EP0272440B1 - Filing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The filing device is designed as a filing folder, index card box or the like and has an identification marking provided at one edge. The identification is formed by the partial surface, lying behind an edge-side window (4), of an insertion sheet (6). Furthermore, the window (4) may be formed in the folding region of a folding tab (11), essentially on one side of a folding line (F), and it may be possible for the insertion sheet (6) to be mounted on the other side of the folding line.

Description

The invention relates to a registry aid, which is designed in the form of a filing folder, file box or the like, with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

So-called riders are known from US-A-1 220 402. These riders bearing a symbol on the tab head can be glued to the folder edge. It is a basically U-shaped strip, which is divided into individual tabs by a transverse cut that leaves a small predetermined breaking point. The rider head contains a stiffening insert, which is also severed.

For the side marking of a book or the like, it is further known (FR-A-1 205 432) to punch out open niches in the edge area of the side block and to attach a marking mark in this area. Foldable labels that can be separated from a strip are used for this purpose, the straight fold joint of which is aligned with the side edge of the sheet, that is to say spans across the clear space.

In addition to such fixed license plate markings, there are also interchangeable ones on index cards. In this regard, reference is made to AT-A-305 205. There, the procedure is such that the edge of the index card carries a pocket body in the way of the adhesive allocation, in which a symbol carrier, for example a name card, is inserted, protruding from the edge from above. The variability of all these organizational means is relatively small.

On the other hand, greeting cards with adjustable numbers are on the market. Carriers of the numbers are panes, which reveal a section of the adjacent edges of the panes for viewing behind a common window located in the middle of the map. Diametrically opposite, the disc edge projects beyond the right and left edge of the card for accessibility.

In addition, US-A-2 597 426 has become known in the prior art. In the registry aids known from this publication, adjusting disks are provided, the characteristics of which are visible in a cutout in the area of a parallel axis, as offset to the outer edge, going through a center point of the disks. If several such aids are arranged one behind the other, the other characteristics are very poor or soon no longer visible. The number plate that is visible in the cut-out is - due to the arrangement of the window - a plate number plate that is distant from the outer edge, namely offset by about 90 °.

Knowing such registry aids, the object of the present invention is to improve a registry aids of the type described in the introduction while maintaining the variability of the symbols with simple manufacture in terms of handling and advantageous applicability.

This object is achieved in the invention specified in claim 1. The subclaims represent advantageous developments of the registry aid according to the invention.

As a result of such a configuration, a registration aid of the type mentioned at the outset of increased use value is achieved: the window is formed on the (outer) edge and is formed by the partial surface of the adjusting disk closest to the edge. In this case, the spacing given by itself is sufficient, based on the sheets or the like contained therein, from an adjustment folder or the like, in order to be able to correctly recognize the characteristics of the aid. In addition, it is possible, as long as the shims are attached to the folders to rotate freely, directly from above for a new coding. Characterized in that the part of the shim closest to the edge is used for identification, there is a substantially greater freedom in the arrangement of several shims on a file folder or the like. The partial area is preferably a sector area. With the usual size of such filing aids, in particular filing folders, the correspondingly dimensioned disk can extend over the entire basic cut of the folder rear wall, ie a large circumferential length can be achieved use for the symbols. A particular teaching of the invention is that the window is formed in the fold area of an envelope flag, essentially on one side of a fold line, and that the shim can be attached on the other side of the fold line. Insofar as the envelope flag is turned from the front to the rear based on a usage position of the registration aid, the (edge-side) window is located in the front or the part of the registry aid that has not been turned over, and as far as the envelope flag is turned from the back to the front the window expediently in the envelope flag. The labeling option is optimized by several overlapping shims arranged in rows behind sector-shaped windows. Here there is even the great variation possible with combination locks. The partial overlap of the shims also helps to save space. For number symbols, a series of numbers from 1 to 0 (10) would suffice. In the case of letter symbols, a division on two dials could be sufficient. The respective number and / or letter combination can be conveniently set or changed by the fact that the circumference of the focusing screen protrudes beyond the edge of a window frame. An advantageous further development also consists in the fact that the shims can be blocked against rotation by gluing. This can be a disc-side adhesive layer or classic glue. Usually a small drop of glue is sufficient. It is also advantageous in this context that an envelope flag is provided with an adhesive surface and the adhesive surface can be applied to the adjusting disc for releasable fixing by folding over the envelope flag. For example, this can be a soft rubber layer, as is known from the "Post-it" (registered trademark) notepads. Corresponding the shims should of course be made of a material from which these adhesive layers can be removed without destruction. About plastic. In this way, an unchangeable definition of the set coding in the folded state of the envelope flag is achieved in a very advantageous manner, but by simply opening the envelope flag the coding can be changed again as desired, for example when the folder or the like is used again. The invention further proposes that the shims be combined in a unit which can be inserted into a shaft or the like. It is advantageous if this unit is designed as a section of a strip. Such a strip can be kept as a winding supply and cut to length as required. Another possibility of fixing the shims is that the strip carrier material fixes the setting of the shims. It can simply be equipped with a self-adhesive layer normally covered by protective paper. On the other hand, there is of course also the possibility of taking these precautions on the underside of the shims. There is also the option of using pressure-dependent adhesives. The outer adhesive layer would then consist of a lightly adhesive adhesive. The layer underneath is driven through this layer when pressure is applied, in order then to form an intimate adhesive connection with the folder wall. The coding is optimized by several superimposed shims that can be rotated about an axis, of which the front (and possibly the next) forms a window with a sector surface. This configuration is preferably used when there is little space for the use of appropriate organizational means or when you want a compact license plate marking. Regarding the formation of a separate organizational means, it proves to be advantageous if the unit has a carrier folded around the edge of a window frame. This not only creates a good, double-sided bearing for the shims, but also a kind of protective shaft, which can withstand even higher mechanical loads. Another possibility for the formation of such a shim slot is to use the folder itself by proceeding in such a way that the windows are formed by an edge section of the folder rear wall designed as an envelope flap. In a congruent floor plan, the windows can also extend into the rear wall, so that symbols provided on the underside are also visible. The cut of the filing folder need only be chosen accordingly in this respect. Surprisingly, it has been found that the setting disks can be applied in a normal orientation for an observer in the open state, in particular also when applied to the cover flag, when viewed from the application surface, the symbols of the adjusting disc when the window is attached on the opposite side of the the fold line, however, also appear in the desired orientation in the folded state, not upside down or the like. Finally, the shaft formed as described above can be closed on one narrow side by the cover flag of the filing folder. This precaution can also be taken into account in terms of punching technology. The measure that is still taken that the edge of the shims is notched results in easier adjustability, for example due to the increased roughness. On the other hand, the user only needs to insert the pencil tip into the notch or a hole and the Shift the disc in the desired direction around its axis. A favorable positioning of the notch in this regard is that it lies on the bisector of the sector area. However, this improved accessibility requires two switching steps, which, given the handling advantage achieved, is readily accepted. Finally, locking in the area of one or two notches proves to be favorable. The latter interact with the ends of the window frame edge.

With regard to a rotatable fastening of the shims, another teaching of the invention is that one shim is mounted in two slot guides spanning the shim in a secant manner. No axis or the like is required. In addition, the shims can be easily removed from such storage at any time due to their usual flexibility.

As an alternative to this, it is also possible to mount the shims from an axis formed from a plastic carrier. In this case, the procedure is preferably such that the axis is formed from a carrier by deep-drawing a partially annular shape and the annular shape is turned inside out to hold the adjusting disk. With an optimally flat design, there is good rotatability and at the same time holding the adjusting disk.

Fig. 1

eine Ansicht eines Registraturhilfsmittels am Beispiel einer Ablagemappe in geschlossenem Zustand, gemäß dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 2

dieselbe geöffnet,

Fig. 3

den Schnitt gemäß Linie III-III in Fig. 1, und zwar in gegenüber Fig. 1 vergrößerter Widergabe,

Fig. 4

den Scheibensatz einer Doppelscheibe in Draufsicht, wobei eine ein sektorales Fenster aufweist, also ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 5

die Draufsicht auf eine weiter abgewandelte Einstellscheibe,

Fig. 5

eine Scheibeneinheit als separates Organisationsmittels in Montage-Zwischenstellung,

Fig. 7

einen taschenbildenden Träger einer Einheit,

Fig. 8

die Einheit als Abschnitt eines Streifens, die überlappend angeordneten Einstellscheiben tragend,

Fig. 9

einen Querschnitt durch einen Kunststoffträger mit einer Ausformung zur Bildung einer Achse,

Fig. 10

einen Querschnitt zur Fig. 9, mit ausgeformter Achse und auf dieser gehalterten Einstellscheibe und

Fig. 11

eine Halterung einer Einstellscheibe mittels Schlitzführungen.

The subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. It shows:

Fig. 1

a view of a registry tool using the example of a file folder in the closed state, according to the first embodiment,

Fig. 2

opened it,

Fig. 3

2 shows the section along line III-III in FIG. 1, namely in an enlarged representation compared to FIG. 1,

Fig. 4

the pane set of a double pane in plan view, one having a sectoral window, that is to say a second exemplary embodiment,

Fig. 5

the top view of a further modified shim,

Fig. 5

a pane unit as a separate organizational means in the intermediate assembly position,

Fig. 7

a pocket-forming carrier of a unit,

Fig. 8

the unit as a section of a strip carrying the overlapping shims,

Fig. 9

a cross section through a plastic carrier with a formation to form an axis,

Fig. 10

a cross-section to FIG. 9, with a shaped axis and on this shim and held

Fig. 11

a holder of a shim using slot guides.

The filing folder shown consists of a one-piece folding blank made of paper, cardboard, plastic film or the like. By folding around a fold line 1, which forms the fold edge of the folder, the section of the blank forming a front wall 2 can be struck on the section forming the rear wall 3 thereof.

The edge edge 2ʹ running parallel to the folding edge 1 jumps back about the width of the thumb about the corresponding edge edge 3ʹ of the rear wall 3. This dimension is denoted by x and leaves an identification mark M on the edge thereof visible.

The indicator of the corresponding marking is formed by the sector surface 5 of an adjusting disc 6 lying behind a window 4.

The shim 6, which is also made of paper, cardboard, plastic film or the like, has symbols S distributed over the entire circumference near the edge on the top and possibly underside. As can be seen from FIG in alphabetical order as illustrated in FIG. 4. In the case of number symbols, a division of ten is used with the digits from 1 to 0 (10). The alphabetical order is provided on two shims to be arranged on a common axis (Fig. 4). One disc bears the letters A to M on the sector surfaces 5. The continuation results from the adjacent disc in FIG. 4, namely in the row N to Z.

In order to ensure a view of the continuation disk here, the adjustment disk which represents the alphabetical beginning, that is to say to be arranged on top, has a window 7 which corresponds to the contour of a sector area 5 in the region near the edge.

As can be seen in particular, for example, from FIG. 6, which can also be understood as a section of a larger, conventional folder, it is preferred that the window 4 is formed in the fold area of an envelope flag 11, essentially on one side of a fold line F, in the exemplary embodiment shown 6 on the upper side of the fold line F and that the single disk 6 on the other side of the fold line F, in the embodiment according to FIG. 6 in the drawing on the lower side, can be attached. In addition, as will be explained in more detail below, in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 6 the window is designed as a double window on both sides of the fold line.

Although a single adjusting disc or double disc, etc., adjusted to the width of the rear wall 3 could be provided, the exemplary embodiments shown consist of a multiple arrangement of corresponding adjusting discs 6. In the exemplary embodiment, these extend in a vertical row and are assigned to one another in an overlapping manner. Here, a roof shingle-like overlap due to the thin walls of the material is just as conceivable as an alternating top-bottom arrangement. The arrangement line determined by the central axes y clearly results from FIGS. 2 and 8. The overlap dimension z (FIG. 2) is smaller than the radius of the shims 6. This leaves enough space 8 between the shim edges of adjoining shims. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the window-side section of the setting disk circumference projects beyond the window frame edge 4k there, which is aligned with the edge 3ʹ of the rear wall 3 of the filing folder. This practically circular segment-like, that is, segment-shaped projection 6ʹ facilitates the rotary actuation for the purpose of setting the number or letter combination. However, if a correspondingly exposed position of the shim circumferential section is to be dispensed with, then the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is appropriate with regard to the shim cut, according to which this section is cut back according to the ten-sided outline shape of the shim and is thus practically flush with the edge 3 '. In order to nevertheless make it easier to adjust it, the procedure here is such that the edge of these adjusting disks has 6 notches 9. These extend in the same angular distribution on the circumference of the shim. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 4, 5 and 8, the notches 9 lie on the bisector of the sector surfaces 5. Taking into account the given window width, which ends with the sector boundary lines, two switching steps are required for the adjustment. The adjustment is done simply by inserting, for example, a pencil tip or the like into the notch space converging in the direction of the axis y.

On the other hand, a corresponding notch can also be provided between the sector surfaces 6, and also open at the edge. This version results from Fig. 5. The notches in this regard have the reference numerals 9ʹ. These notches can be used to secure the position by locking in the area of the ends of the window frame edge 4ʹ. The ends are stable folding turns and therefore well suited for the formation of the "locking cams".

The identification mark M on the filing folder can be assigned favorably in various ways. In the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 3, a shaft 10 accommodating them is realized on the filing folder body itself. This is achieved by means of an envelope flag 11 which is also taken into account in the die cut. This edge section, which is a parallel strip on the edge 3 'of the rear wall 3 via a fold line, is of a width which corresponds at least to the diameter of the adjusting disk 6. In the exemplary embodiment, a somewhat larger width is selected, which is used as an adhesive or tacking edge 12. This has the advantage that the shaft 10 (see FIG. 3) is closed to the receiving space 13 of the folder. In this way, no goods can get into the area of the mechanics of the M mark.

The growth is expediently carried out by pulling in a hollow rivet 14 (see FIG. 3), the shaft of which — through a central opening 15 and congruent openings 16 and 17 of the cover flag 11 and rear wall 3 — forms the respective rivet head on the outside. In addition, however, an alternative waxing is possible, as described in detail below.

Instead of this direct attachment of the adjusting washers 6 to the folder body, the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 8 offers a solution in which the adjusting washers are attached to a special strip 18 made of carrier material. This adjusting disc-equipped unit E is inserted into the shaft 10. The Positional security results on the one hand from a certain clamping effect of the folded-up shaft-forming sections of the rear wall 3 and, on the other hand, from an envelope flag 19 of the rear wall 3 which closes the shaft 10 from below and attaches to the lower narrow side of the rear wall 3. This envelope flag 19 is defined by a fold line, which practically forms the lower, shorter edge 3ʺ of the rear wall. Compared to this edge 3ʺ of the rear wall, the corresponding edge 2ʺ of the front wall 2, which runs parallel to the predominant length section, jumps back, but at a smaller distance than the dimension X in the region of the longer edge 3ʹ of the filing folder.

Such a strip 18, which also carries the riveted adjusting disks in an overlapping arrangement, can be surrounded as a unit E but also according to the proposal in FIG. 7 with a folding body encasing the unit E. The latter in turn forms a carrier 20 folded around the window frame edge 4ʹ. The carrier 20, which is designed like a folding pocket, is symmetrical on both sides of the window frame edge mentioned and has connecting tabs 22 separated at the end by a fold line 21. These can carry a protective paper-covered self-adhesive layer, which is removed to fold the carrier together. The windows 4 extend into both half-folds and have the sectoral cut shown in FIG. 2. The tapered window edges are aligned with the y axis, but end at a sufficient distance from this bearing zone. The relevant window frame section in turn runs parallel to the edge 3 'of the rear wall 3.

Classic staples can be used to attach this license plate marking M. On the other hand, an adhesive assignment is also conceivable. All that is required is a rear surface, possibly only the connecting lug 22, to be adhesive-coated. The shaft also bears the reference number 10.

The carrier 18 may be wound into a supply roll so as to be cut only transversely according to the desired amount of shims. Figure 8 shows such a section of a contiguous strip.

After coding, the shims 6 can, if desired, be secured against rotation by gluing. Here it is practically sufficient to insert a drop of adhesive in one or the other contact interface. Another possibility is to provide the strip carrier material with an adhesive surface which is covered by protective paper. If the hitherto rotatable assignment of the adjusting washers 6 is to be given up, then only the cover strip, which is preferably divided into smaller sections, need be removed. A corresponding solution is also available in reverse, in that the underside of the shims on the carrier side is provided with a covered adhesive layer. It is particularly advisable to form the adhesive layer using a soft rubber adhesive strip, as is known, for example, from the "Post-it" (registered trademark) note pads. Here, on the one hand, the setting disks can be fixed or placed on the adhesive layer or vice versa, but on the other hand, the coding can also be changed simply by removing the strip or the adjusting discs carrying the adhesive layer from the adhesive layer.

The carrier can be cut to a point (as shown in FIG. 8) to facilitate insertion into the shaft (dash-dotted line).

The still mobile setting disk situation has the advantage of being reused when the filing folder is filed; after the envelope flag 19 has been folded over, the carrier 18 can be shaken out of the shaft 10 (this also applies to the unit E) and incorporated into a new filing folder or other registration aids.

The cover flags 19 extend to the corner zones, but are cut back with respect to their narrower front edges, especially in the overlap area. The double-sided window formation creates a two-sided view.

With regard to the setting disks, blank disks can also be used, so that the user can write or stamp, for example, the individually desired symbols.

An alternative possibility for holding a shim 6 on an axis is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Here, the adjusting disc 6 is mounted on an axis 27 formed from a plastic carrier. The axis 27 is formed by deep-drawing an annular shape 28 from the carrier 26 and the annular shape 28 is then turned inside out to hold the shim 6 (FIG. 10). The shape 28 is carried out in such a way that (FIG. 9) a bottom region 29 remains in the plane of the carrier 26. This bottom region 29 is also present when the axis 27 is formed (FIG. 10).

Another alternative advantageous possibility for mounting a shim 6 is shown in FIG. 11. The adjusting disc 6 is in this case mounted in two slot guides 25 spanning the adjusting disc 6 in a secant manner. These can simply be formed by cuts in a carrier 26, which may consist of a plastic material or a paper material.

The unit E can also be designed as a section of a strip.

Furthermore, the strip carrier material can fix the setting of the shims.

It is also possible to provide a plurality of adjusting disks which can be rotated about one axis and lie one on top of the other, the front (and possibly the next) of which forms a window with a sector surface.

If the unit has a carrier folded around the edge of a window frame, the windows can be formed by an edge section of the rear folder, designed as an envelope flap.

The edge of the shims can also be notched, the notch being in the respective basic position of the shims on the bisector of the sector surface.

Finally, locking can take place in the area of one or more notches.

Claims (17)

1. A filing aid in the form of a folder or filing box or the like, the filing aid forming an outside edge (3') having a distinguishing marking which is disposed behind a window (4) end which is embodied by a partial surface (5) of an adjusting disc (6), the filing aid being double welled at least near the window (4) and covering the disc (6) at the front and at the rear, characterised in that the window (4) follows on from the edge (3') and the distinguishing feature is formed by that partial surface (5) at the disc (6) which is nearest the edge (3').
2. A filing aid according to claim 1, characterised in that the window (4) is devised in the fold zone of a thumb tab (11) substantially on one side of a fold line (F) and the disc (6) is adapted to be disposed on the other side of the fold line (F).
3. A filing aid according to claim 1 or 2, characterised by a number of adjusting discs (6) which are disposed consecutively and in overlapping relationship behind sector-shaped windows (4).
4. A filing aid according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the partial surface is a sector-shaped surface (5).
5. A filing aid according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the periphery of the adjusting disc projects beyond one window frame edge (4').
6. A filing aid according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the adjusting discs (6) can be secured against rotation by sticking.
7. A filing aid according to claim 5, characterised in that a thumb tab (11) has an adhesive surface and the same can be applied by turning over the tab (11) for releasable securing to the adjusting disc (6).
8. A filing aid according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the adjusting discs (6) can be combined to form a unit (E) introducible into a shaft (10) or the like.
9. A filing aid according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the unit (E) is part of a strip.
10. A filing aid according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the strip support material fixes the adjustment of the adjusting discs (6).
11. A filing aid according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that a number of adjusting discs (6) which are rotatable around a pivot (27) and which are disposed one on another are provided.
12. A filing aid according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the unit (E) has a carrier (20) folded around one window frame edge (4').
13. A filing aid according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the windows (4) are embodied by an edge part of the folder rear well, the latter part being devised as a thumb tab (19).
14. A filing aid according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the shift (10) is closed on one narrow aide by a thumb tab (19) of the folder.
15. A filing aid according to any or the previous claims, characterised in that the edge of the adjusting discs (6) is notched.
16. A filing aid according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the notch (9) is disposed on the angle bisector of the sector-shaped surface when the adjusting discs (6) are in the respective normal position.
17. A filing according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that latching is provided near one or more notches (9).

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