Patent Publication Number: US-7909234-B2

Title: Compact storage device for receipts, coupons and other small paper documents

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a Non-Provisional which claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/842,259, entitled “COMPACT STORAGE DEVICE FOR RECEIPTS, COUPONS AND OTHER SMALL PAPER DOCUMENTS” filed Sep. 2, 2006, the entirety of which is incorporated herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates in general to a compact storage device, and in particular to a flexible, compact accordion style storage device having a unique closure mechanism and tab indexing system for organizing receipts, coupons and other small paper documents in an orderly fashion. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Conventionally, a person may carry their receipts and other small paper documents in a pocket of a wallet, a paper envelope, a plastic folder, and/or some other cumbersome manner. These traditional methods are disorganized and difficult to manage. 
     Likewise, a professional may carry his business receipts in variety of unorganized ways. For example, professionals or business travelers often use larger folders such as conventional sized letter and legal sized folders to carry business and travel related receipts. Carrying larger or bulkier than needed folders for smaller receipts and records is not practical and can become awkward or cumbersome. Making use of the disorganized methods described above thwarts the organization process and causes more confusion and frustration when trying to save receipts and other small documents. As such, it is difficult to specifically identify and compartmentalize the various small paper documents obtained. 
     Furthermore, previously used organizers have not addressed the need for a portable and compact storage device (such as for example, one measuring approximately 4×6 through 6×9 inches) and is functional in design and size (e.g., length and width) to suitably fit within a small space such as a purse, a briefcase, a computer bag, a notebook, a day planner, a person&#39;s pocket, a glove compartment and/or some other small area of space. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a portable and compact storage device to categorize, and organize small paper documents and objects. Examples of receipts or paper documents which may be applicable to the invention include the organization of ATM receipts, deposit slips, receipts and coupons from a variety of locations, such as: a bank, a grocery store, a department store, a boutique, a hair salon/spa, a pharmacy, a restaurant/gas, etc. Likewise, utilizing this invention, the business traveler can readily keep track of his receipts from a hotel, a restaurant, for transportation, airfare, tips and the like. 
     This invention provides a unique method of organizing and categorizing the various small paper documents within the organizer. In particular, this invention employs a unique tab and divider system to categorize and organize the small paper documents within the organizing folder. According to an exemplary embodiment, magnetic tabs may be pre-printed and personalized according to the user&#39;s preference. Thus, the user is able to select categories for organization that best fit his/her needs. Likewise, the magnetic tab function enables the user to easily remove and interchange the tabs and respective printed categories as needed. The dividers within the organizing folder may be constructed from a combination of a metal (such as steel) and a paper material and/or any other material suitable for securing the labels to the tabs. Any suitable metallic composition having magnetic properties may be used in connection with this invention. 
     According to this invention, the compact storage organizer includes a unique closure mechanism. The closure mechanism includes a circular magnet embedded within a closure flap, and an elongated magnet receptor embedded within a front cover of the compact storage organizer. Irrespective of how full the organizer has been filled, when the closure flap is closed against the front cover, at least a portion of the circular magnet is magnetically attracted to at least a portion of the elongated magnet receptor, thereby securing the closure flap closed against the front cover. 
     Another object of the invention is to configure the organizer in a portable and compact configuration which will fit comfortably within a small space such as a purse, a briefcase, a computer bag, a notebook, a day planner, a person&#39;s pocket, a glove compartment and/or some other small area of space. 
     Yet another aspect of the invention is to construct the organizer with an external durable and semi-rigid structure. The internal portion of the organizer includes a plurality of semi-rigid dividers which may be individually labeled with indexing label tabs to provide optimal organization. 
     Another object of this invention is to include features of a wallet and/or a checkbook organizer that include a plurality of retaining sleeves adapted to hold cards, a checkbook, a transaction register and other similar items in a compact manner. 
     Alternatively, the compact storage device may also include a storage compartments for storing various items, such as indexing label tabs, change, dollar bills and/or any other small loose items in a systematic manner. 
     A further object of this invention is to construct a sub-divider within a file section divider. The object of this feature is to be able to further sub-divide each of the dividers within a single major divider. 
     These and other objects, features, and/or advantages may accrue from various aspects of embodiments of the present invention, as described in more detail below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or similar components or steps, with reference to the following figures. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a compact storage device including a first closure mechanism according to this invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a closed configuration for the compact storage device including the first closure mechanism according to this invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows another open configuration for the compact storage device including an alternative securing mechanism according to this invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows a closed configuration for the compact storage device including another closure mechanism according to this invention. 
         FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate an internal file section divider including a first embodiment for an indexing label tab according to this invention. 
         FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate an internal file section divider including a second embodiment for an indexing label tab according to this invention. 
         FIG. 9  shows an internal file section divider including a third embodiment for an indexing label tab according to this invention. 
         FIG. 10  depicts an internal file section divider including a fourth embodiment for an indexing label tab according to this invention. 
         FIGS. 11 and 12  show yet another exemplary illustration of an internal file section divider assembled according to another embodiment for the tab system of this invention. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates the compact storage device including a storage within the compact storage device according to this invention. 
         FIG. 14  is an illustration of a compact storage device including a storage compartment disposed on the outside of closure flap according to this invention. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates the compact storage device including a storage compartment and a pair of card retaining sleeves according to this invention. 
         FIG. 16  shows an open configuration for another alternative embodiment illustrating a checkbook organizing system including a retaining sleeve for a checkbook and a retaining sleeve for a transaction register according to this invention. 
         FIG. 17  shows an open configuration for the compact storage device including the checkbook and the transaction register according to this invention. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a compact checkbook billfold storage device having expandable gussets and a tab system according to this invention. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a wallet storage device having expandable gussets and a tab system according to yet another aspect of this invention. 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a compact storage device including an expandable opening mechanism having expandable gussets and a tab system according to this invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     Particular embodiments of the present invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the figures. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a compact storage device  10 . As shown, the compact storage device  10  is adapted to address the need for a portable and compact storage device that is functional in design and size to suitably fit within a small space such as a purse, a briefcase, computer bag, a notebook, a day planner, a person&#39;s pocket, a glove compartment and/or some other small area of space. 
     In particular, the compact storage device  10  has a generally rectangular front cover  12  and a generally rectangular back cover  16 . The front cover  12  has a top edge  13  and a bottom edge  14 . Likewise, the back cover  16  has a top edge  17  and a bottom edge  18 . Although shown rectangular in shape, it is to be understood that the compact storage device  10  can take on a variety of different shapes and lengths. 
     The compact storage device  10  includes a folding closure flap  20  that is foldable over the top edge  13  of the front cover  12 . According to this exemplary embodiment, the back cover  16  and the closure flap  20  may be integrally formed as a single semi-rigid material panel. It is to be understood that the back cover  16  and closure flap  20  may be formed integrally or separately and fastened together. 
     An open container portion  4  of the compact storage device  10  may be constructed as an insert onto which the front cover  12 , the rear cover  16  and the cover flap  20  are affixed.  FIG. 1 , for example, shows an exemplary open container portion  4  constructed from a front cover panel  14   a , the side gusset panel sheets  26 ,  28 , a bottom cover  15 , file section dividers  32 , and a rear cover panel  16   a.    
     The advantage of constructing the open container portion  4  in this manner is that an upper edge  14   b  of the front cover panel  14   a  and an upper edge  16   b  of the rear cover panel  16   a  form a protective ledge. The upper edge  14   b  of the front cover panel  14   a  and an upper edge  16   b  of the rear cover panel  16   a  define a ledge upon which the closure flap  20  may be supported and folded over. The advantage of the protective ledge is that the tab system and none of the index label tabs  40  (described in more detail later) and/or the contents within the compact storage organizer  10  get crushed and thereby destroyed when the cover flap  20  is securely closed against the front cover  12 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , it is also possible to build up the closure flap (and/or any of the panels of the compact storage device  10 ) by incorporating a reinforced padded material  20   a  into the closure flap  20 . It may also be desirable to add reinforced padded material  12   a  to the front cover  12 . One advantage of the reinforced padded materials  20   a ,  12   a  is to strengthen the outer protective covering of the compact storage device  10  so that when the front cover  12  and closure flap  20  are brought to a closed stowed position, a durable flat closure may be ensured. 
     The front cover  12 , the bottom cover  15 , back cover  16 , the central cover  22  and the closure flap  20  may be formed of any number of various materials. These components may be made of a semi-rigid material, such as for example, a fabric, paper, an animal skin (e.g., leather and the like), a metal, a composite, a polymer or plastic material, such as polypropylene or polyethylene and/or any other material now known or later discovered which provides the semi-rigid strength necessary in accordance with this invention. 
     Another aspect of this invention is to line either one or both of the interior or exterior of the compact storage device  10  and/or layer the various portions of the compact storage device  10  with a material, including but not limited to a fabric, felt, leather, animal skin, a faux material, and an aesthetic design and/or any other type of cover that may provide additional protection against wear and tear and/or to provide an attractive aesthetic appearance. 
