Abstract:
A file system for paper sheets is formed using separable (or separable and expandable) linked according pockets. The file system has two sets of bilateral pockets. The file system is substantially rectangular in cross section but is configured to match the characteristics of the paper sheets for which it is intended. The file system is adaptable as a stand-alone unit with stiffened end pieces such that its pockets can be linearly separated (or separated and expanded) for access to the pockets. The file system is adaptable to fit into a desk drawer or to have lockable side pieces for holding the file linearly open or fanned open. The file system is adaptable to use hanging members such that the file may be optionally used as a group of hanging files.

Description:
PRIORITY BENEFIT AND CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is related to the following commonly owned copending U.S. Patent Application:  
         [0002]     Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/554,322, entitled “Expandable File System for Paper Sheets”, filed Mar. 18, 2004, and claims the benefit of its earlier filing date under 35 U.S.C. §119(e). 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0003]     The present invention relates in general to systems for storing, retrieving, and transporting sheets of paper or paper like material.  
       BACKGROUND INFORMATION  
       [0004]     Expandable files are used to store and retrieve paper sheets and may be found in a variety of size configurations. Prior art paper files are constructed with a bellows or according like folded piece covering both sides and the bottom of the file. This configuration allows the files to have limited expansion capability wherein the opening to the divided sections expand while the bottom section compresses. Because the side pieces are made separate from the divider pieces, these files are difficult to manufacture and do not lend themselves to variable configurations within one design.  
         [0005]     There is, therefore, a need for an expandable file system for storing, accessing, and transporting sheets of paper or paper like material in pockets wherein the pockets are separated or separated and expanded without requiring the bottom of the pockets holding the paper sheets to compress. There is also a need for an expandable file system that allows the pockets to be separated linearly, fanned open radially, or a combination of both in the same file structure.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     An expandable file system for paper sheets is constructed using a separable or a separable and expandable accordion pocket structures. These accordion pocket structures allow pocket openings for filing the paper sheets to be bilateral in that two sets of opposing pockets results from the configuration. The same action that allows for the bilateral accordion pocket openings allows the pockets to expand linearly by pulling the ends of a group of pockets in a direction perpendicular to the pocket planar sides separating or separating and expanding the bilateral pockets simultaneously. These bilateral accordion pocket structures also allow one set of bilateral pockets to be fanned open while compressing or closing the opposing set of bilateral pockets. In another embodiment of the file system, some of the bilateral linearly separated (or separated and expanded) accordion pockets and the remaining pockets may be fanned open while compressing closed their corresponding opposing pockets. Embodiments of the file system may be used with locking side pieces to hold the pockets linearly separated (or separated and expanded) in a stand alone fashion for accessing paper sheets stored within. This embodiment may then be closed and one or two end flaps secured over the opening(s) to secure stored paper sheets for transport.  
         [0007]     Other embodiments of the present invention use end pieces configured to allow a files system to be inserted into a desk drawer. In one embodiment, a group of linked bilateral accordion pockets have cross members that allow the group of accordion pockets to be hung on parallel rails like a Pendaflex® file. By moving the end pieces with respect to each other, the bilateral accordion pocket openings fan open for access. In this embodiment, only one set of bilateral accordion pockets are used, the other bilateral accordion pockets only facilitate the separation (or separation and expansion) of the exposed pockets. In another embodiment, the file system has bilateral accordion pockets with two stiffened end pieces with features for attaching one of the end pieces to the front of a desk drawer. The other end piece is attached to a sliding panel that is coupled to the sides of the drawer in such a way that the sliding panel is held upright while sliding from a position near the front of the draw to a position near the back of the drawer. In this manner, the file system may be easily integrated within a desk drawer as a linked separable (or separable and expandable) accordion pockets. If desired, the filing system may be removed from the drawer as a unit for transport or storage. A flap may be used to cover the accordion pocket openings to secure stored paper sheets.  
         [0008]     In another embodiment, where the accordion pocket assembly of accordion is used in a file drawer, the accordion pocket assembly has a strap element with first and second ends that extend to and beyond the top edge of one stiffener side and the top edge of the other stiffener side. The first and second ends are threaded through guide pieces disposed at each of the top edges of the two stiffener sides. The first and second ends are each coupled to a sliding element that fits back over the strap element forming a loop on each side that functions as a handle to lift the pocket assembly out of the file drawer. The sliding element can be slid towards the bottom of the stiffener to take up the slack while holding the pocket assembly compressed. When the stiffeners are moved apart, the accordion pockets of the pocket assembly are expanded and separated as the sliding elements move towards the top edges of the stiffeners providing the necessary excess strap.  
         [0009]     In another embodiment, where the accordion pocket assembly of accordion is used in a file drawer, the accordion pocket assembly has strap element with first and second ends that extend to and beyond the top edge of one stiffener side and the top edge of the other stiffener side. The first and second ends are threaded through guide pieces disposed at each of the top edges of the two stiffener sides. The first and second ends are each coupled across the pocket openings adjacent to the top edges of the stiffeners and coupled to the opposing stiffeners forming a loop that functions as a handle to lift the pocket assembly out of the file drawer. To expand the accordion pocket assembly, the first and second ends are decoupled from the corresponding opposing stiffeners forming excess strap. When the stiffeners are moved apart, the accordion pockets of the pocket assembly are expanded and separated as the excess strap extends over the bottom of the accordion pocket assembly. The first and second ends are configured so that the guides elements at the top edges of the stiffeners catch the first and second ends of the strap for top side access.  
         [0010]     In yet another embodiment, a substantially rectangular salesman type sample case is modified to make a portable expandable filing system. In this embodiment, the at least one the sides of the salesman type case (S-case) is configured to detach from the base (bottom) of the salesman case. The other two or three sides are rigid and attached to the base. An accordion pocket assemble has an outside plane of a first pocket coupled to the detachable side and an outside plane of a last pocket coupled to its directly opposing side (fixed or also detachable). The top has a handle and two latch elements for coupling to the two detachable sides. The base also has a cylindrical bar element disposed to extend from the edge of the base that couples to the detachable side(s). The detachable side has a fork element for fitting over the cylindrical bar element which keeps the detachable side from moving laterally away from the base when engaged. The combination of the fork and the cylindrical bar element functions as a hinge allowing the detachable side to hinge open in an arc when the detachable side is decoupled from the other elements of the S-case. The detachable side has latch elements for coupling to the rigid sides with planes orthogonal to the plane of the detachable side. Likewise the detachable side has a latch element for coupling to the top. In this manner, the top may be rotated open when the detachable side is coupled to the two orthogonal plane rigid sides to access stored planar media elements. The detachable side may be decoupled from the top and the sides and lifted so the fork element disengages from the cylindrical bar element. The detachable side may then be moved laterally away from its opposing side like a drawer opening separating the accordion pockets for access. One or two bar elements, each rotatably coupled to the orthogonal sides, are coupled to the detachable side to hold the accordion pockets separated.  
         [0011]     The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a bilateral accordion pocket structure suitable for embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a file system according to an embodiment of the present invention wherein a side locking member is used to hold the end pieces at a desired separation thereby holding the accordion pockets open for access;  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a side view of a file system according to an embodiment of the present invention wherein some of the bilateral accordion pockets are linearly expanded and some are fanned open and the side locking member is used to hold the end pieces separated;  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a file system according to an embodiment of the present invention wherein the bilateral accordion pockets have end pieces for adapting to a desk drawer;  
         [0017]      FIG. 5  is a side view of a file system according to an embodiment of the present invention with the locking side member in a stored position;  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a file system according to an embodiment of the present invention with stiffeners adapted to hold the file system expanded using foot pieces;  
         [0019]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the file system of  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a file system with hanging elements inserted under the folder edge of one set of bilateral accordion pockets for converting the file system to a hanging file;  
         [0021]      FIG. 9  is an end view of the file system of  FIG. 8  showing the parallel rails and a hanging element;  
         [0022]      FIG. 10  is another embodiment of the present invention with bilateral accordion pockets dispose in a box with a pivoting side; and  
         [0023]      FIG. 11  is another embodiment of the present invention bilateral accordion pockets disposed in a case to configure a portable file drawer.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0024]     In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known mechanisms may be shown in block diagram form in order not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail. For the most part, details concerning materials, processes and the like have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present invention and are within the skills of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art.  
         [0025]     Refer now to the drawings wherein depicted elements are not necessarily shown to scale and wherein like or similar elements are designated by the same reference numeral through the several views. For details of a separable and expandable accordion pocket structure, see U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,082. Accordion pockets are defined as a linked accordion pocket structure where the pocket openings may be either separated or separated and expanded. One class of accordion pockets form bi-lateral pockets when the pockets are joined to provide linking. Embodiments of the present invention may use the accordion pockets to provide either single pocket openings for access and storage or opposing bi-lateral accordion pockets openings for access and storage. In the following detailed descriptions, the shortened terms “accordion pockets” or simply “pockets” may be used interchangeably when referring to the class of accordion pockets comprising separable or separable and expandable bi-lateral accordion pockets used in embodiments of the present invention. Accordion pockets are usually configured to conform to the shape of the planar media, however, embodiments of the present invention may store any shaped planar media in suitably sized accordion pockets.  
