CH704242B1 - A method for assembling a stack or a collection of loosely-single or multi-precursors as well as an assortment of precursors. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for assembling a stack (10) of loosely superposed single- or multi-layer precursors (11-15) of the same or different size, which stack (10) has two external precursors (11, 15), in which method the stack (10) a cohesion facilitating later handling is given. The cohesion is achieved in a very simple and flexible manner in that in a first step, the stack to be assembled (10) from loosely superposed precursors (11-15) is provided, and that in a second step, at least one connecting element (17) a stacking edge (16) of the stack (10) is mounted such that it overlaps the two outer precursors (11, 15) of the stack (10) by clamping.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to the field of further processing of precursors (especially printed products in the context of postpress). It relates to a method for assembling a stack or a collection of loosely stacked single or multi-layer precursors according to the preamble of claim 1. It further relates to compositions of such precursors produced by this method.

State of the art

In the modern day are increasingly available as intermediates present advertising materials such as leaflets, flyers, catalogs, flyers, direct mail, but also samples, CDs, etc. directly from special service providers. In the process, advertising materials from different providers are often combined and distributed together in order to keep distribution costs low. The jointly distributed advertising or precursors then form a stack of loosely superimposed (individual) individual copies, which must be assembled, for example, from the distributor in each case at the place of delivery by hand. However, this type of compilation is time-consuming and error-prone, so that in the formed stacks either certain advertising media are included multiple times or missing completely.

Under stacks are basically understood compilations of precursors, which are superimposed and held together by gravity. If the precursors are in a different spatial orientation, e.g. Aligned vertically, they are also referred to here as a collection. The invention relates to such different types of compilations of precursors.

But it is also conceivable that the stack of precursors are formed in a central location and then fed to the distribution. In this case, slippage of the precursors within a stack or mixing of stacks may easily occur during distribution unless special precautions are taken to hold the individual stacks together and separate them from one another.

Thus, it is for example possible to provide the stack formed from the advertising means or precursors with a welded film wrapper to hold together the stack and to differentiate it from other stacks. Such additional packaging of the stacks simplifies the distribution considerably, but causes a relevant additional expense. In addition, the most sealed foil bags from the end user are only cumbersome to open and the overall impression depending on the material is not particularly aesthetic.

The stacks can also be tied up or otherwise bundled, for example by means of an envelope. Thus, it would be conceivable, for example, to combine the stack of preliminary products with a wrapper, as it is known, for example from the document CH 461 248. However, this results in the same disadvantages as mentioned above.

Furthermore, it is known from EP 0 666 186 A1 to insert precursors into a folded newspaper, which then acts as an envelope for the inserted precursors and is subsequently closed by means of one or more clips (see also WO 2007/067 325 A2). This requires either the provision of a newspaper or the provision of a separate envelope, which in turn significantly increases the expense.

Finally, it is known (US 5 096 176) to separate individual sub-stacks of sheets of other sub-stacks in a larger total stack characterized in that non-connecting paper strips (column 1, lines 58-62) as a separating strip around an edge of each Sub-stack are laid. This is to prevent the separating strips, which are otherwise laid flat between two partial stacks, from being displaced. This type of non-connecting parting strip is only suitable for separation within the overall stack because the parting strips fall off immediately when a partial stack is transported by itself or otherwise handled individually.

Presentation of the invention

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a generic method, which allows in a particularly simple manner, the cohesion of a stack or a collection of loosely superimposed or contiguous single- or multi-layer precursors same or different size, such that the Stack or the collection can be safely transported and handled by itself and can be easily disassembled into the individual precursors.

It is a further object of the invention to provide corresponding easily manageable and distinguishable compositions of such precursors.

The objects are achieved by the claims 1 and 16.

The inventive method for assembling a stack of loosely stacked or a collection of loosely adjacent single or multi-layer precursors, especially printed products, the same or different size, which stack or which collection has two external precursors, in which method the Stack or the collection is given a later handling easier cohesion is characterized in that the stack or the collection are provided in a first step, and that in a second step, at least one connecting element is mounted such that it is the two outer products of the stack or the collection overlap by clamping. Single- or multi-layered intermediates are also considered to be single- or multi-leaf precursors.

