U.S. patent application number 10/255329 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-24 for corner protectors and method for making same.
Invention is credited to Gorski, Torry L..
Application Number | 20030075916 10/255329 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23728731 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030075916 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gorski, Torry L. |
April 24, 2003 |
Corner protectors and method for making same
Abstract
The devices of the present invention comprise sturdy foldable,
performed protective corners of sturdy construction, preferably
acid-free, non-yellowing polymeric film, and preferably having a
preformed corner pocket for a convenient, snug fit on a corner, and
include a self-sticking adhesive for permanent adhesion to a
corner, and methods for making the same. The methods and devices of
the present invention comprise sturdy foldable, performed
protective corners of sturdy construction, preferably acid-free,
non-yellowing polymeric film, and preferably having a preformed
corner pocket for a convenient, snug fit on a corner, and include a
self-sticking adhesive for permanent adhesion to a corner, and
methods for making the same.
Inventors: |
Gorski, Torry L.; (Wheaton,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD
500 WEST MADISON STREET
SUITE 3400
CHICAGO
IL
60661
|
Family ID: |
23728731 |
Appl. No.: |
10/255329 |
Filed: |
September 26, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10255329 |
Sep 26, 2002 |
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09799182 |
Mar 5, 2001 |
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6482283 |
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09799182 |
Mar 5, 2001 |
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09435519 |
Nov 8, 1999 |
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6224955 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
281/20 ; 156/196;
156/216; 156/256 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 428/24008 20150115;
G09F 3/0297 20130101; Y10T 428/1334 20150115; G09F 3/04 20130101;
Y10T 428/24777 20150115; Y10T 156/1049 20150115; Y10T 428/24479
20150115; Y10T 156/1062 20150115; Y10T 156/1002 20150115; Y10T
156/1034 20150115; Y10T 156/1051 20150115; B42D 3/004 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
281/20 ; 156/196;
156/216; 156/256 |
International
Class: |
B32B 031/00 |
Claims
1. A method of forming a corner protector comprising the steps of
(a) providing a two-sided strip of material and having an
operational surface and an outer surface, and a top and a bottom;
(b) forming a corner pocket by (i) making two cuts depending from
the top substantially equidistant from the center; (ii) forming two
seams from the top center toward the bottom such that the seams are
at a right angle to one another and define two flaps; (iii) folding
the flaps along the seams; (iv) securing the flaps together; and
(c) placing adhesive onto the operational surface to adhere to an
object.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: placing a removable
cover over the adhesive to prevent unintended adhesion.
3. A mountable corner protector produced by the method of claim 1
comprising: a strip of material including two preformed creases
situated at substantially right angles to one another depending
from a top edge and defining flaps and wherein the flaps may be
folded along said creases to define a corner pocket; at least one
extension from said pocket constituting an adherence portion for
attachment to a corner to be protected; and an adhesive on said
extension for adhering said protector to said corner.
4. The protector of claim 3 wherein one of said flaps has an
overlap portion which overlaps another of said flaps.
5. The protector of claim 4 further comprising an adhesive on said
overlap portion for self adhesion to the another of said flaps.
6. The protector of claim 3 wherein the material is
polypropylene.
7. The protector of claim 3 wherein the material is polymeric
material.
8. The protector of claim 3 wherein the material is paper.
9. The protector of claim 3 wherein the material is transparent
material.
10. A mountable protector comprising: a strip of material including
a formed corner pocket having an exposed surface; at least one
extension from said pocket constituting a foldable flap for
attachment to a document to be protected; and a self-adhesive on
said extension for adhering said protector to said document.
11. The corner protector of claim 10 further comprising advertising
on said exposed surface.
12. The corner protector of claim 10 further comprising
predetermined graphic information adorning the exposed surface.
13. The corner protector of claim 10 further comprising
predetermined information printed on said exposed surface.
14. The corner protector of claim 3 wherein the protector is formed
of a colored translucent material.
15. The corner protector of claim 3 wherein the protector is formed
of a colored opaque material.
16. A method of forming a corner protector comprising the steps of
(a) providing a two-sided strip of material having a length and
width, and having an operational surface and an outer surface, and
a top; and a bottom; (b) forming a pocket by (i) making two cuts
depending from the top; (ii) forming two seams from the top toward
the bottom such that the seams are at an angle to one another;
(iii) creating two flaps defined by the two cuts, the two seams,
and the top; (iv) folding the flaps along the seams; and (v)
securing the flaps together to form a pocket; and (c) placing
adhesive onto the operational surface to adhere to an object.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the strip is substantially
rectangular.
18. The method of claim 16 wherein the length of the strip is up to
approximately 2 inches, and the width is up to approximately 1.5
inches.
19. The method of claim 16 wherein the two cuts depending from the
top are made substantially equidistant from a center thereof.
20. The method of claim 16 wherein the seams are substantially at a
right angle to one another.
21. The method of claim 16 further comprising placing a removable
cover over the adhesive to prevent unintended adhesion.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional
patent application Ser. No. 09/799,182, filed Mar. 5, 2001, which
is a continuation U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,955 B1, issued May 1, 2002,
each entitled "CORNER PROTECTORS AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME."
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] [Not Applicable]
[MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE]
[0003] [Not Applicable]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates generally to protective
corners and, more particularly, to protective corners to adhere to
a corner of a book, poster, prospectus, folder, posted notice, or
any document or thing prone to wear and tear or mutilation through
normal use.
[0005] Books and paper documents, and virtually countless other
paper and other products, have corners which can become worn,
mutilated, unraveled, torn or otherwise destroyed through normal
use. Similarly, tacking, taping and other mounting methods can
damage the corners of documents. Such untimely destruction can
unnecessarily shorten the useful life of the document, book, etc.
Unfortunately, no known device existed prior to the present
invention which provided an inexpensive, easily mountable,
non-yellowing protection device which provides continuing
protection to corners. Often, paperback books and novels, or other
documents which are read and used repeatedly over long periods of
time, had to be replaced or simply discarded. The present invention
provides an inexpensive, convenient device which protects and/or
repairs the corners of a book or document, for example, to greatly
increase the useable life of the book or document. The present
invention further provides methods for inexpensively and
efficiently mass-producing the corner protectors.
[0006] The only known devices which utilize a structure and an
adhesive capable of bonding to a corner are (1) Mounting Corners
manufactured by Light Impressions of Rochester, N.Y., shown
graphically at FIG. 19a, and (2) Vinyl Corners made by Pioneer
Photo Albums, Inc., of Chatsworth, Calif., shown graphically at
FIG. 19b. Neither of these products teaches the inventions
described herein. The Light Impressions product consists of a strip
of plastic material with adhesive on the outer edges thereof. The
Light Impressions product does not form a discreet corner pocket as
does each embodiment of Applicant's invention. The Pioneer Photo
product appears to be a vinyl product with a performed corner, but
with adhesive on a backside thereof. It is intended to mount
pictures. It cannot protect a corner because of the way the
adhesive is preformed and because they are no flaps or other means
to allow it to adhere properly to a corner.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides protection devices and
methods for corner protectors in many forms. A preferred embodiment
of the present invention comprises a relatively firm strip or band
of polymeric material which has been preformed having a corner
pocket into which a corner to be protected can be inserted, and an
adhesive area to adhere the strip to the book or other document or
product to be protected, reinforced or repaired. The strip
preferably has a flap extending from a fold line about which the
flap may be folded so that the flap can adhere to the book or
document and provide further support and protection to the document
or book. The flap portion of the strip and the adhesive can be
positioned such that the flap adheres to either the front or back
side of the book, or document. In certain instances, the protective
corner has an area of view, which may include an advertisement,
notice, logo, company name, security code, bar code, inventory,
file number or any other useful information. Further, the
protective corners of the present invention can be constructed of
translucent or opaque colored material so that files, documents,
etc., can be readily organized and retrieved by color
coordination.
[0008] The present invention also provides methods to efficiently
produce the devices of the present invention in mass
quantities.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIGS. 1 through 4 are different views of preferred
embodiment one of the device of the present invention.
[0010] FIGS. 5 through 8 are different views of preferred
embodiment two of the device of the present invention.
[0011] FIGS. 9 through 12 are different views of preferred
embodiment three of the device of the present invention.
[0012] FIGS. 13 and 14 are different views of preferred embodiment
four of the device of the present invention.
[0013] FIGS. 15 and 16 are different views of preferred embodiment
five of the device of the present invention.
[0014] FIGS. 17 and 18 are different views of preferred embodiment
six of the device of the present invention.
[0015] FIGS. 19a and 19b are representations of devices in the
prior art.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The preferred embodiment of the present invention takes on
many forms, as shown in the attached drawing FIGS. 1 through 18.
Each will be described herein. Throughout this patent, reference is
made to application of the present invention to books or other
documents. It should be understood, however, that the invention is
at least equally applicable to any other thing which requires
corner reinforcement, repair, or protection, such as album covers,
disk jackets, posters, prospectuses, folders, posted notices,
memos, etc. Further, the size and thickness of each embodiment can
vary significantly, depending on the intended application.
Additionally, in each embodiment, the exposed surface of the
protector, when applied, can carry an advertisement, company name,
logo, design, or any other information, as desired.
Preferred Embodiment 1
[0017] The first preferred embodiment of the present invention is
designated generally 10 in FIGS. 1 through 4. This embodiment
includes a substantially rectangular band 12 of firm material
having an operational surface 13, a top edge 14, bottom edge 15,
and opposing edges 11. Two separate strips of adhesive 17 extend
from each edge 11 substantially across band 12. An adhesive cover
21 of the same size as band 12 is removably attached to adhesive
stripe 17 for removal upon application of band 12. Band 12 also has
two seams 19a, 19b each extending from top 14 to bottom 15 at bond
12 at 90.degree. with respect to one another.
[0018] Corner protector 10 is used by aligning the apex 20 of seams
19a, 19b at the apex of a corner 22 of a book or other document.
Adhesive cover 21 is removed. Band 12 is then adhered to the corner
22 such that the corner apex 23 aligns with seam apex 20. Then, the
areas of band 12 distal of seams 19a, 19b are folded about seams
19a, 19b such that the adhesive strip portions adhere to the corner
22. Corner 22 is the therefore protected against mutilation and
premature wearing. Band 12 is formed of acid-free polypropylene or
other firm polymeric material which is clear, resilient and
non-yellowing. Of course, as with each embodiment of the present
invention, band 12 may be formed of any sturdy, firm material
resistant to mutilation from normal use.
Preferred Embodiment 2
[0019] This preferred embodiment is designated generally 30 in
FIGS. 5 through 8. This embodiment includes a band 32 in the shape
as shown being symmetrical about a centerline and being shoe-shaped
on each side thereof. An upper section 32 is generally rectangular
and a lower section 34 is generally rectangular with rounded
corners 35 on the upper sides thereof, as shown. Band 32 has an
operational surface 33 which abuts the book page 42 surface to be
protected. A plurality of adhesive areas 36 are preferred on
surface 33 for contact with and adhesion to page 42. Each area 36
has an adhesive cover 38 which can be readily peeled away to expose
the adhesive. Upper section 32 also has adhesive areas 38. Adhesive
areas 38 are preferably T-shaped and comprise one continuous area
or two L-shaped areas back-to-back, as shown. Areas 38 also have a
corresponding cover 39 which may be readily peeled away to expose
the adhesive surfaces. Band 33 has two seams 41a, 41b running from
a center point at the tope of upper section 32 to approximately the
lower corners 37a, 37b of lower section 34 in 90.degree. relation
to one another, such that outer portions of band 32 may easily fold
along seams 41a, 41b.
[0020] Embodiment 2 of corner protector invention 30 is used as
follows. The corner 45 of a document 42 sought to be protected is
placed in loose alignment with apex 47 and seams 41a, 41b. At that
time, adhesive covers 38 are removed from areas 36 and lower
section 34 of band 32 is adhered to document 42. Then, cover 39 may
be removed to expose adhesive area 38. At that time, both upper
section 32 and lower section 34 outer portions can be folded about
seams 41a, 41b, as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, to adhere to and
stabilize cover 45 of document 42. This embodiment covers a
relatively small area of the protected corner, in those situations
where that may be necessary or important.
Preferred Embodiment 3
[0021] This preferred embodiment is designated generally 50 in
FIGS. 9 through 12. This embodiment 50 consists generally of a
lower rectangular portion 51 and upper triangular portion 52, with
the apex of the upper portion 52 removed, as seen best in FIG. 9.
Lower portion 51 has an adhesive strip 53 across substantially all
of that area, and having a peelable protection strip 54
thereon.
[0022] Embodiment 50 includes the following features. Two fold
lines or seams 55a, 55b run from the lower corners of lower portion
51 to the corner of the cutout section of upper portion 52, and are
situated in 90.degree. relation to one another, as shown in FIG. 9.
Two slits 56a, 56b exist in upper portion 52, as seen in FIG. 10,
resulting in four flaps 58a, 58b and 59a, 59b. Each flap 58a, 58b,
59a, 59b includes an adhesive section on an operational surface
thereof having a protective peelable cover attached thereto. The
operational surface is the surface which will contact the corner to
be protected.
[0023] As best seen with reference to FIGS. 10 through 12,
embodiment 50 is used in the following manner. Flap 58b is folded
along seam 55b. Flap 58a is then folded along seam 55a such that
the adhesive on flap 58a adheres to the back side of flap 58b, thus
forming a corner pocket 60. Once formed, the corner of document 63
is inserted into pocket 60 until properly aligned. Once properly
aligned, the adhesive strips on flaps 59a, 59b are exposed and the
flaps are folded to adhere to document 63, as best seen in FIGS. 10
and 11. The adhesive of lower rectangular portion 51 may also be
exposed to adhere to document 63. The adhesive may be continuous or
discreet smaller portions.
[0024] This embodiment is especially preferred due to its ease of
manufacture. This embodiment allows the protector to be easily
mass-produced in a single run. Because of the overlap of flaps 58a
over 58b, the protector can be manufactured with a pre-formed
corner very readily. To do so, a suitably sized strip 50 is cut or
delineated from a larger source of suitable material. The strip is
formed with the seams 55a, 55b. The adhesive strips are adhered.
Importantly, an adhesive 57 is placed on the operational side of
flap 58a. No adhesive protective cover is placed on adhesive patch
57. Instead, when ready, flap 58b is folded along seam 55b and then
flap 58a is folded along seam 55a. Adhesive 57 then adheres to the
back side of flap 58b to create a pre-formed corner for perfect
alignment with a corner. With such a product design and system, it
is believed the product can be readily mass-produced with very
little if any human involvement in forming the pre-formed corner,
making production of the product very economical.
Preferred Embodiment 4
[0025] This preferred embodiment is designated generally 70 in
FIGS. 13 and 14. Embodiment 4 of corner protector 70 comprises a
generally rectangular strip 72 of firm, preferably polymeric,
material which is acid-free and non-yellowing. Strip 72 has an
operational surface 73, top 74, bottom 75 and opposing edges 76.
Extending a predetermined distance downward toward bottom 75 from
top 74 are slits 77a, 77b spaced equidistantly from the center of
top 74. Protector 70 further includes seams 78a, 78b preformed into
surface 73, and extending from the center of top 74 to the corners
of bottom 75 and in 90.degree. relation to one another. Adhesive
strips 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d are located across the upper portion of
operational surface 73 as shown.
[0026] In use, protector 70 is placed in position so that a corner
87 of a document is substantially aligned with the center of top 74
of protector 70 and seams 78a, 78b. First triangular flap 82a is
folded over so that it adheres to a surface of corner 87. Next,
triangular flap 82b is folded over to adhere to the surface or
corner 87. Then, flaps 84a, 84b are folded over along seams 78a,
78b to adhere to, stabilize and protect corner 87, as seen in FIGS.
13 and 14.
Preferred Embodiment 5
[0027] The Preferred Embodiment 5 is designated generally 90 in
FIGS. 15 and 16. Embodiment 5 of corner protector 90 comprises a
generally T-shaped band of material 92. Band 92 has top horizontal
portion 93 and bottom vertical portion 94, depending therefrom. At
approximately the lower-most portion of bottom portion 94, is an
adhesive strip 96. Adhesive strip 96 can be an elongated strip, as
shown, on one or more discreet adhesive pieces. The inclusion of
bottom portion 94, and adhesive strip 96 thereon, provides for
increased durability and stability to the protective corner when
mounted to its target. Protector 90 also includes preformed seams
97a, 97b. Seams 97a, 97b extend downwardly from the center of the
top edge of top portion 93, in 90.degree. relation to one another.
Top portion 93 also includes adhesive strip 99 across the very top
section thereof.
[0028] In use, protector 90 is positioned to be adhered to a corner
as follows. Top portion 93 is folded along seams 97a, 97b so that a
corner is formed. At this point, adhesive protector 95 of adhesive
strip 99 is still in place. The corner formed of protector 90 is
fitted over the corner 100 to be protected. Then, the lower
adhesive protector 101 is removed and lower portion 94 is adhered
to the book or corner 100 to be protected. Flaps 98a, 98b defined
by seams 97a, 97b are then folded back along seams 97a, 97b and
adhesive protective corner 95 is removed. Lastly, flaps 98a, 98b
are folded over to adhere to book or corner 100, securing protector
90 in place to protect the book or corner 100, as best seen with
reference to FIG. 16.
Preferred Embodiment 6
[0029] Preferred embodiment 6 is designated generally 110 in FIGS.
17 and 18. Embodiment 6 of protector 110 comprises a generally
square band of material 112. Band 112 has a top edge 113, a bottom
edge 114, and operational surface 115. Two slits 116a, 116b depend
downwardly from top edge 113 equidistantly from a center of top
edge 113, approximately preferably 1/2 inch. Two seams 117a, 117b
are preformed in material 112 depending from the center of top edge
113 to the bottom of slits 116a, 116b, such that seams 117a, 117b
are at a right angle to one another. Seams 117a, 117b, and slits
116a, 116b define flaps 118a, 118b, and tabs 119a, 119b. Each of
flaps 118a, 118b, and 119a and 119b has an adhesive strip thereon
with a protective, removable covering.
[0030] In use, protector 110 is positioned to be adhered to and
protect a corner as follows. Top edge 113 and the apex of seams
117a, 117b, are placed near the corner. Flaps 118a, 118b are folded
over along seams 117a, 117b. With one flap 118a or 118b folded over
the adhesive protective covering of the other is removed to expose
the adhesive. That flap 118b or 118a, is then adhered to the
corner. Subsequently, the other flap is adhered to the corner in a
similar manner. Then, the adhesive strips of tabs 119a, 119b are
removed and folded about seams 118a, 118b to adhere to and
reinforce the corner.
Additional Features Applicable to the Various Embodiments
[0031] As stated, several preferred embodiments include a pocket,
pre-formed or otherwise, in the shape of a right triangle. On each
embodiment, an adhesive may be used to apply the protective corner
to the target document. However, in each such embodiment, the
protective corner may be constructed so as to allow insertion and
temporary holding of another document within the protector when in
use.
[0032] This feature will be described, for instance, with reference
to FIGS. 9-12. In FIG. 9 and 10, protective corner includes flaps
58a and 59b which fold over upon one another and form a pocket. The
protector may include an adhesive exposed within an interior of the
formed pocket to secure the protector to a corner. However, a
desirable feature in such an embodiment may be to include an
adhesive on only the bottom surface within the pocket. Or the user
could simply leave the adhesive cover strip on the adhesive so that
it does not expose the adhesive. In either case, this feature would
allow easy insertion and the securing of a corner into the pocket,
but would also leave a top surface of the corner of the document
not adhered to this inside of the pocket. As such, another
document, such as a business card, photo, or anything the user may
wish to associate with the document, could be temporarily inserted
into the pocket and be removably held in the corner protector.
[0033] Another feature possibly common to each preferred embodiment
is the use of opaque or translucent colored materials to construct
the corner protectors. This feature allows the protector to be
fabricated in any different color, combination of colors, or
design. This feature would allow color-coded filing conveniences
and organization while also providing the protection to the
documents.
[0034] Of course, it should be understood that various changes and
modifications to the preferred embodiments described herein will be
apparent to those skilled in the art. Other changes and
modifications, such as those expressed here or others left
unexpressed but apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is,
therefore, intended that such changes and modifications be covered
by the following claims.
* * * * *