         [0026]      FIG. 1  is a side view of an accordion pocket structure suitable for use in embodiments of the present invention. In this illustration, accordion pocket assembly  100  is linearly expanded. In this embodiment, pocket openings  102  and  104  enlarge to provide access to a pocket (e.g., pocket  108  for a  102  opening). The pockets of accordion pocket assembly  100  both expand and separate. Separating a pocket is defined as pocket center lines (e.g.,  105  and  110 ) moving away from each other. In  FIG. 1 , pocket openings  102  face upwards and would allow paper sheets to be placed in an exemplary pocket  108  from the topside. Stiffeners  101  and  103  are added so that the whole surface of the end pockets moves at one time. If the material used to form accordion pocket assembly  100  is stiff (e.g., manila folder material), stiffeners  101  and  103  may not be necessary unless additional features are needed to attach accordion pocket assembly  100  to another unit (not shown).  
         [0027]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a file system  200  according to an embodiment of the present invention wherein a side locking member  206  is used to hold the stiffener pieces  201  and  203  at a desired separation thereby holding the pockets (e.g.,  211 ) open for access so that a paper sheet  220  may be stored. Locking member  206  has a slot  209  that allows it to slide over pivot element  207  on stiffener  201 . Locking member  206  may be rotated on pivot element  207  into an upright position and then slid downward so that it may be stored flush with the side of stiffener  201 . Locking member  206  is shown dotted in a storage position. Notch  212  in locking member  206  fits over a pin  208  in stiffener  203 . When file system  200  is linearly expanded as shown, locking member slides and rotates over pivot  207 . When notch  212  is fitted over pin  208 , file system  200  is held with its pockets separated for access. In this embodiment, the accordion pockets (e.g.,  211 ) expand allowing for easy access to stored paper sheet media.  
         [0028]      FIG. 3  is a side view of a file system  300  according to an embodiment of the present invention wherein some of the bilateral accordion pockets are linearly expanded and some are fanned open and the side locking member is used to hold the end pieces separated. File system  300  is similar to file system  200  and is used to illustrate additional functionality of the present invention. Stiffener  301  has pivot  307  which allows locking member  306  to slide and pivot on slot  309 . The linked and separable (or separable and expandable) accordion pockets (e.g.,  311  and  312 ) have pocket openings  302 . Opposing bilateral accordion pockets (e.g.,  313  and  314 ) have pocket openings  304  and  305 . Openings  305  are differentiated for openings  304  since they operate in a different mode. Stiffener  303  may be linearly moved relative to stiffener  301  separating the accordion pockets of file system  300  similar to the illustration of  FIG. 2 . Likewise, locking member  306  may be rotated and fitted over pin  308  to hold the pockets open. At this point, stiffener  303  may be rotated from a vertical position to a horizontal position as shown. Because locking member  306  is a fixed length, some of the pockets (e.g.,  311 ) will remain upright and some of the pockets (e.g.,  312 ) fan open. When the pockets fan open, pocket openings  305  are compressed closed; however, pocket openings  302   b  remain fully accessible for storing paper sheet media. Since the accordion pockets of files system  300  are linked together, the accordion pockets may be expanded and separated by varying degrees by simply moving the folded edges (e.g.,  315 ). Locking member  306  may be returned to its stored position (see  FIG. 2 ) and the file system compressed closed by moving stiffeners  301  and  303  toward each other. The file system will compress to a thickness defined by the thickness of stiffeners  301  and  303 , the combined thickness of the pocket planar sides, and the thickness of stored paper sheet media. To again access stored paper sheet media, file system  300  is simply expanded into one of the configurations shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Openings  302   a  are differentiated for openings  302   b  as they are primarily in the linear expanded portion of file system  300 .  
