U.S. patent application number 11/124273 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-15 for suspended file folder.
This patent application is currently assigned to CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICE PRODUCTS INC.. Invention is credited to Deans, Thomas W., Mark, Wallace N..
Application Number | 20050199685 11/124273 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26957190 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050199685 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mark, Wallace N. ; et
al. |
September 15, 2005 |
Suspended file folder
Abstract
A suspended file folder assembly is made from thermoplastic
material and uses a thermoplastic sheet folded along at least one
score line to define a folder, which has a retaining portion at
upper edges thereof. A support bar, having a cavity in a bottom
portion thereof and being substantially symmetrical with respect to
its longitudinal axis, mechanically engages with the retaining
portion. This weight-bearing interlock distributes the load of the
folder along the length of the cavity of the support bar and the
upper edge of the sheet. The support bars have notches therein for
engagement with conventional suspension rails as well as at least
one indentation for accommodating an index tab. A rotatable index
tab, or clip tab, is also provided with a lower part, including
outwardly extending leg-like extensions, that is complimentary in
shape to the support bar and attachable to the support bar.
Inventors: |
Mark, Wallace N.; (Hamilton,
CA) ; Deans, Thomas W.; (Orangeville, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BORDEN LADNER GERVAIS LLP
WORLD EXCHANGE PLAZA
100 QUEEN STREET SUITE 1100
OTTAWA
ON
K1P 1J9
CA
|
Assignee: |
CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICE
PRODUCTS INC.
|
Family ID: |
26957190 |
Appl. No.: |
11/124273 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11124273 |
May 9, 2005 |
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|
10274981 |
Oct 22, 2002 |
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6910622 |
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60330437 |
Oct 22, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
229/67.2 ;
312/184 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B42F 15/0035
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/067.2 ;
312/184 |
International
Class: |
B65D 027/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A file folder assembly for suspension in a filing unit with two
spaced-apart suspension rails, said file folder assembly
comprising: a sheet of thermoplastic polymer folded along at least
one medial line to define a folder having opposing walls extending
upwardly from said at least one medial line, each wall having an
upper edge and two side edges, each of said walls comprising a
retaining portion at the upper edge thereof; and two thermoplastic
polymer support bars each having a pair of legs at a bottom portion
thereof defining therebetween a channel terminating in a cavity for
mechanically engaging with said retaining portion, each support bar
being substantially symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis
of the support bar, the support bars having integral suspension
portions extending laterally beyond the side edges adjacent the
upper edge, the suspension portions having notches configured to
accommodate said suspension rails, said support bars each having at
least one indentation on a generally upper portion thereof for
accepting an index tab.
2. A file folder assembly according to claim 1 wherein the
retaining portion comprises a single continuous retaining
component.
3. A file folder assembly according to claim 1 wherein the
retaining portion extends along the entire length of the upper
edge.
4. A file folder assembly according to claim 1 wherein the
retaining portion comprises a plurality of discontinuous retaining
components positioned along a portion of the length of the upper
edge.
5. A file folder assembly according to claim 1 wherein the
retaining portion has a "T"-shaped cross-section.
6. A file folder assembly according to claim 1 wherein the
retaining portion has an annular cross-section.
7. A file folder assembly according to claim 1 wherein the support
bar has a single indentation at the top of an upper portion
thereof.
8. A file folder assembly according to claim 1 wherein the support
bar has a pair of indentations on either side of the upper portion
thereof.
9. A file folder assembly according to claim 1 wherein at least a
portion of the cross-section of the support bar is substantially
greater in thickness than the sheet of thermoplastic polymer, the
support bars each having a tapered lower portion which tapers
downwardly from the portion of substantially greater thickness to
substantially zero thickness flush with the sheet.
10. A file folder assembly according to claim 11 wherein the lower
portion is straight tapered.
11. A file folder assembly according to claim 11 wherein the lower
portion is tapered in a curved manner.
12. A file folder assembly according to claim 1 wherein the support
bar is generally ring-shaped.
13. A file folder assembly according to claim 1 wherein the support
bar is elliptically shaped.
14. A file folder assembly according to claim 1 further comprising
an index tab for attachment to the indentation in one of the
support bars, the index tab comprising: an upper indexing portion
for displaying index information; and a lower attaching portion
having two outwardly extending leg-like extensions for mechanically
engaging with the upper portion of the support bar, allowing
limited mechanical rotation of the index tab about the axis of the
support bar to provide a wide range of viewing angles for the
indexing portion while remaining engaged with the support bar.
15. A file folder assembly according to claim 14 wherein the two
outwardly extending leg-like extensions extend outwardly with
respect to a longitudinal axis of the index tab.
16. A file folder assembly according to claim 14 wherein the lower
attaching portion of the index tab is shaped in a manner that is
complimentary to the shape of the support bar to which it is to
mechanically attach.
17. A file folder assembly according to claim 14 wherein the
leg-like extensions comprise end portions that engage with the
support bar so as to limit the degree of rotation of the index tab
when it is mechanically rotated.
18. An index tab for attachment to a hanging file folder, the
hanging file folder having a support bar with an indentation in an
upper portion thereof for receiving the index tab, the support bar
having a pair of legs at a bottom portion thereof defining
therebetween a channel, the index tab comprising: an upper indexing
portion for displaying index information; and a lower attaching
portion having two outwardly extending leg-like extensions for
mechanically engaging with the upper portion of the support bar,
allowing limited mechanical rotation of the index tab about the
axis of the support bar to provide a wide range of viewing angles
for the indexing portion while remaining engaged with the support
bar.
19. An index tab according to claim 18 wherein the two outwardly
extending leg-like extensions extend outwardly with respect to a
longitudinal axis of the index tab.
20. An index tab according to claim 18 wherein the lower attaching
portion of the index tab is shaped in a manner that is
complimentary to the shape of the support bar to which it is to
mechanically attach.
21. An index tab according to claim 18 wherein the leg-like
extensions comprise end portions that engage with the support bar
so as to limit the degree of rotation of the index tab when it is
mechanically rotated.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/274,981 filed on Oct. 22, 2002, which
claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Patent Application Ser.
No. 60/330,437 filed on Oct. 22, 2001.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to suspended file folders and
file folder assemblies, and relates particularly to folders and
assemblies that are easily manufactured and have good strength
characteristics.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Suspended file folders are well known. The most common types
are formed from a folded cardboard folder that is attached at its
upper edges to metal support bars. The support bars project from
either side of the folder to form hooks engageable with suspension
rails of a filing drawer.
[0004] While such folders have achieved considerable commercial
success, they have a variety of disadvantages or weaknesses,
including some or all of the following:
[0005] a. The support bars tend to be susceptible to being
permanently bent or otherwise misshapen. Bent or misshapen bars
alter the distance between the hooks, potentially causing the file
folders to fall away from the support bar. The bars typically are
of metal of a thickness that causes them to bend easily and
permanently when loaded with weight from files.
[0006] b. The metal support bars glide poorly on the metal
suspension rails. Thus in some versions, separate plastic inserts
attached to the metal support bars are employed.
[0007] c. The folders are subject to frequent crumpling or ripping,
particularly at a medial fold at a bottom end thereof when in use,
which must bear both weight and impact from inserted files or
papers, and also along the side edges.
[0008] d. At the top of the folder, the cardboard tends to detach
as a result of general wear, poor quality glue, insufficient glue,
or poor manufacturing techniques. This is observed both in designs
where the cardboard has been folded over the support bars and
attached to itself, and in designs where the metal bar and the
cardboard are glued or otherwise fastened to each other.
[0009] e. Similarly, the metal bars tend to rip through the
cardboard at the top of the folder due to handling, which causes
the edges of the metal bar to cut through the cardboard.
[0010] f. Recycling of the folders is inefficient, since it
requires separating the cardboard portion from the metal portion.
The presence of adhesives may make recycling more difficult. In
practice, the folders are therefore not often recycled, and instead
they are discarded into the waste stream, which is obviously
undesirable.
[0011] g. Manufacture of the folders is not as efficient as it
would be if the step of securing the folder to the support bar
could be avoided.
[0012] Not all suspended file folders have all of the above
problems, and indeed some designs have attempted to address some or
all of these problems. U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,001 issued to Mark et
al. on Jan. 13, 1998 teaches a suspended file folder made entirely
from thermoplastic material, which makes it easy to manufacture and
recycle. Two thermoplastic support bars are permanently fused one
to each wall of the folder to provide strength and rigidity. The
support bars are on the inside or outside of the folder. In order
to enhance rigidity and strength, the support bars in Mark et al.
are preferably provided with ribs.