Under stacks are basically understood compilations of precursors, which are superimposed and held together by gravity. If the precursors are in a different spatial orientation, e.g. Aligned vertically, they are referred to here as a collection. The invention relates to such different types of compilations of precursors.

With a view to a better understanding of the invention it should be noted that the above-mentioned precursors are to be processed in the context of a continuous processing or a logistical overall process. These precursors form autonomous finished units both in terms of content and format, which are isolated again and used separately by the end user, and they have been handled in the prior art completely individually in the context of further processing.

An embodiment of the inventive method is characterized in that the precursors of the stack or the collection each have a preferred edge, that the precursors of the stack or the collection in the stack or in the collection are arranged and aligned so that the preferred edges of the precursors together form a stack edge, and that this stack edge is used for attachment of the at least one connecting element. The stacking edge is the side surface of the stack, which is spanned by the superimposed or adjacent preferred edges of the precursors.

In particular, can be taken as preferred edges of the precursors such edges on which the precursors are folded and / or stapled and / or glued. If all precursors of the stack or the collection have a folded edge, these precursors can be stacked one above the other with the folded edges, so that the stack edge in which the connecting element is attached consists of sheer folding edges. But it is also conceivable to arrange some of the precursors with their folded edge on the opposite side in order to achieve a more uniform stack height.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of connecting elements along the selected stacking edge on the stack or on the collection, the two external precursors of the stack or the collection are attached overlapping. Although this increases the effort, but increases the cohesion of the stack or the collection, because shear forces that cause a twisting of the precursors in the stack or in the collection against each other, can be better absorbed. This is particularly advantageous in a stack or a collection with many heavy and superficially smooth precursors.

It is also conceivable within the scope of the invention, however, to attach a plurality of connecting elements to a plurality of selected stacking edges on the stack or the collection, overlapping the two outer precursors of the stack or of the collection.

Another embodiment of the inventive method is therefore characterized by the fact that a clip is used as a connecting element. In this context, a clip is understood as meaning an element which, with (at least) two legs overlapping the stack, holds the stack or the collection together by clamping at the respective edge. The clip may consist of a plastic, which has been brought into the appropriate form, for example by plastic deformation.

It can also consist of a metal or a metal alloy.

In particular, the clip may consist of a double-curved strip having a constant width.

Likewise, it is conceivable that the clip consists of a double-curved strip, which has a narrowing over the length width, in particular in a central region a constriction. This can be used, for example, to influence the clamping behavior of the clip

Another embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that to protect the outer precursors of the stack or the collection before attaching the connecting element in each case a protective layer is arranged.

A further embodiment of the invention is characterized in that for the preparation of the stack to be assembled or the collection to be assembled, the precursors are stacked successively in a gathering device in a predetermined sequence or juxtaposed. As a result, a stack or a collection can be formed in a flexible manner, which can be easily and quickly adapted in design and number and order of the precursors to the most diverse requirements. A suitable gathering device is offered for example by the applicant under the name "FlyStream".

Preferably, in the collating of the forming stack or the collection forming past a plurality of feed conveyors arranged one behind the other, the feed conveyors each supplying at least one precursor to the stack or the collection. If the feeders are individually controllable, the stacking or collection formation can be made very flexible. Suitable feeders are offered for example by the applicant under the name "JetFeeder".

It is conceivable that the stack or collections are provided at the end of the collating device in an application device in each case with the at least one connecting element, resulting in a particularly compact arrangement

But it is also conceivable that the stack or collections held in a transport device in parentheses are transported by a stack connection device, and that they are provided in the stack connection device in each case with the at least one connecting element. In this way, the packaging of the stack or collections can be easily integrated into an existing larger system.

The inventive composition in the form of a stack of loosely stacked or a collection of loosely fitting single or multi-layer precursors, in particular printed products, the same or different size, which stack or which collection has two external precursors, characterized in that in order to achieve a later-facilitating cohesion of the precursors, at least one connecting element is attached to the stack or the collection in such a way that it overlaps the two outer products of the stack or the collection lying outside.

