GB2573772A

GB2573772A - A retaining device for lamina stationery

Info

Publication number: GB2573772A
Application number: GB1807894.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Harris Stuart
Original assignee: Museums & Galleries Ltd
Current assignee: Museums & Galleries Ltd
Priority date: 2018-05-15
Filing date: 2018-05-15
Publication date: 2019-11-20
Anticipated expiration: 2038-05-15
Also published as: GB2573772B; GB201807894D0

Abstract

A retaining device 100 for holding two or more sheets includes a connecting portion 130 having first and second opposing ends 132, 134. Each end 132, 134 is formable into respective first and second pockets to retain two or more lamina stationery in use. The pockets may be formed by foldable portions 110, 120 at the ends 132, 134, each including a first segment 112, 122 to be pivoted along a first crease 160, 170 and, optionally, a second segment 114, 124 foldable along a line 162, 172. The pockets may be maintained by adhering the second segments 114, 124 to the connecting portion 130, or securing tabs 116, 126, connected to the second segments 114, 124 along further fold lines 164, 174, in face-to-ace engagement with the connecting portion 130. A method of retaining stationery using the device 100 is also disclosed.

Description

A RETAINING DEVICE FOR LAMINA STATIONERY

This invention relates generally to a retaining device for holding two or more lamina stationery. In particular, the retaining device comprises a connecting portion having first and second opposing ends, wherein each of the first and second opposing ends are formable into a first and second pocket. The first and second pockets retain the two or more lamina stationery.

INTRODUCTION

Traditionally, two or more lamina stationery, for example a greetings card and a corresponding envelope, are sold together in either an unwrapped or wrapped manner.

Oftentimes, two or more lamina stationery are sold unwrapped, or loose. For example, a greetings card and a corresponding envelope may be sold with the envelope inserted inside of the greetings card with no means of keeping the greetings card and envelope together. As a consequence, the envelope is often misplaced or the incorrect envelope is sold with the greetings card. Additionally, the two or more lamina stationery are susceptible to damage. Moreover, it is difficult to include branding or indicia on such lamina stationery.

To remedy these shortcomings, two or more lamina stationery are typically sold in a wrapped manner, for example, in a plastic cellophane bag or sleeve. The plastic cellophane bag or sleeve has the advantage that the two or more lamina stationery are maintained together, thereby negating the likelihood of the lamina stationery being separated and/or misplaced. Additionally, the plastic cellophane bag or sleeve help to protect the stored lamina stationery from damage, and also provide means to include branding or other types of indicia thereon.

Currently, it is preferable to retain two or more lamina stationery in a wrapped manner, preferably in a plastic cellophane sleeve. For example, a greetings card and a corresponding envelope are displayed and sold in a thin-film plastic sleeve, with a flap that is glued in place to retain the greetings card and envelope. However, there are drawbacks associated with such known retaining means.

Typically, when two or more lamina stationery are sold wrapped together, the plastic cellophane bag or sleeve is not recycled by the user. Moreover, known plastic cellophane bags or sleeves may not be recyclable. Additionally, there is a growing desire to eliminate or reduce the amount of plastic consumers experience when purchasing a product more generally, as consumers become more environmentally aware.

It may also be desirable to reduce or eliminate the use of glue, which is typically found in such wrapped configurations to seal and enclose the two or more lamina stationery.

The invention aims to obviate or mitigate one or more disadvantages associated with current retaining devices for lamina stationery.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In a first aspect, there is provided a retaining device for holding two or more lamina stationery, comprising: a connecting portion having first and second opposing ends, wherein each of the first and second opposing ends are configured to be formable into respective first and second pockets to retain two or more lamina stationery in use.

That is to say, each of the first and second opposing ends may be formed into respective first and second pockets to surround, engage upon spaced apart portions of, and thereby retain two or more lamina stationery in use.

