The present invention relates to a file system comprising a file with a positionable label. More particularly, the present invention relates to a file system comprising a file with a closure band and a positionable label mounted to the closure band.
Files have become ubiquitous as means for storing and organizing documents or other materials. Files are available in many sizes and configurations. These folders are often stacked, for example, on a desk surface, or positioned side-by-side, for example in a book case or similar structure. A challenge that exists, particularly when multiple files are positioned on top of or adjacent one another, is identifying the content of the file. While the files can include portions thereon for writing identifying information, these portions can be obscured and access to the identifying information only possible upon moving the files. Further, even if labels are provided, the labels often are only provided in a single position on the file and thus only viewable when the file is oriented in a particular manner.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,463,827 discloses a file and a wrapper band. The wrapper band is formed by a strip adapted to extend across the back of the file and to overlap its two covers, and a tape or string passing round the and its ends secured together. The portion of the strip passing over the back of the file is provided with spaces to enter thereon the particulars of the documents placed in the file and other reference matters. The wrapper is formed with its strip portion attached permanently to the bottom cover of the file.
There is a need for a file system including files having identifying labels that are positionable as desired to facilitate access to identifying information on the labels.
A file system comprising a file with a closure band and a positionable label mounted to the closure band is provided.
In accordance with one embodiment, a file system is provided comprising a file, a closure band, an attachment member, and a positionable label. The closure band is positionable in a closing position around the file for maintaining the file in a closed position, and movable to a released position for releasing the file from the closed condition. The attachment member is configured for mounting the closure band to a portion of the file in both the closed and released positions. The positionable label is mounted to the closure band, such that the label is movable along the closure band for selective repositioning at different locations on the file with the closure band positioned around the file. The closure band can be permanently fixed to the file.
In some embodiments, the file is an expandable file. Further, the file can include an overlapping top portion that is pivotable to a position to close the file, the closure band being disposed around the top portion when positioned around the file. The closure band can be secured to the overlapping top portion. Alternatively, the file can have an open top.
The closure band is fixed to the file in the preferred embodiment, such that it can be selectively positioned around the file in a generally horizontal orientation or in a generally vertical orientation. The closure band can be secured to the file by the attachment member.
The attachment member can include anchor elements on the closure band and the file includes openings for receiving the anchor elements for securing the band to the file. The file can have a plurality of openings such that the closure band can be secured to the file at a plurality of locations.
The closure band is preferably elastic, and preferably has a width and the label has a width. In some embodiments the width of the label is substantially larger than the width of the closure band, while in some embodiments the width of the label is approximately the same as the width of the closure band, and in other embodiments the width of the label is less than the width of the closure band.
The label can include a support structure and a label structure. The label structure can be insertable into the support structure. The support structure can have a window providing visual access to the label structure. The label can be three-dimensional. Preferably, the label is sufficiently flexible for permitting the label to bend around different sides of the file. The label can be replaceable on the closure band.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
a illustrates a perspective view of an open expandable file for use with file systems as disclosed herein, in accordance with one embodiment.
b illustrates a perspective view of a first envelope expandable file for use with file systems as disclosed herein, in accordance with one embodiment.
c illustrates a perspective view of a second envelope expandable file for use with file systems as disclosed herein, in accordance with one embodiment.
d illustrates a perspective view of a hanging file for use with file systems as disclosed herein, in accordance with one embodiment.
e illustrates a front view of a tri-fold file for use with file systems as disclosed herein, the tri-fold file being in an open configuration, in accordance with one embodiment.
f illustrates a front view of a tri-fold file for use with file systems as disclosed herein, the tri-fold file being in a closed configuration, in accordance with one embodiment.
g illustrates a side view of an expandable file for use with file system as disclosed herein, in accordance with one embodiment.
h illustrates a top view of a file for use with file systems as disclosed herein, the file having three pockets, in accordance with one embodiment.
a illustrates a perspective view of a cord closure band for use with file systems as disclosed herein, in accordance with one embodiment.
b illustrates a perspective view of a ribbon closure band for use with file systems as disclosed herein, in accordance with one embodiment.
c illustrates a perspective view of a band closure band for use with file systems as disclosed herein, in accordance with one embodiment.
d illustrates a front view of a band closure band for use with file systems as disclosed herein, the band including tracks, in accordance with one embodiment.
e illustrates a front view of a closure band and file with the closure band oriented substantially vertically, in accordance with one embodiment.
f illustrates a front view of closure band and file with the closure band oriented substantially horizontally, in accordance with one embodiment.
a illustrates a perspective view of a closure band suitable for use with file system as disclosed herein, the closure band including fastening elements at first and second ends thereof, in accordance with one embodiment.
b illustrates a front view of a file with the closure band of
c illustrates a front view of a file suitable for use with file systems as disclosed herein, the file including a plurality of bores for receiving fastening elements, in accordance with one embodiment.
d illustrates a front view of a file with a closure band threaded through bores thereof, in accordance with one embodiment.
a illustrates a front view of a generally flat rectangular label, in accordance with one embodiment.
b illustrates a perspective view of a generally cylindrical label, in accordance with one embodiment.
c illustrates a perspective view of a generally triangular 3-D label, in accordance with one embodiment.
a illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of files positioned with the labels oriented on a side of the files, in accordance with one embodiment.
b illustrates a top view of a plurality of files positioned with the labels oriented on a top of the files, in accordance with one embodiment.
c illustrates a front view of file with the label oriented at a front portion of the file, in accordance with one embodiment.
a illustrates a perspective view of a cord closure band and a label sized substantially larger than the diameter of the cord, in accordance with one embodiment.
b illustrates a perspective view of a ribbon closure band and a label sized such that one dimension of the label is substantially the same as the width of the ribbon, in accordance with one embodiment.
c illustrates a front view of a band closure band having tracks wherein the label is provided within the tracks and is sized such that one dimension of the label is smaller than the width of the band, in accordance with one embodiment.
d illustrates a perspective view of a cord closure band with a generally 3-D triangular label, in accordance with one embodiment.
e illustrates a perspective view of a cord closure band with a generally cylindrical label, in accordance with one embodiment.
a illustrates a perspective view of an open expandable file with horizontally extending cord closure band and generally rectangular label, in accordance with one embodiment.
b illustrates a perspective view of an envelope expandable file with a generally ribbon closure band and generally circular label, in accordance with one embodiment.
c illustrates a perspective view of an envelope expandable file with a generally ribbon closure band and a generally 3-D triangular label, in accordance with one embodiment.
d illustrates a perspective view of a hanging file with a closure band and a generally rectangular label, in accordance with one embodiment.
e illustrates a front view of a tri-fold file with elastic closure band and a cylindrical label, the tri-fold file being in an open configuration, in accordance with one embodiment.
f illustrates a front view of a tri-fold file with elastic closure band and a cylindrical label, the tri-fold file being in a closed configuration, in accordance with one embodiment.
A file system comprising a file with a positionable label is provided. More particularly, a file system comprising a file with a closure band positionable in a closing position around the file, an attachment member for mounting the closure band to the file, and a positionable label mounted to closure band is provided.
In various embodiments, and as shown in
File
The file can be one of any suitable variety as known in the art.
As may be appreciation, various features can be provided with any of the disclosed, or other suitable, files. For example, one or more ends portions of the files can be reinforced, such as with reinforced gussets at points of wear or along a seam of a folding portion. For example, closed bottom ends can be reinforced. Further, the file can have a single pocket or can have a plurality of pockets.
The file can be formed of any suitable material. For example, the file can be formed of a fiber, a polymer (such as polypropylene), post-consumer material, kraft material, manila, or pressboard. The material of the file can be coated or otherwise treated to provide durability, moisture resistance, or other.
Closure Band
The file with positionable label includes a closure band. Generally, the closure band can be formed as an elongate material positionable in a closing position around the file for maintaining the file in a closed condition and movable to a released position releasing the file from the closed condition. An attachment member can be provided configured for mounting the closure band to a portion of the file in both the closed and released positions The closure band can be mounted to the file prior to distribution to consumers or can be mounted to the file by consumers, as described. In some embodiments, the closure band functions as, and in lieu of, a locking feature.
The closure band can have any suitable configuration and can be elastic or non-elastic. While some dimensions are given to illustrate suitable sizes for the closure bands, it is to be appreciated that these sizes are intended for illustrative purposes only.
As fastened to the file 12, the closure band 14 can be oriented substantially vertically, as shown in
The closure band 14 can be fixed to the file 12 in any suitable manner.
In alternative embodiments, the closure band can be stapled or adhered to the file. In these embodiments, the staple or adhesive thus form the attachment member for mounting the closure bad to the file. Such stapling or adhesion can be at a bottom portion of the file, at an overlapped top portion of the file, or at other suitable location on the file. In some embodiments, the closure band 14 can be threaded through bores 54 in the file 12, as shown in
Generally, while the closure band can be permanently mounted or can be removably mounted to the file, the closure band, once mounted, is fastened securely to the file.
Label
A positionable label is provided mounted with the closure band such that the label is movable along the closure band for selective repositioning at different locations on the file with the closure band positioned around the file. In some embodiments, the label includes a support structure and a printable structure. The support structure provides the support and configuration of the label while the printable structure provides an organizational portion of the label. The organizational portion of the label can be customizable. The support structure and printable structure can be the same structure, and the printable structure can be inserted into the support structure. In some embodiments, the support structure has a window for providing viewing access to the printable structure. In some embodiments, the printable structure can be fastened or adhered to an exterior of the support structure. The support structure can be substantially rigid or can be flexible. Flexible support structures can be oriented on the file such that the bend across portions of the file, for example, bending from a top portion to a front portion. In some embodiments, the label, or the support structure of the label, can be provided with gripping portions to facilitate user handling and manipulation of the label. In use, the label can be moved along the closure band to any suitable position on the file by user manipulation of the label. For example, the label can slide along the closure band. In some embodiments, the label can be releasably mounted to the closure band such that, the label can be replaced when the label becomes worn or when a new label is desired. For example, in embodiments, wherein the support structure comprises the label structure, if new information is desired on the label structure, the label can be replaced.
Any suitable configuration of label can be used. As discussed above, the support structure can provide the configuration for the label. Description is made both of possible 3-D shapes and of possible 2-D shapes.
As noted, the printable structure of the label provides organizational characteristics. The printable structure thus can be suitable for writing thereon. In other embodiments, the printable structure can have pre-printed material. In yet other embodiments, the printable structure can be color coded.
System
The file, closure band, and positionable label together form a file system with enhanced organizational features. The positionable label can be oriented in any manner suitable for viewing the information provided thereupon. While various orientations of closure bands and positions of labels are shown, these are intended to be illustrative only.
In use, the closure band is fastened to the file and the label is coupled to the closure band. The label is mounted in a manner such that its position and/or orientation can be adjusted. Thus, for example, the label can be slidable over the closure band. The relative size and configuration of the closure band and label can vary. Reference is made to a width of the closure band and a width of the label. The width of the closure band can refer to a dimension of the closure band other than the length of the closure band. The width of the label can refer to the dimension of the label extending along the width of the closure band.
a-8f illustrate various files with closure bands and repositionable labels. The file configurations correlate generally to the files shown in
a illustrates an expandable file having front and back portions 20, 22, a bottom end 24, two side ends 26, 28, and an open top end 30. A horizontally extending cord closure band 14 is provided with a generally rectangular repositionable label 16. As shown, the label 16 is positioned towards a side of the front portion 20. This position, however, can be changed by moving the label 16 along the cord closure band 14. The cord closure band 14 is fastened with a attachment member 70 generally centrally on the front portion 20 of the file 12. As shown, the orientation of the closure band 14 can be maneuvered to a vertical orientation.
b and 8c illustrate embodiments of an expandable file having a generally envelope configuration and having front and back portions 20, 22, a bottom end 24, two side ends 26, 28, and overlapping top portion 32. In the embodiment of
d illustrates a hanging file 12. As shown, the hanging file 12 has front and back portions 20, 22, a closed bottom end 24, two open side ends 26, 28, and an open top end 30. Hanging elements 34 are provided at ends of the open top end 30. A vertically extending closure band 14 is provided fastened using a rivet 74. A generally rectangular label is mounted on the closure band 14.
e and 8f illustrates a tri-fold file 12r having a first side portion 36, a middle portion 38, and a second side portion 40. In the embodiment shown, the first side portion 36, middle portion 38, and second side portion 40 are generally integral to one another and separated by folds 42. An elastic closure band 14 is provided fastened generally centrally on a back side of the middle portion. Fastening can be achieved, for example, via extending ends of the closure band through an opening 54 in the file 12 and forming a knot 72 to prevent slippage of the ends back through the opening 54. The knot 72 and opening 54 thus form an attachment member. A generally cylindrical label 16 is mounted to the closure band 14. As shown, the label 16 is positioned on the first side portion 36 when the file 12 is folded.
As used in this application, the term “about” should generally be understood to refer to both the corresponding number and a range of numbers. Moreover, all numerical ranges herein should be understood to include each whole integer within the range.
The embodiments illustrated and discussed in this specification are intended only to teach those skilled in the art the best way known to the inventors to make and use the invention. Nothing in this specification should be considered as limiting the scope of the present invention. All examples presented are representative and non-limiting. The above-described embodiments of the invention may be modified or varied, without departing from the invention, as appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/087,505 filed Aug. 8, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61087505 | Aug 2008 | US |