U.S. patent application number 10/610549 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-26 for classification element for documents and the like.
Invention is credited to Peleman, Guido.
Application Number | 20040035736 10/610549 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29718745 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040035736 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Peleman, Guido |
February 26, 2004 |
Classification element for documents and the like
Abstract
Classification element for documents and the like, comprising at
least fixing means (3) which make it possible for this
classification element (1) to work in conjunction with a ring
mechanism on the one hand, and whereby it comprises suspension
means (6) on the other hand which make it possible for this
classification element (1) to be provided in a suspended
classification system.
Inventors: |
Peleman, Guido; (Puurs,
BE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BACON & THOMAS, PLLC
625 SLATERS LANE
FOURTH FLOOR
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
|
Family ID: |
29718745 |
Appl. No.: |
10/610549 |
Filed: |
July 2, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/425 ;
206/214 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B42F 11/02 20130101;
B42F 15/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/425 ;
206/214 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 2, 2002 |
BE |
2002/0420 |
Claims
1. A classification element for documents and the like, comprising
at least fixing means which make it possible for this
classification element to work in conjunction with a ring mechanism
on the one hand, and whereby it comprises suspension means on the
other hand which make it possible for this classification element
to be provided in a suspended classification system.
2. The classification element according to claim 1, comprising a
body with one or several holders, of the type which makes it
possible for this holder or these holders to work in conjunction
with the folded back of a document or the like.
3. The classification element according to claim 2, comprising two
of said holders which consist of hook-shaped elements which mainly
extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the classification
element and which are directed towards one another with their free
ends.
4. The classification element according to claim 1, wherein the
above-mentioned fixing means consist of two or several openings
forming passages which can work in conjunction with the rings of a
ring mechanism or the like.
5. The classification element according to claim 1, wherein the
above-mentioned suspension means consist of hook-shaped parts
situated near both far ends of the classification element.
6. The classification element according to claim 1, wherein the
suspension means are part of parts which are at least partially
retractable.
7. The classification element according to claims 6, comprising a
body with one or several holders, of the type which makes it
possible for this holder or these holders to work in conjunction
with the folded back of a document or the like, wherein the
partially retractable parts of which the suspension means are part,
assume a position, when drawn in, which is such that the total
length of the classification element is thereby equal to or almost
equal to the length which is determined by the above-mentioned
holder or holders.
8. The classification element according to claim 6, wherein the
above-mentioned partially retractable parts can be slid along a
body extending in between.
9. The classification element according to claim 1, wherein the
suspension means are part of removable part, such that when these
removable parts are removed, what remains is a classification
element which can still work in conjunction with a ring system or
the like.
10. The classification element according to claim 9, wherein the
above-mentioned removable parts consist of elements which can be
slid on the far ends of a body comprising the above-mentioned
fixing means.
11. The classification element according to claim 10, wherein the
above-mentioned body is provided with locking means which prevent
the above-mentioned removable parts, after they have been provided
on the above-mentioned body, to become detached from said body by
themselves.
12. The classification element according to claim 11, wherein the
locking means consist of elastically bendable parts which, by
bending, allow the above-mentioned removable parts to be removed
from the body.
13. The classification element according to claim 1, mainly
consisting of a body in the shape of a lath extending in the
longitudinal direction; of holders for documents consisting of
hook-shaped elements provided in one piece on the far ends of the
lath, extending mainly parallel to the longitudinal direction of
the classification element and which are directed towards one
another with their free ends; and of parts provided on both far
ends of the body, extending in relation to said body, which are in
turn provided with hook-shaped parts on their free ends which can
function as suspension means.
14. The classification element according claim 13, wherein the
above-mentioned body consists of a profiled lath and in that the
above-mentioned extending parts mesh over the profiled body.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention concerns a classification element for
documents and the like.
[0003] In particular, it concerns a classification element onto
which a document or the like can be attached or is attached,
whereby such a document or the like can for example be classified
between other documents by means of this classification
element.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0005] Classification elements already exist in different shapes
and dimensions.
[0006] Thus, for example, classification elements are known onto
which a document can be attached and which is provided with
hook-shaped parts on two opposite far ends, such that the documents
can be suspended between two rails or the like by means of such a
classification element.
[0007] Also other classification elements are known onto which a
document can be attached, such that said document can be classified
in an orderly manner in a ring file or the like by means of said
classification element.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention concerns a new type of classification
element which is practical and multifunctional.
[0009] To this end, the invention concerns a classification element
for documents and the like, characterized in that this
classification element comprises at least fixing means which make
it possible for this classification element to work in conjunction
with a ring mechanism on the one hand, and suspension means on the
other hand which make it possible for this classification element
to be provided in a suspended classification system.
[0010] By combining the two above-mentioned means in a single
classification element, this offers the advantage that a
multifunctional classification element is obtained, whereby the
user has a free choice to use it for the classification of
documents, either in a file or the like containing a ring
mechanism, or in a suspended classification system. This also
offers the advantage that documents which are normally classified
in a suspended classification. system for example, can be easily
put temporarily in a ring file or the like while in use, without
the documents having to be perforated or provided with another type
of classification element.
[0011] Moreover, the invention offers the advantage that a user who
uses both ring files and a suspended classification system only has
to acquire a single type of classification element which he may
then use as he likes.
[0012] Further, the manufacturer only has to produce a single type
of classification element in order to reach two markets.
[0013] The invention is particularly useful in the case where the
classification element comprises a body with one or several
holders, of the type which makes it possible for this holder or
these holders to work in conjunction with the folded back of a
document or the like, such that such a folded document, which may
for example be a magazine, can be hooked with its folded back
behind the holders.
[0014] It should be noted that the invention is not restricted,
however, to such a type of classification elements, and that, in
principle, it may apply to any classification element onto which a
document can be attached. Also the concept document should be
regarded in the broadest sense. Such a document may be a sheet, a
bundle of sheets such as a magazine or also a file or the like in
which papers or the like can be stored.
[0015] The above-mentioned fixing means preferably consist of two
or several openings forming passages which can work in conjunction
with the rings of a ring mechanism or the like.
[0016] The above-mentioned suspension means preferably consist of
hook-shaped parts which are situated near both free ends of the
classification element.
[0017] According to a particularly important preferred
characteristic, the suspension means are part of parts which are at
least partially retractable. By retractable should be understood
here telescopic, collapsible, or any other embodiment whatsoever
whereby these suspension means can be put in a service position on
the one hand in which they clearly protrude, and in a position
which is different from the latter on the other hand in which they
are situated more towards the inside.
[0018] When retracted, the retractable parts preferably assume a
position which is such that the total length of the classification
element is hereby equal to or almost equal to the length which is
determined by the above-mentioned holder or holders, such that, in
the retracted situation, there are no uselessly protruding parts on
the classification element.
[0019] By making use of such retractable parts or zones, the
classification element can at all times by optimally adjusted to
the required application.
[0020] According to another special characteristic, the suspension
means are part of removable parts, such that, when these removable
parts are removed, what remains is a classification element which
can still work in conjunction with a ring system or the like.
[0021] This offers the advantage that, when the classification
elements are used in ring files, the total thickness of such a
classification element is restricted to an absolute minimum by
removing the above-mentioned elements, such that the useful space
for storing documents in the ring file or the like is not
negatively influenced by the suspension parts which are usually
relatively thick.
[0022] This also offers the advantage that, on the basis of a
single product, three groups of users can be optimally served. We
hereby distinguish between users who only apply the suspension
system and users who apply both systems. Among these users, the
classification element provided with said suspension means can be
promoted. Further, there are users who exclusively wish to make use
of a classification system with ring files or the like, for whom
the classification element which does not comprise any parts with
suspension means can be promoted.
[0023] According to the most preferred embodiment, the
above-mentioned parts comprising the suspension means can be moved,
in particular retracted, as well as removed and/or dismounted, so
that all the respective advantages can be combined.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] In order to better explain the characteristics of the
invention, the following preferred embodiment is described as an
example only without being limitative in any way, with reference to
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0025] FIG. 1 represents a classification element according to the
invention in perspective;
[0026] FIG. 2 represents a view according to arrow F2 in FIG. 1 to
a larger scale;
[0027] FIG. 3 represents the classification element from FIG. 1 in
another condition of use, together with a schematically represented
document;
[0028] FIG. 4 represents a view according to arrow F4 in FIG. 3 to
a larger scale;
[0029] FIGS. 5 and 6 represent sections according to lines V-V and
VI-VI respectively in FIG. 4 to a larger scale;
[0030] FIG. 7 represents a view analogous to that in FIG. 4, but
when disassembled;
[0031] FIGS. 8 and 9 represent two applications of the
classification element from FIGS. 1 to 7.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0032] As represented in FIGS. 1 to 7, the invention concerns a
classification element 1 which can work in conjunction with a
document 2, whereby this classification element 1 at least
comprises fixing means 3 on the one hand which enable the
classification element 1 to work in conjunction with a ring
mechanism, for example as represented in FIG. 8, with the rings 4
of a ring file 5, and whereby it comprises suspension means 6 on
the other hand which make it possible for said classification
element 1 to be provided in a suspended classification system, in
particular as represented for example in FIG. 9, to be suspended on
two suspension rails 7-8.
[0033] The classification element 1 has a body 9 which extends in
the longitudinal direction, which in the given example is formed of
a I-shaped profile.