In a possible case, one or both of the said opposing ends may be configured to be formable into an end pocket with the two or more lamina stationery positioned in situ, the said pocket thereby being formed to surround and engage upon a portion of two or more lamina stationery in use. The respective pockets are configured to engage two spaced part portions of, and thereby retain, two or more lamina stationery in use.

In a possible case, one of the opposing ends may be partly or entirely pre-formed into a pocket, and the other end unformed, and configured to be formed into a pocket subsequently, and for example be formed to engage upon an edge or corner portion of two or more lamina stationery in use. In an alternative case, each of the opposing ends may be unformed, and configured to be formed into a pocket subsequently, and for example be formed to engage upon an edge or corner portion of two or more lamina stationery in use. Where reference is made herein to an end being configurable, formable, foldable or the like, it will be understood to encompass in accordance with the foregoing examples partly pre-configured, pre-formed, prefolded etc and examples provided unformed.

Preferably, at least one of the first and second opposing ends is foldable to form a respective one of the first and second pockets. That is to say, at least one of the first and second opposing ends may be configured to be folded to form, or to provide, a respective one of the first and second pockets.

More preferably, each of the first and second opposing ends is foldable to form a respective one of the first and second pockets. That is to say, both the first and the second ends may be configured to be folded to form, or to provide, respective first and second pockets.

At least one of the first pocket and the second pocket may be formed by a foldable portion. That is to say, at one or both of the first and second ends of the connecting portion, there may be provided a distinct portion that is configured to be folded to form respective first and second pockets. For example, the said end may comprise an end portion of the connecting portion, contiguously formed therewith, and configured to be folded to form, or to provide, a pocket. More preferably each said end may comprise an end portion of the connecting portion, contiguously formed therewith, and configured to be folded to form, or to provide, a pocket.

This provides the advantage that less material can be used to retain the lamina stationery, and also that the retaining device can be manufactured and assembled at a reduced cost.

A foldable end portion may be, for example, configured to be foldable into an end pocket with the two or more lamina stationery positioned in situ, the said pocket thereby being formed to engage upon a portion of, and thereby retain two or more lamina stationery in use.

In the case of an embodiment having each of the first and second opposing ends foldable to form a respective one of the first and second pockets, an end may be provided partly pre-folded. Preferably both ends are provided unfolded and configured thereby to form pockets in use, the said pockets thereby being formed to surround, engage upon spaced apart portions of, and thereby retain two or more lamina stationery in use.

The foldable portion may include pre-scored foldable lines, printed folding guide lines, pre-made cut out portions, perforated foldable lines or the like. The foldable portion may include other ways to aid and/or guide the user to fold the foldable portion to form the pockets.

This provides the advantage that the user is easily guided as to which aspect of the foldable portion requires folding, thereby providing an easier and less timeconsuming way of assembling the retaining device.

Preferably, the foldable portion may include a first foldable segment connected to the connecting portion by a first fold line. In other words, the first foldable segment is connected to the connecting portion and is delimited by a first fold line. The first foldable portion, the second foldable portion or both may include the first foldable segment and the first fold line.

More preferably, the foldable portion may include a second foldable segment connected to the first foldable segment by a second fold line. In other words, the second foldable segment is connected to the first foldable segment and is delimited by a second fold line. The first foldable portion, the second foldable portion or both may include the second foldable segment and the second fold line.

This provides the advantage that a pocket, formed by first foldable segment and first and second fold lines, can be easily assembly by folding with minimal effort and at a minimised cost.

Preferably, the first fold line and the second fold line may be perpendicular. That is to say, the first fold line and the second fold line may intersect at an angle equal to 90°.

Preferably, the first foldable segment may be triangular, square, or a combination thereof. More preferably, the first foldable segment of the first foldable portion is square and the first foldable segment of the second foldable portion is triangular. Even more preferably, when the first foldable segment is triangular, the first foldable segment may be a right-angled triangle. Most preferably, when the first foldable segment is a right-angled triangle, the first foldable segment may be an isosceles right-angled triangle. That is to say, the internal angles of the isosceles right-angle triangle are 90°, 45° and 45° and two sides are of equal length. The two sides of equal length may be the first fold line and the second fold line.

Preferably, the second foldable segment may be trapezoidal in shape.

This provides the advantage that the retaining device is precisely calibrated to fold into a secure pocket.

In some cases, the second foldable segment may be adhered to the connecting portion by an adhesive to maintain at least one of the first pocket and the second pocket. In other words, the second foldable segment may be connected in a face-toface arrangement with the connecting portion by a suitable adhesive, thereby maintaining a pocket formed therefrom.

This provides the advantage that heavier lamina stationery can be retained with the pocket. This also provides the advantage that a permanent pocket is formed, thereby increasing the durability and reliability of the retaining device.

Preferably, the foldable portion may further include a tab connected to the second foldable segment by a third fold line, wherein the tab is configured to maintain at least one of the first pocket and the second pocket. In other words, there may be provided a tab connected to the second foldable segment. The tab and second foldable segment may be delimited by a third fold line. The first foldable portion, the second foldable portion or both may include the tab and the third fold line.

More preferably, the tab is held in face-to-face engagement with the connecting portion by the two or more lamina stationery to maintain the pocket. In other words, the lamina stationery are sandwiched between the tab and the first foldable segment, such that the tab is forced into a face-to-face engagement with the connecting portion. As will be appreciated, such an engagement maintains the pocket in use.

This provides the advantage that an adhesive is not required to maintain the pocket. Therefore, manufacturing costs are reduced. Additionally, adhesives may be undesirable as they cause issues for recyclability, and therefore eliminating an adhesive may provide a more readily recyclable retaining device.

In some embodiments, the tab may be adhered to the connecting portion to maintain at least one of the first pocket and the second pocket.

This provides the advantage that heavier lamina stationery can be retained within the pocket. This also provides the advantage that a permanent pocket is formed, thereby increasing the durability and reliability of the retaining device. The tab also provides for easier manufacture of the retaining device, as the tab can be easily identified and adhered to the connecting portion during assembly.

In some embodiments, the tab may be rectangular or trapezoidal. In other embodiments, the tab may be another appropriate shape.

This provides the advantage that a larger surface area is provided for the lamina stationery to engage the tab in a face-to-face manner in use.

The two or more lamina stationery may be generally flat, planar pieces of material. The two or more lamina stationery may be sheets of material. Preferably, the two or more lamina stationery may be selected from the group comprising of: a greetings card, a sheet of paper, a sheet of card, a postcard, an envelope, or a combination thereof. Most preferably, the two or more lamina stationery comprise a greetings card and an envelope. As will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art, depending upon the construction of the retaining device, other lamina stationery may be retained.

Preferably, the retaining device is integrally formed. In other words, the retaining device is formed from a single piece of continuous material.

More preferably, the retaining device is a generally elongate strip. Most preferably, the retaining device is integrally formed and is a generally elongate strip. Even more preferably, the generally elongate strip may include pre-formed cut outs and fold lines to provide the formable or foldable ends.

This provides the advantage that the retaining device can easily be manufactured at a reduced cost. The manufacture of such retaining devices may be automated or continuous as a result of this structure.

More preferably, the retaining device may comprise recyclable material.

This provides the advantage that, after use, the retaining device can be readily recycled by the end user. This also provides the advantage that the use of plastic is eliminated from such retaining devices.

Most preferably, the recyclable material may comprise paper, cardboard, paperboard or a combination thereof.

This provides the advantage that the retaining device can be manufactured at a reduced cost, owing to these inexpensive materials. Additionally, such recyclable materials are generally well recycled by consumers, which will encourage the user to recycle the retaining device after use.

In one embodiment, the first pocket and the second pocket may each receive opposing corners of the two or more lamina stationery. That is to say, two opposing corners of the two or more lamina stationery may be retained within the pockets. In such a configuration, the connecting portion may span the diagonal of the two or more lamina stationery.

This provides the advantage that the retaining device may be manufactured using less material.