Another embodiment of the compilation is characterized in that the precursors of the stack or the collection each have at least one preferred edge, that the precursors of the stack or the collection in the stack or in the collection are arranged and aligned, that the preferred edges of the precursors together form at least one stacking edge or stacking side, and that the at least one connecting element is attached to this stacking edge.

In particular, a plurality of connecting elements along the selected stacking edge on the stack or on the collection, the two outer precursors of the stack or the collection may be mounted overlapping.

But it is also conceivable that a plurality of fasteners are attached overlapping at several selected stacking edges on the stack or the collection, the two outer precursors of the stack or the collection lying outside.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is a clip.

In particular, the clip consists of a plastic.

The clip may also consist of a metal or a metal alloy.

According to one embodiment, the clip consists of a double-curved strip having a constant width.

The clip can also consist of a double-curved strip, which has a narrowing over the length width, in particular in a central region a constriction.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous if a protective layer is arranged to protect the outer precursors of the stack or collection in the overlapping areas between the connecting element and the outer precursors of the stack or collection, respectively

Brief explanation of the figures

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. Show it: <Tb> FIG. 1 <SEP> in perspective view a stack with several different sized precursors, which is provided according to an embodiment of the invention at a stack edge with a clip; <Tb> FIG. 2 <SEP> the stack of Figure 1, which is provided according to another embodiment of the invention at the same stack edge with two spaced apart clips of the same type; <Tb> FIG. 3 <SEP> a stack of equal but different thickness precursors, which is provided according to a further embodiment of the invention as shown in Figure 1 with a clip. <Tb> FIG. 4 <SEP> a stack of equally sized and equally thick precursors; which is held together according to another embodiment of the invention with a very wide in the edge direction extending clip; <Tb> FIG. 5 in a representation comparable to FIG. 2, a stack with two spaced-apart clips of the same type, which have a narrowing in the middle region, in the overall view (FIG. 5 (a)) and in an enlarged detail (FIG. 5) (b)); <Tb> FIG. 6 <SEP> is a perspective view of a stack of precursors collected in a holder and provided with a clip in the holder; <Tb> FIG. 7 <SEP> the clamped stack of FIG. 1, wherein according to a further embodiment of the invention for the protection of the outer precursors under the clip in each case a protective layer is arranged; <Tb> FIG. 8 <SEP> the unblocked stack of precursors according to FIG. 1; <Tb> FIG. 9 <SEP> in a side view the basic structure of a stack connection device for applying clips according to an embodiment of the invention; <Tb> FIG. 10 shows a top view of a collating device for the provision and packaging of precursor stacks according to an embodiment of the invention; <Tb> FIG. 11 a possibility of transporting the stack formed in a collating device to an application device located at another location; <Tb> FIG. 12 <SEP> Another way to move the stack formed further; and <Tb> FIG. 13a / b <SEP> two examples of a plastic clip.

Ways of carrying out the invention

The inventive method is based on a stack of precursors, as it e.g. In this example, the stack 10 comprises a total of five precursors 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15. All precursors 11-15 of the stack 10 in the example have a folded edge and are stapled in the folded edge , The precursors can be, for example, printed products. It goes without saying that the precursors within the scope of the invention may also have a different design, function and shape.

In the following explanations of the embodiments is always spoken of stacks to which the precursors are stacked. Stacking is understood to mean combinations of precursors which lie one above the other and are first held together by gravity. If the compilations are not arranged one above the other, but in a different spatial orientation, e.g. vertically oriented, contiguous, they are commonly referred to as a collection. The invention relates to both types of compilations of precursors.

The precursors 11-15 are in the stack 10 so one above the other, that their folded edges form a common stack edge 16 of the stack 10. The precursors 11-15, which may be promotional brochures, flyers, but also samples, CDs or the like, have a different size in the example shown. The upper printed product 11 is significantly smaller than the underlying printed product 12 and even smaller than the other precursors 13-15. The precursors 11 and 15 are the external precursors of the stack 10. They play a special role for the inventive method. All precursors 11-15 are preferably arranged in the stack 10 so that they lie symmetrically to a common center line 18.

In the simplest case, as shown in FIG. 1, the cohesion of the stack 10, which is otherwise determined only by the weight of the precursors and the friction between the precursors, thereby significantly improved that as a connecting element, a clip 17 so on the stack edge 16 the stack 10 is pushed or snapped that he overlaps the two outer precursors 11 and 15 on the outside of elastic clamping, without applying to the outside or to promote by protruding parts an undesirable automatic tearing or peeling. By the clamping force exerted by the clip, all precursors in the stack or collection are clamped together by the clip, in particular also individual sheets, cards, CDs or the like. If, as shown in FIG. 1, only a single clip 17 is used for connection it is advantageous if this is placed exactly in the center line 18 of the stack 10. If, as shown in FIG. 2, two clips 17a and 17b are arranged next to each other on the stack edge, this is preferably done symmetrically with respect to the center line 18 of the stack. For the stability of the stack, it is advantageous if the clips 17a and 17b are as far apart as possible.

In principle, it would be conceivable, in addition to one or more clips 17 or 17a, b to provide at the stack edge 16 more clips at other edges, but this is problematic in the case of the illustrated in Fig. 1 and 2 stack 10 from different sized precursors , In addition, the attachment of additional lateral clips requires considerable expenditure on equipment, without bringing decisive advantages. If the stack 10, as shown in Fig. 3, from the same size precursors 11, 15, additional clips can be easily attached to other stacking edges.

The embodiment of Fig. 4, in which also a stack 10 with the same size precursors 11, 15 is assumed, differs from the embodiments of FIGS. 1-3 - characterized in that here at the stack edge 16 a clip 19 is applied with a large width in the edge direction. This type of arrangement of the clip 19 results in an increased cohesion compared to the arrangement of FIG. 1, but makes it more difficult for the stack 10 to be subsequently dissolved. In all cases, however, the clip 17 or 17a, b or 19 overlaps the two outer precursors 11, 15 or 11, 15 or 11, 15.

The clip 17 may consist of a plastic, which acts due to its properties and the corresponding configuration of the clip 17 elastic clamping. But it can also consist of a metal or a metal alloy. In particular, it may be made in the manner of a simple clip of a double-curved strip having a constant width. The clip can also be composed of several parts, in particular be joined. In a further preferred embodiment, the clip has a (square) U-section, but with recesses, which serves in particular to save material. These recesses may be filled in particular embodiments of the invention with a different material, for example, the clip may be made of metal and the insert of plastic. If necessary, the latter can also serve as a (usable) advertising medium or information carrier.

However, it is also conceivable that, according to FIG. 5, the clips 49a, 49b have a width which varies over the length, in particular in a middle region a constriction 50. With such a constriction 50 (FIG. 5 (b)), in particular the mechanical properties of the clip can be influenced.

If, according to FIGS. 1 to 4, a clip 17, 17 a, b or 19 does not with the necessary care about the stack edge 16 around on the outsides of the outer precursors 11, 15 or, 11, 15 and 11, respectively , 15. It can happen that the precursors are damaged. In order to reliably avoid such damage during the attachment of the clips, the outer precursors 11, 15 according to FIG. 7 can be provided with a protective layer 48 before the clips 17 are attached. Such protective layers 48 may be, for example, self-bonding plastic films or films having a smooth surface.

The formation of the stack 10 according to FIG. 6 can take place in that the precursors 11-15 are successively inserted with their folded edge in a corresponding (inclined) holder 37 or inserted, in which they with the folding edges on a corresponding Angled strip 38 abut inside. At the points where the clip 17 is to be applied later, 37 recesses 39 are provided on the holder, which allow free access from the outside to the corresponding portion of the stack edge.

