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(11) | EP 1 378 375 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Classification element for documents and the like |
| (57) Classification element for documents and the like, characterized in that this classification
element (1) comprises at least fixing means (3) which make it possible for this classification
element (1) to work in conjunction with a ring mechanism on the one hand, and whereby
it comprises suspension means (6) on the other hand which make it possible for this
classification element (1) to be provided in a suspended classification system. |
[0002] In particular, it concerns a classification element onto which a document or the like can be attached or is attached, whereby such a document or the like can for example be classified between other documents by means of this classification element.
[0004] Thus, for example, classification elements are known onto which a document can be attached and which is provided with hook-shaped parts on two opposite far ends, such that the documents can be suspended between two rails or the like by means of such a classification element.
[0005] Also other classification elements are known onto which a document can be attached, such that said document can be classified in an orderly manner in a ring file or the like by means of said classification element.
[0006] The present invention concerns a new type of classification element which is practical and multifunctional.
[0007] To this end, the invention concerns a classification element for documents and the like, characterized in that this classification element comprises at least fixing means which make it possible for this classification element to work in conjunction with a ring mechanism on the one hand, and suspension means on the other hand which make it possible for this classification element to be provided in a suspended classification system.
[0008] By combining the two above-mentioned means in a single classification element, this offers the advantage that a multifunctional classification element is obtained, whereby the user has a free choice to use it for the classification of documents, either in a file or the like containing a ring mechanism, or in a suspended classification system. This also offers the advantage that documents which are normally classified in a suspended classification system for example, can be easily put temporarily in a ring file or the like while in use, without the documents having to be perforated or provided with another type of classification element.
[0009] Moreover, the invention offers the advantage that a user who uses both ring files and a suspended classification system only has to acquire a single type of classification element which he may then use as he likes.
[0010] Further, the manufacturer only has to produce a single type of classification element in order to reach two markets.
[0011] The invention is particularly useful in the case where the classification element comprises a body with one or several holders, of the type which makes it possible for this holder or these holders to work in conjunction with the folded back of a document or the like, such that such a folded document, which may for example be a magazine, can be hooked with its folded back behind the holders.
[0012] It should be noted that the invention is not restricted, however, to such a type of classification elements, and that, in principle, it may apply to any classification element onto which a document can be attached. Also the concept document should be regarded in the broadest sense. Such a document may be a sheet, a bundle of sheets such as a magazine or also a file or the like in which papers or the like can be stored.
[0013] The above-mentioned fixing means preferably consist of two or several openings forming passages which can work in conjunction with the rings of a ring mechanism or the like.
[0014] The above-mentioned suspension means preferably consist of hook-shaped parts which are situated near both free ends of the classification element.
[0015] According to a particularly important preferred characteristic, the suspension means are part of parts which are at least partially retractable. By retractable should be understood here telescopic, collapsible, or any other embodiment whatsoever whereby these suspension means can be put in a service position on the one hand in which they clearly protrude, and in a position which is different from the latter on the other hand in which they are situated more towards the inside.
[0016] When retracted, the retractable parts preferably assume a position which is such that the total length of the classification element is hereby equal to or almost equal to the length which is determined by the above-mentioned holder or holders, such that, in the retracted situation, there are no uselessly protruding parts on the classification element.
[0017] By making use of such retractable parts or zones, the classification element can at all times by optimally adjusted to the required application.
[0018] According to another special characteristic, the suspension means are part of removable parts, such that, when these removable parts are removed, what remains is a classification element which can still work in conjunction with a ring system or the like.
[0019] This offers the advantage that, when the classification elements are used in ring files, the total thickness of such a classification element is restricted to an absolute minimum by removing the above-mentioned elements, such that the useful space for storing documents in the ring file or the like is not negatively influenced by the suspension parts which are usually relatively thick.
[0020] This also offers the advantage that, on the basis of a single product, three groups of users can be optimally served. We hereby distinguish between users who only apply the suspension system and users who apply both systems. Among these users, the classification element provided with said suspension means can be promoted. Further, there are users who exclusively wish to make use of a classification system with ring files or the like, for whom the classification element which does not comprise any parts with suspension means can be promoted.
[0021] According to the most preferred embodiment, the above-mentioned parts comprising the suspension means can be moved, in particular retracted, as well as removed and/or dismounted, so that all the respective advantages can be combined.
