Patent Publication Number: US-8533984-B2

Title: Display apparatus for file index

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a national phase entry of PCT International Patent PCT/US2009/050109, which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/218,034, filed on 9 Jul. 2008, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/218,075, filed on 9 Jul. 2008. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/218,075, filed on 9 Jul. 2008. The co-pending parent applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety and are made a part hereof, including but not limited to those portions which specifically appear hereinafter. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a container that can be used to store or house sheet material, such as label sheets, and also to display information for identifying materials housed within the container. 
     2. Discussion of Related Art 
     Files, such as hanging files, have index tabs for displaying information to identify contents within the file. For example, hanging files have index tabs that are positioned at an angle, for convenient viewing purposes. 
     Conventional label sheets contain multiple individual and removable labels. Conventional label sheets have borders surrounding the labels and offer labels in different sizes and shapes. 
     Many conventional label sheets have a face stock adhered to a base sheet. Conventional adhesives on label sheets adhere more to the face stock than to the base sheet, so that when a face stock label is removed from the base sheet, the layer of adhesive remains with or sticks to the face stock of the label. The face sheet and the adhesive can be used to removably attach or to permanently attach a label with respect to another surface. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to the display apparatus and the label assembly of this invention, a container can be formed to house or store label sheets or label assemblies, such as within a compartment formed by the container. For example, label sheets of a particular size, style and/or other design parameter can be stored within the container. 
     An edge panel formed by the container can have at least one tab that can be released from the edge panel and displayed or positioned away from the edge panel. The tab can be positioned at a particular angle, depending upon a desired viewing arrangement of the tab and the corresponding file. For example, the container can be placed within a file drawer or within a hanging file, so that the tab is visible, such as in a manner similar to conventional index tabs of conventional hanging files. In some embodiments of this invention, the label sheet or label assembly housed within the container can have an identification label that is removable from the label sheet. The identification label can have an adhesive backing for adhering to the releasable tab formed by the edge panel of the container. 
     In some embodiments of this invention, the releasable tab includes a flap extending from the releasable tab, for engaging the releasable tab during the release of the releasable tab from the edge panel. The flap can be defined along an edge of the edge panel having the releasable tab by a die cut within the sheet material. The flap die cut extends into an adjacent panel such that upon folding the sheet material between the edge panel and an adjacent panel to form the container, the flap simply extends outward from a side of the container. 
     In some embodiments of this invention, the identification label has an identifier, such as printable text or handwritten text, on the surface of the printable label. In some embodiments of this invention, the identifier can correspond to any design parameter of the label assembly. For example, an alpha character and/or a numeric character can be printed or otherwise placed on the identification label. 
     With the label sheet and/or the display apparatus according to this invention, it is possible to display ordering information, such as a model number, a stock number, a design style, a label size and/or a label type on the identification label. Thus, when a particular label size or label sheet is required, the user can easily identify which containers house which label sheets or label assemblies. The identifier can also be used to reorder label sheets to replace empty or relatively low stock. 
     In some embodiments of this invention, the edge panel contains a plurality of tabs. The tabs can be positioned adjacent to each other or spaced apart from each other. Different tabs can be moved or released into different display positions. For example, to achieve a staggered arrangement for better visibility and easier reading, adjacently placed containers can have differently located or sequential tabs each moved into a display position. 
     In some embodiments of this invention, the tab can be released from the edge portion and then returned back to its normal position and held or locked into its original position by a structural element, such as a folding panel positioned within a slit or other opening. This particular feature can be used to use the releasable tab in one staggered position and then move the container to another area of the file and use a different releasable tab to maintain an overall staggered position or to provide better visibility. 
     In certain embodiments of this invention, at least a portion of a periphery of the releasable tab has a line of separation, such as a perforation, a microperforation or another suitable tearable line of separation. 
     The identification label can be positioned in a border area of the label sheet, so that the identification label does not occupy space that is otherwise available for a printable or otherwise usable label. Positioning the identification label within a border area also allows a mechanical printer or other conventional printer to move the label sheet through the printer by applying rollers to the border areas. 
     The invention further includes a method of packaging a plurality of label sheets. A container is provided that is formed by a sheet material and includes an edge panel with an outer surface and at least one releasable tab that can be positioned away from the outer surface. The method includes engaging a flap of the releasable tab, tearing the releasable tab from the edge panel, lifting the releasable tab to a display position that is at an angle with respect to the edge panel, and attaching an identification label to the releasable tab before or after the tearing and lifting of the releasable tab. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       This invention is explained in view of exemplary embodiments, making reference to the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of one display apparatus having one tab released or moved into a display position, according to one embodiment of this invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective front view of three display apparatuses positioned adjacent to each other, with three tabs, one from each display apparatus, arranged in a staggered configuration, according to another embodiment of this invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of a container in an unfolded or flat condition, according to one embodiment of this invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of a label assembly, according to one embodiment of this invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of one display apparatus having one tab released or moved into a display position, according to another embodiment of this invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view of a container in an unfolded or flat condition, according to one embodiment of this invention; and 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of a container according to another embodiment of this invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of one display apparatus  20 , according to one embodiment of this invention.  FIG. 2  is a perspective view that shows the same container  30  of display apparatus  20  as shown in  FIG. 1 , vertically stacked in front of and grouped together with two other containers  30 , according to this invention. As  FIG. 2  shows, each container  30  can have a differently positioned tab  40  moved to a display position, so that the overall grouped appearance forms a staggered arrangement. With a staggered arrangement, each tab  40  has better visibility, for example when two or more containers  30  of display apparatuses  20  are positioned in a file drawer, a file cabinet or another similar file index. In other embodiments of this invention, tabs  40  do not form a staggered arrangement. 
     In certain embodiments of this invention, display apparatus  20  comprises container  30 , such as shown in  FIG. 1 , for example formed by a sheet material such as shown in  FIG. 3 , having or comprising at least edge panel  32 . In some embodiments of this invention, the sheet material comprises a plurality of panels  37 , such as shown in  FIG. 3 . By folding panels  37  about corresponding fold lines  38 , such as shown in  FIG. 3 , a three-dimensional container  30  can be formed or constructed by folding panels  37  as shown in  FIG. 3 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the lowermost panel  37  has opening or slot  39  that accommodates tab  36 , when container  30  is constructed. 
     The sheet material can have the shape shown in  FIG. 3  or can have any other suitable shape that results in a desired three-dimensional shape of container  30 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , when container  30  is in a constructed condition or an assembled condition, each side of container  30  has a generally rectangular overall shape. Depending upon the particular use of container  30 , panels  37 , fold lines  38  and/or the overall configuration of container  30  can have any other suitable shape. 
     Fold line  38  can be constructed by any suitable line of weakening known to those skilled in the art of container design. For example, fold line  38  can be constructed by bending the sheet material or by forming a perforation line or a die cut within the sheet material. 
     Once formed into a three-dimensional structure, container  30  can form a storage compartment or a space. In some embodiments of this invention, container  30  holds or houses a plurality of label sheets  50 , such as label sheet  50  shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     In some embodiments of this invention, label sheet  50  comprises at least one identification label  45 . According to certain embodiments of this invention, identifier  46  can be printed on, written on or otherwise applied to a surface of identification label  45 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , identification label  45  can be adhered, applied or otherwise made attachable to tab  40 . 
     In some embodiments of this invention, identifier  46  can correspond to a particular model, size, shape and/or other design parameter of label sheet  50  or label assembly  25 , such as those stored or housed within a corresponding container  30 . Identifier  46  can be used to display or otherwise show, for example, which particular design or style of label sheet  50  is within the corresponding container  30 . Identifier  46  can also be used to reorder label sheets  50  when container  30  is empty or nearly empty. 
     Edge panel  32  forms at least one releasable tab  40  that can be positioned away from outer surface  33  of edge panel  32 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , edge panel  32  has four releasable tabs  40 . Container  30  and/or edge panel  32  can have any other suitable number of tabs  40 , depending upon the intended use of display apparatus  20 .  FIG. 3  shows tabs  40  positioned adjacent with respect to each other. In other embodiments of this invention, two or more tabs  40  can be spaced at a distance apart from each other. 
       FIG. 3  shows the sheet material of container  30  having separation line  35  positioned about at least a portion of a periphery, for example three of four sides, of tab  40 . When positioned adjacent to each other, two or more tabs  40  can share a border or a common separation line  35 , such as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     As used throughout this specification and in the claims, the phrases separation line, line of separation, tearable line of separation and/or tearable line are intended to be interchangeable with each other and related to a line of weakening within label sheet  50 , including but not limited to face sheet  26  and/or back sheet  27 . The line of weakening can have a weakened structural area along which label sheet  50 , face sheet  26  and/or back sheet  27  can be separated. Each separation line or tearable line of weakening, according to this invention, comprises a perforation line, a microperforation line, a die cut line, a kiss cut line, a score, a score cut line, a laser die cut line, a chemically etched line, a gas etched line and/or any other suitable line that forms a weakened structure. Any separation line according to this invention may comprise any other suitable separation line or line of weakening known to those skilled in the art of label assemblies. 
     Flynn et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,837,957, and Flynn et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,415,976, the entire teachings of both of which are incorporated into this specification by reference, teach different technical features of label sheets, label assemblies and fold lines which can be used as corresponding elements in this invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , releasable tab  40  can be positioned at an angle with respect to outer surface  33  of edge panel  32 , or with respect to any other surface of container  30 . Tab  40  can form the angle shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  or can form any other suitable angle, depending upon the intended use of display apparatus  20 . In certain embodiments of this invention, separation line  35  borders or is routed along only a portion of a periphery of tab  40 . With such configuration, tab  40  can be easily retained or attached with respect to the remaining portion of container  30 . In other embodiments of this invention, the entire periphery of tab  40  can be bordered by separation line  35 . With such arrangement, tab  40  can be pivoted into a display position facing either the front or the back of container  30 , which can provide for a more versatile display apparatus  20 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , identification label  45  is positioned in border area or border  53  of label sheet  50 . In some embodiments of this invention, particularly where conventional printers require a border for routing label assembly  25  through a printer, border  53  contacts rollers or other mechanical equipment. Border  53  is often a non-usable print area of label sheet  50 . In certain embodiments of this invention, identifier  46  can be preprinted on label sheets  50 . For example, identifier  46  can be a model number that corresponds to a stock number or order number, such as those that can be used for procuring label sheet  50 . 
     In some embodiments of this invention, a plurality of identification labels  45  are positioned in, within and/or on border  53 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , separation line  54  is common to both printable label  51  and identification label  45 . In some embodiments of this invention, for easy use, identification label  45  and printable label  51  can share a common separation line  54 . For example, a die cut line can be used to easily start removal of identification label  45  from label assembly  25 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , each tab  40  forms or has a generally rectangular shape. In other embodiments of this invention, tab  40  can have any other non-rectangular shape or any other suitable shape. 
     Any separation line  35  of this invention can be structured so that it is relatively easy or relatively difficult to release or fold tab  40  away from edge panel  32 . For example, spaces between perforations, depth of die cuts and/or lengths of any separation line  35  can be varied to provide more or less structural support between tab  40  and the remainder of container  30 . 
     The plan view of  FIG. 4  shows face sheet  26 . As indicated by the dashed element reference line in  FIG. 4 , back sheet  27  is on the opposite side of face sheet  26 . Adhesive can be positioned between face sheet  26  and back sheet  27  so that when identification label  45  and/or printable label  51  each is removed from label assembly  25 , adhesive remains on the corresponding portion of face sheet  26  but not on the corresponding portion of back sheet  27 . 
     In some embodiments of this invention, border  53  can completely surround printable labels  51 . In other embodiments of this invention, border  53  at least partially surrounds printable labels  51 .  FIG. 3  shows edge panel  32  positioned so that when in a constructed form, container  30  has only one edge panel  32 . In other embodiments of this invention, the sheet material such as shown in  FIG. 3  can have two or more edge panels  32  with releasable tabs  40 , so that container  30  can be arranged in any other desired direction, orientation or position. 
     In other embodiments of this invention, identification label  45  can be attached to an order form or a shopping list, to communicate a need to replace or restock label sheets  50  within the corresponding container  30 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , identification label  45  has non-rounded corners and printable label  51  has rounded corners. In other embodiments of this invention, identification label  45  and/or printable label  51  can have any other suitable shape, size and/or design. 
       FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of one display apparatus  120 , according to another embodiment of this invention. In certain embodiments of this invention, display apparatus  120  comprises container  130 , such as shown in  FIG. 5 , for example formed by a sheet material such as shown in  FIG. 6 , having or comprising at least edge panel  132 . In some embodiments of this invention, the sheet material comprises a plurality of panels  137 , such as shown in  FIG. 6 . By folding panels  137  about corresponding fold lines  138 , such as shown in  FIG. 6 , a three-dimensional container  130  can be formed or constructed by folding panels  137  as shown in  FIG. 6 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the lowermost panel  137  has opening or slot  139  that accommodates tab  136 , when container  130  is constructed. 
     The sheet material can have the shape shown in  FIG. 6  or can have any other suitable shape that results in a desired three-dimensional shape of container  130 . Depending upon the particular use of container  130 , panels  137 , fold lines  138  and/or the overall configuration of container  130  can have any other suitable shape. Fold lines  138  can be constructed by any suitable line of weakening known to those skilled in the art of container design, such as described above. For example, fold line  138  can be constructed by bending the sheet material or by forming a perforation line within the sheet material. 
     Edge panel  132  forms four releasable tabs  140  that each can be positioned away from outer surface  133  of edge panel  132 . As shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , edge panel  132  has four releasable tabs  140 .  FIG. 5  shows one of the tabs  140  labeled and positioned at an angle with respect to outer surface  133  of edge panel  132 , or with respect to any other surface of container  130 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , a separation line  135  is positioned about at least a portion of a periphery, for example three of four sides, of tab  140 . When positioned adjacent to each other, two or more tabs  140  can share a border or a common separation line  135 , such as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 . 
     Each releasable tab  140  includes a flap  150  for assisting in releasing the corresponding releasable tab  140  from the surrounding sheet material of the container  130 . As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 7 , the flap  150  is positioned along a fold line of defining a side of the edge panel  132  and, when the container  130  is assembled from the sheet material, extends outward beyond the side of the container  130 . Each of the flaps  150  provides a means for engaging the corresponding releasable tab  140  during a release of the releasable tab  140  from the edge panel  132 . A consumer can use a finger to break lines  135  and lift, or at least begin lifting, the tab  140  using the flap  150 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , the edge panel  132  is defined on each of two opposing longitudinal sides by a fold line  138  that connects the edge panel  132  to an adjacent panel  137  of the container  130 . The releasable tab  140  extends between the two opposing fold lines  138 , and the flap  150  extends beyond one of the two opposing fold lines  138 . As shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , the releasable tab  140  is defined by a tearable line of separation positioned along one of these two opposing fold lines  138 , and the flap  150  is defined along a length of one of the fold lines  138  by a die cut  152 . The die cut  152  is connected at either end to the tearable line of separation  135  along the one fold line  138 . 
     By using a die cut, or equivalent, to define an edge of the flap  150 , the flap  150  is free from attachment to an adjacent panel  137 ′ shown in  FIG. 6 , and can extend outward without user action upon the folding of the sheet material into the container  130 . The remaining tearable line  135  defining the releasable tab  140  can be as described above, and the side of the tab  140  opposite the flap  150  is desirably a non-perforated fold line  138  to allow the tab  140  to be raised above the surface  133  upon breaking the surrounding tearable  135 . 
     The invention thus provides a cut flap integrated with and extending outward from a releasable tab for use by a consumer to release the releasable tab for labeling a container. The consumer user engages the flap of the releasable tab, tears the releasable tab from the surrounding edge panel, and lifts the releasable tab to a display position angled with respect to the edge panel. The releasable tab can be labeled to identify the contents of the container for easy identification within, for example, a drawer for hanging files. 
     While in the foregoing specification this invention has been described in relation to certain preferred embodiments thereof, and many details have been set forth for purpose of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is susceptible to additional embodiments and that certain of the details described herein can be varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of the invention.