Abstract:
A file extension plate apparatus for a file folder, comprising vertically aligned pairs of stakes for the purpose of increasing the number of paper bundles readily visible to the user, and to allow the simple and uncomplicated accessibility, addition or extraction of pages or files therein. The stakes are preferably arranged in substantially horizontal groups of two, and upon each group of stakes at least one paper bundle may be attached. The file extension plate apparatus includes a primary file plate affixed to a file folder front, back, or partition, and a series of extension plates attached thereto in an overlapping fashion. The vertically aligned pairs of stakes extend outward from the series of extension plates and the primary file plate, and are each configured to receive a paper bundle such that each bundle is accessible to a user without disturbing the other bundles.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from the United States provisional application with Ser. No. 60/830,523, which was filed on 18 Jul. 2006. The disclosure of that provisional application is incorporated herein by reference as if set out in full. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to file organizational office supplies, specifically office file folders. 
       GENERAL BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Organization supplies have a long history and are well known for their use in keeping documents in place, accessible and in an order that can make one document easy to retrieve from a selection of many. Paper and office supplies are often stored in folders or binders. To that end, they are often perforated by a hole puncher and threaded over a stake attached to the folder or binder. 
         [0004]    Since the first patents on the paper hole punch from approximately 150 years ago, various standards have been accepted and are commonly used for the positioning of holes in documents. Thus, typical document file folders now comprise self-adhesive or mechanical stakes or paper retention clips specifically designed to accommodate the punched holes in a document. The stake may be a simple spike, prong, or even a fastener such as the common two-piece paper retention clip manufactured by ACCO. The stake oftentimes comprises a prong that after the top document has been threaded accepts a washer to keep the bundle of documents held tightly together. Regardless of the type of stake used, the stake is generally mechanically threaded through holes in the file folder, or mechanically or adhesively affixed to the folder. 
         [0005]    A problem arises as a conventional file folder grows over time to contain several groupings of documents within it. For these cases, partitioned file folders are generally used, wherein the file opens in a book-like fashion to reveal several partitioned sections, each with stakes for attaching a bundle of documents. If the traditional file folder is used, the folder often becomes quite thick and unmanageable. Worse, to add a document to a section buried beneath the topmost documents, all documents above the document in question must first be removed. This approach is both time-consuming and creates a likelihood of improper removal and refiling of papers. 
         [0006]    In addition, to access and review a threaded document upon which many additional documents have been threaded, all documents on top of the document to be reviewed must be flipped up and out of the way. When very large numbers of documents are used, the flexibility of the large bundle decreases to a point where frustration may occur. 
         [0007]    While traditional file folders and pressboard classification folders are thus suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they are not suitable for the purpose of providing a device that will allow a large number of bundles to each be readily visible when attached to a single parent file folder. They also do not allow the simple review, extraction, or insertion of documents buried beneath many other documents. 
         [0008]    An additional problem originating from the above scenario is brought about by the repeated removal and rethreading of large number of documents is mechanical wear and tear on the file folder, the stakes, and on the documents themselves. 
         [0009]    One solution that does require the use a multi-partitioned folder calls for the splitting of the large bundle of documents into several through the insertion of large or stiff pieces of stationary or plastic therein. These dividers serve to let the user know that one section of documents has ended and a new section is starting. While this solution eases the locating of one file within the large bundle, it does not alleviate all of the aforementioned problems inherent in dealing with a very large stack of documents bound together. 
         [0010]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of organizational file supplies now present in the prior art, it is thus a primary object of the invention to provide a file extension plate apparatus for a file folder, thereby allowing multiple bundles to be stored, accessed and modified in one file folder. 
         [0011]    It is an additional object of the invention to provide a file extension plate apparatus for a file folder, thereby allowing a large number of documents to be accessed while reducing wear and tear on the documents and file folder in which they are contained. 
         [0012]    It is an additional object of the invention to provide a file extension plate apparatus for a file folder to increase the number of bundles readily visible when attached to a single file folder partition. 
         [0013]    It is an additional object of the invention to provide a file extension plate apparatus for a file folder, thereby allowing a user to add easily identifiable tabbed bundles to a common parent file holder partition by at least tripling the amount of file page perimeter available for labeling and tabbing. 
         [0014]    It is an additional object of the invention to provide a file extension plate apparatus for a file folder, thereby allowing a user to easily access, add and remove documents from a paper bundle attached to a first extension plate without disturbing the order of the paper bundles in the additional extension plates. 
         [0015]    It is an additional object of the invention to provide a file extension plate apparatus for a file folder to increase the level of the file folder&#39;s organization. 
         [0016]    Additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0017]    The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention with phantom lines showing the alignment of several components. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a condensed view of the first embodiment of the present invention in a first configuration. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a condensed view of the first embodiment of the present invention in a second configuration. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a condensed view of the first embodiment of the present invention with bundles of paper attached thereto. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention with phantom lines showing the alignment of several components. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention with phantom lines showing the alignment of several components. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention with phantom lines showing the alignment of several components. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention with phantom lines showing the alignment of several components. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention with phantom lines showing the alignment of several components. 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the seventh embodiment of the present invention with bundles of paper attached thereto. 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is a right side view of the seventh embodiment of the present invention with bundles of paper attached thereto. 
       
    
    
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0030]    The present invention is a file extension plate apparatus for a file folder, comprising a plurality of vertically aligned pairs of stakes for the purpose of increasing the number of primary paper bundles readily visible to the user. For purposes of this patent application, all of the papers threaded over a common stake (or stakes) that do not have a partition (such as a file extension plate) between them shall be referred to as a bundle. The stakes are preferably arranged in substantially horizontal pairs of two, and upon each pair of stakes one paper bundle may be attached. Additional papers may be added or removed from one paper bundle without disturbing the papers in the other bundles. 
         [0031]    The file extension plate apparatus is preferrably made from folder-type cardboard; however, it may also be made from a variety of other fibrous materials and/or plastic materials. The apparatus comprises at least two pairs of stakes, with one pair of folder stakes preferably being mounted along the upper edge of the respective folder panel and another pair of extension stakes mounted in a lower position, but substantially vertically in line with the folder stakes. Together, the stakes act as foldable retaining tabs to secure documents as is well known in the art. 
         [0032]    The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new file extension plate apparatus that has many of the advantages of the file organizational supplies mentioned heretofore and many novel features. 
         [0033]    The novel features are brought about by the stepped nature of the plates, wherein a primary bundle of documents is attached to a first,stepped plate, a second bundle of documents is attached to a second stepped plate, and a third bundle of documents is attached to a third stepped plate, and so forth. No limitation is presented as to the number of overlapping bundles that may be attached. While in theory the design can work with an unlimited number of file extension plates, in practice the number of file extension plates (and related bundles) is not likely to exceed eight. 
         [0034]    The file extension plate apparatus comprises a plurality of thin planar rectangular panels of varying lengths, each panel further comprising an end that attaches to either the folder panel or any file extension plates underneath it. Each of the file extension plates further comprises a pass-through hole for the threading of a common stake, to which additional documents will be threaded. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the pass-through hole comprises a slit, and each file extension plate comprises a pair of slits as each of two ends. In this preferred embodiment of the invention, the distance between the two slits making up a pair of slits accommodates International Standard ISO 838 or a common office 2-hole punch. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0035]    The present invention is a file extension plate apparatus for a file folder, comprising a plurality of stakes for the purpose of increasing the number of primary paper bundles readily visible to the user. The stakes are preferably arranged in substantially horizontal groups of two, and upon each group of stakes one paper bundle may be attached. Additional papers may be added or removed from one paper bundle without disturbing the others. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the present invention is a file extension plate preferably used with a folder having a pair of opposed, attached side panels separated by a fold line. Although  FIG. 1  depicts a right side panel  10 , the present invention may be utilized on a left side panel, both side panels, front and back panels, or any folder partition within a file folder as is commonly understood in the art. Additionally, other types of folders, such those with several compartments and retaining pockets (not shown) may include a panel to which file extension plate may be attached thereto. 
         [0037]    In this first and preferred embodiment, the file extension plate comprises three extension plates connected to said panel  10 . First extension plate  21  is in overlapping configuration with second extension plate  22 , which in turn is in overlapping configuration with third extension plate  23 . A connector  70  (shown only in  FIG. 1 ) connects said first extension plate  21  to said second extension plate  22 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1-4 , a first hinge  61  connects first extension plate  21  to connector  70 , a second hinge  62  connects said connector  70  to second extension plate  22 , and a third hinge  63  connects second extension plate  22  to third extension plate  23 . The overall effect is an accordion type folding as most clearly depicted in  FIG. 1  that allows the file extension plate be constructed from a single piece of material. 
         [0038]    While the overall length and width of the extension plates varies, each overlapping extension plate&#39;s length is at least as long as the extension plate that overlaps it. This overlapping configuration is key to ensure the multiple pairs of stakes (retainer clips) are exposed and that exposed perimeter of the paper bundles is maximized. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the length of third extension plate  23  is not as long as the length of second extension plate  22 , which in turn is not as long as the length of first extension plate  21 . 
         [0039]    In this and all embodiments, the extension plate may be composed of metal, cardboard, common manila folder stock, plastic, or any other tear resistant (high tensile strength) material of varying thickness. 
         [0040]    The file extension plate comprises at least two pairs of stakes, wherein at least one pair is a pair of folder stakes  30 , each preferably being mounted along the upper edge of panel  10 , and wherein at least one other pair are extension stakes. Folder stakes  30  may be pre-fabricated as an integral part of panel  10  or may be threaded therethrough by the user. In  FIG. 1 , three sets of extension stakes are depicted and labeled first extension stakes  31 , second extension stakes  32 , and third extension stakes  33 . 
         [0041]    While the generic term stakes is used for simplicity, in practice a wide range of paper fasteners may be applicable to the present invention for this and all embodiments. U.S. Pat. No. 1,094,951 to Washburne, U.S. Pat. No. 2,324,004 to Kriegsman, U.S. Pat. No. 1,978,569 to Dayton, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,371,829 to Corey disclose several of such fasteners. Together, one pair of stakes may also be referred to as mounting tabs or document retention tabs, in accordance with their general well-known use of securing papers. Each stake is preferably made from a generally flat, flexible piece of material, such as a pliable metal or polypropylene. Returning now to  FIG. 1 , in a preferred embodiment each stake  30  includes an attachment surface  34  and a threading surface  36 , separated by a fold line  35 . The attachment surface  34  is attached to the side panel  10  or to the file extension plate. The threading surface  36  is free to pivot relative to the respective attachment surface  36  about the fold line  35 . 
         [0042]    All stakes are preferably threaded through pairs of elongated mounting slots. The pairs of mounting slots are preferably aligned to correspond with the holes made by a standard centered two-hole top punch office appliance for 8.5″×11″ paper. This corresponds to the dimensions of locations of filing holes punched in paper according to International Standard ISO 838. 
         [0043]    Due to the folding nature of the file extension plate in this embodiment, the various stakes will be threaded through varying numbers of mounting slots. Beginning with folder stake  30 , this stake is threaded through folder stake first mounting slot  41 , folder stake second mounting slot  42 , folder stake third mounting slot  43 , and folder stake fourth mounting slot  44 . Turning now to first extension stake  31 , this stake is threaded through first extension stake mounting slot  45 . Second extension stake  32  is threaded through second extension stake first mounting slot  46  and second extension stake second mounting slot  47 . Third extension stake  33  is threaded through third extension stake mounting slot  48 . Each of the two slots in a pair are substantially horizontally aligned with said panel  10 , and are spaced apart by a medial portion (unlabeled). 
         [0044]    In use, all embodiments disclosed in this application allow for the threading of loose papers (preferably arranged into paper bundles) onto each of the pairs of stakes. Referring now to  FIG. 4 , multiple paper bundles are depicted attached. A paper bundle may comprise as few as one document, as shown in  FIG. 4 , but typically comprises numerous documents. In each case, the paper bundle is threaded through one pair of stakes. After mounting the paper bundle upon the stakes by threading the stakes through holes on the bundles, the threading surface  36  of the stake may be bent into juxtaposition with said medial portion between the slots, or bent outward away from the medial portion. In either case, in a preferred use the stake is bent such that a portion of the threading surface  36  is substantially planar with the paper bundle through which is threaded.  FIG. 2  shows the extension stakes in the upright position and  FIG. 3  depicts the extension stakes after they have been folded down. In  FIGS. 2 and 3 , paper bundles are not attached. 
         [0045]    Referring back to  FIG. 4 , a first paper bundle  81  is attached and secured by folder stakes  30 . A second paper bundle  82  is attached and secured by first extension stakes  31  (not visible in  FIG. 4 ). A third paper bundle  83  is attached and secured by second extension stakes  32  (not visible in  FIG. 4 ). A fourth paper bundle  84  is attached and secured by third extension stakes  33  (not visible in  FIG. 4 ). In use, papers may be threaded to the second, third or any additional pair of extension stakes. To retrieve a paper from one of the additional pairs of extension stakes, the papers threaded through the stakes above may be pivoted away from the pair of extension stakes in question. 
         [0046]    In second embodiment of the invention, the file extension plate is very similarly constructed to that in the preferred embodiment. Referring briefly to  FIG. 1 , a main difference between the embodiment of  FIG. 1  and the second embodiment ( FIG. 5 ) is that connector  70 , as well as said first hinge  61  and  62 , is removed from the second embodiment. As connector  70  is essential to the accordion-like folding that allows the extension plate to comprise a single sheet of folded material, the extension plate is thus composed of two parts, as shown in  FIG. 5 . A first extension plate  221  is identical to extension plate  21  in the preferred embodiment. Additionally, second and third extension plates  222  and  223  are identical to extension plates  22  and  23  in the preferred embodiment. Hinge  263  connects second extension plate  222  to third extension plate  223 . 
         [0047]    In this embodiment, folder stake  230 , attached to panel  210 , is threaded only through folder stake first mounting slot  241 , folder stake second mounting slot  243  and folder stake third mounting slot  244 . For purposes of clarity,  FIG. 5  depicts folder stake second mounting slot  243  as visible through the third extension plate  223 . A dashed line indicates the pathway through which folder stake  230  is threaded. First extension stake  231  is threaded through first extension stake mounting slot  245 , similar to the first extension stake in the preferred embodiment of the invention. Likewise, third extension stake  233  is threaded through third extension stake mounting slot  248  just as in the preferred embodiment of the invention. Second extension stake  232  is only threaded through second extension stake second mounting slot  247 . 
         [0048]    Although two components are needed for the manufacture of the extension plate according to this alternative embodiment, the advantage in this embodiment is that ultimately less material is required to be used. 
         [0049]    Turning now to  FIG. 6 , a third embodiment of the invention is disclosed. In this simplified embodiment only a two pairs of extension stakes are utilized. First extension plate  322  and second extension plate  323  is similar to extension plates  22  and  23  in the preferred embodiment. Hinge  363  connects first extension plate  322  to second extension plate  323 . 
         [0050]    In this embodiment, folder stake  330 , attached to panel  310 , is threaded only through folder stake first mounting slot  343  and folder stake second mounting slot  344 . For purposes of clarity,  FIG. 6  depicts folder stake first mounting slot  343  as visible through the second extension plate  323 . A dashed line indicates the pathway through which folder stake  330  is threaded. First extension stake  331  is threaded through first extension stake mounting slot  345 , similar to the first extension stake in the preferred embodiment of the invention. Second extension stake  332  is only threaded through second extension stake second mounting slot  347 . 
         [0051]    Although two components are needed for the manufacture of the extension plate according to this third embodiment, the advantage in this embodiment is that ultimately less material is required to be used. 
         [0052]    In a fourth embodiment of the invention as depicted in  FIG. 7 , first extension plate  421  only includes one pair of mounting slots. Third extension stake mounting slots  448  accept third extension stakes  433 . Thus, folder stakes  430 , do not thread through first extension plate  421 . Rather, an adhesive strip  491  secures first extension plate  421  to panel  410 . Similarly, second extension plate  422  is secured to first extension plate  421  by a second adhesive strip  492  on its underside. In both cases, any type of compound that adheres of bonds two items together can be used, including but not limited to natural adhesives, synthetic adhesives, drying adhesives, contact adhesives, thermoplastic adhesives, reactive adhesives, light curing adhesives, and pressure sensitive adhesives. 
         [0053]    Second extension stakes  432  extend through second extension stake mounting slots  447  on said second extension plate  422 . Finally, first extension stake  431  is threaded through first extension stake mounting slot  445  on said third extension plate  423 . Similar the preferred embodiment, a hinge  463  allows second and third extension plates  422  and  423  to be constructed from one piece of material. 
         [0054]    In a fifth embodiment, depicted in  FIG. 8 , only two extension plates are used, and are formed from a single piece of material folded onto itself along hinge  563 . Like in the fourth embodiment described above, an adhesive strip  592  secures first extension plate  522  to panel  510 . As in the fourth embodiment, folder stakes  530  do not thread through first extension plate  522 . 
         [0055]    Second extension stakes  532  extend through second extension stake mounting slots  547  on said first extension plate  522 . Finally, first extension stake  531  is threaded through first extension stake mounting slot  545 . Similar the preferred embodiment, hinge  563  allows second and third extension plates  422  and  423  to be constructed from one piece of material. 
         [0056]    In a sixth embodiment, depicted in  FIG. 9 , the extension plate comprises three detached extension plates. The first extension plate  621 , second extension plate  622 , and third extension plate  623  in this embodiment are connected to one another only by file stake  630 , which extends through folder stake first mounting slot  641 , folder stake second mounting slot  643 , and folder stake third mounting slot  644 . The three extension plates are thus secured to panel  610 . First extension plate  621  is seen in overlapping configuration with second extension plate  622 , which in turn is depicted in overlapping configuration with extension plate  623 . In this and all embodiments, the extension plate may be composed of metal, cardboard, common manila folder stock, plastic, or any other tear resistant (high tensile strength) material of varying thickness. 
         [0057]    Each extension plate comprises two pairs of elongated mounting slots substantially horizontally aligned. First extension plate  621  comprises folder stake first mounting slots  641  and third extension stake mounting slots  648 . Second extension plate  622  comprises folder stake second mounting slots  643  and second extension stake mounting slots  647 . Third extension plate  623  comprises folder stake third mounting slots  644  and first extension stake mounting slots  645 . First extension stake  631  extends through first extension stake mounting slot  645 . Second extension stake  632  extends through second extension stake mounting slot  647 . Third extension stake  633  extends through third extension stake  648 . 
         [0058]    While the overall length and width of sheet-like extension plates varies, each overlapping extension plate&#39;s length should be at least as long as the extension plate the overlaps it. This overlapping configuration is key to ensure the multiple pairs of stakes (retainer clips) are exposed and ready for use. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the length of extension plate  623  is not as long as the length of extension plate  622 , which in turn is not as long as the length of extension plate  621 . 
         [0059]    In a seventh embodiment of the invention, the file extension plates are positioned directly on top of one another above panel  710 . See.  FIGS. 10-12 . Here, a single three-tiered rigid structure is flexible about two hinges. A first hinge  761  connects a first extension plate  721  to a second extension plate  722 . A second hinge  762  connects second extension plate  722  to third extension plate  723 . Threaded through each extension plate are stakes that can hold document bundles similarly in fashion to those bundles held by previous embodiments of the invention. A pair of folder stakes  730  is threaded through a pair of first extension plate mounting slots  741  in said first extension plate  721 . A pair of first extension plate stakes  731  is threaded through a pair of second extension plate mounting slots  742  on said second extension plate  722 . A pair of second extension plate stakes  732  is threaded through a pair of third extension plate mounting slots  743  ion said third extension plate  723 . Because the mounting slots are substantially vertically aligned as shown, the extension plates may be stacked vertically, yet still allow individual document bundles to be edited by the user without disturbing the order of the other document bundles. 
         [0060]      FIGS. 11 and 12  depict a first document bundle  781  held in place against first extension plate  721 . Document bundle  782  is affixed to second extension plate  722  and a third document bundle  793  is held in place against a third extension plate  723 . 
         [0061]    With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the disclosed equations, figures and charts may be modified in certain ways while still producing the same result claimed by the Applicant. Such variations are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and equations and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0062]    Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact disclosure shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.