       FIG. 1 , for example shows a material liner  2  wrapped around the closure flap  20  and the front cover  12 .  FIG. 1  also shows another material liner  2   a  disposed beneath the outer material liner  2 . Any number of liners may be implemented in accordance with this invention. The various material liners  2 ,  2   a  may be fastened to the closure flap  20 , the front cover  12  and/or any other part of the compact storage device  10  in any number of different ways.  FIG. 1  shows the various material liners being fastened to the compact storage device via a fastening threaded stitch  3 . The closure flap  20  is secured close against the front cover  12  via a securing mechanism when stowed in a compact portable position. Any number of securing mechanisms may be employed. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment,  FIGS. 1 and 2  depict the closure mechanism as a magnetic closure mechanism. As shown, the magnetic closure mechanism includes a circular magnet  43  embedded within the closure flap  20 , and an elongated magnet receptor  45  embedded within the front cover  12 . The circular magnet  43  and the elongated magnet receptor  45  are magnetically attracted to each other so that the closure flap  20  may be securely closed against the front cover  12 . 
     It is to be understood that the pair of magnetic elements  43 ,  45  are interchangeable (between a metal and a magnet), such that element  43  may be constructed as a circular magnet receptor and element  45  may be disposed as an elongated magnet. The magnet receptor may be constructed as a metallic substance (such as for example, a piece of metal or steel, or the like) onto which a magnet may be attracted. Alternatively, the pair of magnetic elements  43 ,  45  may both be constructed as a pair of magnets so that element  43  is a first circular magnet and element  45  is a second elongated magnet. 
     The same holds true for the description as it relates to the magnetic tab system and the magnetically attractive closure elements  302  and  304  in  FIG. 21 , as will be described later. 
     According to this exemplary embodiment depicted in the cut-away illustration for  FIG. 1 , a circular magnet  43  and an elongated magnet receptor  45  are provided. The circular magnet  43  may be disposed within the closure flap  20  adjacent to a top edge (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the closure flap  20 . An elongated magnet receptor  45  (e.g., constructed as an elongated flexible metal sheet) may be embedded within the front cover  12 . The elongated magnet receptor  45  extends vertically across the front cover  12  from a lower edge  14  to an upper edge  13  of the front cover  12 . The magnet elements  43 ,  45  used in accordance with this invention may be flexible in design to withstand the repeated closing and folding configuration of the closure flap  20  over the front cover  12 . It should also be noted that the magnetic closure mechanism may be constructed as an external magnet snap. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates that the advantage to this configuration, in that, irrespective of how full the compact storage organizer  10  may be, when the closure flap  20  is closed against the front cover  12 , at least a portion of the first circular magnet  43  will be magnetically attracted to at least a portion of the second elongated magnet  45  due to adjustment length afforded by the vertical length of the second elongated magnet  45 . As a result, a secure closure between the closure flap  20  and the front cover  12  is ensured. 
     Although the magnet  43  and the elongated magnet receptor  45  are shown as being circular and an elongated rectangular configuration, it is to be understood that they may take any shape and may be positioned at any location on the compact storage organizer  10  in accordance with this invention in order to secure the closure flap  20  to the front cover  12 . Furthermore, the magnet  43  and the elongated magnet receptor  45  may be configured in any number of various thicknesses and lengths sufficient to cause the closure flap  20  to be secured to the front cover  12 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an alternative method for fastening the closure flap  20  to the front panel  12 . As shown, the closure flap  20  is provided with an elastic strap  42  to secure the compact storage device  10  closed. The elastic strap  42  passes through an opening  44  in the closure flap  20  until an end clip  46  portion of the elastic strap  42  rests against the opening  44  thereby securing the elastic clasp  42  to the closure flap  20 . The length of the end clip  46  may be intentionally constructed large enough to prevent the end clip  46  from passing through the opening  44  in the closure flap  20 . 
     In use, the elastic strap  42  may be wrapped vertically (i.e., as shown, from a top edge to a bottom edge) around the compact storage device  10 . In the alternative, it is possible for the elastic strap  42  to be stretched from the closure flap  20  downward in a counter clock-wise direction (as shown in  FIG. 3 ) around the compact storage device  10  to a receptor or attachment (not shown), such as a round piece and/or hook onto which the elastic strap  42  may be tied around. The receptor or attachment may be located at a predetermined location on the compact storage device  10 . For example, the receptor or attachment may be located on the front cover  12 , the rear cover  16  or the closure flap  20 . In this stowed position, the elastic strap  42  is under tension and secures the compact storage device  10  closed. 
       FIG. 3  also shows the back cover  16  and closure flap  20  including a central cover  22  portion. The central cover  22  portion may include articulated expandable seams  24  to allow for the expansion of the compact storage device  10  when numerous papers are stored within the compact storage device  10 . A fold at the top edge  17  of the back cover  16  may be disposed to delineate the back cover  16  from the closure flap  20 . The front cover  12  of the compact storage device  10  may be formed of a separate, second semi-rigid material as similarly mentioned above with respect to the back cover  16  and the closure flap  20 . A bottom cover  15  is disposed between the bottom edge  14  of the front cover  12  and the bottom edge  18  of the back cover  16 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a single semi-rigid sheet of material may be configured to integrally make up the front cover  12 , the bottom cover  15 , the back cover  16 , the central cover  22 , and the closure flap  20 . The single semi-rigid sheet of material may be folded along the bottom edge  14  of the front cover  12  to delineate the front cover  12  from the bottom cover  15  and along the bottom edge  18  of the back cover  16  to delineate the bottom cover  15  from the back cover  16 . Finally, the single semi-rigid sheet of material may be folded along the top edge  17  of the back cover  16  to delineate the back cover  16  from the central cover  22  portion of the closure flap  20 . Alternatively, it is to be understood that the front cover  12 , the bottom cover  15 , the back cover  16 , the central cover  22  portion and the closure flap  20  may all be separately constructed as separate pieces and then fastened together, such as by being hinged and serially connected to each other at adjoining edges. 
       FIG. 3  also illustrates the integration of a pocket  5  onto the front cover  12 . As shown, the pocket  5  may span across the length of the front cover  12 . alternatively, the pocket  5  may be made shorter that the entire width of the front cover  12  and/or any other size or shape in accordance with this invention. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the closure flap  20  secured to the front panel  12  according to yet another exemplary method for fastening the closure flap  20  to the front panel  12 . As shown, an elastic band  48  may be provided that may be stretched around: the front cover  12 , a pair of side gusset panel sheets  26  and  28  and the back cover  16  into a closed secure position. In operation, the elastic band  48  may be stretched to envelope the entire structure of the compact storage device  10  so that the compact storage device  10  may be transported in a portable and secure manner. 
     The closure flap  20  may be releasably fastened to the front cover  12  in a variety of different ways as described above. Numerous other alternatives are also possible, such as for example, the closure flap  20  may be fastened to the front cover  12  by a mating hook and eye fastening pads (such as Velcro™ hereafter “Velcro”), a snap and/or any other fastening techniques may be employed that are now known or later discovered in accordance with this invention. 
     Referring to the side gusset panel sheets  26  and  28  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the compact storage device  10  in more detail. The side gusset panel sheets  26  and  28  originally may have a rectangular shape. As shown, the side gusset panel sheets  26  and  28  are folded back and forth along vertical folds in alternating directions to form a plurality of accordion pleats. Alternatively, the accordion pleats may be formed in an alternating and/or inverted construction. As conventionally known, the front and back ends of each of the side gusset panel sheets  26  and  28  may form thin, narrow, edge margin reinforcement strips  26   a ,  28   a  that may be fastened to the front cover  12  and back cover  16  respectively. 
     The fastening of the side gusset panel sheets  26  and  28  to the front cover  12  and the back cover  16  may be done in any number of ways, including but not limited to, gluing, heat welding, and/or any other known method for adhering. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the margin reinforcement strips  26   a ,  28   a  may extend the entire length of the side of the compact storage device  10  side gusset panel sheets  26  and  28  from the top edge  13  to the bottom edge  14  of the front cover  12  and the top edge  17  to the bottom edge  18  of the back cover  16 . Similarly, the side gusset panel sheets  26  and  28  and the bottom cover  15  may be permanently secured throughout their entire lengths to the front cover  12  and the back cover  16  by narrow, fabric edge margin reinforcement strips  26   a ,  28   a . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the side gusset panel sheets  26  and  28  may be additionally supported by reinforcement bands  30 . 
     Alternatively, and as shown in  FIG. 3 , clasps  30   a  may be used to fasten the side gusset panel sheets  26 ,  28  to the file section dividers  32 . Furthermore, the clasp  30   a  may be used to fasten any of the various components of the compact storage organizer  10 . The clasp  30   a  may be made from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, a polymer, a metal, a fabric and/or any other material capable of fastening that is now known or later developed in accordance with this invention. In the alternative to applying an adhesive, the joints between any of the components of the compact storage organizer  10  may be sewn together to provide an attachment between any of the various components of this invention. 
     The side gusset panel sheets  26  and  28  may be formed of any material, including for example a durable cloth material, suitable for providing rigidity while being flexed into an accordion shape. Generally, the side gusset panel sheets  26  and  28  may be constructed to be thinner and more flexible than the front cover  12 , the back cover  16 , bottom cover  15 , the central cover  22  and the closure flap  20 . For example, materials may be chosen from a semi-rigid material, such as for example, a fabric, a metal, a composite, a polymer or plastic material, such as polypropylene or polyethylene and/or any other material now known or later discovered which provides the semi-rigid strength necessary in accordance with this invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , together, the front cover  12 , the back cover  16 , the side gusset panel sheets  26  and  28 , and the bottom cover  15  define a single expandable pouch pocket. This expandable pouch pocket and the open container portion  4  (as described above in  FIG. 1 ) are constructed to a size and configuration suitable for accommodating small receipts, coupons, and smaller items that are preferably flat in nature. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , within the expandable pouch pocket and the open container portion  4 , the compact storage device  10  includes file section dividers  32 . The file section dividers  32  may be formed of separate sheets of a semi-rigid material, such as paper and steel sheets, and/or made from any semi-rigid material as mentioned above. For example, file section dividers  32  may be constructed from a combination of paper and steel sheets. The file section dividers  32  may be fastened within the compact storage device  10  in any variety of known methods including gluing the extended sides and/or securing dividers to the sides of the folder using a metal or a plastic clasp  30   a  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 6  shows the exemplary file section dividers  32  depict including a generally rectangular configuration with a horizontal top edge  34  and a horizontal bottom edge  36 . The top and bottom edges  34 ,  36  are mutually parallel to each other. Each of the file section dividers  32  also has mutually parallel side edges  37 ,  38  which are oriented substantially perpendicular to the upper and lower edges of the side gusset panel sheets  26  and  28 . The file section dividers  32  are generally similar in size and shape to the front cover  12  and the back cover  16 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the interior portion of the top edge  34  of the file section dividers  32  may be recessed downwardly below the transverse extremities  34   a  of the divider sheet file section dividers  32  to allow for the indexing label tabs  40  to lie substantially flush with the top of the transverse extremities  34   a  of the file section divider  32  within expandable pouch pocket of the compact storage device  10 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the file section dividers  32  are coupled to the front cover  12  and the back cover  16  with a plurality of accordion fold pleated connections formed by the side gusset panel sheets  26  and  28 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , margin reinforcement strips  26   a ,  28   a  of the side gusset panel sheets  26  and  28  are secured to the mutually facing surfaces of the front cover  12  and the back cover  16 , and are fastened from top to bottom. 
     An advantage of this invention is that the size of the compact storage device  10  is sufficiently portable to accommodate smaller document papers and items. The size and shape of the compact storage device  10  may be optimized for a variety purposes which may include storing larger paper documents and items, such as letter and/or legal size. It is to be understood that the compact storage device  10  may be designed larger and that the features and objects of this invention may also be applied to a larger storage devices. 
     According to yet another exemplary embodiment of this invention, indexing label tabs  40  may be fastened to the file section dividers  32  in a plurality of different ways.  FIGS. 5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11  and  12  illustrate various exemplary embodiments for a magnetic index label tab system employing the file section dividers  32  and index label tabs  40  in accordance with this invention. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  show one exemplary embodiment for constructing an indexing label tab  40 . The indexing label tab  40  includes indicia (or a label) defining a label portion  52  attached to a stem portion  54  having a magnet  56  disposed at one end. An associated file section divider  32  includes a receiving slot  57  having a mating magnet receptor  58  (such as a metallic portion or a second magnet). The stem portion  54  is inserted into the receiving slot  57  disposed on the files section divider  32  until the magnet  56  is magnetically secured to the magnet receptor  58 . 
     As mentioned above with respect to the magnetic elements  43  and  45  in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , it is to be understood that the magnetic pairing of magnetic elements  56  and  58  may be achieved in a plurality of different ways, for example with a metal and magnet pairing, such as where the stem  54  and element  56  may be made from a metal (so that  56  is magnet receptor  56 ), and the magnet  58  is provided at a predetermined location to receive the metal stem  54  and magnetic mating receptor  56 . Alternatively, the receiving slot may  57  and/or the element  58  (magnet receptor  58 ) may be constructed as a metal and the magnet  56  is magnetically attracted to the metal slot  57  and/or magnet receptor  58 . Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the magnetic elements  56  and  58  may both be magnets and operate to magnetically secure the tab  40  to the file section divider  32 . 
