CA1233721A - Reinforced add-on tab - Google Patents
Reinforced add-on tabInfo
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- CA1233721A CA1233721A CA000440294A CA440294A CA1233721A CA 1233721 A CA1233721 A CA 1233721A CA 000440294 A CA000440294 A CA 000440294A CA 440294 A CA440294 A CA 440294A CA 1233721 A CA1233721 A CA 1233721A
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- tab
- film
- reinforced
- extension
- labels
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Abstract
TITLE: REINFORCED ADD-ON TAB
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A reinforced tab is disclosed for application to a file folder edge or substrate edge to provide an extension thereof for receiving a plurality of labels which at least partially identify the file folder or substrate. Thus the tab effectively extends the surface to which it is attached and is adhesively secured to the surface by a high tensile strength film. An extension of paper stock is secured within the film to provide the extended surface and is held in abutment by the high tensile strength film. This film due to its characteristics distributes loads exerted on the tab to the substrate and results in a tab which is not prone to tearing or creasing at the point of securement.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A reinforced tab is disclosed for application to a file folder edge or substrate edge to provide an extension thereof for receiving a plurality of labels which at least partially identify the file folder or substrate. Thus the tab effectively extends the surface to which it is attached and is adhesively secured to the surface by a high tensile strength film. An extension of paper stock is secured within the film to provide the extended surface and is held in abutment by the high tensile strength film. This film due to its characteristics distributes loads exerted on the tab to the substrate and results in a tab which is not prone to tearing or creasing at the point of securement.
Description
3~2~
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a produc-t for extending the edge of a substrate for recep-tion of labels or to which labels have already been secured. The product can advantageously be used in the conversion of filing systems to lateral filing systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is common to add a tab to a file edge to provide a new code for the file, a colour coded arrangement for the file or to add machine readable data to a file or combinations thereof. There are commercially available simple add-on tabs which permit the application of a code or name to a file folder such as disclosed in Heirnann, United States Patent 3,747,242 or Turner, United States Patent 4,201,403. These forms of add-on tabs have not proven satisfactory in the above noted application as such tabs are flimsy, add to the thickness of the file folder, and are prone to damage.
A more rigid add-on tab for a file folder is disclosed in Barber et al, United States Patent 4,204,639. This type of add-on tab, although of somewhat stronger oonstruction than other add-on tabs, substantially increases the thickness of the file folder and may still be ripped from the file folder due to a bending of the tab causing the tab where it abuts the folder edge to separate.
Cunningham~ Canadian Patent 934,261, discloses an add-on tab for a file folder; however, with that arrangment individual tabs are applied to the folder edge. In a situation where a plurality of labels are required, individual tabs are applied and this permits relative movement between the tabs resulting in the individual tabs being caught and damaged or torn from the folder edge. The tabs as produced each have the same ,~, :a2337~2~
subject matter thereon so that different rolls of such tabs are required to provide the necessary different types of indicia in Forming a new code for a file folder.
It has been discovered that the application of a high tensile strength film directly onto a carrier web and then optionally applying labels to the film provides a product which is useful in preparing an edge of a substrate for reception of labels to designate at least in part a code peculiar to such substrate. The composite strip is advantageously used with an extension member to provide an add-on tab assembly for substrates.
The add-on tab assembly of the present invention renders the conversion of top readable file systems to a lateral filing system without replacing the file folders.
It is now generally recognized that lateral filing systems are more efficient with respect to space utilization and are particularly advantageous when colour coded is used.
However the time, expense and risk in replacing all file folders in a top readable system makes conversion less attractive. The add-on tab assembly of the present invention can convert such top readable filing systems to lateral filing systems and the tab assembly can be used in combination with automatic labelling machines if desired.
The present system allows one edge of a file folder to be extended not just to provide a tab for positioning a label outwardly of the file 9 but to simulate an integral tab which reinforces the file folder adjacent the securement thereof and therefore will not readily be torn or damaged during normal use.
Although the reinforced tab is particularly advantageous when applied to file folders, it can also be applied to other substrates such as x-ray jackets as but one example.
.~,. . .
:~33~
S MARY OF THE_INVENTION
A reinforced file folder tab according to the present invention is of a length to receive a plurality discrete labels thereon for properly identifying a file or substrate. The tab comprises an elongate tab extension member, a composite strip adhesively secured to the tab extension along the lenyth thereof, the cover of the tab extension along each side and one edge thereof. This results in one exposed edge of the tab extension member which may be brought into engagement with the edge of a file folder to accurately position the reinforced file folder tab. The composite strip extends beyond the exposed edge of the tab extension member on either side thereof to define securing portions for engagement with the file or substrate. These securing portions include an adhesive on the opposed sides thereof for securing the tab to a file.
According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the adhesive on the securing portions of the composite strip are covered with a release paper and the adhesive is of the pressure sensitive type. According to a further f aspect of the invention, the release paper may be oversized relative to the composite strip to facilitate removal of the release paper during application of the file fnlder tab to a substrate or file.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the tab extension member is marked to provide aligning guide markings for the manual application of labels. These markings are visible through the carrier web and the high tensile strength transparent film .
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the file folder tab includes colour coded labels applied to the composite strip prior to securement of the strip to the tab extension member.
:~3372~
~rief Descrip-tion of the Drawings Preferred embodiments o-f the invention are shown in the drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of the reinforced tab of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the extension member marked for the manual application of labels;
Figure 3 is a partial perspective view illustrating a method a method of manufacturing the tab;
Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of the composite strip having the center release paper removed;
Figure 5 illustrates securement of the extenslon member to the composite strip;
Figure 6 illustrates conversion of a top readable file to a lateral file by appropriately securing a label tab;
Figure ~ is a perspective view illustrating the manufacture of an alternate reinforced tab;
Figure 8 is a sectional view through the final product schematically illustrated in Figure 7; and Figure 9 is a sectional view through further alternate reinforced add-on tab.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The reinforced add-on tab generally shown as 2 in Figure 1, includes a tab extension member 4 made of paper stock or other material generally of a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the substrate to which is to be applied. The tab extension is preferably made of paper stock less than 1/16th of an inch thick and of a width about 1/2 to 3i4 of an inch. The extension member 4 is covered on three sides thereof by a composite strip generally designated as 6. This composite strip includes an outer high tensile strength film 8 which serves to reinforce both the tab extension 4 and the file folder to ' ~L%s33~ ~
which the add-on tab is secured to. ~eneath the high tensile strength film, which is preferrably transparent, is a carrier web 10. The high tensile strength film is secured by an adhesive to the carrier web 10 and the carrier web also carries a pressure sensitive adhesive on the lower surface thereof for engagement with the tab extension 4 to secure the strip to the tab extension member. The composite strip extends beyond the tab extension 4 to provide two skirt portions 12 which overlap with the file folder or substrate to which the add-on tab is secured thereby providing positive securement of the tabO On the lower surface of the skirt portions 12 is a release paper 1~l which when removed, exposes the pressure sensitive adhesive on the lower surface of the carrier web 10. When the tab is to be secured to a file folder, the release paper 14 is removed, the tab extension member 4 is brought into abutment with one edge of the file folder with skirt portions 12 pressed into engagement with the file folder to provide secured portions either side of the folderO Such a structure greatly simplifies securement of the add-on tab as the exposed surface 16 of the tab extension 4 is brought into abutment with the edge of the file folder, thereby accurately positioning the add-on tab and allowing the skirt portions to secure the add-on tab in tight abutment with the edge of file folder thus reducing the tendency for the tab to fold about the edge of the file.
The high tensile strength film 8 reduces the tendency of the tab to bend about the edge of the substrate and also provide positive reinforcement for reducing the possibility of tearing of the tab. Suitable high tensile strength film is made of polyethylene terephthalate and is sold by Dupont under the MYLAR trade mark, by Celanese under the trade mark CELANAR and by 3M
~337~
under the trade mark SCOTCHPAR as but some examples~ The film is preferrably of a thickness in the range oF about .5 mils to about 2 mils.
It should be noted that the add-on tab assembly is quite elongate and ls of a size to receive a plurality of labels along the surface thereof. This is in contrast to a number of proposed add-on tab systems where individual labels are individually supported on tabs which are very prone to -tearing. In contrast, the present invention provides a continuous extension at one edge of the file folder and the extension is of a size to receive labels used in the identification of the file. The add-on tab assembly can therefore be used to adapt the file folder by providing an extension along one edge thereof whereby a file that is previously used in a top readable identification system can now be used in a lateral filing system by adding a tab to the side edge of the folder.
In converting filing systems, one must consider the difficulty in having the material secured in the file transferred to another file folder and it is possible with the present system that one neéd not remove this material from the files in order to convert the filing systemO In addition, the add-on tab can be passed through an automatic labelling machine either before the composite strip 10 has been secured to the tab extension or afterwards to affect automatic labelling of the add-on tab, as illustrated in Figure 3.
~n the case of manual application of labels~ the extension member 4a shown in Figure 2 would be used which includes aligning markings 5 and 7 preprinted on the extension member and of a contrasting colour therewith such that the image of these markings is visible through the composite strip as shown in Figure 1. In this case, the composite strip preferrably has a carrier web stock ~33~
which is white in colour and the high tensile strenth film 8 is transparent. In this way the add-on tab would include alignment markings which can simplify the manual application of labels. For example as shown in Figure 2, a longitudinal marking 5 has been shown on the strip which can be used to position the machine readable portion of the label. In this way, alignment of the labels is assured and thus the file to which the add-on tab would be secure can be properly identified by a machine. In other systems, the particular spacing of the labels along the length of the tab extension member is important and for this reason tranverse guide markings 7 have been provided to allow positioning of the labels in the length of the extension member. Such positioning would be important with respect to colour coded systems. ûther guide markings are possible and the two markings described are only examples.
Turning to Figure 3, one particular method of manufacturing the composite strip 6 is shown which includes the use of a supply roll 22 containing the high tensile strength film 8 which is brought into engagement with the carrier web 10. The carrier web 10 would also be drawn from a supply roll not shown, with the release paper 14 being withdrawn from the supply roll 24. Prior to the release paper coming into engagement with the lower surface of the carrier web 10, a number of slitters 26 cut the release paper into the individual sections 14 at either side of the carrier web and at least one and preferrably two intermediate sections are provided which have been labelled 15 and 17. The release paper is then brought into engagement with the lower surface of the carrier web 10 which is covered with a pressure sensitive adhesive. Similarly, the high tensile strength film is brought into engagement with the upper surface of the ,2 carrier web and is secured thereto by an adhesive.
Securement of the release paper and high tensile strength film to the carrier web is assured by passing the composite strip ~ through the opposed pressure rollers 28.
It has been found that the slitting of the release paper prior to application to the carrier web facilitates removal of the release paper. In some instances when the release paper is slit after securement to the carrier web the release paper is difficult to remove as the edge has been pushed into engagement with the carrier web along the slit effectively "tucking in"
the edge. This problem is overcome by slitting the paper prior to application to the carrier web or by providing oversized release paper to facilitate removal.
The carrier web provides a surface to which the thin high tensile strength film is applied as the film alone is difficult to handle and subject to creasing or folding. However, it is the high tensile strength film which significantly reinforces the join line of the tab to a substrate and therefore the carrier web can be eliminated. This requires the extension tab member to be ;~ directly applied to the high tensile strength film and the release paper directly applied to the remaining adhesively coated surface of the film. Such a system will function satisfactorily although application of the tab to a file or substrate will be more di~ficult due to the above described handling difficulties.
An automatic labelling unit 30 is schematically illustrated in Figure 3 placing the labels 32 on the upper surface of the high tensile strength film 8. This automatic labelling machine controls the spacing of labels on the mylar film and the space between the group of labels. Such an automatic labelling machine is disclosed in Barber et al, United States Patent 4,183,779. Suitable ~L~3372~
labels are disclosed in Barber et al, United States Patent 4,204,639. As can be appreciated, the automatic labelling operation is optional. The output from the system can be wound on a spool for subsequent cutting into appropriate lengths for application to a tab extension member. The adhesive on the carrier web 10 could be applied by spraying or by wiping thereof or any other suitable means. In addition, a scoring wheel 40 can advantageously score the carrier web on the lower surface thereof to provide a folding line for wrapping the composite strip about the tab extension member. This score assures proper positioning of the tab extension member and permits the composite strip to be tightly drawn about the extension.
One particular method of securing the extension member 4 within the composite strip to be bound on three sides, is shown with respect to Figure 5. Here the composite strip, has the lower surface thereof covered with a release paper, with the center section of the release paper, generally designated as 15a, partially removed from the composite strip 6. In this way, the edge release paper 14 is still in contact with the composite strip protecting the immediately underlying adhesively coated area of the carrier web 10. Once the release paper 15 has been removed as shown in Figure 5, the tab extension member 4 may be fixed to the composite strip 6 by aliyning one edge of the tab extension member against the inside edge of one of the strips of release paper 14.
If the carrier web has been scored, the tab extension member could be aligned with this centre score position.
The strip 15a of release paper is essentially of a width equal to twice the width of the tab extension member 4.
In this way, the alignment of the tab extension member will assure that the high tensile strength film is tightly secured about the tab extension member on either side 1~3372:~
thereof. This is accomplished by wrappiny the composite strip about the tab extension member once it has been secured to one side of the composite strip. Such an action is schematically shown by arrow 44. This operation will result in the tab extension member generally as shown in Figure 1.
The file -folder generally shown as 50 in Figure 6 is of the type which formerly would have been top readable illustrated by the label 52 secured -to the top labelling tab 51. The add-on tab 2a has been secured to one of the side edges of a file folder 50 such that the file is now suitable for use in a lateral filing system. As can be seen, an extension of the file folder has been provided to the one side of the file folder 50 and a number of labels 32a are attached to the tab extension member and wrapped about the edge thereof. In this way the code identifying or partially identifying the file folder is indicated by the labels 32a which are visible to either side of the file folder and along the one edge of the tab extension member. This arrangement is particularly suitable for colour coding systems where misfiled folders can easily be identified. Therefore, the file folder 50 which was previously a top readable file folder has been converted to a lateral file by merely the addition of the add-on tab 2a.
Figures 7 through 9 schematically illustrate the manufacture of an alternate reinforced add-on tab and two possibIe forms the add-on tab could be sold. In Figure 7, the method of manufacture is schematically illustrated wherein the extension tab member is now designated as 4a and will in effect will replace a portion of the carrier web found in the earlier described figures. The product of Figures 8 and 9 do not include the carrier web, and the mylar film, generally designated as 8 beiny withdrawn from ,. 10 , ~, ~233~
the supply roll 22, is directly applied to the tab extension material 4a which in this embodiment would be half the thickness of the previous extension member 4.
The stripped material ~a is advanced passed an adhesive applying station which includes the adhesive applying roller 5 and an adhesive reservoir designated as 7. The roller applies the adhesive to the lower surface of material 4a and perferably t'nis will be a pressure sensitive adhesive. It can be appreciated that this adhesive need not be applied by a roller and could easily be spray applied or the material 4a could be withdrawn from a supply which included a pressure sensitive adhesive on its lower surface. The material 4a is generally centered in the longitudinal direction of the mylar 8 and is of a width substantially less than the mylar. Thus the mylar 8 will overhang the material 4a either side thereof generally as shown in Figure 8 to form two securing skirt portions. The mylar as shown would include a pressure sensitive adhesive on its lower surface for engagement with the top surface of material 4a and thus the material 4a affectively forms a carrier web for the mylar film however this carrier web is not the full width of the mylar film. Release paper is applied to the lower surface of material 4a and the lower surface of the mylar film extending either side of material 4a and is generally indicated by the material being drawn from supply roll 24 and cut by slitters 26 to form the release paper strips 14 and 15a. In this case, only three strips are shown as the strip 15a is of the approximate width of the material 4a as shown in F.igure 8. The combination of the mylar film, the tab extension member 4a and the strips of release paper 14 and 15a are brought into engagement by the opposed rollers 28a wherein the lower roller has been provided with two stepped portions for urging release , , , ~L~2337~
strips 14 and 15 into engagement with the exposed lower surfaces of the mylar film 8. Such a stepped roller may not be necessary in some applications, particularly if a resilient surface is provided on the rollers. Thus a continuous strip 6a is produced which may be fed through an autornatic labelling machine or cut to appropriate lengths or rerolled. The carrier web of the earlier described product has now been replaced by the release strips 14 and the tab extension material generally designated as 4a. A section through this material is shown in Figure 8 and it can be appreciated that the strip 6a may be folded with the tab extension material 4a folded upon itself to produce the product generally shown in Figure 9. Optionally the extension material 4a could be creased in a manner similar to the centre creasing of the carrier web shown in Figure 3. The product shown in Figure 9 is produced by removing the center release paper 15a and folding the extension tab material 4a generally in the center thereof. The product of Figure 9 is very similar to the product of Figure 1, however the carrier web 10 has now been eliminated. In order to apply the product of Figure 9 to a file folder or a substrate, the release strips 14 are removed and thus the tab assembly may be secured on either side of the substrate by the mylar film which due to its inherent high tensile strength and positive adhesion with a file folder or substrate is not prone to accidental tearing or removal of the extension tab from the substrate.
Although the product as shown in Figure 9 can be produced from the product generally shown in Figure 8, it could also be produced without applying the release strip 15a and subsequently removing this strip. For example, the method of manufacture generally shown in Figure 7 could be varied such that only the release strips 14 are ~2~3~
applied to the lower surface of the mylar film and a folding operation would occur upstream of the rollers 28a to fold the extension tab material ~a in the center thereof to produce the product as shown in Figure 9.
S The product shown in Figure 8 and 9 is advantageous in that the extension tab is already secured within the product and need not be added as a separate step after manufacture of the composite strip illustrated in Figure 3. However, the carrier web does render the mylar film more workable and reduces problems with respect to folding and creasing of the mylar film. Therefore the product as shown in Figure 3 does have some advantageous and it can be appreciated that this product could be modified in a manner similar to Figure 7 such that the extension tab is secured to the carrier web as opposed to the separate assembly described in the earlier figures.
~ith such a modified manufacture, there would be no need for the application of the center release paper and the subsequent removal thereof.
The reinforced tabs as illustrated in Figures 1, 8 and 9 exhibit a number of excellent properties and are not prone to tearing away from the substrate to which they are applied or subject to creasing of the receptor surface provided by the upper surface of the high tensile strength film. One possible reason for the superior properties of these tabs is the cooperation of the extension tab member in abuttîng relationship to the secured substrate and being maintained in this position by the high tensile strength film. This film serves to distribute forces exerted on the tab to a larger portion of the body of the substrate (ie. to an area several times greater than the width of an individual label) thereby minimizing the possibilities of tearing of the tab. furthermore creasing or folding of the tab at the junction of the tab extension 33~2~
member and the abutting edge of -the substrate is minimized due to the properties of the high tensile strength film which has an excellent memory and therfore opposes any forces which would tend to cause hing.ing about the edge of the substrate.
The preferred embodiment of the invention has been described with respect to file folders however the reinforced tab can be used in identifying other substrates or jackets used to contain material. ~ther applications include the identification of x-ray jackets or record jackets as but some examples. Therefore the present invention can be used in many applications and is not limited to use in combination with file folders.
Although preferred embodiments of the invention ; 15 have been described herein in detail, it can be understood by those sk.illed in the art that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a produc-t for extending the edge of a substrate for recep-tion of labels or to which labels have already been secured. The product can advantageously be used in the conversion of filing systems to lateral filing systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is common to add a tab to a file edge to provide a new code for the file, a colour coded arrangement for the file or to add machine readable data to a file or combinations thereof. There are commercially available simple add-on tabs which permit the application of a code or name to a file folder such as disclosed in Heirnann, United States Patent 3,747,242 or Turner, United States Patent 4,201,403. These forms of add-on tabs have not proven satisfactory in the above noted application as such tabs are flimsy, add to the thickness of the file folder, and are prone to damage.
A more rigid add-on tab for a file folder is disclosed in Barber et al, United States Patent 4,204,639. This type of add-on tab, although of somewhat stronger oonstruction than other add-on tabs, substantially increases the thickness of the file folder and may still be ripped from the file folder due to a bending of the tab causing the tab where it abuts the folder edge to separate.
Cunningham~ Canadian Patent 934,261, discloses an add-on tab for a file folder; however, with that arrangment individual tabs are applied to the folder edge. In a situation where a plurality of labels are required, individual tabs are applied and this permits relative movement between the tabs resulting in the individual tabs being caught and damaged or torn from the folder edge. The tabs as produced each have the same ,~, :a2337~2~
subject matter thereon so that different rolls of such tabs are required to provide the necessary different types of indicia in Forming a new code for a file folder.
It has been discovered that the application of a high tensile strength film directly onto a carrier web and then optionally applying labels to the film provides a product which is useful in preparing an edge of a substrate for reception of labels to designate at least in part a code peculiar to such substrate. The composite strip is advantageously used with an extension member to provide an add-on tab assembly for substrates.
The add-on tab assembly of the present invention renders the conversion of top readable file systems to a lateral filing system without replacing the file folders.
It is now generally recognized that lateral filing systems are more efficient with respect to space utilization and are particularly advantageous when colour coded is used.
However the time, expense and risk in replacing all file folders in a top readable system makes conversion less attractive. The add-on tab assembly of the present invention can convert such top readable filing systems to lateral filing systems and the tab assembly can be used in combination with automatic labelling machines if desired.
The present system allows one edge of a file folder to be extended not just to provide a tab for positioning a label outwardly of the file 9 but to simulate an integral tab which reinforces the file folder adjacent the securement thereof and therefore will not readily be torn or damaged during normal use.
Although the reinforced tab is particularly advantageous when applied to file folders, it can also be applied to other substrates such as x-ray jackets as but one example.
.~,. . .
:~33~
S MARY OF THE_INVENTION
A reinforced file folder tab according to the present invention is of a length to receive a plurality discrete labels thereon for properly identifying a file or substrate. The tab comprises an elongate tab extension member, a composite strip adhesively secured to the tab extension along the lenyth thereof, the cover of the tab extension along each side and one edge thereof. This results in one exposed edge of the tab extension member which may be brought into engagement with the edge of a file folder to accurately position the reinforced file folder tab. The composite strip extends beyond the exposed edge of the tab extension member on either side thereof to define securing portions for engagement with the file or substrate. These securing portions include an adhesive on the opposed sides thereof for securing the tab to a file.
According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the adhesive on the securing portions of the composite strip are covered with a release paper and the adhesive is of the pressure sensitive type. According to a further f aspect of the invention, the release paper may be oversized relative to the composite strip to facilitate removal of the release paper during application of the file fnlder tab to a substrate or file.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the tab extension member is marked to provide aligning guide markings for the manual application of labels. These markings are visible through the carrier web and the high tensile strength transparent film .
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the file folder tab includes colour coded labels applied to the composite strip prior to securement of the strip to the tab extension member.
:~3372~
~rief Descrip-tion of the Drawings Preferred embodiments o-f the invention are shown in the drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of the reinforced tab of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the extension member marked for the manual application of labels;
Figure 3 is a partial perspective view illustrating a method a method of manufacturing the tab;
Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of the composite strip having the center release paper removed;
Figure 5 illustrates securement of the extenslon member to the composite strip;
Figure 6 illustrates conversion of a top readable file to a lateral file by appropriately securing a label tab;
Figure ~ is a perspective view illustrating the manufacture of an alternate reinforced tab;
Figure 8 is a sectional view through the final product schematically illustrated in Figure 7; and Figure 9 is a sectional view through further alternate reinforced add-on tab.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The reinforced add-on tab generally shown as 2 in Figure 1, includes a tab extension member 4 made of paper stock or other material generally of a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the substrate to which is to be applied. The tab extension is preferably made of paper stock less than 1/16th of an inch thick and of a width about 1/2 to 3i4 of an inch. The extension member 4 is covered on three sides thereof by a composite strip generally designated as 6. This composite strip includes an outer high tensile strength film 8 which serves to reinforce both the tab extension 4 and the file folder to ' ~L%s33~ ~
which the add-on tab is secured to. ~eneath the high tensile strength film, which is preferrably transparent, is a carrier web 10. The high tensile strength film is secured by an adhesive to the carrier web 10 and the carrier web also carries a pressure sensitive adhesive on the lower surface thereof for engagement with the tab extension 4 to secure the strip to the tab extension member. The composite strip extends beyond the tab extension 4 to provide two skirt portions 12 which overlap with the file folder or substrate to which the add-on tab is secured thereby providing positive securement of the tabO On the lower surface of the skirt portions 12 is a release paper 1~l which when removed, exposes the pressure sensitive adhesive on the lower surface of the carrier web 10. When the tab is to be secured to a file folder, the release paper 14 is removed, the tab extension member 4 is brought into abutment with one edge of the file folder with skirt portions 12 pressed into engagement with the file folder to provide secured portions either side of the folderO Such a structure greatly simplifies securement of the add-on tab as the exposed surface 16 of the tab extension 4 is brought into abutment with the edge of the file folder, thereby accurately positioning the add-on tab and allowing the skirt portions to secure the add-on tab in tight abutment with the edge of file folder thus reducing the tendency for the tab to fold about the edge of the file.
The high tensile strength film 8 reduces the tendency of the tab to bend about the edge of the substrate and also provide positive reinforcement for reducing the possibility of tearing of the tab. Suitable high tensile strength film is made of polyethylene terephthalate and is sold by Dupont under the MYLAR trade mark, by Celanese under the trade mark CELANAR and by 3M
~337~
under the trade mark SCOTCHPAR as but some examples~ The film is preferrably of a thickness in the range oF about .5 mils to about 2 mils.
It should be noted that the add-on tab assembly is quite elongate and ls of a size to receive a plurality of labels along the surface thereof. This is in contrast to a number of proposed add-on tab systems where individual labels are individually supported on tabs which are very prone to -tearing. In contrast, the present invention provides a continuous extension at one edge of the file folder and the extension is of a size to receive labels used in the identification of the file. The add-on tab assembly can therefore be used to adapt the file folder by providing an extension along one edge thereof whereby a file that is previously used in a top readable identification system can now be used in a lateral filing system by adding a tab to the side edge of the folder.
In converting filing systems, one must consider the difficulty in having the material secured in the file transferred to another file folder and it is possible with the present system that one neéd not remove this material from the files in order to convert the filing systemO In addition, the add-on tab can be passed through an automatic labelling machine either before the composite strip 10 has been secured to the tab extension or afterwards to affect automatic labelling of the add-on tab, as illustrated in Figure 3.
~n the case of manual application of labels~ the extension member 4a shown in Figure 2 would be used which includes aligning markings 5 and 7 preprinted on the extension member and of a contrasting colour therewith such that the image of these markings is visible through the composite strip as shown in Figure 1. In this case, the composite strip preferrably has a carrier web stock ~33~
which is white in colour and the high tensile strenth film 8 is transparent. In this way the add-on tab would include alignment markings which can simplify the manual application of labels. For example as shown in Figure 2, a longitudinal marking 5 has been shown on the strip which can be used to position the machine readable portion of the label. In this way, alignment of the labels is assured and thus the file to which the add-on tab would be secure can be properly identified by a machine. In other systems, the particular spacing of the labels along the length of the tab extension member is important and for this reason tranverse guide markings 7 have been provided to allow positioning of the labels in the length of the extension member. Such positioning would be important with respect to colour coded systems. ûther guide markings are possible and the two markings described are only examples.
Turning to Figure 3, one particular method of manufacturing the composite strip 6 is shown which includes the use of a supply roll 22 containing the high tensile strength film 8 which is brought into engagement with the carrier web 10. The carrier web 10 would also be drawn from a supply roll not shown, with the release paper 14 being withdrawn from the supply roll 24. Prior to the release paper coming into engagement with the lower surface of the carrier web 10, a number of slitters 26 cut the release paper into the individual sections 14 at either side of the carrier web and at least one and preferrably two intermediate sections are provided which have been labelled 15 and 17. The release paper is then brought into engagement with the lower surface of the carrier web 10 which is covered with a pressure sensitive adhesive. Similarly, the high tensile strength film is brought into engagement with the upper surface of the ,2 carrier web and is secured thereto by an adhesive.
Securement of the release paper and high tensile strength film to the carrier web is assured by passing the composite strip ~ through the opposed pressure rollers 28.
It has been found that the slitting of the release paper prior to application to the carrier web facilitates removal of the release paper. In some instances when the release paper is slit after securement to the carrier web the release paper is difficult to remove as the edge has been pushed into engagement with the carrier web along the slit effectively "tucking in"
the edge. This problem is overcome by slitting the paper prior to application to the carrier web or by providing oversized release paper to facilitate removal.
The carrier web provides a surface to which the thin high tensile strength film is applied as the film alone is difficult to handle and subject to creasing or folding. However, it is the high tensile strength film which significantly reinforces the join line of the tab to a substrate and therefore the carrier web can be eliminated. This requires the extension tab member to be ;~ directly applied to the high tensile strength film and the release paper directly applied to the remaining adhesively coated surface of the film. Such a system will function satisfactorily although application of the tab to a file or substrate will be more di~ficult due to the above described handling difficulties.
An automatic labelling unit 30 is schematically illustrated in Figure 3 placing the labels 32 on the upper surface of the high tensile strength film 8. This automatic labelling machine controls the spacing of labels on the mylar film and the space between the group of labels. Such an automatic labelling machine is disclosed in Barber et al, United States Patent 4,183,779. Suitable ~L~3372~
labels are disclosed in Barber et al, United States Patent 4,204,639. As can be appreciated, the automatic labelling operation is optional. The output from the system can be wound on a spool for subsequent cutting into appropriate lengths for application to a tab extension member. The adhesive on the carrier web 10 could be applied by spraying or by wiping thereof or any other suitable means. In addition, a scoring wheel 40 can advantageously score the carrier web on the lower surface thereof to provide a folding line for wrapping the composite strip about the tab extension member. This score assures proper positioning of the tab extension member and permits the composite strip to be tightly drawn about the extension.
One particular method of securing the extension member 4 within the composite strip to be bound on three sides, is shown with respect to Figure 5. Here the composite strip, has the lower surface thereof covered with a release paper, with the center section of the release paper, generally designated as 15a, partially removed from the composite strip 6. In this way, the edge release paper 14 is still in contact with the composite strip protecting the immediately underlying adhesively coated area of the carrier web 10. Once the release paper 15 has been removed as shown in Figure 5, the tab extension member 4 may be fixed to the composite strip 6 by aliyning one edge of the tab extension member against the inside edge of one of the strips of release paper 14.
If the carrier web has been scored, the tab extension member could be aligned with this centre score position.
The strip 15a of release paper is essentially of a width equal to twice the width of the tab extension member 4.
In this way, the alignment of the tab extension member will assure that the high tensile strength film is tightly secured about the tab extension member on either side 1~3372:~
thereof. This is accomplished by wrappiny the composite strip about the tab extension member once it has been secured to one side of the composite strip. Such an action is schematically shown by arrow 44. This operation will result in the tab extension member generally as shown in Figure 1.
The file -folder generally shown as 50 in Figure 6 is of the type which formerly would have been top readable illustrated by the label 52 secured -to the top labelling tab 51. The add-on tab 2a has been secured to one of the side edges of a file folder 50 such that the file is now suitable for use in a lateral filing system. As can be seen, an extension of the file folder has been provided to the one side of the file folder 50 and a number of labels 32a are attached to the tab extension member and wrapped about the edge thereof. In this way the code identifying or partially identifying the file folder is indicated by the labels 32a which are visible to either side of the file folder and along the one edge of the tab extension member. This arrangement is particularly suitable for colour coding systems where misfiled folders can easily be identified. Therefore, the file folder 50 which was previously a top readable file folder has been converted to a lateral file by merely the addition of the add-on tab 2a.
Figures 7 through 9 schematically illustrate the manufacture of an alternate reinforced add-on tab and two possibIe forms the add-on tab could be sold. In Figure 7, the method of manufacture is schematically illustrated wherein the extension tab member is now designated as 4a and will in effect will replace a portion of the carrier web found in the earlier described figures. The product of Figures 8 and 9 do not include the carrier web, and the mylar film, generally designated as 8 beiny withdrawn from ,. 10 , ~, ~233~
the supply roll 22, is directly applied to the tab extension material 4a which in this embodiment would be half the thickness of the previous extension member 4.
The stripped material ~a is advanced passed an adhesive applying station which includes the adhesive applying roller 5 and an adhesive reservoir designated as 7. The roller applies the adhesive to the lower surface of material 4a and perferably t'nis will be a pressure sensitive adhesive. It can be appreciated that this adhesive need not be applied by a roller and could easily be spray applied or the material 4a could be withdrawn from a supply which included a pressure sensitive adhesive on its lower surface. The material 4a is generally centered in the longitudinal direction of the mylar 8 and is of a width substantially less than the mylar. Thus the mylar 8 will overhang the material 4a either side thereof generally as shown in Figure 8 to form two securing skirt portions. The mylar as shown would include a pressure sensitive adhesive on its lower surface for engagement with the top surface of material 4a and thus the material 4a affectively forms a carrier web for the mylar film however this carrier web is not the full width of the mylar film. Release paper is applied to the lower surface of material 4a and the lower surface of the mylar film extending either side of material 4a and is generally indicated by the material being drawn from supply roll 24 and cut by slitters 26 to form the release paper strips 14 and 15a. In this case, only three strips are shown as the strip 15a is of the approximate width of the material 4a as shown in F.igure 8. The combination of the mylar film, the tab extension member 4a and the strips of release paper 14 and 15a are brought into engagement by the opposed rollers 28a wherein the lower roller has been provided with two stepped portions for urging release , , , ~L~2337~
strips 14 and 15 into engagement with the exposed lower surfaces of the mylar film 8. Such a stepped roller may not be necessary in some applications, particularly if a resilient surface is provided on the rollers. Thus a continuous strip 6a is produced which may be fed through an autornatic labelling machine or cut to appropriate lengths or rerolled. The carrier web of the earlier described product has now been replaced by the release strips 14 and the tab extension material generally designated as 4a. A section through this material is shown in Figure 8 and it can be appreciated that the strip 6a may be folded with the tab extension material 4a folded upon itself to produce the product generally shown in Figure 9. Optionally the extension material 4a could be creased in a manner similar to the centre creasing of the carrier web shown in Figure 3. The product shown in Figure 9 is produced by removing the center release paper 15a and folding the extension tab material 4a generally in the center thereof. The product of Figure 9 is very similar to the product of Figure 1, however the carrier web 10 has now been eliminated. In order to apply the product of Figure 9 to a file folder or a substrate, the release strips 14 are removed and thus the tab assembly may be secured on either side of the substrate by the mylar film which due to its inherent high tensile strength and positive adhesion with a file folder or substrate is not prone to accidental tearing or removal of the extension tab from the substrate.
Although the product as shown in Figure 9 can be produced from the product generally shown in Figure 8, it could also be produced without applying the release strip 15a and subsequently removing this strip. For example, the method of manufacture generally shown in Figure 7 could be varied such that only the release strips 14 are ~2~3~
applied to the lower surface of the mylar film and a folding operation would occur upstream of the rollers 28a to fold the extension tab material ~a in the center thereof to produce the product as shown in Figure 9.
S The product shown in Figure 8 and 9 is advantageous in that the extension tab is already secured within the product and need not be added as a separate step after manufacture of the composite strip illustrated in Figure 3. However, the carrier web does render the mylar film more workable and reduces problems with respect to folding and creasing of the mylar film. Therefore the product as shown in Figure 3 does have some advantageous and it can be appreciated that this product could be modified in a manner similar to Figure 7 such that the extension tab is secured to the carrier web as opposed to the separate assembly described in the earlier figures.
~ith such a modified manufacture, there would be no need for the application of the center release paper and the subsequent removal thereof.
The reinforced tabs as illustrated in Figures 1, 8 and 9 exhibit a number of excellent properties and are not prone to tearing away from the substrate to which they are applied or subject to creasing of the receptor surface provided by the upper surface of the high tensile strength film. One possible reason for the superior properties of these tabs is the cooperation of the extension tab member in abuttîng relationship to the secured substrate and being maintained in this position by the high tensile strength film. This film serves to distribute forces exerted on the tab to a larger portion of the body of the substrate (ie. to an area several times greater than the width of an individual label) thereby minimizing the possibilities of tearing of the tab. furthermore creasing or folding of the tab at the junction of the tab extension 33~2~
member and the abutting edge of -the substrate is minimized due to the properties of the high tensile strength film which has an excellent memory and therfore opposes any forces which would tend to cause hing.ing about the edge of the substrate.
The preferred embodiment of the invention has been described with respect to file folders however the reinforced tab can be used in identifying other substrates or jackets used to contain material. ~ther applications include the identification of x-ray jackets or record jackets as but some examples. Therefore the present invention can be used in many applications and is not limited to use in combination with file folders.
Although preferred embodiments of the invention ; 15 have been described herein in detail, it can be understood by those sk.illed in the art that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims
Claims (20)
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A reinforced tab of a length to receive a plurality of discrete pressure sensitive labels thereon for at least partially identifying a file, said tab comprising an elongate tab extension, a composite strip adhesively secured along the length of said tab extension to cover said tab extension along each side and one edge thereof and defining one exposed edge of said tab extension, said composite strip extending beyond said one exposed edge to define a securing portion either side of said tab extension, each of said securing portions, including an adhesive on the opposed sides thereof for securing said tab to a file, said composite strip including an outer layer of high tensile strength film which acts as a receptor surface for receiving pressure sensitive adhesive labels.
2. A reinforced tab of a length for receiving a plurality of discrete labels on the upper surface thereof, said tab comprising an elongate tab covered on either side with at least an outer thin high tensile strength film, said film being adhesively secured to said tab extension and extending either side of and beyond said tab extension to form opposed securing flaps, the opposed faces of said flaps having an adhesive thereon for securing said folder tab to a file folder.
3. A reinforced tab as claimed in claim 2 wherein each of said flaps includes a release paper covering said opposed faces.
4. A reinforced tab as claimed in claim 3 wherein said release paper is oversized to facilitate removal thereof.
5. A reinforced tab as claimed in claim 3 wherein said composite includes a carrier web of paper stock carrying said outer high tensile strength film.
6. A reinforced tab as claimed in claim 2 or 5 wherein said tab extension member includes a plurality of aligning marks on the sides thereof which are visible through said film to facilitate placement of labels on said folder tab.
7. A reinforced tab as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 5 wherein said adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive.
8. A reinforced tab as claimed in claim 1 or 2 including colour coded labels secured to high tensile strength film and about one edge of said Folder tab.
9. A tab as claimed in claim 1 or 2 colour coded by the application of colour coded labels applied to said composite strip prior to securement of said strip to said tab extension.
10. A reinforced tab as claimed in claim 1 wherein said release paper is oversized to facilitate removal thereof.
11. A reinforced tab as claimed in claim 1 wherein said tab extension member includes a plurality of aligning marks on the sides thereof which are visible through said film to facilitate placement of labels on said folder tab.
12. A reinforced tab as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of said flaps includes a release paper covering said opposed faces.
13. A reinforced tab of a length to receive along said tab a plurality of discrete labels comprising an overlying high tensile strength film for receiving such labels and adhesively secured to an elongate tab extension member intermediate the sides of said film to define two corresponding skirt portions, the lower surfaces of said skirt portions including a pressure sensitive adhesive for securing said tab to a substrate.
14. A reinforced tab as claimed in claim 13 wherein said tab extension is folded on the longitudinal axis thereof and retained in said folded position by adhesive on the abutting surfaces.
15. A tab as claimed in claim 13 or 14 wherein the lower surfaces of said skirt portions are covered with a release paper.
16. A tab as claimed in claim 13 including a carrier web adhesively secured to cover said high tensile strength film intermediate said film and said tab extension member.
17. A tab as claimed in claim 13, 14 or 16 wherein said film is polyethylene terephthalate.
18. A tab as claimed in claim 13, 14 or 16 wherein said film is polyethylene terephthalate having a thickness in the range of about .5 mils to about 2 mils of an inch.
19. A tab as claimed in claim 14 wherein said tab is of paper stock and presents an effective thickness of the extension member about 1/16th of an inch when oriented for securement to a substrate.
20. A tab as claimed in claim 13, 14 or 16 including alignment marks on said extension tab that are visible through the high tensile strength film to facilitate the accurate placement of labels.
Priority Applications (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000440294A CA1233721A (en) | 1983-11-02 | 1983-11-02 | Reinforced add-on tab |
| EP83307653A EP0112177A3 (en) | 1982-12-17 | 1983-12-15 | Composite strip for labelling |
| AU22493/83A AU563746B2 (en) | 1982-12-17 | 1983-12-16 | Strip of indexing tabs |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000440294A CA1233721A (en) | 1983-11-02 | 1983-11-02 | Reinforced add-on tab |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1233721A true CA1233721A (en) | 1988-03-08 |
Family
ID=4126431
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000440294A Expired CA1233721A (en) | 1982-12-17 | 1983-11-02 | Reinforced add-on tab |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1233721A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5284362A (en) * | 1990-02-21 | 1994-02-08 | Esselte Pendaflex Corporation | Reinforced shelf filing folders |
-
1983
- 1983-11-02 CA CA000440294A patent/CA1233721A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5284362A (en) * | 1990-02-21 | 1994-02-08 | Esselte Pendaflex Corporation | Reinforced shelf filing folders |
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| MKEX | Expiry |