Cover element for a notebook, refillable notebook kit, and refillable notebook

Abstract

The invention relates primarily to a cover element for a set of bound sheets (1a) comprising two cover sheets (2, 2') joined to each other by a connecting strip (3) extending along a principal axis (4) from an upper edge (5) to a lower edge (6), characterized in that it comprises at least one notch (7a) formed at the upper edge (5) of the connecting strip (3) and at least one notch (7a') formed at the lower edge (6) of the connecting strip (3), thus defining at least one pair of notches (7a, 7a') intended to house a retaining tie (8) for a set of bound sheets within the cover element (1a). Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Cover element for a notebook, refillable notebook kit and refillable notebook. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The technical field of the invention relates to stationery products, and in particular to a cover element for a set of bound sheets. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Cover elements for bound sets of sheets, particularly school notebooks, are known, each element being formed of two cover sheets joined to each other by a binding strip. These two cover sheets are conventionally attached to the first and last sheets of the school notebook. Such an element, however, has the disadvantage of a loose and weak bond. Furthermore, due to this lack of strength, these cover elements can generally only be used once. This presents a double disadvantage, both economic and environmental, as the amount of waste generated is very significant.

[0003] It is known from publication FR2909307 a cover element connected to the booklet of sheets at the level of the back of the booklet, which reinforces the strength of the connection between the booklet and the cover element.

[0004] This cover element is not reusable, however, the connection with the notebook being permanent. OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In this context, the invention aims to provide a practical, economical and reusable cover element for a notebook of loose sheets. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a cover element of a set of bound sheets comprising two cover sheets connected to each other by a connecting strip which extends along a principal axis from an upper edge to a lower edge, characterized in that it comprises at least one notch made at the level of the upper edge of the connecting strip and at least one notch made at the level of the lower edge of the connecting strip, thus defining at least one pair of notches intended to house a retaining tie of a set of bound sheets in the cover element.

[0007] The cover element may also include the following optional features considered individually or in all possible technical combinations: - Each pair of notches extends along an axis parallel to the main axis of the connecting strip. - The cover element has at least two notches made at the upper edge of the binding strip, and at least two notches made at the lower edge of the binding strip, thus defining at least two pairs of notches each intended to house a tie to hold a set of sheets bound in the cover element. - Each notch has a general U shape consisting of a base and two opposing lateral edges, the upper part of each lateral edge opening onto the upper or lower edge of the connecting strip. - The base is in the shape of a circular arc. - The upper part of at least one of the two lateral edges of a notch has an inflection directed towards the upper part of the opposite lateral edge by reducing the distance between the two opposite upper parts of the two opposite lateral edges relative to the average distance between these two lateral edges. - The minimum distance between the two notches is 2 millimeters.

[0008] The invention also relates to a refillable sheet notebook kit, characterized in that it comprises a cover element as described above, and at least one retaining tie of length, or capable of adopting a length at least equal to the distance between the two notches of a pair of notches, preferably at least as many retaining ties as there are pairs of notches.

[0009] The kit may also include the following optional features considered individually or according to all possible technical combinations: - The retaining link is of a length, or capable of adopting a length at least equal to twice the distance between the two notches of a pair of notches. - The fastening is an elastic band.

[0010] The invention also relates to a refillable notebook of loose sheets, comprising: - a cover element as described previously, - at least one set of bonded sheets with dimensions no greater than those of the cover element, to which the set of bonded sheets is affixed against the cover element, and - at least one elastic band forming a retaining link, capable of adopting a length at least equal to twice the distance between the two notches of a pair of notches, which elastic band is housed in the two notches of a pair of notches and encloses the cover element and the set of connected sheets by extending along an external face of the connecting strip of the cover element and along an internal central articulation line of the set of connected sheets. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0011] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, with reference to the accompanying figures, which illustrate:

[0012] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a cover element open according to a first embodiment, equipped with notches according to a first variant.

[0013] [Fig.2] Fig.2 shows a detail of an upper edge of the cover element of the [Fig.l].

[0014] [Fig.3] Fig.3 shows a detail of a lower edge of the cover element of the [Fig.l].

[0015] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a schematic representation of a cover element opened according to a second embodiment, equipped with notches according to a first variant.

[0016] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] shows a detail of an upper edge of the cover element of the [Fig.4].

[0017] [Fig.6] Fig.6 shows a detail of a lower edge of the cover element of the [Fig.4].

[0018] [Fig.7] Fig.7 represents retaining links according to one embodiment.

[0019] [Fig. 8] [Fig. 8] represents a perspective view of a refillable sheet notebook comprising two sets of bound sheets, a cover element according to [Fig. 4] and two retaining ties according to [Fig. 7].

[0020] [Fig. 9] [Fig. 9] represents a perspective view of a detail of the set of two open searchable booklets of [Fig. 8].

[0021] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] shows a detail of an upper edge of the element of cover of the [Fig.l], fitted with a notch according to a second variant.

[0022] [Fig. 11] Fig. 11 shows a detail of an upper edge of the element of cover of [Fig.4], fitted with notches according to a second variant

[0023] [Fig.12] [Fig.13] [Fig.l4][Fig.l5][Fig.l6][Fig.l7][Fig.l8][Fig.l9] [Fig.20] The Figures 12 to 20 illustrate the steps of a process for setting up two sets of linked sheets in the cover element of [Fig.4] in a head-to-tail position, held by the ties of [Fig.7]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] It is first specified that in the figures, the same references designate the same elements regardless of the figure in which they appear and regardless of the form of representation of these elements. Similarly, if elements are not specifically referenced in one of the figures, their references can easily be found by referring to another figure.

[0025] It is also specified that the figures represent variants of the invention but that there may be other embodiments which meet the definition of the invention.

[0026] The present invention relates primarily to a cover element 1a, of an assembly of interconnected sheets. This assembly of sheets 16a, 16b comprises a plurality of sheets folded along a central fold line, and all the sheets are connected to each other at their central fold line, forming a central joint of the assembly of connected sheets. This central joint comprises an inner joint line—corresponding to the fold line of the inner sheet when the assembly is folded along the central joint—and an opposite outer joint line, corresponding to the fold line of the outer sheet when the assembly is folded along the central joint.

[0027] With reference to figures 1 to 3 and according to a first embodiment, the cover element la comprises two cover sheets 2, 2' connected to each other by a connecting strip 3 which extends along a main axis 4 from an upper edge 5 to a lower edge 6. Each cover sheet 2, 2' is connected to the connecting strip 3 by a fold line 9 parallel to the main axis 4, and the distance between the two fold lines 9 corresponds to the width of the connecting strip 3.

[0028] The cover element also includes a notch 7a made at the upper edge 5 of the connecting strip 3 and another notch 7a' made at the lower edge 6 of the connecting strip 3. These two notches 7a, 7a' define a pair of notches 7a, 7a' which extends along an axis 10a coinciding with the main axis 4 of the connecting strip 3.

[0029] Each notch 7a, 7a' has a general U-shape, comprising a base 1a, 1la' and two lateral edges 12a, 12a' parallel to each other and to the main axis 4 of the connecting strip 3. In addition, the upper part 13a, 13a' of each lateral edge 12a, 12a' of the notch considered 7a, 7a' opens onto the upper edge 5 or the lower edge 6 of the connecting strip 3.

[0030] Advantageously, the base lia, lia' of each U-shaped notch 7a, 7a' is in the shape of a circular arc.

[0031] With reference to figures 4 to 6 and according to a second embodiment, the cover element 1b comprises two cover sheets 2, 2' connected to each other by a connecting strip 3 as described previously.

[0032] The cover element 1b comprises two notches 7b, 7c made at the upper edge 5 of the connecting strip 3 and two other notches 7b', 7c' made at the lower edge 6 of the connecting strip 3, the four notches 7b, 7b', 7c, 7c' being identical to those described above in relation to the cover element la according to the first embodiment.

[0033] The connecting strip 3 thus comprises two pairs of notches 7b, 7b'; 7c, 7c', each pair extending along an axis 10b, 10c parallel to the main axis 4 of the connecting strip 3.

[0034] The two notches 7b, 7c on the same edge 5, 6 are sufficiently spaced to avoid any weak point in the connecting strip 3 at its upper 5 and lower 6 edges. To achieve this, the minimum distance Dm separating the two notches 7b, 7c; 7b', 7c' on the same edge 5, 6 of the connecting strip 3 is greater than or equal to 2 millimeters. The distance Dm between these two notches 7b, 7c; 7b', 7c' corresponds to the distance along a direction perpendicular to the principal axis 4 of the connecting strip 3 between the lateral edges 12b, 12c; 12b', 12c' opposite the two respective notches 7b, 7c; 7b', 7c' on the same edge 5, 6 of the connecting strip 3.

