have a first curved end section and a second curved end section, each with a free end. The curved end sections adjoin a straight section of the slot-shaped recess on both sides. This means that each slot-shaped recess has a first free end at the first curved end section and a second free end at the second curved end section. Preferably, both free ends of a slot-shaped recess are arranged on the same side of the straight section of said slot-shaped recess, ie either both free ends orboth curved end sections of the respective one slot-shaped recess are directed away from the respective other slot-shaped recess of the two slot-shaped recesses or towards the respective other slot-shaped recess of the two slot-shaped recesses.

[0026] Due to the curved end sections, the two slot-shaped recesses form two flaps, under and over which the stack of paper is guided through the slot-shaped recesses.

[0027] The curved end sections preferably each describe a circular arc of a fictitious circle extending around a circle center, which arc adjoins each end of the straight section of the slot-shaped recess. This circular arc extends from the respective end of the straight section of the respective slot-shaped recess in a first or second circumferential direction, preferably over at least 120°, particularly preferably over at least 140 degrees, most preferably over 160-180 degrees around the circle center.

[0028] In this first preferred embodiment, which is formed in an isosceles right-angled triangle, both the curved sections of the first slot-shaped recess and the curved sections of the second slot-shaped recess are "open" toward the first corner of the triangular shape of the paper clip, or the respective free ends of the curved sections are directed in a first direction toward the first corner and away from the base or hypotenuse of the triangular shape. In other words, the first curved end section of the first slot-shaped recess extends from its straight section in a first circumferential direction, and the second curved end section of the first slot-shaped recess extends from its straight section in a second circumferential direction opposite the first circumferential direction.In contrast, the first curved end section of the second slot-shaped recess also extends from its straight section in the first circumferential direction, and the second curved end section of the second slot-shaped recess extends from its straight section in the second circumferential direction. Thus, the first curved section of the first slot-shaped recess and the first curved section of the second slot-shaped recess extend in the same first circumferential direction, and correspondingly, the second curved section of the first slot-shaped recess and the second curved section of the second slot-shaped recess also extend in the same second circumferential direction.

[0029] In this embodiment, in the case of a first preferred insertion method, the paper stack is guided in an insertion direction that runs parallel to the initially mentioned first direction, beneath the flap formed by the second slot-shaped recess and inserted into the second slot-shaped recess, whereby the flap formed by this flap is tilted upward from the plane of the paper clip along a pivot axis. The pivot axis runs along a connecting axis between the first end of the first curved portion of the second slot-shaped recess and the second end of the second curved portion of the second slot-shaped recess, and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the straight portion of the second slot-shaped recess.The upper left corner of the paper stack is then guided along an underside of the paper clip under the web between the two slot-shaped recesses and passes through the first slot-shaped recess back to the top of the paper clip, whereas the flap formed by the first slot-shaped recess is tilted downward along a pivot axis from the plane running along the top or surface of the paper clip. The respective pivot axis runs along a connecting axis between the free end of the first curved section of the respective slot-shaped recess and the free end of the second curved section of the respective slot-shaped recess, and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the respective slot-shaped recess and parallel to the straight section of the respective slot-shaped recess.The end of a curved section means the respective free end of the respective circular arc defining the curvature of the curved end section of the slot-shaped recess.

[0030] Alternatively, the stack of paper can be held by a paper clip in which both curved end sections of the two slotted recesses are open in a second direction toward the hypotenuse or base of the triangular shape of the paper clip, or the respective free ends of the respective curved sections are directed away from the first corner. In this case, both flaps formed by the slotted recesses open toward the hypotenuse of the triangular shape.

[0031] In a further preferred embodiment, in which the stack of paper bundled in the paper clip is held together particularly well, the curved end sections of the second slot-shaped recess are open towards the base, or in the case of a right-angled triangular shape, towards the hypotenuse of the paper clip, while the curved end sections of the first slot-shaped recess are open away from the base, i.e. in the case of a triangular shape, towards the first corner of the triangular shape of the paper clip. In other words, the first curved end section of the first slot-shaped recess runs from the straight section in a first circumferential direction and the second curved end section of the first slot-shaped recess runs from the straight section in a second circumferential direction.In contrast, the first curved end section of the second slot-shaped recess runs from the straight section in the second circumferential direction, and the second curved end section of the second slot-shaped recess runs from the straight section in the first circumferential direction. Thus, the first curved end section of the first slot-shaped recess and the second curved end section of the second slot-shaped recess run in the same, first circumferential direction, and correspondingly, the second curved end section of the first slot-shaped recess and the first curved end section of the second slot-shaped recess also run in the same, second circumferential direction. In this embodiment, in the case of the first insertion type, the paper stack is inserted in an insertion direction over or belowguided onto the flap formed by the second slot-shaped recess and inserted into the second slot-shaped recess, whereby said flap is tilted downward from the plane of the paper clip along its pivot axis. The pivot axis runs along a connecting axis between the first end of the first curved end portion of the respective slot-shaped recess and the second end of the second curved end portion of the respective slot-shaped recess, and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the straight portion of the respective slot-shaped recess.The upper left corner of the stack of paper to be bundled is then guided along the underside of the paper clip under the web between the two slot-shaped recesses and passes through the first slot-shaped recess back to the top of the paper clip. The flap formed by the first slot-shaped recess is also tilted downward along its pivot axis from the plane running along the top or surface of the paper clip. At this point, both flaps formed by the slot-shaped recesses open toward the web and thus toward each other.

[0032] A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the curved end sections of the second slot-shaped recess are open toward the first corner of the triangular shape of the paper clip, while the curved end sections of the first slot-shaped recess are open toward the base or the hypotenuse of the right-angled triangular shape of the paper clip. Here, the flap formed by the first recess opens toward the first corner of the triangular shape, and the flap formed by the second recess opens toward the base or the hypotenuse, i.e., the two flaps open opposite each other in a direction away from the web.

[0033] The radius of the circular arc described by the curved ends is preferably 1-3 mm. Preferably, the radius of the circular arc of the two curved ends of the first slot-shaped recess is the same size as the radius of the circular arc of the two curved ends of the second slot-shaped recess. However, the (first) circular radius of the two curved ends of the first slot-shaped recess and the (second) circular radius of the two curved ends of the second slot-shaped recess can also be different.

[0034] As mentioned above, the two slot-shaped recesses each preferably have a straight section between their two curved ends. The two slot-shaped recesses, or their straight sections, are arranged in the plane at a distance of at least 5 mm and a maximum of 20 mm, preferably in a range of 10-18 mm, most preferably in a range of 12-16 mm from one another, measured transversely to the first and second longitudinal axes, or in the first or second direction. This distance between the two straight sections of the two slot-shaped recesses defines the width of the web of the paper clip, since the web is limited in the first or second direction by the two slot-shaped recesses. The straight section of the second slot-shaped recess is preferably at a distance of 3-10 mm, preferably at a distance of 4-8 mm, most preferably at a distance of 5-7 mm from the base orthe hypotenuse of the paper clip. In the case of a rectangular paper clip, these distances preferably relate to a diagonal of the rectangular shape. Instead of straight sections, the slot-shaped recesses can also have an angular design, for example V-shaped, zigzag-shaped, or alternatively wave-like. Such alternatively designed sections can also be followed by curved end sections on both sides. In the case of such possible alternative shapes of the slot-like recess, the longitudinal axis of the slot-shaped recess is to be understood as the overall longitudinal axis along the general course of the slot-like recess parallel to the pivot axis of the flap formed by the slot-like recess, transverse to the direction of insertion of the stack of paper to be bundled.

[0035] The circular arcs of the curved end portions of each slot-shaped recess are preferably arranged at a minimum distance of 2 mm from the respective adjacent leg or the respective adjacent side of the paper clip, measured transversely to the respective adjacent side of the paper clip. Preferably, the periphery or the ends of the second slot-shaped recess are arranged at least 2 mm, preferably at least 3 mm, from the adjacent side or the adjacent leg of the paper clip, measured transversely to the adjacent side of the paper clip in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the respective second slot-shaped recess.

[0036] A further embodiment is characterized in that a first connecting line, which runs in the plane between a (first) circle center of the first curved end section of the first slot-shaped recess and a (first) circle center of the first curved end section of the second slot-shaped recess, runs parallel to the first side or the first leg of the paper clip. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a second connecting line runs in the plane between a (second) circle center of the second curved end section of the first slot-shaped recess and a (second) circle center of the second curved end section of the second slot-shaped recess, parallel to the second side or the second leg of the paper clip.