     The advantage of this exemplary embodiment is that the indexing label tabs  40  are aligned and interchangeable and can be quickly replaced as the user desires. It is to be understood that the receiving slot is not necessary and the magnetic tab system can be used simply by associating a magnet with a magnet receptor disposed in or on an associated file section divider  32 . Furthermore, the magnet receptor  58  portion may be implemented as a single long magnet receptor (e.g., a metallic portion or a magnet) spanning across the horizontal length of the file section divider  32  so that the indexing label tab  40  may be infinitely located at any position along the horizontal upper edge  34  of the file section divider  32 . 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  show another exemplary embodiment for the indexing label tabs  40 . According to this embodiment, an indexing label tab  40  may be constructed of a male connector portion  62  that is attached to a female connector  64 . Alternatively, the male connector portion  62  may be fastened directly to the file section divider  32  without the use of a female connector  64 . The male connector portion  62  may be made to fasten to the female connector  64  or the file section divider  32  in a variety of different ways including, but not limited to, configuring the male connector portion  62  as a magnetic fastener, a snap-on fastener, a removable adhesive, Velcro attachment and/or any other fastener now known or later described. 
     The various indexing label tabs  40  may be attached as uniquely described in this application (as shown in  FIGS. 5-12 ) and/or in any conventional manner, such as with an adhesive, by being heat welded and/or any other method for fastening an indexing label tabs  40  at various locations along the top portion  34  of a file section divider  32 . 
     The indexing label tab systems shown in  FIGS. 5-12  have broad use capabilities for a variety of organizational uses, including but not limited to, a daily/monthly/yearly planner, a diary, a storage device, a file folder, a storage folder, an expandable file folder pocket, for notebooks, hanging folders, binders and the like. The indexing label tabs  40  may be custom made, color coded, pre-printed, user defined and printed and/or constructing by any method now known or later discovered in accordance with this invention. 
       FIG. 8  also depicts another aspect of this invention. That is, an additional sub-divider  33  may be incorporated within any one of, or all of, the file section dividers  32 . As such, the user can further, and more conveniently, sub-divide at least one of the file section dividers  32  into multiple division compartments. For example, a person can organize the contents of a file section divider  32  by purchase from a “salon and beauty” supply store that the individual chooses to keep and record and those purchases that are to returned in a separate sub-divider  33  entitled “RETURNS.” 
     The sub-divider  33  may be integrated within at least one of the file section dividers  32  in a plurality of different ways. For example, the sub-divider  33  may be attached to either side of at least one of the file section dividers  32  as shown in  FIG. 8 . Alternatively, the sub-divider  33  may be disposed central within one of the file section dividers  32  and not necessarily attached to one of the sides of the file section dividers  32 . 
     The sub-divider  33  may be attached and/or integrated into at least one of the file section dividers  32  in a variety of different ways, including but not limited to, being glued, adhered, heat-welded, sewn, utilizing an adhesive, a snap attachment, a magnet, Velcro and/or any other method now known or later discovered in accordance with this invention. Alternatively, the sub-divider  33  may be comprised of the same material and constructed similar to the file section dividers  32  described above. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment for the indexing label tabs  40 . According to this embodiment, the indexing label tab  40  is composed of a tab support portion  82  that protrudes upward from the file section divider  32 . The label portion  52  is magnetically secured to the tab support portion  82 . The tab support portion  82  may be made of a magnet  84  and the label portion  52  may be constructed as a magnet receptor  53 . Alternatively, the label portion  52  may be constructed as a magnet  53  and the tab support portion  82  may be constructed as a magnet receptor  84 . The magnet receptor may be composed of a metallic material, such as a thin sheet of steel or the like. On the other hand, both the tab support portion  82  and the label portion may be constructed as a pair of mating magnets. 
     According to this exemplary embodiment, in operation, the magnet  53  is magnetically secured to the magnet receptor  84  of the tab support portion  82 . Although shown at one side of the file section divider, the tab support portion  82  may be disposed anywhere adjacent to the upper edge of the file section divider  32 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an alternative embodiment in which a magnet receptor  84   a  portion (as shown in hidden line) may be extended along substantially the entire length of the upper edge  32   d  of the file section divider  32 . As such, the magnet  53  and the label portion  52   a  may be disposed on the magnet receptor  84   a  portion in an infinite number of positions along the upper edge  34  of the file section divider  32 . Alternatively, instead of the upper portion of the file section divider  32  (as shown in hidden line  84   a ) being constructed as a magnet receptor, it may be constructed as a second elongated magnet  84   a  so that the magnet  53  and label portion  52   a  may be disposed along the second elongated magnet  84   a  anywhere along the upper portion of the file section divider  32 . 
