WO2000015448A2

WO2000015448A2 - Stack divider

Info

Publication number: WO2000015448A2
Application number: PCT/US1999/020592
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roberto Holguin; Adriane Kempken; Denise Steiner; Ana Schedler; Meeyoung Chung Melamed; Fred Edward Cecala
Original assignee: Acco Brands, Inc.
Priority date: 1998-09-14
Filing date: 1999-09-08
Publication date: 2000-03-23
Also published as: WO2000015448A3; AU6385499A

Abstract

A stack divider that has a first panel (102) and a holding portion (104) that are pivotally connected to locate about a stack of article (134). The first panel (102) and the holding portion are relatively flat and in parallel. A tab portion (110) is integrally constructed to the stack divider such that it creates a lateral protrusion when the stack divider is in the holding position. The maximum width of the stack divider is no greater than ½ of the width of the first panel.

Description

STACK DIVIDER

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Document management involves maintaining and organizing documents in a systematic fashion to facilitate their retrieval for use later when the documents are desired. The mass of papers that pours across users' desks on a daily basis often creates clutter and become increasingly difficult for the users to locate a particular document or stack of documents if the papers are not regularly sorted and organized. While file folders and document organizers have been designed to provide protection for their contents during storage while allowing ease in identification, transportation, and retrieval as they are desired, they completely cover the documents preventing the user from viewing the documents themselves.

Typical manila folders, for example, include front and back covers sized to provide complete coverage of their contents. An index tab is usually provided on the back cover to facilitate the identification of the contents. Where immediacy is desired, traditional folders require the user to retrieve the entire folder, open the covers of the folder, and sort through the stack of documents located in the file to find the desired document. The user is unable to conveniently view the physical documents to select and retrieve the needed document while the stack of documents is contained within the folder. U.S. Patent No. 5,140,724 discloses a flexible and adjustable strip for securing a stack of documents. The strip has end panels of equal length and a central panel of a greater length. The end panels are constructed with slide tabs and longitudinal slits to form a closed loop and to allow for a sliding engagement between the end panels for varying the girth of the strip. The strip also provides a locking mechanism to prevent expansion of the strip once engaged. A separate file tab carrying a file name can be mounted to the strip by inserting the tab through slits adjacent to the score lines between the end panels and the central panel. As a separate file tab is necessary to carry a label for the file, the file tabs may easily separate from the remainder of the strip if not handled carefully.

Other patents teach different devices for securing a stack of articles such as envelops, currency, papers and checks. For instance, U.S. Patent No. 299,323 teaches a metal strap constructed with a open slot positioned at one end. The metal strap is passed transversely around the stack of articles and through the open slot. The part of the strap that is passed through the open slot is folded flat away from the open slot over the stack of articles. U.S. Patent No. 369,543 discloses a band having tongues projecting toward each other positioned longitudinally opposite from each other for use with an elastic band. When the band is wrapped about a stack of articles, the tongues project in opposite directions to receive the elastic band, and the elastic band is slipped over the tongues to secure the stack of articles. Another patent, U.S. Patent No. 504,213, discloses an adjustable band having a __ buckle and a flattened tube. The band is adapted to engage with the buckle for securing articles. The flattened tube has a sliding piece for adjusting the band to fit the size of the articles. In general, each of these devices are designed to form a continuous loop about a stack of articles while providing interlocking mechanisms to secure the stacked articles. These devices failed to provide the users with a convenient mechanism to access the documents in a secured stack as well as to sort or identify one stack of articles from another. A device is needed with a durable tab on which a label an be positioned while reducing the time required and delivery demanded in managing several stacks of articles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a stack divider for securing a stack of articles while allowing the user the ability to view a major portion of the secured articles. The stack divider comprises a first panel and a holding portion. The first panel has a first free end, a tab portion extending to the first free end, and a first pivoted end disposed longitudinally opposite from the first free end. The holding portion includes a second panel having a second pivoted end pivotably connected to the first pivoted end forming a hinge section. The stack divider has a maximum lateral width that is at most about 1/2 of the length of the first panel. The stack divider is locatable around a stack of papers with the two panels generally facing each other forming a holding position. The tab portion is of integral construction with the first panel and associated therewith to extend longitudinally beyond the second panel when the stack divider is in the holding position. As the tab is of integral construction with the remainder of the strip, it is not likely to separate therefrom when handled carelessly and does not require any assembly for use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of a stack divider constructed according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view thereof in a holding position;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view thereof; __

FIG. 4 is a side elevation thereof;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1 ; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention in a holding position;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation thereof;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a top plan view thereof in a holding position; and FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, stack divider 100 includes a first panel 102 of length Lj and a holding portion 104. First panel 102 has a first free end 106 and a first pivoted end 108 that is disposed longitudinally opposite from the free end 106. The term "longitudinal" herein is used with respect to the length of the stack divider. First panel 102 also has a tab portion 110 extending to the free end 106 for affixing a label 112 to identify the contents of the stack divider 100. The holding portion 104 includes a second panel 114 of a second length L₂, wherein L₂ is preferably greater than about 1/3 of L, but smaller than L,. Second panel 114 has a second pivoted end 116 and an intermediate pivoted end 118 that is disposed longitudinally opposite from the second pivoted end 116. The first pivoted end 108 is pivotably connected to the second pivoted 116 forming a first hinge section 120 with a third length L₃. The holding portion 104 also includes a third panel 122 having a fourth length L₄. The third panel 122 includes a third pivoted end 124 and a second free end 126 that is disposed longitudinally opposite from the third pivoted end 124. The intermediate pivoted end 118 pivotably connects the third pivoted end 124 forming a second hinge section 128 with a fifth length L₅. Each of the hinge sections 120, 128 includes at least one score line 130 positioned therewith for enhancing the ease of pivotable movement between the panels 102, 114 and 122. An embossment 132 is positioned in the tab portion 110 for locating the label 112. Referring to FIGs. 2-4, the third panel 122 is pivotally connected to second panel 114 such that it is disposed adjacent to and against the first panel 102 when the stack_ divider 100 is in the holding position. The stack divider 100 is placeable around a stack 134 of articles such as papers. In addition, all three panels, 102, 114 and 122, are substantially parallel to and generally facing each other with the hinge sections 120 and 128 adjustable to accommodate varying heights of the stack 134. The stack divider 100 is configured to hold sheets of papers conforming to a variety of standard size documents as well as non-standard sizes of articles. Standard size documents include U.S. letter size, 8-1/2 inches by 11 inches, U.S. legal size, 8-1/2 inches by 14", and Metric size (A4) which measures 8.27 inches by 11.69 inches. Furthermore, the three panels 102, 114 and 122 are preferably substantially flat sections relative to the hinge sections 120 and 128 such that when the stack divider 100 is folded about a stack 134, the three panels 102, 114 and 122 lay substantially flat against the stack 134 with the third panel 122 tucked under the stack 134 in abutment with the first panel 102. The lengths of both hinge sections L₃, L₅ are preferably substantially less than the lengths L,, L₂ and L₅ of the three panels 102, 114 and 122. This preferred configuration provides the stack divider 100 with essentially flat portions of panels 102, 114 and 122 abutting the width of the stacked 134 and the hinge sections 120 and 128 pivotally abutting the sides of the stack. Hinge sections 120 and 128 allow pivotable movement between the panels of preferably almost 360° but at least about 90° in each direction. The lateral width of the stack divider 100 preferably varies along its length, wherein lateral width W, of the first free end 106 is greater than the lateral width W₂ of the second free end 126. Preferably, the lateral width of the stack divider 100 is tapered from the first free end 106 to the second free end 126. When the stack divider 100 is in the holding position, the holding portion is slightly narrower than the first panel, allowing the user to grab hold of the holding portion for inserting papers. This configuration provides the user with greater ease in handling the stack divider 100 during use. The preferred embodiment is tapered symmetrically about a longitudinal axis 136. Other embodiments include asymmetrical protrusions extending from the divider.

The panels 102, 114, and 122 have a width which is preferably a maximum of about VΛ the length L, of the first panel 102, preferably about Vi of the length L, of the first panel 102. Maintenance of this proportion provides the user with the ability to view a significant portion of the secured articles while the stack divider is in the holding position. In addition, where multiple stack dividers are used in conjunction with each or where a stack divider is use with other document management systems, this proportion of the stack divider 100 allows the user to position the stack divider at varying vertical locations on the stack 134, such as near the top, middle or bottom of the stack 134, as to distinguish one stack of articles from other stacks. In this manner, each stack of the stacked articles may be easily identified even when the stack is bundled with other stacks of materials.

When in the holding position, the integrally constructed label portion 110 protrudes longitudinally beyond the holding portion 104 by a length L₆. The contents of the stack divider 100 are identified by the label 112, which is easily visible beyond the holding portion 104 and the stack 134. The label portion 110 also facilitates the handling and retrieval of the stack 134 from a plurality of stacked stacks.

Label 112, disposed on the label portion 110, has a contour that corresponds with the shape of the embossment 132. The maximum width of the stack divider 100 is preferably at the tab portion 110. The preferred length L₆ of the tab portion ranges from 1.5 to 4 inches, and most preferably is about 2 inches.

Each of the hinge sections 120 and 128 preferably includes at least one score line 130 for locating and enhancing the ease of pivotable movement between the first and second panels and between the second and third panels. Preferably each hinge section has between two and twenty score lines. The score lines 130 enable selectively folding the stack divider 100 around the stack 134 with variable stack heights, while keeping the panels 102, 114 and 122 substantially flat. In addition, the score lines 130 allow the stack divider 100 to adjust to the changes in the stack height of a particular stack of articles during use as more articles are added to the stack 134. As the lengths of both hinge sections L₃, L₅ are preferably substantially less than the lengths L,, L₂ and L₅ of the three panels 102, 114 and 122, the three panels are substantially free of score lines. The stack divider 100 is preferably constructed of at least semi-rigid and durable material, such as cardboard, stiff paper, and plastic. Stack divider 100 is preferably of a two layer construction consisting a first ply 138 and a second ply 140 as shown in FIG. 5. First ply 138 provides structural support for the stack divider and is preferably constructed of a more rigid material than second ply 140. Second ply 140 is provided in multiple color variations enabling the user to color code different stacks. The two plies 138, 140 have __ preferably the same dimensions. Another embodiment includes more plies and layers, preferably of different materials.

Referring to FIGs. 6 and 7, a stack divider 200 includes a first panel 202 and a holding portion 204. First panel 202 has a first free end 206 and a first pivoted end 208 that is disposed longitudinally opposite from the free end 206. First panel 202 also has a tab portion 210 extending to the free end 206 for affixing a label 212. The holding portion 204 includes a second panel 214 having a second pivoted end 216. The first pivoted end 208 is pivotably connected to the second pivoted 216 forming a hinge section 218. The tab portion 210 is integrally constructed and protrudes longitudinally beyond the holding portion 210 and the stack 134. A label 212 is affixed to the tab portion for identifying the contents of the stack divider 200. Score lines 220 are positioned in the hinge section 218 for enhancing the ease of pivotable movement between the first and second panels 202, 214.

First and second panels 202, 214 are substantially free of score lines, such that when stack divider 200 is placed around a stack 134, the two panels 202, 214 are substantially parallel to and generally facing each other with the hinge section 218 adjustable to accommodate the varying heights of the stack. This configuration allows ease of access to insert and retrieve documents from the stack 134. This configuration further allows the user to add documents to the stack divider 200 as the divider is stacked with other dividers. Referring to FIGs. 8 and 9, a stack divider 300 includes a first panel 302 and a holding portion 304. First panel 302 has a first free end 306 and a first pivoted end 308 that is disposed longitudinally opposite from the first free end 306. The holding portion 304 includes a second panel 310 having a second pivoted end 312 and a second free end 313 disposed longitudinally opposite from the first free end 306. The first pivoted end 308 is pivotably connected to the second pivoted 312 forming a hinge section 314. A spine tab 316 is cut adjacent or through the hinge section 314, such that when the stack divider 300 is in the folding position, the spine tab 316 protrudes laterally beyond the end of the hinge section 314 longitudinally away from the first free end 306 and the stack 134. The spine tab 316 is preferably affixed with a label 318 for identifying and categorizing the contents of stack divider 300.

A slit 320 is defined laterally remote from the first pivoted end 308 of the first panel 302 near the free end 306. Slit 320 is configured for receiving the holding portion 304 for securing it to the first panel 302 and to secure the stack 134 in the holding position. In__ addition, slit 320 allows for sliding movement between the first panel 302 and the holding portion 304 to adjust to the varying heights of the stack 134 as the first and second panels 302, 310 are not fixed with respect to each other. Hinge section 314 includes at least one score line 322 positioned therewith for enhancing the ease of pivotable movement between the first and second panels 302, 310. Spine tab 316 is preferably free of score lines 322.

FIG. 9 shows the stack divider 300 in the holding position about the stack 134 with spine tab 316 extending laterally beyond the sides of the stack 134 for identifying the contents of the stack divider 300. Preferably, the spine tab 316 remains in the same plane as the first panel 302 when the stack divider 300 is in the holding position. Spine tab 316 allows the user to index the contents of stack 134 and is selectively located at varying vertical locations on the stack 134, such as near the top, middle or bottom of the stack 134, or stagger the spine tabs, or overlap groups of spine tabs while stagger others to distinguish one stack from another.

The first and second free ends 306, 313 are shown in FIG. 9 and 10 as having straight ends. Another embodiment includes ends having a curvature. The variations in the shape first and second free ends provide additional sorting and organizing mechanisms for the users. When the stack divider 300 is in the holding position, with the holding portion

304 engaged in slit 320, the user may view the stack 134 without removing the stack divider 300. Furthermore, the user may easily access the contents of the stack 134 by disengaging the holding portion 304 from the slit 320. The lack of a interlocking mechanism further assists in the disengagement of the first panel 302 and the holding portion 304. Referring to FIG. 10, a stack divider 400 includes a first panel 402 and a holding portion 404. First panel 402 has a first free end 406 and a pivoted end 408 disposed longitudinally opposite from the free end 406. The holding portion 404 includes a second panel 410 that has a pivoted end 412 and a second free end 414 disposed laterally opposite from the pivoted end 412. Pivoted ends 408 and 412 cooperate to form a hinge section 416. Hinge section 416 allows first panel 402 and holding portion 404 to pivot about a stack of papers when the stack divider 400 is in the holding position. A tab portion 418 is disposed in the hinge section 416, such that when the stack divider 400 is a holding position, spine tab 418 protrudes longitudinally opposite from the first panel. __

A first hole 420 is defined near the free end 406, and a second hole is defined in the second free end 414. An elastic band 424 is attached to holding portion 404 through the second hole 422. The band 424 is securable to the first panel 402 through the first hole 420 to provide a flexible securing mechanism for the stack divider 400 when in the holding position.

Hinge section 416 includes at least one score line 426 positioned therewith for enhancing the ease of pivotable movement between the first panel 402 and the holding portion 404. A pivot portion 428 is included on the first panel 402 to facilitate its pivotable movement when the stack divider 400 is in the holding position.

One of ordinary skill in the art can envision numeral variations and modifications. All of these modifications are contemplated by the true spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A stack divider comprising: (a) a first panel of a first length having:

(i) a first free end, and __

(ii) a first pivoted end disposed longitudinally opposite from the first free end;

(b) a holding portion that includes a second panel having a second pivoted end pivotably connected to the first pivoted end such that the first panel and the holding portion are locatable around a stack in a holding position with the first and second panels generally facing each other; and

(c) at least one semi-rigid tab portion of integral construction with the first panel and associated therewith such that the tab portion extends longitudinally beyond the second panel in the holding position; wherein the first and second panels have a maximum lateral width perpendicular to and at most about ³╬¢ of the first length.

2. The stack divider of claim 1, further comprising a first hinge section pivotally attaching the first and second panels together and including at least one score line configured to allow pivotable movement between the first and second panels.

3. The stack divider of claim 1, wherein:

(a) the second panel has an intermediate pivoted end disposed longitudinally opposite from the second pivoted end; and

(b) the holding portion includes a third panel having a third pivoted end pivotably connected to the intermediate pivoted end such that the third panel is placeable adjacent to the first panel when the stack divider is in the holding position.

4. The stack divider of claim 3, wherein the second panel has a second length and the third panel has a third length such that the second length is longer than the third length.

5. The stack divider of claim 1, wherein:

(a) the holding portion includes a second free end disposed longitudinally opposite from the first free end; and

(b) the first free end is wider than the second free end.

6. The stack divider of claim 1 , wherein the divider is tapered longitudinally between the first and second free ends.

7. The stack divider of claim 1, wherein the tab portion defines a slit configured for receiving and retaining the holding portion in the holding position.

8. The stack divider of claim 7, wherein the slit and the holding portion are configured and sized for permitting sliding movement between the first panel and the holding portion.

9. The stack divider of claim 1, wherein the tab portion and the first free end are of integral construction.

10. The stack divider of claim 1 , wherein the tab portion protrudes beyond the holding portion by at least about 1.5 inches.

11. The stack divider of claim 11 , wherein the tab portion protrudes beyond the holding portion by up to about 4 inches.

12. The stack divider of claim 1 , further comprising a hinge section pivotably connecting the first and second panels together such that the first and second panels are foldable around the stack selectably at a plurality of locations in the hinge section for holding a stack of various sizes.

13. The stack divider of claim 12, further comprising at least one score line disposed in the hinge section to allow pivotable movement between the first and second panels.

14. The stack divider of claim 1, wherein the tab portion comprises an embossment configured for locating a label.

15. A stack divider of claim 1, wherein the first panel is substantially free from hingeable portions.

16. The stack divider of claim 1, wherein the first panel has:

(a) a hinge free portion; and

(b) an intermediate hinge section configured for allowing pivoting to allow for pivotable movement between the first free end and the hinge free portion of the first panel.

17. A stack divider comprising:

(a) a first panel of a first length having: (i) a first free end of a first lateral width,

(ii) a first pivoted end disposed longitudinally opposite from the first free end, and

(iii) a tab portion extending to the first free end; and

(b) a holding portion of a second lateral width that includes a second panel having:

(i) a second length that is shorter than the first length and longer than about ^╬¢h of the first length, and

(ii) a second pivoted end pivotably connected to the first pivoted end such that the first panel and the holding portion are locatable around a stack in a holding position with the first and second panels generally facing each other, wherein the first and second lateral widths are at most about % of the first length.

18. The stack divider of claim 17, further comprising:

(a) a first hinge section connecting the first and second panels together and including at least one score line configured to allow pivotable movement between the first and second panels; and (b) a second hinge section connecting the second and third panels together and including at least one score line superposed on the second hinge section and configured to allow for pivotable movement between the second and third panels.

19. A stack divider comprising:

(a) a first panel having a first pivoted end; __

(b) a holding portion that includes a second panel having a second pivoted end pivotally connected to the first pivoted end forming a hinge section, wherein the first panel and the holding portion are locatable around a stack in a holding position with the first and second panels substantially in parallel; and

(c) a tab portion disposed adjacent to the hinge section protruding laterally beyond the end of the hinge section.

20. The stack divider of claim 19, wherein the tab portion is at least partially longitudinally coextensive with the hinge section.

21. The stack divider in clam 20, wherein the tab portion is free from hingeable portions.

22. The stack divider of claim 19, further comprising an elastic band associable with the first panel and the holding portion for elastically biasing the first panel and holding portion towards the holding position.

23. The stack divider of claim 19, wherein the tab comprises a cut-out portion.