GB2422134A

GB2422134A - Portable modular filing system

Info

Publication number: GB2422134A
Application number: GB0501026A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Adrian Berry
Original assignee: Acco UK Ltd
Current assignee: Acco UK Ltd
Priority date: 2005-01-18
Filing date: 2005-01-18
Publication date: 2006-07-19
Also published as: GB0501026D0

Abstract

The filing system has a spine 10 which has a retaining face 11 in which are receiving locations 12 for engagement portions 9 on paper retainers 1, which may be files or pockets. The engagement portions may have a T-shaped cross section. A file or pocket may be removably connected to the spine by sliding the engagement portion 9 into one of the recesses 12. The bar of this portion is wider than the opening of the retaining recess 12 so that the file or pocket 1 cannot be removed by pulling it directly away from the spine. A cover piece 13, which may be hinged to the spine 10 or clipped to the end of the spine, may block the ends of the recesses 12. The recesses may be permanently closed at one end. A paper gripping module (20, figure 6) with grips (22, figure 6) may engage with two parallel engagement portions 9. The spine may have covers (19, figure 5) and a handle (17, figure 3). The retaining recesses may have spaces comprising breaks along their length.

Description

"A Filing System" THIS INVENTION relates to a filing system, and in

particular concerns flexible modular filing systems for allowing files to be easily accessed, rearranged or transported.

Conventional filing systems, such as ring-binders, allow the storage of substantial quantities of paper-based information, but suffer from drawbacks in that it can be time-consuming to remove one or more selected sheets of paper from a ring-binder if the sheet or sheets in question are disposed in amongst other sheets.

Ring binders also suffer from further difficulties in that it is not straightforward to transfer selected paper-based information from one file or folder to another, nor is it a simple matter to re-arrange paper- based information held within the files or folders.

"Hanging"-type folders, in which a pair of parallel rails are provided and flexible files or pockets are suspended from the rails, allow relatively small quantities of paper-based information to be stored independently so that any one of the selected quantities may be accessed rapidly. However, these folders also suffer from drawbacks in that they are awkward to transport. Hanging folders generally have open sides, and so paper or other articles held in the folders are likely to fall out during transit unless great care is taken.

It is an object of the present invention to seek alleviate one or more of the above difficulties.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides a filing system comprising: a spine, having a plurality of receiving locations; and at least one paper retainer, being operable to receive and retain at least one sheet of paper, the or each paper retainer having a connection arrangement, wherein the connection arrangement of the or each paper retainer may be releasably connected to any one of the receiving locations.

Advantageously, the spine is configured to engage releasably a plurality of connection arrangements provided on respective paper retainers.

Preferably, each connection arrangement comprises an engagement portion, and each receiving location comprises a retaining recess in which the engagement portion may be received and retained when the engagement portion is slid into the retaining recess in an engagement direction.

Conveniently, the retaining recess comprises a channel having at least one open end, into which the engagement portion may be slid in the engagement direction, and at least one side opening which is substantially parallel with the length of the channel and has a first width; and the engagement portion has a second width which is greater than the first width, to hinder removal of the engagement portion from the retaining recess, when the engagement portion is received in the retaining recess, due to the paper retainer being pulled directly away from the spine.

Advantageously, the filing system further comprises a cover which may be releasably placed over the open end of the retaining recess to prevent the engagement portion from being removed from the open end of the retaining recess.

Preferably, the spine comprises a plurality of retaining recesses and the cover may be releasably placed over open ends of each of the retaining recesses.

Conveniently, the filing system comprises a pair of covers which may be releasably places over opposite ends of the retaining recess.

Advantageously, the retaining recesses are substantially parallel with one another.

Preferably, the retaining recess comprises at least two sections with a space being provided between the sections, the arrangement being such that the engagement portion may be located in the space and slid along the engagement axis to engage one of the sections of the retaining recess.

Conveniently, the connecting formation comprises a plurality of engagement portions and the retaining recess comprises a plurality of spaces, so that each engagement portion may be located in one of the spaces and then slid along the engagement axis to engage one of the sections of the retaining recess.

Advantageously, the filing system comprises a plurality of paper retainers.

Preferably, the filing system comprises a paper retainer comprising a file having a pair of intercoimected covers, the connection arrangement being provided in the region where said covers intercormect.

Conveniently, the filing system comprises a paper retainer comprising a pocket.

Advantageously, the filing system comprises a paper retainer comprising a pair of gripping elements adapted to grip at least one sheet of paper therebetween Preferably, the spine comprises a carrying arrangement to assist a user in carrying the spine when at least one paper retainer is releasably connected to the spine.

Conveniently, one or more outer covers are connected to the spine, the outer covers extending substantially alongside the at least one paper retainer when the at least one paper retainer is releasably connected to the spine.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a spine having a plurality of receiving locations, each receiving location comprising a retaining recess comprising a channel having at least one open end and at least one side opening which is substantially parallel with the length of the channel and has a first width, each receiving recess being operable to receive slidably and retain releasably a cormection arrangement of a paper retainer, wherein the connection arrangement comprises an engagement portion having a second width which is greater than the first width, to hinder removal of the engagement portion from the retaining recess, when the engagement portion is received in the retaining recess, due to the paper retainer being pulled directly away from the spine.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a paper retainer having an connection arrangement comprising an elongate engagement portion having a second width and operable to be slidably received and releasably retained by a retaining recess comprising a channel having at least one open end and at least one side opening which is substantially parallel with the length of the channel and has a first width, wherein the second width is greater than the first width, to hinder removal of the engagement portion from the retaining recess, when the engagement portion is received in the retaining recess, due to the paper retainer being pulled directly away from the recess.

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows two files for use with a filing system embodying the present invention; Figure 2 shows one of the folders of figure 1, along with a spine, making up a filing system embodying the present invention; Figure 3 is a further view of the spine of figure 2; Figure 4 is a further view of a filing system embodying the present invention; Figure 5 shows a further filing system embodying the present invention; and Figure 6 shows yet a further filing system embodying the present invention.

Turning firstly to figure 1, two files 1, 2 are shown. Each of files 1, 2 comprises a pair of relatively stiff covers 3, which are generally rectangular in shape and lie alongside one another. Along longer edges of each cover 3 the covers 3 curl inwardly towards one another, and it will therefore be appreciated that, when the covers lie alongside one another and the longer edges thereof meet, a space is defined between the covers 3.

The covers 3 are hinged together along corresponding longer edges thereof, to form a joining edge 4 of the file. Free longer edges 5 of the covers, opposite the joining edge 4, are provided with a clasping mechanism (not shown) which allows the covers 3 to be joined to one another. The covers 3 are therefore movable between an open position, in which the free edges 5 of the covers 3 do not meet, and a closed position, in which the free edges 5 meet and connect with one another.

At top and bottom edges 6, 7 of one of the covers 3 (being shorter edges of the covers 3) planar protrusions 8 are provided, each of which protrudes towards the other of the covers 3 when the covers 3 are in the closed position.

The protrusions 8 are suitably shaped so that, when the covers 3 are in the closed position, the planar protrusions 8 extend to meet one another and close the gaps between the covers 3 at the top and bottom edges 6, 7 thereof.

The above-described features of the files 1, 2 are conventional, and a skilled person will recognise that this type of file is suitable for containing and transporting, for example, A4 sized sheets of paper.

Provided along the joining edge 4 of each of the files 1, 2 is an engagement portion 9 in the form of an elongate projection, which runs substantially the entire length of the joining edge 4 of each file 1, 2. The engagement portion 9 is preferably rigid and has a T-shaped cross section, the stem of the T extending away from the joining edge 4 of each file, 1, 2 and the bar of the T defining a member which is spaced apart from the joining edge 4 and parallel therewith.

Figure 2 shows a portion of one of the files 1, along with a portion of a spine 10. The spine 10 is generally planar and rectangular in shape, with the length of each face thereof being substantially equal to or slightly greater than the length of the joining edge 4 of the file 1. One of the faces of the spine 10 comprises a retaining face 11, and is provided with a plurality of retaining recesses 12, which comprise elongate, parallel channels running in a direction substantially parallel with the length of the retaining face 11. The retaining recesses 12 have open ends, and are substantially T-shaped in cross section, corresponding generally to the cross-section of the engagement portion 9 of the file 1. The T-shaped cross section of the retaining recesses 12 is such that the stem of the T provides the opening of each retaining recess 12, with the bar of the T providing a wider, inner portion of each retaining recess 12.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the retaining recesses 12 run substantially the entire length of the retaining face 11 of the spine 10.

However, in some embodiments, one or more spaces may be provided along the length of the retaining face 10, each space comprising a break in the retaining recesses 12, with the retaining surface 11 being substantially level with or lower than the bottom of the retaining recesses 12 in the region of each space.

The file 1 may be removably connected to the spine 10 by sliding the engagement portion 9 thereof into one of the retaining recesses 12 of the spine 10, so that the length of the engagement portion 9 is substantially aligned with the length of the spine 10, and the engagement portion 9 is received within one of the retaining recesses 12 provided on the spine 10. It will be understood that the bar of the T-shaped cross section of the engagement portion 9 is received in the inner portion of the retaining recess 12, and the bar of the T-shaped cross section of the engagement portion 9 is wider than the opening of the retaining recess 12, thereby preventing the file 1 from being removed from the spine 10 due to the file 1 being pulled directly away from the spine 10.

The spine 10 is further provided with a cover in the form of an end cap 13, which may be clipped on to an end of the spine 10 so that some or all of the open ends of the retaining recesses 12 are blocked by the end cap 13. In the example depicted in figure 2, the end cap 13 is elongate and fits over an end face of the spine 10, and is provided with a pair of engagement studs 14 which are configured to be received in corresponding bores 15 provided in the end face of the spine 10.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the end cap 13 may be hingedly attached to the spine 10 so that, when the end cap 13 is not being used to close the ends of the retaining recesses 12, the end cap 13 cannot become misplaced. End caps 13 may be provided at either end of the spine 10, so that both open ends of the retaining recesses 12 may be closed. Alternatively, one end of the retaining recesses 12 may be permanently closed. In these embodiments, the engagement portion 9 of the file 1 may be slid into the one open end of a retaining recess 12 and slid along the retaining recess 12 until a leading end of the engagement portion 9 reaches the closed end of the retaining recess 12, thus registering the file 1 at an appropriate location with respect to the spine 10.

Referring to figure 3, the spine 10 may be provided, on a rear surface 16 thereof, with a handle 17. The handle 17 is preferably of a type that may, when not in use, lie flush against the rear surface 16 of the spine 10 but which, in use, may be extended so that a gripping portion 18 thereof is spaced apart from the rear surface 16 of the spine 10 and may be grasped by a user to transport the spine 10 and any files 1 that are attached thereto as shown in figure 4.

Referring to figure 5, the spine 10 may further be provided with covers 19 which, when files 1 are attached to the spine 10 in the maimer described above, extend alongside the files 1 to provide additional protection therefor. It is also envisaged that the covers 19 will assist the file 1 in standing upright when placed on a level surface, although it is also envisaged that the spine 10 may be provided without covers, and may stand upright when placed on a level surface when one or more files 1 are connected to the spine 10, since lower edges 7 of the files 1 may rest against the surface.

Turning to figure 6, the spine 10 is shown with two folders 1, 2 attached thereto in the manner described above. A paper gripping module 20 is also attached to the spine 10. The paper gripping module 20 comprises a substantially planar base 21, which has a length substantially equal to, or slightly less than, that of the spine 10. Protruding from a rear surface of the base 21 are two engagement portions 9 (corresponding to those described above in relation to the files 1, 2), parallel to and spaced apart from one another.

Protruding from a front surface of the base 21 are three grips 22. Each grip 22 run substantially the entire length of the base 21, and comprises a pair of elongate protruding arms, which are spaced apart from one another at roots thereof (which are attached to the base 21) but which converge together at tips thereof, which lie close to one another, and may press against one another.

A skilled person will understand that edges of sheets of paper may be slid between the arms 23 of each grip 22, and be held in place thereby. The grips 22 thereby provide a mechanism for retaining sheets of paper for ready access, without requiring the use of a folder 1.

In the above-described example, the gripping module 20 has two engagement portions 9 protruding therefrom, which are spaced apart appropriately so that they may be slid into two of the retaining recesses 12 provided on the retaining face 16 of the spine 10. Preferably, these two retaining recesses 12 are adjacent one another. The module may, however, have more engagement portions than this, or indeed may comprise a single engagement portion. The gripping module 20 may comprise a single grip, or any larger number of grips 22.

A skilled person will appreciate that the present invention provides a flexible, adaptable and modular filing system which will find utility among many varied users. It is envisaged that users who require access to filed information rapidly, and who wish to be able to reorganise and transport their filing system at short notice, will find the present invention useful.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A filing system comprising: a spine, having a plurality of

receiving locations; and at least one paper retainer, being operable to receive and retain at least one sheet of paper, the or each paper retainer having a connection arrangement, wherein the connection arrangement of the or each paper retainer may be releasably connected to any one of the receiving locations.
2. A filing system according to Claim 1, wherein the spine is configured to engage releasably a plurality of connection arrangements provided on respective paper retainers.
3. A filing system according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein: each connection arrangement comprises an engagement portion; and each receiving location comprises a retaining recess in which the engagement portion may be received and retained when the engagement portion is slid into the retaining recess in an engagement direction.
4. A filing system according to Claim 3, wherein: the retaining recess comprises a channel having at least one open end, into which the engagement portion may be slid in the engagement direction, and at least one side opening which is substantially parallel with the length of the channel and has a first width; and the engagement portion has a second width which is greater than the first width, to hinder removal of the engagement portion from the retaining recess, when the engagement portion is received in the retaining recess, due to the paper retainer being pulled directly away from the spine.
5. A filing system according to Claim 4, further comprising a cover which may be releasably placed over the open end of the retaining recess to prevent the engagement portion from being removed from the open end of the retaining recess.
6. A filing system according to Claim 5, wherein the spine comprises a plurality of retaining recesses and the cover may be releasably placed over open ends of each of the retaining recesses.
7. A filing system according to Claim 5 or 6, comprising a pair of covers which may be releasably places over opposite ends of the retaining recess.
8. A filing system according to any one of Claims 3 to 7, wherein the retaining recesses are substantially parallel with one another.
9. A filing system according to any one of Claims 4 to 8, wherein the retaining recess comprises at least two sections with a space being provided between the sections, the arrangement being such that the engagement portion may be located in the space and slid along the engagement axis to engage one of the sections of the retaining recess.
10. A filing system according to Claim 9, wherein the connecting formation comprises a plurality of engagement portions and the retaining recess comprises a plurality of spaces, so that each engagement portion may be located in one of the spaces and then slid along the engagement axis to engage one of the sections of the retaining recess.
11. A filing system according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of paper retainers.
12. A filing system according to any preceding claim, comprising a paper retainer comprising a file having a pair of interconnected covers, the connection arrangement being provided in the region where said covers interconnect.
13. A filing system according to any preceding claim, comprising a paper retainer comprising a pocket.
14. A filing system according to any preceding claim, comprising a paper retainer comprising a pair of gripping elements adapted to grip at least one sheet of paper therebet-ween.
15. A filing system according to any preceding claim, wherein the spine comprises a carlying arrangement to assist a user in carrying the spine when at least one paper retainer is releasably connected to the spine.
16. A filing system according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more outer covers are connected to the spine, the outer covers extending substantially alongside the at least one paper retainer when the at least one paper retainer is releasably connected to the spine.
17. A spine having a plurality of receiving locations, each receiving location comprising a retaining recess comprising a channel having at least one open end and at least one side opening which is substantially parallel with the length of the channel and has a first width, each receiving recess being operable to receive slidably and retain releasably a connection arrangement of a paper retainer, wherein the connect-jon arrangement comprises an engagement portion having a second width which is greater than the first width, to hinder removal of the engagement portion from the retaining recess, when the engagement portion is received in the retaining recess, due to the paper retainer being pulled directly away from the spine.
18. A paper retainer having an connection arrangement comprising an elongate engagement portion having a second width and operable to be slidably received and releasably retained by a retaining recess comprising a channel having at least one open end and at least one side opening which is substantially parallel with the length of the channel and has a first width, wherein the second width is greater than the first width, to hinder removal of the engagement portion from the retaining recess, when the engagement portion is received in the retaining recess, due to the paper retainer being pulled directly away from the recess.
19. A filing system substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
20. A spine substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
21. Any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein.