Patent Publication Number: US-2021162796-A1

Title: Notebook hanger

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a US National Stage Application of International Application No. PCT/CN2017/088054, filed Jun. 13, 2017, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to loose-leaf notebooks and similar devices used for holding loose-leaf pages, and more particularly to systems and methods for storing such devices in a drawer. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A ring binder mechanism retains loose-leaf pages, such as hole-punched pages, in a file or notebook. Ring binder mechanisms commonly include rings having ring members that can be selectively moved between an open position, for adding or removing pages, and a closed position, for retaining pages on the rings. Ring binder mechanisms are commonly secured to a notebook cover, either on or adjacent the spine of the notebook cover, so the ring binder mechanism can be used to retain loose-leaf pages within the notebook. Notebooks can be stored in various different ways. For example, notebooks can be stored on a shelf in a manner similar to the way regular books are stored on shelves. 
     One type of storage system that is sometimes used is a hanging file drawer system. A hanging file drawer system typically has two parallel rails extending between and supported by opposite sides of the drawer. The rails are spaced from one another so that file folders containing loose leaf papers to be stored in the drawer can be supported at one end by one of the rails and supported at the opposite end by the other of the rails. This provides efficient storage of file folders while maintaining organization of the loose papers stored in the drawer. It also provides easy access to any of the papers stored in the drawer. 
     There have been some attempts to devise a system that facilitates storage of ring binder mechanisms and/or notebooks that use ring binder mechanisms in hanging file drawer systems. Some examples of these efforts are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,801,175; 3,936,201; 4,208,146; 5,199,809; 5,358,125; 5,993,099; 7,445,396; and U.S. Pre-grant Publication No. 2013/0136523 A1. 
     The present inventor has made various improvements in the field of systems for storing notebooks using hanging file drawer systems, which will be described in detail below. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the invention is a hanger for hanging a binder containing loose-leaf pages in a hanging drawer system of the type comprising a pair of rails inside the drawer and extending between opposite sides of the drawer. The hanger has a first hook configured to be secured to one end of a spine of the notebook and a second hook opposed to the first hook and configured to be secured to an opposite end of the spine of the notebook. A first arm is moveable relative to the first hook between a retracted position and an extended position. The first arm has a support surface and a lip extending angularly from the support surface. The support surface of the first arm extends laterally beyond the first hook when the first arm is in the extended position. The lip of the first arm is spaced from the first hook by the support surface of the first arm when the first arm is in the extended position. The hanger has a second arm moveable relative to the second hook between a retracted position and an extended position. The second arm has a support surface and a lip extending angularly from the support surface. The support surface of the second arm extends laterally beyond the second hook when the second arm is in the extended position. The lip of the second arm is spaced from the second hook by the support surface of the second arm when the second arm is in the extended position. 
     Another aspect of the invention is a method of storing a notebook including a notebook cover having a spine in a hanging drawer storage system of the type having a pair of rails mounted inside a drawer. The method includes securing a hanger having first and second hooks to the notebook cover by securing the first hook to one end of the spine and securing the second hook to an opposite end of the spine. A first arm of the hanger is moved from a retracted position to an extended position. The first arm has a support surface and a lip extending angularly from the support surface. The support surface of the first arm extends laterally beyond the first hook when the first arm is in the extended position. The lip of the first arm is spaced from the first hook by the support surface of the first arm when the first arm is in the extended position. A second arm of the hanger is moved from a retracted position to an extended position. The second arm has a support surface and a lip extending angularly from the support surface. The support surface of the second arm extends laterally beyond the second hook when the second arm is in the extended position. The lip of the second arm is spaced from the second hook by the support surface of the second arm when the second arm is in the extended position. The support surfaces of the first and second arms are placed on the rails so the hanger and notebook are supported by the rails. 
     Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective of one embodiment of a hanger of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is another perspective of the hanger illustrated in  FIG. 1  from a different vantage point; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective of the hanger illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan of the hanger illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an cross section of the hanger illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4  cut along line  5 - 5  on  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged fragmentary cross section similar to  FIG. 5  showing one end of the hanger illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged fragmentary cross section similar to  FIG. 5  showing the opposite end of the hanger from the end shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged cross section of the hanger illustrated in  FIGS. 1-7  taken in a plane including line  8 - 8  on  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged cross section of the hanger illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8  taken in a plane including line  9 - 9  on  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective of the hanger illustrated in  FIGS. 1-9  taken from a vantage point that is similar to the perspective in  FIG. 1 , but showing arms of the hanger in an extended position for supporting the hanger on the rails of a hanging-file system; 
         FIG. 11  is another perspective of the hanger illustrated in  FIGS. 1-10  taken from a vantage point similar to the vantage point in  FIG. 2  and showing the arms in the extended position; 
         FIG. 12  is a side elevation of the hanger illustrated in  FIGS. 1-11  showing the arms in the extended position; 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged fragmentary cross section similar to  FIG. 7  showing one end of the hanger with the arm in the extended position; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective of the hanger illustrated in  FIGS. 1-13  taken from a vantage point that is similar to  FIGS. 1 and 10 , but showing the hanger in a configuration in which hooks on the ends of the hanger have been moved away from one another; 
         FIG. 15  is another perspective of the hanger illustrated in  FIGS. 1-14  showing the hanger in the same configuration as  FIG. 14  but from a vantage point that is similar to  FIGS. 2 and 11 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective of one embodiment of an elongate member that is suitable for use as a component of the hanger illustrated in  FIGS. 1-15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a top plan of the elongate member illustrated in  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a bottom plan of the elongate member illustrated in  FIGS. 16 and 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective of another embodiment of an elongate member that is suitable for use as a component of the hanger illustrated in  FIGS. 1-15  and in conjunction with the elongate member illustrated in  FIGS. 16-18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a bottom plan of the elongate member illustrated in  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  is another perspective of the hanger illustrated in  FIGS. 1-15  similar to  FIG. 1 , but showing one embodiment of a door of a label display system in an open position; 
         FIG. 22  is a top plan of the door illustrated in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective of the hanger illustrated in  FIGS. 1-15 and 21  secured to the spine of a notebook cover of one embodiment of a notebook having a ring binder mechanism mounted adjacent a spine of the notebook cover; 
         FIG. 24  is an end view of the hanger and notebook combination illustrated in  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a fragmentary cross section of a portion of the hanger and notebook combination illustrated in  FIGS. 23 and 24  taken in a plane including line  25 - 25  on  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective of the hanger illustrated in  FIGS. 1-15 and 21  secured to the spine of a notebook cover of a different embodiment of a notebook, which has a ring binder mechanism mounted on the spine of the notebook cover instead of adjacent the spine; 
         FIG. 27  is another perspective of the hanger and notebook combination illustrated in  FIG. 22 , but showing the hanger in the same configuration as it has in  FIGS. 14 and 15  during a step of securing the hanger to the notebook cover; and 
         FIG. 28  is a side elevation of the hanger and notebook combination of  FIGS. 23-25  supported by the rails of a hanging file system. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring first to  FIGS. 1-15 , one embodiment of a hanger for storing a notebook in a hanging file drawer system of the type including a pair of rails inside a drawer and extending between and supported by opposite sides of the drawer is generally designated  101 . The hanger  101  has a pair of hooks  103  at opposite ends of the hanger for securing the hanger to a notebook to be suspended in the hanging file drawer system. The shape of the hooks  103  can vary as long as the hooks can each be secured to one end of a spine of a notebook cover in a manner to be described in more detail later. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the hooks  103  are substantially identical. However, it is understood that the hooks can have different shapes from one another if desired. Moreover, it is understood that the shape of the hooks can vary from the shape of the hooks illustrated herein. Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , each of the hooks  103  has a shank  105  and an end  107  spaced from the shank. A bend  109  connects the shank  105  to the end  107  so that there is a space  111  between the shank and the end of the hook for receiving an edge of a notebook cover. In the illustrated embodiment, the ends  107  of each hook  103  flare away from the respective shank  105  at their distal ends to form a lead-in that facilitates entry of the notebook cover into the spaces  111 . The shanks  105 , ends  107 , and bends  109  of the hooks  103  are suitably formed integrally as one-piece, e.g., in a molding process. However, various components of the hooks can be formed separately and secured to one another to form a hook if desired. 
