The present invention relates to file organizational office supplies, specifically office file folders.
Organization supplies have a long history and are well known for their use in keeping documents in place, accessible and in an order that can make one document easy to retrieve from a selection of many. Paper and office supplies are often stored in folders or binders. To that end, they are often perforated by a hole puncher and threaded over a stake attached to the folder or binder.
Since the first patents on the paper hole punch from approximately 150 years ago, various standards have been accepted and are commonly used for the positioning of holes in documents. Thus, typical document file folders now comprise self-adhesive or mechanical stakes or paper retention clips specifically designed to accommodate the punched holes in a document. The stake may be a simple spike, prong, or even a fastener such as the common two-piece paper retention clip manufactured by ACCO. The stake oftentimes comprises a prong that after the top document has been threaded accepts a washer to keep the bundle of documents held tightly together. Regardless of the type of stake used, the stake is generally mechanically threaded through holes in the file folder, or mechanically or adhesively affixed to the folder.
A problem arises as a conventional file folder grows over time to contain several groupings of documents within it. For these cases, partitioned file folders are generally used, wherein the file opens in a book-like fashion to reveal several partitioned sections, each with stakes for attaching a bundle of documents. If the traditional file folder is used, the folder often becomes quite thick and unmanageable. Worse, to add a document to a section buried beneath the topmost documents, all documents above the document in question must first be removed. This approach is both time-consuming and creates a likelihood of improper removal and refiling of papers.
In addition, to access and review a threaded document upon which many additional documents have been threaded, all documents on top of the document to be reviewed must be flipped up and out of the way. When very large numbers of documents are used, the flexibility of the large bundle decreases to a point where frustration may occur.
While traditional file folders and pressboard classification folders are thus suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they are not suitable for the purpose of providing a device that will allow a large number of bundles to each be readily visible when attached to a single parent file folder. They also do not allow the simple review, extraction, or insertion of documents buried beneath many other documents.
An additional problem originating from the above scenario is brought about by the repeated removal and rethreading of large number of documents is mechanical wear and tear on the file folder, the stakes, and on the documents themselves.
One solution that does require the use a multi-partitioned folder calls for the splitting of the large bundle of documents into several through the insertion of large or stiff pieces of stationary or plastic therein. These dividers serve to let the user know that one section of documents has ended and a new section is starting. While this solution eases the locating of one file within the large bundle, it does not alleviate all of the aforementioned problems inherent in dealing with a very large stack of documents bound together.
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of organizational file supplies now present in the prior art, it is thus a primary object of the invention to provide a file extension plate apparatus for a file folder, thereby allowing multiple bundles to be stored, accessed and modified in one file folder.
It is an additional object of the invention to provide a file extension plate apparatus for a file folder, thereby allowing a large number of documents to be accessed while reducing wear and tear on the documents and file folder in which they are contained.
It is an additional object of the invention to provide a file extension plate apparatus for a file folder to increase the number of bundles readily visible when attached to a single file folder partition.
It is an additional object of the invention to provide a file extension plate apparatus for a file folder, thereby allowing a user to add easily identifiable tabbed bundles to a common parent file holder partition by at least tripling the amount of file page perimeter available for labeling and tabbing.
It is an additional object of the invention to provide a file extension plate apparatus for a file folder, thereby allowing a user to easily access, add and remove documents from a paper bundle attached to a first extension plate without disturbing the order of the paper bundles in the additional extension plates.
It is an additional object of the invention to provide a file extension plate apparatus for a file folder to increase the level of the file folder's organization.
Additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.
The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The present invention is a file extension plate apparatus for a file folder, comprising a plurality of vertically aligned pairs of stakes for the purpose of increasing the number of primary paper bundles readily visible to the user. For purposes of this patent application, all of the papers threaded over a common stake (or stakes) that do not have a partition (such as a file extension plate) between them shall be referred to as a bundle. The stakes are preferably arranged in substantially horizontal pairs of two, and upon each pair of stakes one paper bundle may be attached. Additional papers may be added or removed from one paper bundle without disturbing the papers in the other bundles.
The file extension plate apparatus is preferrably made from folder-type cardboard; however, it may also be made from a variety of other fibrous materials and/or plastic materials. The apparatus comprises at least two pairs of stakes, with one pair of folder stakes preferably being mounted along the upper edge of the respective folder panel and another pair of extension stakes mounted in a lower position, but substantially vertically in line with the folder stakes. Together, the stakes act as foldable retaining tabs to secure documents as is well known in the art.
The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new file extension plate apparatus that has many of the advantages of the file organizational supplies mentioned heretofore and many novel features.
The novel features are brought about by the stepped nature of the plates, wherein a primary bundle of documents is attached to a first,stepped plate, a second bundle of documents is attached to a second stepped plate, and a third bundle of documents is attached to a third stepped plate, and so forth. No limitation is presented as to the number of overlapping bundles that may be attached. While in theory the design can work with an unlimited number of file extension plates, in practice the number of file extension plates (and related bundles) is not likely to exceed eight.
The file extension plate apparatus comprises a plurality of thin planar rectangular panels of varying lengths, each panel further comprising an end that attaches to either the folder panel or any file extension plates underneath it. Each of the file extension plates further comprises a pass-through hole for the threading of a common stake, to which additional documents will be threaded. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the pass-through hole comprises a slit, and each file extension plate comprises a pair of slits as each of two ends. In this preferred embodiment of the invention, the distance between the two slits making up a pair of slits accommodates International Standard ISO 838 or a common office 2-hole punch.
The present invention is a file extension plate apparatus for a file folder, comprising a plurality of stakes for the purpose of increasing the number of primary paper bundles readily visible to the user. The stakes are preferably arranged in substantially horizontal groups of two, and upon each group of stakes one paper bundle may be attached. Additional papers may be added or removed from one paper bundle without disturbing the others.
Referring now to
In this first and preferred embodiment, the file extension plate comprises three extension plates connected to said panel 10. First extension plate 21 is in overlapping configuration with second extension plate 22, which in turn is in overlapping configuration with third extension plate 23. A connector 70 (shown only in
While the overall length and width of the extension plates varies, each overlapping extension plate's length is at least as long as the extension plate that overlaps it. This overlapping configuration is key to ensure the multiple pairs of stakes (retainer clips) are exposed and that exposed perimeter of the paper bundles is maximized. As shown in
In this and all embodiments, the extension plate may be composed of metal, cardboard, common manila folder stock, plastic, or any other tear resistant (high tensile strength) material of varying thickness.
The file extension plate comprises at least two pairs of stakes, wherein at least one pair is a pair of folder stakes 30, each preferably being mounted along the upper edge of panel 10, and wherein at least one other pair are extension stakes. Folder stakes 30 may be pre-fabricated as an integral part of panel 10 or may be threaded therethrough by the user. In
While the generic term stakes is used for simplicity, in practice a wide range of paper fasteners may be applicable to the present invention for this and all embodiments. U.S. Pat. No. 1,094,951 to Washburne, U.S. Pat. No. 2,324,004 to Kriegsman, U.S. Pat. No. 1,978,569 to Dayton, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,371,829 to Corey disclose several of such fasteners. Together, one pair of stakes may also be referred to as mounting tabs or document retention tabs, in accordance with their general well-known use of securing papers. Each stake is preferably made from a generally flat, flexible piece of material, such as a pliable metal or polypropylene. Returning now to
All stakes are preferably threaded through pairs of elongated mounting slots. The pairs of mounting slots are preferably aligned to correspond with the holes made by a standard centered two-hole top punch office appliance for 8.5″×11″ paper. This corresponds to the dimensions of locations of filing holes punched in paper according to International Standard ISO 838.
Due to the folding nature of the file extension plate in this embodiment, the various stakes will be threaded through varying numbers of mounting slots. Beginning with folder stake 30, this stake is threaded through folder stake first mounting slot 41, folder stake second mounting slot 42, folder stake third mounting slot 43, and folder stake fourth mounting slot 44. Turning now to first extension stake 31, this stake is threaded through first extension stake mounting slot 45. Second extension stake 32 is threaded through second extension stake first mounting slot 46 and second extension stake second mounting slot 47. Third extension stake 33 is threaded through third extension stake mounting slot 48. Each of the two slots in a pair are substantially horizontally aligned with said panel 10, and are spaced apart by a medial portion (unlabeled).
In use, all embodiments disclosed in this application allow for the threading of loose papers (preferably arranged into paper bundles) onto each of the pairs of stakes. Referring now to
Referring back to
In second embodiment of the invention, the file extension plate is very similarly constructed to that in the preferred embodiment. Referring briefly to
In this embodiment, folder stake 230, attached to panel 210, is threaded only through folder stake first mounting slot 241, folder stake second mounting slot 243 and folder stake third mounting slot 244. For purposes of clarity,
Although two components are needed for the manufacture of the extension plate according to this alternative embodiment, the advantage in this embodiment is that ultimately less material is required to be used.
Turning now to
In this embodiment, folder stake 330, attached to panel 310, is threaded only through folder stake first mounting slot 343 and folder stake second mounting slot 344. For purposes of clarity,
Although two components are needed for the manufacture of the extension plate according to this third embodiment, the advantage in this embodiment is that ultimately less material is required to be used.
In a fourth embodiment of the invention as depicted in
Second extension stakes 432 extend through second extension stake mounting slots 447 on said second extension plate 422. Finally, first extension stake 431 is threaded through first extension stake mounting slot 445 on said third extension plate 423. Similar the preferred embodiment, a hinge 463 allows second and third extension plates 422 and 423 to be constructed from one piece of material.
In a fifth embodiment, depicted in
Second extension stakes 532 extend through second extension stake mounting slots 547 on said first extension plate 522. Finally, first extension stake 531 is threaded through first extension stake mounting slot 545. Similar the preferred embodiment, hinge 563 allows second and third extension plates 422 and 423 to be constructed from one piece of material.
In a sixth embodiment, depicted in
Each extension plate comprises two pairs of elongated mounting slots substantially horizontally aligned. First extension plate 621 comprises folder stake first mounting slots 641 and third extension stake mounting slots 648. Second extension plate 622 comprises folder stake second mounting slots 643 and second extension stake mounting slots 647. Third extension plate 623 comprises folder stake third mounting slots 644 and first extension stake mounting slots 645. First extension stake 631 extends through first extension stake mounting slot 645. Second extension stake 632 extends through second extension stake mounting slot 647. Third extension stake 633 extends through third extension stake 648.
While the overall length and width of sheet-like extension plates varies, each overlapping extension plate's length should be at least as long as the extension plate the overlaps it. This overlapping configuration is key to ensure the multiple pairs of stakes (retainer clips) are exposed and ready for use. As shown in
In a seventh embodiment of the invention, the file extension plates are positioned directly on top of one another above panel 710. See.
With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the disclosed equations, figures and charts may be modified in certain ways while still producing the same result claimed by the Applicant. Such variations are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and equations and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact disclosure shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
This application claims priority from the United States provisional application with Ser. No. 60/830,523, which was filed on 18 Jul. 2006. The disclosure of that provisional application is incorporated herein by reference as if set out in full.