Patent Application
20050022718
This invention relates to improvements in file folders, expandable folders, hanging folders, and the like. In particular, this invention relates to devices for marking placement of files removed from predetermined locations.
Folders for holding files and papers, often termed file folders, have become a necessity in today's modem offices and businesses. Such folders may be simply stiff, folded paperboard, having predetermined cut out or raised areas for attaching labels or other identifying indicia. File folders, such as manila folders, are useful for storing paper and related articles in an orderly manner in file drawers or cabinets. Many improvements have been made to the simple file folder, including expandable folders that can hold a large amount of papers, reinforced edges for stronger, longer lasting use, and clasp means for positively securing the file contents so that enclosed papers stay organized and do not fall out.
Many variations of the simple file folder are known. For example “file pockets” are expandable file folders having fan-folded sides for higher capacity storing of papers. File pockets come in a variety of sizes, including letter and legal size. “Expanding files” are similar to file pockets, but generally have a flap attached that can be secured to a front cover to prevent papers from falling out the top of the file. Expanding files often have numerous pockets inside which are sometimes indexed for added organizational capability. Closely related to expanding files are expanding wallets, which generally have an elastic cord attached to the flap which can be used to secure the flap in a closed position.
In addition to simple file folders, file pockets, expanding files and expanding wallets, it is known to use hanging folders for receiving file folders, loose papers, and the like. Hanging folders are made for use in standard storage units such as file cabinets, desk drawers and the like. Hanging folders are generally formed of a sheet of heavy weight paper with a central horizontal fold which forms the folder's bottom and has open sides. Folds are provided in the file's top edges through which hanging rods are movably or immovably fixed. The ends of these rods are exposed and notched, enabling the file to hang by the exposed rods on a complementary standard parallel file frame in office storage equipment, such as filing cabinets and desk drawers. In addition, the folded portion near the top edges can have a series of spaced apart, parallel slots adapted to receive and removeably hold labeling devices, such as clear plastic holders made to hold paper tags with identifying indicia thereon.
File folders are often stored together with other file folders in an upright, vertical orientation, with the opening oriented upwardly for relatively easy retrieval of the contents. For example, file drawers can be fitted with suitable support structures to hold a plurality of hanging files. Such files are often hung in a closely-packed series of adjacent folders in a certain order, for example, arranged alphabetically. Often it is necessary to remove one or more files to access the contents therein.
One drawback to the use of existing file folders such as hanging folders is the relatively time consuming activity of replacing such folders once removed from a file drawer. Once the user removes a file from a predetermined location among other files, it requires time and effort to find the place the file came from when returning the file to the drawer. Since usually all the hanging folders have a similar appearance, the user must closely inspect the identifying indicia, if any, on each hanging folder in the vicinity of the series of folders from which the removed file was taken. This activity is not only time consuming, but it can be frustrating, since extra time taken to identify the location of a hanging folder is usually at the expense of other pressing office activities. Additionally, the chance of the removed file being replaced in the wrong position is high, adding to further delays in office activities the next time that file is to be needed.
Many different methods are known to mark the position of files removed from a set of files. For example, one such method is to place a self-stick note, such as one sold under the trademark Post-it® sold by 3M, on an adjacent folder prior to removing the desired folder. However, such notes can fall off over time.
Another method is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,942,293, issued Aug. 24, 1999 to Occhipinti et al. The Occhipinti file marker comprises a clip body adapted to clip to a file rail as used for hanging files. However, such a device is useful only for hanging files using such a file rail. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 1,596,225, issued Aug. 17, 1926 to Andersson discloses an indicating device for filing drawers made to clip onto the side of a file drawer. The device incorporates an indicating blade arranged to swing from a first position into a second position in which it lies between papers in a file drawer. However, the device of Andersson must be adapted to a certain type of file drawer, and may not be suitable for use with hanging files commonly used today. A file spacing and indicating device that is made for hanging files used today is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,955, issued Jul. 6, 1999 to Graham. The device of Graham requires a separate mounting rod on which a plurality of separators are provided. However, many users of hanging files would not want to retrofit the hardware associated with existing hanging files in the manner required for the Graham device.
Other approaches for indicating the location of removed files and folders rely on the placement of a marker on or between adjacent files and/or folders. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,027, issued Mar. 12, 2002 to Cummings discloses a T-shaped marker that can be slid in between file folders in the place of a removed folder. However, such a device can become misplaced, may not be readily available when needed, and doesn't allow the file drawer to be closed when it is in place. A similar device addressing the problem of misplacement of the marker is disclosed in U.S. Des. Pat. No. 331,598, issued Dec. 8, 1992 to Martin. The device of Martin is very similar to that of Cummings, but it is made to hang on the top edge of a file folder, and apparently is magnetic or otherwise adapted to stick to the side of a metal file cabinet. Still another device made to be readily available for marking the place of a removed file from a cabinet drawer is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,098, issued Nov. 17, 1998 to Carney. The device of Carney can be placed between two non-removed files to mark the position of a removed file. The device is also disclosed as being readily available by being stored magnetically on the metal surface of the file cabinet. However, the device of Carney, being wedge-shaped can be bulky, taking up valuable file space if very many devices are necessary.
Known filing systems also include indicating means to display information relating to the contents of various file folders. Indicating means of various forms are commonly used; some being fixedly attached to the file folder via tabs that slip into slots among other methods. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,008,352, issued Nov. 14, 1911 to Meyers discloses a tab for card index systems which pivots directly on the card. U.S. Pat. No. 1,654,545, issued on Jan. 3, 1928 to Lindsay discloses a pivoting signal tab for file folders. U.S. Pat. No. 5,341,982, issued on Aug. 30, 1994 to Syers discloses a file folder having a pivoting tab for indicating folder contents during horizontal and vertical stowage. However, such pivoting indicating means for file folders fails to address the need to efficiently find the location to replace papers removed from file folders or file folders removed from file systems. Many such indicating means, having the purpose of indicating the contents of the file must be displayed continuously (in the raised position) and hence cannot be used to differentiate a single file or paper having been removed from a group. Additionally, such devices do not address the need to easily and efficiently install, remove or change the location of indicating means among various types of file folders and the like. Further, such devices, with their fixed position indicating means, do not address the need for such indicating means to coexist with the existing indicating means used on file folders such as indicating tabs with paper inserts.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a file marker that can be attached to a file folder such that it cannot be misplaced.
Additionally, it would be desirable to have a file marker that can be attached, even removeably attached, to existing file folders.
Additionally, it would be desirable to have a file marker that is easy to use, making it easy to mark the placement of hanging folders and the like, as well as allowing closure of the drawer and easy manipulation of files.
Additionally, it would be desirable to have a file marker that can be used with any folders without the need to modify associated hardware, such as hanging rods, drawers and the like.
Additionally, it would be desirable to have a file marker that can be retrofitted to existing file folders and can easily coexist and not interfere with existing indicating means used on file folders.
Further, it would be desirable to have a file marker that can be inexpensively and easily manufactured using commonly available materials.
A file marker device adapted for use with a folder is disclosed. The folder to which the device can be affixed comprises a front flap having a first top edge, a rear flap connected to the front flap by a folder bottom, the rear flap having a second top edge. Hanging folders often also comprise a plurality of equally spaced parallel slots near at least a first or second top edge. The file marker device can comprise a support portion having two opposed end tabs, each of the end tabs being capable of engaging one of the plurality of equally spaced parallel slots; and an indicator arm moveably attached to the support portion, the indicator arm being moveable about a pivot point from a first position to a second position. In some embodiments the file marker device also comprises a shield portion and/or a portion adapted for exhibiting identifying indicia.
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying Drawing Figures, in which like reference numerals identify like elements, and wherein:
As used herein, when used alone, the term “folder” encompasses all of “file folders,” “file pockets,” “expanding files,” “expanding wallets,” and “hanging folders” as well as other folding articles that may be stored in a file drawer or cabinet, such as hanging ring binders, bound presentation folders, and the like.
As used herein, the term “file folder” means folders such as manila, kraft, pressboard, or plastic, typically supplied in letter or legal size. File folders come in a variety of “points”, which denote the weight of the paper stock used for the folder. File folders are supplied with various improvements, such as color coding, undercut tabs for labeling, reinforcing strips along edges, and fasteners to hold papers attached in various positions. By way of example, a manila file folder suitable for the present invention is the Smead 152L heavyweight 11 pt. manila folder, available from the Smead company, Hastings, Minn.
As used herein, the term “file pockets” means expandable pockets having fan-folded sides and a fan-folded bottom, useful for large files. File pockets can have a larger capacity than file folders, and may be used in standard filing systems, including hanging files. By way of example, file pockets suitable for the present invention is the Wilson Jones 64 series 3½ inch expansion COLORLIFE® file pocket, from the Wilson Jones Company, or the Smead 1524E Redrope® Pockets. File pockets are often reinforced to provide maximum durability and capacity.
As used herein, the term “expanding files” means expandable file folders, generally having a fan-folded bottom, full fan-folded sides, and a fold-over flap that is used to securely close the file. By way of example, an expanding file suitable for the present invention is the 21-pocket Smead DR117A expanding file with flap, available from the Smead company.
As used herein, the term “expanding wallets” means expandable file folders similar to expanding files. Expanding wallets generally have elastic cord tie flaps for securely closing a top flap. By way of example, expanding wallets suitable for the present invention include the Oxford Plus® 60343 3½ inch expansion reinforced wallets.
As used herein, the term “hanging folder” means folders designed for use with hanging file systems. Such folders come in many variations including box-bottom, expandable, color-coded, and reinforced-edge, durable designs. By way of example, hanging folders suitable for the present invention include standard size folders such as the Esselte Pendaflex® 4152 series (letter size) and 4153 series (legal size) folders; box bottom folders such as the Esselte Pendaflex®4152x series (letter size) and 4153x series (legal size) folders; expanding file pockets such as the Smead 18H24ESS (letter size) and 18H26ESS (legal size) folders; and hanging expanding files such as the Globe-Weis GlobalFile® 85030 expanding hanging file. A further example of hanging folders of the type useful for the present invention is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,439 to Hawes, Jr. et al., issued Jan. 4, 1994.
Although a file marker of the present invention can be utilized on any folder as defined above, it will be described herein in the context of a preferred embodiment for use on a typical hanging folder. A typical embodiment of a hanging folder 10 is shown in
One embodiment of a file marker 20 of the present invention is shown in
The file marker 20 of the present invention can be mounted such that indicator arm 24 can be moveable from a first position in which it is disposed generally parallel to top edge 21, and preferably entirely below top edge 21, as shown in
Support portion 22 can be attached to either exterior surface 13 or interior surface 15 of folder 10 by any convenient means. For example support portion 22 can be affixed by adhesive means, e.g., pressure sensitive adhesive, in an operative position with respect to the top edge 21. An operative position is a position in which indicator arm 24 is clearly visible above top edge 21 when in the second position. Preferably indicator arm 24 is not visible when in the first position, but may be somewhat visible, due to the relative position of the folder to which it is attached and the users line of sight. File marker 20 can be removeably attached, such as by reusable adhesives, such as those used on Post-It® notes. In one embodiment, file marker 20 is provided with pressure sensitive adhesive and a release paper strip that can be removed prior to placement and mounting on folder 10.
In another embodiment, file marker 20 can be attached to top edge 21. For example file marker 20 can have means for frictionally engaging the top edge, such as by clipping or snapping on. In one embodiment, the means for frictionally engaging is the same as is used for known file labeling devices that are made of clear plastic designed to slip onto, and to tightly hold to, top edge 21. In another embodiment file marker can comprise a metallic or plastic clip resembling a paper clip that can be clipped onto top edge 21. In any such embodiment, file marker 20 can be removeably attached for easy portability from one file to another, if desired.
As can be appreciated based on the description herein, when file marker 20 is mounted in operative position on a folder, such as hanging file 10, indicator arm 24 can be turned down in the first position. When the folder is used with other folders in a file drawer and indicator arm 24 is in the first position it is not clearly visible, and may not be visible at all, above the top edge 21 of hanging file 10. Therefore, when indicator arm 24 is in the first position it is in a ready position, but is not actually marking or indicating anything. When a folder adjacent to a folder comprising file marker 20 is removed from a storage position, e.g., from a file drawer, indicator arm 24 of file marker 20 on the adjacent folder remaining in the storage position can then be easily rotated into the upright second position to be visible above top edge 21 for clear viewing by the user. The indicator arm 24 of file marker 20 then clearly indicates to the user the position of the removed file so that when the user is ready to return the removed file to its proper place the user does not have to inspect individual files to find the right position for replacement. The user simply replaces the removed file adjacent the file having the upright indicator arm 24, which is then turned back down to its first position. File marker 20 is always ready for use, cannot be misplaced, and is easy to use.
When used on the exterior surface 13 of folder 10, it is possible for removal of an adjacent file to inadvertently move the indicator arm 24 of a file marker 20. Likewise, when used on the interior surface 15 of folder 10, it is possible for papers being removed from folder 10 to inadvertently move the indicator arm 24 of a file marker 20. Therefore, as shown in
As shown in
The embodiment shown in
As shown in
In one embodiment, shield 28 and support portion 22 can be joined in a suitable position, such as the position marked as 32 to make a rotation limiting stop. Rotation limiting stop 32 can be, for example, a crimped portion of either shield 28 or support portion 22 or both. Rotation limiting stop 32 can also be a spot weld, spot bond, or other means of joining shield 28 and support portion 22, or otherwise blocking further movement of indicator am 24 to prevent rotation of indicator arm 24 beyond a certain position. Rotation limiting stop 32 can provide a positive stop for indicator arm 24 when it is rotated through an angle of about 90 degrees, for example.
File marker 20 can comprise any suitable materials such as metal, paper, plastic or combinations of such materials. In a commercially viable embodiment that is relatively inexpensive to produce and relatively durable in use, file marker 20 comprises durable plastic. In harsh environments or for heavily used files, all or certain other components of file marker 20 can be made of metal, such as aluminum, steel, or brass. Pivot means 26 can include metallic components, such as the aforementioned brass eyelet. Support portion 22, indicator arm 24, and shield member 28, if used, are preferably made of durable plastic, preferably thermoplastic materials such as polyethylene (including LDPE, HDPE, and LLDPE), polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET polyester), vinyl and the like. The file marker 20 can be formed by means known in the art, including by hand. In a commercially-viable process, file marker 20 is made in a continuous process in which continuous strips of thermoplastic material having a suitable thickness are die cut into a unit piece, which, when folded along a longitudinal fold forms the support portion 22, including tabs 30 and/or shield 28, if used. The die-cut, folded plastic piece can then be fitted with indicator arm 24 and pivot means 26. If the file marker 20 is to be made to stick onto folder 10 by adhesive, such adhesive and, if desired, a release paper strip can be disposed on support member 22. The file marker can be packaged individually or together with a plurality of file markers 20.
Each component can be made out of paper products such as manila, kraft or other paper/file folder grade papers. In paper, plastic or metal, indicator arm 24 is preferably a colored material, such as a bright, highly visible color. Additionally, printed indicia, such as letters and numbers can be printed on any portion of file marker 20.
In general, file marker 20 can be made of sufficiently pliable materials so as to be flexible, particularly embodiments intended to engage slots 17 of hanging folders 10. For cost reduction purposes, the thickness of the constituent materials and components can be made as thin as is possible while retaining desired durability.
In one embodiment, as shown in the partially cut-away perspective view of
As shown in
While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as illustrative of exemplary and preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed. Accordingly, it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such variations, changes, and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.