         [0029]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a file system  400  according to an embodiment of the present invention wherein the accordion pocket unit  100  couples to a modified desk drawer  430  made to receive file folders. Drawer  430  typically has a sliding panel  401  that defines file holding space that may vary from zero to substantially the whole drawer depth. Rails  404  are attached to both sides of drawer  430  and guide features  405  on sliding panel  401  allow it to move in guide slot  406 . A accordion pocket unit  100  is placed in drawer  430  and stiffener  101  is attached to drawer front  402  using element  407 . Likewise, element  408  is used to attach stiffener  103  to sliding panel  401 . In this manner, sliding panel  401  expands and compresses pocket openings  102  and  104  in accordion pocket unit  100  as it moves to define the file space in drawer  430 . However, unlike prior art file systems, accordion pocket unit  100  according to embodiments of the present invention may be removed as a unit for transport or to allow access according to the embodiment of  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 5  is a side view of a file system  500  according to an embodiment of the present invention with the locking side member  506  in a stored position and a flap  506  for covering and securing pocket openings in a accordion pocket unit  100 . Pocket openings  102  in accordion pocket unit  100  are compressed closed in this illustration. Stiffeners  502  and  503  define the ends of accordion pocket unit  100  of file system  500 . Stiffener  501  has optional locking member  506  shown with pivot  507 . Likewise, stiffener  503  has pin  508  for coupling to notch  504  in locking member  506 . Stiffener  501  also has an attachment feature  505  for coupling to a mating attachment feature  508  on flap  502 . Flap  502  would fold over openings  102  and couple to attachment feature  505  to secure media stored in the accordion pockets of accordion pocket unit  100  of file system  500 .  
         [0031]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a file system  600  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Exemplary bilateral accordion pockets  611  and  612  are linked expandable and separable accordion pockets with folded edges  620 . Pocket  609  is linked with element  607 . Pocket  608  has joined edge  610 . Opposing pocket  613  has joined edge  605 . The accordion pockets have pocket openings  606  which are expanded open for access. The linked accordion pockets (e.g.,  611  and  612 ) have stiffeners  601  and  603  applied to the planar sides of the end pockets. Stiffener  601  has foot pieces  602  (one on each side, where one is hidden in this view) and stiffener  603  has foot pieces  604 . When file system  600  is expanded, the linking of the accordion pockets provides a natural restoring force  606  that tries to return the accordion pockets into a closed and compressed position. If foot pieces  603  and  604  are designed to have sufficient friction force to prevent the accordion pockets from closing, then there is a moment that tries to rotate the stiffeners  601  and  603 . By making foot piece  602  with a sufficient length  622  and foot piece  603  with a sufficient length  621 , the rotational moment caused by force  606  will be countered and file system  600  will remain open once expanded until sufficient force is applied to close it again.  
         [0032]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of file system  600 . In this view both of foot pieces  602  and  604  on stiffeners  601  and  603 , respectively, may be seen. Pocket bottoms  621  and folded edges  620  are also visible in this view. The accordion pockets fit inside of foot pieces  602  and  604  so that file system  600  may be placed in both configurations shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 .  
         [0033]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a file system  800  according to embodiments of the present invention. Exemplary bilateral accordion pockets  808  and  809  are shown. Pocket  808  has joined edge  810  and pocket  809  has joined edge  805 . Pocket  808  and  809  configured such that they are linked with element  807 . The linked bilateral pockets in file system  800  have exemplary folded edges  820 . The folded edges of the opposing bilateral accordion pockets have a hanging element  830  inserted such that file system  800  may be “hung” from parallel rails much like a Pendaflex® file folder. However, files system  800  allows multiple file pockets to be hung as a unit. Stiffeners  801  and  803  likewise have hanging elements  830 . Since the accordion pockets of files system  800  are linked, separable accordion pockets, the hanging elements  830  may be slid along the parallel rails to open one or multiple pockets. File system  800  may be compressed and removed as a unit. Stiffeners  801  and  803  may have optional foot pieces  822  and  821 . This would allow file system  800  to be place in the configurations illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Additionally, stiffeners  801  and  803  may have an optional locking member (not shown) like locking member ( 206 ) with corresponding pivot  207  and  208 . See  FIGS. 2 and 3 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 9  is an end view of a file system  800  illustrating parallel rails  900  and a hanging element  830 . Stiffener  801  is the only other part of file system  800  visible in this view.  
         [0035]      FIG. 10  is a view of another embodiment of the present invention. A box has a back side  1012 , first and second sides  1004  and  1005 , a bottom side  108 , a front side  1006  and a top lid  1001 . The top lid  1001  has lip  1002  and a lip  1003 . Lip  1003  is adapted to fit over and hold front side  1006  when it is closed in contact with first and second sides  1004  and  1005 . A plurality of accordion pockets  1013  are disposed in the box and the planar side of the first pocket  1014  is coupled to the back side  1012  and the planar side of the last pocket  1015  is coupled to the front side  1006 . The front side is hinged to the bottom  1008 . When the front side  1008  is rotated closed and in contact with first and second sides  1004  and  1005 , the first pocket openings directed up towards the top lid (e.g.,  1007 ) are separate evenly in accordion fashion to fill the space between the back side and the closed front side. When the top lid  1001  is rotated open on hinge  1009 , front side  1006  is released and rotates about hinge  1010  rotating first pocket openings  1007  additionally separating them for access. Since the accordion pockets are attached only to the back side  1012  and the front side  1006 , rotating the front side  1006  open translates all the pockets and further separates all the pocket openings. Exemplary pocket openings  1007  may separate more than the pockets that only translate.  
