Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to stationery items, such as file folders and loose-leaf dividers, report dividers or organizers having tabs. The invention relates to folders of the hanging type, as well as loose filing folders. 
   Conventional hanging folders  101  have plastic tabs  102  that can be positioned in plural, discreet positions along a top edge of the folder, as shown in  FIG. 1 . In conventional usage, shown in  FIG. 2  hanging folders  101  are arrayed in a row, one behind the other, within a file drawer  201  having suitable supports  202 . The plastic tabs  102  have wing portions  103  that are inserted into slots  104  disposed at each of the discrete positions. In order to make the tabs on folders further back in the file drawer visible, most users of such files stagger the positioning of the tabs for example in a sequence from left to right that repeats every three or five folders, or the like, as shown in the front portion  203  of the drawer  201  of  FIG. 2 . However, when the files need to be repositioned or when files need to be added or deleted from a file drawer, the pattern with which the tabs had previously been staggered is disrupted, leaving one or more tabs  205  further forward in the drawer, possibly obscuring one or more of the tabs  206  further back in the drawer, as shown in the back portion  204  of the drawer  201  of  FIG. 2 . The user must then remove the plastic tabs from positions at which they have been placed, and they must then be reattached to hanging folders at new positions, re-establishing the desired staggered pattern. 
   Conventional loose filing folders such as manila folders are often used to create sub-files, also referred to as inside folders, within hanging folders, or may be used in loose filing drawers or boxes of their own. Manila folders  301  are conventionally precut, usually with each having a tab at one of three or five staggered positions  302  along a top edge  303 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . By selecting a sequence of folders where the tabs of one folder do not overlap the tab of an immediately succeeding folder, the tabs of each succeeding folder are made relatively more visible, as shown in the front portion  401  of the drawer of  FIG. 4 . However, as with the hanging folders, when the filing system must be updated, or when individual file folders are replaced or changed the staggered pattern may be disrupted as shown in the back portion  402  of the drawer of  FIG. 4 . Again, a tab  403  further forward in the drawer may obscure a tab  404  further back in the drawer. Because the manila folders do not have repositionable/adjustable tabs, they are frequently discarded when changing the filing system or when the file tabs become damaged or tattered. In some cases adhesive labels may be applied over the tabs and new markings then made. While discarding manila folders that now have tabs in the wrong positions due to a rearrangement of the filing system is wasteful, re-labeling and reusing folders is difficult and sloppy. 
   What is needed is an improved tab system for file folders, hanging file folders, loose-leaf dividers, report dividers, organizers and the like. 
   SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
   According to aspects of an embodiment of the invention, a stationery accessory system comprises: a slidable tab; and a sheet-like member including a rail; one of the slidable tab and the rail having a channel defined along a longitudinal aspect thereof, the channel defined by a wall of the rail, and the channel having a longitudinal opening narrower than a width interior to the channel measured parallel to the longitudinal opening; and the other of the slidable tab and the rail having an expanded edge, the expanded edge having a width greater than the longitudinal opening such that the channel and the expanded edge are slidably engageable. In one variation of this embodiment, the rail is integral with the sheet-like member. In another variation the rail is permanently affixed to the sheet-like member. In yet another variation, the rail is removably affixed to the sheet-like material. In variations having an integral rail, the sheet-like member may comprise an extruded polymeric material. In variations having an extruded polymeric material, the rail may be a polymeric material co-extruded with the sheet-like member. According to any of these variations, the sheet-like member may comprise the top of or a wall of the file folder, hanging folder, notebook divider or organizer. According to aspects of another embodiment of the invention, a method of making a stationary accessory comprises: extruding a length of sheet material having a rail along one edge thereof; extruding a length of tab material; dividing the length of tab material into individual tabs; and dividing the length of sheet material into individual sheets; wherein one of the tab and the rail have a channel defined along a longitudinal aspect thereof, the channel defined by a wall of the rail, and the channel having a longitudinal opening narrower than a width interior to the channel measured parallel to the longitudinal opening; and the other of the tab and the rail having a beaded edge, the bead having a width greater than the longitudinal opening such that the channel and the expanded edge are slidably engageable. The tabs may be interchangeable between the file folder, hanging folder, notebook divider or organizer. The tabs may be produced in varying lengths, sizes, shapes and colors enabling the user flexibility in developing their own filing system. Although useable in a system, together with file folders, hanging folders, notebook dividers, organizers or the like, the tabs are a separate and distinct component. According to a variation of this embodiment, extruding the length of sheet material comprises co-extruding the length of sheet material and the rail. According to another variation of this embodiment, the method further comprises affixing the rail to the extruded length of sheet material. Affixing may further comprise permanently attaching the rail or releasably attaching the rail. 
   An accessory for a sheet-type stationery item comprises a slidable tab, wherein the tab is configured to slidably engage with an edge of the stationery item. The edge of the stationery item may include a rail for engaging with the tab. 
   A stationery system comprises a sheet-type stationery item having an edge facility thereof for slidably engaging with a tab for identifying the stationery item. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings: 
       FIG. 1  is a detailed view of the slot and tab attachment feature of a conventional hanging folder; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of conventional hanging folders stored in a row; 
       FIG. 3  is a detailed view of a conventional manila folder tab; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of conventional manila folders stores in a row; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an adjustable tab with a bead at the base of the tab; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an adjustable tab with a channel at the base of the tab; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a tab slidably mounted to a sheet-like material according to aspects of an embodiment of the invention in which the tab includes a channel at the base of the tab; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a tab slidably mounted to a sheet-like material according to aspects of an embodiment of the invention in which the tab includes a bead at the base of the tab; 
       FIG. 9  is a detailed view of a slide element according to aspects of the embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 10  is a detailed view of another slide element according to aspects of another embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 11  is a detailed view of an attachment aspect of an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 12  is a detailed view of an integrated rail according to aspects of yet another embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 13  is a detail showing detents according to aspects of an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 14  is a detail showing detents according to aspects of another embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 15  is a cross sectional view of a bifurcated tab according to aspects of an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 16  is a cross sectional view of another bifurcated tab according to aspects of an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 17  is a front view of the tab of  FIG. 15 ; 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of another bifurcated tab according to aspects of an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 19  is a cross sectional view of a closed hollow tab having a clip closure according to aspects of an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 20  is a cross sectional view of a closed hollow tab according to aspects of an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a detail of an open ended track with which tabs according to aspects of embodiments of the invention mate; 
       FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a detail of a closed ended track with which tabs according to aspects of embodiments of the invention mate; 
       FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a detail of an assembly including one of the tracks of  FIGS. 21 and 22  and one of the tabs of  FIGS. 15 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19  or  20 ; 
       FIG. 24  is a cross sectional view of a closed hollow tab according to aspects of an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 25  is a perspective view of another bifurcated tab according to aspects of an embodiment of the invention; and 
       FIG. 26  is a cross sectional view of a closed hollow tab having a clip closure according to aspects of an embodiment of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   This invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” “containing”, “involving”, and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. 
   Various aspects of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are now described in connection with  FIGS. 5-14 . These embodiments include a tab and a sheet-like member to which the tab attaches. The tab and sheet-like member have a slidably engageable construction including a channel formed in one and a corresponding projecting rim, lip or bead formed in the other. The tab is slidable from one extreme position at or near one end of the sheet-like member to another extreme position at or near the other end of the sheet-like member. The position of the tab is preferably infinitely adjustable between the two extreme positions. In addition to the infinite adjustability between the two extreme positions, the construction may include detent positions or high friction positions that tend to hold the tab in such preferred or predetermined positions along the track. 
   The features of the exemplary embodiment are now described in connection with  FIGS. 5-14 . 
   According to aspects of one embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 5 , a tab  501  has an enlarged feature, referred to hereinafter without loss of generality as a bead  502 , disposed along a lower edge. As will be explained below, bead  502  engages with a channel constructed in a stationery article to receive bead  502 . The bead may be constructed in any suitable configuration or design that facilitates its slideability and strength along the channel. 
   According to aspects of another embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 6 , a tab  601  has a channel  602  disposed along a lower edge. As will also be explained below, channel  602  engages with an enlarged feature constructed on a stationery article to receive channel  602 . The channel may be constructed in any suitable configuration or design that facilitates its slideability and strength along the bead. 
   Both tabs  501  and  601  may include paper laminated on both sides, for example where the paper has adhesive on at least one side and is affixed to the tab. This material will facilitate writing and creating tab labels. Both tabs  501  and  601  will be constructed at sizes consistent with industry standards, to enable the tabs to fit appropriately in file cabinets, loose-leaf notebooks, and planners. 
   As shown in  FIG. 7 , a tab  601  according to other aspects of the invention rides a track  702  running A-A along an edge of the sheet-like member  703 . The sheet-like member  703  may be a file folder, a loose-leaf divider, a report divider, or the like. Track  702  includes an enlarged feature  701  which is engaged by the channel  602  of tab  601 . The enlarged feature  701  is hereafter referred to as a bead  701 , without loss of generality to other forms of projecting rim or lip. 
   As shown in  FIG. 8 , a tab  501  according to aspects of the invention rides a track  802  running B-B along an edge of the sheet-like member  803 . The sheet-like member  803  may be a file folder, a loose-leaf divider, a report divider, or the like. Track  802  includes a channel  801  which is engaged by the bead  502  of tab  501 . 
   Both sheet-like member  703  and  803  can be constructed to have sizes consistent with industry standards, including but not limited to, letter and legal sizes. 
   The detail of  FIG. 9  shows aspects of one embodiment of the tab and track configuration. In this embodiment, the tab  601  includes a channel  602  along a bottom edge  903 , thereof. The track, or rail, has a projecting rim, lip or a beaded or enlarged feature  701  running along the edge of the sheet-like member  703 . The channel  602  of the tab  601  engages with the bead  701  of the sheet-like member  703 . The channel  602  and bead  701  may engage with a slidable friction fit, or may engage loosely, except at points where detent features hold the tab in place, as explained below. Shoulder contact region  906  defines an opening to the channel  602  that is narrower than the bead  701 , so as to retain the bead  701  within the channel  602  against radial forces. 
   According to aspects of an alternative embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the tab  501  may have the bead  502  while the track or rail  802  has a channel  801  which engages the bead  502  of the tab  501 . Shoulder contact region  1005  defines an opening to the channel  801  that is narrower than the bead  502 , so as to retain the bead  502  within the channel  801  against radial forces. 
   In the embodiments of  FIGS. 9 and 10 , there should preferably also be a feature that maintains the tab in a vertical or other desired fixed, predetermined angle relative to the sheet-like member. For example, the channel ( FIG. 9 ,  602 ;  FIG. 10 ,  801 ) may include a sufficiently broad shoulder contact region ( FIG. 9 ,  906 ;  FIG. 10 ,  1005 ) that the tab is maintained at its correct position. Any other suitable feature may be used. 
   Preferably, the rail runs the entire length of one edge of the sheet-like material, but a shorter rail is also contemplated. The rail should be of a length sufficient to provide substantial mobility of the tab along the edge of the sheet-like member. 
   Also preferred is either that the channel have a slight flair at the ends or that the bead have a slight taper at the ends thereof so as to facilitate the insertion of the bead into the channel from one end or the other thereof. 
   As shown in  FIG. 11  the rail  1101  may be a separate component, attached to the sheet-like material  1102 , for example adhesively. In this embodiment, the rail  1101  has two wings  1103  coated with an adhesive  1104  on one side  1105  which are then folded down C into contact with the sheet-like material  1102 . 
   Alternatively, in  FIG. 11  the rail  1101  may be attached to the sheet-like member with one wing  1103  coated with an adhesive  1104  on one side. In this embodiment of the invention the wing is extruded along with the rail and is an integral part of the rail. The wing may be attached to the inside or outside of the sheet-like material. The wing or wings can serve as handholds when sliding the tab along the rail. 
   Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 12  the rail  1201  may be fully integrated with the sheet-like material  1202 . For example, the sheet-like material and rail can be a single extrusion of a polymeric material. Alternatively, the sheet-like material may be an extruded lamination including a core material, for example, card stock or the like and an outer material, for example an extruded polymer from which the rail is also formed integral with the completed article. 
   As shown in  FIG. 12 , there are preferably handholds  1203  or reinforced areas adjacent to the rail that facilitate moving the tab from one side to the other. The user grips a handhold in one hand and the tab in the other and then can slide the tab away from the handhold. The handholds reinforce the area of greatest stress on the rail, so as to also prevent tears during movement of the tab. 
   Using any suitable technique, the channel or shoulder  1005  may be formed to have detents as shown in  FIG. 13  or indents ( FIG. 21 ,  2107 ) or the channel and rail may be formed with cooperative elements comprising detents as shown in  FIG. 14 . In the embodiment as shown in  FIG. 13 , when the tab  1301  is slid to a position between raised portions  1302 ,  1303 , the tab  1301  is then securely held in place by the raised portions  1302 ,  1303 . If it is desired to place the tab  1301  at a position other than the detent location, the tab may be left resting on one of the raised portions also. The detent illustrated in  FIG. 14  holds the tab  1401  in place by cooperation between the notch  1402  in the bead  1403  and raised portions  1404  in the channel  1405 . As with the detent as shown in  FIG. 13  the tab may be positioned other than at a detent position, and left in place, if so desired. 
   Although no detents are required, if an interference fit is designed, instead, the tolerance of the diameters of the bead and channel can be set so as to prevent tabs from sliding off of the rail or from fitting so tightly as to be difficult to move. 
   Other variations are also possible. According to aspects of yet another embodiment of the invention, the tab may include at its base a bead having a raised rib positioned crosswise, approximately at the center of the bead. The raised rib would enable the user to select a location for the tab along a predetermined number of slots along the channel. According to aspects of yet another embodiment of the invention, the tab and/or the channel may contain ribs running either longitudinally or crosswise, increasing the friction between the bead of the tab and channel. For example, ribs such as  1302 ,  1303  of  FIG. 13  can be spaced closely together, so as not to form detent positions, but rather to simply locally increase the friction between the tab  1301  and the channel. 
   The tabs can be of a type to accept inserts, such as conventional paper or paperboard labels. Examples of such tabs are now shown and described in connection with  FIGS. 15 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19  and  20 . In order to more clearly show certain features, these figures are not to scale. 
   The basic configuration, shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , is a tab  1501  having a rail member  1502  and a hollow, transparent upper portion  1503 . Label inserts (shown in  FIG. 17  in phantom) are inserted and removed from one end or the other of the tab  1501 . 
     FIG. 16  shows a configuration of a tab  1601  whose top portion  1602  resembles a conventional hanging folder tab. Top portion  1602  has a wall which bends back upon itself at a top edge  1603 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 17 , in order to facilitate the easy insertion and removal of a label insert, a notch  1701  can be cut into one or both ends of the tab  1501 , providing a place where the label insert can be gripped while it is in place in the tab  1501 . 
   Other configurations that may have advantages in ease of manufacture and ease of use are shown in  FIGS. 18 ,  19  and  20 . 
     FIG. 18  shows a configuration of a presently preferred tab  1801 . The top portion  1802  of tab  1801  is bifurcated into a front fin  1803  and a back fin  1804  separated by a slot  1805 . An insert (not shown) can be slid into the slot  1805 , where it is retained by a close fit with the front fin  1803  and back fin  1804 . The lower portion  1806  of the tab  1801  includes a rail member  1502 . Just above rail member  1502  is a rib feature  1807  that engages detent features (described below in connection with  FIGS. 21 ,  22  and  23 ) of the track (described below in connection with  FIGS. 21 ,  22  and  23 ) into which the rail member  1502  is inserted when in use. 
     FIG. 19  shows a configuration of a tab  1901  having a bifurcated top portion  1902  having a front fin  1903  and a back fin  1904 . The top edge  1905  is defined by the front fin  1903  incorporating a bend to form an interlock  1906  with the back fin  1904 . The top edge could alternatively be defined by the back fin  1904  incorporating a bend to form an interlock with the front fin  1903 . The interlock can reside above, below or over the region of a hollow  1907  defined by the front fin  1903 , the back fin  1904  and the top edge  1905 , as may be desired by the skilled designer. 
   As shown in  FIG. 20 , another configuration of a tab  2001  has a bifurcated top portion  2002  having a front fin  2003  and a back fin  2004 , joined at a top edge  2005 . In embodiments incorporating this aspect of the invention, the insert may be slid in from one end or the other of the tab  2001 . Top edge  2005  may be manufactured as an integral joint, as shown, or may be formed by bonding or adhering the front fin  2003  and back fin  2004  after manufacture. 
   Any of the tabs shown and described in connection with  FIGS. 15 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19  and  20  can include a track as described above in connection with  FIG. 6  as an alternative to the rails shown. Also, if the tab includes a track, the track can incorporate various features of any of the tracks described herein, such as detent features. 
   Some embodiments of tracks for attachment to the sheet members are now described in connection with  FIGS. 21 ,  22  and  23 . In order to more clearly show certain features, these figures are not to scale. 
     FIG. 21  shows a track  2101  having a slot  2102  and an internal passage  2103 , both running the length of the track  2101  and which receive the tab (not shown). In this embodiment, the end of the internal passage  2103  includes a bevel  2104  and the end of the slot  2102  also includes a bevel  2105 , whereby insertion of the tab into the track is facilitated. In some embodiments, the track may be left with open ends, as shown in  FIG. 21 . The internal passage  2103  may contain a retaining groove  2106  running the length of the internal passage. This may strengthen the channel and minimize the chance of the tab being pulled through the slot at the top of the rail. 
   In other embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 22 , the slot  2102  and internal passage (not shown) may be closed off at the end by a seal  2201 . The seal  2201  may be formed by applying heat and pressure to form a pinched region  2202  as shown in  FIG. 22 , or alternatively the seal may be formed by inserting a plug (not shown) into the slot  2102  and for internal passage  2103  of the track  2101  of  FIG. 21 . Other seals may be applied either externally or internally to the track, as may be understood by skilled artisans. 
   As shown in  FIG. 23 , any of the embodiments of  FIGS. 21 and 22  may also include detent features  2301  to engage with rib  1807  ( FIG. 18 ). Tab  1501  may be positioned to any location along the track  2101 , where it will be retained by a friction fit between rib  1807  and slot  2102 , however, the tab will prefer locations where rib  1807  engages one of the detent features  2301 , as shown. 
     FIGS. 24 ,  25  and  26  show further alternatives to the tabs of  FIGS. 15 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19  and  20 . 
     FIG. 24  shows a tab  2401  similar to that of  FIG. 20 . In addition to the features described in connection with  FIG. 20 , this tab includes a rail  2402  having a retaining groove  2403 . Retaining groove  2403  mats with an optional protruding edge ( FIG. 21 ,  2106 ) having a corresponding profile formed in the internal passage  2103 . The combination of retaining groove  2403  and protruding edge  2106  prevent the tab  2401  from pulling through the slot ( FIG. 21 ,  2102 ) of the rail. 
   Tab  2501  of  FIG. 25  and tab  2601  of  FIG. 26  also include rail  2402  and retaining groove  2403  in combination with other tab structures previously discussed. 
   The rails of the tab shown in  FIGS. 15 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19  and  20  would fit internal passages lacking the optional protruding edge  2106 . 
   Because the tabs can be extruded of a polymeric material and then cut to length, or alternatively molded of a polymeric material in addition to paper or card stock labels for insertion into the tab ( FIGS. 15 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19  and  20 , for example), they are also compatible with peelable labels. The peelable labels can be provided in sheets for laser or inkjet printing. The tabs can also be provided with a textured surface suitable for accepting permanent marker inks or the like. 
   Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of this invention, it is to be appreciated various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

Technology Category: b