[0037] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0038] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting. In the drawings:

[0040] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of the top side of a paper clip according to a first preferred embodiment without a stack of paper;

[0041] Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the underside of the paper clip of Fig. 1;

[0042] Fig. 3 is a schematic view of the top of the paper clip according to Fig. 1 with a stack of paper bundled therein, inserted in a first manner;

[0043] Fig. 4 is a schematic view of the underside of the paper clip according to Fig. 2 with the stack of paper bundled therein, inserted in the first way;

[0044] Fig. 5 is a schematic view of the top side of a paper clip according to a second preferred embodiment without a stack of paper;

[0045] Fig. 6 is a schematic view of the top side of a paper clip according to a third preferred embodiment without a stack of paper;

[0046] Fig. 7 is a schematic view of the top side of a paper clip according to a fourth preferred embodiment without a stack of paper;

[0047] Fig. 8 is a schematic view of the top side of a paper clip according to a fifth preferred embodiment without a stack of paper;

[0048] Fig. 9 is a schematic view of the top of the paper clip according to the fourth preferred embodiment of Fig. 7 with a stack of paper bundled therein, inserted in a first manner;

[0049] Fig. 10 is a schematic view of the underside of the paper clip according to the fourth preferred embodiment of Fig. 7 with the stack of paper bundled therein, inserted in the first way;

[0050] Fig. 11 is a schematic view of the top of the paper clip according to the fourth preferred embodiment of Fig. 7 with a stack of paper bundled therein, inserted in a second manner;

[0051] Fig. 12 is a schematic view of the underside of the paper clip according to the fourth preferred embodiment of Fig. 7 with the stack of paper bundled therein, inserted in the second way.

[0052] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0053] Figure 1 shows a first preferred embodiment of a paper clip according to the invention, viewed from its top side. The paper clip 1 shown has a triangular shape, which, according to a particularly advantageous embodiment, has the shape of an isosceles right-angled triangle. The isosceles right-angled triangle has a first corner 11, a second corner 12, and a third corner 13, as well as a first leg 5 and a second leg 6, which enclose a right angle a (a=90°) and correspond to the two legs of the isosceles triangle. The paper clip 1 also has a side 7 opposite the right angle a, which corresponds to the base or hypotenuse of the isosceles right-angled triangle.The angle ß in the second corner 12 between the second leg 6 and the side 7, as well as the angle y in the third corner 13 between the first leg 5 and the side 7 are each 45 degrees in the illustrated embodiment. Thus, the two sides or legs 5, 6 here also have the same lengths I5, I6. The paper clip 1 extends flat in a plane E, which is spanned between the two sides or legs 5, 6. In this plane E, two slot-shaped recesses 3a, 3b with longitudinal axes L3a, L3b arranged parallel to one another are arranged. The (first) longitudinal axis L3a of the first slot-shaped recess 3a and the (second) longitudinal axis L3b of the second slot-shaped recess 3b are arranged here parallel to the side 7 of the paper clip 1.

[0054] The two slot-shaped recesses 3a, 3b each have a straight section 14a, 14b. A first curved end section 4a, 4b and a second curved end section 4a', 4b' are connected to the straight sections 14a, 14b. In the illustrated embodiment, each of these curved end sections 4a, 4a', 4b, 4b' describes a half-circle k4a, k4a', k4b, k4b' of an imaginary circle K4a, K4a', K4b, K4b' with a corresponding circle center M4a, M4a', M4b, M4b' and a radius r4a, r4a', r4b, r4b'. The straight sections 14a, 14b of the two slot-shaped recesses 3a, 3b are arranged parallel to one another at a distance x, measured transversely to the (first) longitudinal axis L3a of the first slot-shaped recess 3a or transversely to the (second) longitudinal axis L3b of the second slot-shaped recess 3b, in a first direction R1 or a second direction R2, respectively. The second slot-shaped recess 3b, orthe straight section 14b thereof, is arranged at a distance z from the side 7 of the paper clip 1, measured in a second direction R2 transverse to the base or side 7 opposite the first angle a, and along an angle bisector wo of the first angle a.

