U.S. patent application number 11/096939 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-20 for nestable and stacking document sorter.
Invention is credited to Cavada, Gilberto JR., Conklin, Melanie L., Killinger, Timothy D., Lerch, Matthew G., Smith, Aaron W..
Application Number | 20050230330 11/096939 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34964879 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050230330 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Killinger, Timothy D. ; et
al. |
October 20, 2005 |
Nestable and stacking document sorter
Abstract
A document sorter has a pair of laterally spaced apart side
support beams. Each beam has a front end and a rear end. A
plurality of generally vertically oriented dividers is spaced apart
from one another along the beams. Each divider traverses a space
between the side support beams and includes a front divider, a rear
divider, and an intermediate divider therebetween. A storage space
is defined above the side support beams between each adjacent pair
of dividers. Each of the plurality of dividers has a portion
positioned above an inner most edge of each of the side support
beams. That portion has a width that is less than the space between
the side support beams adjacent that divider. Each divider has
laterally opposed ends connected one each to a respective one of
the side support beams. The sorter can be stacked upon and nested
with multiple like sorters.
Inventors: |
Killinger, Timothy D.;
(Plainfield, IL) ; Lerch, Matthew G.; (Chicago,
IL) ; Smith, Aaron W.; (Plainfield, IL) ;
Cavada, Gilberto JR.; (Melrose Park, IL) ; Conklin,
Melanie L.; (Chicago, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARSHALL, GERSTEIN & BORUN LLP
233 S. WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 6300
SEARS TOWER
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
34964879 |
Appl. No.: |
11/096939 |
Filed: |
April 1, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60559313 |
Apr 2, 2004 |
|
|
|
60592271 |
Jul 29, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B42F 17/06 20130101;
A47F 7/14 20130101; B42F 17/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/011 |
International
Class: |
A47F 001/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A sorter comprising: a pair of laterally spaced apart support
beams, each support beam having a front end and a rear end; a
plurality of dividers generally vertically oriented spaced apart
from one another, and oriented generally parallel to one another,
each divider traversing a space between the support beams, the
plurality of dividers including a front divider positioned near the
front ends of the pair of support beams, a rear divider positioned
near the rear ends of the pair of support beams and an intermediate
divider therebetween; and a storage space defined above the side
support beams and between each adjacent pair of dividers, wherein
each of the plurality of dividers has at least a portion positioned
above an innermost edge of each of the pair of support beams, the
portion having a width that is less than the space between the
support beams adjacent that divider, and wherein each divider has
laterally opposed ends connected one each to a respective one of
the support beams.
2. The sorter of claim 1, wherein the laterally opposed ends are
connected to the support beams below and laterally outward of the
inner most edges of the support beams.
3. The sorter of claim 1, wherein the pair of support beams is
inclined upward toward the rear ends thereof.
4. The sorter of claim 1, further including a rear leg extending
from the rear end of each support beam, the rear leg being of
sufficient height to elevate the rear end of the sorter relative to
the front end of the sorter.
5. The sorter of claim 4, including two rear legs, each
substantially a continuation of the rear divider and located
proximate the opposed ends of the rear divider.
6. The sorter of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of support beams
has an outer edge and the space between the inner edges of
respective support beams is traversed only by the plurality of
dividers.
7. The sorter of claim 6, wherein each of the pair of support beams
are curved in a radial direction between the respective inner most
and outer edges of the support beams.
8. The sorter of claim 7, wherein the support beam curvature is
convex relative to top edges of the dividers.
9. The sorter of claim 7, wherein the support beam curvature is
concave relative to top edges of the dividers.
10. The sorter of claim 7, wherein the inner most edge of each of
the pair of support beams is at a different elevation relative to
the laterally corresponding outer edge of the support beam at any
position along the pair of support beams.
11. The sorter of claim 1, wherein each divider in the plurality of
dividers includes an upper arch surface.