Such brackets 37 may be part of a gathering device 40 shown in Fig. 10, which comprises a circulating transport 41 with it in the transport direction successively arranged collecting sections or compartments 42, in which from laterally on the transport means 41 set feeders 43 via corresponding curved paths 45 successive products are introduced, which are held in the supply conveyor 43 each in a supply shaft 44. By appropriate control of the feed conveyor 43, the precursors to be deposited in the stack can be selected and fed to the stack. By repeatedly circulating the collecting sections 42, the order of the precursors in the stack can also be changed or a missing printed product can be supplemented. The completely collected stacks are then transferred by means of a further transport means 41 to a subsequent application device (applicator) 46 and there provided with the connecting elements or clips and finally output at a stack output 47.

But it is also conceivable, according to the schematic representation in Fig. 9, the finished stack 32 by means of a transport device 28 with the stack edge 16 freely hanging down by a stack connection device 27 to transport, where they synchronously from a Rotary axis 34 rotating application device 33 are provided with clips 17. The stack 32 are held by brackets 31 equipped with holding devices 30 which are arranged at uniform intervals in the transport direction one behind the other on a carrier tape 29. In the application device 33, clip applicators are arranged running around the rotation axis 34 and, by means of a corresponding control link 35, pick up the provided, opened clips 17 and apply them to the stack edges 16 of the guided packs 32. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, the collections hang freely hanging down with the stack edge 16. The clips 17 are here applied to the free (hanging) edge, which may also be stabilized by an auxiliary device (e.g., a guide rail, not shown here, or follower support or clamping elements, as previously known in the art). It is of course possible and in other circumstances also particularly preferred to arrange the applicator 33 (possibly also laterally or above the transport device 28, that the clips are applied to the upper edges held by the clamps 31. This solution is therefore particularly advantageous because at the side held by the brackets 31, the precursors of the respective collection are already held together and thereby the cohesion of the stack edges 16, which is advantageous for the clip application, is ensured.

In an analogous manner, it is possible to promote the collections so that the clips 17 are applied to a lateral edge.

While in the embodiment of Fig. 10, the collected stack of precursors are provided immediately after the collation in the subsequent application device 46 with the desired clips 17, it is also possible, the collation of the stack and the application of the clips at different locations perform. As is shown by way of example in FIG. 11, the stacks 10 are gathered there in a collating device 56, in which a plurality of compartments 57 are circulated in an orbit 59 and deflected by means of a deflection roller 58, and before the deflection on the deflecting roller 58 Transport device 60 taken, which is guided in front of the guide roller 58 parallel to the collator 56 and by means of corresponding gripper 61, the collected stack 10 from the compartments 57 of the collator 56 takes and transported along a transport path 62 to a located at another location application device. This transport device runs continuously in Fig. 11 in the counterclockwise direction. A baffle 63 ensures that the stack 1010 held in the grippers 61 is guided

12, but also by means of a single (circulating) transport device 64 can be realized, which has a plurality of inclined platforms 67, at the lower end of each pivotable gripper arms 68 are arranged. In an upper run 65 of the transport device 64, the gripper arms 68 are pivoted back, so that on the platforms 67, the stack 10 can be collected freely. Subsequently, the gripper arms 68 are pivoted into the closed position and then clamped to hold the collected stack, which can be transported in the lower run 66.