     Each hook  103  in the illustrated embodiment is mounted at the end of an elongate member  115  (see  FIGS. 3 and 16-20 ) that is configured to extend from the hook  103  along the back spine of a notebook when an edge of the notebook spine is received in the space  111  defined in the hook. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the hanger  101  is suitably constructed so that substantially all structures that make up the hanger and that are positioned between the hooks  103  are offset from the spaces  111  defined by the hooks  103  and on the same side of the spaces as the shanks  105  of the hooks. In the illustrated embodiment the elongate members  115  each have a generally rectangular perimeter, although other shapes are possible. The hooks  103  are suitably secured at one end of the respective member  115 . For example, the hooks  103  are suitably formed integrally with the respective member  115 , such as by being molded together as one-piece in an injection molding system. The elongate members  115  are suitably configured so they extend from the respective hook  103  to an interface  117  that connects the hooks to one another. When the opposite upper and lower edges of a notebook spine are received in the hooks  103 , the hanger  101  extends all the way from the upper edge of the notebook spine to the lower edge of the notebook spine along the back of the notebook spine. (See  FIG. 23 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3, 6-7, and 10-12 , the hanger  101  also includes a support system  121  that can be used to support the hanger and any notebook secured thereto on the rails of hanging drawer system. In the illustrated embodiment, the support system includes a pair of arms  123  at opposite ends of the hanger  101 . Each arm  123  suitably includes a support surface  125  that can be positioned to engage one of the rails and a lip  127  extending angularly from the support surface. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the arms  123  are substantially identical to one another and a detailed description of one of the arms will suffice to describe them both. However, it is understood the arms could be different from one another. It is also understood that the arms could have different shapes from the arms described herein. Referring again to the illustrated embodiment each arm  123  is suitably selectively moveable between a retracted position ( FIGS. 1-2, 4-7 ) and an extended position ( FIGS. 10-12 ). The support surface  125  of each arm  123  extends laterally beyond the adjacent hook  103  when the arm is in the extended position. The lip  127  of each arm is spaced from the adjacent hook  103  by the support surface  125  when the arm is in the extended position. In the retracted position, the lip  127  of each arm  123  suitably abuts or is very closely adjacent the bend  109  of the adjacent hook  103 . Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , for example, each lip  127  suitably abuts an outer surface of the bend  109  of the adjacent hook  103  when the arms  123  are in their retracted positions. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3, and 6-7 , the arms  123  suitably have an L-shaped configuration with the lip  127  forming a shorter segment of the L-shape. A longer segment  129  of the arm  123  extends from the lip  127  (e.g., substantially perpendicularly). In the illustrated embodiment, the longer segment  129  of the arm  123  is a substantially flat elongate plate. The portion of the longer segment  129  adjacent the lip  127  forms the support surface  125 . The longer segment  129  of the arm  123  is suitably secured to the elongate member  115  of the adjacent hook  103  for sliding movement between the extended and retracted positions. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the longer segments  129  of the arms  123  are received in pockets  131  ( FIGS. 3, 16, and 19 ) formed in the ends of the elongate members  115  of the hanger  101 . The portions of the arms  123  that are positioned in the pockets  131  are shielded from incidental contact that might inadvertently move the arms between the extended and retracted positions. The arms  123  and pockets  131  are configured so the lip  127  of each arm  123  cannot be received in the pocket. For example, the pockets  131  are suitably substantially rectangular pockets that generally conform in shape to the longer segment  129  of the arm  123 . The entry into each pocket  131  is shaped so it cannot accommodate receiving the lip  127  of the arm  123  within the pocket. Thus, while at least some of the longer segment  129  of the arm  123  is always in the pocket  131  (more when the arm is retracted and less when the arm is extended), the lip  127  is always easily accessible from outside the pocket for manually moving the arm between the extended and retracted positions. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 5-7 , the hanger  101  suitably has a retaining system  135  that blocks movement of the arms  123  beyond the extended position and thereby retains at least some of the longer segments  129  of the arms in the pockets  131 . In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the retaining system  135  includes a pair of stops  137  that extend transversely across each of the pockets  131 . The stops  137  are suitably substantially cylindrical posts, as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 5-7 , although other shapes could be used if desired. The stops  137  suitably extend all the way from one side of the pocket  131  to an opposite side of the pocket (e.g., all the way from the top to the bottom of the pocket). The stops  137  are received in elongate slots  139  formed in the arms  123 . The stops  137  slide relative to the arms  123  between opposite ends of the slots  139  as the arms move between their retracted and extended positions. When the arms  123  are in their extended positions ( FIGS. 10-13 ), the stops  137  block further movement of the arms out of the pockets  131  because of their abutting relation with the ends of the slots  139 . 
     The stops  137  can be secured within the slots  139  in the arms  123  in various different ways. Referring again to  FIGS. 2-3, 5-7, 11 and 13 , for example, each pair of stops  137  is suitably mounted on a plate  141  that is secured to the respective elongate member  115 . For example, the plates  141  are suitably configured to make a snap connection with the respective elongate member  115 . The snap connection is suitably substantially irreversible, meaning there is no way to easily separate the plates  141  from their respective elongate member  115  in a non-destructive manner once they have been snapped together, as in the illustrated embodiment. The elongate members  115  suitably have a recessed area  145  ( FIGS. 18 and 20 ) configured to receive one of the plates  141 . The recessed area  145  is suitably generally in the form of a channel formed in the respective elongate member  115  so that the channel forms a portion of the pocket  131  for receiving the arms  123 . The elongate members  115  and plates  141  are suitably configured so that the plates cover the open side of the respective channel when the plates are connected to the elongate members so that the plates and elongate members collectively form the pockets  131 . Referring to  FIG. 8 , a portion of the recessed area  145  remains unoccupied by retaining system  135  to provide a sliding space within the hanger  101  for the longer segments  129  of the arms  123 . 
     Each plate  141  in the illustrated embodiment has a set of resiliently deformable legs  143  ( FIGS. 3 and 8 ) positioned at various locations on the plate. The legs  143  suitably extend from opposite sides of the plate  141  (e.g., substantially perpendicularly to the plate) and have retainers  147  that extend outward at their distal ends. The elongate members  115  and plates  141  are configured so that the legs  143  on each plate are resiliently deformed (e.g., bent inwardly) by the elongate members  115  at the outer perimeter of the respective recessed area  145  as the plate is being positioned in the recessed area. As each plate  141  is moved further into the recessed area  145 , the retainers  147  on the ends of the legs  143  each move into alignment with a void space  149  ( FIG. 8 ) that extends radially outward into the elongate member  115 . The retainers  147  on the ends of the legs  143  are moved outward into the void spaces  149  by the restoration forces in the legs once the retainers are in alignment with the void spaces. The retainers  147  engage a shoulder  151  formed by the void spaces  149  when the plate  141  is fully seated within the recessed area  145 . 
