Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02485895 2001-09-19
INDEXING SYSTEM PACKAGE AND DISPLAY SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an indexing system including tabbed dividers that
are locatable adjacent to label indicia on a display element. More
particularly, the invention
relates to a system of dividers with see-through tabs for placement over
indicia identifying
the divider.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Typical dividers for stacks of sheets such as paper have tabs extending
beyond the stack. The tabs are labeled to identify the divided sections of the
stack. Some
laiown tabs have transparent pockets to insert a label connected directly to
the divider. The
dividers are often employed in stack holders, such as binders, including ring
binder and
spiral binders and other types, books, and folders typically have two covers
that pivot with
respect to a binding assembly such as a spine. The dividers separate and
visually label
various sections, such as chapters, that are bound and to permit easy access
to any one of
these sections. The area provided for the indicia that identifies the sections
is limited by the
size of the tab.
U.S. Patent No. 4,516,871 shows tabulated sheet protectors with tab sections
that have letters printed thereon. Also, U.S. Patent No. 5,908,259, for
example, discloses an
index sheet assembly with divider sheets that have outstanding tabs. The tabs
align with
sections on s foldout portion of the assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an indexing system that includes a label display
element that is associable with a stack of objects. The display element
includes a label
portion disposed in a viewing position beyond the stack and configured for
displaying label
indicia identifying a one or more objects in the stack. At least one tab is
associable with the
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CA 02485895 2001-09-19
objects of the stack in a tab position extending beyond the stack and over at
least a portion
of the label portion In addition, the tab is configured to permit viewing of
the label indicia
through the tab.
Preferably, the indexing system also includes a body portion connected to
the~tab and configured for positioning the tab in the tab position. In an
embodiment of the
invention, the body portion comprises a divider configured for separating the
objects of the
stack, and the body portion can include a pocket. In one embodiment, the body
portion and
the display element are operatively connected along two edges disposed at an
angle to each
other to form a pouch for receiving a section of the stack.
The tab can include a framed window portion that permits viewing of the
label indicia therethrough. Also, the tab may comprise a sufficiently
translucent or
transparent material such that the label indicia is visible through the
material.
Preferably, the indicia receivable on the label portion includes first and
second indicia disposed at first and second locations on the label portion.
First and second
IS ~S ~ positionable over at least a portion of the first and second indicia,
respectively. The
first and second tabs are preferably of different colors.
A preferred display element comprises a label sheet, and the display element
includes a display holder configured and dimensioned to hold and position the
label sheet in
the viewing position, for placement under the tabs. In one embodiment, the
label holder
includes a pocket configured to hold the label sheet. Preferably, the stack of
sheets that the
sheet holder is configured to hold have predetermined dimensions, and the
label sheet is
also substantially of the predetermined dimension.
Preferably, the display element includes first and second display elements
configured for holding in the stack holder on opposite sides of the stack.
Additionally, the
first and second display elements in the open position are disposed such that
the divider is
selectively movable fiom adjacent the label portion of the first display
element to adjacent
the label portion of the second display element.
In a preferred embodiment, the label display element comprises a label sheet.
The label sheet includes a label binding portion for binding with a stack
holder with a stack
of objects having predetermined dimensions, a label edge disposed on the
display element
for extending beyond the stack, and a label portion disposed between the label
edge and the
steak and configured for receiving label indicia for identifying objects in
the stack. A
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CA 02485895 2006-04-19
sectioning portion of the indexing system includes the body, with a body
binding portion
for binding to the sheet holds with the aleck, and a tab associated with the
body. The tab
adeads beyond the stack and over at least a portion of the label portion when
the display
and sectioning portion are bound to the stack holder.
The labol portion preferably includes a phnality of label portions, and the
sectioning portion compzises a plurality of sectioning portions. Also, the tab
of each
sectioning portion is disposed with respoct to the divide binding portion of
said each
sectioning portion for placement over at least a portion of a different one of
the label
portions when the label sheet and divider are bound to the stack holder. The
preferred stack
hod is a ring binder; and the label binding portion and the body binding
portions each
includes a mounting portion configured for receiving and attaching to the
rings of the .
binder.
The label biadirtg poriian of one embodiment includes first and second
panels, each bindable to the stack holds. An ombodimeut o~ the display ei~t is
bye to the bia~ding rings by tho first penal, such that the label edge extends
beyond the
stack by a first lateral distance. This display el~t is also bindable do the
binding rings by
the second parcel, such that the labai edge ext~ds be~norud the stack at a
seoo~nd lateral
distance that is different from the first >ebaal distance. The fast and second
panels are
preferably Foldsbly connected such that the label shoat is biadable to the
sheet holder at the
~ and second lateral distazices. With the first and second panels unfolded,
the label edge
may ~dr~d beyond $re stack by the first lateral distance, cad with the fast
and sooond
panels in ovaisppmg aseoastion, the label edge may extea~d beyond tile stack
by the second
One embodiment is a disk holder ass~ably with a case and a plurality of
body portions pivotably connected to the case for separating disks in a stack
of disks. At
least one tab extends firm the body portions for identifying sections of the
stack of disks.
In this embodiment, the body portions have a substantially round contour.
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CA 02485895 2006-04-19
A preferred embodiment of an indexing system package comprising: at least
one indexing system element including a label window; a container for holding
indexing
system elements, and having front and back covers, the indexing system
elements received
within the container; and a label portion having at least one label indicia
positioned behind
and viewable through the label window; wherein the front cover defines an
opening
adjacent the label window for viewing the label portion, the label window
being positioned
visibly in the opening and over at least a portion of the label portion such
that the label
indicia is visible therethrough.
In one embodiment, the container comprises an envelope and the envelope
has a second opening along a top edge for receiving the indexing system
elements. The
envelope can also include a flap extending from the front cover that bends
over the opening
to contact the back cover and seal the indexing elements therein. The front
and back covers
are dimensioned for positively positioning the label windows over the indicia.
The
indexing system elements can include a plurality of sheet dividers where each
divider
includes a tab extending therefrom that comprises the label window.
A package display system constructed according to the invention has a
storage member for holding packages, a face member adjacent the storage member
and
having at least one label indicia disposed thereupon. At least one label
window extends
from the storage member and over the face member and the label window is
positioned over
at least a portion of the label portion such that the label indicia is visible
therethrough.
The invention provides an indexing system package comprising: at least one
indexing system element including a label window; a container for holding
indexing system
elements, and having front and back covers, the indexing system elements
received within
the container; and a label portion disposed on the interior of the back cover
and having at
least one label indicia provided on the label portion and positioned behind
and viewable
through the label window; wherein the front cover defines an opening adjacent
the label
window for viewing the label portion, the label window being positioned
visibly in the
opening and over at least a portion of the label portion such that the label
indicia is visible
therethrough.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a bottom view of an index system constructed according to the
present invention assembled in a three-ring binder;
Fig.. 2 is a perspective view thereof in a partially open position;
Fig. 3 is an inside front view thereof in an open position;
Fig. 4 is a front cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a display element constructed according to the
invention;
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CA 02485895 2001-09-19
Fig. 6 is a front perspective view of as alternative embodiment of a back
display element;
Fig. 7 is.a front perspective view of the display element of Fig. 6;
Fig. 8 is a front view thereof mounted in a binder,
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 10 is a front view of yet another embodiment of the invention;
Figs. 11 and 12 are perspective views of alternative embodiments of the
invention;
Fig.13 is a front view of another embodiment in an open position;
Figs.14 and 15 are front views of alternative embodiments of dividers and
stacks according to the invention;
Fig.16 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention
with adhereable tabs and label sheet;
Fig. 17 is a perspective view of an accordion file constructed according to
the ~vention;
Fig.18 is a perspective view of a disk case constructed according to the
inv~tion;
Fig.19 is a perspective view of a wallet insert constructed according to the
invention;
Fig. 20 is a front perspective view of ~ indexing system package
const<nctod wording to the invention;
Fig. 21 is a back perspective view of the package of Fig. 20;
Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a display stand constructed according to the
IllVCntlOn;
Fig. 23 is a screen shot of an Internet home page according to the invention;
Fig. 24 is screen shot of a template web page according to the invention; and
Fig. 25 is a view of a template according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a first embodiment of as indexing system 20
constructed according to the present invention is shown in use with a stack
holder that is a
ring binder 22, such as a 3-ring binder. The binder 22 has a front cover 24, a
tack cover 26,
_ _ . ., .,
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CA 02485895 2001-09-19
and a spine 28, connecting the front and back covers 24 and 26. The binder 22
further
includes a binding mechanism 30 attached to either cover 24 or 26 or the spine
28,
preferably for releasably securing sheets or a.stack of objects, such as a
stalk of sheets 33,
to the binder 22. Suitable binding mechanisms include spirals, clamps, clasps,
hooks, other
ring-type mechanisms and other known binding mechanisms. The binding mechanism
30,
as shown, is secured to the inside surface of the spine 28 and has
substantially circular rings
32, although differentially shaped rings can be used. For example, equally
suitable is a
binding mechanism 30 having D-shaped rings secured to the inside surface of
the back
cover 26. The stack of sheets 33 is shown inserted within the binder 22
preferably with the
~~ 32 of the binder 22 engaging pre-punched holes disposod on the sheets 33.
Additionally, the stack of sheets 33 is shown being divided into various
sections.
Additional stacks can be bound in the binder 22 behind the display elements.
These
additional stacks preferably may be either unindexed or indexed with a
separate set of
dividers.
In Fig. 2, the binder 22 is shown with the front cover 24 partially in an
opened position, exposing the contents contained therein. This embodiment of
the indexing
system 20 has a front label display element, which preferably includes a label
sheet 34
adjacent to the front cover 24 and a second label sheet 34 adjacent to the
back cover 26.
Each label sheet 34 includes a label edge 36 extending beyond the stack of
sheets 33
~~ ~ ~e binder 22. In other embodiments, the stack can include other types and
shapes of objects. At least one label portion 37 is disposed on the label
sheet 34 preferably
in a viewing position between the label edge 36 and the stack 33, adjacent to
label edge 36.
Each label portion is configured for receiving at least one label indicia 44,
shown as
headings in the figures, to identify the various sections within the stack 33.
Preferably, the
~l portions 37 include a plurality of label portions or areas 38-42 for
receiving a plurality
of indica 44 with each indicia 44 coirespondiag to each section of the stack
of sheets 33.
Five headings 44 are shown extending substantially across the entire all of
the label portions
37 of the label sheet 34. The number of headings preferably corresponds to the
number of
sections contained in the stack of sheets 33, as desired by the user.
Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, a preferred embodiment has at least one section
indicator associable with the stack of objects, which preferably includes at
least one divider,
and preferably a plurality of dividers 46-50. The exemplary five dividers 46-
Sfl are shown
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CA 02485895 2001-09-19
operatively associated with the label sheet 34 for dividing the various
sections within the
stack of sheets 33 in the binder 22. Each divider 46-50 has a body portion 52
and a tab 54
extending from a body edge 56, for dividing the objects in the stack. The body
portions 52
preferably form part of the stack of objects. Each of the dividers 46-50 and
the label sheets
34 have a divider binding portion 58 and a label binding portion 60. Each
binding portion
58,60 of the preferred embodiment includes a mounting portion 62,64,
configured for
binding to the binding mechanism 30 preferably including apertures or pre-
punched holes
for receiving and attaching to the rings 32 of the binder 22. Accordingly, the
dividers 46-50
and label sheets 34 are easily attached to the binder 22 by inserting pre-
punched holes on
~e ~viders 46-50 and label sheets 34 through the rings 32. Once inserted, the
dividers 46-
50 are operatively associated to the label sheets 34 to that each section of
the stack of
sheets 33 is separated from the others. The label sheets 34 are preferably
inserted with the
dividers 46-50 therebetween, and are most preferably positioned and
substantially adjacent
the covers 24,26 and on opposite sides of the dividers 46-50. Accordingly, the
dividers 46-
50 are selectively movable from adjacent the label portions 37 of the first
label sheet 34 to
adjacent the label portions 37 of the second label sheet 34 by sliding the pre-
punched holes
of the dividers 46-50 over the rings 32 when the dividers 46-50 and stack
sections are
flipped thereover.
The dividers 46-50 are additionally configured with respect to the
pensions of the stack of sheets 33 contemplated for use within the binder 22
such that the
tabs 54 extend or pmject beyond an unbound edge 66 of the sheets, and
preferably the edge
opposite from the binding portion 68 of the stack. In alternative ~bodiments,
the tabs
ext~d from other edges, including edges adjacent the bound edge, such as the
top and
bottom edges, and the display portion and labels are aligned behind the tabs.
For example,
binders are commonly available for various standard size sheets of papers.
Some of the
typical sheets include the standard letter size, which measures SYz x 11
inches, legal size,
which measures 8 % x I4 inches, or A4 size, which measures 8.264 x 11.684
inches. Other
embodiments of dividers and display elements are size. for use with other
sizes of binders,
such as personal planners, for which typical sheet dimensions include 5 %z x 8
%2 inches, 3 3l4
x 6 3/4 inches, 3 Ya x 6 %h inches, and 3 x 5 inches. To accommodate these
various standard
size sheets, the body 52 of the divider 46-50 employed is preferably of
similar or
substantially the same dimensions as the stack of sheets 33, although other
shapes or sizes
CA 02485895 2001-09-19
that are different than the sheets can alternatively be employed with the tab
54 extending
beyond the shext dimension Accordingly, with the dividers 46-SO dividing the
stack of
sheets 33 in the binder 22, the tabs 54 of the various dividers 4~-50 are
preferably clearly
visible by the user and may be used to locate the various sections within the
stack of sheets
33.
Additionally, each tab 54 of the various dividers 46-50 is preferably fiuther
configured to extend from a different position along the divider edge such
that when the
plurality of dividers 46-50 is operatively associated with the label sheet 34
of the display
station, each tab 54 of each divider 46-50 is in alignment with and preferably
disposed over
one label indicia 44 on the label portions 37. As shown in Fig. 2, preferably
when viewed
squarely from the front, the tab 54 is located over label indicia 44 marked as
"HEADING 1"
at label area 38, the tab 54 is over the label indicia 44. marked as "HEADING
2" at label
areas 38-42 and so on thmugh the final tab 54, which is over the label indicia
44 marked
'~IEADING 5" at label area 42. Thus, the five dividers 46-50 and their
associated tabs 54
~ ~~ ~~ ~h subsequent tab 54 extending in alignment with and over the label
portions 37 and label areas 38-42 at different stations along the divider
edge. In this
manner, each tab 54 preferably overlaps a different label indicia 44 disposed
on the label
portions 37. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, tabs 54 are substantially
planar and label
indicia 44 reside on a separate plane substantially parallel thereto, and
offset or spaced from
t~ 54.
