CA1221598A - Reinforced file folder panel edges and method - Google Patents
Reinforced file folder panel edges and methodInfo
- Publication number
- CA1221598A CA1221598A CA000414537A CA414537A CA1221598A CA 1221598 A CA1221598 A CA 1221598A CA 000414537 A CA000414537 A CA 000414537A CA 414537 A CA414537 A CA 414537A CA 1221598 A CA1221598 A CA 1221598A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- film
- folder
- edge
- web
- adhesive
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
- B42F—SHEETS TEMPORARILY ATTACHED TOGETHER; FILING APPLIANCES; FILE CARDS; INDEXING
- B42F17/00—Card-filing arrangements, e.g. card indexes or catalogues or filing cabinets
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
- B42C—BOOKBINDING
- B42C7/00—Manufacturing bookbinding cases or covers of books or loose-leaf binders
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
- B42F—SHEETS TEMPORARILY ATTACHED TOGETHER; FILING APPLIANCES; FILE CARDS; INDEXING
- B42F21/00—Indexing means; Indexing tabs or protectors therefor
- B42F21/04—Tabs permanently fastened to sheets, papers, cards, or suspension files
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A folder having a reinforced side tab for use in a lateral file system is disclosed. The folder comprises a rectangular blank to be folded in forming the folder. A
side of the blank includes a projection to provide the side tab when the blank is folded to make the folder. The projection forms an undercut on a side of the folder when the blank is folded. The blank in the area of the undercut is reinforced on both surfaces of the blank by securing to both surfaces a high tensile strength tear resistant reinforcing film. This minimizes tearing of the folder in the area of the undercut during use of the folder in a lateral file system. A coloured adhesive may be used for securing a clear reinforcing film to the folder. This provides a colour band down a side of the folder to distinguish a group of files in a file system. Method and apparatus are disclosed for applying the reinforcing film to file folder blanks.
A folder having a reinforced side tab for use in a lateral file system is disclosed. The folder comprises a rectangular blank to be folded in forming the folder. A
side of the blank includes a projection to provide the side tab when the blank is folded to make the folder. The projection forms an undercut on a side of the folder when the blank is folded. The blank in the area of the undercut is reinforced on both surfaces of the blank by securing to both surfaces a high tensile strength tear resistant reinforcing film. This minimizes tearing of the folder in the area of the undercut during use of the folder in a lateral file system. A coloured adhesive may be used for securing a clear reinforcing film to the folder. This provides a colour band down a side of the folder to distinguish a group of files in a file system. Method and apparatus are disclosed for applying the reinforcing film to file folder blanks.
Description
~2~5g8 1 FIELD OF THE INVE~TION
This invention relates to folders used in lateral filing ~ystems and more particularly to side tab folders having reinforced edges for use in such systems.
BACKGROUND OF TXE INVENTION
With the ever increasing use and popularity of colour coded filing 3ystems in offices there is a decided trend to the use of side tab folders. Side tab folders should be distingui3hed from top tab folders. Top tab folders are indexed on the upper edge parallel to the spine or fold between the front and back surfaces of the folder. Side tab folders are indexed on the side at right angles to the spine or fold. The file folders are placed upright on shelves with their side edges projecting outwardly from the shelf.
Side tab filing systems have become most advantageous, especially in larger filing systems, because the filing and finding of folders is faster and easier. Also, side tab filing systems save floor space as compared with drawer filing. The colour coding of the files is not a nece~sity but can usually be an emhancement.
An example of side tab file systems is disclosed in United States patent 4,204,639. Usually file folders remain in a filing system for many years and during the life of the folder are subjected to considerable wear and tear and often to severe handling and abuse. Also, as they are moved between the file room to the user departments they are often roughly handled as they are temporarily placed in holding baskets or carts with the side tab projecting.
The folder stock commonly used in filing systems is a folder stock approximately .011 inches or .014 inches `:~
~2~5~3 1 thick. The folders are manufactured from web stock on high speed automatic folder machina~.
In the past, many attempts have been made to reinforce file folder edges, especially the top tab type which have been commonly used for many years and are stored in file drawers. Usually the upper edge of the file folder is reinforoed in one way or another to withstand abuse. An example of ~uch file folder reinforcement is disclosed in United States patent 1,74~,191. In that instance, the upper edge of the rear panel of the folder has an additional layer of file folder stock glued to the upper edge and wrapped around the upper edge of the folder to provide a three ply thickness to substantially reinforce the upper edge. Other examples of similar manners for reinforcing file folder edges, are disclosed in United States patents 1,081,727;
This invention relates to folders used in lateral filing ~ystems and more particularly to side tab folders having reinforced edges for use in such systems.
BACKGROUND OF TXE INVENTION
With the ever increasing use and popularity of colour coded filing 3ystems in offices there is a decided trend to the use of side tab folders. Side tab folders should be distingui3hed from top tab folders. Top tab folders are indexed on the upper edge parallel to the spine or fold between the front and back surfaces of the folder. Side tab folders are indexed on the side at right angles to the spine or fold. The file folders are placed upright on shelves with their side edges projecting outwardly from the shelf.
Side tab filing systems have become most advantageous, especially in larger filing systems, because the filing and finding of folders is faster and easier. Also, side tab filing systems save floor space as compared with drawer filing. The colour coding of the files is not a nece~sity but can usually be an emhancement.
An example of side tab file systems is disclosed in United States patent 4,204,639. Usually file folders remain in a filing system for many years and during the life of the folder are subjected to considerable wear and tear and often to severe handling and abuse. Also, as they are moved between the file room to the user departments they are often roughly handled as they are temporarily placed in holding baskets or carts with the side tab projecting.
The folder stock commonly used in filing systems is a folder stock approximately .011 inches or .014 inches `:~
~2~5~3 1 thick. The folders are manufactured from web stock on high speed automatic folder machina~.
In the past, many attempts have been made to reinforce file folder edges, especially the top tab type which have been commonly used for many years and are stored in file drawers. Usually the upper edge of the file folder is reinforoed in one way or another to withstand abuse. An example of ~uch file folder reinforcement is disclosed in United States patent 1,74~,191. In that instance, the upper edge of the rear panel of the folder has an additional layer of file folder stock glued to the upper edge and wrapped around the upper edge of the folder to provide a three ply thickness to substantially reinforce the upper edge. Other examples of similar manners for reinforcing file folder edges, are disclosed in United States patents 1,081,727;
2,052,623 and 2,138,788. In each irlstance, either the file folder stock integral with the folder is folded over and glued to reinforce the edge or additional material is added of the same file folder stock to reinforce the edge.
The approach to date has, therefore, been to add additional layers of the folder stock to the folder edge in an attempt to reinforce and add stiffness to the folder edge to re~ist tearing.
Various forms of high tensile strength films have been used to repair rips in paper and protect surfaces of paper product3. ~n example of such film is Mylar (trademark) which consi~ts of polyethylene teraphthalate and is sold by Du Pont. In the file folder field, such film is used to protect add-on ~ile folder tabs as disclosed in copending 30 United States patent application S.N. 276,939 which 12215g8 1 corresponds to Canadian patent application S.N. 380,208 filed June 19, 1981.
It has been discovered as discussed below that this type of high tensile strength film may be bonded to the edge of a file folder to unexpectedy greatly increase the strength of the folder and its resistance to tear. Because of the thinness of the film, little bulk i9 added to the folder thickness and the film may be conveniently applied during the manufacture of the file folder. By using coloured adhesi~es, which may be applied to a clear film just prior to bonding the film to the folder edge, the edge of the folder front and back panels may be provided with a distinct colour to which colour coded labels may be subsequently applied. An alternative to a coloured adhesive is to u~e a coloured paper on the folder edge which is covered by a clear film. Another alternative is to use coloured film which is secured to the folder edge to provide the desired colour band. This is a significant advantage in that groups of files of a file system may now be recognized by the complete band of colour down its front and back panel edges. This avoids the prior more costly approach of using many different coloured folder ~tocks for di~tinguishing each desired group of files in the system. Such coloured paper stock would fade and loose its distinctive colour. In addition, the colour of the folder stock would change from batch to batch of the stock, so that there would not be a consistent colouring for a group of files.
The folders can be manufactured from web ~tock on high speed automatic folder machines where the high tensile 3o ~22~L598 1 strength film when bonded to the edge of a file folder unexpectedly greatly increases the strength of the folder and its resistance to tear. This advantage can be accomplished during the folder manufacturing process in a way that only marginally increases the manufacturing cost.
This marginal cost factor in relation to a much superior file folder is a worthwhile and important advantage. Such high tensile strength film compliments and increases additionally the strength of a folder edge which consists of ploughed over web stock to provide a double thicknes~ of paper stock at the edge. Also, the high tensile strength film provides a superior bonding surface for the attachment of the self adhesive indexing and colour coded labels used to identify the folders.
SUMMARY OF THE INVE~TIO~
The folder, according to this invention, has its side portion reinforced by the u3e of a high tensile 3trength tear resistant reinforcing film. According to an aspect of the invention the film is used to reinforce side tabs for folders which are used in a lateral f~le system. Such folders comprise a rectangular blank which when folded forms the folder. A side of the blank includes a projection to provide the side tab where the folder side has an undercut portion adjacent the projection. The blank in the area of the undercut is reinforced by securing to both surface3 of the blank, a high tensile strength tear resistant reinforcing film. Such film minimizes tearing of the folder in the area of the undercut during use of the folder in a lateral file system.
The folde~ may be formed from web stock which is drawn ~221S98 1 from a supply roll. The edge may be optionally ploughed over and secured to provide a double thickness of paper stock at the folder edge. The film is adhered by an appropriate adhesive to a side edge of the web stock and is wrapped around the edge and secured to both surfaces. The edge of the folder is die cut to provide the desired shape for the side of the folder and at the same time or at another station the web stock is die cut to produce a folder blank which is then folded about its mid-section to provide a file folder.
The method for reinforcing side edge portions of the front and back panels of the folder comprises securing a width of reinforcing tear resistant plastic film along an edge of the paper material for the folder. The film is secured to the paper material by an adhesive with the film wrapped about the edge and along portions of both surfaces of the material adjacent the edge. The paper material is cut along the edge within the width of the film to provide the desired shape for the folder edge with a side tab projecting from the back panel. The film, as it e~tends along both edge surface portions reinforces the projecting side tab. Various coloured adhesives may be used with clear film, or a coloured film may be usad to provide desired colour bands along the folder side to designate groups in a file system. The band width colour on the exterior of the front folder flap may be wider than on the interior of the folder so that the colour designation is more noticeable when the folder lies upright on a desk.
An apparatus is provided for applying a desired coloured adhesive to the film, drying the adhesive on the 1221~9~
1 film and applying it to the folder paper stock. The apparatus includes an interchangeable reservoir to permit selective changing of the coloured adhesive and thereby the colour band on the folder in preparing groups of folders of the system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWI~GS
Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a file folder having a side portion reinforced in accordance with this invention;
Figure 2 is a plan view of web stock which has an edge thereof reinforced with film and from which folder blanks are die cut;
Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the undercut portion of the side tab as it projects from the rear panel of the file folder;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the enlarged portion of the undercut as shown in Figure 3;
Figures 5 and 6 show other arrangements for file folder side tab portions as reinforced in accordance with this invention;
Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the undercut portion of the file folder æide tab arrangement of Figure 5;
Figure 8 i9 a perspective view of apparatus for applying reinforcing film to the side edge of a moving web from which the folder blanks are die cut;
Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the application of a film havine fresh adhesive applied thereto.
Figure 10 is a side elevation of the machine for applying and drying adhesive on the film for application to 1221~
l folder stock web.
Figure ll is a partial view of the apparatus of Figure lO showing devices for drying the adhesive on the film.
Figure 12 is a perspective view of the device for applying a thin layer of adhesive to the film.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The file folders as reinforced in accordance with this invention optionally having colour banding applied thereto are useful in lateral filing systems. Such filing systems differ from the standard drawer type in that the file folders are placed on shelves and stood upright as they rest on the spine portion of each file. Only the side edges of the file folder project from the shelf where each folder side edge carries labels or a label defining the code for the file. It i8 possible to use colour coded labels with this system to provide an orderly colour array in which mis3files are easily spotted. Details of this system are discussed in previously mentioned United States Patent 4,204,639.
Referring to Figure l a file folder 10 for use in a lateral file system is shown. File folder 10 comprises a back panel 12 and a front panel 14. The back panel 12 has a top edge 16 and side edges 18 and 20. Similarly, the front panel has top edge 22 and side edges 24 and 26. The bottom edges of front and back panels are interconnected at the fold or spine portion 28. A reinforcing film 30 is applied to both the top and bottom surfaces of panel edges 20 and 26 in the manner shown, to reinforce the folder side generally designated 32 along the length of edge~ 20 and 26. In addition, labels 34 are applied over the film 30 to 12215g~
l designate at least in part a code for the file folder. In accordance with the aforementioned United States Patent 4,2Q4,639, these labels may be colour coded.
The file folder lO is formed from a file folder blank which in turn i8 cut from a web of file folder stock. As shown in Figure 2 the file folder stock 36 is a web having side edges 38 and 40. The web stock 36 has a reinforcing film 30 applied along side edge 40. The film 30 is wrapped around web edge 40 and secured to each surface, that is top and bottom surfaces, of the web stock.
Various configurations may be used in providing a folder side for use in a lateral file system. As per the arrangement shown in Figure l, folder side 3? is formed by cutting web side 40 within the width of film 30 along edge 26 to provide a cut-out portion 42. Depending upon the type of cutting mechanism used, the folder blank 36 is cut from the web along lines 44 and 46 either simultaneously with cutting side 40 or cut subsequently at another station.
Such cut-out blank iB subsequently folded along line 28 to form the folder of Figure l. With portion 42 cut from the web to define the side tab 32 of the folder, an undercut portion 48 is provided at the fold line 2B. It i9 this portion of the folder side which i9 most susceptible to wear and tear and can be ripped as the folder is used in lateral file systems, carrying baskets, carts and the like.
Turning to Figure 3 the undercut portion 48 is curved at 50 to reduce sharp edges which are more likely to tear.
That in conjunction with the reinforcing film 30 considerably strengthens the undercut portion 48 to minimize tearing of the folder in this area. In addition the outer 1 edge of the undercut srea is sloped at 49 to avoid fraying and splitting of this portion of the side tab. From the standpoint of cutting the outer edge, the sloped portion 49 is more accurately cut than a radius because the die cutting edge may extend well beyond the folder edge. This ensures a clean cut to the outer edge of the folder side even if the web should shift slightly laterally before being cut.
In the enlarged view shown in ~igure 4 the web stock material may have a side edge folded over to provide double thicknesses of material along the edge. The web stock edge therefore has an underlying layer 52 which has adhesively secured thereto a folded over upper layer 54 which has an inner edge 56. The reinforcing film 30 is secured to the surfaces along the side edge 40 of the web. The reinforcing film 30 is wrapped around the edge 40 where the film is of a sufficient width to extend beyond the inner edge 56 of the folded over web stock material. Thus, the side tab portion 32 of the folder to be made has the reinforcing web wrapped therearound. In the area of the undercut 48 and outer edge 49, the film has been cut so as to be flush with corresponding cut web portions 52 and 54. It has been found that by adhesively securing the film to these portions of the folder stock and cut flush with the undercut edges, the likelihood of ripping the folder in this undercut area and along the remainder of the folder side is minimi~ed due to the significant increase in strength of the folder side by way of the reinforcing film.
