Edge mounted index tab

An improved index tab which comprises a rectangular portion which provides a space for the placement of labels or other indicia. Extending from adjacent corners along the longitudinal margin of the rectangular portion are upper and lower feet. The lower foot is semi-elliptical, having a linear edge parallel to the longitudinal margin of the rectangular portion. The upper foot extends outward from the longitudinal margin of the rectangular portion, curving slightly downward relative thereto. A slotted offset is disposed between the upper foot and the rectangular portion. Upper and lower feet are inserted into corresponding holes along the folded edge of an item having a folded edge. A slight downward pull on the rectangular portion locks the edge of the upper hole into the slotted offset, and a pull in the opposite direction allows removal of the index tab.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates generally to tabs for indexing file folders 
and the like, and in particular to an index tab having means for 
detachable attachment to the folded edge of file folders and similar 
items. 
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
It is known in the art to label and to organize file folders and similar 
items using index tabs connected to the margins of the items. As described 
below, however, the prior art inventions do not provide attachment means 
which are both secure and easily detachable. In addition, the prior art 
tab devices are neither durable nor esthetically desirable. 
The prior art index tabs having adhesive attachment means suffer from 
several drawbacks. U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,261 describes an index tab label 
assembly having a pressure sensitive adhesive backing and an outer coating 
to facilitate printing on the label. This device cannot be removed from 
file items once it has been connected thereto. In addition, it cannot be 
connected to the folded edges of filed items, since the opening and 
closing at the fold would cause the device to become torn and damaged. 
U.S. Pat. No. 5,187,888 describes an adhesive-backed index tab having 
opposing bilaterally symmetric portions. This invention, as well, cannot 
be removed once it is attached to an item, and it is also not suitable for 
attachment at the folded edge of a filed item. 
The prior art index tabs using non-adhesive attachment means are generally 
inconvenient and unsuited for secure attachment to different types of 
filed items. U.S. Pat. No. 808,909 describes a tab for cards in a card 
index system. This invention cannot be attached to the folded edge of a 
file item, as it would tend to become detached. It is also cumbersome and 
unattractive. 
U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,296 discloses a directory tab supported in a rigid 
plastic frame which is inserted into preexisting notches of a suspended 
folder. This device is suitable only for a very specific type of folder. 
It is also quite obtrusive and therefore unsuited for use in cluttered 
file drawers. 
There clearly remains a need for an index tab device which can be securely 
attached to and easily removed from, filed items. The present invention 
provides a convenient, attractive, and inexpensive device which can be 
used to tab and index file folders and similar items. Among other 
advantages, invention has detachable attachment means which enable it to 
be connected easily to the folded edge of many different types of file 
items. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention is an improved index tab, preferably constructed from 
hard plastic or laminated cardboard. The index tab of the present 
invention is designed to be securely attached at the folded edge of file 
folders and similar items. It is durable and attractive, and can be 
readily detached when desired. 
The tab comprises a generally rectangular portion for the placement of a 
label. Extending from adjacent corners of the label portion on its 
longitudinal margin are upper and lower feet, which are inserted into 
holes along the folded edge of file items. The lower foot is 
semi-elliptical in shape, having a linear edge extending parallel to the 
longitudinal of the label portion. The upper foot extends outward from the 
longitudinal of the label portion, curving slightly downward relative 
thereto. A slotted, offset portion is disposed between the longitudinal 
margin of the label portion and the upper foot. 
To use the invention, the lower foot is inserted into a hole which is 
punched at the desired spot on the folded edge of a file item. The upper 
foot is then rotated towards the file item and the upper foot is inserted 
into an adjacent hole. A slight downward tug on the label portion 
interlocks the slotted offset with the folded edge of the file item. The 
index tab is thus securely attached to the folded edge of the file item, 
and can be removed by a slight tug in the opposite direction to release 
the edge of the file item from the slotted offset. 
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an 
improved index tab device. 
It is a further object of this invention to provide an index tab device 
that is inexpensive, convenient, and attractive. 
It is still further an object of this invention to provide an index tab 
device that may be easily attached and detached from file folders and 
similar items. 
It is still further an object of this invention to provide an index tab 
device that can be securely attached to the folded edge of file folders 
and similar items.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Referring now to the drawings in greater detail, it can be seen in FIG. 1 
that the index tab 1 of the present invention comprises a generally 
rectangular portion 2 and feet 3, 4 extending from adjacent corners of the 
rectangular portion 2 along its longitudinal margin 9. Lower foot 4 is a 
semi-elliptical portion having a linear edge parallel to the longitudinal 
margin of the rectangular portion 2. Upper foot 3 extends outwardly from 
the rectangular portion, curving slightly downward relative to the 
longitudinal margin 9 of the rectangular portion 2. A slotted offset 5 is 
disposed between the upper foot 3 and the rectangular portion 2. 
FIGS. 2 and 3 taken together illustrate the installation of the index tab 1 
on a file folder 8. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a file folder 8 has holes 
6, 7 punched along its folded edge, the holes 6, 7 being positioned to 
receive upper and lower feet 3, 4. To install the index tab 1 on a file 
folder 8, the lower foot 4 is inserted into lower hole 7, as shown in FIG. 
2, and the upper foot 3 is rotated toward the folded edge of the file 
folder 8. The upper foot 3 is received into the upper hole 6 as 
illustrated in FIG. 3, and the linear edge of the lower foot 4 is brought 
to bear against the inside of the folded edge of the folder. A slight pull 
on the index tab 1 in the direction of the lower foot 4 locks the edge of 
the upper hole 6 into the slotted offset portion 5 between the upper foot 
3 and the rectangular portion 2. A slight tug in the opposite direction 
releases the index tab 1 so that it may be removed when desired. 
In use, the index tab 1 of the present invention provides a convenient, 
unobtrusive, and attractive device for indexing file folders and similar 
items. Rectangular portion 2 provides a space for the placement of 
labeling indicia, which may be accomplished using various means. For 
example, adhesive labels may be placed on the rectangular portion 2 to 
identify the contents of file items. Alternatively, written indicia may be 
placed directly on the rectangular portion 2. Rectangular portion 2 may 
also be constructed from pleated, transparent material with a slot for the 
insertion of paper labels. 
The index tab 1 may be easily installed and removed by the process 
described above, providing the means to quickly relabel and reorganize 
file items. 
The index tab 1 may be constructed from hard plastic, laminated cardboard, 
or any other suitable material of an approximate thickness of 1/32". The 
index tab 1 can be constructed in various sizes to accommodate 
commercially available adhesive labels. Preferably, the index tab 1 could 
be available in a size which would correspond with standard three-hole 
punched items. 
In addition, although the index tab of the present invention is shown as 
being rectangular, it could also be made in other shapes, if desired, 
without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
Also, although the present invention has been described as being applied to 
file folders or similar items, it should be noted that it may also be used 
with other items. For example the present invention may also be applied to 
a multitude of published documents having a folded edge such as, but not 
limited to, magazines, report covers, pocket/binder folders, product 
portfolios, technical support manuals, owners manuals, operation manuals, 
product catalogs, annual stock reports, envelopes and vintage record 
jackets. The present invention provides a convenient and inexpensive way 
to "hang" a variety of items for storage and/or display. 
In order to attach the present invention to an item such as a magazine, all 
that is necessary is the user must punch holes in the folded part of the 
magazine or other folded item. This can be accomplished by using a 
standard paper hole punch. Once the proper number and size holes are 
punched, the tab of the present invention may be inserted in the same 
manner as described above for attachment to file folders. 
Although the index tab and the method of using the same according to the 
present invention has been described in the foregoing specification with 
considerable details, it is to be understood that modifications may be 
made to the present invention which do not exceed the scope of the 
appended claims and modified forms of this invention done by others 
skilled in the art to which the invention pertains will be considered 
infringements of this invention when those modified forms fall within the 
claimed scope of the invention.