[0013] Despite the improvements in Mark et al., it has been found
that folders produced as taught therein, even with the
enhancements, are not sufficiently durable in many situations where
the weight of the folder contents is significant. Therefore, there
is a need for improvement such as that provided by the present
invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] It is an object of the present invention to obviate or
mitigate at least one disadvantage of previous suspended file
folders. It is particularly advantageous to provide an improvement
with respect to the strength and/or load carrying capacity thereof,
as well as the ease of manufacture thereof.
[0015] Embodiments of the present invention provide a file folder
assembly, which is made entirely from thermoplastic material. The
assembly uses a thermoplastic sheet folded along at least one score
line to define a folder. Two thermoplastic support bars are
mechanically attached, one to each wall of the folder along the
upper edges thereof. Each support bar is symmetrical with respect
to its own longitudinal axis. The thermoplastic sheet is fitted to
a slot or cavity defined at a bottom end of the support bar, by way
of a retaining portion provided at the upper edges of the sheet to
keep the sheet mechanically attached to the support bars. The edges
of the sheet are in fact load bearing.
[0016] Embodiments of the present invention also provide a rigid
thermoplastic index tab, or clip tab, made for attachment to the
folder assembly. The index tab is designed such that it can be
rotated in its original position on the support bar to change the
angle of viewing of an indexing portion thereof for the viewer,
without unseating the index tab from its attachment to the support
bar. The index tab includes a lower attaching portion having two
outwardly extending leg-like extensions for mechanically engaging
with the upper portion of the support bar. The two leg-like
extensions allow limited rotation of the index tab about the axis
of the support bar to provide a wide range of viewing angles for
the indexing portion while remaining engaged with the support bar.
The two outwardly extending leg-like extensions can extend
outwardly with respect to a longitudinal axis of the index tab.
[0017] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a file folder assembly for suspension in a filing unit
with two spaced-apart suspension rails. The file folder assembly
comprises a sheet of thermoplastic polymer folded along at least
one medial line to define a folder having opposing walls extending
upwardly from said at least one medial line, each wall having an
upper edge and two side edges, each of said walls comprising a
retaining portion at the upper edge thereof. The file folder
assembly also comprises two thermoplastic polymer support bars each
having a pair of legs at a bottom portion thereof defining
therebetween a channel terminating in a cavity for mechanically
engaging with the retaining portion, each support bar is
substantially symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis of
the support bar, the support bars having integral suspension
portions extending laterally beyond the side edges adjacent the
upper edge, the suspension portions having notches configured to
accommodate said suspension rails, said support bars each having at
least one indentation on a generally upper portion thereof for
accepting an index tab.
[0018] The retaining portion can be a single continuous retaining
component, which may extend along the entire length of the upper
edge or along a portion thereof. The retaining portion can
alternatively comprise a plurality of discontinuous retaining
components positioned along a portion of the length of the upper
edge.
[0019] With respect to the characteristics of the retaining
portion, it preferably has a "T"-shaped cross-section, or an
annular cross-section.
[0020] The support bar can have a single indentation at the top of
an upper portion thereof, or a pair of indentations on either side
of the upper portion thereof, or both. A portion of the
cross-section of the support bar can be substantially greater in
thickness than the sheet of thermoplastic polymer, the support bars
each having a tapered lower portion which tapers downwardly from
the portion of substantially greater thickness to substantially
zero thickness flush with the sheet. In such a case, the lower
portion can be straight tapered or tapered in a curved manner. The
support bar is preferably generally ring-shaped, and can be
elliptically shaped.
[0021] The file folder assembly preferably further comprises an
index tab for attachment to the indentation in one of the support
bars. The index tab comprises an upper indexing portion for
displaying index information, and a lower attaching portion having
two outwardly extending leg-like extensions for mechanically
engaging with the upper portion of the support bar, allowing
limited mechanical rotation of the index tab about the axis of the
support bar to provide a wide range of viewing angles for the
indexing portion while remaining engaged with the support bar.
[0022] The lower attaching portion of the index tab is preferably
shaped in a manner that is complimentary to the shape of the
support bar to which it is to mechanically attach. The index tab
preferably has leg-like extensions comprising end portions that
engage with the support bar so as to limit the degree of rotation
of the index tab when it is mechanically rotated. The two leg-like
extensions can extend outwardly with respect to a longitudinal axis
of the index tab.