Referrring to Figures 5, 6 and 7, alternative arrangements for file folder side portions for use in lateral file systems are shown. In Figure 5, side region 58 of a file folder comprises rear panel 60 and front panel ~221598 1 62. Projecting outwardly from rear panel 60 is side tab 64. A reinforcing film 66 is applied to both surfaces of the side tab 64 and also along both surfaces of the edge 68 of front panel 62. The reinforcing film 66 reinforces the entire side of the folder 58, particularly the area of undercut at 70 where the shorter front panel 62 intersects the longer rear panel 60. As shown in Figure h, file folder portion 72 has corresponding rear panel 74 and front panel 76 with side tab 78. Film 80 is secured to both surfaces of the front and back panels to reinforce the panel ~ide and particularly the undercut portion 80. In the embodlment of Figure 6 the undercut portion is located upwardly from the fold line or spine 82 of the folder.
Referring to Figure 7 an enlarged portion of the undercut area 70 of the folder 58 of Figure 5 is shown where the film 66 is secured by an appropriate adhesive to both surfaces of the front and back panels 60 and 62. In the area of the undercut 70, the notch 84 is protected by the film 66 secured to both surfaces surrounding the notch 84 to prevent or minimize tearing of the folder side in this area.
Various techniques may be employed for securing and applying the reinforcing film to the side portion of a file folder. The film itself may be provided in the form of a roll already having an adhesive on one face thereof, or the film may have applied thereto the adhesive which is dried and then the film with freshly dried adhesive is directly applied to folder web stock material. ~he desirable forms of adhesives are the pressure sensitive type where, if the adhesive is applied to the film and re-rolled the adhesive ha~ less affinity for the film to which it is applied than ~221598 1 for the paper stock material to which it is subsequently applied. Referring to ~igure 8, a machine i8 shown which withdraws film having already applied thereto a pressure sensitive adhesive for securing the reinforcing film to the paper stock material. The film is of a high tensile tear resistant type. An example of ~uch film is polyethylene terephthalate which is sold by Dupont under the trademark "Mylar".
The web stock 86 i~ withdrawn from a supply roll, not shown, and fed in the direction of arrow 88. The web 3tock has side edge portions 90 and 92. On side edge portion 92, an adhesive 94 is applied by adhesive application wheel 96.
The web stock edge 92 i~ folded over in the direction of arrow 98 and adhered to itself by a device not shown to provide a double edged portion along the web stock 86. This will in turn form the side edge of a folder of the type shown in the enlarged view of Figure 4.
A supply roll 100 of reinforcing film having a pressure sensitive adhesive already thereon is mounted on a 20 spindle 102 of the film application apparatus 104. Nip rollers 106 and 108 withdraw the film 110 from the ~upply roll 100. The rollers 106 and 108 are driven by a motor 112 the speed of which is coordinated with the rate of feed of the web stock 86 in the direction of arrow 88 to withdraw and feed the film 110 at a linear speed equal to the speed at which the web stock 86 is travelling in the direction of arrow 88. The film 110 is passed over a spring loaded arm having a roller 114 to compensate for slack in the film due to variations in the speed of the web stock 86 should the motor 112 not be capable of quickly compensating for ~221598 1 variations in speed of the web stock 86.
The film is then passed over a series of standard rollers generally designated 116 which are u~ually used to fold the film over edge 118 of the web stock and apply it to both surfaces along the edge. The roller system 116 comprises a first vertical planar roller 120 which presses the film against the edge 118 of the moving web stock 86.
Although not shown, a spring loaded device or a moveable guide is placed on the other side of the web to constantly urge the web ag~inst the roller system 16. The film 110 is gradually creased at the edge 118 of the web stock 86 by grooved roller 122. Planar vertical roller 124 maintains the slightly creased film against the edge of the web stock where roller 126 having an accentuated grooved portion creases the film further to essentially overlie both surfaces of the web stock along the edge 118. Vertical roller 128 maintains the film in this position as opposing compression rollers 130 and 132 press the film with pressure sen3itive adhesive against the web stock material. With the film now adhered to both surfaces along the side edge of the web stock it i8 ready for cutting to form the desired side tab shape. As the web stock continues to move, a standard device (not shown) is used to cut out from the web stock, edge portion 134 which resembles the shape of cut out 42 as shown in Figure 2 in forming the side tab arrangement for the file folder of Figure 1. The file folder blank is cut from the web stock along lines 136 and 138 and folded about its mid section along fold 140 to form the folder of Figure 1.
In situations where it is desired as aforementioned to ~221~98 1 provide a colour band along the side tab of the file folder, the machine and method according to this invention does this including changing the colour applied to folders with minimal difficulty. This may be accomplished by selecting a coloured adhesive whic}l is a~plied to a clear reinforcing film and which is in turn applied to the file folder. As already mentioned, however, one may instead of using various coloured adhesives to determine the colour of the band along the folder side, use a reinforcing film which is itself of the desired colour. Such coloured film may then have clear adhesive applied thereto by the machine and method according to this invention, or have adhesive previously applied and re-rolled. In the latter instance with the coloured film having the adhesive already thereon, such film may be applied to folders by ucing an apparatus such as that shown in Figure 8.
- The width of the film applied to the web stock edge or the folder side may vary depending upon whether it is a clear film or a coloured arrangeme.nt to provide the band of colour. As shown in Figure 1, a significant portion of the exterior of the front flap 14 includes the Mylar*film as with the exterior of the rear flap 12. Thus when the folder having the band of colo.ur applied thereto is lying on a desk either right side up or upside down, the large band of colour designates clearly the group of files to which it belongs. To ensure a sufficient width of colour band, for example with a four inch width of film, two and a half inches may be applied to one surface of the web stock, which constitutes the exterior of the front and rear panels, and one and a half inches to the remaining surface which * TRAD~ MARK
. 1 ~, ~221598 1 constitutes the interior of the front and rear flaps. Such one and a half inch overlap is sufficient, as already explained with reference to Figure 4, to cover to doubled over portion of the folder edge. Such difference in widths of the film as applied to each side of the folder stock is shown in Figure 2 by the dotted line which signifies the width of the fil~ applied to the other side of the stock.
Referring to Figures 9 and 10 a machine is shown which carries out the method providing the facility to change the adhesive colour, so that the folder side tab is of a desired colour. The adhesive applicator device of Figure 10 supplies the fil~ which as shown in Figure 9, moves in a downward slope and is secured onto a web which is conveyed to the machine. As with the device in Figure 8 the web stock 142 is conveyed over framework 144 and over a support 146. A glue applicator roll 148 applies glue to an edge 150 of the web 142. A device (not shown) is used to plough over the edge 150 in the direction of arrow 152 and rollers are used to lay down and secure the folded over edge portion 154 of the web stock 142. The adhesive used is such that the folded over edge portion 154 remains flat after passing between spring loaded pressure rollers 156 and 158. The film is of sufficient width and secured to the web 142 in a manner so as to extend beyond edge 160 of the folded over portion 154 such that when the film 162 with pressure sensitive adheæive on its underside passes between the web edge 154 supported by roller 158 and the spring loaded roller 156, it is secured to the web edge and overlaps the edge 160 of the folded over portion of the web stock.
The film is then wrapped around and onto the ~22~598 l undersurface of the web stock in a four-stage process.
Having secured a portion of the width of the film 162 to the upper surface of the web stock, the accurate location of the film relative to the web stock is now determined. According to the example of a four inch width of film, one and a half inches of the film width is laid onto and secured to the presented surface of the folder stock. The next stage i9 to fold over the remaining two and a half inches of film which is commenced by roller 164 having bevelled face portion 10 166. Bevelled face 166 bends the film downwardly at an angle relative to the plane of the web stock. The next stage in bending the film is provided by vertical roller 168 ~ which bends the film to a 90 degree angle relative to the plane of the web stock. The next stage of the fold over is provided by roller 170 having bevelled face 172 which begins to fold the film underneath the web stock at an acute angle relative to the underside of the plane of the web stock.
