Patent Publication Number: US-2011065562-A1

Title: Customized tab machine

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/369,977, filed on Feb. 12, 2009, entitled “CUSTOMIZED TAB MACHINE,” which claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/065,457 filed Feb. 12, 2008, entitled “CUSTOMIZED TAB MACHINE,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for providing paper stock with tabs, and more particularly, to a tab making machine suited for use for smaller, more individualized, jobs in an office or the like. 
     Tabbed dividers are often utilized in separating sections of binders, presentations, etc. Typically, these tabbed dividers are thickened pieces of paper stock having a tab extending a distance at least slightly beyond that of normal paper length or width for ease of access to different sections of a multi-section document/presentation. Whether punched with holes or utilized with file folders, such tabbed dividers are important in organizing documents and other papers. With the emergence of easy in-house printing and copying and the use of presentation software such as Microsoft® PowerPoint®, the use of such dividers has only increased. Many businesses make use of tabbed dividers on a regular basis, and must therefore have hundreds or even thousands of such dividers on hand. Some may include pre-printed tab portions for particular uses, while others may be generic labels or are simply left blank. No matter what types of tabbed dividers are utilized, their usefulness is evident and such are constantly in demand. 
     However, with the advent of more self-sufficient offices/businesses comes the need for more personalized or specifically tailored tabs. For example, rather than utilizing generic or blank tabbed dividers, businesses may desire tabs with printing specifically related to their end use. Ordering these customized tabbed dividers from a standard tabbed divider manufacturer can be costly. This is especially true if only a small amount of dividers is required. 
     The general operation of a known tab making apparatus includes feeding paper stock or other suitable material to a shearing or other cutting apparatus. This step is typically mechanically performed through the use of a series of rollers. Once in position, a portion of the paper stock is sheared to create one or more tab portions. These tab portion(s) may be laminated before cutting in order to provide protection and a more finished look. This is generally done by a single machine, millions of times, to produce millions of tabbed dividers. Stopping and programming such a machine to produce a relatively small amount of customized dividers necessarily lowers the overall efficiency of same. This is, of course, reflected in the cost of the customized dividers. 
     Therefore, there exists a need for a tab making machine suited for use for performing smaller, more individualized jobs, such as the ready production of customized tabbed dividers. 
     SUMMARY OF TEE INVENTION 
     A first aspect of the present invention is a tabbed divider making apparatus capable of making tabbed dividers from at least one sheet of paper. The apparatus preferably includes a feeder for providing at least one sheet of paper to the apparatus, a film provider for providing film to the at least one sheet of paper traveling through the apparatus, a knife package for shearing a portion of the at least one sheet of paper to create a tab, at least one strut attached to the knife package, a pivotable arm attached to the at least one strut, at least one spring attached to the pivotable arm, the at least one spring having a loaded position and an unloaded position, and a cam having an oblong shape, wherein rotation of the cam causes movement of the at least one spring between the loaded position and the unloaded position and movement of the at least one spring from the loaded position to the unloaded position causes the knife package to shear the portion of the at least one sheet of paper. 
     In accordance with certain embodiments of this first aspect, the apparatus may further include at least two opposed rollers configured to pull a sheet of paper from the feeder. The at least two opposed rollers may each have a rubber outer portion. The apparatus may further include a film shearing portion having at least one spring and a punch actuated by the at least one spring. In all cases, the film is preferably cut by the tip die. The apparatus may further include a projection to align the film prior to its being cut by the tip die. The film provider may include a roll of film or a removable cartridge having a roll of film. The cartridge may include a housing having an opening through which the film is passed to the film shearing portion, one or more rollers disposed within the housing for advancing the film, a creasing finger disposed within the housing for providing a crease in the film, and two or more opposed extensions disposed within the housing for folding the film along the crease. In other embodiments of this first aspect, the apparatus may include a laminating portion having at least one heated roller that may be capable of at least partially melting the film. The at least one heated roller may include an outer rubber coating and a heating core. The at least one heated roller may rotate with respect to the apparatus while the heating core does not rotate with respect to the apparatus. In still other embodiments, the apparatus may include two springs and two struts, an aluminum frame, and/or an output tray. The knife package may include a standard shear and a cut-out corresponding to the dimensions of a tab. The apparatus may further include a printer, which may be an ink jet printer. 
     A second aspect of the present invention is a method of producing a tabbed divider. This method may include the steps of feeding a sheet of paper into a tabbed divider making apparatus, providing at least a portion of the sheet of paper with film, at least partially laminating the film onto the sheet of paper, shearing a portion of the laminated sheet of paper to create a tabbed divider, the sheering step including rotating a cam having an oblong shape to cause first and second movements of an arm, the first movement of the arm causing loading of at least one spring and the second movement of the arm allowing for unloading of the at least one spring, the unloading forcing a knife package to shear the portion of the laminated sheet of paper, and outputting the tabbed divider from the apparatus. 
