Hanging File Folder Fold-Up Label Tab Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hanging file folders with repositionable tab members are difficult to insert and require users to judge proper slots, leading to potential loss or damage of tab members, which can result in folders being without a tab.

Innovation Solution

A hanging file folder design featuring fold-up label tab members made of flat, foldable material with ears that can be extended beyond the folder edge by folding and inserting into slots, providing a secure and adjustable labeling system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If repositionable tab members are provided in slots, then users can adjust tab positioning, but the tab members are difficult to insert and users have difficulty judging proper slots

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetab positioning flexibilityVSAvoidtab insertion ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tab members are pre-positioned in specific slots during manufacturing with staggered positioning, eliminating the need for users to judge and select slots. The tabs come ready-to-use in optimal positions while still allowing user repositioning if needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The tab members are designed as inexpensive, replaceable components that can be easily replaced if lost or damaged. Multiple tabs are provided per folder, ensuring that loss or damage of one tab does not render the folder non-functional.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Adaptability or versatility

If repositionable tab members are provided in slots, then users can adjust tab positioning, but the tab members may become lost or damaged resulting in folders without tabs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetab positioning flexibilityVSAvoidtab retention reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different tabs within the same folder are positioned at different locations (staggered positioning), so that not all tabs need to be present for the folder to function. This local differentiation ensures that loss or damage of one tab does not compromise the overall labeling function of the folder.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple tab members are pre-attached to each folder during manufacturing, ensuring that even if one tab is lost or damaged, replacement tabs are already available on the same folder without requiring additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tab members are provided for selective extension, then users can achieve staggered visibility, but the mechanism becomes more complex requiring interlocking rib and groove structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetab extension selectivityVSAvoidtab retention mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple tab members are pre-positioned in specific slots during manufacturing with staggered positioning. This preliminary arrangement allows selective visibility without requiring complex interlocking mechanisms, as the tabs are already in their optimal positions for staggered display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8117774B2Hanging file folder having fold-up label features

Publication Date: 2012.02.21 TOPS PRODUCTS LLC

AI summary

A hanging file folder having fold-up label features can be comprised of a sheet of flat, foldable material having two doubled over ends. A first hanger member can be disposed within one of the doubled over ends and configured to couple to a hanging file drawer rail. A second hanger member can be disposed within the other of the doubled over ends and configured to couple to the hanging file drawer rail. A plurality of tab members formed of the flat, foldable material can be attached to at least one of the doubled-over ends and have pairs of ears extending to the sides of the tab members. The tab members can be positioned to be extended beyond an edge of the doubled over end to which they are attached by folding the tab members and inserting the ears into pairs of slots formed in the doubled over ends.