A window portion of each of the tab 54 is configured to permit viewing of
the indicia 4.4 through the window portion when the dividers 4Cr50 and the
label sheets 34
are secured to the binder 22. The window portion may be in the form of a
cutout 70 made
on the tab 54, as shown in Fig. 4, a cutout with a transparent covering, or in
other forms to
permit viewing of the label areas therebeneath. The window 70 of Fig. 4 hss a
frame SS
extending around the perimeter of the window 70. Preferably the entire tab 54
is made of a
sufficiently translucent or transparent material to permit viewing of the
indicia 44 behind
the tab 54. The entire divider may alternatively be constructed of a
transparent material.
The tab 54 of the divide are arranged sequentially at the various stations
along the divider body edge 56, and all label indicia 44 is preferably easily
viewed at a '
glance. As the label sheets 34 of two display elements are preferably secured
to the binder
22 with the series of eon~sponding headings facing the stack of sheets 33
contained in the
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CA 02485895 2001-09-19
binder 22, as shown in Fig. 3, each of the headings is easily viewable through
the windows
on the tabs 54 regardless of the point along the stack of sheets 33 to which
the binder 22 is
opened.
For example, Fig. 3 shows the two dividers 46, 47 adjacent to the label
portions 37 of one label sheet 34, while the remaining three dividers 48-50
are adjacent the
label portions 37 of the other label sheet 34. Accordingly, a first portion of
the group of tabs
54, namely the tabs 54 of the first two dividers 46, 47, permit viewing of a
first portion of
the headings, namely "HEADING 1" and "HEADING 2" of the front label sheet 34
and a
second portion of the tabs 54, namely the tabs 54 of the last three dividers
48-50, permit
viewing of a second portion of the headings, namely "HEADING 3," "HEADING 4,"
and
"HEADING 5", which are disposed on the back label sheet 34. Thus, all headings
and label
areas 38-42 on both label sheets 34 are preferably easily viewable through
windows of the
tabs 54 adjacent thereto or plainly viewable adjacent to the divider edge and
the edge of the
sheets. Additionally, the dividers 46-50 and label sheets 34 are substantially
flat when
attached to the binder 22, further facilitating the ease of viewing the
headings on the label
portions 37. Moreover, when the plurality of dividers 46-50 are arranged so as
to divide the
stack of sheets according to the various sections, the number of dividers 46-
50 preferably
corresponds with the number of sections and the associated number of
coordinated
headings. Also, the tabs 54 are preferably approximately 2'/,x%s inches, with
a rounded
contour, or the ends of the tabs 54 slightly tapered to form a handle to
facilitate selection
and gripping by the user.
Preferably, the dividers 46-50 are constructed from a material more rigid or
stiff than the sheets of paper contained in the binder 22. Suitable materials
include plastics,
paper, cardboard, manila paper, and combinations thereof. Most preferably, the
dividers 46-
50 may be constructed with the body 52 and tab portion being transparent or
translucent
either in whole or in part and may either collectively be monochromatic or a
mixture of
colors. Preferably, the tab and the body 52 of the divider are integrally
constructed. Most
preferably, each divider is preferably constructed from a single sheet with
the tab die cut
from the sheet.
Referring to Fig. 5, the label sheet of the preferred display element includes
a
label holder 72 that is configured to hold and position an indicia sheet 74
having the indicia,
including the plurality of headings in the viewing position, such that the
headings are
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CA 02485895 2001-09-19
disposed in alignment in the label areas 38-42 and label portions 37 of the
display element.
Each of the label holder 72 includes front and back panels 76, 78 that are
sealed along at
least one side, and preferably three sides 80 to form a pocket 84, and open at
another side 82
for receiving the indicia sheet 74. To facilitate such alignment of the
indicia sheet 74, the
pocket 84 of the label holder 72 extends from the label edge 36 substantially
the width of
the indicia sheet 74 toward the label binding portion 60 and has a width
similar or slightly
large than that of the indicia sheet 74.
Additionally, the indicia sheet preferably has about the same predetermined
dimensions as the sheets of the stack contained in the binder 22. Thus,
headings on the
indicia sheet may be easily prepared by printing the headings on a printer on
a standard size
sheet of paper. Most preferably, the indicia sheet is printed by the user when
printing the
sheets to be stored in the binder 22. Using commonly available word processing
software,
the indicia sheet may be prepared at the same time as the user prepares the
stack of sheets
33 and can be inserted within the pocket 84 of the label holder 72 along with
the sheets into
I S the binder 22.
Depending on the size and type of the binder 22 used with the present
indexing system 20, the binding portion may benefit from adjustments to ensure
proper
alignment of the tabs 54 with the label indicia 44. For example, especially
with round ring
binder mechanisms, the lateral position of the unbound edge 66 of the stack
can vary with
respect to the relative position of the label portions 37, depending on the
size of the rings 32
and thickness of the stack. A larger ring will tend to position the display
element further
inwardly, towards the binding mechanism 30 to the stack unbound edge 66 for a
commonly
available 1 inch binder 22 having rings 32 with approximately a 1 inch radius,
the unbound
edge 66 of the sheets near the center of the stack may be shined with respect
to the unbound
edge 66 of the sheets at the front or back of the stack by about one-half inch
due to the
shape of the rings 32. This behavior of the sheets is less noticeable when the
binder 22 has a
smaller ring capacity or with D-shaped rings 32. With a 3 inch or 5 inch
binder, the
difference between edge positions of the sheets in the stack with the binder
22 in the opened
position becomes significantly more prominent.
Accordingly, to accommodate the variability of the size of the binder that the
user may desire, an alternative embodiment of the display element 86 is
mountable to the
binding mechanism 30 to position the label portions at a variable distance
from the label
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binding portion 60, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. Display element 86 has label
portions 88
disposed adjacent to the label edge 90, a pocket 92 for receiving an indicia
sheet 84, and a
label binding portion 94.. The label binding portion 94 includes at least two
separate
binding panels 96,98 each having preferably pre-punched holes 100 for engaging
the rings
32 of the binder 22. Preferably, the panels 96,98 may have openings that are
open to the
perimeter of the display element, to permit insertion of a ring or spiral of a
binder 22
without opening the binder 22. An opening I06 preferably connects the openings
of the
first and second panels and extends across the hinge 102. When the binding
panels 96,98
are folded over each other, the overlapping halves of the openings 106 provide
a tapered
opening I 13 with a wide opening portion 109 that leads to a narrow opening
portion 111.
The tapered opening 113 allows a binding ring or other mechanism to be
received and
snapped into the openings I 13 and holes 100. Additionally, the pocket 92 has
an opening
that extends laterally from the label edge toward the label binding portion,
covering about
half of the label sheet 84.
The two binding panels are preferably pivotally connected to each other at
hinge line 102, which preferably comprises a scan line, and to the remaining
portion of the
label sheet 84 at scan line 104. When the label sheet 84 is mounted to the
binder 22 through
the mounting portion 62 of the first panel 96, the label edge extends beyond
said stack of
sheets and the binding mechanism 30 by first lateral distances. Similarly,
when label sheet
g4 is attached to the binder 22 through the mounting portion 64 of the second
panel 98, the
label edge extends beyond said stack of sheets and the binding mechanism 30 by
second
lateral distances that are respectively shorter than the first lateral
distances. Preferably,
when the label sheet 84 is attached using the second panel, the first panel is
folded along the
hinge 102 in an overlapping configuration with the first panel, such that the
label sheet 84 is
~~ ~ ~e binder 22 using both mounting portions of the label sheet 84.
Accordingly,
the label sheet 84 may be attached to the binder 22 individually with the
panels substantially
parallel to and extending away from each other or in an overlapping
configuration with the
panels overlapping each other, to selectively vary the extension of the label
edge and label
portions 88 with respect to the stack of sheets and binding mechanism 30.
Therefore, by
securing the label sheet 84 to the binder 22 using different sets of the holes
or other
openings or structures to attach to the binder 22, the lateral extension of
the label sheet 84
and the label portions 88 may be adjusted according to the sheet capacity of
tl~ binder 22.
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CA 02485895 2001-09-19
The label sheet 84 is preferably adjusted to ensure that the label portions 88
extends sufficiently beyond the stack of sheets contained in the binder 22.
Moreover, the
user may start with the label sheet 84 attached to the binder 22 with panels
in~ the
overlapping configuration and modify the width of the label sheet 84 by using
the first panel
to attach to the binder 22 as more sheets are stored in the binder 22. In this
manner, the
label sheet 84 may be easily adjusted to accommodate the changing capacity of
the binder
22 to ensure that the tabs 54 of the dividers 46-50 are in alignment with the
label portions
88 of the label sheet 84. An alternative embodiment has additional panels.
Refen:ing to
Fig. 7, the rear side of the display clement 86 also preferably has another
see-through
i 0 pocket, which can cover substantially the entire rear side, to receive a
rear title page 107.
In Fig. 8, the display element is shown and attached to the binder rings 32 by
the holes in the first panel. Thus, the width 108 of the display element in
this configuration
is greater than the width I 10 thereof from the openings of the first panel
when attached by
the second panel from the openings of the second panel.
15 The embodiment shown in Fig. 9 and front and back covers I 12,114 that are
pivotally connected along a hinge 116 line for securing a stack of sheets
between the covers.
A display element I 18 is associated with one or both covers and is preferably
constructed to
each of the covers. Most preferably, the display element includes a label edge
120 that
extends beyond the stack sheets held between the covers and label portions 122
disposed
20 adjacent to the label edge 120 and configured for receiving a label indicia
44.
A plurality of dividers 124 are disposed between the covers and have inner
edges that are held in proper position for tubes 126 to overlap with the label
portions by the
hinge line in a protective association and position similar to the overlapping
association
described of the previous embodiments.
The dividers are alternatively securod to each other along a common odge,
such as at the hinge 116.
Referring to Fig. 10, dividers 130 and label sheets 132 are secured along two
adjacent edges 134 such that the dividers and the covers form various pouches
therebetween
for receiving sections of a stack of sheets: As folders are typically intended
for holding
30 fewer sheets thaw binders, by having two sealed edges, the pouch formed by
the open space
between the covers and the dividers conveniently and securely hold sections of
the stack of
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CA 02485895 2001-09-19
sheets containing information. Additionally, each section of the stack of
sheds is tabbed to
facilitate access and view.
As in the previous embodiments; the display elements preferably. include
inside and outside transparent sheets for permitting viewing of the label
portions and a title
page on the outside, facing away from the stack. Using commonly available
software
programs, the user may prepare a cover, label indicia 44, and contents of the
presentation or
brochure. The prepared documents can easily be printed on a printer and
inserted within
their respective positions in the folder.
The sheet holder of Fig. 11 is a spiral bound notebook 136 with a spiral
big 138 on a top side thereof. A front cover 140 of the notebook 136 has a
width 142
from the binding that is shorter than the width 144 of the back cover 146.
Thus, the see-
through tabs 148 of the dividers and the label areas 150 of the label portions
are visible even
with the notebook closed. The display element~151 preferably comprises a
transparent
pocket axed to the cover 140 to receive a label sheet. Alternatively, the
display element
1 S 1 may include a sticker adhered to the cover in the viewing position.
The embodiment shown in Fig. 12 is similar to the one of Fig. 11, but the
stack holder of this embodiment is a clip board 153 with a resiliently biased
clip 155
holding a paper pad 157. Display element 159 is preferably part of the paper
pad 157, and
preferably includes a rear cardboard panel 161 of the pad 157 that is attached
to stack 163 at
a ~p edge portion 165 thereof.
Fig. 13 shows a report cover 152 with front and back covers 154,156
connected to a stack 158 with a plurality of tabbed dividers 160 with metal
band-type
binding fasteners 162 that extend through both covers 154,156 and the stack
158 and are
bent around eyelets 164 in the back cover 156. The back cover 156 includes a
display
element with a pocket 166, preferably configured to receive a label sheet 168
of similar size
as the sheets of the stack 158. A framed label window 170 permits viewing of a
label
portion 172 of the label sheet 168 and is positioned to align in a viewing
position under the
tabs of the dividers 160. In this embodiment, the front cover 154 does not
have a separate
display element.
The dividers 174,176 shown in Figs. 14 and 15 have body portions 178,180
shaped and dimensioned differently than the sheets of the stacks 182. These
bodies 178 are
non-rectangular, although another embodiment has a rectangular body that is ef
a different
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CA 02485895 2001-09-19
size than a stack with which it is intended to be used. Divider 174 is formed
of two
materials, such as a paper, cardboard, or plastic portion 184 fixed to a
transparent portion
186, which forms part of the body portion 178 and the tab 188.
Referring to Fig. 16, the sheet holder of this embodiment is a book 190, such
as a picture album. The book 190 includes body portions, which comprise pages
194. The
pages 194 may include pockets 195, preferably open on a side thereof, such as
top side 197.
Transparent tabs 192 are attached, preferably by adhering, to pages 194 of the
book 190. A
display element comprises a label sheet 196 that is attached, to a cover 198
of the book 190.
Preferably, adhesive is disposed on the underside of inward portion 201,
located inwardly
~m age 202, to attach to the book 190. Alternatively, the label sheet 196 can
be attached
to the other cover 200, or to a page 194 of the book 190, and by means other
than adhesives.
Hinge 202 of the label sheet 196 is preferably configured for folding the
label sheet 196
thereabout to be stowed preferably completely between the covers 198,200 when
the
indexing system is not in use. The tabs 192 overlap with at least a portion of
label areas
206, preferably when viewed at a preselected angle, preferably generally
orthogonally, with
respect to the open pages 194.
The Iabel sheet 196 includes heading dividing indicia, preferably lines 204 to
visually separate label areas 206. The label sheet 196 of this embodiment is
preferably
provided label areas 206 configured to receive label indicia when added by a
user when tabs
~ applied. In an alternative embodiment, the display element comprises a
plurality of
label sheets attached side-by-side with the label areas 206 disposed under
each tab 192. In
this embodiment, the stack includes the pages 194 which connect the tabs 192
to the book
190.
In this embodiment, the body portions are part of the stack that is held and
~~d~ ~ ~e tabs 192. Other pages 194 of the book 190 do trot have tabs, and are
contained within the divided sections.
The embodiment of Fig. 17 includes a stack holder that is an accordion file
208 with dividers 210, including the front cover 212. Back cover 214 comprises
a display
element 216, although the display element can be fitted instead to one of the
dividers 210.
S~~ugh tabs 218 extend from the dividers 210 to overlap with the label areas
220 of the
display element 216. Pockets are formed between the dividers 210 and the
covers 212,214
to contain sections of a stack. The file 208 has three expandable walls 222
that preferably
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CA 02485895 2001-09-19
connect corresponding three sides of the dividers 210 and the covers 212, 214
to expand
substantially in parallel with each other.
Referring to Fig. 18, an embodiment of a stack holder is a media holder,
preferably a disk holder 224. The disk holder 224 includes a case 226 with top
and
bottom covers 228, which are preferably pivotally connected together and
configured to
close as a shell and hook together with closure 230. A display element 232 is
disposed on
the inside of the top cover 228, and includes label portions with label areas
234 with
label indicia 236, in this case indicating the type of music contained on the
disks in
different sections of the held stack 238. The label areas 234 are arranged
along a curve,
preferably to follow the edge of the stack of disk holders 240.
Disk holders 240 have body portions 241 that preferably include a pocket
242 with an opening 244, and are configured to receive and hold disks 246. The
pockets are
preferably clear plastic sleeves with front and back pocket sheets. Other disk
holding
members can alternatively be used instead of pockets. The preferred shape of
the body
portion 241 generally follows the contour of the disks 246 to be held, and are
thus
preferably round. Where other objects are to be held, the shape of the body
portions
preferably follows the shape of the objects.
A tab 248 extends from some of the disk holders 240 and are positioned to
overlap with, and allow viewing therethrough the indicia 236 on the label
areas 234. Tabs
248 are arranged in an arc to follow the shape of the edges of the body
portions 246. The
stack also includes disk holders 250, which do not include tabs, and dividers
252 with body
portions and tabs, but no pockets, to further divide the stack 238.
Referring to Fig. 19, stack holder 254 is a wallet insert with a stack of
panels
256 held by altematingly connecting at top and bottom edges 258, 260 thereof
for expansion
and contraction of the stack of panels 256. The panels 256 include body
portions 264 with
266 pockets to receive items such as business cards and credit cards, and tabs
262 extending
beyond the body portions 264. The central tabs 262 are preferably formed
as.cutouts from
the adjacent panels 256, and protrude from top hinges 268. One of the panels
256 includes a
display element 270 with a pocket 272 configured to receive a label sheet 274.
Indicia 276
on the label portions 278 of the display element 270 can be seen through the
tabs 262 when
they overlap therewith when the stack of panels 256 is contracted upon itself.
Thus, a
particular section of the stack can be easily identified and accessed. The
wallet insert also
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CA 02485895 2001-09-19
preferably comprises a wallet attachment flap 280 connected to the panels 256
at a bottom
edge 260 where two of the panels 256 are connected. The wallet attachment flap
280 is
configured for insertion in a pocket of a wallet such that the stack can be
expanded and
contracted while attached to the wallet.
Referring to Figs. 20 and 21, a preferred embodiment of an indexing system
package 301 is shown comprising a container for holding a set of indexing
system elements
such as dividers, label sheets, and/or display elements as described above. In
the preferred
embodiment, the container comprises an envelope 300 having a front cover 304
and a back
cover 306 joined together along edges 308. An opening 310 extends alongside
312 and is
dimensioned to allow for the insertion of indexing system elements between
covers 304,
306. In a preferred embodiment, at least one tabbed divider 302 is received
within envelope
300. As in embodiments described above, tabbed divider 302 includes a tab 328
that defines
a label window for viewing label indicia therethrough. In alternate
embodiments, a plurality
of tabbed dividers 302 can be received within envelope 300. In other
embodiments, other
products, including other indexing system elements such as label sheets and or
display
elements can also be received within envelope 300. A flap 314 extends from
front cover 304
and bends over opening 310 to contact back cover 306 to seal the indexing
system elements
within the envelope 300.
Front cover 304 includes an opening 316, which is preferably a cut out
portion, adjacent the tabs or label windows of the dividers contained therein
such that the
label windows are visible in opening 316. A label portion 320 is disposed on
an interior
surface of back cover 306 and is also visible in opening 316. At least one
label indicia 324
is provided on the label portion 320. The indicia 324 may be printed directly
on the
envelope 300, may be adhesively applied, or may, for example, be provided on a
separate
sheet behind the dividers 302. In the preferred embodiment, label portion 320
includes a
plurality of label indicia 324 and each indicia is associated with a tab 328
of the dividers
302 inserted into envelope 300 such that the tab 328 is positioned over at
least a portion of
the label portion 320. The label indicia 324 are positioned to be behind a
corresponding tab
328 when the dividers 302 are inserted into envelope 300 such that the indicia
324 are
viewable through the tabs 328. In this way, a potential customer can easily
envision how a
particular divider may appear when used in a binder or in other applications
descn'bed
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CA 02485895 2001-09-19
above. Also, a customer may preferably bend back the portion of the envelope
300 that is
exposed through opening 316 to see that the indicia 324 is printed behind the
tabs 328.
In the preferred embodiment, opening 316 is semi-elliptical and is positioned
toward the longitudinal center of envelope 300. .In alternate embodiments,
opening 316 can
have different geometric configurations, different dimensions, and different
locations in
relation to the container or envelope 300. The position of the opening 316 is
selected to
expose the windows portions of tabs 328 and the indicia 324.
Envelope 300 is preferably made from laminated paper, however, paper
board, cardboard, plastic, or other suitable materials can be used. The front
and back covers
304, 306 of envelope 300 are sized slightly larger than the indexing system
elements which
are to be contained therein. For example, in a preferred embodiment where the
indexing
system is designed for 8 %z x 11 inch sheets of paper, front and back covers
304, 306 have a
width 330 slightly larger than the width of the tabbed dividers and a length
332 slight larger
than 11 inches. In this way, the tabs 328 of tabbed dividers 302 are
positively positioned
over the indicia 324 when the dividers are received in envelope 300 and the
indicia is
visible through the label window of tabs 328. In alternate embodiments, the
container .can
have numerous other configurations besides an envelope.. For example, in an
alternate
embodiment the container could be in the form of a box or any other suitable
container.
Referring to Fig. 22, a preferred display stand 360 is shown for displaying
~de~ngg System packages 301. Display stand 360 includes an upright portion 364
extending from a base 366. In a preferred embodiment, base 366 is configured
to rest upon
the floor and upright section 364 is configured to extend substantially
vertically therefirom
to display indexing system packages 301 at a predetermined height from the
floor to assist
customers in viewing and purchasing the packages. In an alternative
embodiment, the
display stand 360 is configured to attach to a wall. Display stand 360 is
preferably made
from a cardboard material, however, other suitable materials can be used.
Upright portion
364 includes a product storage member or portion 368 and a face member or
portion 370
facing the front of display stand 360. Product storage portion 368 includes at
least one
compartment 372 for holding indexing system packages 301. Each compartment
preferably
h~ a shelf and a tab 377 extending upwardly therefrom to keep the packages 301
from
sliding off the shelf If a customer desires to purchase an indexing system
package, the
customer may simply remove a desired package from one of compartments 373.
Face
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CA 02485895 2001-09-19
portion 370 is set back slightly from the front of product storage portion
368. Face portion
370 generally extends along the side of product storage portion 368 and
preferably includes
a label portion 376 having label indicia 378 disposed thereupon. At least one
tab member
380 extends from product storage portion 368 over face portion 370 and over at
least a
portion of label portion 376 such that at least a portion of the label indicia
378 is covered by
tab member 380.
A window portion of each of the tab members 380 is configured to permit
viewing of the indicia 378 therethrough. Preferably the entire tab member 380
is made of a
su~ciently translucent or transparent material to permit viewing of the
indicia 378 behind
~e tab member 380. In alternate embodiments, the window portion may be in the
form of a
cutout, as shown in Fig. 4.
Preferably a plurality of tabs are provided and extend from product storage
portion 368 over face portion 370 and extend in~ alignment with and over
different sections
of label portion 376. In this manner, each tab member 378 preferably overlaps
a different
label indicia 378 disposed on the label portion 376, in substantially the same
manner as
would occur when the indexing system is used in a binder or the various other
applications
descn'bed herein. This configuration advantageously allows a potential
customer to quickly
envision how the indexing system works before purchasing the system. In an
alten~ative
embodiment, the display stand includes a product storage portion and a face
portion on the
back side of the stand as well so that the a customer can view the packages
from both sides
of the stand.
In the preferred embodiment, a user of the indexing system may create an
index page, table of contents page, or label sheet from a client computer
connected to a
server computer over the Internet or other network. For example, from a client
computer,
the user can access a server computer hosting a web site, such as
www.wjindex.com. A
preferred web site includes a home page, such as home 400 shown in Fig. 23, to
welcome a
web user. The web site also includes several option buttons or links 402 which
are
hyperlinked to other web pages that are part of the web site. In the preferred
embodiment
buttons 402 include a home link 404, template links 406, a frequently asked
questions link
408 which links to a web page that displays frequently asked questions, and a
contact link
410 which links to a web page that displays information on how to contact a
person about
the contents of the web site.
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CA 02485895 2005-10-25
Referring to Fig. 24, a template web page 412 is accessed if a user selects
template link 406. From the template web page 412 the user can select from
several
choices of templates to download to the user's computer to form the label
portions and
label indicia described above. In a preferred embodiment, the templates are
electronic
files available for download and are compatible with numerous types of word
processing
programs, such as Corel Word Perfect TM or Microsoft Word TM among others. In
other
embodiments, the templates are software speck and a user must select a
template
compatible with the type of word processing software being used on the client
computer.
In one embodiment, once the user selects a template, the word processing
application is
opened on the client computer and the selected template is shown. The
templates are
configured to provide a plurality of user modiftable text boxes when the
template is used
with the appropriate software. In this manner, the template is configured to
enable the
printing of a label sheet with text boxes printed on a sheet of paper in a
preselected
format to create a label display element that can be used in an indexing
system as
described above.
Referring to Fig. 25, one embodiment of a template 414 includes a table of
contents page 415 and a label page 416. Contents page 415 includes a plurality
of tab
text boxes 418 and a title text box 420 formatted to occupy a preselected
section of a
piece of paper. Label sheet 416 includes tab text boxes 422 which correspond
to tab text
boxes 418. When template 414 is accessed by a word processing program,
headings, such
as tab names or the document title, can be typed into text boxes 418, 420 as
desired.
When headings are inserted into tab text boxes 418 on contents page 415, tab
text boxes
422 of label page 416 include the same headings as the corresponding text box
on
contents page 415. The user can then print out the contents page and label
page on
standard 8'/Z x 11 paper to form label sheets to be inserted into appropriate
display
elements as described above. In this way, the templates are resident on the
web and the
user can easily create label portions having label indicia with predefined
spacing such
that the label indicia correlate or match up with the tabs or window portions
described
above.
One of ordinary skill in the art can envision numerous variations and
modifications. All of these modifications are contemplated by the true spirit
and scope of
the following claims.
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