Figs. 13a and 13b show two examples of a clip 17, which consists of a plastic, which was formed from a plastic profile. Fig. 13b shows the single clip in a relaxed state in which the two legs are slightly bent inwards. If this clip is pushed over the stacked edge 16 of the stack 10 and released in this position according to FIG. 13a with legs bent apart elastically, the legs try to assume their original relaxation position and thus exert a corresponding clamping pressure on the stack 10. When using plastic clips, in a preferred embodiment, injection-molded parts, in particular two-component injection-molded parts can be used, the additional needs, such. may have rubberized or particularly non-slip surface areas. In addition, the clips may also have advertising imprints or contain optical or electronic ID information such as RFID tags or the like for the compilation.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0055] <tb> 10, 10, 10, 32 <SEP> Batches (from primary products) <Tb> 11-15 <September> Printing Product <tb> 16 <SEP> Stack edge <tb> 17, 17, 17 <SEP> Clip <tb> 17a, b, 19 <SEP> Clip <Tb> 18 <September> centerline <Tb> 27 <September> Batch connecting device <Tb> 28 <September> transport device <Tb> 29 <September> carrier tape <Tb> 30 <September> holder <Tb> 31 <September> clip <Tb> 33 <September> application device <Tb> 34 <September> axis of rotation <Tb> 35 <September> control link <Tb> 37 <September> bracket <Tb> 38 <September> angle bar <Tb> 39 <September> recess <Tb> 40 <September> assembler <tb> 41, 41 <SEP> means of transport <Tb> 42 <September> collection section / compartment <Tb> 43 <September> feeder <tb> 44 <SEP> Supply shaft (primary products) <Tb> 45 <September> cam <tb> 46 <SEP> Application Device (Applicator) <Tb> 47 <September> Batch Output <Tb> 48 <September> protective layer <tb> 49a, b <SEP> Clip <Tb> 50 <September> constriction <Tb> 52 <September> transport device <Tb> 56 <September> assembler <Tb> 57 <September> compartment <Tb> 58 <September> guide roller <Tb> 59 <September> orbit <tb> 60, 64 <SEP> Transport device <Tb> 61 <September> Grapples <Tb> 62 <September> transport path <Tb> 63 <September> baffle <tb> 65 <SEP> upper strand <tb> 66 <SEP> lower strand <Tb> 67 <September> Platform <Tb> 68 <September> gripper legs <Tb> A <September> distance

Claims (25)

1. A method for assembling a stack (10, 10, 10, 32) of loosely superimposed or a collection of loosely connected single or multi-layer precursors (11-15; 11, 15; 11, 15 ), In particular printed products, of the same or different size, which stack (10, 10, 10, 32) or which collection two external precursors (11, 15, 11, 15, 11, 15 ), In which method the stack (10, 10, 10) or the collection is given a later handling easier cohesion, characterized in that in a first step, the stack or the collection are provided and that in a second step at least one connecting element (17; 17a, 17b; 17; 17; 19; 21; 49a, 49b) is attached in such a way that it separates the two outer products (11, 15; 15, 11, 15) of the stack (10, 10, 10, 32) or the collection kle mmend overlaps. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the precursors (11-15; 11, 15; 11, 15) of the stack (10, 10, 10, 32) and the collection each have at least one preferred edge that the precursors (11-15; 11, 15; 11, 15) of the stack (10, 10, 10; 32) and the collection in the stack ( 10, 10, 10, 32) or in the collection are arranged and oriented so that the preferred edges of the precursors (11-15; 11, 15; 11, 15) together at least one Forming the stacking edge (16), and that this stacking edge (16) is used to attach the at least one connecting element (17; 17a, 17b; 17; 17; 19; 21; 49a, 49b). 3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that are taken as preferred edges of the precursors (11-15; 11, 15; 11, 15) such edges at which the precursors folded and / or stapled and / or are glued. 4. The method according to any one of claims 2-3, characterized in that a plurality of connecting elements (17a, 17b, 49a, 49b) along the selected stacking edge (16) on the stack (10, 10, 10, 32) or at the collection, the two external precursors (11, 15; 11, 15; 11, 15) of the stack (10, 10, 10; 32) or the collection are overlapping attached. 5. The method according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that a plurality of connecting elements at a plurality of selected stacking edges on the stack or the collection, the two outer precursors of the stack or the collection are overlapping attached. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that a clip (17, 17a, 17b, 17, 17, 19, 49a, 49b) is used as the connecting element. 7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the clip (17; 17a, 17b; 17; 17; 19; 49a, 49b) consists of a plastic material. 8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the clip (17; 17a, 17b; 17; 17; 19; 49a, 49b) consists of a metal or a metal alloy. A method according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that the clip (17; 17a, 17b; 17; 17; 19) consists of a double bent strip having a constant width. 10. The method according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that the clip (49a, 49b) consists of a double-curved strip having a varying over the length of the strip width, in particular in a central region a constriction (50) , 11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that for the protection of the outer precursors (11, 15; 11, 15; 11, 15) of the stack (10, 10, 10 32) or the collection before attaching the connecting element (17; 17a, 17b; 17; 17; 19; 21; 49a, 49b) in each case a protective layer (48) is arranged. 12. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that for the preparation of the stack to be assembled (10, 10, 10, 32) or the collection to be assembled, the precursors (11-15, 11, 15 11, 15) in a collating device (40, 56) are successively stacked in a predetermined order. 13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that in the collating device (40, 56) of the forming stack or the forming collection of a plurality of successively arranged feed conveyers (43) is passed, wherein the feed conveyor (43) the stack or the collection in each case at least supply a precursor. 14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the stacks (10, 10, 10, 32) or collections at the end of the collating device (40) in an application device (46) each with the at least one connecting element ( 17, 17a, 17b, 17, 17, 19, 21, 49a, 49b). 15. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the stacks (32) or collections in a transport device (28), preferably with the stack edge (16) hanging freely hanging down, are transported by a stack connection device (27) and that in the stack connection device (27) they are each provided with the at least one connecting element (17). 16. Assembly in the form of a stack (10, 10, 10, 32) of loosely superimposed or a collection of loosely connected single or multi-layer precursors (11-15; 11, 15; 15), in particular printed products, of the same or different size, which stack (10, 10, 10, 32) or which collection two external precursors (11, 15; 11, 15; 15), characterized in that to achieve a later handling facilitating cohesion of the precursors at least one connecting element (17; 17a, 17b; 17; 17; 19; 21; 49a, 49b) on the stack (10; 10, 10, 32) or the collection is mounted in such a way that the two outer products (11, 15, 11, 15, 11, 15) of the stack (10, 10 , 10; 32) or the collection overlaps by clamping. 17. An assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that the precursors (11-15; 11, 15; 11, 15) of the stack (10, 10, 10, 32) and the collection each have at least one preferred edge that the precursors (11-15; 11, 15; 11, 15) of the stack (10, 10, 10; 32) and the collection in the stack ( 10, 10, 10, 32) or in the collection are arranged and oriented so that the preferred edges of the precursors (11-15; 11, 15; 11, 15) together at least one Forming the stacking edge (16), and that the at least one connecting element (17; 17a, 17b; 17; 17; 19; 21; 49a, 49b) is attached to this stacking edge (16). 18. An assembly according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that a plurality of connecting elements (17a, 17b, 49a, 49b) along the selected stacking edge (16) on the stack (10, 10, 10, 32) or on the collection the two external precursors (11, 15, 11, 15, 11, 15) of the stack (10, 10, 10, 32) or the collection are overlapping. 19. An assembly according to any one of claims 16-18, characterized in that a plurality of connecting elements at a plurality of selected stacking edges on the stack or the collection, the two outer precursors of the stack or the collection are mounted overlapping. 20. An assembly according to any one of claims 16-19, characterized in that the connecting element is a clip (17; 17a, 17b; 17; 17; 19; 49a, 49b). 21. Assembly according to claim 20, characterized in that the clip (17; 17a, 17b; 17; 17; 19; 49a, 49b) consists of a plastic material. 22. An assembly according to claim 20, characterized in that the clip (17; 17a, 17b; 17; 17; 19; 49a, 49b) consists of a metal or a metal alloy. A combination according to any one of claims 20-22, characterized in that the clip (17; 17a, 17b; 17; 17; 19) consists of a double bent strip having a constant width. 24. Assembly according to one of claims 20-22, characterized in that the clip (49a, 49b) consists of a double-curved strip having a varying over the length of the strip width, in particular in a central region a constriction (50) , 25. Assembly according to one of claims 16-24, characterized in that for the protection of the external precursors (11, 15; 11, 15; 11, 15) of the stack (10, 10, 10 32) or the collection in the overlapping areas between the connecting element (17; 17a, 17b; 17; 17; 19; 21; 49a, 49b) and the outer products (11, 15; 11, 15 11, 15) of the stack (10, 10, 10, 32) and the collection, respectively, a protective layer (48) is arranged.