The film, as bent under the web stock, can now be passed through spring loaded pressure rollers 174 and 176 to complete the securement of the folded over film to the web stock. The overall length of the roller arrangement 178 is sufficient to ensure a smooth wrap around of the film without creases therein. The web stock is now ready for the next stage in manufacture, namely the die cutting thereof to pro-vide the desired folder side shape and cut the folder blank from the web stock in a manner which is commonly used in the art. In instances where a clear film is applied to the web stock, a narrower film width may be used because of the nonrequirement of a large colour band. A three inch clear film may be used where the film is folded over equally on 1~21~g8 1 both surfaces of the web stock to reinforce the edge.
Turning to Figure 10, the relative location of the roller arrangement 178 for applying the film 162 to the web is shown. Above the roller location is the apparatus 180 for withdrawing film from a supply roll, applying adhesive thereto and drying the adhesive preparatory to application of the film to the web stock 142 by the roller arrangement 178. The film 162 i~ withdrawn from a supply roll 182 which is supported on a spindle 184 which in turn i9 secured to a mainframe 186. The second spindle 188 i9 provided to carry a second supply roll 190 so as to be spliced with the film 162 when it is completely withdrawn from the first supply roll 182. The spindles 184 and 188 are adjustable laterally to accommodate various sizes of film width for use on the machine. The film 162 passes under roller 192 snd over the remaining several rollers which serve to pass the film through the machine in applying and drying adhesive thereon. Rollers 194, 196 and 198 provide a path for the film so as to move vertically downwardly onto roller 200.
To provide tension in the film 162, a spring loaded roller 202 is provided as urged downwardly by spring 204. Roller 206 operates in conjunction with roller 200 to pass the film over adhe~ive application roller 208 which picks up adhesive from an adhesive tray to be described in more detail with respect to ~igure 12.
A sensor is used to determine when the web movement is stopped such as a sensor on the rolls for moving the web (not shown) 80 that when they stop a pneumatic cylinder 210 is actuated to retract upwardly roller 200 about hinged arm ~0 212 to move the film 162 away from the adhesive application ~221598 1 roll 208 which continues to rotate and circulate adhesive in the tray. This prevents wearing of the film and build-up of adhesive on the film during line shutdown.
As the film passes over the roller 208 a thin layer of adhesive is applied to the outer surface of the film 162.
Thus the remaining series of rollers 214 and corner guide rollers 216 pass the web upwardly, across and downwardly to a final bottom guide roller 218.
The adhesive which is applied to the film may be of the water base type which is an emulsion of pressure sensitive adhesive solids in water. The layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on the film must be dried 90 there is little moi~ture left in the layer when applied to the folder to ensure a good bond with the folder material. To ensure that the adhesive i8 relatively dry, considering that the film may be moving at speeds in the ran~e of 150 to 200 feet per minute, hot air i8 directed onto the adhesive through tubes 220 about the perimeter of U-shaped plenum 222 which csrries hot air from two hot air blowers shown in dotted at 224 and 226.
The structure of the tubes 220 and the plenum 222 is shown in more detail in Figure 11. A hot air blower 226 blows air into a hollow rect,angular plenum tube 222 which is closed at its ends 223. The tubes 220 have a serie~ of ports 228 which direct the hot air onto the surface 230 having the layer of adhesive on the film 162. The two hot air blowers 224 and 226 supply sufficient hot air through the ports 228 80 that the adhesive i9 dried when it passes over exit roller 216 of the dryine chamber arrangement. A
shield 215 is provided about the perimeter of the U-shaped 1 plenum 222. The shield extends slightly greater than the length of the rollers 214 to shield the film as it passes over such rollers from ambient air currents which may be laiden with dust and other contaminants. To guide the path of the film through the drying chamber arrangement, each corner guide roll 216 has a pair of rings 232 as shown in Figure 11 which are adjustable along the axis of the roller 216 so as to determine the lateral position of the film on these guide rollers and thereby direct the film abo~t the perimeter of the U-shaped drying arrangement. Similarly, on roller 218 rings 234 are provided to locate the film 162 relative to the web ~tock 142 in properly positioning it for application to the file folder. Such ring in providing film position adjustment thereby accomodates various widths of film to be applied.
Turning to Figure 12 the adhesive applicator device 234 comprises the driven roller 208 which applies a thin layer of adhesive to the film 162. The roller 208 is driven by a drive arrangement 236 which is synchronized with the speed at which the film passes through the apparatus 180 that is, the linear speed of the web stock 142. Thus, the roller 208 is rotated at a speed so as to have a peripheral linear velocity corresponding to the speed at which film 162 is moved through the apparatus 180. In synchronizing the speed of the drive 236 it will correspondingly vary the speed of the roller 208 depending on variations in the speed of the movement of the web stock 142.
A doctor blade 238 with caliber adjustments 240 and 242 determine the thickness of the adhesive layer picked up by the roller 208 from the adhesive tray 244. As mentioned, ~X21~g8 1 the drive 2~6 rotates at all times even during temporary stoppage of the line to circulate the adhesive in the tray 244. The tray 244 is removable from the adhesive applicator device 234 by loo~ening of knurled knob 246 which fits in inverted L-shaped slot 248. Upon loosening of the knob 246 tray may be moved forwardly and downwardly from the supportive framework 250 of the adhesive applicator device When it is desired to change colours of adhesive applied to the film 162, the adhesive tray 244 is removed and replaced with a different tray having a different coloured adhesive therein. When the tray is removed access to roller 208 is gained to remove any remaining colour from the roller before applying the next coloured adhesive.
Since the adhesive is a water based type, the sensorwhich retracts roller 200 so that there is not a build-up of adhesive on the film 162 during line shutdown can also be used to turn off blowers 224 and ?26 so as to not overdry or deteriorate the adhesive applied to the film. Therefore the line may be shutdown safely without damaging the adhesive applied to the film. On start-up the hot air blowers are reactuated to direct hot air onto the film to complete any necessary drying and continue to dry fresh adhesive as applied to the film emerging from roller 206 of the system.
The apparatus according to this invention is therefore useful in selectively applying a predetermined coloured adhesive to the film 162 before application to a folder.
This provides the significant advantages of not only reinforcing the folder edge but also providing a desired coloured band along the folder edge to designate a group of ~2~ 38 1 folders in a file system having many different groups. A
further advantage in using a coloured adhesive or a coloured film is the colour fastness of the band on the folder.
Unlike coloured paper stock which will fade in sunlight, the colour band as provided by this invention does not fade. In addition, the control on the colour is more consistent because of the accuracy enabled in either colouring the film or the adhesive compared to a batch-to-batch process in making colour paper stock.
A further consideration in providing the coloured band i9 to have coloured paper on the web stock edge and covered by the Mylar film. The colour of the paper shows through the clear film to provide a desired colour band. The colour paper may be secured to the Mylar*film and the paper, in turn, be secured to the folder edge or conversely, the coloured paper may be secured to the folder edge and the :
Mylar applied over the coloured paper.
Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto without departlng from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
.
. ~',~. .
The approach to date has, therefore, been to add additional layers of the folder stock to the folder edge in an attempt to reinforce and add stiffness to the folder edge to re~ist tearing.
Various forms of high tensile strength films have been used to repair rips in paper and protect surfaces of paper product3. ~n example of such film is Mylar (trademark) which consi~ts of polyethylene teraphthalate and is sold by Du Pont. In the file folder field, such film is used to protect add-on ~ile folder tabs as disclosed in copending 30 United States patent application S.N. 276,939 which 12215g8 1 corresponds to Canadian patent application S.N. 380,208 filed June 19, 1981.
It has been discovered as discussed below that this type of high tensile strength film may be bonded to the edge of a file folder to unexpectedy greatly increase the strength of the folder and its resistance to tear. Because of the thinness of the film, little bulk i9 added to the folder thickness and the film may be conveniently applied during the manufacture of the file folder. By using coloured adhesi~es, which may be applied to a clear film just prior to bonding the film to the folder edge, the edge of the folder front and back panels may be provided with a distinct colour to which colour coded labels may be subsequently applied. An alternative to a coloured adhesive is to u~e a coloured paper on the folder edge which is covered by a clear film. Another alternative is to use coloured film which is secured to the folder edge to provide the desired colour band. This is a significant advantage in that groups of files of a file system may now be recognized by the complete band of colour down its front and back panel edges. This avoids the prior more costly approach of using many different coloured folder ~tocks for di~tinguishing each desired group of files in the system. Such coloured paper stock would fade and loose its distinctive colour. In addition, the colour of the folder stock would change from batch to batch of the stock, so that there would not be a consistent colouring for a group of files.
The folders can be manufactured from web ~tock on high speed automatic folder machines where the high tensile 3o ~22~L598 1 strength film when bonded to the edge of a file folder unexpectedly greatly increases the strength of the folder and its resistance to tear. This advantage can be accomplished during the folder manufacturing process in a way that only marginally increases the manufacturing cost.
This marginal cost factor in relation to a much superior file folder is a worthwhile and important advantage. Such high tensile strength film compliments and increases additionally the strength of a folder edge which consists of ploughed over web stock to provide a double thicknes~ of paper stock at the edge. Also, the high tensile strength film provides a superior bonding surface for the attachment of the self adhesive indexing and colour coded labels used to identify the folders.
SUMMARY OF THE INVE~TIO~
The folder, according to this invention, has its side portion reinforced by the u3e of a high tensile 3trength tear resistant reinforcing film. According to an aspect of the invention the film is used to reinforce side tabs for folders which are used in a lateral f~le system. Such folders comprise a rectangular blank which when folded forms the folder. A side of the blank includes a projection to provide the side tab where the folder side has an undercut portion adjacent the projection. The blank in the area of the undercut is reinforced by securing to both surface3 of the blank, a high tensile strength tear resistant reinforcing film. Such film minimizes tearing of the folder in the area of the undercut during use of the folder in a lateral file system.
The folde~ may be formed from web stock which is drawn ~221S98 1 from a supply roll. The edge may be optionally ploughed over and secured to provide a double thickness of paper stock at the folder edge. The film is adhered by an appropriate adhesive to a side edge of the web stock and is wrapped around the edge and secured to both surfaces. The edge of the folder is die cut to provide the desired shape for the side of the folder and at the same time or at another station the web stock is die cut to produce a folder blank which is then folded about its mid-section to provide a file folder.
The method for reinforcing side edge portions of the front and back panels of the folder comprises securing a width of reinforcing tear resistant plastic film along an edge of the paper material for the folder. The film is secured to the paper material by an adhesive with the film wrapped about the edge and along portions of both surfaces of the material adjacent the edge. The paper material is cut along the edge within the width of the film to provide the desired shape for the folder edge with a side tab projecting from the back panel. The film, as it e~tends along both edge surface portions reinforces the projecting side tab. Various coloured adhesives may be used with clear film, or a coloured film may be usad to provide desired colour bands along the folder side to designate groups in a file system. The band width colour on the exterior of the front folder flap may be wider than on the interior of the folder so that the colour designation is more noticeable when the folder lies upright on a desk.
An apparatus is provided for applying a desired coloured adhesive to the film, drying the adhesive on the 1221~9~
1 film and applying it to the folder paper stock. The apparatus includes an interchangeable reservoir to permit selective changing of the coloured adhesive and thereby the colour band on the folder in preparing groups of folders of the system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWI~GS
Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a file folder having a side portion reinforced in accordance with this invention;
Figure 2 is a plan view of web stock which has an edge thereof reinforced with film and from which folder blanks are die cut;
Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the undercut portion of the side tab as it projects from the rear panel of the file folder;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the enlarged portion of the undercut as shown in Figure 3;
Figures 5 and 6 show other arrangements for file folder side tab portions as reinforced in accordance with this invention;
Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the undercut portion of the file folder æide tab arrangement of Figure 5;
Figure 8 i9 a perspective view of apparatus for applying reinforcing film to the side edge of a moving web from which the folder blanks are die cut;
Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the application of a film havine fresh adhesive applied thereto.
Figure 10 is a side elevation of the machine for applying and drying adhesive on the film for application to 1221~
l folder stock web.
Figure ll is a partial view of the apparatus of Figure lO showing devices for drying the adhesive on the film.
Figure 12 is a perspective view of the device for applying a thin layer of adhesive to the film.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The file folders as reinforced in accordance with this invention optionally having colour banding applied thereto are useful in lateral filing systems. Such filing systems differ from the standard drawer type in that the file folders are placed on shelves and stood upright as they rest on the spine portion of each file. Only the side edges of the file folder project from the shelf where each folder side edge carries labels or a label defining the code for the file. It i8 possible to use colour coded labels with this system to provide an orderly colour array in which mis3files are easily spotted. Details of this system are discussed in previously mentioned United States Patent 4,204,639.
Referring to Figure l a file folder 10 for use in a lateral file system is shown. File folder 10 comprises a back panel 12 and a front panel 14. The back panel 12 has a top edge 16 and side edges 18 and 20. Similarly, the front panel has top edge 22 and side edges 24 and 26. The bottom edges of front and back panels are interconnected at the fold or spine portion 28. A reinforcing film 30 is applied to both the top and bottom surfaces of panel edges 20 and 26 in the manner shown, to reinforce the folder side generally designated 32 along the length of edge~ 20 and 26. In addition, labels 34 are applied over the film 30 to 12215g~
l designate at least in part a code for the file folder. In accordance with the aforementioned United States Patent 4,2Q4,639, these labels may be colour coded.
The file folder lO is formed from a file folder blank which in turn i8 cut from a web of file folder stock. As shown in Figure 2 the file folder stock 36 is a web having side edges 38 and 40. The web stock 36 has a reinforcing film 30 applied along side edge 40. The film 30 is wrapped around web edge 40 and secured to each surface, that is top and bottom surfaces, of the web stock.
Various configurations may be used in providing a folder side for use in a lateral file system. As per the arrangement shown in Figure l, folder side 3? is formed by cutting web side 40 within the width of film 30 along edge 26 to provide a cut-out portion 42. Depending upon the type of cutting mechanism used, the folder blank 36 is cut from the web along lines 44 and 46 either simultaneously with cutting side 40 or cut subsequently at another station.
Such cut-out blank iB subsequently folded along line 28 to form the folder of Figure l. With portion 42 cut from the web to define the side tab 32 of the folder, an undercut portion 48 is provided at the fold line 2B. It i9 this portion of the folder side which i9 most susceptible to wear and tear and can be ripped as the folder is used in lateral file systems, carrying baskets, carts and the like.
Turning to Figure 3 the undercut portion 48 is curved at 50 to reduce sharp edges which are more likely to tear.
That in conjunction with the reinforcing film 30 considerably strengthens the undercut portion 48 to minimize tearing of the folder in this area. In addition the outer 1 edge of the undercut srea is sloped at 49 to avoid fraying and splitting of this portion of the side tab. From the standpoint of cutting the outer edge, the sloped portion 49 is more accurately cut than a radius because the die cutting edge may extend well beyond the folder edge. This ensures a clean cut to the outer edge of the folder side even if the web should shift slightly laterally before being cut.
In the enlarged view shown in ~igure 4 the web stock material may have a side edge folded over to provide double thicknesses of material along the edge. The web stock edge therefore has an underlying layer 52 which has adhesively secured thereto a folded over upper layer 54 which has an inner edge 56. The reinforcing film 30 is secured to the surfaces along the side edge 40 of the web. The reinforcing film 30 is wrapped around the edge 40 where the film is of a sufficient width to extend beyond the inner edge 56 of the folded over web stock material. Thus, the side tab portion 32 of the folder to be made has the reinforcing web wrapped therearound. In the area of the undercut 48 and outer edge 49, the film has been cut so as to be flush with corresponding cut web portions 52 and 54. It has been found that by adhesively securing the film to these portions of the folder stock and cut flush with the undercut edges, the likelihood of ripping the folder in this undercut area and along the remainder of the folder side is minimi~ed due to the significant increase in strength of the folder side by way of the reinforcing film.
Referrring to Figures 5, 6 and 7, alternative arrangements for file folder side portions for use in lateral file systems are shown. In Figure 5, side region 58 of a file folder comprises rear panel 60 and front panel ~221598 1 62. Projecting outwardly from rear panel 60 is side tab 64. A reinforcing film 66 is applied to both surfaces of the side tab 64 and also along both surfaces of the edge 68 of front panel 62. The reinforcing film 66 reinforces the entire side of the folder 58, particularly the area of undercut at 70 where the shorter front panel 62 intersects the longer rear panel 60. As shown in Figure h, file folder portion 72 has corresponding rear panel 74 and front panel 76 with side tab 78. Film 80 is secured to both surfaces of the front and back panels to reinforce the panel ~ide and particularly the undercut portion 80. In the embodlment of Figure 6 the undercut portion is located upwardly from the fold line or spine 82 of the folder.
Referring to Figure 7 an enlarged portion of the undercut area 70 of the folder 58 of Figure 5 is shown where the film 66 is secured by an appropriate adhesive to both surfaces of the front and back panels 60 and 62. In the area of the undercut 70, the notch 84 is protected by the film 66 secured to both surfaces surrounding the notch 84 to prevent or minimize tearing of the folder side in this area.
Various techniques may be employed for securing and applying the reinforcing film to the side portion of a file folder. The film itself may be provided in the form of a roll already having an adhesive on one face thereof, or the film may have applied thereto the adhesive which is dried and then the film with freshly dried adhesive is directly applied to folder web stock material. ~he desirable forms of adhesives are the pressure sensitive type where, if the adhesive is applied to the film and re-rolled the adhesive ha~ less affinity for the film to which it is applied than ~221598 1 for the paper stock material to which it is subsequently applied. Referring to ~igure 8, a machine i8 shown which withdraws film having already applied thereto a pressure sensitive adhesive for securing the reinforcing film to the paper stock material. The film is of a high tensile tear resistant type. An example of ~uch film is polyethylene terephthalate which is sold by Dupont under the trademark "Mylar".
The web stock 86 i~ withdrawn from a supply roll, not shown, and fed in the direction of arrow 88. The web 3tock has side edge portions 90 and 92. On side edge portion 92, an adhesive 94 is applied by adhesive application wheel 96.
The web stock edge 92 i~ folded over in the direction of arrow 98 and adhered to itself by a device not shown to provide a double edged portion along the web stock 86. This will in turn form the side edge of a folder of the type shown in the enlarged view of Figure 4.
A supply roll 100 of reinforcing film having a pressure sensitive adhesive already thereon is mounted on a 20 spindle 102 of the film application apparatus 104. Nip rollers 106 and 108 withdraw the film 110 from the ~upply roll 100. The rollers 106 and 108 are driven by a motor 112 the speed of which is coordinated with the rate of feed of the web stock 86 in the direction of arrow 88 to withdraw and feed the film 110 at a linear speed equal to the speed at which the web stock 86 is travelling in the direction of arrow 88. The film 110 is passed over a spring loaded arm having a roller 114 to compensate for slack in the film due to variations in the speed of the web stock 86 should the motor 112 not be capable of quickly compensating for ~221598 1 variations in speed of the web stock 86.
The film is then passed over a series of standard rollers generally designated 116 which are u~ually used to fold the film over edge 118 of the web stock and apply it to both surfaces along the edge. The roller system 116 comprises a first vertical planar roller 120 which presses the film against the edge 118 of the moving web stock 86.
Although not shown, a spring loaded device or a moveable guide is placed on the other side of the web to constantly urge the web ag~inst the roller system 16. The film 110 is gradually creased at the edge 118 of the web stock 86 by grooved roller 122. Planar vertical roller 124 maintains the slightly creased film against the edge of the web stock where roller 126 having an accentuated grooved portion creases the film further to essentially overlie both surfaces of the web stock along the edge 118. Vertical roller 128 maintains the film in this position as opposing compression rollers 130 and 132 press the film with pressure sen3itive adhesive against the web stock material. With the film now adhered to both surfaces along the side edge of the web stock it i8 ready for cutting to form the desired side tab shape. As the web stock continues to move, a standard device (not shown) is used to cut out from the web stock, edge portion 134 which resembles the shape of cut out 42 as shown in Figure 2 in forming the side tab arrangement for the file folder of Figure 1. The file folder blank is cut from the web stock along lines 136 and 138 and folded about its mid section along fold 140 to form the folder of Figure 1.
In situations where it is desired as aforementioned to ~221~98 1 provide a colour band along the side tab of the file folder, the machine and method according to this invention does this including changing the colour applied to folders with minimal difficulty. This may be accomplished by selecting a coloured adhesive whic}l is a~plied to a clear reinforcing film and which is in turn applied to the file folder. As already mentioned, however, one may instead of using various coloured adhesives to determine the colour of the band along the folder side, use a reinforcing film which is itself of the desired colour. Such coloured film may then have clear adhesive applied thereto by the machine and method according to this invention, or have adhesive previously applied and re-rolled. In the latter instance with the coloured film having the adhesive already thereon, such film may be applied to folders by ucing an apparatus such as that shown in Figure 8.
- The width of the film applied to the web stock edge or the folder side may vary depending upon whether it is a clear film or a coloured arrangeme.nt to provide the band of colour. As shown in Figure 1, a significant portion of the exterior of the front flap 14 includes the Mylar*film as with the exterior of the rear flap 12. Thus when the folder having the band of colo.ur applied thereto is lying on a desk either right side up or upside down, the large band of colour designates clearly the group of files to which it belongs. To ensure a sufficient width of colour band, for example with a four inch width of film, two and a half inches may be applied to one surface of the web stock, which constitutes the exterior of the front and rear panels, and one and a half inches to the remaining surface which * TRAD~ MARK
. 1 ~, ~221598 1 constitutes the interior of the front and rear flaps. Such one and a half inch overlap is sufficient, as already explained with reference to Figure 4, to cover to doubled over portion of the folder edge. Such difference in widths of the film as applied to each side of the folder stock is shown in Figure 2 by the dotted line which signifies the width of the fil~ applied to the other side of the stock.
Referring to Figures 9 and 10 a machine is shown which carries out the method providing the facility to change the adhesive colour, so that the folder side tab is of a desired colour. The adhesive applicator device of Figure 10 supplies the fil~ which as shown in Figure 9, moves in a downward slope and is secured onto a web which is conveyed to the machine. As with the device in Figure 8 the web stock 142 is conveyed over framework 144 and over a support 146. A glue applicator roll 148 applies glue to an edge 150 of the web 142. A device (not shown) is used to plough over the edge 150 in the direction of arrow 152 and rollers are used to lay down and secure the folded over edge portion 154 of the web stock 142. The adhesive used is such that the folded over edge portion 154 remains flat after passing between spring loaded pressure rollers 156 and 158. The film is of sufficient width and secured to the web 142 in a manner so as to extend beyond edge 160 of the folded over portion 154 such that when the film 162 with pressure sensitive adheæive on its underside passes between the web edge 154 supported by roller 158 and the spring loaded roller 156, it is secured to the web edge and overlaps the edge 160 of the folded over portion of the web stock.
The film is then wrapped around and onto the ~22~598 l undersurface of the web stock in a four-stage process.
Having secured a portion of the width of the film 162 to the upper surface of the web stock, the accurate location of the film relative to the web stock is now determined. According to the example of a four inch width of film, one and a half inches of the film width is laid onto and secured to the presented surface of the folder stock. The next stage i9 to fold over the remaining two and a half inches of film which is commenced by roller 164 having bevelled face portion 10 166. Bevelled face 166 bends the film downwardly at an angle relative to the plane of the web stock. The next stage in bending the film is provided by vertical roller 168 ~ which bends the film to a 90 degree angle relative to the plane of the web stock. The next stage of the fold over is provided by roller 170 having bevelled face 172 which begins to fold the film underneath the web stock at an acute angle relative to the underside of the plane of the web stock.
The film, as bent under the web stock, can now be passed through spring loaded pressure rollers 174 and 176 to complete the securement of the folded over film to the web stock. The overall length of the roller arrangement 178 is sufficient to ensure a smooth wrap around of the film without creases therein. The web stock is now ready for the next stage in manufacture, namely the die cutting thereof to pro-vide the desired folder side shape and cut the folder blank from the web stock in a manner which is commonly used in the art. In instances where a clear film is applied to the web stock, a narrower film width may be used because of the nonrequirement of a large colour band. A three inch clear film may be used where the film is folded over equally on 1~21~g8 1 both surfaces of the web stock to reinforce the edge.
Turning to Figure 10, the relative location of the roller arrangement 178 for applying the film 162 to the web is shown. Above the roller location is the apparatus 180 for withdrawing film from a supply roll, applying adhesive thereto and drying the adhesive preparatory to application of the film to the web stock 142 by the roller arrangement 178. The film 162 i~ withdrawn from a supply roll 182 which is supported on a spindle 184 which in turn i9 secured to a mainframe 186. The second spindle 188 i9 provided to carry a second supply roll 190 so as to be spliced with the film 162 when it is completely withdrawn from the first supply roll 182. The spindles 184 and 188 are adjustable laterally to accommodate various sizes of film width for use on the machine. The film 162 passes under roller 192 snd over the remaining several rollers which serve to pass the film through the machine in applying and drying adhesive thereon. Rollers 194, 196 and 198 provide a path for the film so as to move vertically downwardly onto roller 200.
To provide tension in the film 162, a spring loaded roller 202 is provided as urged downwardly by spring 204. Roller 206 operates in conjunction with roller 200 to pass the film over adhe~ive application roller 208 which picks up adhesive from an adhesive tray to be described in more detail with respect to ~igure 12.
A sensor is used to determine when the web movement is stopped such as a sensor on the rolls for moving the web (not shown) 80 that when they stop a pneumatic cylinder 210 is actuated to retract upwardly roller 200 about hinged arm ~0 212 to move the film 162 away from the adhesive application ~221598 1 roll 208 which continues to rotate and circulate adhesive in the tray. This prevents wearing of the film and build-up of adhesive on the film during line shutdown.
As the film passes over the roller 208 a thin layer of adhesive is applied to the outer surface of the film 162.
Thus the remaining series of rollers 214 and corner guide rollers 216 pass the web upwardly, across and downwardly to a final bottom guide roller 218.
The adhesive which is applied to the film may be of the water base type which is an emulsion of pressure sensitive adhesive solids in water. The layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on the film must be dried 90 there is little moi~ture left in the layer when applied to the folder to ensure a good bond with the folder material. To ensure that the adhesive i8 relatively dry, considering that the film may be moving at speeds in the ran~e of 150 to 200 feet per minute, hot air i8 directed onto the adhesive through tubes 220 about the perimeter of U-shaped plenum 222 which csrries hot air from two hot air blowers shown in dotted at 224 and 226.
The structure of the tubes 220 and the plenum 222 is shown in more detail in Figure 11. A hot air blower 226 blows air into a hollow rect,angular plenum tube 222 which is closed at its ends 223. The tubes 220 have a serie~ of ports 228 which direct the hot air onto the surface 230 having the layer of adhesive on the film 162. The two hot air blowers 224 and 226 supply sufficient hot air through the ports 228 80 that the adhesive i9 dried when it passes over exit roller 216 of the dryine chamber arrangement. A
shield 215 is provided about the perimeter of the U-shaped 1 plenum 222. The shield extends slightly greater than the length of the rollers 214 to shield the film as it passes over such rollers from ambient air currents which may be laiden with dust and other contaminants. To guide the path of the film through the drying chamber arrangement, each corner guide roll 216 has a pair of rings 232 as shown in Figure 11 which are adjustable along the axis of the roller 216 so as to determine the lateral position of the film on these guide rollers and thereby direct the film abo~t the perimeter of the U-shaped drying arrangement. Similarly, on roller 218 rings 234 are provided to locate the film 162 relative to the web ~tock 142 in properly positioning it for application to the file folder. Such ring in providing film position adjustment thereby accomodates various widths of film to be applied.
Turning to Figure 12 the adhesive applicator device 234 comprises the driven roller 208 which applies a thin layer of adhesive to the film 162. The roller 208 is driven by a drive arrangement 236 which is synchronized with the speed at which the film passes through the apparatus 180 that is, the linear speed of the web stock 142. Thus, the roller 208 is rotated at a speed so as to have a peripheral linear velocity corresponding to the speed at which film 162 is moved through the apparatus 180. In synchronizing the speed of the drive 236 it will correspondingly vary the speed of the roller 208 depending on variations in the speed of the movement of the web stock 142.
A doctor blade 238 with caliber adjustments 240 and 242 determine the thickness of the adhesive layer picked up by the roller 208 from the adhesive tray 244. As mentioned, ~X21~g8 1 the drive 2~6 rotates at all times even during temporary stoppage of the line to circulate the adhesive in the tray 244. The tray 244 is removable from the adhesive applicator device 234 by loo~ening of knurled knob 246 which fits in inverted L-shaped slot 248. Upon loosening of the knob 246 tray may be moved forwardly and downwardly from the supportive framework 250 of the adhesive applicator device When it is desired to change colours of adhesive applied to the film 162, the adhesive tray 244 is removed and replaced with a different tray having a different coloured adhesive therein. When the tray is removed access to roller 208 is gained to remove any remaining colour from the roller before applying the next coloured adhesive.
Since the adhesive is a water based type, the sensorwhich retracts roller 200 so that there is not a build-up of adhesive on the film 162 during line shutdown can also be used to turn off blowers 224 and ?26 so as to not overdry or deteriorate the adhesive applied to the film. Therefore the line may be shutdown safely without damaging the adhesive applied to the film. On start-up the hot air blowers are reactuated to direct hot air onto the film to complete any necessary drying and continue to dry fresh adhesive as applied to the film emerging from roller 206 of the system.
The apparatus according to this invention is therefore useful in selectively applying a predetermined coloured adhesive to the film 162 before application to a folder.
This provides the significant advantages of not only reinforcing the folder edge but also providing a desired coloured band along the folder edge to designate a group of ~2~ 38 1 folders in a file system having many different groups. A
further advantage in using a coloured adhesive or a coloured film is the colour fastness of the band on the folder.
Unlike coloured paper stock which will fade in sunlight, the colour band as provided by this invention does not fade. In addition, the control on the colour is more consistent because of the accuracy enabled in either colouring the film or the adhesive compared to a batch-to-batch process in making colour paper stock.
A further consideration in providing the coloured band i9 to have coloured paper on the web stock edge and covered by the Mylar film. The colour of the paper shows through the clear film to provide a desired colour band. The colour paper may be secured to the Mylar*film and the paper, in turn, be secured to the folder edge or conversely, the coloured paper may be secured to the folder edge and the :
Mylar applied over the coloured paper.
Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto without departlng from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
.
. ~',~. .