[0034] The body 9 is provided with holders 10-11 on its far ends
which preferably consist, as represented, of hook-shaped. elements
12-13 which mainly extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of
the classification element 1 and which are directed towards one
another with their free ends 14-15. In particular are concerned
holders 10-11 of the type which makes it possible for these holders
10-11 to work in conjunction with the folded back 16 of a document
2 or the like, in this case a magazine, as is schematically
represented in FIG. 2. These holders 10-11 may be formed in one
piece with the body 9, as is represented.
[0035] The above-mentioned fixing means 3 consist of two or several
openings 17 in the body 9, forming passages which can work in
conjunction with the rings 4 of a ring mechanism or the like.
[0036] The above-mentioned suspension means 6 consist of
hook-shaped parts 18-19 situated near both far ends of the
classification element 1, which are part of parts 20-21 in the
given example, which are at least partially retractable, extendable
respectively in relation to the body 9. These parts 20-21 are
hereby slidable in such a manner that, when they are retracted,
they assume a position as represented in FIG. 1, which is such that
the total length L1 of the classification element 1 is equal to or
almost equal to the length L2 which is determined by the
above-mentioned holders 10-11, in other words, which is equal or
almost equal to the length which is spanned by said holders 10-11,
whereas in the extended position, the hook-shaped parts 18-19 will
be situated more on the outside, as represented in FIG. 3.
[0037] In the given example, the parts 20-21 comprising the
hook-shaped parts 18-19, in other words the suspension means 6, are
made such that they are detachable, in other words they are made
such that they can be removed from the body 9, and can also be
provided back onto it. The whole is hereby designed such that when
said removable parts 20-21 are removed, what remains is a
classification element 1 which can still work in conjunction with a
ring system or the like.
[0038] In order to be able to provide the parts 20-21 on the body
9, remove them from it respectively, these parts 20-21 are made
such that they can. be, shifted on the body 9, as is clear from
FIGS. 2 to 7.
[0039] The body is provided with locking means 22 which prevent the
above-mentioned parts 20-21, after they have been provided on the
body 9, to become detached from this body 9 by themselves. These
locking means 22 consist of elastically bendable parts 23, which
assume an outward bent position when in rest, as is represented in
FIG. 6, and thus form a stop for the parts 20-21 concerned.
However, it is clear that these parts 23, by being bent up to the
surface of the core 24 of the body 9, make it possible for the
above-mentioned parts 20-21 to be removed from the body 9 again.
Further, it is clear that when the parts 20-21 are provided on the
body 9, the parts 23 are automatically forced in the surface of the
core 24, such that said locking means form no obstacle to the
attachment.
[0040] In the given example, the parts 20-21 have a passage 25 with
a T-shaped section, as a result of which they can be slid over the
topmost horizontal flange 26 of the body 9.
[0041] Naturally, the parts 20-21 can also be provided on the body
9 such that they are slidable in other ways.
[0042] The working and use of the classification element 1 can be
easily derived-from the figures.
[0043] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the parts 20-21 have been slid in and the
classification element 1 is in an ideal situation to be used to
store a document 2 in a ring file 5 or the like in, namely by
fixing the document 2 on the hook-shaped elements 12-13, and by
providing this document in the ring file 5 by means of the
classification element 1, by putting the body 9 with the openings
17 concerned over the rings 4.
[0044] By entirely extending the parts 20-21, as represented in
FIGS. 3 and 4 up to 6, a condition is created in which the document
2, as represented in FIG. 9, can be suspended in a suspended
classification system.
[0045] By pushing in the parts 23 until they are situated in one
and the same plane as the core 24, the parts 20-21 of the body 1
can be removed, as is represented in FIG. 7. It is clear that the
classification element 1 in this manner can still be used to
classify documents in ring files 5 or the like, whereas the total
thickness of the classification element 1 is more restricted than
in the case where the parts 20-21 are left on the body 9.
[0046] It is clear that several variants are possible. Thus, for
example, the retractability of the whole must not necessarily be
obtained by means of sliding, and it can for example also be
obtained by making use of revolving, folding parts 20-21.
[0047] Nor should such parts 20-21 necessarily be detachable and/or
retractable. A fixed construction made in one part is also possible
according to the invention, which can be used in ring files as well
as in a suspended classification system.
[0048] Instead of two holders 10-11, the classification element 1
can also be provided with other means to fix documents on. Thus,
for example, the hook-shaped elements 12-13 can be replaced by a
single continuous element which extends parallel to the body 9. Nor
is it excluded to realize such a classification element 1 in one
part with the document, for example in the case where the
`document` as such consists of a file, for example a suspension
file.
[0049] The present invention is by no means limited to the
above-described embodiment given as an example and represented in
the accompanying drawings; on the contrary, such a classification
element for. documents and the like can be made in all sorts of
shapes and dimensions while still remaining within the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *