EP1228896A1 - Method of producing a filing appliance and appliance produced thereby - Google Patents

Abstract

The file consists of a cover and a number of separators, each with two sides (8a, 8b, 8c; 9a, 9b, 9c) and a spine, all made from a thermally weldable material, assembled on a supporting surface (22) and welded together along the spine after assembly. The cover and separator are made with holes (20) that are aligned with studs (23) projecting from the support prior to welding so that they are all aligned correctly.

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing a product intended for filing and / or protecting at least one document, such as a sorter or analogous, as well as a product obtained by this process. The invention relates to also a device for implementing this method.

The invention relates to products comprising a plurality of sheets in material such as polypropylene, assembled to each other.

A first known method of assembling these sheets is the assembly mechanical, in particular by means of rivets. For this purpose, the leaflets have holes, generally two holes per sheet, intended to receive the said rivets.

A second known method of assembly consists in welding the sheets to each other, for example by ultrasound, along a line. This method is particularly well suited to polypropylene and similar materials.

Prior to their welding, the sheets are superimposed and placed on a support. The positioning of the sheets relative to each other can be provided by shims preventing the movement of said sheets relative to the support and their relative sliding.

However, this second assembly method does not allow positioning precisely sheets with different shapes or dimensions. In consequence, in this case, the sheets may be inadvertently offset from each other before assembly, which leads to a poor quality and unattractive end product.

The invention aims to solve these problems.

To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a process for producing a product intended for the classification and / or protection of at least one document, such as a sorter or the like, said product comprising a plurality of sheets of heat-sealable material, assembled together,
in which the sheets are placed on a substantially flat support by superimposing them, before assembling said sheets by welding.

According to the invention, prior to these two stages, each of the following is carried out sheets at least two cutouts, the cutouts being arranged on each sheets to match each other when the sheets are placed on top of each other in the desired position, and engages said cutouts in protruding lugs of the support.

Thus, the sheets are precisely positioned relative to each other when they are superimposed on the support before their welding, and a product perfectly assembled and aesthetic.

The cutouts are not used here to secure the sheets, as is the case in the riveting assembly method, but to position them one by compared to the others with precision, before their assembly by welding.

According to a first alternative embodiment, the cutouts are holes located away from the edges of the sheets.

According to a second alternative embodiment, the cutouts are notches leading to at least one edge of the sheets.

According to other characteristics, the sheets are welded in a line substantially confused with a line joining two cutouts of a sheet.

Before positioning the sheets on the support, each of the sheets at least one line of weakness intended to facilitate the folding of the said sheets.

According to one possible embodiment, two lines are produced on each of the sheets. of substantially parallel weakening between them, so that each sheet includes two parts connected by a back, the cutouts being by example made between the two weakening lines of each sheet.

Weakening lines are produced on each of the sheets all the more close together that the said sheet is intended to be located after folding, towards the inside of the classification and / or protective product, so that the thickness of the folded and superimposed sheets is not a hindrance to maintaining the says product in closed position.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a product intended for filing and / or protecting at least one document, such as a sorter or similar, comprising a plurality of sheets of heat-sealable material, assembled to each other, produced by a process as above described, and comprising at least two cutouts free of any means mechanical assembly or welding.

Each sheet has two parts connected to a back by lines of weakening substantially parallel to each other, each of said parts can be moved between a closed position and an open position, the so-called sheets being welded to each other along a line located on their back and substantially parallel to the weakening lines.

The cutouts are arranged on the back of each sheet, in the vicinity from or on the weld line.

According to a first alternative embodiment, the cutouts are holes located away from the edges of the sheets, each hole being located towards one end of the weld line; according to a second alternative embodiment, the cutouts are notches opening on opposite edges of a sheet.

Finally, according to a third aspect, the invention relates to a device for the implementation of the above method. The device includes a support substantially planar on which are intended to be superimposed sheets in view of their assembly by welding. The support has protruding lugs of said support, the pins being intended to cooperate with cutouts practiced in leaflets.

• la figure 1 est une vue en élévation de trois feuillets découpés lors d'une première étape du procédé selon l'invention, et destinés à être assemblés par soudage les uns aux autres ;
• la figure 2 est une représentation en perspective d'une deuxième étape du procédé, au cours de laquelle les trois feuillets précédents sont superposés sur un support ;
• la figure 3 est une représentation en perspective d'une troisième étape du procédé, au cours de laquelle les feuillets sont soudés les uns aux autres ;
• la figure 4 est une vue en élévation d'un trieur selon l'invention, en position ouverte, selon une première variante de réalisation ;
• la figure 5 est une vue en élévation d'un trieur selon l'invention, en position ouverte, selon une deuxième variante de réalisation ;
• la figure 6 est une vue de côté d'un trieur en position fermée, selon une direction D2.

The other characteristics of the invention result from the following description of embodiments, description made with reference to the appended figures
in which :

• Figure 1 is an elevational view of three sheets cut during a first step of the method according to the invention, and intended to be assembled by welding to each other;
• FIG. 2 is a perspective representation of a second step in the process, during which the three preceding sheets are superimposed on a support;
• Figure 3 is a perspective representation of a third step in the process, during which the sheets are welded to each other;
• Figure 4 is an elevational view of a sorter according to the invention, in the open position, according to a first alternative embodiment;
• Figure 5 is an elevational view of a sorter according to the invention, in the open position, according to a second alternative embodiment;
• Figure 6 is a side view of a sorter in the closed position, in a direction D2.

We first describe a sorter 1 produced by the method according to the invention.

The sorter 1, as illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, comprises a plurality of sheets 2 superimposed and assembled to each other along a line of welding 3. In the example illustrated in the figures, the sorter 1 comprises three sheets 2a, 2b, 2c. Of course, the sorter 1 can include more or less three sheets 2.

The sheets 2a, 2b, 2c are made of a heat-sealable material, such as polypropylene. They have substantially the shape of a rectangle whose corners are rounded.

Throughout the description, the terms "width", "left", "right" will be employees with reference to direction D1, substantially parallel to the long side of the sheet, while the terms "height", "upper", "lower" will be employees with reference to direction D2, substantially parallel to the short side of the sheet.

• une première médiane 4, s'étendant selon la direction D1, sensiblement à mi-hauteur du dit feuillet 2 ;
• une deuxième médiane 5, s'étendant selon la direction D2, sensiblement à mi-largeur du dit feuillet 2.

We also define two medians of a given sheet 2:

• a first median 4, extending in the direction D1, substantially halfway up the said sheet 2;
• a second median 5, extending in the direction D2, substantially mid-width of said sheet 2.

Each sheet 2 comprises two lines of weakening 6, 7, such as fold lines or localized thinning lines, extending according to the direction D2 over the entire height of sheet 2, on both sides and equal distance from the second median 5 of said sheet.

It is specified that the weld line 3 and the weakening lines 6, 7 may have a certain width.

Each sheet 2 is thus divided across its width into two parts 8, 9, respectively left and right, each of generally rectangular shape, substantially the same width, connected by a back 10, located substantially in the middle of said sheet 2. The median, in direction D2, of the back 10 of a sheet 2 is therefore substantially confused with the second median 5 of said sheet 2.

Each of the two parts 8, 9 of the sheet 2 can be moved, by rotation around the corresponding weakening line 6, 7, between a position closed, where said part 8, 9 is substantially perpendicular to the back 10, and a open position, where said part 8, 9 is substantially parallel to the back 10.

We will now describe each of the three sheets 2a, 2b, 2c, with reference to the figure 1.

The first sheet 2a is intended to form the cover of the sorter 1, and has dimensions slightly larger than those of other sheets 2b, 2c

One of the parts of the first sheet 2a, for example the right part 9a, as illustrated in FIG. 1, may include flaps 11 as well as orifices 12 intended to receive an elastic link (not shown), as is known from prior art.

The second sheet 2b is intended to be placed directly on the first sheet 2a. The left part 8b of the second sheet 2b comprises, towards its edge left, a notch 13 extending from the lower edge of said sheet 2b over substantially three quarters of the height of said sheet 2b, so that a first tab 14 is formed towards the upper left edge of the sheet 2b.

The third sheet 2c is intended to be placed directly on the second sheet 2b, and to be located furthest inside the sorter 1.

The left part 8c of the third sheet 2c comprises, towards its left edge, a notch 15 extending from the lower edge of said sheet 2c on substantially half the height of said sheet 2c, so that a second tab 16 is formed on the left side 8c of the sheet 2c.

The right part 9c of the third sheet 2c comprises, towards its right edge, a notch 17 extending from the lower edge of said sheet 2c on substantially a quarter of the height of said sheet 2c, so that a third tab 18 is formed on the right part 9c of the sheet 2c.

The lower right area of the right part 9b of the second sheet 2b is intended to form a fourth tab 19 as will be seen below.

As will be described in more detail, the three sheets 2a, 2b, 2c are intended for be stacked in that order and then assembled along a line of weld 3 at their backs 10.

Such a sorter 1 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the open position, and on the Figure 6, in the closed position, side view in the direction D2.

• la partie gauche 8b du deuxième feuillet 2b, présentant le premier onglet 14 s'étendant depuis le bord supérieur du feuillet 2b sur un quart de la hauteur du dit feuillet 2b ;
• la partie gauche 8c du troisième feuillet 2c, présentant le deuxième onglet 16 s'étendant depuis le bord supérieur du feuillet 2c sur la moitié de la hauteur du dit feuillet 2c ;
• la partie droite 9c du troisième feuillet 2c, présentant le troisième onglet 18 s'étendant depuis le bord supérieur du feuillet 2c sur les trois quarts de la hauteur du dit feuillet 2c ;
• la partie droite 9b du deuxième feuillet 2b, présentant le quatrième onglet 19 s'étendant depuis le bord supérieur du feuillet 2b sur les toute la hauteur du dit feuillet 2b.

When the sorter 1 is closed, starting from the left part 8a of the first sheet 2a forming a cover, and going towards the right part 9a of said first sheet 2a, there are successively:

• the left part 8b of the second sheet 2b, having the first tab 14 extending from the upper edge of the sheet 2b over a quarter of the height of said sheet 2b;
• the left part 8c of the third sheet 2c, having the second tab 16 extending from the upper edge of the sheet 2c over half the height of said sheet 2c;
• the straight part 9c of the third sheet 2c, having the third tab 18 extending from the upper edge of the sheet 2c over three quarters of the height of said sheet 2c;
• the right part 9b of the second sheet 2b, having the fourth tab 19 extending from the upper edge of the sheet 2b over the entire height of said sheet 2b.

It is thus understood that, according to the number of sheets 2 that the sorter 1 contains, the height and position of the notches of each of the sheets 2 must be adapted so that, once the sorter 1 assembled, there is a perfect succession tabs.

For aesthetic and practical reasons, it is generally desired that the left 8a and right 9a parts of the first sheet 2a are substantially parallel when sorter 1 is in the closed position, and sorter 1 does not have tendency to open spontaneously, but remains maintained in closed position. We also most often want the left and right edges of different sheets 2 - with the possible exception of the first sheet 2a forming cover - are substantially aligned, not offset from each other to others.

Consequently, the width of the back 10 of a sheet 2 is all the greater that said sheet 2 is located towards the outside of sorter 1, as illustrated on Figures 1 and 6.

Thus, the distance d between the weakening lines 6, 7 of the first sheet 2a, intended to form the cover of sorter 1 is greater than the distance between the weakening lines 6, 7 of the second sheet 2b, itself greater than the distance d "between the weakening lines 6, 7 of the third sheet 2c, intended to be located furthest inside the sorter 1.

The width of the left 8 and right 9 parts of the different sheets 2 - to the possible exception of the first sheet 2a forming a cover - being by elsewhere substantially equal regardless of the sheet 2 considered, the dimensions sheets 2 to be assembled are therefore different.

However, in order to obtain an aesthetic sorter 1, assembled symmetrically, we would like the first medians 4 of the different sheets 2 to be superimposed, as well as the second medians 5 of the different sheets 2.

The positioning of the sheets 2 relative to each other using shims is no longer possible.

We now describe the method of making the sorter 1 proposed by the invention, which allows precise positioning of the sheets 2 relative to the others despite the difference between their dimensions.

During a first step, illustrated in FIG. 1, the sheets 2a, 2b, 2c are cut from a polypropylene sheet for example.

Simultaneously, or consecutively, with the cutting of the contours of the said sheets 2, cutouts are made - at least two - on each of the said sheets 2, the said cutouts used to precisely position the sheets 2 in relation to a support and in relation to each other.

According to a first variant, illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the cutouts are holes 20, made for example using a punch. Each sheet 2a, 2b, 2c thus comprises two holes 20.

The holes 20 are preferably made on the back 10 of each of the sheets 2, substantially on the second median 5 of sheet 2, and are located one towards the upper edge and the other towards the lower edge of said sheet 2, but at a distance said edges.

However, on a given sheet 2, the holes 20 can be arranged at a any place on the surface of said sheet 2.

The holes 20 are located on each of the sheets 2 so that, when the sheets 2 are superimposed as desired, that is to say when the first medians 4 of the different sheets 2 are superimposed, as well as the second medians 5 of the different sheets 2, the holes 20 of sheets 2 are in correspondence with each other.

According to a second variant, illustrated in FIG. 5, the cutouts are notches 21 located on the back 10 of each of the sheets 2, substantially on the second median 5 of sheet 2, and opening one on the upper edge of the sheet 2 and the other on the lower edge of said sheet 2.

Of course, the notches 21 can be located anywhere in the the surface of a given sheet 2, the notches 21 of different sheets in front however be placed so as to be in correspondence with each other others when the sheets 2 are superimposed in the desired position.

In addition, a given sheet 2 may have on the one hand a hole 20 and on the other hand a notch 21.

During a second step of the process for producing a sorter 1, shown in FIG. 2, the sheets 2 are placed on a fixed support 22, substantially flat and horizontal, and superimposed on each other in the desired position.

To this end, the support 22 comprises two pins 23 projecting substantially perpendicularly from said support 22, and spaced by a corresponding distance at the distance between the two holes 20, or the two notches 21, of the sheets 2.

The sheets 2 are positioned one after the other on the support 22, the holes 20, or notches 21, of a sheet 2 being each engaged in a lug 23. The first leaf 2a is placed first, in contact with the support 22, then there is successively the second sheet 2b and finally the third sheet 2c. The sheets 2a, 2b, 2c are placed in a direction such that, after folding all three sheets 2a, 2b, 2c along the lines weakening 6, 7, tabs 14, 16, 18, 19 follow each other from first to fourth, as previously described, so that a sorter 1 is obtained with regular dividers.

The cooperation of the pins 23 and the holes 20 or notches 21 makes it possible to guarantee precise positioning of the sheets 2a, 2b, 2c with respect to each other, and to avoid their relative sliding, which makes it possible to obtain a sorter 1 assembled of regular and aesthetic.

We understand that the number of pins 23 and their position depend on the number of cutouts and their position. If two pins 23 are sufficient to position specifically the sheets 2, one can however provide more pins 23 (and associated cutouts).

Once the sheets 2 are superimposed, they are assembled by welding, during of a third step of the method, illustrated in FIG. 3.

A welding machine 24 is moved vertically down towards sheets 2 to assemble.

This produces a weld line 3 or weld points 25 substantially aligned. The weld line 3 is made at the back 10 sheets 2, and is preferably substantially coincident with the second median 5 of the spines 10 of the sheets 2, so that the sorter 1 obtained is symmetrical. In the embodiment shown in the appended figures, the line of solder 3 therefore passes through the holes 20 or the notches 21 of the sheets 2.

In the case where the cutouts are holes 20, the weld line 3 can be located between said holes 20 or extend to the edges of sheets 2.

However, the weld line 3 can be offset from the joining line the cuts, without this affecting the quality of the sorter 1 obtained.

It is recalled that the holes 20 - or notches 21 - are not used to secure the sheets 2 between them, but to position them relative to each other. Thus, the holes 20 or notches 21 are free of any means of assembly mechanical, such as rivets, and free from soldering, even after the sorter 1 has been completed.

Claims (14)

Method for producing a product (1) intended for classifying and / or protecting at least one document, such as a sorter (1) or the like, said product (1) comprising a plurality of sheets (2 , 2a, 2b, 2c) made of heat-sealable material, assembled together, process in which: the sheets (2) are placed on a substantially flat support (22) by superimposing them; said sheets (2) are assembled by welding; characterized in that , prior to these two stages, at least two cutouts are made on each of the sheets (2), the cutouts being arranged on each of the sheets (2) so as to be in correspondence with one another when the sheets (2) are placed on top of each other in the desired position, and in that the said cutouts are engaged in lugs (23) projecting from the support (22), so that the sheets (2) are positioned with precision relative to each other when they are superimposed on the support (22) before their assembly. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the cutouts are holes (20) located at a distance from the edges of the sheets (2). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the cutouts are notches (21) opening onto at least one edge of the sheets (2). Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sheets (2) are welded along a line (3) substantially coincident with a line joining two cutouts of a sheet. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that , before positioning the sheets (2) on the support, at least one weakening line (6, 7) is produced on each of the sheets (2) intended to facilitate the folding of said sheets (2). Method according to claim 5, characterized in that two weakening lines (6, 7) are substantially parallel to each other on the sheets (2), so that each sheet (2) comprises two parts (8, 9 ) connected by a back (10). Method according to claim 6, characterized in that the cuts are made between the two weakening lines (6, 7) of each sheet (2). Method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that weakening lines (6, 7) are produced on each of the sheets (2) which are all the closer to each other as the said sheet (2 ) is intended to be located, after folding, towards the inside of the product (1) for classification and / or protection, so that the thickness of the sheets (2) folded and superimposed is not a hindrance to maintaining said product (1) in the closed position. Product intended for the classification and / or protection of at least one document, such as a sorter (1) or the like, comprising a plurality of sheets (2) of heat-sealable material, assembled together, produced by a process according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least two cutouts free from any means of mechanical assembly or welding. Product according to claim 9, characterized in that each sheet (2) comprises two parts (8, 9) connected to a back (10) by weakening lines (6, 7) substantially parallel to each other, each of said parts (8, 9) being able to be moved between a closed position and an open position, the said sheets (2) being welded to each other along a line (3) located on their back (10) and substantially parallel to the weakening lines (6, 7). Product according to claim 10, characterized in that the cutouts are arranged on-ledos (10) -of each of the sheets (2), in the vicinity of or on the weld line (3). Product according to claim 11, characterized in that the cutouts are holes (20) located at a distance from the edges of the sheets (2), each hole (20) being located towards one end of the weld line (3). Product according to claim 11, characterized in that the cutouts are notches (21) opening onto opposite edges of a sheet (2). Device for carrying out the method according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, comprising a substantially flat support (22) on which the sheets (2) are intended to be superimposed for their assembly by welding, characterized in that that the support (22) comprises lugs (23) projecting from said support (22), said lugs (23) being intended to cooperate with cutouts (20, 21) formed in the sheets (2).

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