     Once the retainers  147  are in the void spaces  149 , the shoulder  151  blocks movement of the legs  143  and the plate  141  out of the recessed area  145 . The plates  141  and elongate members  115  are suitably configured so the outward-facing surface of each plate is substantially flush with a surface of the respective elongate member  115 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 5-7 . Moreover, the outer perimeter of the recessed area  145  is suitably shaped to match the outer perimeter of the plate  141 . There is no easy way for a person to move the retainers  147  out of the void spaces  149  once the plates  141  are fully snapped into connection with the elongate members  115  because of the lack of access to the retainers and void spaces from the exterior of the hanger  101 . The retaining system  135  and elongate members  115  are suitably configured so movement of the plates  141  farther into the recessed area  145  is limited once the plates are snapped into connection with the elongate members. For example, referring to  FIG. 8  the legs  143  are suitably positioned to block further movement of the plate  141  into the recessed area by engagement between the ends of the legs and the elongate member. This helps reduce the possibility of the plates  141  and elongate members  115  producing a clamping action that impedes movement of the arms  123  between the retracted and extended positions. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the plates  141  and elongate members  115  are configured so the plates are positioned on the same sides of the elongate members  115  that are adjacent the notebook spine when the hanger  101  is secured to a notebook. However, it is understood that the plates and elongate member could be configured so the plates are on the opposite side of the hanger when they are secured to the elongate members if that is desired. It is also understood that the retaining system  135  illustrated herein could be replaced with a different type of retaining system if desired. For example, rivets or other fasteners could be extended through elongate slots in the arms to limit movement of the arms if desired. 
     To facilitate mounting the hanger  101  on a notebook, in a manner that will be described in more detail below, the hanger suitably has a mechanism that allows the hooks  103  to move relative to one another between a first position ( FIGS. 1-13 ), in which the hooks are spaced from one another about the same distance as the length of a notebook spine, and a second position ( FIGS. 14 and 15 ) in which the hooks are spaced farther from one another than they are in the first position. Various mechanisms that allow movement of the hooks  103  relative to one another can be used. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the elongate members  115  to which the hooks  103  are secured are configured and arranged for sliding movement relative to one another between the first and second positions of the hooks. Referring to  FIGS. 16-20  for instance, one of the elongate members  115  ( FIGS. 16-18 ) suitably has a relatively narrower end  161  received within a relatively wider end  163  of the other elongate member ( FIGS. 19-20 ) to form the interface  117  between the elongate members and allow telescoping sliding movement of the elongate members relative to one another. 
     The hanger  101  is suitably configured to substantially prevent non-destructive separation of the elongate members  115  from one another. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the narrower end  161  of the elongate body  115  having the narrower end includes a projection  165  configured to fit within a channel  167  formed in the wider end  163  of the other elongate body. An elongate slot or channel  169  extends axially along the projection  165 . A detent  171  ( FIG. 20 ) on the elongate body  115  having the wider end  163  is positioned and arranged to extend into the channel  169 . The elongate channel  169  does not extend all the way to the end of the projection  165  of the elongate member  115  having the narrower end  161 . The detent  171  is suitably configured to have a beveled distal end oriented so the shortest portion of the detent faces the opposite elongate member  115  and the tallest portion of the detent faces away from the opposite elongate member. The beveled top of the detent  171  facilitates assembly of the hanger  101  by allowing a snapping action to be used to position the detent in the channel  169  of the opposite elongate member. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 9 , the projection  165  has flanges  173  extending along its sides which are received in corresponding grooves  175  formed in the sides of the elongate member  115  having the wider end  163  at the interface. The engagement of the flanges  173  and the grooves  175  restricts the ability to move the elongate members relative to one another in a direction that withdraws the detent  171  from the channel  169 . The detent  171  can slide within the channel  169  as the elongate members  115  slide relative to one another to increase or decrease the distance between the hooks  103 . However, engagement between the detent  171  and the end of the channel  169  adjacent the distal end of the projection  165  limits the extent to which the elongate members  115  can be moved away from one another. Because the taller portion of the detent  171  is the portion of the detent that contacts the end of the channel  169 , the same snapping action that was used during assembly, which made use of the beveled top of the detent, will not be available to disconnect the elongate members  115  from one another. Instead, the engagement between the detent  171  and the end of the channel  169  substantially prevents non-destructive separation of the elongate member  115  from one another. 
     The hanger  101  is also constructed so the interface  117  limits the extent to which the hooks  103  can be moved toward one another. This can be helpful to limit the amount of compressive force that can be applied to a notebook supported by the hanger  101 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment a shoulder  181  on the elongate member  115  having the narrower end  161  abuts the edge  183  of the elongate member having the wider end  163  when the hooks  103  are in the first position. The abutting engagement of the shoulder  181  on the narrow-ended elongate member  115  blocks further movement of the hooks  103  toward one another. Other configurations and arrangements of the elongate members could be used to limit the extent to which the hooks can be moved toward one another if desired. 
     The hanger  101  is suitably configured so the hooks  103  and elongate members  115  are biased toward the first position (in which the hooks are spaced more closely to one another). Referring to  FIGS. 2-3, 5, 9, 11, and 15 , for example, a biasing member  187  is positioned and arranged to resist movement of the hooks  103  (and elongate members  115 ) away from one another. The biasing member  187  is suitably a spring, such as a coil spring connected to each of the elongate members  115  and extending between the elongate members across the interface  117 . For example, the ends of the spring  187  are suitably connected to posts  189  on the elongate members  115  so that the spring stretches as the elongate members  115  are moved away from one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring  187  has a preload so that the biasing forces are more uniform over the entire range of motion of the elongate members  115 . In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the posts  189  on which the spring  187  is mounted are positioned far enough away from one another that the spring is already in a stretched configuration when the elongate members are in abutting relation to one another and the hooks  103  are in their first position (in which they are closer to one another). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, there are two springs  187  which are substantially identical. The springs  187  extend through channels  191  formed in the projection  165  on the end of the elongate member  115  having the narrow end  161 . A retainer  193  extends over the open side of each channel  191  to hold the springs in the channels and limit the risk that the ends of the springs will slip off the posts  189  on which they are mounted. Use of two springs  187  facilitates positioning the springs in a position that is offset from the central longitudinal axis of the hanger (e.g., to avoid positioning the spring in the same place as the detent  171  and channel  169  for the detent). It is possible to use a single offset spring if desired. However, use of two offset springs  187  on opposite sides of the sliding axis of the elongate members  115  distributes the biasing forces more evenly and can result in smoother sliding action of the elongate members. In contrast, a single offset spring may produce unbalanced bending moments of the type that can result in binding action that opposes the telescoping sliding movement of the elongate members  115 . However, it is understood that a single biasing member can be used, including a single spring (whether on the central axis or offset from the central axis), without departing from the scope of the invention. It is also understood that the biasing member can be omitted if desired (e.g., using friction to hold the hooks  103  in the desired position). 
     The hanger  101  suitably also includes label display system  201  that facilitates display of a label  203  containing information about the contents of a notebook supported by the hanger. For example, the label display system  201  is suitably configured to releaseably secure a label  203  ( FIGS. 3 and 21 ) to the hanger in a manner in which the label is visible while the hanger is supporting a notebook without use of any adhesive to secure the label to the hanger. In the illustrated embodiment, the label display system  201  includes a transparent structure  205  (broadly a “label cover”) positioned and arranged to hold the label  203  on the hanger  101  between the transparent structure and other parts of the hanger  101 . For instance, the transparent structure  205  suitably holds the label  203  between the transparent structure and one of the elongate members  115 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 3, 7, 13 and 21-22 , for example, the transparent structure  205  is suitably a door made of a transparent material (e.g., a transparent polymeric material). The door is selectively moveable between a closed position ( FIGS. 1 and 7 ) in which the door substantially covers a label receptacle  207  formed in one of the elongate members  115  for receiving the label  203  and an open position ( FIG. 21 ) in which the receptacle is at least partially exposed for adding, removing, and/or replacing labels. The door  205  is suitably mounted for pivoting movement on a hinge  209  connecting one end of the door to one of the elongate members  115  at an end of the label receptacle  207 . A latch  211  is configured to releasably secure the opposite end of the door to the same elongate member  115 . In the illustrated embodiment, the door  205  is connected to the elongate member  115  that has the narrower end  161  at the interface. However, the door could be mounted on the other elongate member if desired. 
     The hinge  209  and latch  211  are suitably formed integrally with the door  205  and elongate member  115 . The door  205  and elongate member  115  are suitably configured so that the door can be snapped directly into a hinged connection with the elongate member. Referring to  FIG. 22 , for example, the door  205  suitably has a pair of arms  213  at the end having the hinged connection with the elongate member. The arms  213  are suitably formed integrally as one-piece with the rest of the door  205  (e.g., by the entire door being molded as one-piece). The ends of the arms  213  are suitably separated from the rest of the door  205  by longitudinally extending slots  217  extending in from the end of the door. This facilitates flexing at the distal ends of the arms  213 . Beveled detents  215  extend outward from the arms  213 . Referring to  FIG. 16 , the elongate member  115  has openings  225  on opposite sides of the label receptacle  207  at the hinge connection  209  for receiving the beveled detents  215  on the door  205 . 
     During assembly of the hanger  101 , the door  205  can be snapped into hinged connection with the elongate member  115  by inserting the arms  213  of the door into the space between the openings  225  at the end of the label receptacle  207 . The arms  213  flex inwardly to allow the detents  215  to fit between the opposite sides of the label receptacle  207 . As detents  215  move into alignment with the openings  225 , the arms  213  move toward their un-deformed configuration and drive the detents  215  into the openings  225 , thereby snapping the door  205  into a hinged connection with the elongate member  115 . Referring to  FIG. 16 , there is suitably a depression  227  at one end of the label receptacle  207  to provide clearance for the end of the door  205  in the open position. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 13 , the door  205  and elongate member  115  are suitably configured so the end of the door opposite the hinge  209  can be releasably secured directly to the elongate member. In the illustrated embodiment, for instance, the door includes a generally U-shaped leaf spring  219  at the end of the door opposite the hinge  209 . The leaf spring  219  is suitably formed integrally with the door  205  (e.g., by being molded as one-piece with the rest of the door). A pair of retainers  221  extend outward from the distal end of the leaf spring  219 . The retainers  221  are positioned so when the door  205  is in the closed position the retainers can engage a lip  223  on the elongate member  115  extending into the label receptacle  207 . One of the retainers  221  is suitably above the lip  223  when the door  205  is closed while the other retainer is below the lip. This allows the retainers  221  to block opening movement of the door  205  while also blocking over-rotation of the door in the closing direction, which could undesirably make it difficult to open the door. To open the door  205 , a user presses against the leaf spring  219  to deform it until the retainers  221  disengage the lip  223 . Once the retainers  221  are disengaged from the lip  223 , the retainers no longer block pivoting movement of the door  205  on the hinge  209 , which can be pivoted by the user to the open position. 
       FIGS. 23-25  show one embodiment of the hanger  101  in combination with a notebook  231 . The notebook  231  includes an outer cover  233  including a spine  235  and front and back covers  237 ,  239  hingedly secured to the spine. The hooks  103  of the hanger  101  are secured to the spine  235  of the notebook cover  233 . In particular, the upper and lower edges of the spine  235  are in the spaces  111  defined by the hooks  103 . The notebook  231  also includes a ring binder mechanism  241  mounted on the back cover  239  adjacent the spine  235 . Because the hanger  101  does not require any engagement or interaction with the ring binder mechanism  241  to remain secured to the notebook  231 , there is no need for the ring binder mechanism to be mounted on the spine  235  of the notebook. Thus, the hanger  101  can be secured to the notebook  231  independently of the choice for the position of the ring binder mechanism  241  on the notebook  231  (on the spine vs. on one of the covers adjacent the spine). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 26 , it is also possible to secure the hanger to the spine  235  when a ring binder mechanism  241  is secured to the spine instead of to the cover adjacent the spine. It is possible that the ends of some ring binder mechanisms may interfere with the ability to extend the hooks  103  over the edges of the spine  235 . However, in many cases it will be possible to insert the ends  107  of the hooks  103  between the ring binder mechanism  241  and the spine  235 . One possible obstruction is the rivets or other fasteners that may be used to secure the ring binder mechanism  241  to the spine  235 . The ends  107  of the hooks  103  suitably have cutouts  133  formed therein. The cutouts  133  are sized and positioned so rivets or other similar fasteners securing the ring binder mechanism  241  to the spine may be received in the cutouts to reduce the likelihood of obstruction. 
     Although, the hanger  101  can be secured to the spine  235  even though a ring binder mechanism  241  is also secured to the spine in many cases, it is understood that there may be some ring binder mechanisms having configurations that prevent a secure connection between the hanger and the spine when that particular size and shape of ring binder mechanism is secured to the spine. However, various modifications can be made to the size and shape of the hooks to adapt the hanger for use with ring binder mechanisms that obstruct securement of the particular hanger  101  illustrated herein to the spine when those particular ring binder mechanisms are secured to the notebook spine. 
     One embodiment of a method of storing a notebook  231  in a hanging drawer system will now be outlined. The hanger  101  is secured to the notebook cover  233  by securing one of the hooks  103  to a first end of the notebook spine  235  and securing the other hook to the opposite end of the spine. For example, the hooks  103  are suitably moved away from one another against the force of springs  187  or other biasing member(s), as illustrated in  FIG. 27  to place the hooks over the ends of the spine  235 . Then the hooks  103  are moved toward one another, as illustrated by the arrow in  FIG. 27 , until the ends of the spine  235  are received in the hooks, as illustrated in  FIG. 23 . If desired, the hanger  101  may be secured to the spine  235  of the notebook  231  without using any part of any ring binder mechanism that may be secured to the notebook cover  233  to secure the hanger to the notebook. The hanger  101  does not rely on any engagement with the ring binder mechanism to make a secure connection with the notebook. 
     In one embodiment of this method, the notebook  231  has a ring binder mechanism  241  mounted on the spine (as in FIG.  26 ). In another embodiment of this method, the notebook  231  has a ring binder mechanism  241  mounted on one of the covers  237  adjacent the spine  235  (as in  FIG. 23 ). Because the hanger  101  can in many cases be secured to the notebook cover  233  regardless of the position of the ring binder mechanism  241 , it is usually not necessary to be concerned about the position of the ring binder mechanism when selecting a hanger to use to support a particular notebook. 
     Optionally, the door  205  of the label display system  201  is unlatched and moved to its open position ( FIG. 21 ). A label  203  containing information about the contents of the notebook  231  is placed in the label receptacle  207 . Then the door  205  is closed to hold the label  203  in the receptacle  207  so the label is visible through the transparent door. 
     The arms  123  of the hanger are moved from their retracted positions ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) to their extended positions ( FIGS. 10-12 ). Then the notebook  231  and hanger  101  combination is placed in the drawer so that the support surfaces  125  of the arms sit on the rails  251  of the hanging drawer system, as illustrated in  FIG. 28 , and the rails support the hanger and notebook. In most cases, the hanger  101  and notebook  231  will be completely suspended by the rails. However, this will depend on the size and shape of the drawer and the notebook  231  and it is understood the notebook may partially rest on a lower surface of the drawer without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     If it is desired to re-use the hanger  101  to support a different notebook  231 , the hanger is separated from the notebook by moving the hooks  103  away from one another against the bias of the biasing member(s)  187  so that at least one edge of the notebook spine  235  is withdrawn from the space  111  in the respective hook  103 . Then the other hook  103  can easily be detached from the opposite end of the notebook spine  235 . The process can be repeated to secure the hanger  101  to the next notebook. If desired, the label  203  can easily be replaced with a different label by opening the door  205  and replacing the label. 
     As used herein, all terms indicating a particular orientation (e.g., up, down, etc.) are not limiting. The hangers and notebooks described herein can be re-oriented in any manner without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. 
     As various changes could be made in the above apparatuses, systems, and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.