[0022] In order to better explain the characteristics of the invention, the following preferred embodiment is described as an example only without being limitative in any way, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
figure 1 represents a classification element according to the invention in perspective;
figure 2 represents a view according to arrow F2 in figure 1 to a larger scale;
figure 3 represents the classification element from figure 1 in another condition of use, together with a schematically represented document;
figure 4 represents a view according to arrow F4 in figure 3 to a larger scale;
figures 5 and 6 represent sections according to lines V-V and VI-VI respectively in figure 4 to a larger scale;
figure 7 represents a view analogous to that in figure 4, but when disassembled;
figures 8 and 9 represent two applications of the classification element from figures 1 to 7.
[0023] As represented in figures 1 to 7, the invention concerns a classification element 1 which can work in conjunction with a document 2, whereby this classification element 1 at least comprises fixing means 3 on the one hand which enable the classification element 1 to work in conjunction with a ring mechanism, for example as represented in figure 8, with the rings 4 of a ring file 5, and whereby it comprises suspension means 6 on the other hand which make it possible for said classification element 1 to be provided in a suspended classification system, in particular as represented for example in figure 9, to be suspended on two suspension rails 7-8.
[0024] The classification element 1 has a body 9 which extends in the longitudinal direction, which in the given example is formed of a I-shaped profile.
[0025] The body 9 is provided with holders 10-11 on its far ends which preferably consist, as represented, of hook-shaped elements 12-13 which mainly extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the classification element 1 and which are directed towards one another with their free ends 14-15. In particular are concerned holders 10-11 of the type which makes it possible for these holders 10-11 to work in conjunction with the folded back 16 of a document 2 or the like, in this case a magazine, as is schematically represented in figure 2. These holders 10-11 may be formed in one piece with the body 9, as is represented.
[0026] The above-mentioned fixing means 3 consist of two or several openings 17 in the body 9, forming passages which can work in conjunction with the rings 4 of a ring mechanism or the like.
[0027] The above-mentioned suspension means 6 consist of hook-shaped parts 18-19 situated near both far ends of the classification element 1, which are part of parts 20-21 in the given example, which are at least partially retractable, extendable respectively in relation to the body 9. These parts 20-21 are hereby slidable in such a manner that, when they are retracted, they assume a position as represented in figure 1, which is such that the total length L1 of the classification element 1 is equal to or almost equal to the length L2 which is determined by the above-mentioned holders 10-11, in other words, which is equal or almost equal to the length which is spanned by said holders 10-11, whereas in the extended position, the hook-shaped parts 18-19 will be situated more on the outside, as represented in figure 3.
[0028] In the given example, the parts 20-21 comprising the hook-shaped parts 18-19, in other words the suspension means 6, are made such that they are detachable, in other words they are made such that they can be removed from the body 9, and can also be provided back onto it. The whole is hereby designed such that when said removable parts 20-21 are removed, what remains is a classification element 1 which can still work in conjunction with a ring system or the like.
[0029] In order to be able to provide the parts 20-21 on the body 9, remove them from it respectively, these parts 20-21 are made such that they can be shifted on the body 9, as is clear from figures 2 to 7.
[0030] The body is provided with locking means 22 which prevent the above-mentioned parts 20-21, after they have been provided on the body 9, to become detached from this body 9 by themselves. These locking means 22 consist of elastically bendable parts 23, which assume an outward bent position when in rest, as is represented in figure 6, and thus form a stop for the parts 20-21 concerned. However, it is clear that these parts 23, by being bent up to the surface of the core 24 of the body 9, make it possible for the above-mentioned parts 20-21 to be removed from the body 9 again. Further, it is clear that when the parts 20-21 are provided on the body 9, the parts 23 are automatically forced in the surface of the core 24, such that said locking means form no obstacle to the attachment.
[0031] In the given example, the parts 20-21 have a passage 25 with a T-shaped section, as a result of which they can be slid over the topmost horizontal flange 26 of the body 9. Naturally, the parts 20-21 can also be provided on the body 9 such that they are slidable in other ways.
[0033] In figures 1 and 2, the parts 20-21 have been slid in and the classification element 1 is in an ideal situation to be used to store a document 2 in a ring file 5 or the like in, namely by fixing the document 2 on the hook-shaped elements 12-13, and by providing this document in the ring file 5 by means of the classification element 1, by putting the body 9 with the openings 17 concerned over the rings 4.