[0035] With reference to figures 1 to 7, the invention also relates to a refillable bonded sheet set kit, which kit includes a cover element la, 1b as described above and at least one retaining link 8, 8' intended to hold a set of bonded sheets in the cover element.

[0036] According to a first variant not shown, the retaining link – which may be made of an elastic or non-elastic material – has a length at least equal to the distance separating the two notches of the same pair of notches 7a, 7a'; 7b, 7b'; 7c, 7c'. If the link is made of an elastic material, the length of the link at rest may be less than the distance between the two notches of the same pair 7a, 7a'; 7b, 7b'; 7c, 7c', provided that the length of said link when stretched is at least equal to the distance between the two notches of the same pair.

[0037] In this variant, the link comprises two opposite ends, each end comprising a link locking element in the notch considered. For example, and in a non-limiting manner, the locking element is a knot or a metal piece whose size is greater than the maximum distance between the two opposite lateral edges 12a, 12a', 12b, 12b', 12c, 12c', 12d, 12e, 12f of the notch considered 7a, 7a', 7b, 7b', 7c, 7c', 7d, 7e, 7f.

[0038] According to a second embodiment not shown, the retaining link also comprises two opposite ends, is made of elastic or non-elastic material, and has a length at least equal to twice the distance separating the two notches of the same pair of notches 7a, 7a'; 7b, 7b'; 7c, 7c', and ideally at least equal to three times the distance separating the two notches of the same pair of notches 7a, 7a'; 7b, 7b'; 7c, 7c'.

[0039] The link in this second variant is intended to be wound around the connecting strip 3, being housed in the notches of the same pair of notches 7a, 7a' ; 7b, 7b' ; 7c, 7c'.

[0040] In a third embodiment, the retaining link 8, 8' is a loop. This retaining link 8, 8' – which may be made of an elastic or non-elastic material – has a length at least equal to twice the distance separating the two notches of the same pair of notches 7a, 7a'; 7b, 7b'; 7c, 7c'. If the link is made of an elastic material, the length of the link at rest may be less than twice the distance between the two notches, provided that the length of said link when stretched is at least equal to twice the distance between the two notches of the same pair 7a, 7a'; 7b, 7b'; 7c, 7c'.

[0041] Fig. 7 represents four of these retaining links 8, 8' according to the third variant.

[0042] The kit may include a retaining link 8 if the cover element includes it a single pair of notches 7a, 7a', or two retaining ties 8, 8' if the cover element includes two pairs of notches 7b, 7b'; 7c, 7c'. Advantageously, the kit includes more retaining ties 8, 8' than pairs of notches 7b, 7b'; 7c, 7c', to provide replacement ties in case one breaks.

[0043] With reference to Figures 8 and 9, the invention also relates to a refillable sheet notebook 15 comprising a cover element according to the invention 1a, 1b, (Figures 8 and 9 represent a cover element 1b with two pairs of notches 7b, 7c; 7b', 7c', at least one retaining tie 8, 8', advantageously as many retaining ties as pairs of notches 7b, 7c; 7b', 7c' (Figures 8 and 9 thus represent two retaining ties 8, 8'), and at least one set of bound sheets 16a, 16b, advantageously as many sets of bound sheets as retaining ties (Figures 8 and 9 thus represent two sets of bound sheets 16a, 16b).

[0044] As illustrated in more detail in [Fig.9], each retaining link 8, 8' encloses a set of linked sheets 16a, 16b and the cover element 1b, which allows said sets of linked sheets 16a, 16b to be removably connected to the cover element 1b.

[0045] Each retaining link 8, 8' is housed in the two notches of the same pair of notches 7b, 7c; 7b', 7c' and extends along the inner central articulation line 18 of the set of connected leaves 16a, 16b and along an outer face 17 of the connecting strip 3, which connecting strip 3 further comprises an inner face opposite the sets of connected leaves 16a, 16b.

[0046] As illustrated in [Fig. 8], the bonded sheet sets 16a, 16b are upright in the cover element 1b, i.e., the main axis 4 of the connecting strip 3 is parallel to the folding joint of each bonded sheet set 16a, 16b. This is made possible by the fact that each retaining link 8, 8' is housed in a pair of notches 7b, 7c; 7b', 7c', and that each pair of notches extends along an axis 10b, 10c parallel to the main axis 4 of the connecting strip 3.

[0047] Figures 10 and 11 represent an alternative embodiment for the notches 7d, 7e, 7f made at the upper edge 5 and lower edge 6 of the connecting strip 3. [Fig. 10] represents an upper edge 5 or lower edge 6 of the connecting strip with a single notch 7d, and [Fig. 11] represents an upper edge 5 or lower edge 6 of the connecting strip 3 with two notches 7e, 7f.

[0048] As with the notches 7a, 7a', 7b, 7b', 7c, 7c' shown in Figures 1 to 6, the notches 7d, 7e, 7f of Figures 10 and 11 include a base 1 Id, lie, 1 If, preferably in the shape of a circular arc so that the retaining line 8, 8' remains as fixedly as possible in the notch in question 7d, 7e, 7f. In addition, two notches 7e, 7f on the same edge 5, 6 are sufficiently spaced to avoid any weak point in the connecting strip 3 at its upper 5 and lower 6 edges. To this end, the minimum distance Dm separating the two notches 7e, 7f on the same edge 5, 6 of the connecting strip 3 is greater than or equal to 2 millimeters.

[0049] The upper part 13d, 13e, 13f, of at least one of the two lateral edges 12d, 12e, 12f - and preferably of both lateral edges 12d, 12d', 12e, 12e', 12f, 12f' as shown in Figures 10 and 11 - of a notch 7d, 7e, 7f in this embodiment has an inflection directed towards the upper part 13d', 13e', 13f' of the opposite lateral edge 12d, 12e', 12f by reducing the distance between the two opposite upper parts 13d, 13d', 13e, 13e', 13f, 13f' of the two opposite lateral edges 12d, 12d', 12e, 12e', 12f, 12f' relative to the average distance between these two lateral edges 12d, 12d', 12e, 12e', 12f, 12f'. In this way, the retaining link 8, 8' remains even more securely housed in the notch considered 7d, 7e, 7f.

[0050] With reference to figures 12 to 20, a method of placing two sets of bound sheets 16a, 16b in a cover element 1b comprising two pairs of notches 7b, 7b'; 7c, 7c', to form a refillable sheet booklet 15, will now be described.

[0051] During the first step of the process ([Fig. 12]) a user places a first link 8 around the linking strip 3, in the first pair of notches 7b, 7b'.

[0052] During the second step of the process ([Fig. 13]) the user places a second link 8' around the linking strip 3, in the second pair of notches 7c, 7c'.

[0053] The two retaining links 8, 8' thus extend parallel to each other and to the main axis 4 of the connecting band 3.

[0054] During the third step, the user opens a first set of connected sheets 16a, so as to reveal the inner central articulation line 18, and inserts said set of connected sheets 16a between the first link 8 and the inner face of the connecting strip 3 of the cover element 1b ([Fig. 14]), until the inner central articulation line 18 is opposite the retaining link 8 ([Fig. 15]).

[0055] During the fourth step, the user closes the first set of bound sheets 16a ([Fig. 16]) and rotates the booklet 15 around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the open cover element 1b, by an angle of 180 degrees ([Fig. 17]).

[0056] During the fifth step, the user opens a second set of connected sheets 16b, so as to reveal the inner central hinge line 18, and inserts said second set of connected sheets 16b between the second retaining link 8' and the inner face of the connecting strip 3 of the cover element 1b ([Fig. 18]), until the inner central hinge line 18 is opposite the second retaining link 8' ([Fig. 19]).

[0057] The user can then close the second set of sheets 16b as well as the cover element 1b. In order to properly protect the bonded sets of sheets 16a, 16b, the dimensions of the cover element 1b are greater than or equal to those of the bonded sets of sheets 16a, 16b.

[0058] Advantageously, with the method of the invention, the user has two sets of bound sheets 16a, 16b arranged head-to-tail in the cover element 1b: the user can thus access the first set of sheets 16a, which is opposite one of the cover sheets 2 of the cover element 1b, or access the second set of sheets 16b, which is opposite the other cover sheet 2' of the cover element 1b ([Fig. 20]). Furthermore, when moving from one set of bound sheets 16a, 16b to the other, the user also rotates the refillable sheet pad 15 by an angle of 180 degrees, in order to right-side up the set of sheets 16a, 16b to be consulted and / or on which the user wishes to write.

Claims

Demands

1. A cover element of a set of bound sheets (1a, 1b) comprising two cover sheets (2, 2') joined to each other by a binding strip (3) extending along a principal axis (4) from an upper edge (5) to a lower edge (6), characterized in that it comprises at least one notch (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f) made at the upper edge (5) of the binding strip (3) and at least one notch (7a', 7b', 7c') made at the lower edge (6) of the binding strip (3), thus defining at least one pair of notches (7a, 7a'; 7b, 7b'; 7c, 7c') intended to accommodate a retaining tie (8, 8') of a set of bound sheets (16a, 16b) in the cover element (la, 1b).

2. Covering element according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each pair of notches (7a, 7a'; 7b, 7b'; 7c, 7c') extends along an axis (10a, 10b, 10c) parallel to the main axis (4) of the connecting strip (3).

3. Cover element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least two notches (7a, 7b, 7e, 7f) made at the upper edge (5) of the connecting strip (3), and at least two notches (7b', 7c') made at the lower edge (6) of the connecting strip (3), thus defining at least two pairs of notches (7b, 7b'; 7c, 7c') each intended to house a retaining tie (8, 8') of a set of bound sheets (9a, 9b) in the cover element (1b).

4. Covering element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each notch (7a, 7a', 7b, 7b', 7c, 7c', 7d, 7e, 7f) has a general U-shape comprising a base (11a, 11a', 11b, 11b', 11c, 11c', 11d, 11a, 11b') and two opposing lateral edges (12a, 12a', 12b, 12b', 12c, 12c', 12d, 12e, 12f), the upper part (13a, 13a', 13b, 13b', 13c, 13c', 13d, 13e, 13f) of each lateral edge (12a, 12a', 12b, 12b', 12c, 12c', 12d, 12e, 12f) opening onto the upper (5) or lower (6) edge of the connecting strip (3).

5. Covering element according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the base (lia, lia', 11b, 11b', 11c, 11c', 1 Id, lie, 1 If) is in the shape of a circular arc.

6. Covering element according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the upper part (13d, 13e, 13f) of at least one of the two lateral edges (12d, 12e, 12f) of a notch (7d, 7e, 7f) has an inflection directed towards the upper part (13d, 13e, 13f) of the opposite lateral edge (12d, 12e, 12f) by reducing the distance (d) between the two opposite upper parts (13d, 13e, 13f) of the two opposite lateral edges (12d, 12e, 12f) relative to the average distance between these two lateral edges (12d, 12e, 12f).

7. Covering element according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the minimum distance (Dm) between the two notches (7b, 7c, 7b', 7c', 7e, 7f) is 2 millimeters.

8. Refillable sheet notebook kit, characterized in that it comprises a cover element (la, 1b) according to any one of the preceding claims, and at least one retaining tie (8, 8') of length, or capable of adopting a length at least equal to the distance between the two notches (7a, 7a', 7b, 7b', 7c, 7c', 7d, 7e, 7f) of a pair of notches (7a, 7a'; 7b, 7b'; 7c, 7c'), preferably at least as many retaining ties (8, 8') as there are pairs of notches (7a, 7a'; 7b, 7b'; 7c, 7c').

9. Kit according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the retaining link (8, 8') is of length, or capable of adopting a length at least equal to twice the distance between the two notches (7a, 7a', 7b, 7b', 7c, 7c', 7d, 7e, 7f) of a pair of notches (7a, 7a' ; 7b, 7b' ; 7c, 7c').

10. Kit according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the retaining link (8, 8') is an elastic band.

11. A refillable notebook (15), characterized in that it comprises: - a cover element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, - at least one set of bound sheets (16a, 16b) of dimensions at most equal to those of the cover element (1a, 1b), which set of bound sheets (16a, 16b) is pressed against the cover element (1a, 1b), and - at least one elastic band (8, 8') forming a retaining tie, capable of adopting a length at least equal to twice the distance between the two notches (7a, 7a', 7b, 7b', 7c, 7c', 7d, 7e, 7f) of a pair of notches (7a, 7a'; 7b, 7b'; 7c, 7c'), which elastic band is housed in the two notches (7a, 7a', 7b, 7b', 7c, 7c', 7d, 7e, 7f) of a pair of notches (7a, 7a' ; 7b, 7b' ; 7c, 7c') and encloses the cover element (la, 1b) and the set of bound leaves (16a, 16b) by extending along an outer face (17) of the binding strip (3) of the cover element (la, 1b) and along an inner central hinge line (18) of the set of bound leaves (16a, 16b).

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