In some embodiments, the first pocket and the second pocket may each receive opposing edges of the two or more lamina stationery. That is to say, two opposing edges of the two or more lamina stationery may be retained within the pockets. In such a configuration, the pockets may be generally elongate, in a direction that is perpendicular to a generally elongate connecting portion. In such a configuration, the connecting portion may span the length or the width of the two or more lamina stationery. Additionally, in such a configuration, it is noted that the pockets must enclose and encase the opposing edges such, for example a rectangular-shaped pocket that has a single opening. In this way, the two or more lamina stationery cannot simply fall out of the pockets.

This provides the advantage that the pockets are larger and span a larger portion of the two or more lamina stationery. In this way, the two or more lamina stationery may be more reliably retained.

Preferably, the first pocket and the second pocket may be triangular, rectangular, square, or a combination thereof. That is to say, each of the pockets may independently be triangular, rectangular or square in shape. Most preferably, the pockets may be the same shape. When the pockets are both triangular, the pockets may receive opposing corners of the two or more lamina stationery. When the pockets are rectangular or square, the pockets may receive opposing edges of the two or more lamina stationery.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first pocket, the second pocket and the connecting portion may comprise indicia. The indicia may include: how to form or fold the ends into pockets, an indication that the retaining device is recyclable, an indication of the origin of the retaining device, or the like.

There is also provided a package, the package comprising: a retaining device as described herein, wherein each of the first and second opposing ends of the connecting portion are formed into first and second pockets; and two or more lamina stationery retained by the first and second pockets.

There is also provided a method for retaining two or more lamina stationery, the method comprising the steps of: providing a retaining device comprising a connecting portion having first and second opposing ends; forming a first pocket at the first end of the connecting portion; retaining two or more lamina stationery in the formed first pocket and in a second pocket and the second end of the connecting portion. That is to say, a first pocket may be formed at the first end of the connecting portion, and a second pocket may be formed, or may be pre-formed, at a second end of the connecting portion.

In some embodiments, the step of providing a retaining device comprises providing a retaining device comprising a connecting portion having first and second opposing ends, the retaining device comprising a second pocket pre-formed at the second end of the connecting portion. That is to say, the retaining device may include a second pocket that does not need to be formed by the user of the retaining device, but the first pocket still requires formation by the user of the retaining device.

This provides the advantage that the retaining device is already partially formed, thereby allowing the user to easily form the retaining device at a single end.

Preferably, the method of retaining two or more lamina stationery further comprises the step of forming a second pocket at the second end of the connecting portion. In other words, the method comprises the steps of: providing a retaining device comprising a connecting portion having first and second ends, forming a first pocket at the first end of the connecting portion, forming a second pocket at the second end of the connecting portion, and retaining two or more lamina stationery in the first and second pockets.

This provides the advantage that the retaining device can be manufactured from a single piece of material, thereby allowing for an easier and less expensive manufacturing process.

Preferably, the step of forming at least the first pocket may comprise the step of folding a respective first foldable portion. In other words, the step of forming the first pocket may comprise the step of folding a first foldable portion to form the first pocket.

More preferably, the step of forming the second pocket may comprise the step of folding a respective second foldable portion. In other words, the step of forming the second pocket may comprise the step of folding a second foldable portion to form the second pocket.

Most preferably, the step of folding the first foldable portion or the second foldable portion to form the respective first pocket or second pocket may comprise folding a first foldable segment about a first fold line. That is to say, the step of folding the first foldable portion, the second foldable portion, or both, may comprise the step of folding a first foldable segment about a first fold line. The first foldable segment may be connected to the connecting portion by the first fold line.

Even more preferably, the step of folding the first foldable portion or the second foldable portion to form the respective first pocket or second pocket may further comprise folding a second foldable segment about a second fold line. That is to say, the step of folding the first foldable portion, the second foldable portion, or both, may further comprise the step of folding a second foldable segment about a second fold line. The second foldable segment may be connected to the first foldable segment by the second fold line.

Preferably, the step of folding the first foldable portion or the second foldable portion to form the respective first pocket or second pocket may further comprise folding a tab about a third fold line. That is to say, the step of folding the first foldable portion, the second foldable portion, or both, may further comprise the step of folding a tab about a third fold line. The tab may be connected to the second foldable segment by the third fold line

This provides the advantage that the retaining device can be easily assembled by the user with minimal effort and at a minimised cost.

In some embodiments, the step of folding the first foldable portion or the second foldable portion to form the respective first pocket or second pocket may further comprise adhering the second foldable segment to the connecting portion. That is to say, the step of folding the first foldable portion, the second foldable portion, or both, may further comprise the step of adhering the second foldable segment to the connecting portion.

In other embodiments, the step of folding the first foldable portion or the second foldable portion to form the respective first pocket or second pocket may further comprise adhering the tab to the connecting portion. That is to say, the step of folding the first foldable portion, the second foldable portion, or both, may further comprise the step of adhering the tab to the connecting portion.

This provides the advantage that heavier lamina stationery can be retained within the pocket. This also provides the advantage that a permanent pocket is formed, thereby increasing the durability and reliability of the retaining device.

Preferably, the step of retaining two or lamina stationery may comprise holding the tab in face-to-face engagement with the connecting portion by two or lamina stationery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate presently exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain, by way of example only, the principles of the disclosure. In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 shows a rear view of a retaining device according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a rear view of the retaining device of Figure 1 after folding the first foldable segments of each foldable portion;

Figure 3 shows a rear view of the retaining device of Figure 2 after folding the second foldable segments of each foldable portion;

Figure 4 shows a rear view of the retaining device of Figure 3 after folding the tab of each foldable portion;

Figure 5 shows a front view of the retaining device of Figure 4;

Figure 6a and 6b show respective front and rear views of a package according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 7a and 7b show respective front and rear views of a package according to another embodiment of the invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to Figure 1, a retaining device 10 includes a first foldable portion 110 and a second foldable portion 120, the first and second foldable portions 110, 120 being connected by a connecting portion 130. The connecting portion 130 has a first end 132 and a second end 134, the first and second ends 132, 134 opposing one another. The connecting portion also includes a first face 130a and a second face 130b (see Figure 5), and is generally elongate to span the length or diagonal of the lamina stationery 180, 280.

With reference to Figures 1, 6a and 6b, the first foldable portion 110 is configured to be folded to form a first pocket 140, and the second foldable portion 120 is configured to be folded to form a second pocket 150. The first and second pockets 140, 150 oppose one another.

As seen in Figure 1, the first foldable portion 110 includes a first foldable segment 112 and a second foldable segment 114. The first foldable portion 110 may also include a first tab 116. The first foldable segment 112 of the first foldable portion 110 is connected to the first end 132 of the connecting portion 130 by a first fold line 160. The second foldable segment 114 is connected to the first foldable segment 112 by a second fold line 162. The first fold line 160 and the second fold line 162 are perpendicular to one another in the depicted embodiment. The first tab 116 is connected to the second foldable segment 114 by a third fold line 164.

In the described embodiment, the first foldable portion 110 includes a square-shaped first foldable segment 112. However, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the first foldable segment 112 may have other shapes.

The first foldable segment 112 includes a first face 112a and a second face 112b. Similarly, the second foldable segment 114 has a first face 114a and a second face 114b. The tab 116 also includes a first face 116a and a second face 116b.

The second foldable portion 120 includes a first foldable segment 122 and a second foldable segment 124. The second foldable portion may also include a second tab 126. The first foldable segment 122 of the second foldable portion 120 is connected to the second end 134 of the connecting portion 130 by a first fold line 170. The second foldable segment 124 is connected to the first foldable segment 122 by a second fold line 172. The first fold line 170 and the second fold line 172 are perpendicular with respect to one another in the depicted embodiment. Additionally, the first fold line 160 of the first fold portion 110 is substantially parallel with the second fold line 172 of the second foldable portion 120. Further, the second fold line 162 of the first foldable portion is substantially parallel to the first fold line 170 of the second foldable portion. The second tab 126 is connected to the second foldable segment 124 by a third fold line 174.

In the described embodiment, the second foldable portion 120 includes a triangularshaped first foldable segment 122. However, it will be appreciated by the skilled person that the first foldable segment 122 may have other shapes.

The first foldable segment 122 includes a first face 122a and a second face 122b (not shown). Similarly, the second foldable segment 124 has a first face 124a and a second face 124b. The second tab 126 also includes a first face 126a and a second face 126b.

To form the pockets 140, 150 to hold the lamina stationery 180, the retaining device 100 is folded. The manner in which the retaining device 100 is folded is described below.

Firstly, to form the first pocket 140, the first foldable segment 112 of the first foldable portion 110 is folded about the fold line 160. In this way, the second face 112b of the first foldable segment 112 is brought into face-to-face engagement with the second face 130b at the first end 132 of the connecting portion 130. Figure 2 shows the first foldable portion 110 after folding about the first fold line 160. Secondly, the second foldable segment 114 is folded about the fold line 162. In this way, the second face 114b of the second foldable segment 114 is brought into face-to-face engagement with the first face 130a at the first end 132 of the connecting portion 130. Figure 3 shows the first foldable portion 110 after folding about the fold line 162. Thirdly, the first tab 116 is folded about the third fold line 164. In this way, the second face 116b of the first tab 116 is brought into face-to-face engagement with the second face 130b at the first end 132 of the connecting portion 130. Figures 4 and 5 show respective rear and front views of the retaining device 100 after folding the first foldable portion 110. As can be seen in Figure 5, the first foldable portion 110 is configured to be folded to form the first pocket 140. More specifically, the first pocket 140 includes the first foldable segment 112 and the first and second fold lines 160, 162.

With reference to Figures 2, 5, 6a and 6b, the second face 116b of the first tab 116 is maintained in face-to-face engagement with the second face 130b of the connecting portion 130 by the two or more lamina stationery 180. More specifically, in use, the first tab 116 is held in engagement with the connecting portion 130 at the first end 132 by a lower face 180b of the lamina stationery 180, and an upper face 180a of the lamina stationery 180 engages the first foldable segment 112 of the first pocket 140. In other words, the lamina stationery 180 are retained between the first tab 116 and the first foldable segment 112, such that the first tab 116 is forced into a face-toface engagement with the connecting portion 130 at the first end 132. As will be appreciated, the first pocket 140 is maintained and secured in use.

Alternatively, in another embodiment, the first tab 116 may be adhered to the connecting portion 130 by adhesive (not shown). In such a case, the second face 116b of the first tab 116 includes a suitable adhesive (not shown) to adhere the second face 116b of the first tab 116 to the second face 130b of the connecting portion 130 at the first end 132. In this way, the first pocket 140 is maintained and secured.

Alternatively, in another embodiment where the first tab 116 is not included in the first foldable portion 110, a suitable adhesive (not shown) may be applied to the second face 114b of the second foldable segment 114 to adhere the second face 114b of the second foldable segment 114 to the first face 130a of the connecting portion 130 at the first end. In this way, the first pocket 140 is maintained and secured.

Referring again to Figures 1 to 4, to form the second pocket 150 the first foldable segment 122 of the second foldable portion 120 is folded about the fold line 170. In this way, the second face 122b of the first foldable segment 122 is brought into faceto-face engagement with the second face 130b of the connecting portion 130 at the second end 132. Figure 2 shows the second foldable portion 120 after folding about the fold line 170. Secondly, the second foldable segment 114 is folded about the fold line 172. In this way, the second face 124b of the second foldable segment 124 is brought into face-to-face engagement with the first face 130a of the connecting portion 130 at the second end 134. Figure 3 shows the second foldable portion 120 after folding about the fold line 172. Thirdly, the second tab 126 is folded about the third fold line 174. In this way, the second face 126b of the second tab 126 is brought into face-to-face engagement with the second face 130b of the connecting portion 130 at the second end 134. Figures 4 and 5 show respective rear and front views of the retaining device 100 after folding the second foldable portion 120. As can be seen in Figure 5, the second foldable portion 120 is configured to be folded to form the second pocket 150. More specifically, the second pocket 150 includes the first foldable segment 122 and the first and second fold lines 170, 172.

With reference to Figures 2, 5, 6a and 6b, the second face 126b of the second tab 126 is maintained in face-to-face engagement with the second face 130b of the connecting portion 130 by the lamina stationery 180. More specifically, in use, the second tab 126 s held in engagement with the connecting portion 130 at the second end 134 by a lower face 180b of the lamina stationery 180, and an upper face 180a of the lamina stationery 180 engages the first foldable segment 122 of the second pocket 150. In other words, the lamina stationery 180 are retained between the second tab 126 and the first foldable segment 122, such that the second tab 126 is forced into a face-to-face engagement with the connecting portion 130 at the second end 134. As will be appreciated, the second pocket 150 is maintained and secured in use.

Alternatively, in another embodiment, the second tab 126 may be adhered to the connecting portion 130 by adhesive (not shown). In such a case, the second face 126b of the second tab 126 includes a suitable adhesive (not shown) to adhere the second face 126b of the second tab 126 to the second face 130b of the connecting portion 130 at the second end 134. In this way, the second pocket 150 is maintained and secured.

Alternatively, in another embodiment where the second tab 116 is absent from the second foldable portion 120, a suitable adhesive (not shown) may be applied to the second face 124b of the second foldable segment 124 to adhere the second face 124b of the second foldable segment 124 to the first face 130a of the connecting portion 130 at the second end 134. In this way, the second pocket 150 is maintained and secured.

In the above described embodiments, the first and second foldable portions 110, 120 are substantially similar. That is to say, they fold in a substantially similar manner. In other embodiments, the first and second foldable portions 110, 120 may fold in different manners. In other embodiments, the first and second foldable portions 110, 120 may be identical.

With reference to Figures 6a and 6b, a package 190 includes the retaining device 100 and lamina stationery 180. In the depicted embodiment, the lamina stationery 180 are rectangular in shape. The lamina stationery 180 are secured at opposing corners by the retaining device 100. Specifically, opposing corners of the lamina stationery 180 are secured within opposing first and second pockets 140, 150.

With reference to Figures 7a and 7b, in another embodiment, a package 290 includes the retaining device 200 and the lamina stationery 280. The retaining device 200 can be formed in substantially the same way as retaining device 100 of Figs 1 -

5. In the depicted embodiment, the lamina stationery 280 are square in shape. The two or more lamina stationery 280 are secured at opposing corners by the retaining device 200. Specifically, opposing corners of the lamina stationery 280 are secured within opposing first and second pockets 240, 250.

As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the first pocket 140 may be formed by the first foldable segment 112 and the first and second fold lines 160, 162 of the first foldable portion 110. Similarly, the second pocket 150 may be formed by the second foldable segment 122 and the first and second fold lines 170, 172 of the second foldable portion 134. As shown in Figure 6a, the first pocket 140 is square in shape, owing to the square first foldable segment 112 of the first foldable portion 110, and the second pocket 150 is triangular in shape, owing to the triangular shape of the first foldable segment 122 of the second foldable portion 120. However, the skilled person would recognise that other shapes are possible by varying the shape of the first foldable segment 112, 122 of each foldable portion 110, 120.

In the described embodiments, the retaining device 100, 200 is formed integrally. In other words, the retaining device 100, 200 is formed from a single piece of material that is generally elongate. The single piece of material is constructed primarily from a connecting portion 130 that is formable into first and second pockets 140, 150 at opposing ends 132, 134, As will be appreciated, in other embodiments, the retaining device 100 may be formed from multiple units, which may or may not be made from the same material.