     According to this embodiment, the file section divider  32  is not shown having a top edge recessed below transverse extremities  34   a  (as it is shown in  FIG. 9 ). In  FIG. 10 , the top  32   d  of the file section divider  32  is continuous and there is no step or recess illustrated. For exemplary purposes, the entire file section divider  32  may be made of a metallic material. As previously mentioned, the index label tab  40  is constructed of a label portion  52   a  and a magnet  53 . The magnet  53  is adapted to be magnetically coupled to any location on the metallic file section divider  32 . In assembly, the index label tab  40  may be positioned on the file section divider  32  so that the top  32   c  of the index label tab  40  is positioned flush with the top  32   d  of the file section divider  32 . However, according to this embodiment, the index label tab  52   a  may be positioned anywhere on the file section divider  32 . 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate an enlarged view for another variant in which the file section divider  32  includes a recess  40   a  into which the index label tab  40  is to be placed and aligned. As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the index label tab  40  is assembled in place within the recess  40   a  so that the front surface  32   a  of the index label tab  40  and the front surface  32   b  of the file section divider  32  are substantially flush with each other. Likewise, in assembly, the top surface  32   c  of the index label tab  40  and the top surface  32   d  of the file section divider  32  are also substantially flush with each other. 
     The advantage of the flush assembled construction is that the index label tab  40  is captivated flush within the file section divider  32  and is not easily dislocated from the recess  40   a  within the file section dividers  32  because the edges of the index label tab  40 , which would otherwise hang up on items, are recessed and not protruding and will not be easily snagged and thereby dislocated from the file section divider  32 . 
       FIG. 13  demonstrates the compact storage device  10  including a storage compartment  50  for storing contents on the back inside panel of the back cover panel  16   a . The storage compartment  50  includes a zipper  51  closure that secures the contents of the storage compartment  50 . The storage compartment  50  can be embodied by any type of sleeve, pocket or similar thin envelope adapted for receiving various items. 
     The advantage of placing the storage compartment  50  within the compact storage device  10  is to allow for bulk and expansion within the compact storage device  10  while preventing distortion and/or bulkiness to the external material covering of the compact storage device  10 . Also, placing the storage compartment  50  on the inside of the compact storage device  10  is beneficial when, for example, the storage compartment  50  accidentally opens and/or breaks; the contents within the storage compartment  50  will fall into the compact storage device  10  and will not be lost as they would be securely captivated within the closed compact storage device  10 . However, there are other advantages to placing the storage compartment  50  on the outer panels of the compact storage device  10 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates that the storage compartment  50  may be disposed anywhere on the compact storage device  10 , such as for example, on the outside of the closure flap  20 . The storage compartment  50  may be disposed within any of the file section dividers  32  and/or any of the file section dividers  32  may be replaced by a storage compartment  50 . 
     The storage compartment  50  may be affixed to the compact storage device  10  in a variety of different ways, including but not limited to, providing an adhesive, heat welding the edges of the storage compartment  50  and/or any other mode for fastening now known or later discovered in accordance with this invention. Furthermore, any type of closure mechanism may be used, including but not limited to, a zipper, a snap, a magnetic, a zip-lock-type of seal, Velcro, a releasable adhesive, and the like. 
       FIG. 15  shows the implementation of a plurality of various types of retaining sleeves  83 ,  85 ,  87 ,  89  and/or pockets on the compact storage device  10 . In  FIG. 15 , a first card retaining sleeve  83  may be disposed to receive numerous cards to secure the cards in a tiered fashion to maximize a minimum amount of space to hold numerous cards. Alternatively, a second card retaining sleeve  85  is shown in which a single card is secured to the front cover  12  of the compact storage device  10 . 
     It is further understood that the card retaining sleeves  83 ,  85  may be disposed anywhere on the compact storage device  10 . For example, the card retaining sleeves  83 ,  85  may be disposed within any one of the file section dividers  32  into which various cards can be stored. Instead of the user carrying around numerous cards in their wallet, the card retaining sleeves  83 ,  85  in the compact storage device  10  may be used to hold various cards which are not used as frequently by the user and which would otherwise bulk up his or her wallet. An example of cards that may be used less frequently by a user may include, for example, a rewards card, a grocery card, discount cards, access cards, a movie pass, a gym card and/or any other card. 
     The retaining sleeves  83 ,  85 ,  87 ,  89  may also be heat welded, glued and/or attached in any other suitable manner in accordance with the objects and features of this invention. As mentioned later, in the case where a material fabric is disposed over various portions of the compact storage device  10 , slots may be provided within the material fabric for receiving the various cards. 
       FIGS. 16 and 17  illustrate another exemplary embodiment of this invention to include features of a wallet and/or a checkbook style organizer.  FIG. 16  shows a pair of retaining sleeves  87 ,  89 . A first retaining sleeve  87  may be disposed on the front cover  12  adapted to hold a checkbook  90  as shown in  FIG. 17 . A second retaining sleeve  89  may be disposed on the closure flap  20  adapted to hold a transaction register  88  (as shown in  FIG. 17 ) in which each of the checks written by the user may be recorded. The advantage of this configuration is that the user has the convenience of portably carrying their checkbook  90  and transaction register  88  in an organized manner along with the users other financial accounting items. 
     The compact storage device  10  may be configured to include a change or dollar bill compartment (not shown, but similar to the compartment  50 ). The compact storage organizer  10  may be configured to include a change or dollar bill compartment to carry around loose change or dollar bills in a systematic manner. 
     The retaining sleeves  83 ,  85 ,  87   89  may be constructed of various sizes and shapes and may be used to hold a number of different compact items, including for example, a pad of paper, a pen and/or any other compact item in accordance with this invention. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a compact checkbook billfold storage device  100  according to another aspect of this invention. The compact checkbook billfold storage device  100  includes a front cover  12 , bottom cover  15 , a back cover  16 , a central cover  22  portion, a closure flap  20 , and side gusset panel sheets  26  and  28  which define a pouch container portion  94 . 
     As shown, a transaction register  88  (as shown in  FIG. 18 ) may be secured to the retaining sleeve  92  disposed on the closure flap  20  and a checkbook  90  may be secured to the front cover  12  of the compact checkbook billfold storage device  100 . 
     The pouch container portion  94  is adapted to receive file section dividers  32  and indexing label tabs  40  in accordance with this invention and as shown and described in the various figures above. The file section dividers  32  may also be sub-divided by additional sub-divider  33  portions. Within the file section dividers  32  and sub-divider  33 , various small paper documents may be stored. This pouch container portion  94  is configured in size to suitably accommodate small receipts, ATM receipts, deposit slips, coupons, small paper documents and other smaller items that are preferably flat in nature. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a wallet storage device  200  according to yet another aspect of this invention. The wallet storage device  200  may include all of the features and functionality of the compact storage devices  10 ,  100  described above. The exemplary wallet storage device  200  illustrated is shown as a tri-fold wallet including a first panel  210 , a second panel  212 , a third panel  214  and a closure flap  20 . The wallet storage device  200  includes an expandable pouch container portion  94 . The pouch container portion  94  is defined by a front cover  12 , a back cover  16  and side gusset panel sheets  26  and  28 . A plurality of file section dividers  32  and indexing label tabs  40  may be disposed within the pouch container portion  94  for storing and organizing various small paper documents and other items. Additional sub-divider portions may also be implemented to store the various small paper documents in accordance with this invention. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a compact storage device  300  including an expandable opening mechanism  301 . According to this exemplary embodiment, the expandable opening mechanism  301  is constructed of an accordion linkage system. As shown, the accordion linkage system includes a magnet  302  and a magnetic receptor  304  portion which magnetically secure the expandable opening mechanism  301  in a closed position when the magnet  302  and the magnetic receptor  304  portion are magnetically coupled to each other. The compact storage device  300  may include all of the features and functionality of the compact storage devices  10 ,  100  and  200  described above. 
     In operation, the expandable opening mechanism  301  expands open about various pivots  306  so that the pouch container portion  94  may be opened to allow the user can gain access to the small paper documents and items within the file section dividers  32 . When the compact storage device  300  is to be stowed, the expandable opening mechanism  301  is collapsed so that the magnet  302  and the magnetic receptor  304  portion can be brought close together to form a magnetically secure closure. The pivots  306  may include a biasing element, like a spring, which will also influence the expandable opening mechanism  301  into a secure closed position. 
     Although shown as a linkage system, the expandable opening mechanism  301  may be selected from a variety of closure mechanisms. Likewise, the magnetic closure element may be selected from a variety of different fastening elements, such as, magnets, a clip, a slot, a string, a snap closure fasteners, Velcro or other types of mutually engageable and releasable fastening devices may be used to secure the compact storage device  300  closed. 
     Numerous materials may be used as the composition for the compact storage devices  10 , the compact checkbook billfold storage device  100 , the wallet storage device  200 , and the compact storage device  300 . For example, a polymer, a rubber, a plastic, a vinyl, cloth, a paper product and/or any other material now known or later discovered may be used to make up the composition of the compact storage devices  10 ,  100 ,  200  and  300 . 
     Any type of indicia may be printed onto the compact storage device  10 ,  100 ,  200  and  300 . The indicia may include, for example, a trademark, a service mark, a name, an expense or receipt category, an emblem, a logo, a banner, an advertisement and/or any other type of indicia. The user can place indicia to support their favorite business, university, school, local establishment, hobbies, and the like. a name, an expense or receipt category, an emblem 
     It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above described embodiment without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention, such as for example by employing a loose-leaf compact storage device. It is understood therefore that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment which is described, but is intended to cover all modifications and changes within the scope and spirit of the invention.