National Paper Clip Day

A diverse group of office workers with different fashion styles, enthusiastically using paper clips in a modern office setting.. — National paper clip day illustration

Hey there, paper clip enthusiasts! Get ready to clip into the fascinating world of National Paper Clip Day where we bend and twist our way through the history of this humble office accessory. Are you ready to unravel the twisted tales behind the creation of this seemingly simple yet vital invention? Let's dive in!

When is Paper Clip Day?

It's national paper clip day on the 29th May.

The Birth of the Mighty Paper Clip

Picture this: It's the late 19th century, and the world is in desperate need of a useful way to hold papers together without the need for a bulky stapler. Enter the paper clip, the unsung hero of the stationary world!

While the exact origins of National Paper Clip Day are a bit hazy, the paper clip itself has a fascinating backstory. The first versions of the paper clip were often made by hand, using various types of wire. However, it wasn't until the 1890s that Johan Vaaler, a Norwegian inventor, patented the first mass-produced paper clip.

Vaaler's design included a simple twist in the middle of the wire, creating the iconic double-loop shape we all recognize today. This clever design allowed for easy clipping and unclipping, forever revolutionizing the way we keep our documents in order.

A Round of Paper Clip Appreciation

To celebrate National Paper Clip Day, let's take a moment to appreciate the sheer versatility of this everyday tool. From holding important documents to organizing receipts, and even serving as a makeshift bookmark, the mighty paper clip has proven time and time again that it's more than just a simple office supply.

Did you know that paper clips can also serve as emergency lock picks for those rare occasions when you accidentally lock yourself out? Although we do not condone or encourage any illegal activities, it's a handy skill to keep in mind just in case!

Fun Fact: The Paper Clip Tower

Did you know that in 2004, a group of students in Michigan decided to construct the world's tallest paper clip tower? Standing at a staggering 29 feet and weighing over 5,000 pounds, this impressive structure caught the attention of paper clip enthusiasts everywhere. Talk about taking paper clips to new heights!

History behind the term 'Paper Clip'

1867

Invention of the paper clip

The paper clip was invented in 1867 by Samuel B. Fay, who received a U.S. patent for his design. Fay's paper clip was similar to the modern ones we use today, with two loops of wire that could hold papers together by pressing them between the loops.

1899

Gem paper clip design

In 1899, a Norwegian inventor and patent attorney named Johan Vaaler designed and patented what is now known as the Gem paper clip. Vaaler's design featured a single strip of steel bent into a triangular shape with two opposing loops. Although Vaaler's design was distinct from Fay's, his paper clip became more widely adopted and popularized.

1901

Gem paper clip manufacturing

In 1901, the Gem Manufacturing Company, which was eventually renamed to the Gem Company, began mass-producing Vaaler's paper clip design. The Gem paper clip gained international recognition and became the dominant style of paper clip in the world. It was known for its simplicity, effectiveness, and ease of use.

1930

Invention of the non-skid paper clip

In 1930, William Middlebrook invented the non-skid paper clip, which had two concentric coils of wire that provided extra grip on the papers. This design improvement helped prevent papers from slipping or sliding out of the clip. The non-skid paper clip gained popularity due to its enhanced functionality.

1944

Legal dispute over the paper clip patent

A legal dispute arose in 1944 over the patent rights to the paper clip. The Gem Company claimed that they held the rights to the paper clip design, filed by Johan Vaaler in 1899. However, evidence later revealed that Vaaler's design was never actually produced, and the patent rights ultimately went to Samuel B. Fay, the original inventor of the paper clip.