Fastener for sheet objects

A fastener for sheet objects comprising:

• first and second portions which are positioned or are positionable in an adjacent spaced relationship with respect to each other so as to define a sheet object receiving region therebetween;
• piercing means mounted on the first portion, the piercing means being adapted so as to pierce one or more sheet objects disposed within the sheet object receiving region when moved into an operative state in which the piercing means extends across the sheet object receiving region between the first and second portions;
• and
• retaining means for retaining the piercing means in the operative state when moved thereto,
• wherein the piercing means comprises a pin member with a pointed end, the pin member is mounted on the first portion so as to be movable with respect thereto, the pin member is coupled to an operating member having a button portion adapted for manipulation by a user, the operating member includes two legs adapted to fold and a biasing means for biasing the operating member towards an initial state in which the piercing means does not extend across the sheet object receiving region, and the retaining means includes a pin-receiving member disposed on the second portion, the pin-receiving member having an aperture for receiving the pin member therein, the aperture being disposed in a centre of a disc forming part of the pin-receiving member, the pin-receiving member comprising a plurality of linear radial slots extending from the aperture towards a circumference of the disc.