Bookbinding: process and apparatus – Process
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-23
2001-02-27
Wellington, A. L. (Department: 3722)
Bookbinding: process and apparatus
Process
C270S058040, C270S058310, C270S058320, C283S026000, C040S641000, C040S359000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06193457
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to file folders with identifying tabs and, more particularly, to file folders which can be individually custom printed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
File folders are known in which a tab extends from an end, side or top of a folder. The tab is visible when the files are positioned as in a file drawer or on a shelf. With a shelf file system, the folder is commonly referred to as an “end tab” or “side tab” folder to distinguish it from “top tab” folders typically used in drawer files.
The end tabs are labelled, preferably on both sides, with identifying information including a coding system involving the use of numbers, letters and colours. Preferred systems utilize varying sequences of colour codes such that a person looking down a row of files may readily see a colour discontinuity if a coloured file is misfiled from a particular arrangement of colour sequences. For example, the colour sequences provide wide flexibility in classification and sub-classification of the files in a visually apparent sequence.
Adhesive labels are known to be applied to the tabs to provide the necessary identifying information. Known labelling systems include labels which are folded about the edge of the tab so as to provide identical information on both sides of the tab. Individual labels are provided for each number and letter appropriately colour-coded. Such labelling systems have the disadvantage that to appropriately label a tab, a user must make a selection of the correct label for a plurality of numbers and/or letters and must individually apply the labels correctly sequenced and at correct locations on the tab.
A disadvantage with known file folders is that it is difficult to place custom information on the interior and exterior surfaces of the file folder. Typically, this disadvantage is overcome as by preprinting forms on the file folder surfaces which later can individually be filled out. Again, this has the disadvantage of requiring a considerable amount of time. The file folder may be difficult to pass through conventional printers particularly when folded double or when it has adhesive labels attached to both sides of the tab which might become damaged or detached.
Rather than mark the file folder itself with information relevant to that file, frequently, information relevant to that file is printed as on a separate piece of paper which is then placed in the file or somehow attached thereto. This has the disadvantage that the information sheet can become detached from the file folder and, as well, the disadvantage that additional paper is required resulting in increased use of shelf space.
Previously known systems generally suffer the disadvantage of requiring a substantial amount of handling in order to customize any particular file. Such handling is a disadvantage, first of all, as being expensive and, secondly, being subject to error. Further, previously known systems require stocking of blank files, stocking of labels and possible separate printing of file information on separate sheets. The fact that a number of components need to be assembled renders batch processing difficult and increases the likelihood of errors arising when a number of file folders are to be created at the same time, particularly, in an environment such as in law offices, medical offices, insurance companies, government agencies and the like where significant numbers of unique individual file folders are required to be created on a regular basis.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To at least partially overcome these disadvantages of previously known devices, the present invention provides a file folder which is adapted for custom printing of identifying information on both sides of an identifying tab and a method of printing such a file folder.
An object of the present invention is to provide a file folder which can be passed through a printer and have identifying information printed on both surfaces of an identifying tab.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for automated custom identification of file folders by printing identifying information on two surfaces of identifying tabs.
Another object is to provide a method for automated printing of information on a file folder including information on an identification tab and information on other surfaces of the folder.
Accordingly, one aspect the present invention provides a blank adapted for forming a folder, the blank comprising a substantially planar sheet having a first surface and a second surface,
the sheet having a first cover portion joined to a second cover portion along a mutual cover hinge line therebetween wherein on folding the sheet about the cover hinge line the second cover portion overlies the first cover portion and the folder is adapted to receive sheet materials between the first cover portion and the second cover portion,
the first cover portion including a tab extension forming at least a segment of an edge of the first cover portion,
the tab extension comprising an inner tab portion and an outer tab portion, the inner tab portion and outer tab portion joined together along a mutual tab hinge line therebetween wherein on folding the tab extension about the tab fold line in one direction the second surface of the sheet on the outer tab portion overlies the second surface of the sheet on the inner tab portion, wherein with the sheet folded about the cover hinge line and the tab fold line, the inner tab portion and the outer tab portion overlying the inner tab portion extend from the first cover portion beyond the second cover portion,
an inner labelling area on the first surface of the sheet over the inner tab portion adapted to have indicia printed thereon by a printing mechanism, and
an outer labelling area on the first surface of the sheet over the outer tab portion adapted to have labelling indicia printed thereon by a printing mechanism.
The blank is adapted to maintain the second surface of the inner tab portion and the second surface of the exterior tab portion in overlying relation together when the tab extension is folded in the one direction about the tab fold line. Various mechanisms may be used to secure the tab portions together including adhesives, adhesive strips and preformed sleeves, bands and/or sheets of transparent materials applied after the tab portions have been printed with indicia.
A blank is provided adapted for forming into a file folder. The blank comprises a planar sheet having a first surface and a second surface. The sheet has a first cover portion joined to a second cover portion along a mutual cover hinge line. The sheet is adapted for folding about the cover hinge line such that the first cover portion and second cover portion overlie each other and the folder is adapted to receive sheet material therebetween. The first cover portion includes a tab extension along one edge thereof either adjacent to the fold line or opposite thereto. The tab extension includes an inner tab portion and an outer tab portion joined together along a mutual hinge line. Folding the tab extension about the tab fold line causes the outer tab portion to overlie the inner tab portion forming a tab which extends from an edge of the first cover portion beyond the second cover portion when the second cover portion is folded to overlie the first cover portion. The inner tab portion and outer tab portion both have labelling areas on their surfaces which are adapted to have indicia printed thereon by a printing mechanism. The sheet is adapted when unfolded to be passed through a printing machine and to have labelling indicia printed on the labelling areas of both the inner tab portion and the outer tab portion. After printing, by folding the outer tab portion to overlie the inner tab portion, the outer tab portion and inner tab portion overlie each other to form the tab and present the printed indicia visible on both sides of the tab. The outer tab portions and inner tab portions may be maintained to overlie each other by many different securing mechanisms. As one mechanism, the
Esselte Corporation
Henderson Mark T.
Riches McKenzie & Herbert LLP
Wellington A. L.
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