12. The sorter of claim 11, wherein each divider in the plurality
of dividers includes a lower edge that follows substantially the
same contour as the upper arch surface forming an open front of the
respective divider beneath the lower edge.
13. The sorter of claim 1, wherein the front divider has a
generally solid front surface beneath an upper edge thereof.
14. The document sorter of claim 1, wherein the front divider
includes a generally linear bottom edge.
15. The sorter of claim 1, wherein the plurality of dividers each
includes a slight convex curvature in a lateral direction and
relative to the front end of the sorter.
16. The sorter of claim 1, wherein each divider in the plurality of
dividers terminates at opposed lower ends and each opposed lower
end includes a laterally extending foot and wherein each foot
includes an upper edge that is joined to an underside of the
corresponding support beam of the pair of support beams.
17. The sorter of claim 16, wherein each foot extends completely
from the outer edge to the inner most edge of the corresponding
support beam.
18. The sorter of claim 17, wherein the feet of the front divider
close off the front ends of the pair of support beams.
19. The sorter of claim 17, wherein the feet of the rear divider
close off the rear ends of the pair of support beams.
20. A stack of sorters, the stack comprising: a plurality of
sorters, each sorter including: a pair of laterally spaced apart
support beams, each support beam having a front end and a rear end;
a plurality of dividers generally vertically oriented spaced apart
from one another, and oriented generally parallel to one another,
each divider traversing a space between the support beams, the
plurality of dividers including a front divider positioned near the
front ends of the pair of support beams, a rear divider positioned
near the rear ends of the pair of support beams and an intermediate
divider therebetween; and a storage space defined above the side
support beams and between each adjacent pair of dividers, wherein
each of the plurality of dividers has at least a portion positioned
above an innermost edge of each of the pair of support beams, the
portion having a width that is less than the space between the
support beams adjacent that divider, and wherein each divider has
laterally opposed ends connected one each to a respective one of
the support beams; wherein a first sorter in the plurality of
sorters is vertically stacked with a second sorter in the plurality
of sorters and wherein the dividers of the second sorter are
received upward within the storage spaces of the first sorter and
the support beams of the second sorter underlie the support beams
of the first sorter providing a nested configuration.
21. The sorter of claim 20, wherein the front divider of the second
sorter is positioned forward of the front divider of the first
sorter and a rear leg of the second sorter is positioned forward of
a rear leg of the first sorter.
22. The sorter of claim 21, wherein each divider in the plurality
of dividers terminates at opposed lower ends and each opposed lower
end includes a laterally extending foot and wherein each foot
includes an upper edge that is joined to an underside of the
corresponding support beam of the pair of support beams.
23. The sorter of claim 22, wherein lower edges of the foot of each
divider of the first document sorter are flush with the bottom of
the outer edge of the support beams and provide contact points
which bear against the upper surface of the support beams of the
second document sorter.
24. The sorter of claim 22, wherein lower edges of the foot of each
divider of the first document sorter are raised above the bottom of
the outer edge of the support beams and provide contact points
which bear against the upper surface of the support beams of the
second document sorter allowing the support beams of the first
document sorter to at least partially overlap the support beams of
the second document sorter.
25. The sorter of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of support
beams is curved in both a longitudinal direction between the front
and rear ends and laterally across a width of the pair of support
beams.
26. The sorter of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of support
beams is flat laterally across a width between the innermost edge
and an outer edge.
27. The sorter of claim 26, wherein each of the pair of support
beams is curved in a longitudinal direction between the front and
rear ends of the pair of support beams.
28. The sorter of claim 1, including a plurality of intermediate
dividers.
