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US5123676A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Records management apparatus for constructing and maintaining a file folder based document filing and retrieval system

Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1990-10-31
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Granted: 1992-06-23
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Expires: 2010-10-31
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Abstract

Abstract A records management kit for use in setting up and maintaining a cross-referenced, easily enterable, file folder - based document filing and retrieval system comprises a file guide book, a file index, a series of file folders, and a series of file folder labels. The file guide book has a series of page sets separated by headings or tabs, each including at least one main category page and subsequent subcategory pages. Each main category page has subcategory headings and can have associated file indicia marks positioned thereon which correspond to file indicia marks positioned on the associated subcategory pages. The pages of the file guide book are color (and possibly indicia)--keyed to the file folder labels and are also keyed to main category, and subcategory (and possibly file indicia) information printed on the file index sheet together with an expanded listing of specific document types relating generally to the various main categories and subcategories. The detailed cross-referencing among the filing guide book, the file index and the file folder labels, when affixed to their respective file folders, permits a user to rapidly file or retrieve a particular document, even with no prior familiarity with the filing system, simply by using the file index sheet. Further information regarding suggested content or use of a particular file is additionally positioned on the subcategory pages of the file guide book, such information being rapidly and easily locatable using either the file index or correlated information marked on the labels.

Inventors

  • 👤 Donald D. Donnelly
  • 👤 Nora J. Donnelly

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-28 17:39
CPC Classifications
B; B42; B42F; B42F21/00

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 38
Claim 1
Independent Claim 299 words
A records management kit for use in constructing and maintaining a cross-referenced, easily enterable file based document filing and retrieval system, said kit comprising: (a) a file guide book having, from front to back therein, a series of page sets each having at least one main category page and a series of subsequent subcategory pages; each at least one main category page having positioned thereon a listing of subcategory headings for the category associated with its page set, and a page set category heading positioned on the main category page; each subcategory page having positioned thereon a subcategory heading corresponding to one of said subcategory headings on the associated main category page, and file content listings regarding the suggested documents to be filed under a subcategory on the subcategory heading; (b) at least one file index having positioned thereon: a series of filing system entry content index headings representative of a variety of specific document types which relate generally to the subcategories of said subcategory pages, the number of said filing system entry content index headings substantially exceeding the number of said subcategory pages, each of at least a major portion of said filing system entry content index headings using different terminology than the subcategory to which it generally relates, a series of subcategory index headings each aligned with one of the filing system entry content index headings and corresponding to the subcategory to which it generally relates; and (c) a series of file labels, each visually correlated to the headings of a different one of said file guide book page sets, the labels in each set thereof being attachable to a file and having spaces thereon in which label subcategory headings may be placed that respectively correspond to selected ones of said subcategory headings on said subcategory pages.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 299 words
A records management kit for use in constructing and maintaining a cross-referenced, easily enterable file based document filing and retrieval system, said kit comprising: (a) a file guide book having, from front to back therein, a series of page sets each having at least one main category page and a series of subsequent subcategory pages; each at least one main category page having positioned thereon a listing of subcategory headings for the category associated with its page set, and a page set category heading positioned on the main category page; each subcategory page having positioned thereon a subcategory heading corresponding to one of said subcategory headings on the associated main category page, and file content listings regarding the suggested documents to be filed under a subcategory on the subcategory heading; (b) at least one file index having positioned thereon: a series of filing system entry content index headings representative of a variety of specific document types which relate generally to the subcategories of said subcategory pages, the number of said filing system entry content index headings substantially exceeding the number of said subcategory pages, each of at least a major portion of said filing system entry content index headings using different terminology than the subcategory to which it generally relates, a series of subcategory index headings each aligned with one of the filing system entry content index headings and corresponding to the subcategory to which it generally relates; and (c) a series of file labels, each visually correlated to the headings of a different one of said file guide book page sets, the labels in each set thereof being attachable to a file and having spaces thereon in which label subcategory headings may be placed that respectively correspond to selected ones of said subcategory headings on said subcategory pages.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 30 words
The records management kit of claim 1 wherein: at least some of said subcategory pages have additionally positioned thereon file help information relating to suggested uses of its associated file.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 20 words
The records management kit of claim 1 further comprising: a series of files to which said labels may be attached.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 28 words
The records management kit of claim 1 wherein: the headings associated with each of said page sets are color keyed to the file labels in each set thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 38 words
The records management kit of claim 1 wherein: the colors of said headings associated with each of said page sets are at least partially visible regardless of whether said file guide book is open, closed or partially open.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 28 words
The records management kit of claim 5 wherein: the headings associated with each of said page sets are color keyed to the file labels in each set thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 20 words
The records management system of claim 1 wherein: the headings associated with each of said page sets are tab members.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 29 words
The records management kit of claim 7 wherein: the tab members associated with each of said page sets are color keyed to the file labels in each set thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 26 words
The records management kit of claim 1 wherein: said kit is for personal use and said page set category headings include "PERSONAL", "FINANCIAL", "INSURANCE" and "LIFESTYLE".
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 35 words
The records management kit of claim 1 wherein: said kit is for business use and said page set category headings include "ACCOUNTING", "CHART OF ACCOUNTS", "TAXES", "FIXED ASSETS", "MANAGEMENT", "PERSONNEL", "SALES/MARKETING", and "MANUFACTURING AND DISTRIBUTION".
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 26 words
The records management kit of claim 1 wherein: said kit is for student use and said page set category headings include "ACADEMICS", "FINANCIAL", "PERSONAL", and "LIFESTYLE".
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 24 words
The records management kit of claim 1 wherein: the file index comprises a page or series of pages separate from the file guide book.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 21 words
The records apparatus management kit of claim 1 wherein: the file index is a section bound in the file guide book.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 31 words
The records apparatus management kit of claim 1 wherein: said subcategory index headings of the file index are color keyed to correspond to the main category to which it generally relates.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 64 words
The records apparatus management kit of claim 1 wherein: said at least one index sheet also has positioned thereon a series of main category index headings each aligned with one of said filing system entry content index headings and corresponding to the main category to which it generally relates, and wherein said subcategory index headings correspond to said main categories to which they relate.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 30 words
The records apparatus management kit of claim 1 wherein: each at least one main category page also has positioned thereon a different file indicia mark aligned with each subcategory heading.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 34 words
The record apparatus management kit of claim 16 wherein: each subcategory page also has positioned thereon a file indicia mark correlated to one of said file indicia marks on its associated main category page.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 41 words
The record apparatus management kit of claim 17 wherein: said series of file labels have space therein in which label file indicia marks may be placed that respectfully correspond to selected ones of said file indicia marks on said subcategory pages.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 59 words
The records apparatus management kit of claim 16 wherein: said at least one index sheet also has positioned thereon a series of file indicia marks, each aligned with one of said entry content index headings and one of said subcategory headings, and each correlated to said subcategory file indicia marks positioned on said at least one main category page.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 32 words
The records management kit of claim 1 further including: a series of support sheets wherein said file labels are of the peel-off adhesive type and are removably secured to said support sheets.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 373 words
A records management kit for use in constructing and maintaining a cross-referenced, easily enterable file based document filing and retrieval system, said kit comprising: (a) a file guide book having, from front to back therein, a series of page sets each having at least one main category page and a series of subsequent subcategory pages; each at least one main category page having positioned thereon a listing of subcategory headings for the category associated with its page set, a different file indicia mark aligned with each subcategory heading, and a page set category heading positioned on the main category page; each subcategory page having positioned thereon a subcategory heading corresponding to one of said subcategory headings on the associated main category page, a file indicia mark correlated to one of said file indicia marks on its associated main category page, and file content listings regarding the suggested documents to be filed under a subcategory on the subcategory heading; (b) at least one file index having positioned thereon: a series of filing system entry content index headings representative of a variety of specific document types which relate generally to the subcategories of said subcategory pages, the number of said filing system entry content index headings substantially exceeding the number of said subcategory pages, each of at least a major portion of said filing system entry content index headings using different terminology than the subcategory to which it generally relates, a series of subcategory index headings each aligned with one of the filing system entry content index headings and corresponding to the subcategory to which it generally relates, a series of file indicia marks, each aligned with one of said entry content index headings and one of said subcategory headings, and each correlated to said subcategory file indicia marks positioned on said at least one main category page; and (c) a series of file labels each visually correlated to the headings of a different one of said file guide book page sets, the labels in each set thereof being attachable to a file folder and having spaces thereon in which label subcategory headings and label file indicia marks may be placed that respectively correspond to selected ones of said subcategory headings on said subcategory pages.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 373 words
A records management kit for use in constructing and maintaining a cross-referenced, easily enterable file based document filing and retrieval system, said kit comprising: (a) a file guide book having, from front to back therein, a series of page sets each having at least one main category page and a series of subsequent subcategory pages; each at least one main category page having positioned thereon a listing of subcategory headings for the category associated with its page set, a different file indicia mark aligned with each subcategory heading, and a page set category heading positioned on the main category page; each subcategory page having positioned thereon a subcategory heading corresponding to one of said subcategory headings on the associated main category page, a file indicia mark correlated to one of said file indicia marks on its associated main category page, and file content listings regarding the suggested documents to be filed under a subcategory on the subcategory heading; (b) at least one file index having positioned thereon: a series of filing system entry content index headings representative of a variety of specific document types which relate generally to the subcategories of said subcategory pages, the number of said filing system entry content index headings substantially exceeding the number of said subcategory pages, each of at least a major portion of said filing system entry content index headings using different terminology than the subcategory to which it generally relates, a series of subcategory index headings each aligned with one of the filing system entry content index headings and corresponding to the subcategory to which it generally relates, a series of file indicia marks, each aligned with one of said entry content index headings and one of said subcategory headings, and each correlated to said subcategory file indicia marks positioned on said at least one main category page; and (c) a series of file labels each visually correlated to the headings of a different one of said file guide book page sets, the labels in each set thereof being attachable to a file folder and having spaces thereon in which label subcategory headings and label file indicia marks may be placed that respectively correspond to selected ones of said subcategory headings on said subcategory pages.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim 30 words
The records management kit of claim 1 wherein: at least some of said subcategory pages have additionally positioned thereon file help information relating to suggested uses of its associated file.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim 20 words
The records management kit of claim 21 further comprising: a series of files to which said labels may be attached.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim 28 words
The records management kit of claim 21 wherein: the headings associated with each of said page sets are color keyed to the file labels in each set thereof.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim 38 words
The records management kit of claim 21 wherein: the colors of said headings associated with each of said page sets are at least partially visible regardless of whether said file guide book is open, closed or partially open.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim 28 words
The records management kit of claim 25 wherein: the headings associated with each of said page sets are color keyed to the file labels in each set thereof.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim 20 words
The records management system of claim 21 wherein: the headings associated with each of said page sets are tab members.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim 29 words
The records management kit of claim 27 wherein: the tab members associated with each of said page sets are color keyed to the file labels in each set thereof.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim 26 words
The records management kit of claim 21 wherein: said kit is for personal use and said page set category headings include "PERSONAL", "FINANCIAL", "INSURANCE" and "LIFESTYLE".
Claim 32
Dependent Claim 35 words
The records management kit of claim 21 wherein: said kit is for business use and said page set category headings include "ACCOUNTING", "CHART OF ACCOUNTS", "TAXES", "FIXED ASSETS", "MANAGEMENT", "PERSONNEL", "SALES/MARKETING", and "MANUFACTURING AND DISTRIBUTION".
Claim 33
Dependent Claim 26 words
The records management kit of claim 21 wherein: said kit is for student use and said page set category headings include "ACADEMICS", "FINANCIAL", "PERSONAL", and "LIFESTYLE".
Claim 34
Dependent Claim 24 words
The records management kit of claim 21 wherein: the file index comprises a page or series of pages separate from the file guide book.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim 21 words
The records apparatus management kit of claim 21 wherein: the file index is a section bound in the file guide book.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim 31 words
The records apparatus management kit of claim 21 wherein: said subcategory index headings of the file index are color keyed to correspond to the main category to which it generally relates.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim 65 words
The records apparatus management kit of claim 21 wherein: said at least one index sheet also has positioned thereon a series of main category index headings each aligned with one of said filing system entry content index headings and corresponding to the main category to which it generally relates, and wherein said subcategory index headings also correspond to said main categories to which they relate.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim 32 words
The records management kit of claim 21 further including: a series of support sheets wherein said file labels are of the peel-off adhesive type and are removably secured to said support sheets.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US4973086A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1995-06-23 1995-12-23 1996-06-23 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1999-06-23 1999-12-23 2000-06-23 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2003-06-23 2003-12-23 2004-06-23 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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