DE9116259U1 - File folder - Google Patents

Description

Angelder:

Jürgen Vogel
Postwäldle 11
7000 Stuttgart-30

4513 005 12.3.1992 F-B/cd (92/11)

Title : File folder

Description

The invention relates to a file folder with a base part, a cover part and an intermediate spine, as well as a binding mechanism, whereby the base part, the cover part and the spine are made separately from plastic and are held together at the upper and lower ends in the position of use by at least one connector each. File folders have been around for a long time and are an indispensable part of modern offices. They are also used in private households or, more generally, wherever documents have to be kept in an orderly manner. In this respect, it is a mass-produced item. The latter is primarily used by

the requirement for low costs is made. However, there are also applications where other properties of such a file folder are preferred. Given the mountains of waste that exist today, such a requirement can be the ability to be recycled as easily and completely as possible. In some cases, the visual appearance and the possibility of thorough cleaning are also of primary importance. Ultimately, a long service life and low transport costs are important.

The file folder of the type described above, which became known through GB-PS 2 143 476, does have some advantages over conventional file folders, but it does not satisfy all requirements. The task is therefore to further develop a file folder of the type described above so that it at least meets the requirements mentioned.

To solve this problem, it is proposed according to the invention that the file folder is designed according to the preamble of claim 1 in accordance with the characterizing part of this claim. This file folder meets at least the requirements mentioned above. It can be made from a plastic that is fully recyclable. In addition, plastic is easy to care for and clean. In addition, a plastic surface is much more attractive than a paper or cardboard surface. Because this file folder is made up of different parts,

it can be sent loose, which is why it takes up little space even with a wide or even over-wide spine. This also means that the file can be widened to a certain extent by replacing the spine with a wider spine when it has become too small over time. Storage costs are also low because it can be stored there disassembled. On the other hand, it can be put together quickly. All that is required is to mount the connectors on the top and bottom ends of the file in the position of use, which, as the drawing shows, can be easily achieved by plugging them together and using short plug connections. The latter is particularly easy because there is a single connector at the top and bottom, which must be designed in such a way that it directly guarantees the smooth and largely wear-free linking of the cover part and the base part to the spine. Of course, the plug connection must be designed in such a way that it holds securely and can also withstand rough use. On the other hand, it is at least useful if you later want to replace the back with another, particularly wider, one if every plug connection is detachable. Both detachable and non-detachable, particularly permanent plug connections for connecting two plastic parts are known, which is why they do not need to be explained in more detail here.

According to the second variant of the invention, the assembly of the file folder is particularly simple, i.e. when one of the connectors is molded onto the back. This can preferably be the connector that is at the bottom during use.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is given in claim 2. One pin of each pair of pins at the upper and lower spine ends serves to hold the separately manufactured connector on the spine, while the other pin of each pair of pins forms a pivot pin for the rotatable mounting of the cover part or the base part on the spine. It is easy to see that the pins can be attached to both the connector and the three parts of the file folder, although the arrangement on the connector is preferred. If one of the two connectors is molded directly onto the spine, the two pins that are needed to connect the connector and spine in the loose form are of course not present.

A permanent connection between the pin required for holding and the holder can be achieved, for example, by gluing or by locking, whereby plug connections are now known in plastic technology that can be easily locked but cannot be removed without destroying them. Such folders are particularly stable and robust and

they are in no way inferior to a file folder in which the base, cover and spine are made from one piece. However, if you choose a stiff plug connection for the pins to hold them in place, you can remove them again if necessary. The pins for the swivel bearing are designed to move easily anyway.

Another embodiment of the invention results from claim 4. The articulation of the lid part and the base part on the back is in the broadest sense comparable to a rotary connection by a piano hinge.

A preferred variant of the invention provides that the sleeves protrude at least partially, but preferably completely, over the inner surface of the cover part, the base part, or the back. They can either be molded directly or manufactured separately and attached in a suitable manner, for example by means of ultrasonic welding.

A particularly preferred embodiment of a file folder with a binding mechanism attached to the base is characterized by the fact that the latter is made of dimensionally stable plastic. This particularly meets the requirement for complete recyclability. In addition, the plastic has the usual advantages, such as low weight, no need for surface treatment and inexpensive

Production.

In a further development of the invention, it is proposed that the binding mechanism consists of at least two stapled material holding pins attached to the base part at a distance from the paper holes and one adjustable locking pin each that can be detachably connected to the free end of the holding pin, whereby each holding pin and the associated locking pin form a binding mechanism bracket. The shape of the latter can correspond to that of a known binding mechanism of a file folder. The sheets to be filed are lined up on the holding pins in a known manner. After each filing process has been completed, the binding mechanism brackets are closed by pushing the locking pins against the holding pins. In order to obtain the aforementioned bracket shape, at least one of these pins must have an angular shape. This is preferably the locking pin. Depending on the positioning and connection of the two pins of each binding mechanism bracket, both pins can also be designed in the shape of a bracket, although a straight or largely straight holding pin makes filing easier. If you do not allow the retaining pin to pivot, this greatly simplifies and reduces the cost of the stapling mechanism.

Further embodiments of this file folder and the resulting advantages can be found in the following drawing description. The drawing shows various embodiments of the invention. These show:

Figure 1

perspective view in a broken, exploded view of a first design of the file folder;

Figure 2

a similar file folder, again in perspective, but in a slightly different representation;

Figure 3

a third variant, again perspective and explosive (partially broken off);

Figure 4

a back which can be used instead of the back shown in the figure;

Figure 5

a top view of another spine with the insert shown broken off;

Figure 6

a broken-off representation without cover part and connector, with partially drawn binding mechanism;

Figures and 8

two further broken representations of binding mechanism designs.

The essential elements of the file folder are the base part l, the cover part 2, the spine 3, the binding mechanism 4 and two connectors 5. At least all essential parts

are made of plastic. As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, for example, the base part, the cover part and the back have a substantially plate-like shape. However, due to the plastic production, certain elements, which serve in particular to connect the aforementioned parts, are molded directly onto the plate in accordance with the detailed explanations below and then protrude above the plate level.

At the two narrow ends of the back 3 there are two receptacles 6 and 7, which are arranged at a distance from one another, which have a sleeve shape according to Figures 1 and 3, whereby the outer casing can be shaped in different ways. The only important thing is that each receptacle has a hole for an insertable pin 8 to 11 of a connector 5. The pins are arranged in a row according to Figures 1 and 2, for example, whereby two pins 8 and 9, or 10 and form a pair of pins. From the above it is also immediately clear that, for example, two extended receptacles can be connected to one another, i.e. only a single receptacle extending over the entire length can be provided, into both ends of which a pin of a connector can be inserted.

According to Figure 1, for example, two receptacles 12 and 13 are provided on the back longitudinal edge of the base part 1 and the cover part 2, whereby Figure 1 indicates that, as explained above, the two receptacles 13 can be connected to one another.

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connect and can therefore form just one long receptacle that extends over the entire longitudinal edge. While receptacles 12 and 13 are assigned directly to the longitudinal edge of the cover part or the base part, receptacles 6 and 7 of the back 3 are offset slightly towards the middle from the longitudinal edge 14 or 15. The lateral distance is chosen so that the two pins 9 and 10 of the connector 5 fit into the holes in receptacles 6 and 7. Receptacle 12 of the cover part 2 is far enough away from receptacle 6 that when the connector 5 is mounted, pin 8 can be inserted into the hole in receptacle 12 in any rotational position of the cover 2. The same applies to pin 11. With a rectangular or similar cross-section, the distance must be chosen so that the base part 1 and the cover part 2 can be pivoted around pins 8 or 11 without being hindered by the receptacles. From this it is also clear that the pair of coaxial pins 8 as well as the pair of coaxial pins 11 form bearing pins for the cover part 2 and the base part 1 respectively. The pins 9 and 10 can be pressed into the holes in the holders, held therein by snapping or locking, or fixed in another known manner so that the connection cannot come undone. These pins 9 and 10 ensure the secure connection to the spine 3. The pins 8 and 11 are, as already explained above, bearing pins around which the holders 13 and 12 must of course be able to rotate in order to open and close the file folder.

It is easy to see that the receptacles 6 and 12 on the one hand, and 7 and 13 on the other hand, can be arranged one behind the other instead of next to each other, in which case the connector only has two pins and each pin completely penetrates the first receptacle and engages in the second receptacle. This means, with reference to Figure 1, that the receptacles 12 and 13 are not assigned to the corner of the base part or cover part, but are each offset by the length of the receptacle along the longitudinal edge on the back.

According to Figure 4, a connector can be molded directly onto the back 3. This then of course only requires the two pins 8 and 9 as bearing pins for the cover part 2 and the base part 1. At the other end of this back, the two receptacles 6 and 7 are of course present, and there you also need a connector 5 with four pins.

The outer surface of the cover part 2 and/or the base part 1 can, as can be clearly seen in Figure 2, be covered by a transparent film or plate 16. Its back end can be fastened or, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, can be pivoted. A picture, a sheet of paper with or to be written on it or the like can be placed in the space between the cover part or the base part and its associated transparent plate 16 or 17. This is particularly well held when the

The cover part or the base part has a particularly rectangular recess 18. The insert sheet then has the size of this recess. It is held down by the plate 16 or 17 and prevented from falling out. In order to ensure the necessary tension when holding it down, the longitudinal edge of the transparent film or plate 16, 17 facing away from the back overlaps the free longitudinal edge of the base part 1 or the cover part 2 in a spring-elastic locking or snapping manner. For this purpose, this longitudinal edge of the transparent film or plate 16, 17 is equipped with a hollow, curved locking edge 19, which can merge into a handle bar 20 bent in the opposite direction.

The transparent plate 16, 17 has two bearing eyes 21 on its back-side longitudinal edge, each associated with a transverse edge. In this case, the outer end of the associated holder 12 or 13 is set back by the thickness of this bearing eye according to Figure 1. The bearing eye is penetrated by the associated bearing pin 8 or 11.

According to Figure 3, the transparent plate 16 and/or 17 can also be connected to the base part 1 or cover part 2 in a snapping or locking manner, in which case, for example, push-button-like elements 22 can be provided on the transparent plate 16 or 17, and corresponding receptacles 23 can be provided on the cover part 2 or base part 1.

In order to be able to hold an insert 24 in an exchangeable manner on the spine, an insert frame 25 that is open at the top during use is attached there as shown in Figure 5. It can be molded directly onto the spine. In addition, a recess 26 can also be provided on the spine, which corresponds to that 18 of the base part 1 or cover part 2 and performs the same function. In the latter case, for example, the label of the folder is placed in the recess 26 and then held down and protected by means of a transparent slider or insert 24. The insert 24 can also receive the label directly.

The binding mechanism 4 differs from that of the known state of the art, as can be easily seen from Figures 6, 7 and 8. The essential elements of this new binding mechanism are at least two binding material holding pins 27, which are attached at the distance from the paper holes. Some papers are punched three or four times. In this case, three or four such binding material holding pins 27 are used, which are arranged in a row just like the holes. Each holding pin 27 is assigned a locking pin 28, which preferably has an angular shape. Its fixed leg runs approximately parallel to the holding pin 27, while the free angle leg of the locking pin 28 extends transversely to it. Its free end is expediently designed as a pin 29, which can engage in a corresponding, laterally open receptacle 30 attached to the upper end of the holding pin 27. If

If this is the case, a retaining pin and a locking pin form a bow-shaped element, which is comparable to that of a conventional filing mechanism. However, opening and closing is achieved by a sliding movement in the direction of the double arrow 31. The locking pin 28 is moved towards the retaining pin 27 or in the opposite direction. It is therefore mounted on the base part 1 so that it can be moved. In order to be able to move both or all of the locking pins together, they are attached to a plate or rail 32. This can be moved on the base part 1 in the direction of the double arrow 33 in a way that prevents it from being lifted out, as will be explained in more detail below. However, to create this file folder, it is easy to "thread" the rail 32 onto its cross guide.

At the lower end of each retaining pin 27 there is a nut thread 34 or a bayonet lock half. Depending on the case, a bolt thread or a bayonet lock counter half is permanently mounted or molded onto the base part l. In the former case, it can be a screwed-in threaded bolt or the thread of an inserted screw with a flat head. The bayonet connection is designed in a known manner and for this reason is not shown in more detail.

In the same or similar manner, each locking pin 28 can be mounted on its rail 32. Figure 8 shows an example

a threaded connection 35 is indicated.

In order for the holding rail 32 to be able to maintain its working displacement position when the binding mechanism brackets are closed, the rail 32 is coupled to the holding pins in a locking or snapping manner. Such connections are symbolically indicated in Figures 7 and 8. At least two transversely projecting locking projections 36 are attached to the rail 32, in particular molded onto it. They lock into the lower end of the holding pin 27 when the pin 29 engages in its receptacle 30. Therefore, simply inserting them is sufficient in this upper area. The receptacle 30 can be a simple hole according to Figures 7 and 8, while according to Figure 6 it is a slot or the like.

As already explained, all rails 32 are held on the base part 1 in a sliding but secure manner. When the adhesive mechanism brackets are closed, the working position of the rail 32 on the base part 1 is secured, for example, by the fact that there is a holding strip 37 on the latter that protrudes from the inner surface and is gripped by a downwardly open locking groove 38 on the longitudinal edge of the rail 32 on the holding strip side in a spring-elastic manner. An adjoining handle strip 39 enables the brackets to be opened to deposit or remove pieces of food.

The rail 32 can be lifted off the base part 1, for example.

This can be prevented by installing at least two guide rails 40 across the retaining rails 37, each of which is overlapped by a guide groove 41 of the rail 32. The guide rail has a thickened free end, while the guide groove is narrowed towards the bottom. This means that the rail 32 can be pushed up in the direction of arrow 42 without any problems, but it cannot be lifted off in the direction of arrow 43. The guide rails and guide grooves can be formed directly on the base part 1 or on the rail 32. The same applies, of course, to the locking groove 38 and the handle bar.

It remains to be added that the retaining pins 27 can also be attached indirectly to the base part 1 by attaching them to a strip 44 (Figure 7), which is then in turn firmly mounted to the base part 1 in a known manner. In this case, it is then expedient to bend the locking lugs so that they can overlap the strip 44.

From the above it is immediately clear that one can easily replace a spine 3 with another, for example a wider one, or to create differently wide file folders, different width spines 3 can be made available from the start. All other parts can be used unchanged, although it is advisable to use longer or higher holding pins and locking pins for a wider spine. Inserting and removing the material is quick and easy. In addition,

This folder contains large advertising spaces or general areas that facilitate its handling.

The cover part 2 is indicated in Figure 7. It can have a strip-shaped holding element 45 with at least two U-shaped clamps 46 on its underside. The lateral distance between the clamps corresponds to the lateral distance between the locking pins or their free upper legs, onto which the clamps are clipped in order to hold the cover part in the closed position. The two legs spring apart in a known manner when they snap in and out. It is obvious that the clamps 46 can also be formed directly as one piece onto the cover part 2.

Furthermore, a clamping hold-down device 47 is schematically indicated in Figure 7, with which the filed documents can be held down in the manner known from conventional file folders. As in the prior art, it is moved sideways and held in place by clamping on the filing material holding pin 27. Moving it in the opposite direction causes it to be released. It has, for example, two elongated holes 48 arranged at the side distance from the holding pins, which narrow slightly towards one end to enable the clamping to be held in place.

Claims (20)

— J. / ~ &igr; ■ j * - : ■;' Protection claims 1. File folder with a base part (1), a cover part (2) and an intermediate spine (3), as well as a stapling mechanism (4), wherein the base part (1), the cover part (2) and the back (3) are manufactured separately from plastic and are held together at the upper and lower ends in the position of use by means of at least one connector (5), characterized in that the connectors are designed as plug connectors, the plug connectors (5) being manufactured separately or one of the plug connectors (5) being molded onto the back (3). 2. File folder according to claim 1, characterized in that each separately manufactured connector (5) carries a pair of pins (8, 9 or 10, 11) on both its base and cover end, whereby one pin (9, 10) of each pair of pins engages in a receptacle (6, 7) of the spine (3) and the other pin (8, 11) engages in a receptacle (12 or 13) of the cover part (2) or the base part (1) or vice versa. 3. File folder according to claim 2, characterized in that the pin (9, 10) of each plug connection between the spine (3) and the connectors (5) in a clamping, locking or other known manner in its sleeve-shaped receptacle (6,7). 4. File folder according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each pair of pins (8,9 or 10,11) is combined to form one pin and this pin engages in two sleeves (6,12 or 7,13) located one behind the other, one of which is located on the spine (3) and the other on the cover part (2) or base part (1). 5. File folder according to claim 4, characterized in that the sleeves (6, 7, 12, 13) protrude at least partially over the inner surface of the cover part (2), the base part (1) or the spine (3). 6. File folder according to claim 1, characterized in that when the connector (5) is attached to the back (3), it has a pin (8) on the cover side and a pin (11) on the base side, and each pin is assigned a sleeve (12 or 13) of the cover part (2) or base part (1). 7. File folder according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spine (3) has an approximately C-shaped cross-section, wherein the spring-elastic O-legs overlap the associated inner longitudinal edge of the cover part (2) or base part (1). 8. File folder according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer surface of the cover part (2) and/or the base part (1) is covered by a transparent film, plate (16, 17) or the like, which can be bent or pivoted upwards relative to the cover part (2) or base part (1), wherein the free longitudinal edge (19) is designed to be hook-like in cross section and covers the associated longitudinal edge of the cover part (2) or base part (1) in an elastically locking manner. 9. File folder according to claim 8, characterized in that the outer surface of the cover part (2) and/or the base part (1) has a preferably rectangular recess (18). 10. File folder according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the film, plate (16, 17) or the like has a bearing eyelet (11) on its back longitudinal edge ends, each bearing eyelet being located between a sleeve (12 or 13) of the cover part (2) or base part (1) and a plug connector (5), and being penetrated by a plug connector pin (8 or 11). 11. File folder according to at least one of the preceding claims with a binding mechanism (4) attached to the base part (1), characterized in that the binding mechanism (4) is made of dimensionally stable plastic. 12. File folder according to claim 11, characterized in that the binding mechanism (4) consists of at least two binding material holding pins (27) attached to the base part (1) at a distance from the paper holes and one adjustable locking pin (28) which can be releasably connected to the free end (30) of the holding pin (27), whereby each holding pin (27) and the associated locking pin (28) form a binding mechanism bracket. 13. File folder according to claim 12, characterized in that the retaining pin (27) is connected to the base part (1) via a threaded connection or a bayonet lock. 14. File folder according to claim 13, characterized in that the bottom end of the holding pin (27) has a nut thread or a bayonet connection half and a screw or a threaded pin or an element with the other bayonet connection half is held on the bottom part (1). 15. File folder according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the locking pins (28) are arranged on a rail (32) which is slidably mounted on the base part (1) and which is connected to the holding pins (27) when the holding and locking pins (27, 28) are coupled. 16. File folder according to claim 15, characterized by snap closure elements (36) of the rail (32) for snapping or locking connection, in particular with the foot of the respectively associated holding pin (27). 17. File folder according to claim 16, characterized by a holding telescoping element (37) mounted between the holding pins (27) and the rail (32) on the inner surface of the base part (1) and running parallel to the spine (3), with which a locking groove (38) present on the associated longitudinal edge of the rail (32) locks from above when the binding mechanism (4) is closed. 18. File folder according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an upwardly open insert frame (25) is located on the outer surface of the spine (3). 19. File folder according to claim 18, characterized in that the insert frame (25) is formed from molded frame strips. 20. File folder according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the spine (3) has an insertion recess (26) on the outside for an insert sheet or the like.