U.S. patent application number 10/971693 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-11 for document storage device.
Invention is credited to Stephen P. Corr, Mark D. Finney, Sue Yeon Kim, Hyun Jin Ko, Evan T. Ward.
Application Number | 20060097030 10/971693 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35890790 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060097030 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Corr; Stephen P. ; et
al. |
May 11, 2006 |
Document storage device
Abstract
A document storage device having a cover and a layer of material
coupled to the cover. The cover and the layer of material together
define a pocket assembly configured to receive an indicator sheet.
The pocket assembly includes a window configured to permit viewing
of at least a portion of the indicator sheet through the otherwise
generally opaque pocket assembly. The window extends substantially
to an edge of the cover.
Inventors: |
Corr; Stephen P.; (Gurnee,
IL) ; Kim; Sue Yeon; (Arlington Heights, IL) ;
Finney; Mark D.; (Chicago, IL) ; Ward; Evan T.;
(Chicago, IL) ; Ko; Hyun Jin; (Evanston,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH, LLP
100 E WISCONSIN AVENUE
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
US
|
Family ID: |
35890790 |
Appl. No.: |
10/971693 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
229/67.1 ;
229/71; 229/72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B42F 13/0053
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/067.1 ;
229/071; 229/072 |
International
Class: |
B65D 27/00 20060101
B65D027/00; B65D 27/04 20060101 B65D027/04; B65D 27/08 20060101
B65D027/08 |
Claims
1. A document storage device comprising: a cover including a first
edge; and a layer of material on the cover and coupled to the cover
along the first edge, the layer of material and the cover together
defining a pocket assembly configured to receive an indicator
sheet, the pocket assembly including a window having a perimeter
and configured to permit viewing of at least a portion of the
indicator sheet through the otherwise generally opaque pocket
assembly, a portion of the window's perimeter extending along the
first edge.
2. The document storage device of claim 1, wherein the layer of
material is on an exterior surface of the cover.
3. The document storage device of claim 1, wherein the layer of
material is vinyl.
4. The document storage device of claim 1, wherein the window is
defined by a cutout in one of the cover and the layer of material,
and wherein the pocket assembly further includes a translucent
material coupled to the pocket assembly over the cutout.
5. The document storage device of claim 1, wherein the cover is
coupled to a second cover at a second edge opposite the first
edge.
6. The document storage device of claim 1, wherein the layer of
material has a width that is less than an overall width of the
cover.
7. The document storage device of claim 1, further comprising an
overlay coupled to the cover to define a pocket for receiving a
title sheet distinct from the indicator sheet.
8. The document storage device of claim 7, wherein the document
storage device further comprises a second cover and a spine
interconnected between the covers, and wherein the overlay extends
at least partially across the spine.
9. The document storage device of claim 7, wherein the overlay is
secured to the cover along a securement edge, and wherein the
pocket assembly is open along an edge adjacent the securement edge
of the overlay.
10. The document storage device of claim 7, wherein the overlay and
the layer of material are substantially the same height.
11. A document storage device comprising: a cover defined by a
plurality of edges; and a layer of material on the cover, the layer
of material and the cover together defining a pocket assembly
configured to receive an indicator sheet, the pocket assembly
including a window having a perimeter and configured to permit
viewing of at least a portion of the indicator sheet, a substantial
portion of the window's perimeter being bordered by a generally
opaque material, and wherein a remaining portion of the perimeter
of the window is substantially adjacent at least one of the
plurality of edges and is substantially un-bordered by any
generally opaque material.
12. The document storage device of claim 11, wherein the layer of
material is on an exterior surface of the cover.
13. The document storage device of claim 11, wherein the layer of
material is vinyl.
14. The document storage device of claim 11, wherein the window is
defined by a cutout in one of the cover and the layer of material,
and wherein the pocket assembly further includes a translucent
material coupled to the pocket assembly over the cutout.
15. The document storage device of claim 11, wherein the cover is
coupled to a second cover at a first edge, wherein the cover has a
second edge opposite the first edge, and wherein the remaining
portion of the perimeter of the window is substantially adjacent
the second edge.