[0034] By entirely extending the parts 20-21, as represented in figures 3 and 4 up to 6, a condition is created in which the document 2, as represented in figure 9, can be suspended in a suspended classification system.
[0035] By pushing in the parts 23 until they are situated in one and the same plane as the core 24, the parts 20-21 of the body 1 can be removed, as is represented in figure 7. It is clear that the classification element 1 in this manner can still be used to classify documents in ring files 5 or the like, whereas the total thickness of the classification element 1 is more restricted than in the case where the parts 20-21 are left on the body 9.
[0036] It is clear that several variants are possible . Thus, for example, the retractability of the whole must not necessarily be obtained by means of sliding, and it can for example also be obtained by making use of revolving, folding parts 20-21.
[0037] Nor should such parts 20-21 necessarily be detachable and/or retractable. A fixed construction made in one part is also possible according to the invention, which can be used in ring files as well as in a suspended classification system.
[0038] Instead of two holders 10-11, the classification element 1 can also be provided with other means to fix documents on. Thus, for example, the hook-shaped elements 12-13 can be replaced by a single continuous element which extends parallel to the body 9. Nor is it excluded to realize such a classification element 1 in one part with the document, for example in the case where the 'document' as such consists of a file, for example a suspension file.
[0039] The present invention is by no means limited to the above-described embodiment given as an example and represented in the accompanying drawings; on the contrary, such a classification element for documents and the like can be made in all sorts of shapes and dimensions while still remaining within the scope of the invention.
1. Classification element for documents and the like, characterized in that this classification element (1) comprises at least fixing means (3) which make it
possible for this classification element (1) to work in conjunction with a ring mechanism
on the one hand, and whereby it comprises suspension means (6) on the other hand which
make it possible for this classification element (1) to be provided in a suspended
classification system.
2. Classification element according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a body (9) with one or several holders (10-11), of the type which makes
it possible for this holder or these holders (10-11) to work in conjunction with the
folded back (16) of a document (2) or the like.
3. Classification element according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises two of such holders (10-11) which consist of hook-shaped elements (12-13)
which mainly extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the classification element
(1) and which are directed towards one another with their free ends (14-15).
4. Classification element according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the above-mentioned fixing means (3) consist of two or several openings (17) forming
passages which can work in conjunction with the rings (4) of a ring mechanism or the
like.
5. Classification element according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the above-mentioned suspension means (6) consist of hook-shaped parts (18-19) situated
near both far ends of the classification element (1).
6. Classification element according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suspension means (6) are part of parts (20-21) which are at least partially retractable.
7. Classification element according to any of claims 2 and 3 and according to claim 6,
characterized in that the parts (20-21) of which the suspension means (6) are part, assume a position,
when drawn in, which is such that the total length (L1) of the classification element
(1) is thereby equal to or almost equal to the length (L2) which is determined by
the above-mentioned holder or holders (10-11).
8. Classification element according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the above-mentioned parts (20-21) can be slid along a body (9) extending in between.
9. Classification element according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suspension means (6) are part of removable part (20-21), such that when these
removable parts (20-21) are removed, what remains is a classification element which
can still work in conjunction with a ring system or the like.
10. Classification element according to claim 9, characterized in that the above-mentioned parts (20-21) consist of elements which can be slid on the far
ends of a body (9) comprising the above-mentioned fixing means (3) .
11. Classification element according to claim 10, characterized in that the above-mentioned body (9) is provided with locking means (22) which prevent the
above-mentioned parts (20-21), after they have been provided on the above-mentioned
body (9), to become detached from said body by themselves.
12. Classification element according to claim 11, characterized in that the locking means (22) consist of elastically bendable parts (23) which, by bending,
allow the above-mentioned parts (20-21) to be removed from the body (9).
13. Classification element according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it mainly consists of a body (9) in the shape of a lath extending in the longitudinal
direction; of holders (10-11) for documents (2) consisting of hook-shaped elements
(12-13), provided in one piece on the far ends of the lath, extending mainly parallel
to the longitudinal direction of the classification element (1) and which are directed
towards one another with their free ends (14-15); and of parts (20-21) provided on
both far ends of the body (9), extending in relation to said body (9), which are in
turn provided with hook-shaped parts (18-19) on their free ends which can function
as suspension means (6).
14. Classification element according claim 13, characterized in that the above-mentioned body (9) consists of a profiled lath and in that the above-mentioned extending parts (20-21) mesh over the profiled body (9).