[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a thermoplastic polymer support bar for use with a file
folder for suspension in a filing unit with two spaced-apart
suspension rails, the folder having a retaining portion at an upper
edge thereof and having side edges. The support bar comprises a
pair of legs at a bottom portion thereof defining therebetween a
channel terminating in a cavity for mechanically engaging with the
retaining portion, each support bar being substantially symmetrical
with respect to a longitudinal axis of the support bar, the support
bar having integral suspension portions extending laterally beyond
the side edges adjacent the upper edges, the suspension portions
having notches configured to accommodate the suspension rails, the
support bars each having at least one indentation on a generally
upper portion thereof for accepting an index tab.
[0024] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an index tab for attachment to a hanging file
folder, the hanging file folder having a support bar with an
indentation in an upper portion thereof for receiving the index
tab. The support bar has a pair of legs at a bottom portion thereof
defining therebetween a channel. The support bar can be
substantially symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis of
the support bar. The index tab comprises an upper indexing portion
for displaying index information, and a lower attaching portion
having two outwardly extending leg-like extensions for mechanically
engaging with the upper portion of the support bar, allowing
limited mechanical rotation of the index tab about the axis of the
support bar to provide a wide range of viewing angles for the
indexing portion while remaining engaged with the support bar.
[0025] The lower attaching portion of the index tab is preferably
shaped in a manner that is complimentary to the shape of the
support bar to which it is to mechanically attach. The index tab
preferably has leg-like extensions comprising end portions that
engage with the support bar so as to limit the degree of rotation
of the index tab when it is mechanically rotated. The two outwardly
extending leg-like extensions can extend outwardly with respect to
a longitudinal axis of the index tab.
[0026] The use of a thermoplastic material in order to produce a
folder assembly according to embodiments of the present invention
is preferable. A unitary sheet is used such that a material failure
would be required for the product to fail. Such a design avoids
having secondary failure points due to delamination or bonding
failure. Conventional paper folders require an abutment, which
entails some sort of lamination, whether another piece is added or
the sheet is rolled or folded. The stress on the lamination or fold
caused by a supported load would cause the lamination or fold to
fail (delamination).
[0027] Other aspects and features of the present invention will
become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review
of the following description of specific embodiments of the
invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described,
by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures,
wherein:
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a file folder
assembly according to the invention;
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates an end view of the file folder assembly
shown in FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 3A illustrates a detail perspective view of an upper
edge of a first embodiment of a file folder according to the
invention;
[0032] FIG. 3B illustrates a detail perspective view of an upper
edge of a second embodiment of a file folder according to the
invention;
[0033] FIG. 3C illustrates a detail perspective view of an upper
edge of a third embodiment of a file folder according to the
invention;
[0034] FIG. 3D illustrates a detail perspective view of an upper
edge of a fourth embodiment of a file folder according to the
invention;
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a first
embodiment of a support bar according to the invention;
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second
embodiment of a support bar according to the invention.
[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of a support bar according to the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate alternative embodiments of the
shaping of legs of a support bar according to the present
invention;
[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates a plan view of a folder assembly
according to embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a index tab according to
an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0041] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of a index tab seated on a
support bar (shown in cross-section) according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] Generally, the present invention provides a suspended file
folder assembly made from thermoplastic material which uses a
thermoplastic sheet folded along at least one score line to define
a folder, the folder having a retaining portion at upper edges
thereof. A support bar, having a cavity in a bottom portion thereof
and being substantially symmetrical with respect to its
longitudinal axis, mechanically engages with the retaining portion.
This weight-bearing interlock distributes the load of the folder
along the length of the cavity of the support bar and the upper
edge of the sheet. The support bars have notches therein for
engagement with conventional suspension rails as well as at least
one indentation for accommodating an index tab. A rotatable index
tab, or clip tab, is also provided with a lower part, including
outwardly extending leg-like extensions, that is complimentary in
shape to the support bar and attachable to the support bar.
[0043] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a file folder
assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. A
file folder assembly 100 is preferably made entirely of
thermoplastic material. The assembly uses a thermoplastic sheet
folded along at least one score line to define a folder, instead of
using a sheet of paper reinforced by metal bars. Two thermoplastic
support bars are mechanically attached, one to each wall of the
folder along the upper edges thereof. Each support bar is
symmetrical with respect to its own longitudinal axis. The
thermoplastic sheet is fitted to a slot or cavity defined at a
bottom end of the support bar, by way of a retaining portion
provided at the upper edges of the sheet to keep the sheet
mechanically attached to the support bars. The edges of the sheet
are in fact load bearing.
[0044] The assembly 100 uses a thermoplastic sheet 102 folded along
one or more score lines 104 to define a folder 106. The upper edges
of the folder 106 each comprise a retaining portion (not shown) for
fitting into a cavity of a support bar 108 and mechanically
engaging therewith. The support bars 108 have integral suspension
portions extending laterally beyond the side edges adjacent the
upper edge and have notches 110 therein, preferably generally
U-shaped and downwardly-opening, configured to accommodate
conventional suspension rails (not shown), boxes or crates known in
the art. The support bars 108 are provided with at least one
indentation for accepting an index tab, or clip tab, 112. The
thermoplastic support bars 108 are mechanically attached one to
each wall of the folder 106 along the upper edges thereof, to
provide the required degree of strength and rigidity.
[0045] FIG. 2 illustrates an end view of the file folder assembly
of FIG. 1. The view in FIG. 2 provides a clearer illustration of
the engagement of the retaining portion at the upper edges of the
folder 106 with the support bars 108. Various embodiments of a
folder, and the retaining portion provided thereon, will now be
described.
[0046] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D illustrate detailed perspective views of
an upper edge of various embodiments of a file folder according to
the invention. In FIG. 3A, the retaining portion 114 is illustrated
as having a "T"-shape in a cross section thereof. The embodiment in
FIG. 3A comprises retaining portion 114, comprising a single
continuous retaining portion, in a T-shape cross section extending
along the entire length of the upper edge of the file folder 106.
FIG. 3B illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the
retaining portion 114 is provided along a portion of the upper edge
of the folder 106, and not its entire length. This embodiment
provides the security of the T-shaped retaining portion, with cost
savings in that material is not required for the retaining portion
114 along the entire length of the upper edge of the folder
106.
[0047] FIG. 3C illustrates another embodiment in which the
retaining portion 114 has a generally annular or circular cross
section, which is preferably symmetrical around the axis of the
sheet 102. FIG. 3D illustrates a further embodiment in which the
retaining portion 114 has a circular or annular cross section and
is provided only along a portion of the upper edge of the folder
106, similar to the situation in FIG. 3B.
[0048] The retaining portion 114 is preferably in either a T-cross
section, or of annular, or circular, shape. However, the retaining
portion 114 may be of any shape as long as it is functional and
load bearing. Also, the retaining portion can alternatively
comprise a single continuous retaining component that does not
extend the entire length of the upper edge. It will be appreciated
that although in FIG. 3B and FIG. 3D one retaining component of the
retaining portion 114 is illustrated, any number of such
discontinuous retaining components provided along the top of the
folder 106 can be used to make up the retaining portion 114. The
choice of whether the retaining portion 114 comprises a single
continuous retaining component or one or more discontinuous
retaining components extending along the entire length of the
folder 106 may be made for economic, stress or load bearing
reasons.
[0049] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a first
embodiment of a support bar according to the invention. Two
thermoplastic support bars 108 are mechanically attached one to
each wall of the folder along the upper edges thereof to provide
the required degree of strength and rigidity. The support bars are
preferably generally ring shaped and symmetrical, with an example
of such a shape being elongated such that it is generally
elliptical, or oval shaped.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, an upper, or top, portion of the support
bar 108 is preferably rounded to provide a high degree of load
bearing capability. The top of the support bar can be made in other
shapes if a lesser degree of loading bearing capability is
sufficient, such as in a case where new plastic material is
developed that provides sufficient strength and rigidity using a
less optimal design.
[0051] The support bar 108 is provided with at least one
indentation to accommodate an index tab, also known as a clip tab
or sliding tab. These indentations are functional rather than
structural. In FIG. 4, indentations 116 are preferably provided on
the outer edge of either side of the upper portion of the support
bar 108. If the support bar has a total height of h, these
indentations 116 are preferably positioned at a distance h/4 from
the top of the support bar to accommodate an index tab 112 on the
upper portion of the support bar. The indentations are preferably
rounded, but may be made in any shape functional for holding an
index tab.
[0052] The support bars are shaped with two legs 118 extending to
form a lower portion thereof. The lower portion of the support bar,
i.e. each of the legs 118, is preferably curved or straight-tapered
on an outer surface thereof to become flush with the thermoplastic
sheet 102 when attached. The tapering allows for the easy removal
of the folder contents. The support bars appear to have been
"cored" out narrowly from the bottom to a larger cavity 120. The
cavity 120, rounded in the illustration, can be any shape that is
able to accommodate the retaining portion 114 of the thermoplastic
sheet. The cavity 120 is preferably larger than a channel 122
leading to it, to accomplish mechanical engagement of the folder
106 in the support bar 108. Each support bar 108 is symmetrical
with respect to a longitudinal axis 200 of the support bar, or a
support bar longitudinal axis. In other words, each half of the
support bar is the mirror image of the other half. A similar
longitudinal axis 201 is shown in FIG. 5 and the same type of
symmetry is depicted in FIGS. 6-8.
[0053] The retaining portion 114 and the cavity 120 of the support
bar 108 act to mechanically engage each other such that the sheet
can not be pulled away or separated from the support bar 108. This
locking arrangement is employed so as to increase the strength and
load carrying capacity of the folder. The fact that the two
portions of the locking arrangement appear modular is but a
function of the design. In use, the retaining portion 114 and
support bar 108 are not intended to be separated. The interlock
between the retaining portion and the cavity of the support bar is
weight bearing and serves to distribute the load of the folder
along the length of the cavity of the support bar and the upper
edge of the sheet.
[0054] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second
embodiment of a support bar according to the invention. In this
embodiment, the non-structural indentations 116 are replaced by a
top indentation 124. In this manner, the support bar 108 can
accommodate an index tab 112 of a different design than that
accommodated in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4.
[0055] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a support bar
according to the present invention. In this embodiment both the
indentations 116 and the top indentation 124 are provided. This
allows for the same support bar to be used with any one of, or
both, distinct types of index tabs.
[0056] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate alternative embodiments wherein
the shaping, or tapering, of the legs 118 of the support bar 108 is
modified. In FIG. 7A, the legs 118 in the lower portion of the
support bar are straight-tapered and the support bar includes the
indentations 116. In FIG. 7B, the legs 118 are also
straight-tapered, but the support bar is one in which only a top
indentation 124 is provided for accommodation of an index tab. FIG.
8A and FIG. 8B illustrate embodiments in which the legs 118 are
tapered in a curved manner, with support bars similar to those
shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, respectively. These embodiments shown
in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate examples of different tapering that
may be used so as to facilitate the easy removal of folder contents
without hitting the support bars and possibly dislodging or
damaging them, as well as avoiding damage to the folder
contents.
[0057] FIG. 9 illustrates a plan view of a folder assembly
according to an embodiment of the present invention. This plan view
facilitates identification of the elements such as sheet 102, score
lines 104, support rail 108, and notches 110.
[0058] Preferably, there are two of the score lines 104 at the
bottom of the folder, so that the folder is somewhat U-shaped
rather than V-shaped, to provide greater wear resistance by
reducing the angle at each score. Additional score lines may be
provided as well, if desired, particularly to accommodate thicker
files or more papers.
[0059] Another aspect of the present invention provides an index
tab, such as a plastic clip tab or sliding indexing tab, preferably
made of a rigid thermoplastic polymer for mechanical attachment to
a support bar of a hanging file folder, such as one of those
described above in relation to embodiments of the invention.
[0060] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of an index tab 112
according to an aspect of the present invention. An upper indexing
portion of the index tab 112 provides an area for information to be
displayed. A lower attaching portion of the index tab 112 is
specifically formed to a shape that is complimentary to the shape
of the support bar portion of the hanging folder 106 to which it is
to mechanically attach. The lower or attaching portion of the clip
has two outwardly extending leg-like extensions 126 that are
preferably similar in length, but can be of differing length, to
allow for controlled angular displacement or degree of rotation of
the index tab 112. The two legs 126 are curved to conform with and
grasp the support bar 108. The two leg-like extensions also conform
to the indentations of the support bar 108.
[0061] In other words, the index tab includes a lower attaching
portion having two outwardly extending leg-like extensions for
mechanically engaging with the upper portion of the support bar.
The two leg-like extensions allow limited rotation of the index tab
about the axis of the support bar to provide a wide range of
viewing angles for the indexing portion while remaining engaged
with the support bar. The leg-like extensions extend outwardly with
respect to a longitudinal axis 202 of the index tab, or an index
tab longitudinal axis.
[0062] The feet or end portions 128 of the leg-like extensions 126
prevent flexing of the index tab 112. The feet or end portions 128
extend outwardly, with the outward extension being with respect to
the index tab longitudinal axis. They also act as a stop to control
the degree of rotation of the index tab 112. The end portions, or
feet, 128 engage with the support bar so as to limit the degree of
rotation of the index tab when it is mechanically rotated. The
index tab and support bar arrangement will now be described in more
detail with reference to FIG. 11.
[0063] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of an index tab 112
according to an embodiment of the present invention seated on a
support bar 108 (shown in cross-section) of a hanging file folder.
The indentations 116 are functional since they allow the index tab
112 to grip the support bar 108 and rotate about the axis of the
support bar. The index tab 112 is not fixed in one particular rigid
position, but is free to be mechanically rotated in a limited path
about the axis of the support bar 108, so as to allow for viewing
of the index tab at multiple angles, without dislodging it. The
longitudinal axis of the support bar and the longitudinal axis of
the index tab in FIG. 11 are substantially the same as each
other.
[0064] The path of movement of the index tab 112 on the support bar
108 is such that it does not cause one or both of the legs 126 to
flex away from the index tab 112 and be released from its seated,
or engaged, position. The intent of providing secure rotatable
engagement of the index tab 112 in the support bar 108 is to render
the index tab positionable, i.e. movable but not removable. Due to
this secure rotatable engagement, the index tab can also be used to
remove the file by pulling it to lift it from the filing
system.
[0065] Design of the index tab such that it can be mechanically
rotated increases the range of angles from which the index tab, and
any information contained thereon, can be easily viewed.
Arrangements for placing information on such an index tab are known
to those of skill in the art. For example, the index tab can have a
face portion and a label-carrying slot defined behind the face
portion, in which a label can be placed. As another example, an
adhesive label can be affixed on the face portion.
[0066] The use of a thermoplastic material in order to produce a
folder assembly according to embodiments of the present invention
is preferable. A unitary sheet is used such that a material failure
would be required for the product to fail. Such a design avoids
having secondary failure points such as delamination or bonding
failure.
[0067] The material used to form the file folder is preferably a
thermoplastic polymer. It is preferred that the thermoplastic
polymer be a melt-formable polymer, for ease of fabrication e.g. by
melt extrusion of the polymer in a sheet. Excess polymer can also
be recycled and re-extruded into a sheet.
[0068] The polymer in the sheet used to form the folder should have
substantial stiffness, but still be sufficiently flexible to permit
insertion of files into the folder. Sufficient stiffness is
required at the top of the folder i.e. in the area used to suspend
the file folders, referred to herein as upper edges having integral
projecting end portions. The polymer used to form the support bars,
in particular, should have properties so as to provide sufficient
stiffness and strength for the support bars to be load bearing i.e.
be substantially rigid but still have some flexibility. It is to be
understood that this may be accomplished by selection of the
thermoplastic material, but addition of reinforcing agents to a
thermoplastic material similar to that used for the sheet is likely
to be more conducive and amenable to recycling. In addition, the
polymer needs to be capable of forming folds. The folds need to
have significant wear resistance and strength for continued use of
the folder.
[0069] For thermoplastic materials, the thickness of the sheet used
to form the body of the folder preferably should be at least 5 mils
(0.005 inches), and preferably 10-20 mils, 12-15 mils being the
likely optimum. However, the thickness will depend on the
particular thermoplastic polymer selected, and the strength and
stiffness properties of that thermoplastic material, as well as the
size of the folder being formed. The thermoplastic sheet used to
form the folder will be preferably of uniform thickness.
[0070] The sheet and support bars can be formed from the same
thermoplastic material, which facilitates recycling. The same
thermoplastic material can also be used for the index tab. However,
the polymer used to form the support bars may contain reinforcing
agents, e.g. conventional fillers such as talc, mica, glass,
etc.
[0071] The above-described embodiments of the present invention are
intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and
variations may be effected to the particular embodiments by those
of skill in the art without departing from the scope of the
invention, which is defined solely by the claims appended
hereto.
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