16. The document storage device of claim 11, wherein the layer of
material has a width that is less than an overall width of the
cover.
17. The document storage device of claim 11, further comprising an
overlay coupled to the cover to define a pocket for receiving a
title sheet distinct from the indicator sheet.
18. The document storage device of claim 17, wherein the document
storage device further comprises a second cover and a spine
interconnected between the covers, and wherein the overlay extends
at least partially across the spine.
19. The document storage device of claim 17, wherein the overlay is
secured to the cover along a securement edge, and wherein the
pocket assembly is open along an edge adjacent the securement edge
of the overlay.
20. The document storage device of claim 17, wherein the overlay
and the layer of material are substantially the same height.
21. A document storage device comprising: a first cover including a
first edge and a second edge; a second cover coupled to the first
cover adjacent the second edge; and a layer of opaque vinyl on an
exterior surface of the first cover and coupled to the first cover
along the first edge, the layer of opaque vinyl and the cover
together defining a pocket assembly configured to receive an
indicator sheet, the layer of opaque vinyl including a cutout
defining a window configured to permit viewing of at least a
portion of the indicator sheet received in the pocket assembly, the
cutout extending substantially to the first edge.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to document storage
devices such as binders, folders, folios, report covers, and the
like. More specifically, the present invention relates to pockets
and indicator features on document storage devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Document storage devices are often used to contain loose
materials related to a common subject. For example, students
sometimes use three ring binders to contain class notes for one or
more classes. In business, important papers or records related to a
common subject or a project are sometimes kept in binders. In
addition, procedures, processes, forms, and other documents are
conveniently stored within binders.
[0003] Because binders often look similar, it is convenient to
apply a spine label to a spine of the binder and/or a title sheet
to a front cover of the binder to identify the contents of the
binder. Some vinyl-covered binders provide clear pockets open on at
least one end to receive these spine labels and title sheets. It is
also known to have binders customized with company names and/or
logos. Typically, the names and logos are printed or embossed
directly on the binders.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] While spine labels and title sheets can assist the user in
distinguishing one document storage device from another, there
remains a need for new ways to provide user-friendly indicators
that can differentiate document storage devices from each other and
from other conventional document storage devices. Furthermore,
there remains a need to provide customized binders at a lower
expense, and in a manner that is more practical for more users. The
custom printing or embossing of binders with company names and/or
logos can be inefficient in that such custom printing can require
large orders and be very expensive, as well as being time
consuming. Also, should any of the customized information printed
on the binder change, such as a new logo for a company or other
change in company information, binders that have been previously
customized are no longer useful and can amount to wasted expense
for the company.
[0005] The present invention provides a document storage device
having a cover including a first edge. The document storage device
also has a layer of material on the cover, coupled to the cover
along the first edge. The layer of material and the cover together
define a pocket assembly configured to receive an indicator sheet.
The pocket assembly includes a window having a perimeter. The
window is configured to permit viewing of at least a portion of the
indicator sheet through the otherwise generally opaque pocket
assembly. A portion of the window's perimeter extends along the
first edge of the cover.
[0006] In some embodiments, the window is defined by a cutout in
one of the cover and the layer of material. The pocket assembly
further includes a translucent material coupled to the pocket
assembly over the cutout. In another embodiment, the layer of
material has a width that is less than the overall width of the
cover. In another embodiment, the document storage device further
includes an overlay coupled to the cover to define a pocket for
receiving a title sheet distinct from the indicator sheet.
[0007] The present invention also provides a document storage
device having a cover defined by a plurality of edges, and a layer
of material on the cover. The layer of material and the cover
together define a pocket assembly configured to receive an
indicator sheet. The pocket assembly includes a window having a
perimeter and configured to permit viewing of at least a portion of
the indicator sheet. A substantial portion of the window's
perimeter is bordered by a generally opaque material, and a
remaining portion of the perimeter is substantially adjacent at
least one of the plurality of edges and is substantially
un-bordered by any generally opaque material.
[0008] Other features and advantages of the invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following
detailed description, claims, and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a document storage device
embodying the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a partial exploded view of a pocket assembly of
the document storage device of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the document storage device
of FIG. 1, shown in the open position, illustrating an overlay of
the document storage device.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 3,
illustrating a title sheet received within the pocket formed by the
overlay.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the document storage device
of FIG. 1, illustrating an indicator sheet being placed in the
pocket assembly.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the inside of the document
storage device of FIG. 1.
[0015] Before one embodiment of the invention is explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangements
of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various
ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology
used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be
regarded as limiting. The use of "including", "having" and
"comprising" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass
the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as
additional items.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a document storage device according to
the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the document
storage device is a binder 10. But it is understood that in other
embodiments, the document storage device could be a folder, a
folio, a report cover, or the like.
[0017] The binder 10 includes a front cover 14 having a top edge
18, a bottom edge 22, a left edge 26, and a right edge 30. It is
understood that the "top," "bottom," "left," and "right"
descriptors for the edges indicate the orientation of the edges in
the illustrated embodiment, and are not intended to limit the edges
of the cover to any particular orientation. Similarly, the use of
the terms "front" and "rear" to describe the covers are used to
describe the orientation of the covers of the illustrated
embodiment and are not intended to limit the covers to any
particular orientation. The front cover 14 also includes an overall
width 34.
[0018] With reference to FIG. 2, the front cover 14 of the
illustrated embodiment comprises an inner layer of chipboard 36
that is sandwiched between an inner vinyl sheet 38 that is welded
to an outer vinyl sheet 40. It is understood that in other
embodiments, the cover could include other constructions and may
include materials other than the chipboard and vinyl sheets. For
example, die cut or molded constructions are also contemplated.
[0019] The binder 10 also includes a layer of material 42 coupled
to the exterior surface of the front cover 14 along the right edge
30. In the illustrated embodiment, the layer of material 42
comprises a substantially opaque vinyl material that is
substantially the same color and texture as the outer vinyl sheet
40, but this need not be the case. With reference to FIG. 1, the
layer of material 42 has a width 46 that is less than the overall
width 34 of the front cover 14, and has a height 48. The layer of
material 42 also includes a top edge 42a, a bottom edge 42b, a left
edge 42c, and a right edge 42d. Together, the layer of material 42
and the front cover 14 define a pocket assembly 50 that is
configured to receive an indicator sheet 54 (shown in FIGS. 1 and
5). The pocket assembly 50 includes an open edge 56, defined by the
left edge 42c of the layer of material 42, that allows for the
insertion of the indicator sheet 54 in the pocket assembly 50 (see
FIG. 5). It is understood that in other embodiments, the open edge
56 may not be defined by the left edge 42c, but rather the pocket
assembly 50 may be open along another edge, such as the top edge
42a, for insertion of the indicator sheet 54.
[0020] With further reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the pocket assembly
50 includes a window 58 that is configured to permit viewing of at
least a portion of the indicator sheet 54. The window 58 includes a
perimeter 62, a portion 62a of which extends along the right edge
30 of the front cover 14. As illustrated, a substantial portion of
the perimeter 62 is bordered by the generally opaque layer of
material 42. The portion 62a of the perimeter 62 that extends along
the right edge 30 of the front cover 14 is substantially
un-bordered by any generally opaque material. As used to describe
the portion 62a of the perimeter 62 extending along the right edge
30, "substantially un-bordered" means that the binder 10 gives the
appearance that the window 58 extends to the right edge 30 of the
binder 10, and that only a thin lip of opaque vinyl, formed by the
welding process, extends along the edge 30 immediately adjacent the
portion 62a of the perimeter 62.
[0021] The window 58 is defined by a cutout 66 in the layer of
material 42 and the illustrated pocket assembly 50 includes a layer
of translucent material 70 coupled to the pocket assembly 50 over
the cutout 66. It is understood that in some embodiments, the
translucent material 70 is transparent. It is also understood that
in some embodiments, the translucent material can be eliminated. It
is further understood that in some embodiments, the window can be
defined by a cutout in the cover 14, rather than by the layer of
material 42.
[0022] With reference to FIG. 5, the indicator sheet 54 can be
created using a template, such that a logo, a photo, or other
indicia can be printed on the indicator sheet 54 using a standard
computer printer, and can be sized to fit within the pocket
assembly 50. For example, the user can print indicia, such as the
logo 72, on standard printer paper, which can then be cut or folded
to fit snugly into the pocket assembly 50, with the logo 72
viewable through the window 58. Such a template may be found on
software installed on a user's home or office computer, or on a
website accessible to the user. In other embodiments, the indicator
sheet 54 can be created manually and/or can be of other sizes
(e.g., a business card) such that substantially all of the
indicator sheet 54 is viewable through the window 58. The desired
outcome is an indicator sheet 54 sized and located such that the
logo 72 is viewable through the window 58.
[0023] The pocket assembly 50 with the window 58 and the insertable
indicator sheet 54 allow for customization of the binder 10 without
the need for embossing or printing directly onto the vinyl material
of the binder. As discussed above, embossing or printing directly
onto the binder can be inefficient and expensive. By providing a
way for users to quickly and easily customize a binder with desired
indicia, the extra expense is avoided.
[0024] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the binder 10 also includes
a rear cover 74 coupled to the front cover 14 along the left edge
26 of the front cover 14 via a spine 78. It is understood that in
other embodiments, such as where the document storage device is a
folder, the front cover 14 can be coupled to the rear cover 74
along the left edge 26 directly, without a spine between the
covers.
[0025] The binder 10 includes an overlay 82 coupled to the front
and rear covers 14, 74. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the
overlay 82 extends across the spine 78. A first edge 94 of the
overlay 82 is secured to the front cover 14 to define a securement
edge, and a second edge 98 of the overlay 82 is secured to the rear
cover 74. The overlay 82 also includes a third edge 99, a portion
99a of which is secured to the front cover 14, a portion 99b of
which is secured to the rear cover 74, and a portion 99c of which
remains unsecured. The overlay 82 further includes a fourth edge
101 that also remains unsecured to the binder 10. Together, the
covers 14, 74, the spine 78, and the overlay 82 define a title
sheet pocket 86 for receiving a title sheet 90 therein that is
distinct from the indicator sheet 54. The title sheet 90 also
extends across the spine 78 for easy identification of the contents
of the binder 10 when only the spine 78 is viewable. In the
illustrated embodiment, the title sheet 90 is an 81/2.times.11 inch
sheet in landscape orientation. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the title
sheet 90 includes cover indicia 96 and spine indicia 100 that are
visible through the overlay 82.
[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the overlay 82 comprises a
layer of transparent plastic such that the title sheet 90 is
visible through the overlay 82. As shown in FIG. 1, the overlay 82
has a height 92 that is substantially equal to the height 48 of the
layer of material 42. However, it is understood that in other
embodiments, the heights of the overlay 82 and the layer of
material 42 need not be substantially equal. The heights 92, 48 of
the overlay 82 and layer of material 42, respectively, are
configured to secure a standard 81/2.times.11 inch sheet of paper
within the pockets in landscape orientation, though it is
understood that the heights 92, 48 can vary to accept sheets of
other sizes.
[0027] With reference to FIG. 6, the binder 10 includes a ring
mechanism 110 for securing documents within the binder 10. Similar
to the front cover 14 described above, the rear cover 74 also
includes a layer of chipboard (not shown) sandwiched between the
inner vinyl sheet 38 and the outer vinyl sheet 40. The inner vinyl
sheet 38 of the front cover 14 and the rear cover 74 also includes
document pockets 122, 126 welded thereon. The document pockets 122,
126 comprise opaque vinyl material, similar to that of the inner
vinyl sheet 38. The document pocket 122 further includes a business
card pocket 130 coupled thereto. The business card pocket 130
comprises translucent plastic material such that a business card or
other indicia placed in the pocket 130 is visible therethrough. It
is understood that in other embodiments, the binder 10 need not
include the document pockets 122, 126 or the business card pocket
130.
[0028] The binder 10 described in detail above may be assembled
according to the following method. It is to be understood that the
welding process used in the following description refers to radio
frequency (RF) welding techniques that are commonly understood in
the art. However, other bonding techniques, such as heat welding or
the use of adhesives, could also be used. It is also understood
that other methods of assembling the binder 10 can be used.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 2, the cutout 66 is formed in the layer of
material 42 and the translucent material 70 is welded along the
edge of the cutout 66 in the layer of material 42 to create the
window 58. The layer of material 42 is then welded to the outer
vinyl sheet 40 of the front cover 14 along the upper and lower
edges 42a, 42b. At least one edge of the layer of material, such as
the left edge 42c, is left unwelded to allow insertion of the
indicator sheet 54 into the pocket assembly 50. The document
pockets 122, 126 and the business card pocket 130 are then welded
to their respective vinyl sheets.
[0030] Once these pockets are attached to the inner and outer vinyl
sheets 38, 40, respectively, the layers of chipboard for the front
cover 14, the rear cover 74, and the spine 78 are sandwiched
between the inner vinyl sheet 38 and outer vinyl sheet 40. The
inner vinyl sheet 38 is then welded to the outer vinyl sheet 40
along the entire perimeter of the binder 10, including along the
right edge of the transparent material 70 and along the right edge
42d of the layer of material 42. The inner and outer vinyl sheets
38, 40 are also welded along either side of the spine 78 to secure
the chipboard in place. The weld lines 134 along either side of the
spine 78 define hinges that enhance the motion of the binder 10
between the open position, shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, and the
closed position, shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. Welding the right edge 42d
of the layer of material 42 and the right edge of the transparent
material 70 to the inner and outer layers of vinyl 38, 40 closes
the right edge of the pocket assembly 50. As discussed above, the
thin lip of vinyl created by the welding is the only opaque vinyl
that borders the right edge of the window 58, thus substantially
giving the appearance that the window 58 extends all the way to the
right edge 30 of the front cover 14.
[0031] Serrated hinge lines 138 formed in the overlay 82
substantially correspond to the weld lines 134 along either side of
the spine. The serrated hinge lines 138 enhance the ability of the
overlay 82 to conform to the shape of the binder 10 when the binder
is in the closed position. The overlay 82 is then welded along the
first edge 94 and second edge 98 to the front cover 14 and rear
cover 74, respectively, and is welded along portions of the third
edge 99 as discussed in detail above, forming the title sheet
pocket 86. The ring mechanism 110 is then coupled to the inner
surface of the spine 78.
[0032] Once the binder 10 is assembled, the user can then insert
the title sheet 90 into the title sheet pocket 86, and can insert
the indicator sheet 54 into the pocket assembly 50 such that at
least a portion of the indicator sheet 54 is visible through the
window 58. The title sheet 90 of the illustrated embodiment is
substantially the same size as the overlay 82 and thus includes a
portion that extends across the spine 78 (see FIG. 4). In other
embodiments, the title sheet 90 can be any size, and may not extend
across the spine 78.
[0033] As mentioned above, alternate embodiments of the binder
exist that yield the same result as the binder 10 discussed in
detail above. For example, the binder could have a molded
construction, with the front cover, rear cover, and spine being
molded of plastic or other known material. In such constructions,
the pocket assembly to hold the indicator sheet could be formed on
the inside of the cover, the cover having a cutout therein forming
the window for viewing the indicia on the indicator sheet. Those of
skill in the art would understand that other ways exist to achieve
the same effect as the binder 10 described above--namely, having a
window that extends substantially all the way to the edge of the
binder for displaying indicia therethrough to provide quick and
inexpensive customization of a document storage device--and still
fall within the scope of the present invention.
[0034] Various features of the invention are set forth in the
following claims.
* * * * *