Document Management System

Abstract

A filing system includes a housing having vertical sides and at least one horizontal member extending therebetween. A vertical side define a Y-axis, and a horizontal member defines an X-axis. The vertical sides define the depth of the housing. Along the Y-axis are positioned a plurality of labels. At least one tracking marker is positioned along the X-axis. A plurality of file supports are positioned between the vertical sides. Each file support is vertically positioned along the Y-axis to correspond to one of the plurality of labels. At least one of the file supports is incorporated into a pivotable frame. The frame comprises side supports and a file support therebetween. Each side support is pivotably engaged to a vertical side of the housing.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0002] Not Applicable

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the filing and organization of business documents as well as methods and apparatuses related to same.

BACKGROUND

[0004] Some examples of known filing systems are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,139,248; U.S. Pat. No. 4,155,607; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,101. Some filing systems employ folders or hanging pockets in which files are placed and stored, such as are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,273; U.S. Pat. No. 7,530,652; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,868,157.

[0005] All US patents and applications and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0006] The art referred to and/or described above is not intended to constitute an admission that any patent, publication or other information referred to herein is "prior art" with respect to this invention.

[0007] Without limiting the scope of the invention a brief summary of some of the claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth below. Additional details of the summarized embodiments of the invention and/or additional embodiments of the invention may be found in the Detailed Description of the Invention below.

SUMMARY

[0008] A system, apparatus, and method for a three dimensional visual, prioritization, and management system are provided herein.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, there is provided a housing assembly having two vertically oriented side members and at least one horizontally oriented support member engaged thereto. Contained within the housing are a plurality of horizontally oriented file supports. Documents or files are hung or otherwise supported by the file supports. Documents or files are organized according to visually distinct categories or function labels arranged along a vertical surface (Y-axis) on one or more of the side members; and according to visually distinct tracking markers, arranged along a horizontal member (X-axis).

[0010] In some embodiments, color coded panels, or tabs, are utilized to provide additional visual cues for prioritizing or otherwise organizing documents contained within the system.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, one or more of the file supports are positioned within a frame. Each frame is pivotally engaged to the side members. The frames are pivotable from a first position, wherein the file support (and documents/files supported thereon) is contained within the housing, to a second position, wherein the file support (and documents/files supported thereon) extends outward from the face of the housing for easier access and inspection.

[0012] These and other embodiments which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for further understanding of the invention, its advantages and objectives obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof and the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described various embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] A detailed description of the invention and representative embodiments is hereafter described with specific reference being made to the drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is frontal view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of a side member of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a horizontal member of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view of the file support ring and stopper shown in FIG. 4.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 wherein the pivotable frame is shown in the stowed position.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 wherein the pivotable frame is shown in the deployed position.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

[0022] FIG. 8a is an exploded view of the components of the pivot point shown in FIG. 8

[0023] FIG. 8b is a front cross-sectional view of the assembled components of the pivot point shown in FIG. 8b.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a transitional view of the manner in which the pivotable frame is supported when transitioning from the stowed position to the deployed position.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a front view of an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals in the figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated.

[0027] With reference to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted wherein a document filing system 10 is incorporated into a housing 12 having a pair of vertical side members 14 as well as one or more horizontal members 16 extending between the side members. The housing also contains a plurality of file supports 18. As will be discussed in greater detail below, each file support 18 is positioned between the side members 14 and is incorporated into a frame 20 that is pivotably engaged to the side members 14. Each file support 18 is an elongate member (such as a rod, bar, shaft, etc.) upon which files, documents, etc. are hung or otherwise supported. Each file support 18 is substantially parallel to the horizontal member(s) 16. File supports 18 are vertically spaced apart a sufficient distance to allow documents to be hung from a file support 18 without interfering with a vertically adjacent file support 18 or documents that may be positioned thereon. In at least one embodiment, vertically adjacent file supports are at least 550 mm apart from one another.

[0028] As is apparent from FIG. 1, when viewed from the front of the housing 12, the side members 14 define a vertical axis (Y-axis) and the horizontal member(s) 16 provide a horizontal axis (X-axis). As is best shown in FIG. 2, corresponding to the vertical position of each file support 18 a label 30 or other form of indicia is placed along one or both of the side members 14. Labels 30 can represent a useful designation that may be relevant to a particular organizational function or concept. For example, in a business setting, each label 30 can designate a specific product line, a function or task to be completed, an order to be filled, an individual's records, etc. Such examples should not be interpreted as in any way limiting the scope or use of the present invention. It should be understood that the designations of labels 30 can be of many types and are customizable to many organizational system.

[0029] Returning to FIG. 1 and also FIG. 3, in some embodiments at least one horizontal member 16 is configured to include at least one visual tracking marker 32. Where multiple markers 32 are provided, the markers can be positioned at intervals along the length of the horizontal member 16. Like the labels 30 along the Y-axis, the markers 32 along the X-axis can contain many types of indicia, color or designation useful for indicating an organizational function or concept.

[0030] The tracking marker or markers 32 positioned on a horizontal member 16 can also be used to represent relevant aspects of the labeled function or category of the Y-Axis labels 30. For example: in an embodiment where the Y-Axis labels represent customer reviews or complaints regarding specific products, the tracking markers 32 can be arranged to indicate dates, or a time line, that such reviews enter the system (e.g. files placed near one end of the X-Axis are older than those at the opposite end). Additional markers can be positioned along the tracking member to allow for more readily identifiable categories (days, weeks, months, etc.).

[0031] The combination of vertically arranged category labels 30 (along the Y-Axis) and horizontally arranged tracking markers 32 (along the X-Axis) allows files or documents to be efficiently organized and visually identified along multiple file supports 18 by determining the appropriate vertical category to which the file belongs (according to the labels 30 on the Y-Axis); and then determining the appropriate tracking position within the identified category (according to the tracking markers 32 on the X-Axis).

[0032] In at least one embodiment, an example of which is shown in FIG. 4, a third visual dimension is added to the filing system 10. As is shown, one or more color coded panels or tabs 34 can be positioned along one or more of the file supports 18. The color of the tab or panel 34 can be made to correspond to a desired task or aspect of the filing system 10. For example: in an embodiment wherein the tracking markers 32 along the X-axis represent a time line, a red panel placed next to a file could indicate that the file needs immediate attention even if the file's position along the time line would not other wise indicate that it should be addressed out of turn. The colors of the tabs or panels 34 and their corresponding tasks or indicators can be customized as desired.

[0033] Panel 34 that can be introduced onto the file supports 18 by a variety of fasteners or retaining mechanisms. Such mechanisms are also suitable for adding one or more individual documents, file folders, envelopes, pouches, etc. (hereinafter identified as file(s) 45) on to any of the file supports 18. A close up view of one type of retaining mechanism is shown in FIG. 5. In the embodiment shown, a support ring 40 is disposed about a given file support 18 and a removable clip or other type of fastener 42 secures file(s) 45 (or panel 34) to the ring 40.

[0034] In the embodiment shown, the ring 40 defines a sufficiently large area to allow the ring (and the file/document attached thereto) to be freely moved along the length of the support 18. In some embodiments the ring 40 is equipped with a biased swing gate, in the manner of a carabineer or safety-pin to allow the ring to be more readily removed from about the support 18. In some embodiments the ring 40 can be in the form of a simple hook, hanger or other device suitable for sliding engagement on the support 18. Likewise, in some embodiments file(s) 45 can be directly secured to the ring 40 without the use of a fastener 42.

[0035] In addition to or as an alternative to hanging panels or tabs 34, in some embodiments, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1 (and in detail FIG. 5) one or more of the file supports 18 include stoppers 36. In some embodiments, stoppers 36 can be used to simply separate sections of files along the support for organizational convenience. In some embodiments, stoppers 36 are color coded (such as in the manner described above regarding panels 34) to provide a visually distinguishable indicator for a specific file or files. Stoppers 36 can also be used to provide a greater degree of precision than the tracking markers 32. For example where tracking markers 32 indicate a time line of the current year, stoppers 36 could be used to indicate specific periods of time of the year. As with the labels 30, markers 32 and panels/tabs 34, the use and configuration of stoppers 36 along the file supports 18 can be customized as desired.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the file supports 18 are each part of a frame 20 pivotably mounted to the side members 14 of the housing 12. Each frame comprises a pair of side supports 22 and at least one file support 18. In some embodiments frame 20 also includes one or more reinforcing members 24, which can provide increased structural ability and/or support to the housing 12.

[0037] Turning to FIG. 6, a frame 20 is shown in the stowed or "home" position within the housing 12. As shown in FIG. 6, in this position support 18 and the file(s) 45 are contained within the depth 55 of the housing 12. Depth 55 is defined by the width of each side member 14. When in the stowed position, the support 18 and the file(s) 45 are positioned above the pivot points 25 of the frame. When the frame 20 is pivoted from the stowed position to the extended or deployed position, such as is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the support 18 pivots approximately 90 degrees from the stowed position. This repositioning causes both the support 18 and the file(s) 45 to be positioned outside of the housing depth 55.

[0038] The pivoting aspect of the frame 20 allows the file(s) 45 to be much more easily accessed by a user then if the file support 18 were limited to only a stowed position. In some embodiments, one or both of the side members 14 include a "dead stop" 26, which protrudes at least partially across the width of the housing face in order to engage a side support 22 of the frame 20 when the frame is in the deployed position, such as in the manner depicted in FIG. 9. Thus, when the frame 20 is moved from the stowed position to the deployed position, one or both of the side supports 22 rests upon a dead stop 26.

[0039] Transition of the frame 20 between the stowed position and the deployed position can be achieved by any of a variety of actuating mechanisms. In at least one embodiment, the frame is simply pulled from the stowed position to the deployed position (and back) by a user. This reliance on the strength of the user however, may be impractical in some circumstances. As such, in at least one embodiment, such as that which is depicted in FIG. 6-8, includes an actuation mechanism such as a hand crank 28 which is mechanically engaged to the pivot mechanism of the frame 20 and provides a smooth and controlled transition between the stowed and deployed states when used.

[0040] In at least one embodiment, an example of which is depicted in FIGS. 8a. and 8b, an example of an actuation mechanism, and its components, is shown. In this embodiment, hand crank 28 and side support 22 are mutually engaged to the pivot point 25 by a pivot pin 60. Pivot pin 60 includes a D-shaped head 62 which is shaped to fit within, and engage, a complimentary shaped recess 64 of the side support 22. The complimentary shapes of the recess 64 and pin head 62 ensure that when a torque is applied to the pin 60 by the hand crank 28, the side support 22 and frame 20 will move in response to the pin's rotation. The pin head 62 and recess 64 can be provided with a variety of shapes to provide the desired engagement.

[0041] The pivot pin 60 passes through the side support 22 and through one or more bushings 65 that are mounted to, or integral with, the side member 14. The bushings 65 can be any type of low friction manufacture in order to allow ease of rotation. In at least one embodiment the bushings are brass or other suitable metal or high strength plastic.

[0042] On the opposite side of the bushing(s) 65 from the side support 22, a the hand crank 28 is positioned. The hand crank 28 includes a collar 66, into which the pivot pin 60 extends after passing through the bushing(s) 65. The collar 66 engages the pivot pin 60 via a key 68 or other engagement mechanism which ensures that when the hand crank 28 is actuated the pivot pin 60 will rotate.

[0043] A cover or cap 70 is engaged to the end of the pivot pin 60 and against the collar 66 by a screw, bolt or other fastener 72 (shown only in FIG. 8b) in order to secure and maintain the engagement of the key 68 to the collar 66 and pivot pin 60.

[0044] In order to facilitate repositioning of a frame 20 bearing heavy loads, in some embodiments the hand crank 28 depicted herein can be replaced or supplemented with various automatic actuation mechanisms such as pneumatic or electro-pneumatic cylinder, motor actuator mechanism, etc. Such mechanisms can be positioned on one or both ends of the frame 20, in conjunction with a push button (or other activating mechanism) mounted to the side of the housing 12.

[0045] For purposes of clarity and ease of illustration, a single frame 20 has been depicted being contained in the housing 12 in the various drawings herein (specifically FIGS. 1, 4, 6-8, and 9). It should be understood however, that each file support 18 can be part of a frame 20 and that a given housing 12 can be configured to contain multiple frames 20 less than or equal to the number of supports 18.

[0046] As has been made clear above, filing system 10 can be customized to accommodate a variety of document management structures. A specific example of such a structure is depicted in FIG. 10. As shown the system 10 incorporates four Y-axis labels 30, wherein each label refers to a product line of a medical device company.

[0047] The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this art. The various elements shown in the individual figures and described above may be combined or modified for combination as desired. All these alternatives and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims where the term "comprising" means "including, but not limited to".

[0048] This completes the description of the preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto.

Claims

1. A filing system comprising: a housing having a first vertical side, a second vertical side and at least one horizontal member extending therebetween, at least one of the first vertical side and second vertical side defining a Y-axis, the at least one horizontal member defining an X-axis, the first vertical side and the second vertical side defining a housing depth, a plurality of labels positioned on the Y-axis; at least one tracking marker positioned on the X-axis; a plurality of file supports, where each file support is positioned between the first vertical side and the second vertical side, each file support being parallel to the at least one horizontal member, each file support being vertically positioned along the Y-axis to correspond to one of the plurality of labels; and a frame including a first side support, a second side support and at least one of the plurality of file supports extending therebetween, the first side support pivotably engaged to the first vertical side, the second side support pivotably engaged to the second vertical side, the frame having a stowed position and a deployed position, where in the stowed position the at least one file support is positioned within the housing depth, and in the deployed position the at least one file support is positioned outside the housing depth.

2. The system of claim 1 comprising a plurality of tracking markers positioned along the X-axis to provide visual intervals.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein each of the plurality of tracking markers are provided with a color, the color corresponding to an organizational function.

4. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one organizational panel and at least one mounting ring, the mounting ring being slidably engaged to a file support, the at least one organizational panel being supported by the at least one mounting ring.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein the at least one organizational panel is provided with a color, the color corresponding to an organizational function.

6. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one stopper engaged to a file support.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein the at least one stopper is provided with a color, the color corresponding to an organizational function.

8. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one dead stop engaged to at least one of the first vertical side and the second vertical side, where in the deployed position at least one of the first side support and the second side support is engaged by the at least one dead stop.

9. The system of claim 1 further comprising an actuation mechanism mechanically engaged to a pivot mechanism of the frame and housing.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein the actuation mechanism is a hand crank.

11. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one file slidably engaged to one of the file supports.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein the at least one file is selected from the group consisting of: one or more documents, one or more file folders, one or more envelopes, one or more pouches, and any combination thereof.

13. The system of claim 11 wherein the at least one file comprises a ring removeably engaged to one of the plurality of file supports.

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