29. A method of stacking sorters comprising: providing a plurality
of sorters, each sorter including: a pair of laterally spaced apart
support beams, each support beam having a front end and a rear end,
a plurality of dividers generally vertically oriented spaced apart
from one another, and oriented generally parallel to one another,
each divider traversing a space between the support beams, the
plurality of dividers including a front divider positioned near the
front ends of the pair of support beams, a rear divider positioned
near the rear ends of the pair of support beams and an intermediate
divider therebetween, and a storage space defined above the side
support beams and between each adjacent pair of dividers, wherein
each of the plurality of dividers has at least a portion positioned
above an innermost edge of each of the pair of support beams, the
portion having a width that is less than the space between the
support beams adjacent that divider, and wherein each divider has
laterally opposed ends connected one each to a respective one of
the support beams; positioning a first one of a plurality of
sorters vertically above and rearwardly offset relative to a second
one of the plurality of sorters; inserting each the plurality of
dividers of the second sorter into a corresponding aligned one of
the storage spaces of the first sorter; and lowering the first
sorter until it contacts a portion of the second sorter thereby
providing a nested configuration.
Description
[0001] This patent is related to and claims priority benefit of
U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/559,313, filed on Apr. 2,
2004 and U.S. provisional application No. 60/592,271 filed on Jul.
29, 2004, and incorporates by reference all of the subject matter
disclosed in said prior provisional applications.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0003] The present disclosure is generally related to document and
file organization and storage products, and more particularly to a
nestable and stackable sorter for files, documents, and the
like.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Storage and organizer products for documents, file folders,
and the like are known. Generally, such products are intended for
individual use and are not typically nestable and stackable
relative to one another when using more than two of such products.
However, such products are often shipped and displayed in
individual form or nested in pairs. Consequently, these known
products take up a relatively large amount of retail shelf space
and also a significant amount of space during shipment.
[0006] The consumption of relatively large amounts of retail shelf
space by such products is problematic, as retail shelf space is
extremely valuable and manufacturers compete vigorously for
adequate shelf space to display their products. Any inefficient use
of retail shelf space can lead to a manufacturer's products not
being adequately displayed, as well as a reduction in the number of
different products a manufacturer may be allowed to display in a
given retail store.
[0007] Because the profit margins for these items can be relatively
small, a means for packaging these items in a compact manner is
important for reducing shipment and handling costs of such low
margin products.
[0008] Typical organizer or sorter products can only be stacked
with one other identical product by inverting one of the products,
rotating it 180 degrees, and placing it on top of and nesting it
with the other of the products. Sorter products stacked and nested
in this manner are susceptible to movement relative to one another,
and can be damaged. Thus, additional packaging materials, such as
cardboard, Styrofoam, plastic film and the like must be utilized to
prevent product damage from relative movement between such products
from scuffing or scratching during shipment and handling.
[0009] These types of products are typically individually packaged
or packaged in pairs for shipping. Upon being prepared to be
displayed for sale, the products are then unpackaged by the
retailer if packaged in pairs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent upon reading the following description in
conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of one example of a
sorter constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 shows a bottom perspective view of the sorter of FIG.
1;
[0013] FIG. 3 shows a front view of the sorter of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the sorter of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 5 shows a cross section view of the sorter of FIG.
1;
[0016] FIG. 6 shows a side view of three of the sorters of FIG. 1
and arranged in one example of a stacked and nested
configuration;
[0017] FIG. 7 shows a side cross section view of another example of
a sorter constructed in accordance with the teachings of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 8 shows a side view of three of the sorters of FIG. 7
and arranged in another example of a stacked and nested
configuration;
[0019] FIG. 9 shows a front view of a sorter of either of FIG. 1 or
FIG. 7 and supporting a file folder;
[0020] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of another example of a
sorter constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention;
[0021] FIGS. 11A- 11E show additional examples of sorters
constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention;
[0022] FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate additional examples of sorters
constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention;
[0023] FIGS. 13A-13B illustrate an additional example of a sorter
constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0024] The present invention is generally directed to a sorter for
organizing and storing documents, file folders, and the like in a
substantially vertical orientation. The disclosed sorter can be
stacked and nested with a plurality of identical sorters in order
to reduce the space necessary for shipping, storage, and retail
display. By nesting and stacking a large number of identical
sorters, the sorters can also be tightly packed. Thus, the sorters
may move relatively little or not at all relative to one another
during shipping. This further reduces the possibility of the
products becoming scratched or scraped.
[0025] Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a
perspective view of one example of a document sorter 20 constructed
in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The
disclosed sorter 20 generally includes a pair of support pillars or
beams 22, a plurality of upstanding dividers 24, a front end 26,
and a rear leg 28 extending downward from a rear end 30 of the
sorter. The rear legs 28 elevate the rear end 30 upwardly relative
to the front end 26 and tilt the beams 22 in an upward and rearward
direction. The dividers are hereinafter collectively identified as
dividers 24, but specifically include a front or forward most
divider 24a, a plurality of intermediate dividers 24b, and a rear
or back divider 24c. When referring to the dividers generally, they
are referred to by reference number 24. When referring to specific
dividers, the reference numbers 24a, 24b, or 24c are used.
[0026] The dividers 24 extend vertically upward and are spaced
apart and positioned traversing laterally between the spaced apart
support beams 22. The dividers 24 are longitudinally spaced apart
between the front end 26 and the rear end 30 of the sorter 20. In
this example, the dividers are at equidistant spacing relative to
each other. Storage gaps or spaces 31 are formed between adjacent
ones of the dividers 24. FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the
sorter 20 shown in FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates the sorter 20 of FIG. 1 but in an
inverted orientation to show its underside. In the disclosed
example, the support beams 22 of the sorter 20 include an outer
most edge 32 and an inner most edge 34. The space between the inner
edges 34 of the pair of support beams 22 is open and traversed only
by the dividers 24. Each support beam 22 in this example has a
lengthwise or longitudinal axis extending between the front end 26
and the rear end 30 of the sorter 20. The disclosed support beams
22 are straight relative to their longitudinal direction, but
inclined by the height of the rear legs 28. The support beams 22
are curved or arcuate in a radial direction relative to the support
beam axis between the respective inner and outer edges 32 and 34.
The support beam curvature adds structural rigidity and stability
to the overall sorter construction. In this example, each support
beam 22 is curved upwardly or is convex in an upward direction.
Thus, the inner edges 34 of the support beams are at a higher
elevation than the outer edges 32 in this example.
[0028] In the disclosed example shown in FIGS. 1-3, each of the
dividers 24 has an arcuate or curved upper arch portion 36. In this
example, the arch portion 36 has a lower edge 38 and an upper edge
40 that essentially follow the same contour. The front divider 24a
has a generally solid front surface 42 beneath the lower edge 38,
whereas the remaining dividers 24b and 24c are merely arches with
open fronts beneath the lower edges 38. As will be evident to those
having ordinary skill in the art, each of the dividers 24 can have
a closed front or an open front as desired. Further, the closed
front surface, if present, can include one or more holes, openings,
or perforations to reduce material weight, usage, and thus cost, or
merely for ornamental purpose.
[0029] The shape of the dividers 24 can also vary within the spirit
and scope of the present invention. In this example, the arcuate or
curved arch portion 36 is in the form of a semi-circle. However,
the curvature or shape need not be any particular shape. In fact,
the dividers 24 can be any shape suitable for supporting file
folders, documents, and the like within the spaces 31 of the sorter
20. The size of the dividers 24 in the disclosed example are such
that the upper edges 40 are below a height of a file or folder
stored therein and are narrower than a width of a file or folder
stored therein. Thus, a user can easily read a file or other object
to view any labels or content indicators and can grasp objects
stored in the sorter along virtually any of three edges or-comers
of the article. However, the dividers 24 should be of sufficient
width and sufficient height to bear against a sufficient portion of
a file, folder, document, or other article or object stored in the
sorter so that the object is adequately supported in a
substantially vertical or upright orientation.
[0030] As indicated in FIG. 2 showing the inverted sorter 20, only
the front panel 24a includes a generally linear bottom edge 44. The
lower edge 38 of each of the dividers 24b and 24c positioned behind
the forward most divider 24a is curved to substantially mirror the
curvature of the respective upper edges 40. In this manner, the
front divider 24a of the sorter 20 will give the appearance of a
solid, substantial divider and sorter product. However, material
reduction and therefore cost reduction can be achieved by the open
front configuration of the dividers 24b and 24c positioned rearward
of the forward most divider 24a.
[0031] The top view of FIG. 4 shows that the dividers 24 are not
planar or flat in a lateral or side to side direction. Instead,
each divider 24 has a slight convex curvature relative to the front
end 26 of the sorter. The curvature of the dividers 24 can add
structural rigidity and strength to the sorter. When a number of
files or folders are stored in a given gap 31, the curved dividers
24 can better support the bearing weight of the folders or files.
The arch portion 36 of each divider can also have a curve in cross
section to add further structure and stiffness to each divider and
the overall sorter construction. However, the dividers 24 can be
planar or flat if desired, or can be planar but have some depth
created by ribs to add rigidity.
[0032] Also as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, each divider 24 terminates
at opposed lower ends 50. Each end 50 further has a laterally
extending foot 52. The feet 52 of the dividers 24 extend in
outwardly opposite directions in this example. Each of the feet 52
in this example has an upper edge that interconnects to an
underside 54 of a respective support beam 22. In this example, each
foot 52 extends completely from the innermost edge 34 to the
outermost edge 32 of the support beams 22. The length and height of
each foot 52 in this example adds strength and rigidity to the
dividers 24, the support beams 22, and the entire sorter 20. Each
of the feet 52 of the dividers 24a and 24b includes a horizontal
lower edge 56 in this example. The upward curvature of the support
beams adds height to the feet 52 from the lower foot edges 56 to
the underside of the beams 22, which adds further rigidity and
strength to the structure.
[0033] The ends 50 and feet 52 of the forward most divider 24a are
interconnected to and close off a forward facing edge of the
respective support beams 22. The ends 50 and feet 52 of the
rearward most divider 24c are connected to and close off a rearward
facing edge of the respective support beams 22. In this example,
the bottom edges 58 of the rearward most divider 24c depend further
downward and define the rear legs 28.
[0034] The area within the gaps 31 is open between adjacent
dividers 24 and laterally between the opposite innermost edges 34
of the support beams 22. As a result, multiple sorters 20 of
identical construction can be nested relative to and stacked upon
one another as illustrated in FIG. 6. The dividers 24 of a lower
most sorter 20 can be received through the openings in the gaps 31
between the support beams 22 of a next adjacent upper sorter in a
stack. The lateral width of the dividers 24 in this example is such
that the dividers can fit within the lateral opening between
support beams in the next adjacent upper sorter. The front or
forward most divider 24a of the lower most sorter in the stack is
positioned forward of the front divider panel 24a of the next
upwardly adjacent stacked sorter. Each next upwardly stacked sorter
is similarly positioned or offset behind the previous sorter front
divider. The rear legs 28 of each sorter are positioned behind the
previously stacked sorter. The gaps 31 permit only a limited number
of dividers to nest therebetween. The gap can be precisely
dimensioned to tightly or closely fit a specific number of
dividers. In this manner, that number of sorters can be stacked and
nested relative to one another as depicted in FIG. 6. Only three
such sorters 20 are depicted therein, with room for one or more
additional sorters 20 in the stack.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the lower edges 56 of the feet 52
of the dividers 24a and 24b are flush with the bottom, outermost
edge 32 of the support beams 22 in this example. The lower edges 56
provide contact points which bear against the support beam 22 of a
lower adjacent support beam 22 in the stack. Thus, the feet 52 can
determine the vertical stacking depth of one sorter 20 on top of
another sorter. In this example, the feet bottom edges 56 are
positioned such that the support beam 22 of one sorter 20 does not
vertically overlap or nest in contact with another support beam 22
of an adjacent sorter 20. Thus, the support beams 22 rest spaced
from one another in this example. This can reduce or inhibit
friction locking between stacked sorters.
[0036] Alternative contact points between stacked sorters can be
provided. In one example as shown in FIG. 7, different
configurations of the lower edges 56' of the feet 52' can be
provided to define a different nesting depth between stacked
sorters. The elevation of the lower edges 56' of the feet 52' in
this example do not extend as far downward as the feet 52 of the
prior example. In this example the lower edges 56' of the feet 52'
are raised or elevated so that it is well above the height of the
outermost edge 32 of the support beams 22. The contact point
between the lower edges 56' and the top of the support beams 22
would thus permit a greater nesting depth between the stacked and
nested sorters 20 as shown in FIG. 8. The support beams 22 at least
partially overlap with the next lower support beams 22 in this
example to provide a tighter nesting and thus a shorter stack of
sorters 20.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 9, files, folders, and the like that are
stored in the gaps 31 between dividers 24 of the disclosed sorters
will also rest on the top surface of the support beams 22. As noted
above, the size of the dividers can be such that parts of the
stored objects extend beyond the perimeter of the dividers. The
exposed parts of the objects can thus be easily seen and grasped as
needed.
[0038] FIG. 10 illustrates another example of a sorter 200 that is
similar in many respects to the sorter 20 described previously.
However, in this example, the sorter 200 has support beams 202 that
are curved in both a radial and a longitudinal direction. The
sorter 200 depicts one of many variations that can be achieved in
the disclosed sorter configurations without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0039] FIGS. 11A-11E illustrate yet additional examples of file or
document sorters constructed in accordance with the teachings of
the present invention. FIG. 11A illustrates a sorter 210 with
support beams 212 that are flat in cross section, or relative to a
radial direction, but are curved in the longitudinal direction.
Additionally, the sorter 210 includes dividers 214 that are curved
along their top edges 216 but have substantially straight side
edges 218. FIG. 11B illustrates a similar sorter 220 with
essentially identical support beams 222. However, the sorter 220
has substantially rectangular shaped dividers 224.
[0040] FIG. 11C illustrates another example of a sorter 230 that
also has flat cross sectional support beams 232 that are curved in
a longitudinal direction. In this example, the sorter 230 has
dividers 234 that are semi-circular in configuration, similar to
the dividers 24 of the sorter 20 described herein. However, as with
the dividers 214 and 224 of the sorters 210 and 220, respectively,
all of the interior and rear dividers 234 are solid and are not
open arches.
[0041] FIG. 11D illustrates a sorter 240 with support beams 242
similar to the support beams 212, 222, and 232 and solid surface
dividers 244. However, in this example, the dividers 244 include
top edges 246 that have one of many possible alternative
curvilinear configurations. FIG. 11E illustrates a sorter 250,
again having support beams 252 similar to those in the previous
sorter examples of FIGS. 11A-11D. However, in this example, the
sorter 250 includes dividers 254 that are similar to the dividers
of the sorter 20 described previously herein, except that all of
the dividers, including the forward most divider 254 have no solid
front surface, but are of an open front configuration.
[0042] FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate yet additional examples of sorter
configurations that fall within the spirit and scope of the present
invention. FIG. 12A illustrates a sorter 260 with essentially
rectangular dividers 262 of varying height. In this example, the
dividers 262 are also two dimensionally curved in cross section
along their perimeter edges. FIG. 12B illustrates a similar sorter
270 with dividers 272 of essentially the same construction as the
dividers 262. However, in this example, the dividers 272 are open
and do not include solid front surfaces. FIGS. 12C and 12D
illustrate still further examples of sorters 280 and 290 having
dividers 282 and 292, respectively that are different in shape from
those previously described herein. The dividers 282 of FIG. 12C are
generally rectangular in shape, while the dividers 292 of FIG. 12D
are generally arch shaped including three sides and having squared
off corners.
[0043] FIGS. 13A-13B illustrate an additional example of a sorter
configuration that falls within the spirit and scope of the present
invention. The sorter 300 has support beams 302, 304 coupled to
dividers 306. The dividers 306 have substantially flat sides 308
and bottoms 310, and having tops 312 formed in an arc-shape. Other
shapes for the perimeter of the divider 306 are readily apparent to
one of ordinary skill in the art. The support beams 302, 304 and
divider sides 308, bottom 310, and top 312 have a round
cross-section shape and may be constructed of plastic. Alternately,
the support beams 302, 304 and divider sides 308, bottom 310, and
top 312 can be made of metal, for example, a suitable diameter wire
formed to the desired shape. The dividers 306 may be open, similar
to that of divider 254, or may be closed, as illustrated, similar
to dividers 224. To form a closed divider 306, a suitable-mesh 314
can be coupled to the sides 308, bottom 310 and top 312. The mesh
314 of the closed construction provides support to documents placed
between dividers 306 and can vary in opening size. The mesh 314 can
be woven, for example of fabric or wire screen. Alternately, the
mesh 314 can be a molded substance. The mesh 314 can be
substantially transparent, to ease document identification,
translucent, or even opaque, depending on the mesh material and
construction. FIG. 13B illustrates three exemplary sorters 316,
318, 320 of the type illustrated in FIG. 13A stacked, for example,
for shipping or display as described above. As will be evident to
those having ordinary skill in the art, a sorter falling within the
spirit and scope of the present invention can be achieved while the
particular shape and configuration of the dividers and beams can
vary considerably. In these examples, the beams 302 and 304 are
spaced outward of the side edges of the dividers 306 to allow
stacking of like sorters.
[0044] Merchandisers and retailers of vertical orientation document
sorters typically provide shelf space and retail arrangements that
vary from store to store and from retailer to retailer. Thus, a
product configuration that is suitable for display in a shelf space
at one location may not be suitable for a shelf space or
configuration at another location. The disclosed sorters permit
stacking and nesting of multiple products. The disclosed sorters
can thus be displayed, packaged, shipped, stocked, stored, and the
like within a relatively small amount of shelf space.
[0045] By maximizing packaging and shipping space as well as store
shelf space utilizing the disclosed document sorter configurations,
one is able to package, ship and store a larger product volume per
unit area. This creates more space within an-existing product
display in a limited shelf space arrangement that may have been
originally suited for a completely different product. This can
increase revenue dollars for the retailer per square foot of
shelf-space. This can also permit adding the disclosed article
holders to an existing shelf space without having to knock out
another product from that shelf space.
[0046] Sorters for storing items such as file folders, documents,
and the like in a vertical orientation have not heretofore been
designed for nestability in the manner disclosed herein. Some
solutions have been provided, but these typically require that the
sorters being offered for sale be provided in several pieces,
partially dismantled, or as stand alone units. Also, such products
typically are packaged with cardboard, Styrofoam, plastic film and
the like to protect the articles from being damaged by one another,
such as by being scuffed, scratched, or the like, while being
shipped or while on display for sale.
[0047] In contrast, the disclosed document sorter configurations
may eliminate the need for utilizing foam, paper, corrugated
elements, poly bags, or other such packing materials. Instead, the
disclosed sorters can be shipped, stored, and displayed in tightly
nested stacks. The stacks will provide stability to the shipped,
stored, and displayed products. The products can stand alone in
stacks without additional packing in shipping containers or on a
shelf storage space for sale.
[0048] Some other existing office products of the type described
herein are capable of nesting, but only with one other like
product. Further, one of the two products must be inverted or
turned upside down and rotated 180 degrees relative to the other in
order to nest. These types of products, however, must still utilize
additional packing to prevent the products from moving relative to
one another during shipping and display, which would otherwise
cause scuffing or scratching. Such known products do not typically
optimize product nesting or reduce shelf space to the degree that
the disclosed sorters can accomplish.
[0049] The disclosed sorters achieve the objective of substantially
reducing the necessary space required for shipping, storage, and
retail sale, while still maintaining standard function for such
products. The standard function is typically to be suitable for
storing file folders or similar sized documents. The disclosed
sorters can nest bi-directionally, i.e., horizontally offset and
vertically, while still meeting the aforementioned function and
minimizing the possibility of product damage during shipping.
[0050] The materials and processes used to manufacture the
disclosed article holders can vary considerably and yet fall within
the spirit and scope of the present invention. However, in one
example, the sorters disclosed herein can be manufactured using an
injection molding process. The materials utilized in one example
can be commodity plastics such as polystyrene or polypropylene.
However, many other materials may be suitable for forming the
disclosed sorters. For example, other materials may include
engineering grade plastic materials such as polycarbonate, ABS, or
TPE. Other commodity thermoplastics, or even further alternative
materials such as metal, wood, organic materials, leather, glass,
and/or variations and combinations of these materials, as well as
other materials such as fabrics and woven materials may be used.
Material selection may assist in creating a higher impact strength,
flexibility, improved resistance to scratching or scuffing, or
enhanced appearance. The material selection can be undertaken with
important characteristics in mind for a given application. However,
engineering plastics such as polystyrene or polypropylene also lend
themselves to reduce consumer cost.
[0051] The disclosed sorters can be painted, decorated, or
in-molded with labels, graphics, or other layers or accents. These
additional design characteristics can be employed to protect the
surfaces of the sorter or to enhance the decorative nature of the
product. Combinations of materials can be utilized and assembled in
any suitable way, including forming a plastic underbody product
with rubber over-molded on the plastic base material.
Alternatively, metal parts can be mechanically fastened together or
wood products can be covered with suitable decorative materials
such as fabric, metal decorative and protective corner features,
and the like.
[0052] Depending upon the materials selected, the manufacturing
processes and methods used can also vary and be employed as needed.
In one example, a plastic sorter disclosed herein can be molded
using a simple two part mold. The construction of the dividers,
beams, and feet can be configured to provide the necessary mold
draft for easy formation and removal of parts from the mold
cavities. The openings in the dividers and between the dividers can
be formed by providing shut-offs or surface-to-surface metal
contact within the mold.
[0053] The disclosed sorter configurations improve upon maximizing
retail shelf space, accommodate variable shelf space arrangements
and configurations, and enhance product nesting during display for
sale. Product nesting is accomplished in a bidirectional manner to
yield a stack with offset in both a horizontal and a vertical
direction. The stacked products can be displayed and shipped
without damage to the product caused by scuffing, scrapping, and
the like because the products can be tightly nested. The need for
additional packing can be negated. The disclosed sorters can also
provide multiple access points to the stored objects so that a user
can easily grasp materials stored between the dividers.
[0054] Additionally, freight cube size can be optimized and
significantly reduced utilizing the disclosed sorter
configurations. Products shipped in bulk can be directly unloaded
from the master carton or shipping-box onto a shelf. No additional
reorientation of the product may be necessary, making the
merchandiser's handling of the product easier. The nested products
can also assist in retaining the displayed sorters on a retail
shelf space. The products when nested as disclosed herein also look
more organized. This reduces the amount of work required by the
customer/merchandiser to keep the shelf display organized and
arranged. An organized shelf space may effect the perception of the
consumer and influence his or her decision to buy the displayed
sorters.
[0055] Further, because more products can be displayed for sale in
a given amount of shelf space, less restocking time and stocking
space is necessary for the retailer. Having more products available
for sale at any one time reduces the frequency of an item appearing
to be out of stock, which can prevent a consumer from leaving the
establishment to go elsewhere to find the desired product.
[0056] Although certain document and file sorters that are nestable
and stackable have been described herein in accordance with the
teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this
patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers
all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall
within the scope of permissible equivalents.
* * * * *