Claims (18)
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A method for reinforcing side edge portions of front and back panels of a folder for use in a lateral file system comprising securing a width of reinforcing tear resistant plastic film essentially continuously along an edge of paper material for said folder, said film being secured to said paper material by a pressure sensitive adhesive with said film wrapped about said edge and along portions of both surfaces of the paper material adjacent said edge, cutting said paper material along said edge within the width of said film to provide the desired shape for folder edge with a side tab projecting from said back panel where said film extends along both edge surface portions for reinforcing said projecting side tab.
2. A method of Claim 1, wherein said paper material is paper web stock withdrawn from a roll, securing said film to said web stock edge while moving and cutting a blank from said web stock to form said folder.
3. A method of Claim 1, wherein said paper material is in the form of a rectangular blank which when folded about its mid-section forms said folder, securing said film to said blank edge.
4. A method of Claim 1, wherein said film is withdrawn from a supply roll and applied continuously to the moving paper material.
5. A method of Claim 2, wherein a portion of the width of said film is applied along a surface adjacent said edge and subsequently wrapping the remainder of the film around the edge and applying it to the other surface.
6. A method of Claim 1, wherein said adhesive is of a predetermined colour and said film is clear, the colour of said adhesive showing through said clear film as secured to said paper material to provide a folder having a band of colour along its edge when cut from said paper material.
7. A method of Claim 1, further comprising applying a coating of a pressure sensitive adhesive to a length of said film and drying said adhesive on said film preparatory to application of the film to said paper material.
8. A method of Claim 7, wherein said film is transparent using a pressure sensitive adhesive of a predetermined colour on said film to secure said film to said paper material thereby providing a colour band along said edge of the paper material, said colour band being indicative of a group of folders in a file system.
9. A method for making a folder having a reinforced side portion for use in a lateral file system comprising withdrawing paper folder web from a supply roll, moving such web with parallel side edges and upper and lower surfaces when moved horizontally, applying to a web side edge by use of an adhesive a width of reinforcing tear resistant film, wrapping said film around the side edge and adhering it to upper and lower surface portions along said edge while said web is moving, cutting within the width of said film along the side edge to form the desired folder side shape for use in a lateral file system and cutting said web to a predetermined length to provide a folder blank for folding about its mid-section to form said folder having front and back panels where said reinforcing film extends along the length of the side edge of said folder front and back panels.
10. A method of Claim 9, characterized in feeding said film for application to the web at the same linear speed as said moving web.
11. A method of Claim 10, characterized in withdrawing said film from a supply roll and feeding said film at said desired linear speed.
12. A method of Claim 9 characterized further in applying an adhesive to said film, drying said adhesive on said film and applying the film with freshly dried adhesive onto said moving web edge portion.
13. A method of Claim 12 characterized in selecting an adhesive of a desired colour, applying the coloured adhesive to said film which is clear to provide a band of colour along the side edge of the folder when such film with coloured adhesive is applied to said web.
14. A method of Claim 13 characterized in cutting said web along the side edge to provide a side tab projecting from the back panel of the folder blank.
15. A method of Claim 14 further characterized in applying colour coded labels to said side tab to designate at least in part a unique code for the folder to which the labels are applied.
16. A method of Claim 13 characterized in selecting a coloured adhesive which is pressure sensitive.
17. A method of Claim 9 further characterized in folding over a portion of the web edge to form a double layered web edge, applying said film of sufficient width to overlap and extend inwardly of said double edge portion.
18. A method of Claim 9, 12 or 17, wherein said film is a polyethylene terephthalate.
Priority Applications (6)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000414537A CA1221598A (en) | 1982-10-29 | 1982-10-29 | Reinforced file folder panel edges and method |
| EP83306584A EP0107519B1 (en) | 1982-10-29 | 1983-10-28 | Reinforced file folder panel edges and method |
| JP58201137A JPS59135193A (en) | 1982-10-29 | 1983-10-28 | File holder and its manufacture |
| DE8383306584T DE3382027D1 (en) | 1982-10-29 | 1983-10-28 | FILE LID WITH REINFORCED EDGES AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF. |
| AT83306584T ATE58678T1 (en) | 1982-10-29 | 1983-10-28 | FOLDER WITH REINFORCED EDGES AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCTION. |
| AU20814/83A AU563833B2 (en) | 1982-10-29 | 1983-10-31 | File folder |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000414537A CA1221598A (en) | 1982-10-29 | 1982-10-29 | Reinforced file folder panel edges and method |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1221598A true CA1221598A (en) | 1987-05-12 |
Family
ID=4123849
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000414537A Expired CA1221598A (en) | 1982-10-29 | 1982-10-29 | Reinforced file folder panel edges and method |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0107519B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS59135193A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE58678T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU563833B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1221598A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3382027D1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10017002B2 (en) | 2012-05-21 | 2018-07-10 | ACCO Brands Corporation | Reinforced pocket device |
Family Cites Families (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2052623A (en) * | 1932-06-10 | 1936-09-01 | Yawman & Erbe Mfg Co | Folder |
| US2712342A (en) * | 1946-12-05 | 1955-07-05 | M B Claff & Sons Inc | Laminating machine for producing composite webs of paper |
| FR1083320A (en) * | 1952-09-13 | 1955-01-07 | Machine for pasting strips on objects | |
| FR1252460A (en) * | 1960-03-29 | 1961-01-27 | Manuf Normande De Papeterie | Improvements to alphabetical directories or similar articles |
| DE1198663B (en) * | 1963-06-06 | 1965-08-12 | Weyerhaeuser Co | Method for producing blanks with edge stiffening that can be further processed into packaging containers |
| DE1948594U (en) * | 1966-04-06 | 1966-10-27 | Kalle Ag | DEVICE FOR APPLYING EDGE REINFORCEMENT TO TECHNICAL DRAWINGS. |
| GB1072130A (en) * | 1968-09-13 | 1967-06-14 | Hardinge Brothers Inc | Improvements in machine tools |
| JPS5323324B2 (en) * | 1971-12-27 | 1978-07-14 | ||
| FR2300685A1 (en) * | 1975-02-14 | 1976-09-10 | Chevalerias Sa | Document file for suspension filing system - has reinforcing strip along leading edge with cutouts to clear suspension rails |
| JPS5258316A (en) * | 1975-11-08 | 1977-05-13 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Tv receiver |
| US4204639A (en) * | 1977-03-09 | 1980-05-27 | Datafile Limited | Coded label |
| US4175476A (en) * | 1978-03-27 | 1979-11-27 | H. G. Weber & Co., Inc. | Method and apparatus for forming reinforced top file folders |
| US4240848A (en) * | 1978-07-05 | 1980-12-23 | Datafile Limited | System for alphabetically labelling articles |
| FR2477504A1 (en) * | 1980-03-07 | 1981-09-11 | Habilclass | Folding and gluing adhesive tab applicator - has work table and lever operated bending die at one end acting on edges of documents |
| US4445711A (en) * | 1980-10-02 | 1984-05-01 | Cunningham Walter F | Color-coded numeric or alphabetic filing system |
-
1982
- 1982-10-29 CA CA000414537A patent/CA1221598A/en not_active Expired
-
1983
- 1983-10-28 AT AT83306584T patent/ATE58678T1/en active
- 1983-10-28 JP JP58201137A patent/JPS59135193A/en active Pending
- 1983-10-28 EP EP83306584A patent/EP0107519B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1983-10-28 DE DE8383306584T patent/DE3382027D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1983-10-31 AU AU20814/83A patent/AU563833B2/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2081483A (en) | 1984-05-03 |
| DE3382027D1 (en) | 1991-01-10 |
| EP0107519B1 (en) | 1990-11-28 |
| EP0107519A3 (en) | 1986-01-08 |
| AU563833B2 (en) | 1987-07-23 |
| JPS59135193A (en) | 1984-08-03 |
| ATE58678T1 (en) | 1990-12-15 |
| EP0107519A2 (en) | 1984-05-02 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |