ES2248372T3 - STORAGE DEVICE. - Google Patents

Abstract

A storage device (800, 900, 1000) for retaining one or more sheet items (12) for access by a user. In one embodiment, the storage device (800, 900, 1000) includes a storage device cover (16) having at least front and rear panels (18, 20). One or more first binding members (32) are associated with the storage device cover (16) and extend through apertures (14) formed in the sheet items (12) to register the sheet items relative to the cover (16). One or more second binding members (38) are hingedly connected to the storage device cover (16) and preferably operate independently of the front and rear panels (18, 20) of the cover (16) to engage the first binding members (32). Retained sheet items (12) are able to be moved from a first position lying generally parallel with the rear panel (20) to a second position distant therefrom.

Description

Storage device

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to storage devices and, more specifically, to a storage device to retain one or more items Layers for user access.

Background of the invention

Storage devices for sheet materials such as sheets of paper or films Plastic exist in a wide variety of shapes and constructions. A representative storage device is the folder of rings (see for example the patent GB-A-2232639), formed by a front cover, a back cover and a loin panel, which includes two or three ring-shaped connecting elements that can open to introduce perforated paper or other similar material and Then they close again. This type of folders is relatively expensive to manufacture due to the cost of the binding mechanism and to the labor required to fix this mechanism on the folder cover. In addition, the metal rings, especially large ones, tend to misalign with the use. As a result, over time the leaves stored do not move freely through the rings and, occasionally, misaligned metal can tear them apart.

Another binding device known for perforated sheets, use spaced flexible metal strips that They are attached to a binding cover. These metal strips they pass through the holes punched in the paper or in a similar material and then fastened by passing the strips through the holes of an independent top plate and they are held in place by holding the strips to the plate. This Binding device does not allow perforated sheets move freely through metal strips. Instead, The leaves are kept in a unique orientation. With the opening and repeated closure of the binding mechanism, the strips Metals bend and do not attach enough to the plate.

Another binding device incorporates a tensioned folding plate attached to a binding cover which allows the insertion of the sheets to be stored followed by device tensioning. This device of Binding does not require prior perforation of the sheets. Without However, the device is susceptible to loosening, which has as a result the loss of the device sheets of binding. If the amount of leaves is too large, it is it is possible that the leaves located in the center leave the device even if the sheet of sheets is under tension. Also, the sheets can only be kept in one orientation; they can not turn in relation to the tension plate.

The binding device designs mentioned allow the storage of a number of elements Variable laminar However, these objects incorporate binding mechanisms that require stages of relatively complex manufacturing and labor costs for install these mechanisms in a folder, in addition to presenting deficiencies in the effective storage of said materials.

There is a need for a device binding that effectively stores a variable number of pages and to retain all stored pages, providing at the same time access to individual pages. It is also preferable that the production of this type of device Binding is economical and can be used and reused with minimal risk of damaging the device or sheets stored

Summary of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a device of  storage to retain a plurality of laminar elements according to claim 1 which allows user access. He storage device includes a device cover storage with at least one front panel and one panel later. The main binding members, preferably in the form of rigid spaced pins or semi-rigid, are connected to the device cover of storage and can be operated to extend them at least partially through the sheets to archive the sheets in relationship with the storage device cover.

The secondary binding members, preferably in the form of elongated tabs, they are connected articulated to the storage device cover and can be manipulated to move independently of the panel front and back panel and to put them in contact with the main binding members. The members of main and secondary binding form flanges of elongated binding on which the leaves. The storage device of the present invention a temporary or permanent storage of retained sheets and is configured in such a way that it allows to move the leaves from a first position, normally parallel to the front panel (5) of the device to a second position away from said panel.

Depending on the composition of the material of manufacturing, the storage device of the invention can be constructed as a single unit molded piece. Alternatively, the various components can be fixed by separated to the storage device cover by the use of adhesives, welding, using means of clamping, or other known bonding or clamping techniques.

The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the drawings Attachments and their description.

Brief description of the drawings

The attached drawings, which are incorporated and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention above, and the detailed description of the following realizations will serve to explain the principles of invention.

Fig. 1 is a top view of a device storage according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 1 in which shows the storage device in the open position and it illustrates an elongated tongue that moves until it comes into contact with a storage device pin;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, in the the storage device shown in the open position  and where the elongated tongue in contact with the pin is illustrated to form a binding strip;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to that of Fig. 3, in which the storage device is shown in position closed;

Fig. 5A is an elevated partial side view. in which the elongated tongue and the pin according to a embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5B is a view similar to that of Fig. 5A illustrating the elongated tongue and the pin according to a  alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5C is a view similar to that of Fig. 5A illustrating the elongated tongue and the pin according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is a partial view of the plant in the shown the storage device of Fig. 1 in the that the elongated tongue is illustrated according to one embodiment alternative of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the storage device shown in Fig. 1 in position closed;

Fig. 8A is a view similar to that of Fig. 7, in which a storage device according to the present invention;

Fig. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken on line 88-88 of Fig. 8A in which it is shown the storage device in closed position;

Fig. 8C is an enlarged view of the areas surrounded by circles of Fig. 8B;

Fig. 9A is a partial elevated side view. in which the elongated tongue and the pin according to a alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 9B is a view similar to that of Fig. 9A in which the elongated tongue is shown in contact with the pin forming a binding strip;

Fig. 10A is a view similar to that of Fig. 9B showing the tongue and pin according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 10B is an enlarged view of the areas surrounded by circles of Fig. 10A;

Fig. 10C is a cross-sectional view taken at along line 10C-10C of Fig. 10;

Fig. 11A is a partial plan view of a storage device that includes an elastic clip according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 11B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11B-11B of Fig. 11A,

Fig. 11C is a view similar to that of Fig. 11A in which an elastic clip is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 11D is a cross-sectional view taken at along the line 11D-11D of Fig. 11C;

Fig. 12A is an elevated side view of a storage device that includes support legs adapted to come into contact with a surface of support;

Fig. 12B is a view taken along the line 12B-12B of Fig. 12A;

Fig. 13A is a view similar to that of Fig. 9A showing an elongated tongue and a pin according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 13B is a view similar to that of Fig. 9B showing an elongated tongue in contact with a pin forming a binding strip;

Fig. 14A and 14B are views similar to those of Fig. 9A and 9B, respectively, in which a elongated tongue and a pin according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 15A and 15B are views similar to those of Fig. 9A and 9B, respectively, in which a elongated tongue and a pin according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 16A and 16B are views similar to those of Fig. 9A and 9B, respectively, in which a elongated tongue and a pin according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 17A and 17B are views similar to those of Fig. 9A and 9B, respectively, in which a elongated tongue and a pin according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 17C is an elevated partial view of the elongated tongue and pin shown in Fig. 17A;

Fig. 18A is a partial elevated side view. which shows a tongue, a pin and bumps formed in a panel according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 18B is a view similar to that of Fig. 18A showing the tongue in contact with the pin forming a binding strip, and the bump also in pin contact.

Fig. 19A and 19B are similar to Fig. 18A and 18B, respectively, in which an elongated tongue is shown, a pin and a protrusion formed on a panel, according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 20A is a view similar to that of Fig. 1 in which a storage device according to a embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 20B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 of Fig. 20A;

Fig. 20C is a view similar to that of Fig. 20B showing layered items filed in the storage device;

Fig. 20D is a view similar to that of Fig. 20A in which a storage device according to a  alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 21A is a view similar to that of Fig. 20A in which a storage device according to a  alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 21B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 21-21 of Fig. 21A;

Fig. 21C is a view similar to that of Fig. 21B showing layered items filed in the storage device;

Fig. 21D is a view similar to that of Fig. 8B in which the storage device of the Fig. 21A-21C in folded and closed position;

Fig. 22A is a partial cross-sectional view of a pin according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 22B is an elevated partial view of the pin shown in Fig. 22A;

Fig. 23A is a partial cross-sectional view in the one shown a pin and the pin socket disassembled

Fig. 23B is a view similar to that of Fig. 23A showing a pin and the pin socket mounted;

Fig. 24 is a view similar to that of Fig. 4 showing a thicker sheet element filed  on the storage device.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

In relation to the figures and with Fig. 1 in particular, a storage device 10 is shown according to the principles of the present invention to retain one or more laminar elements 12 shown as phantom lines within the storage device 10. The laminar elements 12 they will preferably be perforated and will include openings 14 that will allow inserting the laminar elements 12 and retaining them in the storage device 10 as will be described below in more detail. Although the laminar elements 12 illustrated in Fig. 1 comprise a storage device for compact discs, it is contemplated that a device of Storage of the present invention can be quickly adapted to retain other types of laminar elements that are stored usually in a binding system, which includes sheets of photo albums, recipes and sheets of plastic or paper for example, as experts in the technique.

The storage device 10 includes a cover 16 of the storage device that will be preferably integrally molded or formed from a flexible synthetic plastic material such as polypropylene, although Other materials are also contemplated, including polyethylene polymer, polyvinyl chloride polymer, polymer of polyethylene and metal terephthalate. Acceptable Materials can be shaped according to the desired shape and will have the durability enough to support repeated opening and closing of the cover 16 of the storage device and mechanisms of binding described below in more detail.

The cover 16 of the storage device includes a front panel 18 connected in an articulated way to a back panel 20, and preferably includes a spine panel 22 arranged between the front panel 18 and the rear panel 20 and the which front panel 18 and rear panel 20 are connected. The front panel 18 is preferably configured to substantially overlap each complete laminar element 12 and the rear panel 20 is preferably configured to be substantially below each complete laminar element 12. The front and rear panels 18, 20 will preferably be articulated connected to opposite elongated sides of the panel of the spine 22 through live hinges 24a, 24b, respectively, formed on the cover 16 of the device storage. The live hinges 24a, 24b will preferably be elongated areas of reduced thickness formed on the roof of the storage device 18 by conventional techniques that allow you to easily fold the front panel and panel rear 18, 20 by hand using live hinges 24a, 24b, but They may also include fold lines or grooves (not shown) or any other type of flexible training known in The technique. The cover 16 of the storage device can fold from an open position as shown more clearly in Fig. 1-3 to a closed position as shown more clearly in Figs. 4 and 7.

In the open position of the cover of the storage device, front panel 18, panel rear 20 and the spine panel 22 may be supported by a  support surface (not shown) with what panels 18, 20 and 22 rest on a generally common plane. Alternatively, in the closed position of the cover 16 of the device storage, front panel 18 and rear panel 20 are superimpose in generally parallel planes, the panel of the spine 22 in a generally transverse plane with respect to the planes defined by the front panel and the rear panel 18, 20.

As will be better understood in relation to Fig. 1, 2-4 and 7, the cover 16 of the device storage preferably includes a flange 26 that is extends upward from an inner surface 28 of the storage device 10 towards the marginal edges next to the cover 16 of the storage device. He flange 26 will preferably be integrally molded or formed with the cover 16 of the storage device during the formation of the storage device 10. After fold the cover 16 of the storage device towards its closed position as shown in Fig. 7, flange 26, the front panel 18, rear panel 20 and spine panel 22 are adapt forming a closed chamber 30 (Fig. 4) inside the storage device 10 in which the items are stored laminar 12.

In relation to Fig. 1-4, the storage device 10 includes one or more mechanisms of binding 32, preferably in the form of spaced pins rigid or semi-rigid as illustrated in the figures, which they can be operated so that they extend completely through the openings 14 formed in the laminar elements 12 for archive the laminar elements 12 in relation to the cover 16 of the storage device. Alternatively, as is shown in Fig. 24, the pins 32 can extend only to the less partially through the laminar element 12 when the laminar element 12 has a substantial thickness. The pins 32 move away from the inner surface 28 of the device storage 10 and can be integrally formed with the cover 16 of the storage device during formation of the storage device 10, or they can alternatively fasten to the cover 16 of the device adhesive storage, welding, media binding or other known binding or clamping techniques. By example, as shown in Figs. 22A and 22B, pins 32 they can comprise a socket with an annular sleeve 33a and a extrusion 33b. The pin 32 is inserted into an opening 33c formed in one of the panels, such as the back panel 20 for example as shown in Figs. 22A and 22B, so that a panel portion 20 is captured between annular bushing 33a and the boss 33b retaining the pin 32 within the opening 33c. Of course, other structures are possible mechanical to retain pin 32 in opening 33c.

Preferably, the pins 32 extend up from the rear panel 20 so that the elements Layers 12 can be easily placed or removed from the pins 32 when the cover 16 of the device storage is deployed in open position as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. Preferably, the pins 32 extend generally perpendicular to the back panel 20, although it is contemplated that the pins 32 may be oriented slightly inward towards the panel of the spine 22 in all its length, or at least, close to its remote ends 34 as It is described in detail below. Preferably, the pins 32 end at remote ends 34 below the front panel 18 when the cover 16 of the device storage is folded in closed position, as you can better understood in relation to Fig. 4.

Still in relation to Fig. 1-4, the pins 32 will preferably be formed as members hollow tubular ending at its remote ends 34 in connecting members 36, preferably in the form of receptacles female. Alternatively, the pins 32 may be solid in a substantial part of their respective lengths and end next to its remote ends 34 in the female receptacles 36. While pins 32 are generally illustrated as circular in its transversal form, it will be taken into account that pins 32 may have other transverse shapes and dimensions that allow pins 32 to fully extend to through the openings 14 formed in the laminar elements 12.

Also in relation to Fig. 1-4, storage device 10 will include one or more connecting elements 38, preferably in the form of elongated tabs as illustrated in the figures, articulated connected to the cover 16 of the device storage. The articulated connection of the tabs 38 with the cover 16 of the storage device may have various shapes, including mere hand-folded in relation to the cover  16 of the storage device. Preferably, the tabs 38 will be integrally molded or formed with the cover 16 of the storage device during formation of the storage device 10. Alternatively, it contemplates that the tabs 38 can be cut from the cover 16 of the storage device after device formation of storage 10 by conventional cutting techniques, while maintaining an articulated connection with the cover 16 of the storage device at one end of the tabs 38. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the tabs 38 can be attached to the cover 16 of the device storage using adhesives, welding, by binding means or other binding techniques or known clamping.

Preferably, the tabs 38 will be hingedly connected to one end 40 of the cover of the storage device through a live hinge 42 that it expands over the same area as the live hinge 24b, as You will understand better with reference to Fig. 1-4. In this exemplary embodiment, the tabs 38 extend transversely from the live hinge 42 through the panel of the spine 22 and partially transverse through panel front 16. Of course, other articulated connections are possible and other provisions of the tabs 38.

Preferably, the tabs 38 include the minus a live hinge 44 that generally extends in the direction  transverse with respect to the longitudinal extension of the tabs 38. Live hinges 44 allow tabs 38 to fold in multiple segmented components 46a, 46b, as will be understood better from Fig. 2-4. Each of the multiple components, 46a, 46b, will preferably include a substantially linear component throughout its length. The tabs 38 have a transverse width less than the diameter of the openings 14 formed in the laminar elements 12 for the purpose described below in more detail.

Still in relation to Fig. 1-4, the articulated connections of the tabs 36 with the cover 16 of the storage device allow to move the tabs 38 to make contact with pins 32 to form flanges elongated binding, usually indicated at 48, above that the laminar elements 12 can move freely. The binding flanges 48 will preferably be defined. usually by the combined length of the pins 32 and of the tabs 38, and can be operated to allow the laminar elements 12 can move through the flanges of binding 48 from a first position in which they rest generally in parallel with the rear panel 20 towards a second position where they generally rest in parallel with the front panel 18, as will be better understood in Fig. 3.

Preferably, the tabs 38 may be manipulated to move independently of the front panel 18 and the back panel 20 so that the contact between the tabs 38 and  the pins 32 can be maintained when the cover 16 of the Storage device is deployed in open position. When the tabs 38 come into contact with the pins 32, the segmented components 46a of the tabs 38 extend generally parallel to the rear panel 20 in the position open and closed cover 16 of the device storage.

Preferably, in the closed position of the 16 cover of the storage device, the components segmented 46a of the tabs 38 generally rest in the plane defined by the panel of the spine 22, while the component segmented 46b generally rests on the plane defined by the front panel 18. In this way, outer surfaces are formed generally you continue 50 in the storage device 10.

In an embodiment of the present invention such and as will be better understood in relation to Fig. 7, you can hold an overlapping sheet 52 on the cover 16 of the device of storage. The overlapping sheet 52 may be transparent to form one or more pockets 54 adjacent to the surfaces exterior 50. Pockets 54 are adapted to receive indexes 56 in which the content of the storage device 10 and also hide the gaps of the front panel 18 and spine panel 20. Alternatively, the blade overlay 52 may include graphics or identification material printed; or it can be semi-transparent or non-transparent to hide the outer surfaces 50 of the cover 16 of the storage device.

As shown in Fig. 6, they can separable bands 58 are provided to connect the tabs 38 to front panel 18 or spine panel 22, or both, so that during the folding of the cover 16 of the device storage tabs 38 automatically contact with pins 32. However, when the user opens by first time the cover 16 of the storage device, the bands 58 will be separated to allow the front panel 18 and the Loin 20 panel unfold, maintaining the connection between the tabs 38 and pins 32.

As will be better understood in relation to Fig. 2-4, each of the tabs 38 ends next to one end in a connecting member 60, preferably with the Shape of a male cylindrical hitch organ. The organs of hitch 60 may be integrally molded or formed with the  tabs 38, or they may alternatively be attached to the tabs 38 using adhesives, by welding or means of clamping, or by another known joint or clamping technique. Each hitching member 80 is configured to be received in the female receptacles 36 so that a connection can be established between the tabs 38 and the pins 32 to form the flanges of  binding 48.

As shown in Fig. 2-3, the hooking members 60 may include a cylindrical wall 62 adapted to come into contact by friction with a wall inner cylindrical 64 of the pins 32. In this way, you can establish a removable connection or contact between the tabs 38 and pins 32. Each tab 38 may include a radius 56 formed on connection member 60 which, in combination with the outer cylindrical wall 68 of the pins 32 forms an area uniform transition in binding flanges 48 for move the laminar elements 12 from the pins 32 to move them through the tabs 38. It is contemplated that the orientation of the pins 32 at an acute angle in relation to the panel front 18, with the rear panel 20, or with both, or forming an arched portion at least partially along the pins 32, can facilitate contact of tabs 38 with the pins 32, and assist in the uniform movement of the laminar elements 12 along the binding flanges 48, as they move from the pins 32 towards the tabs 38.

For example, as shown in Fig. 15A and 15B, it is contemplated that pins 32 can be formed with a arched shape at least partially over its entire length to assist in the movement of the laminar elements 12 along the binding strip 48. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 16A, 16B, 17A, 17B and 22A, pins 32 may form an acute angle with the front panel 18, with the rear panel 20, or with both, depending on the location of the pins 32, to assist in the movement of the laminar elements 12 along the binding flanges 48. It is contemplated that the pins 32 they can be molded at an acute angle during the formation of the storage device 10 as shown in Fig. 16A-16B. Alternatively, pins 32 may be molded so that they generally extend in the direction transverse to the front panel 18, to the rear panel 20, or to both, and pins 32 can be subsequently processed in the acute angle while the storage device material 10 is still in ductile state after the molding process. How I know shown in Fig. 17A-17C, it is further contemplated that the pins 32 can be flexibly connected to the panel front 18, to rear panel 20, or both, through a band connector 69 that allows pins 32 to assume the angle sharp in relation to the front panel 18, with the rear panel 20, or with both. As shown in the realization of the Fig. 22A-22B, pins 32 can be molded into an acute angle relative to the annular bushing 33a so that the pins 32 extend at an acute angle in relation to the front panel 18, with rear panel 20, or with both, when pins 32 are received in openings 33c as is Describe below in more detail.

Alternatively, as shown in the Fig. 5A, the connecting members 60 of the tabs 38 can comprise conical rings 70 whose diameter is slightly larger than diameter of female receptacles 36. When conical rings 70 they are inserted into the female receptacles 36, a releasable connection or contact between tabs 38 and the pins 32 as those skilled in the art will appreciate. Preferably, the tapered rings 70 are integrally molded. or formed with the tongues, although it is contemplated that the rings Tapered 70 can be formed on a plastic or rubber washer (not shown) attached to a pin (not shown) formed at the end remote of the tabs 38.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention as shown in Fig. 5B, each tab 38 includes a female receptacle 72 formed at a remote end that includes an annular ring 74 directed radially inward. Every pin 32 is formed by two or more conical members 76 that end in a projection with abrupt projections 80. As the remote ends of the conical members 76 are introduced into the female receptacles 72, the projections 78 move more beyond the ring ring 74 directed radially inward and the abrupt projections 80 come into contact and are retained by the hoop void 74. Conical members 76 can be compressed manually towards each of them to allow abrupt overhangs 80 move away from the ring ring 74. In this way, a locking connection between tabs 38 and pins 32.

As shown in the embodiment alternative of Fig. 5C, each tongue 38 includes an annular ring directed radially inward 82 formed at a remote end.  Each pin 32 is formed with a directed ring ring radially inward 84 adapted to form a "closure to pressure "when the ring ring 82 of the tabs 38 moves beyond the ring ring 84 of the pins 32. Thus, it provide audible and tactile clues to the user that has been established contact between tabs 38 and pins 32.

It is contemplated that the binding flanges 48 can be made to have a variable length after entering contact the pins 32 with the elongated tabs 38. example, is shown in the embodiment of Fig. 13A, 13B, each pin 32 may include several radially directed annular rings inward 84 along pin 32. Ring ring 84 directed radially inward formed at the remote end of each tongue 38 is adapted to form a "closure to pressure "with any of the annular rings 84 directed radially inward of the pins 32, it will be appreciated that the Binding flange length 48 can be adjusted modifying the insertion depth of the tongue 38 in the pin 32. As shown in Fig. 14A-14B, contemplates in an alternative embodiment that each pin 32 can have a single ring ring 84 directed radially towards inside, while at the remote end of each tongue 38 several radially directed annular rings 82 can be provided out to allow adjusting the length of the flanges of binding 48. Of course, those skilled in the art will be able to appreciate that other mechanical structures are possible to allow Binding flange length adjustment 48.

In the use of a device storage 10, the cover device 16 is deployed in open position as shown in Fig. 1 so that you can one or more laminar elements 12 are introduced through the pins 32 for filing the laminar elements 12 in relation with cover 16 of the storage device. The tabs 38 they are folded in live hinges 42, 44 to make contact with the pins 32 to form the binding flanges 48. At this point, the laminar elements 12 can move freely by binding flanges 48 from a first position where they generally rest in parallel with the panel back 20 towards a second position where they rest generally in parallel with the front panel 18, as you will understand better by Fig. 3. When it is not necessary access the laminar elements 12, the cover 16 of the storage device can be folded in closed position as shown in Fig. 7, to close the chamber of storage 30 of the storage device 10. Whenever it is necessary to add or remove one or more laminar elements 12 of the storage device 10, the contact between the tabs 38 and the pins 32 is released allowing to add or extract pin materials 32.

It will be appreciated that the device Storage 10 can be manufactured in various sizes to adapt it to the different storage applications of various laminar elements 12. For example, the device for storage 10 can be manufactured as a filing cabinet between to three inches (1 '' - 3 '') (2.54-7.62 cm) to store sheets of 8-1 / 2 '' x 11 '' paper (21.59 x 27.94 cm) conventional. To maintain stiffness structural of the pins 32 during the transport of the file cabinet and its associated materials, it is contemplated that pins 32 may include rigid accessories 66 for the pins, shown in Fig. 23A, 23B, which are inserted into the retained end between pins 32. Pin accessories 66 will preferably be made of metal or other material adequate and will include projections 88 directed outward adapted to come into contact with the interior walls of the pins 32 to hold pin accessories 86 inside the pins 32. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the pins 32 may at least partially have a liquid material adequate, during or after the molding process, that when harden add structural rigidity to pins 32.

Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 18A-18B, it is contemplated that cover 16 of the storage device may include one or more bumps such as 90, adapted to come into contact and support the pins 32 when the device is folded storage 10 in closed position as shown in the Fig. 18B. As shown in Fig. 18A-18B,  each protuberance 90 may comprise a pair of parallel walls (not shown) and a transverse wall 94 that comes into contact with a portion of the tongue 38 when the device is folded storage 10 in closed position and therefore enters contact and support each pin 32. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 19A-19B, the protrusions 96 they can be formed on the cover 16 of the storage device which comes into contact with the respective holes 98 formed in the tabs 38 when the storage device 10 is folded in the closed position as shown in Fig. 19B, so which comes into contact and supports the pins 32.

In relation now to Fig. 8A-8C, a storage device is shown 200 according to the principles of the present invention, wherein numerals represent similar parts in the realization of storage device 10 illustrated in Fig. 1-7. The storage device 200 differs of storage device 10 especially in motion from the pins 32 inwards, towards the live hinge 24b, and in the connection of the tabs 38 to the rear panel 20. Preferably, the tabs 38 are connected to the panel rear 20 through the respective live hinges 202, although other types of connections that allow the folding of the tabs, as described in Fig. 1-7 in more detail.

In the use of the storage device 200, the cover 16 of the storage device is deployed in an open position as shown in Fig. 8A, so that one or more laminar elements 12 can be inserted into the pins 32 to archive the laminar elements 12 in relation to the cover 16 of the storage device. The tabs 38 fold into the live hinges 202 to come into contact with the pins 32 to form the binding flanges 48. At this point, the laminar elements 12 can move freely through the binding flanges 48 from a first position in the which generally rest parallel to the front panel 18, indicated by the laminar element 12a illustrated in phantom lines in Fig. 8A, towards a second position in which it generally rests parallel to the rear panel 20, indicated by the laminar element 12b illustrated in phantom lines in Fig. 8A. After moving the laminar elements 12 through the binding flanges 48 from the pins 32 to the tabs 38, the cover 16 of the storage device can be closed, as shown in Fig. 8B. Then, when the cover 16 of the storage device is opened, the laminar elements 12 may move freely from a first position in which they generally rest in parallel with the rear panel 20 to a second position in which they generally rest in parallel with the front panel 18, an operation similar to that of the storage device 10 of Fig. 1-7. When it is necessary to add or remove a laminar element 12 of the storage device 200, the contact between each tongue 38 and each pin 32 will be released allowing materials to be added or removed from the pins 32 or the tongues
38.

As shown in Fig. 8B and 8C, when not it is necessary to re-access the laminar elements 12, the cover 16 of the storage device can be folded into closed position to close the storage chamber 30 of the storage device 200. To retain and release the cover 16 of the storage device in closed position, a locking device 204 is provided on the projecting wall 26 which is applicable to embodiments of devices of storage 10 and 200. The blocking device 204 includes a or more tabs 206 supported by the projecting wall 26a of the panel front 18 which are aligned with channels 208 supported on the protruding wall 26b of rear panel 20, although tabs 206 and channels 208 can be reversed. Each tab 206 includes a gap 210 (Fig. 8C) adapted to receive a stop 212 which extends from the projecting wall 26b to the gap 210. Each channel 208 is  preferably formed by the projecting wall 26b and a flange flexible 214 which is spaced from and generally in parallel with the protruding wall 26b. Each channel 208 is configured to be able to release and retain the cover 16 of the storage device in closed position. The gaps can be provided in the respective outer surfaces of the projecting walls 26a, 26b configured to receive the user's fingers to facilitate the opening of the cover 16 of the storage device. Of course, other structures of locking devices that can be operated to retain or release the storage device cover in position closed.

In relation now to Fig. 9A and 9B, it is shows an alternative embodiment of the members of binding 38. In this embodiment, the members of binding 38 preferably have the form of tabs elongated (one shown) that are at least partially flexible along its length so that the tabs can be folded and come into contact with pins 32. According to this aspect of the In the present invention, the tabs 38 may include an area of reduced thickness, generally indicated at 400, which allows the tab can be folded in the proper way as shown in the Fig. 9B, removing the live hinge 44 described above with more detail

Another alternative embodiment of the member of binding 38, preferably in the form of a tongue elongated is shown in Fig. 10A-10C. According to this aspect of the present invention, the tongue 38 includes multiple 500a, 500b and 500c segmented components formed by hinges transverse live 44. To provide a smooth transition of the laminar element (not shown) by the tongue 38 so that the laminar element does not catch or get caught near the areas of live hinges 44, segmented component 500b includes a 502 fin and segmented components 500a, 500c each includes a channel 504. Thus, fin 502 of the segmented component 500b is received on the respective channels 504 of segmented components 500a, 500c, so that there is no no cavity or hollow formed by live hinges 44 that otherwise they would hook or trap a custom laminar element which goes through tab 38. Of course, the positions of the 502 fin and 504 channels can be reversed and experts in the technique will appreciate that other structures are possible that allow a movement essentially free of hooks of the laminar elements in the tongue 38.

As shown in Fig. 11A-11D, and applicable to all embodiments of the storage device 10 and 200, several can be incorporated flexible clip structures 600 (Fig. 11A and 11B) and 602 (Fig. 11C and 11D) to one or more of panels 18, 20 (front panel shown 18) of the various storage devices. For example, him flexible clip 600 includes a pin 604 and a cross pin  flexible 606 configured to hold a laminar element, a brochure or similar item generally flat (not shown) between the flexible pin 606 and one of the panels 18, 20 such and as can be seen quickly by those skilled in the art. Alternatively, flexible clip 602 includes a pair of pins flexible parallel spaced 608 configured to hold a writing instrument or similar generally rounded element (not shown) between flexible pins 608 as they can Quickly appreciate those skilled in the art. Of course they are possible other flexible clip structures to hold the elements to cover 16 of the storage device.

As shown in Figs. 12A and 12B, the 16 storage device cover includes preferably a plurality of molded support legs 700 of integral form on the outer surfaces of the protruding wall 26 and adapted to come into contact with a support surface 702. For example, support legs 700 may have configuration of tear and are molded so that the outer surfaces of the support legs 700 come into contact with the surface of support 702. Thus, the storage devices of the The present invention can be stored on one edge, as shown in Fig. 12A.

In relation now to Fig. 20A-20B, a device is shown storage 800 according to the present invention, in which the numerals represent corresponding parts in the embodiments previous. The storage device 800 differs from the storage device 10 of Fig. 1-7 especially in the combined connection of the pins 32 and of the tabs 38 to the front panel 18 and to the rear panel 20, so that two separate stacks of laminar elements 12 can be formed, identified as the 802a and 802b sheet piles of Fig. 20C-20D. When the storage device 800 is open, as shown in Fig. 20A-20C, the laminar elements 12 of the 802a and 802b batteries can move freely through the binding flanges 48 from the first positions generally resting in parallel to the front and rear panels 18, 20, respectively, towards a second position distant from the first. To accommodate the thickness additional of the laminar elements 12 in the device 800 storage, the spine 22 panel of the device 800 storage is wider than the spine panel 22 of the storage device 10, so that they can superimpose two 802a and 802b batteries when the device is folded storage 800 in closed position, as shown in the Fig. 20D. The storage device 800 includes a panel end 806 that is articulated connected to one side elongated back panel 20 by a live hinge 808. As shown in Fig. 20D, final panel 808 comes into contact with the front panel 18 to retain the storage device 800 in closed position.

In relation now to Fig. 21A-21D, a device is shown storage 900 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, in which the numerals represent parts corresponding in previous embodiments. The device of storage 900 differs from storage device 200 of Fig. 8A-8C especially in the connection combined of pins 32 and tabs 38 to both panels front and rear 18, 20, so that two batteries can be formed separated from laminar elements 12, identified as a stack of laminar elements 902a and 902b of Fig. 21C-21D. When the device is opened storage 900, as shown in Fig. 21A-21C, the laminar elements 12 of the batteries 902a and 902b can move freely through the flanges of binding 48 from the first resting positions generally in parallel to the front and rear panels 18, 20, respectively, towards a second position distant from the first. To accommodate the additional thickness of the laminar elements 12 in the storage device 900, the spine 22 panel of the storage device 900 is wider than the panel spine panel 22 of storage device 200, so that two batteries 902a and 902b can overlap when the storage device 900 in closed position, as shown in Fig. 21D.

Taking into account that the present invention has been illustrated with a description of several embodiments and taking into note that these embodiments have been described in great detail, the advantages and additional modifications will be apparent to the experts in the art. For example, although it may be preferable form the hook members 60 on the tabs 38 or form the female receptacles 36 in pins 32, experts in the technique will appreciate the multitude of connection possibilities that they can be formed on tabs 38 and pins 32 which allow contact of the components as necessary to form the binding flanges 48.

Claims (20)

1. A storage device (800, 900) for retaining a plurality of laminar elements, formed by a cover (16) of the storage device that can be manipulated to move it between its open and closed position and which includes a front panel (18) , a rear panel (20) and a spine panel panel (22), characterized in that at least one of the first binding members (32) is connected to each of said front and rear panels (18, 20) and it can be operated to extend at least partially through the plurality of laminar elements (12) to archive the laminar elements in relation to the respective front and rear panel (18, 20), and at least a second binding member (38) is connected to both front (18) and rear (20) panels and can be manipulated to independently move said front and rear panels in the folded position forming said first binding member (32) binding flanges elongated nation (48) in which the plurality of laminar elements (12) can move freely from a first position in which they generally rest in parallel with respect to said front and rear panels (18, 20) to a second position distant from the first . 2. The storage device of the claim 1 further comprising a first live hinge (24a) joining said front panel (18) to an elongated side of the Loin panel panel (22) and a second live hinge (24b) that joins said rear panel (20) with the opposite elongated side of said loin panel panel (22). 3. The storage device of the claim 2 further comprising an end panel (806) connected to one of said front and rear panels (18, 20). 4. The storage device of the claim 3 further comprising a third live hinge (808) that joins said end panel (806) to an elongated side of one of said front and rear panels (18, 20). 5. Any storage device of the preceding claims further comprising a live hinge (42) associated with each of the second members of  binding (38) that allows said second members of binding fold in contact with those mentioned first binding members (32). 6. The storage device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of said secondary binding members (38) has at least a live hinge (44) that generally extends in the direction transversal with respect to a longitudinal length thereof allowing said secondary binding members to fold into multiple segmented components (46a, 46b). 7. The storage device of the claim 6 wherein each of said segmented elements Multiple (46a, 46b) includes a substantially linear component to throughout it. 8. The storage device of any of the preceding claims wherein each of the binding members (38) is integral with said cover (16) of the storage device. 9. Anybody's storage device of the preceding claims wherein each of said first binding members comprises a pin (32) that extends away from one of said front panels and later. 10. The storage device of the claim 9 wherein each of said pins (32) is extends in the opposite direction to one of said front panels and posterior at an acute angle. 11. The storage device of the claim 9 wherein each of said pins (32) has a form at least partially arched along its length. 12. The storage device of any of claims 9 to 11 wherein each of said pins (32) forms an integral part of the cover (16) of said storage device. 13. The storage device of any of claims 9 to 11 wherein each of said pins (32) is attached to one of said front panels and posterior (18, 20). 14. The storage device of any of claims 9 to 11 wherein each of said pins (32) is flexibly connected to one of said front and rear panels. 15. The storage device of the claim 9 further comprising a pin attachment (86) that can be introduced and retained within each of said pins (32). 16. The storage device of any of the preceding claims wherein each of said elongated binding flanges (48) has a length variable. 17. The storage device of any of the preceding claims wherein each of said secondary binding members comprises a elongated tongue (38). 18. The storage device of any of the preceding claims wherein one of said primary and secondary binding members 832, 38) ends in a female receptacle 836) and the others end in a coupling member (60), wherein said female receptacle (36) It is adapted to receive said coupling device (60). 19. The storage device of the claim 18 wherein said female receptacle (36) can connect and break free of the coupling device (60). 20. The storage device of the claim 18 wherein said female receptacle (36) can connect and lock with said coupling member (60).