[0055] According to the preferred embodiment shown, the second slot-shaped recess 3b, which is arranged closer to the side 7 than the first slot-shaped recess, has a greater length I3b than the length I3a of the first slot-shaped recess 3a. In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1-4, the angle bisector wo runs parallel to the first direction R1 and the second direction R2 and halves the respective lengths I3a, I3b of the two slot-shaped recesses 3a, 3b and also the length I7 of the side 7 of the paper clip 1.

[0056] The distance d, d' from the end of the respective slot-shaped recess 3a, 3b, or in this embodiment from the periphery of the curved ends 4a, 4a', 4b, 4b' to the respective adjacent side 5, 6 of the triangular paper clip 1, and measured at right angles to the respective adjacent side 5, 6, corresponds at most to a diameter of the respective circle K4a, K4a'; K4b, K4b', whose circular arc k4a, k4a'; k4b, k4b' is described by the respective curved end section 4a, 4a'; 4b, 4b'.

[0057] As can be seen in Figure 1 in a view of the top side of the paper clip 1, a first support area 8 and a second support area 9 are arranged in the plane E, as well as a web 10 arranged between the first support area 8 and the second support area 9. The first support area 8 is delimited in a second direction R2 transverse to the first longitudinal axis L3a by the first slot-shaped recess 3a. The second support area 9 is delimited in a direction R1 transverse to the second longitudinal axis L3b by the second slot-shaped recess 3b and in a second direction R2 transverse to the second longitudinal axis L3b by the side 7 of the paper clip 1. The web 10 is delimited in a first direction R1 by the first slot-shaped recess 3a and in a second direction R2 by the second slot-shaped recess 3b. The distance x between the first slot-shaped recess 3a and the second slot-shaped recess 3b orbetween their straight sections 14a, 14b thus corresponds to the width of the web 10. The first and second support areas 8, 9 are referred to as "support areas" because, in the case of a first preferred type of insertion, in a plan view of the top or front side of the paper clip 1, as shown in Figure 3, the paper stack 2 clamped or bundled by the paper clip 1 rests on the upper surfaces of the support areas 8, 9, i.e., the underside of the bottommost sheet 2" of the paper stack 2 rests on the two upper surfaces of the support areas 8, 9. The web 10 acts as a cover area in this first embodiment because, in a top view of the paper clip 1, as shown in Figure 3, it covers the paper stack 2 clamped or bundled by the paper clip 1. The underside surface 10' of the web 10 visible in Figure 2 covers the top side of the top sheet. 2' of paper stack 2.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 3, the paper stack 2 (shown in dashed lines in Fig. 3, 4) is inserted into the paper clip 1 in the insertion direction P according to the first insertion type, with its upper left corner first, first into the longer slot-shaped recess 3b, so that the upper left corner of the paper first reaches the underside 1b of the paper clip 1, is then guided under the web 10 and finally guided through the first slot-shaped recess 3a back to the top side 1a of the paper clip 1. At the top side 1a, the upper left corner of the cover sheet 2' of the paper stack 2 comes to rest on the first support area 8 of the paper clip 1. The two support areas 8 and 9 are therefore the areas where, viewed from the top side, the bundled paper stack 2, or its uppermost sheet 2', during its stay in the paper clip 1, ieduring use of the paper clip 1, is not covered by the paper clip 1, and is also not bent or folded. The web 10 is the area where the paper stack 2, in the case of the first insertion type, or its topmost sheet 2', is covered by the paper clip 1 during its stay in the paper clip 1.

[0059] Figures 11-12 show a second type of insertion which is applicable not only to the fourth embodiment, but to all embodiments. According to the second type of insertion, the stack of paper is first guided from the underside of the paper clip 1 through the second, longer slot-shaped recess 3b and crosses the web 10 on the top side of the paper clip 1 in the insertion direction P, before the stack of paper 2 passes through the first, shorter slot-shaped recess 3a back to the underside of the paper clip 1. In the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1-4, the two slot-shaped recesses 3a, 3b are both actually only slot-shaped, i.e. without a material recess, in contrast to an elongated hole which would have a material recess.The illustrated slot-shaped recesses 3a, 3b, with their curved end sections, which each have the shape of an elongated hole at the periphery, are designed, so to speak, like incompletely cut elongated holes. As a result, each slot-shaped recess 3a, 3b forms a flap that overlaps or "underlaps" the paper sheet 2' guided through the slot-shaped recess 3a, 3b. Thus, in the first direction R1, transverse to the longitudinal axis L3a of the first slot-shaped recess 3a and transverse to the longitudinal axis L3b of the second slot-shaped recess 3b, a flat channel of length x for the paper 2' to pass through is formed, with the length of the channel corresponding to the width x of the web 10. This simultaneously exerts a clamping effect on the paper stack 2, whereby the sheets are held together better and are less likely to fall out of the paper stack 2.

[0060] Since the first curved end portion 4a of the first slot-shaped recess 3a, in the illustrated embodiment, is at the same distance from the side 5 of the paper clip 1 as the first curved end portion 4b of the second slot-shaped recess 3b, the upper paper edge 2a runs parallel to the side 5 of the paper clip 1 when the paper stack 2 is inserted into the paper clip 1. In other words, a straight line S, which runs through the first circle center M4a of the first circle K4a of the first curved end portion 4a of the first slot-shaped recess 3a and through the first circle center M4b of the second circle K4b of the first curved end portion 4b of the second slot-shaped recess 3b, runs parallel to the adjacent first side / leg 5 of the triangular paper clip 1.

[0061] Likewise, the second curved end portion 4a' of the first slot-shaped recess 3a is arranged at the same distance from the side 6 of the paper clip 1 as the second curved end portion 4b' of the second slot-shaped recess 3b, which is why the left lateral paper edge 2b runs parallel to the side 6 of the paper clip 1 when the paper stack 2 is inserted into the paper clip 1. In other words, a straight line S', which runs through the second circle center M4a' of the second circle K4a' of the second curved end portion 4a of the first slot-shaped recess 3a and through the second circle center M4b' of the second circle K4b' of the second curved end portion 4b' of the second slot-shaped recess 3b, runs parallel to the adjacent second side / leg 6 of the triangular paper clip 1.

[0062] Figure 5 shows a paper clip 1 according to a second preferred embodiment. The difference from the paper clip 1 shown in Figures 1-4 is that the paper clip 1 according to Figure 5 has a trapezoidal shape instead of a triangular shape. In a sense, the corner 11 of the triangular shape shown in Figures 1-4 is cut off, resulting in a trapezoidal shape with two parallel base sides 7', 15'. The paper clip 1 shown in Figure 5 has the shape of an isosceles trapezoid. This has two equally sized acute angles β', γ' on the (second base) side 7' and two equally sized obtuse angles θ', θ' on the base side 15'. Even if the two slot-shaped recesses are shown here with a respective orientation of the curved end sections as in the first embodiment of Fig. 1, the trapezoidal embodiment is shown with different orientations according to Fig.6-8 of the curved end sections can be realized, and alternative, e.g. angled or corrugated slot shapes are also possible.

[0063] Figure 6 shows a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. The paper clip in question has the same shape as the first embodiment shown in Figures 1-4, but the free ends of the curved end sections of both slotted recesses are directed toward the base or hypotenuse of the triangular shape.

[0064] Figure 7 shows a paper clip 1 according to a fourth preferred embodiment. The difference from the paper clip 1 shown in Figures 1-4 is that in the paper clip 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the curved ends 4b, 4b' of the second, longer slot-shaped recess 3b extend in the opposite circumferential direction U1 and U2, respectively, than the corresponding curved ends 4b, 4b' of the second, longer slot-shaped recess 3b of the paper clip 1 according to the first preferred embodiment of Figures 1-4.The flaps formed by the two slot-shaped recesses 3a, 3b each have a pivot axis Sa, Sb, which runs along a connecting axis V3a, V3b between the first free end of the first curved end section 4a, 4b of the respective slot-shaped recess 3a, 3b and the second free end of the second curved end section 4a', 4b' of the respective slot-shaped recess 3a, 3b, and parallel to the longitudinal axis L3a or L3b of the respective slot-shaped recess 3a, 3b, parallel to the respective straight section 14a, 14b of the respective slot-shaped recess 3a, 3b.

[0065] Here, the free ends of the curved end sections 4b, 4b' of the second, longer slot-shaped recess 3b curve with respect to the straight section 14b opposite to the paper insertion direction P in the direction R2 towards the hypotenuse 7, while the free ends of the curved end sections 4a, 4a' of the first, shorter slot-shaped recess 3a curve with respect to the straight section 14a in the paper insertion direction P and in the direction R1 towards the first corner 11.

[0066] The pivot axis S3a of the flap formed by the first, shorter slot-shaped recess 3 is arranged in this fourth embodiment between the straight section 14a of the first, shorter slot-shaped recess 3a and the first corner parallel to the side 7, while the pivot axis S3b of the flap formed by the second, longer slot-shaped recess 3b is arranged in this fourth embodiment between the straight section 14b of the second, longer slot-shaped recess 3b and the side or hypotenuse 7, parallel to the side or hypotenuse 7.

[0067] Figure 8 shows a paper clip 1 according to a fifth preferred embodiment. Here, the respective curved ends 4a, 4a', 4b, 4b' of the first and second slot-shaped recesses 3a, 3b extend in the reverse circumferential direction U1 and U2, respectively, compared to the fourth embodiment of Fig. 7. Here, the free ends of the curved end sections 4b, 4b' of the second, longer slot-shaped recess 3b curve with respect to the straight section 14b in the paper insertion direction P or along the first direction R1 toward the first corner 11, while the free ends of the curved end sections 4a, 4a' of the first, shorter slot-shaped recess 3a curve with respect to the straight section 14a opposite to the paper insertion direction P along the second direction R2 toward the base or hypotenuse 7.

[0068] The pivot axis S3a of the flap formed by the first, shorter slot-shaped recess 3 is arranged in this fifth embodiment between the straight section 14a of the first, shorter slot-shaped recess 3a and the straight section 14b of the second, longer slot-shaped recess 3b, parallel to the side 7, while the pivot axis S3b of the flap formed by the second, longer slot-shaped recess 3b is arranged in this fifth embodiment between the straight section 14b of the second, longer slot-shaped recess 3b and the straight section 14a of the first, shorter slot-shaped recess, parallel to the side or to the hypotenuse 7.

[0069] In this fifth exemplary embodiment, the second curved end 4a' of the first slot-shaped recess 3a and the first curved end 4b of the second slot-shaped recess 3b run in the first circumferential direction U1, while the first curved end 4a of the first slot-shaped recess 3a and the second curved end 4b' of the second slot-shaped recess 3b run in the second circumferential direction U2, along a circular arc k4a, k4a', k4b, k4b' described by the respective curved end, wherein the second circumferential direction U2 runs opposite to the circumferential direction U1, with respect to or around a central axis running through the respective circle center M4a, M4a', M4b, M4b' of the respective circle K4a, K4a', K4b, K4b' and perpendicular to the surface of the paper clip 1.

[0070] The radii of curvature r4a, r4a', r4b, r4b' of the curved ends 4a, 4a', 4b, 4b' are of the same size in all illustrated embodiments in both slot-shaped recesses 3a, 3b and in each case in both curved ends 4a, 4a', 4b, 4b' of a paper clip 1.

[0071] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0072] 1 paper clip 4a' second end section of 3a

[0073] T Paper clip 4b first end section of 3b

[0074] 1a top of 1 4b' second end section of 3b

[0075] 1 b bottom of 1 5 first leg of 1

[0076] 2 paper stacks 5' first leg of T

[0077] 2' top sheet of 2 6 second leg of 1

[0078] 2" bottom sheet of 2 6' second leg of T

[0079] 2a first, upper edge of 2 7 side, hypotenuse of 1

[0080] 2b second edge of 2 7' base, first parallel side

[0081] 2c third, lower edge of 2 of T

[0082] 2d fourth edge of 2 8 first support area

[0083] 3a first slot-shaped 8' back of 8

[0084] Recess 9 second support area

[0085] 3b second slot-shaped 9' back of 9

[0086] Recess 10 web

[0087] 4a first end section of 3a 10' back of 10 11 first corner of 1 M4b center of K4b

[0088] 11 ' first corner of 1 ' M4b' center of K4b'

[0089] 11" second corner of TP paper feed direction

[0090] 12 second corner of 1 r4a radius of K4a

[0091] 12' third corner of T r4a' radius of K4a'

[0092] 13 third corner of 1 r4b radius of K4b

[0093] 13' fourth corner of T r4b' radius of K4b'

[0094] 14a straight section of 3a R1 first direction

[0095] 14b straight section of 3b R2 second direction

[0096] 15' second parallel side of T Sa first pivot axis of 3a a first angle of 1 Sb second pivot axis of 3b ß second angle of 1 U1 first circumferential direction of ß' second angle of T K4a, K4a', K4b, K4b'

[0097] Y third angle of 1 U2 second circumferential direction of

[0098] Y' third angle of T K4a, K4a', K4b, K4b' ö' first angle of T V3a connecting axis between d distance from 4a to 5, 4a' to 6 4a, 4a' d' distance from 4b to 6, 4b' to 6 V3b connecting axis between

[0099] E' fourth angle of T 4b, 4b'

[0100] E Plane of 1 Sa Swivel axis of 3a

[0101] K4a first circular arc of 4a Sb pivot axis of 3b k4a' second circular arc of 4a' where angle bisector of a

[0102] K4a first circle of 4a x distance between 3a and 3b,

[0103] K4a' second circle of 4a' width of 10

[0104] I3a Length of 3a y Distance between 3a and 1

[0105] I3b Length of 3b along where

[0106] L3a Longitudinal axis of 3a z Distance between 3b and 7

[0107] L3b Longitudinal axis of 3b

[0108] M4a center of K4a

[0109] M4a' center of K4a'

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Paper clip (1) for releasably bundling a stack of paper sheets (2), wherein the paper clip (1) is made of at least one recyclable material, wherein the at least one recyclable material is selected from the group consisting of paper, cardboard, and plastic, characterized in that the paper clip (1) has a planar extension extending in a plane (E), with a top side (1a) and a bottom side (1b), characterized in that the paper clip (1) has a first slot-shaped recess (3a) extending in the plane (E) and penetrating the plane (E) from the top side (1a) to the bottom side (1b) with a first longitudinal axis (L3a), and a second slot-shaped recess (3b) extending in the plane (E) and penetrating the plane (E) from the top side (1a) to the bottom side (1b) with a second longitudinal axis (L3b), and that the paper clip (1) has a first Support area (8),a second support area (9) and a web (10) arranged between the first support area (8) and the second support area (9), wherein the web (10) is delimited in a first direction (R1) by the first slot-shaped recess (3a) and in a second direction (R2), which is opposite to the first direction (R1), by the second slot-shaped recess (3b).

2. Paper clip according to claim 1, characterized in that the first longitudinal axis (L3a) of the first slot-shaped recess (3a) is arranged parallel to the second longitudinal axis (L3b) of the second slot-shaped recess (3b).

3. Paper clip according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first slot-shaped recess (3a) has a smaller length (I3a) than a length (I3b) of the second slot-shaped recess (3b).

4. Paper clip according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first direction (R1) extends in the plane (E) transversely to the first longitudinal axis (L3a) of the first slot-shaped recess (3a) and the second direction (R2) extends in the plane (E) transversely to the second longitudinal axis (L3b) the second slot-shaped recess (3b).

5. Paper clip (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the paper clip (1) essentially has a shape of a polygon extending in the plane (E), in particular a triangle, particularly preferably a shape of a right-angled triangle, most preferably a shape of an isosceles right-angled triangle.

6. Paper clip (1) according to claim 5, wherein at least one corner (11, 12, 13, 11', 11") of the polygon is rounded, wherein preferably all corners (11, 12, 13, 11', 11") are rounded.

7. Paper clip (1) according to claim 5, in the shape of a triangle, characterized in that the paper clip (1) has a first leg (5) and a second leg (6), with a first angle (α) enclosed by the first leg (5) and the second leg (6) of preferably 90 degrees, and a side (7) opposite the first angle (α), wherein preferably a length (α) of the first leg (5) and a length (α) of the second leg (6) are of the same length.

8. Paper clip (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the first longitudinal axis (L3a) of the first slot-shaped recess (3a) and the second longitudinal axis (L3b) of the second slot-shaped recess (3b) are arranged parallel to the side (7) of the paper clip (1) opposite the first angle (a), wherein preferably the first longitudinal axis (L3a) of the first slot-shaped recess (3a) and the second longitudinal axis (L3b) of the second slot-shaped recess (3b) are arranged at right angles to an angle bisector (wo) of the first angle (a).

9. Paper clip (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slot-shaped recesses (3a, 3b) each have a first curved end portion (4a; 4b) and a second curved end portion (4a 1; 4b'), wherein preferably the curved end sections (4a, 4a'; 4b, 4b') each describe a circular arc (k4a, k4a'; k4b, k4b') of a circle (K4a, K4a'; K4b, K4b') extending around a circle center (M4a, M4a'; M4b, M4b'), preferably a circular arc (k4a, k4a'; k4b, k4b') of at least 120°, particularly preferably of at least 140 degrees, most preferably of 160-180 degrees.

10. Paper clip (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two curved end sections (4a, 4a') of the first slot-shaped recess (3a) describe a first circular arc (k4a) and a second circular arc (k4a'), respectively, the radius (r4a, r4a') of which differs from a radius (r4b, r4b') of a first circular arc (k4b) and a second circular arc (k4b') of the two curved end sections (4b, 4b') of the second slot-shaped recess (3b), wherein the radius (r4a, r4a') of the first circular arc (k4a) and of the second circular arc (k4a') of the two curved end sections (4a, 4a') of the first slot-shaped recess (3a) is preferably smaller than the radius (r4b, r4b') of the first circular arc (k4b) or the second circular arc (k4b') of the two curved end sections (4b, 4b') of the second slot-shaped recess (3b).

11. Paper clip (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a straight section (14a) of the first slot-shaped recess (3a) and a straight section (14b) of the second slot-shaped recess (3b), measured transversely to the first and second longitudinal axes (L3a, L3b) in the plane (E) are arranged at a distance (x) of at least 5 mm and a maximum of 20 mm from one another, wherein the distance (x) between the two straight sections (14a, 14b) defines a width of the web (10) of the paper clip (1).

12. Paper clip (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the circular arcs (k4a, k4a'; k4b, k4b') of the curved end sections (4a, 4a'; 4b, 4b') are arranged at a minimum distance (d, d') of 0.2 mm from the respective adjacent leg (5, 6), measured transversely to the respective adjacent leg (5, 6), and wherein preferably the longitudinal axis (L3b) of the second slot-shaped recess (3b) is arranged at a minimum distance (z) of 0.2 mm, preferably at a minimum distance (z) of 0.4 mm from the adjacent side (7) of the paper clip (1), measured transversely to the adjacent side (7) of the paper clip (1).

13. Paper clip (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first connecting line (S) in the plane (E) between a first circle center (M4a) of the first curved end section (4a) of the first slot-shaped recess (3a) and a second circle center (M4b) of the first curved end section (4b) of the second slot-shaped recess (3b) runs parallel to the first leg (5) of the paper clip (1), and wherein a second connecting line (S') in the plane (E) between a second circle center (M4a') of the second curved end section (4a 1 ) of the first slot-shaped recess (3a) and a second circle center (M4b') of the second curved end portion (4b 1 ) of the second slot-shaped recess (3b) runs parallel to the second leg (6) of the paper clip (1).

14. Paper clip (1) according to one of the preceding claims 10-13, characterized in that the first curved end section (4a) of the first slot-shaped recess (3a) and the first curved end section (4b) of the second slot-shaped recess (3b) extend in a same first circumferential direction (U1), while the second curved end section (4a 1 ) of the first slot-shaped recess (3a) and the second curved end portion (4b 1 ) of the second slot-shaped recess (3b) extend in a same second circumferential direction (U2).

15. Paper clip (1) according to one of claims 10-13, characterized in that the first curved end portion (4a) of the first slot-shaped recess (3a) and the second curved end portion (4b 1 ) of the second slot-shaped recess (3b) extend in a same first circumferential direction (U1), while the second curved end section (4a 1) of the first slot-shaped recess (3a) and the first curved end portion (4b) of the second slot-shaped recess (3b) extend in a same second circumferential direction (U2).

16. Paper clip (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the paper clip (1) has a coating, in particular a coating made of a recyclable material, or a coating comprising a polymer, most preferably a water-soluble polymer, which is preferably selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and polyvinylene chloride (PVDC).

17. Paper clip (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the paper clip (1) has a coating of biodegradable material.

18. Paper clip (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the paper clip (1) contains an agent with biocidal action, preferably with antibacterial and / or antiviral and / or fungicidal action, preferably a polymer with antibacterial and / or antiviral and / or fungicidal action, wherein the agent with biocidal action is preferably contained in a coating of the paper clip (1).

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