Abstract:
A file folder system is disclosed which allows the manufacturer to display indicia information (such as source indicia, such as a trademark) to the folder without detracting from the utility of the folder itself. Several embodiments are disclosed include a notch in one folder panel which creates a window in the other panel where the indicia in imprinted. In another embodiment, one panel is punched through to reveal portions of the other panel. These apertures are formed in the pattern of the desired indicia, so that the user can determine if there are contents in the folder and simultaneously, the indicia is permanently displayed without obstructing the use of the folder.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention is in the field of office requisites and a method of improving product source identification.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     File folders and other paper storage systems are of great utility in an office setting. The most common storage system, the common manila folder, for example are widespread and relatively inexpensive, and have convenient tabs suitable for writing. Because they are such a commodity product, it is difficult to distinguish one maker&#39;s product from another. It would be useful to gain brand loyalty without sacrificing utility. Utility would be impeded/interfered with by placing an indicia, usually a trademark on a portion folder where a surface might be obscured by indicia. Thus marking on an exterior or tab surface of the folder will decrease its utility.  
         [0003]     The typical solution to increasing brand (source) recognition, has been to simply apply the name of the manufacturer on the outside faces of the product, but this may be objectionable because it limits the utility of the product by the user. Often the outer faces are used by the customer to identify the contents.  
         [0004]     The preferred solution would be to find a way to indicate the source of the maker, without damaging the utility, and indeed, to enhance the utility by integrating source recognition feature with a utilitarian function and to do so without adding cost.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     There are several aspects to the invention and reference should be had to the detailed description and the claims. For the reader&#39;s convenience a summary of some of salient features appears below.  
         [0006]     The present invention is directed to a folder system which uses the inside panel(s) for imprintation of source relating indicia and provides a notch like aperture on the front-most panel, in the top edge to expose a portion of the source indicating indicia.  
         [0007]     In another embodiment, where the folder includes an end tab, at least a portion of the exposed end tab is covered with source indicating indicia, preferably in light color, so that it may be written over with a marker and the markings still be readable.  
         [0008]     In the preferred embodiment, the entire inside of the folder is imprinted with source indicating indicia, perhaps in a pattern.  
         [0009]     In a further embodiment, a system and method of displaying contents of the folder and simultaneously applying an indicia to a file is disclosed using a plurality of holes punched in one face of the folder which allows visibility into the folder. The holes are punched in a pattern which forms the desired indicia.  
         [0010]     This summary is just exemplary. Reference should be had to the detailed description for further inventive concepts and to the claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates a plan view of one embodiment;  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  illustrates a plan view of another embodiment with an indicia imprint; and  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment.  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment with a side tab; and  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  illustrates another embodiment employing apertures in one of the panels.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0016]     A file folder  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Note that this invention is not limited to file folders, but one is shown as an example. The invention may be applied to a broad range of office products, particularly where they have overlapping faces, including file jackets, binders, note pads, etc.  
         [0017]     Folder  10  has a back panel or sheet  12 , a front panel or sheet  14 , both of which have inner  12   a ,  12   b , and  14   a ,  14   b  and outer surfaces. The inner surface is defined by opposing faces from panels  12  and  14 . In this embodiment the panels are joined foldably together to form the folder features, but in other embodiments, they may form pockets or other useful structures.  
         [0018]     Each panel  12 ,  14  has a top edge  12   c ,  14   c  and in the case of panel  12 , an exposure notch  16  is cut into the top edge. The notch in this case is circular, approximately semicircular. Other shapes are possible so long as they permit viewing a portion of the surface  14   b  therethrough. When the front and back panels are adjacent each other (with or without other papers therebetween), the notch exposes a portion of the inside surface  14   b  which may be referred to as the “window area”. The optimal size, as will be explained below is where the cut out (notch) is just sufficiently large to display one occurrence of a repeating source indicia, or other indicia.  
         [0019]     In this illustration, the folder has both a top tab  17  and a side-tab  18 , which is an extension of the back sheet which extends beyond the side edge  20  of the front sheet  12  to allow the file to be viewed from the side edge when on an open shelf. It will be understood that both top and side tabs may be made, or one of each or neither (see  FIG. 3 ). One embodiment (not shown) is a notch  16  placed on the side where the side tab ( 18 ) is located but with or without a side tab.  
         [0020]     If the notch is located on a panel orthogonal to the tab (side or top) then the tab may be labeled or indicia written upon without obscuring the trademark indicia of the notch. Thus, it is possible to maintain the indicia without detracting from the functionality of the folder. In  FIG. 2 , with a top tab and a notch on the same side, the same would be true and the trademark indicia could be restricted to the shadow/window region of the back panel (and not cover the tab area as shown). This is illustrated in  FIG. 4  at  30  where only the window area includes an indicia.  
         [0021]      FIG. 2  illustrates that this system can be used to advantage with the inner surfaces  14   b  (and perhaps  12   b ) flooded with a repeat of source indicia such as the MO™ trademark (a trademark of The Smead Manufacturing Company) use for illustration. The imprint  22  of the source indicia (or some other indicia such as a warning or other differentiator) is preferably made in a light shade or pastel color or half tone. The best choice is a background imprint of such low density that it will be possible to over write with marker and still read the marking over the indicia. This allows the indicia to be used, but does not inhibit the function of the tab space on the top, edge or in the notch.  
         [0022]     In the preferred embodiment the indicia repeat  22  is aligned with the notch  16  so that it exactly registered in the notch window and the indicia is not “cut off”. Multiple repeats can be shown if they are small enough.  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is similar to  FIG. 2  except that the folder only has a side tab  18  and no top tab. Notch  16  is present as well as the indicia behind it.  
         [0024]      FIG. 4  is an embodiment where the tab area above the notch is left blank and only the window/shadow area on the back panel includes an indicia  30 . This formulation insures that the tab area above the notch will be fully unobstructed. In short, by notching the front panel anywhere (top or side), indicia can be applied to the window created by the notch and the utility of the folder is intact. The notch can be any shape or depth not just as shown.  
         [0025]     Another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 5  shows another way to indicate source indicia without compromising the utility of the folder system. It is to perforate, such as by a plurality of holes  28  into the front and/or back sheet in the form of the indicia  26  itself. The trademark MO™ (a trademark of Smead Manufacturing Company to this invention) is used merely for illustration. In effect, the indicia itself is a series of closely spaced small holes creating the indicia pattern and may be place anywhere on the sheets. The holes are punched or drilled into the surfaces and if drilled in both sheets, will allow light through. Even if drilled/punched into only one sheet, the apertures will allow the user to know if there are papers in the folder at a glance, yet the function of the folder in unimpeded. In this embodiment, notch  16  is shown, but not required. The hole spacing to form the indicia pattern can be any size so long as the documents intended for the folder will not fall out. Thus the utility of the folder is not impeded by reasonable sized punches or cut outs. The holes are preferably large enough that a user can view the interior of the folder to determine if there are indeed any contents. In the case of the exemplary indicia, the circle  28  must have holes sufficiently spaced apart that the center of the circle does not fall out. The words “inc”, 29 are likewise made with a series of holes or apertures. It is possible imprint the indicia with ink before punching to accentuate the patter and provide a visual que as to how the letters are formed. It is also possible to flood the interior side  22  of the back panel with a contrasting color (such as black or grey) to insure that the indicia will be prominent and as an indicator to know that there are documents in the file (usually white).  
         [0026]     The description of the invention and its applications as set forth herein is illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Variations and modifications of the embodiments disclosed herein are possible, and practical alternatives to and equivalents of the various elements of the embodiments would be understood to those of ordinary skill in the art upon study of this patent document. These and other variations and modifications of the embodiments disclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.