     In accordance with certain embodiments of this second aspect, the step of shearing may include loading and unloading at least two springs. The step of providing may include shearing a portion of the film and providing the sheared portion of film to the sheet of paper. The method may further include folding the film prior to shearing a portion thereof. The step of providing may include providing the film from a roll of film or providing the film from a cartridge having a roll of film. The method may further include printing on at least a portion of the sheet of paper. The step of printing may be performed by an ink jet printer. The step of printing may include printing on at least a portion of the laminated portion of the sheet of paper. The step of laminating may be performed by at least one heated roller. 
     A third aspect of the present invention is a removable film cartridge for use with a tabbed divider making apparatus. The cartridge preferably includes a housing having an opening through which the film is passed to the tabbed divider making apparatus, a roll of film disposed within the housing, one or more rollers disposed within the housing for advancing the film, a creasing finger disposed within the housing for providing a crease in the film, and two or more opposed extensions disposed within the housing for folding the film along the crease. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete appreciation of the subject matter of the present invention and the various advantages thereof can be realized by reference to the following detailed description in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIGS. 1A-1E  are plan views of exemplary tabbed dividers having differently positioned tab portions. 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of one embodiment tabbed divider making apparatus in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a left side perspective view of the tabbed divider making apparatus shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a right side partial perspective view of the tabbed divider making apparatus shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged top perspective view of a film director assembly of the tabbed divider making apparatus shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged top perspective view of a punch of the tabbed divider making apparatus shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIGS. 7A-7C  are enlarged views of a punch actuator portion of the tabbed divider making apparatus shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of a heated roller core from the tabbed divider making apparatus shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 9  is a rear perspective view of the tabbed divider making apparatus shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged rear perspective view of an actuator portion for the knife package of the tabbed divider making apparatus shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of a portion of the actuator portion of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is another enlarged view of the portion of the actuator portion shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is another enlarged view of another portion of the actuator portion shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 14  is another enlarged view of the portion of the actuator portion shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of a film module shown in conjunction with a tabbed divider making apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a right side perspective view of the film module shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is an enlarged top perspective view of the film module shown in  FIG. 15  shown removed from the tabbed divider making apparatus. 
         FIG. 18  is an enlarged left side perspective view of the film module shown in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a right side perspective view of a printing assembly that can be used in conjunction with any of the tabbed divider making apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a top perspective view of the printing assembly shown in  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 21  is a top/rear perspective view of another embodiment of the film module shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 22  is a rear perspective view of the film module shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 23  is a front perspective view of the film module shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIGS. 24-27  are various perspective views of the film module shown in  FIG. 15  in conjunction with a tabbed divider making apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements,  FIGS. 1A-1E  depict a set of exemplary tabbed dividers  10   a - 10   e , having tabs  12   a - 12   e , respectively. Each divider is constructed from a single sheet of paper stock with certain portions (i.e., tabs  12   a - 12   e ) being laminated. Divider  10   a  includes tab  12   a  in a first position, divider  10   b  includes tab  12   b  in a second position, divider  10   c  includes tab  12   c  in a third position, divider  10   d  includes tab  12   d  in a fourth position, and divider  10   e  includes tab  12   e  in a fifth position. In addition, each tab  12   a - 12   e  is provided with a different color and label. As would be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, use of such dividers  10   a - 10   e  would essentially involve separating different sections of a document, a presentation or the like with a different divider placed in front of each section. For example, in a three ring binder, dividers  10   a - 10   e  would be punched with holes, preferably opposite the tabbed portions, and placed in the binder so as to separate five different sections of materials housed therein. Should a sixth or further section be required, another divider  10   a  would be employed after divider  10   e , and so on and so forth. 
     It is to be understood that dividers  10   a - 10   e  are merely one example of a set of dividers, and there are many different divider configurations that can be used. For instance, dividers with smaller or a greater number of tabs may be provided, and thus, a larger set can be provided. In addition, the size and shape of both the dividers themselves, as well as the tabs, may vary. Likewise, different materials may be utilized in constructing the dividers, such as can differently colored paper and/or lamination for the tabs. Whatever the case, the present invention can be utilized to create sets of dividers like dividers  10   a - 10   e , and variations of same. 
       FIGS. 2-14  show a preferred embodiment of a customized tabbed divider making apparatus or machine, designated generally with reference number  20 . Machine  20  is shown throughout  FIGS. 2-14  in a partially constructed state, and it is to be understood that additional components may be included in or on machine  20 , or machine  20  could be part of a larger scheme of equipment. Machine  20  produces identically or substantially similarly configured tabbed dividers as other known and previously utilized tabbed divider making apparatus, but is particularly suited for an in-house use, such as in an office setting or the like. For instance, machine  20  operates so as to manufacture tabbed dividers much like those produced by the tabbed divider making apparatus disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60/898,830 (“the &#39;830 provisional”) and 60/904,561 (“the &#39;561 provisional”), and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/009,828 (“the &#39;828 application”), the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. The machines of the &#39;830 and &#39;561 provisionals and the &#39;828 application are suited for the output of a voluminous amount of tabbed dividers in a manufacturing setting. While the machines differ somewhat in operation, machine  20  of the present application and the machines disclosed in the &#39;830 and &#39;561 provisionals and the &#39;828 application have certain common operational features. Generally, the differences between these machines result from the desire for the present invention to be more suited for an office-like setting. Nonetheless, the present invention may be capable of incorporating certain of the more salient features of prior art tabbed divider making apparatus, such as the machines of the &#39;830 and &#39;561 provisionals and the &#39;828 application. This will be discussed more fully below. 
     Turning now to the construction of the present invention, machine  20  preferably includes a carriage  22  that essentially serves as the support structure for all of the other components associated with machine  20  and shown in the figures. Carriage  22  is preferably constructed of a light weight, sturdy material, such as aluminum. This provides the necessary stability to machine  20 , while also allowing same to be relatively light in weight and somewhat portable. Other materials may also be employed, such as certain sturdy polymers. Carriage  22  preferably situates the remaining components of machine  20  such that paper stock can be fed into machine  20 , laminated with a film material, processed to include a tab, and output as a finished tabbed divider. In addition, machine  20  may be provided with a printer or the like in order to produce tabs having customized indicia set forth thereon. This latter aspect will be discussed more fully below where the various components of machine  20  are discussed with regard to its operation. 
     First, paper stock, such as that which is utilized in making dividers  10   a - 10   e , is preferably fed into machine  20 . Although not shown in the figures, machine  20  may include an automated paper feeder capable of feeding individual sheets of paper stock to machine  20  from a reserve of paper stock. The overall size of machine  20  may dictate how much paper stock can be stored in this reserve. One example of a suitable paper feeder is taught in the &#39;830 provisional and the &#39;828 application. However, such would have to be tailored to the particular configuration of the present invention, i.e., a smaller scaled machine. As is best shown in  FIG. 2 , machine  20  includes a simple platform  23  for holding one or more sheets of paper. This is a paper feeder in its simplest form, and may require feeding individual sheets one at a time by a user. 
     Machine  20  may be provided with a printer or other marking device (not shown) for printing or etching on a section of the paper stock, such as the portion which will become the tab. The inclusion of such a component would allow for customized/personalized tabs to be made for the dividers. Those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize those devices capable of performing such a function. However, such may have to be modified or otherwise tailored for use with the present invention. It is also to be understood that this printer or the like could be incorporated into machine  20  so that it performs its function at another point during the operation, such as subsequent to laminating the tab portion, where the printing would be done over the lamination. An example of a suitable printer is discussed further below in reference to  FIGS. 19 and 20 . 
     Platform  23 , or alternatively the aforementioned paper feeder (not shown), preferably allows individual sheets of paper stock to be fed between rollers  24  and  26 . Rollers  24  and  26  are preferably situated in an opposed relationship and caused to rotate in opposite directions to one another. In the design shown in the figures, rollers  24  and  26  are situated so as to grab paper from platform  23 , and are preferably rotated so that paper stock is pulled from the paper feeder and towards the remaining portions of machine  20 . Rollers  24  and  26  are preferably constructed of a solid core surrounded by a pliable material, such as rubber, but others designs may also be employed. The use of a pliable material allows for a certain amount of give between the surfaces of opposed rollers  24  and  26 , so as to allow for an unimpeded flow of paper stock therebetween. Prior art devices have traditionally utilized floating rollers having a spring bias or the like to achieve this give or cushioning, thusly preventing the paper stock from binding. Although these prior art designs could be used in conjunction with machine  20 , the particular design of rollers  24  and  26  are preferably utilized in order to reduce the overall size of machine  20 . 
     Just subsequent to being pulled into machine  20  by rollers  24  and  26 , one edge of the sheet of paper stock is fed into a section of machine  20  in which the sheet is provided with a material, such as a film  31 , that is ultimately laminated onto a portion of the paper stock (i.e., the portion used to create the tab). As is shown in  FIGS. 2-7 , film  31  is provided from a roll of film  28  that is fed through a film director  30  (best shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ), through a tube or channel  32  (best shown in  FIG. 4 ), and ultimately to a film shearing portion  34  (best shown in  FIG. 6 ). It is to be understood that additional or alternative components may be employed in the process of providing film to each individual sheet of paper stock. For example, a film cartridge may be included in machine  20 , in lieu of roll  28 . This cartridge may be designed to deliver a constant stream of film  31 , like the cartridges discussed in the &#39;830 provisional, or could be designed to deliver pre-sized individual portions of film  31 . In the case of the latter, machine  20  would not necessarily require any of the below-discussed film shearing or cutting mechanisms. An example of a cartridge for use in film delivery is discussed further below. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2-14 , roll  28  is a cylindrical roll of film  31  that is preferably disposed on a structure such that film  31  can easily be pulled and unwound from the roll. Film  31  is preferably pulled from roll  28  under the power of pullers  40   a  and  40   b , which rotate in opposite directions from one another and are situated between extensions  38   a  and  38   b  and channel  32 . These pullers are preferably powered by a motor or the like, or may be mechanically linked to other powered components of machine  20 . The unwound film  31  is then fed through director  30 , which essentially orients film  31  in a direction suitable for travel through tube or channel  32 . Specifically, as is best shown in  FIG. 4 , director  30  includes a vertically oriented roller  36  and a pair of horizontally oriented extensions  38   a  and  38   b  that operate in combination to redirect the flow of film  31  from roll  28  into channel  32 . 
     Film  31  is folded as it travels through director  30 . Specifically, after film  31  passes around roller  36 , the outer edges of film  31  are directed towards one another such that film  31  is essentially folded in half. The folded film  31  then passes through extensions  38   a  and  38   b , through channel  32 , and ultimately into engagement with the sheet of paper stock that has been fed into machine  20 . At least a portion of the paper stock is therefore provided with some film  31  on both its top and bottom portions, as is typical of fully formed tabs. 
     Once film  31  enters into channel  32 , pullers  40   a  and  40   b  continue to advance film  31  toward shearing portion  34 , which includes a punch  50  between a sealed area  46  and an open area  48 . Beneath sealed area  46  is a first die and beneath open area  48  is a second die. Punch  50  includes a wide portion  50   a  and a narrow portion  50   b , and the width of each of these portions substantially coincides with the dimensions of the space between the first and second dies. Therefore, when film  31  is disposed beneath punch  50 , film  31  is punched or sheared as punch  50  passes between the first and second dies, resulting in a small portion of film  31 , often termed a slug, being discarded. Just prior to reaching punch  50 , film  31  preferably engages a finger or projection  42  (best shown in  FIG. 6 ) that extends into a cut out  44  in channel  32 . This projection  42  ensures that the folded film is aligned in a position suitable for engagement with one edge of the paper stock. After it engages projection  42 , film  31  is fed into film shearing portion  34 . Although it is shown in the figures that open area  48  is positioned downstream of sealed area  46  with respect to the direction in which film  31  travels, it is to be understood that the positions of sealed area  46  and open area  48  could be reversed. 
     The folded film  31  is preferably fed until at least a portion thereof extends into open area  48 . At this point, punch  50  is operated to shear the downstream portion of film  31  from the remaining stream that is still attached to roll  28 . This shearing operation will be described further below. An edge of the sheet of paper stock fed into machine  20  by rollers  24  and  26  is preferably allowed to engage the sheared film  31  such that one portion of the folded film  31  is disposed on a top side of the sheet and the other portion of the folded film  31  is disposed on a bottom side of the sheet. This will ultimately result in a tab with lamination on both of its sides. 
       FIGS. 7A-C  show the mechanism which causes punch  50  to shear film  31  fed into open area  48 . This mechanism is preferably located on a front portion of machine  20 . Much like the below-discussed operation of the knife package, which is preferably located on a rear portion of machine  20 , operation of punch  50  is primarily due to the mechanical relationship between a cam  52  and a spring  54 . More particularly, as is best shown in  FIGS. 7B and 7C , cam  52  has an oblong shape and a circumference having a round portion and a flat portion. The round portion of cam  52  may be of constant radius or of varying radius, such as an increasing radius. Cam  52  is fixedly connected to an axle  53  that may be rotated by another portion of machine  20 , or alternatively by the larger scheme of equipment with which machine  20  may be associated. Throughout its rotation, the circumference of cam  52  comes into contact with a pivotable body  55 , which is connected by a strut  56  to an arm  57 . Thus, the movement of pivotable body  55  is translated through strut  56  into movement of arm  57 . 
     Arm  57  includes an exposed portion and an internal portion (not shown). The exposed portion of arm  57  is that which is seen in the figures, particularly in  FIGS. 7A-7C . The movement of arm  57  is defined by a hinge or pivot point (not shown due to its internal positioning in machine  20 ) disposed between the exposed and internal portions of arm  57 . Punch  50  is similarly pivotable in that it is coupled to a punch shaft (also not shown due to its internal positioning in machine  20 ) that runs through wide portion  50   a  of punch  50  and along the direction of channel  32 . The internal portion of arm  57  is mechanically connected with wide portion  50   a  of punch  50  and causes punch  50  to rotate about the punch shaft. When pivotable body  55  forces strut  56  upward, the exposed portion of arm  57  moves upward and arm  57  rotates accordingly about the hinge or pivot point, which in turn causes the internal portion of arm  57  to move downward. This downward movement of the internal portion of arm  57  rotates punch  50  such that narrow portion  50   b  of punch  50  is rotated upward and away from film  31  and the first and second dies. This is said to be an open configuration of punch  50 . Vice versa, when the internal portion of arm  57  is caused to move upward, narrow portion  50   b  of punch  50  rotates downward toward the first and second dies and contacts film  31 . This is said to be a closed configuration of punch  50 . Therefore, arm  57  ultimately controls punch  50  and causes punch  50  to cut or shear film  31 . 
     Spring  54  is connected at one end to a fixed body  58  and at the other end to the exposed portion of the moveable arm  57 . Spring  54  is biased such that it tends to pull the exposed portion of arm  57  toward fixed body  58 .  FIGS. 7A and 7C  show spring  54  in a loaded state, while  FIG. 7B  shows spring  54  in an unloaded state. Contact of the rounded surface of cam  52  with pivotable body  55  causes strut  56 , and therefore the exposed portion of arm  57  with which it is connected, to be moved upward. Spring  54 , in turn, is caused to become elongate and thusly loaded with a force. The result of this mechanical configuration is that spring  54  forces pivotable body  55  to maintain contact with cam  52 . When the flat portion of cam  52  rotates into contact with pivotable body  55 , pivotable body  55  is able to pivot in a direction toward axle  53 . Through the above described mechanical connections, this allows spring  54  to become unloaded, forcing the exposed portion of arm  57  and strut  56  to drop suddenly. This sudden movement causes the internal portion of arm  57  to rise, thereby causing punch  50  to shear film  31  passing through shearing portion  34 . Of course, rotation of axle  53  and cam  52  can be timed with the feeding of film  31  such that punch  50  operates only when film  31  is in position to be sheared. 
     The configuration of machine  20  is such that when the exposed portion of arm  57  drops in a sudden movement due to the unloading of spring  54 , this sudden movement is translated to the sudden closing of punch  50  and the shearing of film  31 . Of course, other variations of the mechanical connections of the above-described components of machine  20  are also possible to achieve the same or similar results, and such would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     As would further be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the distance between the axis of axle  53  and the various portions of the circumference of cam  52  can be tailored according to the intended operation of punch  50 . This distance is also understood to be the radius of cam  52 . The radius of cam  52  throughout its rounded portion may increase as cam  52  is rotated, which would cause the exposed portion of arm  57  to continually move upward and open punch  50 . Alternatively, the radius of cam  52  along its rounded portion may be constant such that the space between punch  50  and the first and second dies remains constant. Accordingly, the transition between the rounded portion and the flat portion of cam  52  dictates how suddenly spring  54  is unloaded, and thus, how great of a force is applied by punch  50  during shearing. 
     Once provided with the sheared portion of folded film  31 , the sheet of paper stock is preferably fed through a series of opposed heated rollers in order to at least partially melt film  31 , thereby laminating the portion of paper stock which ultimately becomes the tab. Of course, film  31  may alternatively be attached to the paper stock through adhesive or the like. In the figures, machine  20  is shown as having two sets of opposed heated roller pairs  33  and  35 , each pair having one heated roller above the next. Of course, any number of heated rollers may be employed. Heated rollers according to the present invention may include a heating core  62 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , which is surrounded by a rubber material similar in nature to that utilized in rollers  24  and  26 . The use of a material such as rubber, once again, allows for some give between the opposed rollers, which in turn, prevents binding of paper stock fed therebetween. Heating core  62  is preferably connected with a power source and supplied with enough heat to transfer heat to at least the portion of the paper stock fed between heated roller pairs  33  and  35  such that the folded film  31  is laminated on the paper stock. As those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize, the amount of heat required in this lamination process will vary depending upon such factors as the type of film and paper stock being utilized, the thickness and type of rubber coating provided over heating core  62 , and the speed at which machine  20  is operated, among others. 
     Notably, heating core  62  may be fixed with respect to machine  20  such that it is not rotated about its own axis. During the laminating process, a heated roller may then rotate about heating core  62 . The heat provided by heating core  62  is emitted about its external surface, which does not require heating core  62  to be rotated during the laminating process. 
     Heating core  62  preferably includes a heating element (not shown). This heating element is preferably disposed within the core and connected, via a connection, to a controller (not shown). As is best shown in  FIG. 5 , these connections are preferably wires. However, it is to be understood that these connections can be any one of many different types of connections, including wireless connections. Similarly, the heating element may be any one of many different types of heating elements, including a cartridge heater. The controller preferably acts to measure the temperature being provided by heating core  62  to a sheet of paper stock being processed by machine  20 , and may vary such temperature according to operator instructions and/or an embedded machine program. In this regard, it is to be understood that, although not shown, several temperature reading elements (e.g., thermometers) may be provided within machine  20  to measure the temperature being provided to the sheet of paper stock by the individual rollers. The actual temperature of the paper stock may also be measured. Those of ordinary skill in the art would readily recognize the many different controllers which may be provided to properly control the temperature output of heating core  62 . 
     Subsequent to passing between heated roller pairs  33  and  35 , the sheet of at least partially-laminated paper stock is fed into a processing section that includes a knife package unit  70  (best shown in  FIG. 9 ). Knife package unit  70  shears the sheet of paper stock along its laminated edge in order to cut away certain portions of the paper stock, thereby forming the tab. More specifically, knife package unit  70  is shown as a standard shear having a cut-out  72  that corresponds to the intended tabbed portion of the paper stock. Those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize the many alternative shear structure designs that may be utilized with the present invention. Ultimately, depending upon the position of the sheet of paper stock, a divider can be created having tabs, such as tabs  12   a - 12   e  of dividers  10   a - 10   e  shown in  FIGS. 1A-E . In other words, the positioning of a sheet of paper stock entering knife package unit  70  will dictate where the tabbed portion will be located with respect to the rest of the sheet. 
     To achieve an overall reduced size of machine  20 , one aspect of the present invention provides a unique shearing mechanism. Whereas prior devices often utilize direct motor power in conjunction with the force of gravity acting on the their relatively heavy shears in order to shear the paper stock, the present invention utilizes a system much like the one discussed above described with respect to punch  50  and the shearing of film  31 . As is shown in  FIGS. 10-14 , knife package unit  70  employs a cam and spring mechanical design. More particularly, machine  20  includes a pair of springs  74  (best shown in  FIG. 10 ), a pair of struts  76  (best shown in  FIG. 10 ), and an oblong-shaped cam  78  (best shown in  FIG. 13 ) situated on an axle  80 . Springs  74  are each connected at one end to a portion of carriage  22 , and at the other end to a pivotable arm  82 . Each arm  82  is fixedly connected to axle  80  such that arms  82  rotate along with axle  80 . Arms  82  are connected via axle  80  with struts  76 , which are, in turn, connected with knife package unit  70 . At one end, axle  80  is fixedly connected to an extension  86  which thusly rotates along with axle  80 . Extension  86  further includes a rounded surface  84 . 
     In operation, rotation of cam  78  and axle  80  causes different portions of cam  78  to make contact with rounded surface  84 . Cam  78  may be rotated such that the rounded portion of the circumference of cam  78  makes contact with rounded surface  84 , driving rounded surface  84  and thusly rotating extension  86 . This movement forces extension  86  to rotate axle  80 , which in turn rotates arms  82  in a downward direction (as shown in  FIG. 10 ), thereby causing loading of springs  74 . Further, when cam  78  is rotated such that the flat portion of its circumference comes into contact with rounded surface  84 , the aforementioned mechanical connection allows arms  82  to be rotated upward through the unloading of springs  74 . This, by means of the connection between arms  82  and knife package  70  provided by struts  76 , causes actuation of knife package  70 . In other words, the force provided by springs  74  translates into the shearing of paper stock by knife package  70 . The configuration and interaction of cam  78  with the surrounding components is similar in nature to cam  52  with respect to punch  50 , discussed in detail above. It is noted that in certain embodiments, such as machine  20  depicted in the figures, arms  82  may include alternative or additional components that may allow for smoother and more continuous operation thereof. 
     It will be understood that the components associated with the operation of knife package  70  are rigid. Therefore, although cam  78  is positioned to one side of axle  80 , the operation of cam  78  rotates the entirety of axle  80 . Each of springs  74  is thusly loaded to substantially the same length. 
     After machine  20  has performed the above-described steps, the sheet of paper stock has essentially become a divider having a laminated tabbed portion. Examples of these dividers are shown in  FIGS. 1A-1E  and discussed above. Preferably, these dividers enter the final portion of machine  20 , which is designed to store, and may additionally collate, the finished dividers. Rollers  90  and  92  are preferably included just downstream of knife package  70 , with respect to the flow of paper stock in machine  20 . Rollers  90  and  92  are provided to pull the finished paper stock into the final portion of machine  20 . Although not shown in the figures, this portion may take the form of an output tray or the like, as is known in the art. For example, one suitable output tray is designated with reference number 26 in the &#39;830 provisional and the &#39;828 application, and such could be incorporated into the present invention. Of course, such may have to be modified to fit the specific dimensions of machine  20  as described above. 
     Machine  20  preferably provides for an automated control of the entire process as described above. Very little, if any, manual operation is required by an operator. In fact, machine  20  is preferably associated with a computer program or the like so that the desired type and amount of dividers can be inputted by a user through the use of a keyboard or a touchscreen type of device. Thereafter, a user can simply provide machine  20  with the necessary paper stock and film material, and machine  20  can create the tabbed dividers accordingly. Of course, in machines in accordance with the present invention that include a printer or the like, the user may also input the information to be printed on the tabs. 
     The various components of machine  20  have been described above in relation to their operation. It is to be understood that each of these components is preferably mechanically interconnected with other of the components so as to ensure synchronous operation of machine  20 . For example, as is best shown in  FIG. 3 , machine  20  is preferably provided with one or more motors  94  which powers a drive train including a chain linkage  96 . This motor  94  and linkage  96  system allows for a single motor to power multiple components, such as the various rollers, through interconnection with one or more necessary gears and/or belts (not individually numbered or discussed) associated with the system. In addition, this system allows for each of these components to rotate at the same rate and/or at the same time, in order to ensure that the necessary synchronization of machine  20  is provided for proper operation. Likewise, punch  50  and knife package  70  may also be controlled by this single motor  94  and linkage  96 , through the use of additional intermediate gears and/or belts. The use of a single motor  94  for this operation reduces the manufacturing cost and overall weight of machine  20 . Of course, more than one motor may be utilized. For instance, as is shown in  FIG. 4 , a second motor  98  may be utilized to provide power to the components that pull film  31  from roll  28 . Those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize the limitless possibilities which could be developed and provided to machine  20  in order to achieve the desired operation of same. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, machine  20  is approximately between 20 and 30, and preferably 27, inches wide to allow for many differently sized dividers to be created. All of this can preferably be done without having to reposition paper stock once it is loaded into machine  20 . A preferred machine is capable of producing sets of tabbed dividers at a rate of approximately 300-1200 dividers per hour. All of this can be done with minimal input and under low supervision of an operator. In addition, the automated aspect of machine  20  ensures accuracy and precision during repeated use. 
       FIGS. 15-18  depict a film module or cartridge  128  for providing tube or channel  32  with film  131  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, namely machine  120 . Film module  128  has a body portion  130  made of a substantially clear material, such as plexiglass. However, those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that any material may be utilized in forming body portion  130 , including non-transparent materials. The transparent nature of body portion  130 , as shown in the figures, preferably allows for easier monitoring of the amount and proper orientation of film  131  in module  128 . The composition of body portion  130  should be such that it can withstand the higher temperatures associated with the operation of machine  120 . 
     Within body portion  130  is a roll of film  132  similar to roll  28  discussed above. Preferably for the sake of space preservation and portability of machine  120 , roll  132  is smaller than roll  28 , although different sizes of roll  132  may be utilized. Roll  132  is preferably situated on a post  134  or the like, which allows for the free rotation of roll  132 . Again, this is similar to the situation discussed above with respect to roll  28 . Film  131  from roll  132  is preferably fed around a second post  136  which essentially orients the film in a direction conducive for feeding same through tube or channel  32 . Thus, the function of a majority of the components which make up film director  30 , as discussed above, is similar to those of module  128 . 
     Once oriented in the proper direction by second post  136 , film  131  from roll  132  engages a rounded finger  138  which acts to place a crease or fold in film  131 . Rounded finger  138  need not actually crease film  131 , but may alternatively bias film  131  such that it is prepared oriented to be folded when passed through subsequent portions of film module  128 . The single piece of film  131  is folded such that its outer edges are directed towards one another after engagement with finger  138 , essentially folding film  131  in half. Film  131  then passes through two opposed creasing extensions  140   a  and  140   b  (best shown in  FIG. 17 ) that further crease or fold the film material. As is discussed above, film  131  is maintained in this configuration throughout tube or channel  32 . With regard to above-described machine  20 , similarly positioned rollers  142   a  (best shown in  FIG. 17) and 142   b  (not shown) are disposed above and beneath film  131 , respectively, and pull film  131  from roll  128  through the aforementioned components of film module  128 . According to the figures, roller  142   a  is a component of film module  128 , while roller  142   b  is a component of machine  120 . Either or both of rollers  142   a  and  142   b  may be spring-loaded such that they are biased toward each other. This bias maintains contact between film  131  and rollers  142   a  and  142   b , which may also be configured to frictionally grip film  131 . Each of rollers  142   a  and  142   b  may be provided with one or more gears, such as gear  144   a  corresponding to roller  142   a , that ensure that the associated rollers move in synchronization with one another. Further, roller  142   a  may be provided with an extension  146  which engages one of the powered portions of machine  120  in order to derive the motion necessary to rotate rollers  142   a  and  142   b . Due to the direct connection between roller  142   b  and machine  120 , roller  142   b  may also or alternatively be driven through an extension or similar means. The aforementioned gear assembly ensures that motion provided to roller  142   b  is also provided to roller  142   a.    
     Although roller  142   a  is described as being a component of film module  128  and roller  142   b  is described as being a component of machine  120 , rollers  142   a  and  142   b  may both be components of machine  120 . Alternatively, both of rollers  142   a  and  142   b  may be components of film module  128 . Regardless of the configuration of rollers  142   a  and  142   b , body  130  is preferably designed such that when film module  128  is inserted into machine  120 , rollers  142   a  and  142   b  are positioned adjacent to film  131  such that each contacts film  131  in the above-described manner. 
     Module  128  further includes additional creasing extensions  147   a  and  147   b  that may further fold and/or press film  131 . A slot  148  formed in body portion  130  allows for the folded film  131  to pass from module  128  into tube or channel  28 . Thus, film module  128  is a self-contained and removable/exchangeable means for providing film material to machine  120 . It is to be understood that the specific design of module  128  can vary, as those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that module  128  could be exchanged with other cartridge designs, such as one similar to that disclosed in the &#39;830 provisional and the &#39;828 application. Those of ordinary skill in the art would also recognize how such could be incorporated into the machine. 
       FIGS. 19 and 20  depict a printing assembly  150  that can be incorporated into machine  20  in accordance with the embodiments set forth herein. The specific printing assembly  150  shown in the drawings is manufactured by Paralax, Inc. under the model designation Basic Stamp. This model is an inkjet type printer and preferably provides user-inputted indicia to the portion of the paper stock which will ultimately be formed into a tab. Preferably, the paper stock is printed prior to the lamination of film material onto the edge of the paper stock. Alternatively, the printer could be designed to print directly on the film material. Although one specific printer design is described and shown in the drawings, it is to be understood that other printing assemblies could be utilized. For example, as opposed to an inkjet printing system, a laser printing system could be incorporated into the design of machine  20 . Preferably, machine  20  is designed so that the printing of indicia on the tab portion is performed in accordance with the above-discussed automated features of the machine. 
       FIGS. 21-27  depict film module  228 , another embodiment of the above-described film module  128 , which is included in another embodiment of the present invention, namely machine  220 . The components of film module  228  are similar in nature to those of film module  128 , with like elements being labeled with like numerals, but within the 200-series of numbers. One difference between the two embodiments is that film module  228  includes only one film roller  242   a  for advancing film  231  toward shearing portion  34  of machine  220 . Film roller  242   a  is preferably equipped with an outer portion that frictionally engages the folded film  231  in order to advance same toward shearing portion  34 . It is noted that slot  248  is present in film module  228 , but is not shown in  FIGS. 21-27 . 
     Film  231  is shown as being multicolored, as opposed to being comprised of a single color like that of the aforementioned embodiments. The junction between respective colored sections  231   a - e  (shown in  FIG. 21 ) can be taken into account so that shearing portion  34  cuts film  231  along such junctions. In this way, machine  220  may be programmed or operated to produce a set of tabbed dividers having differently colored tabs. Of course, any number of different colors can be provided on roll  232  of film  231 . 
     The film material utilized with any embodiment of the present invention may be heat-sensitive or pressure-sensitive, and may include various types of adhesive or the like. Further, an adhesive material may be sprayed or otherwise applied to the paper stock, such as via one or more brushes or rollers, in order to provide a binding connection between the film material and the paper stock. 
     Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.