         [0036]     In another embodiment, both the front side  1006  and the back side  1012  are hinged to the bottom side  1008 . In this embodiment, the top lid  1001  is hinged only to either first side  1004  or second side  1005 . Top lid  1001  is then configured with a lip  1003  which couples to hold front side  1006  closed and a opposing lip (not shown) that couples to hold back side  1012  closed. In this embodiment, opening top lid  1001  frees both the back side  1012  and the front side  1006  to rotate about their respective hinges. In this manner, the accordion pockets  1013  rotate the pockets in an arc and separating the first pocket openings and compressing the second pocket openings (e.g.,  1011 ).  
         [0037]      FIG. 11  is a portable file drawer  1100  used with bi-lateral accordion pockets according to embodiments of the present invention. Base  1117  has rigid sides  1104  and  1105 . Top  1106  may be coupled to the back side  1120  with a permanent hinge element  1108  or back side  1120  may be detachable like detachable side  1102 . Top  1106  has a handle  1107  and a latch element  1109  for coupling to mating latch element  1113  on detachable side  1102 . Bilateral accordion pocket unit  1101  is disposed between the detachable side  1102  and the back side  1120  such that moving detachable side  1102  laterally from back side  1120  serves to separate the pockets in accordion pocket unit  1101 . Detachable side  1102  has mating latch elements  1115  and  1116  that couple with a latch element (e.g., latch element  1110 ) to hold detachable side  1102  engaged to base  1117  and sides  1104  and  1105 . Base  1117  has cylindrical bar element  1112  that couples with mating fork element  1114  to further hold detachable side engaged with base  1117 . Detachable side  1102  may also rotate around cylindrical hinge element  1112  when mating latch elements  1115  and  1116  are decoupled or disengaged thereby cause the pocket openings in accordion pocket unit  1101  to fan open in an arc. Top  1106  may rotate open around hinge element  1108  when latch element  1113  and latch element  1109  are decoupled so that pockets under top  1106  may be accessed. One or two optional bars (e.g., bar  1111 ) are rotatably attached to side  1104  (or side  1105 ) and may then be coupled to the detachable side when open to hold the accordion pocket unit  1101  fully separated. Cut away line  1121  is used to remove from view the bottom portion of accordion pocket unit  1101  so that pivot  1112  and base  1117  may be viewed. Dotted line  1118  is used to illustrate the folded edge of an accordion pocket under top  1106 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 12  is a view of a stiffener suitable for use with accordion pocket units used in embodiments of the present invention to make paper files that are disposed into a file drawer with or without hanging elements. Accordion pockets in an accordion pocket unit  1202  are linked together and it is desirable to have a way to remove them from a drawer recess without having to grasp the bottom of the accordion pocket unit. To solve this problem a strap, rope, or string element  1206  with two ends (only end  1208  is shown) are threaded through a guides (e.g., guide  1205 ) coupled to the top edges (e.g.,  1201  and  1221 ) of the stiffeners  1209  and  1211 . The strap element  1206  is looped back ( 1207 ) and coupled with a sliding element  1203  to strap element  1206 . When stiffeners  1209  and  1211  are moved laterally apart, the sliding element moves toward the top edge  1201  and the excess strap of strap  1206  is free to extend allowing the pockets of accordion pocket unit to separate. When the paper file  1200  is lifted using loops  1212  and  1210 , stiffeners  1209  and  1211  move laterally together until stopped by the thickness of the pockets and any stored planar paper elements. The excess of strap element  1206  is taken up by sliding the sliding elements (e.g.,  1203 ) toward the bottom of the stiffeners (e.g.,  1209 ).  
         [0039]     In embodiments of the present invention, linked bilateral separable and expandable accordion pockets are used as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,082. Since these pockets have folded edges and since the retaining sides of the pockets do not have to be joined all the way to the folded edges, an opening is available to place a hanging element  830 . Therefore, a file system  800  may have multiple uses and the hanging members  830  may be added as an option.  
         [0040]     The present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.