In the depicted embodiments, the retaining device 100, 200 is made from recyclable material. More specifically, the retaining device 100, 200 is made from 100% recyclable paperboard. In other embodiments, depending on the lamina stationery to be retained, the retaining device 100, 200 can be made from paper, cardboard or a combination thereof.

The retaining device 100, 200 may also include indicia. In one embodiment, the retaining device 100, 200 includes indicia indicating that the retaining device is recyclable. In other embodiments, the indicia may indicate that the retaining device is reusable, how to recycle the retaining device or where to purchase the retaining device. The indicia may be included on any part of the retaining device 100, 200 for example, the indicia may be included on the first face 130a of the connecting portion 130, the first face 112a of the first foldable segment 112, and the first face 122a of the first foldable segment 122.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiments have been described by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A retaining device for holding two or more lamina stationery, comprising:

A connecting portion having first and second opposing ends;

Wherein each of the first and second opposing ends are configured to be formable into respective first and second pockets to retain two or more lamina stationery in use.

2. The retaining device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second opposing ends is foldable to form a respective one of the first and second pockets.

3. The retaining device of claim 2, wherein each of the first and second opposing ends is foldable to form a respective one of the first and second pockets.

4. The retaining device of claim 2 or 3, wherein at least one of the first pocket and the second pocket is formed by a foldable portion.

5. The retaining device of claim 4, wherein the foldable portion comprises a first foldable segment connected to the connecting portion by a first fold line.

6. The retaining device of claim 5, wherein the first foldable segment is a right-angled triangle, a square or a combination thereof.

7. The retaining device of claim 5 or 6, wherein the foldable portion comprises a second foldable segment connected to the first foldable segment by a second fold line.

8. The retaining device of claim 7, wherein the second foldable segment is adhered to the connecting portion by an adhesive to maintain at least one of the first pocket and the second pocket.

9. The retaining device of claim 7, wherein the foldable portion further comprises a tab connected to the second foldable segment by a third fold line, wherein the tab is configured to maintain at least one of the first pocket and the second pocket.

10. The retaining device of claim 9, wherein the tab is held in face-to-face engagement with the connecting portion by the two or more lamina stationery to maintain the pocket.

11. The retaining device of any preceding claim, wherein the retaining device is integrally formed.

12. The retaining device of claim 11, wherein the retaining device is a generally elongate strip.

13. The retaining device of any preceding claim, wherein the retaining device comprises recyclable material.

14. The retaining device of claim 13, wherein the recyclable material comprises paper, cardboard, paperboard, or a combination thereof.

15. A package comprising:

A retaining device according to any proceeding claim, wherein each of the first and second opposing ends of the connecting portion are formed into first and second pockets; and

Two or more lamina stationery retained by the first and second pockets.

16. A method for retaining two or more lamina stationery, comprising the steps of:

Providing a retaining device comprising a connecting portion having first and second opposing ends;

Forming a first pocket at the first end of the connecting portion; and

Retaining two or more lamina stationery in the formed first pocket, and in a second pocket at the second end of the connecting portion.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of forming the second pocket at the second end of the connecting portion.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein the step of forming the first pocket comprises the step of folding a respective first foldable portion.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of forming the second pocket comprises the step of folding a respective second foldable portion.

20. The method of claim 18 or 19, wherein the step of folding the first foldable portion or the second foldable portion to form the respective first pocket or second pocket comprises folding a first foldable segment about a first fold line.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of folding the first foldable portion or the second foldable portion to form the respective first pocket or second pocket further comprises folding a second foldable segment about a second fold line.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of folding the first foldable portion or the second foldable portion to form the respective first pocket or second pocket further comprises folding a tab about a third fold line.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of folding the first foldable portion or the second foldable portion to form the respective first pocket or second pocket further comprises adhering the second foldable segment to the connecting portion.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of folding the first foldable portion or the second foldable portion to form the respective first pocket or second pocket further comprises adhering the tab to the connecting portion.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of retaining two or more lamina stationery comprises holding the tab in face-to-face engagement with the connecting portion by two or lamina stationery.