Patents Assigned to Smead Manufacturing Company
  • Patent number: 7305784
    Abstract: An index tab adapter, suitable for retrofitting an existing file folder for use with a particular index tab style. The adapter has adhesive portions, located on either side of a non-adhesive portion. The non-adhesive portion is slotted and is spaced apart from the file folder. The slots are shaped to engage a particular style of index tab, so that when a given index tab is inserted into the slots in the adapter, the given index tab becomes attached to the file folder, and the file folder may be identified by the given index tab as if it were originally configured to accept the style of the given index tab. Put another way, an index tab removably engages slots in the adapter, rather than slots in the file folder itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Smead Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Steven Charles Black
  • Publication number: 20070158938
    Abstract: A file folder system is disclosed which allows the manufacturer to display indicia information (such as source indicia, such as a trademark) to the folder without detracting from the utility of the folder itself. Several embodiments are disclosed include a notch in one folder panel which creates a window in the other panel where the indicia in imprinted. In another embodiment, one panel is punched through to reveal portions of the other panel. These apertures are formed in the pattern of the desired indicia, so that the user can determine if there are contents in the folder and simultaneously, the indicia is permanently displayed without obstructing the use of the folder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Applicant: Smead Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Michael Lasky, Christine Plantan
  • Patent number: 7232537
    Abstract: Methods for producing easily and securely gripped slip-resistant file folders, including file pockets and hanging folders. The methods include providing folder paper stock; conveying the folder paper stock in the process of folder manufacture; providing a curable slip-resistant material in a melt state; applying the slip-resistant material at predetermined areas of the folder paper stock; and curing the slip-resistant material; such that the slip-resistant portion comprises cured slip-resistant material. Another method includes providing folder paper stock; providing embossing dies in spaced, operable, mating relationship; positioning the folder paper stock appropriately in the embossing dies; applying force to at least one of the embossing dies so as to decrease the spaced relationship; and deforming the folder paper stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Smead Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Roddy McKee Bullock
  • Patent number: 7182330
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sheet feeder for a printer. The sheet feeding device feeds a single sheet into an infeeder of a printer without communicating with the printer. The sheet feeder is equipped with a sensor for detecting when the printer is able to accept a sheet. The sheet feeder is equipped with a programmable timing device that causes the sheet feeder to wait a predetermined amount of time before inserting another sheet into the printer. The predetermined amount of time corresponds to the amount of time needed for the printer to complete printing on a sheet after the sensor has detected that the printer is able to accept a sheet into the infeeder of the printer. The sheet feeder is configured with a gate having an adjustable gap in close proximity to a tray containing a stack of sheets. The gate permits only a single sheet to be fed into the infeeder of the printer at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Smead Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Harold Peter Lindelof, Leon David Wirth
  • Publication number: 20060201842
    Abstract: A file carrier and storage system is disclosed which can be used for any type of files and is particularly well suited for transporting hanging files which have hooks which extend beyond the file. A container provides a storage and support structure for the files while a carrier allowed batches of files to be transported in a structure which slideably receives the container. A plurality of containers may be used with a single carrier so that the container can be used as shelf or drawer holders for files. In this way, non hanging (suspended) files can also be conveniently used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Applicant: Smead Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: William Jordan, Michael Lasky
  • Publication number: 20060186008
    Abstract: A storage box for hanging file folders, which has an outer carton and an inner carton. The inner carton has a pair of removable reinforcing strips, which attach to opposing upper edges of the inner carton. Each hanging file folder is suspended by a pair of hangers that engage the reinforcing strips. The outer carton extends above the level of the file folders and their hangers, in order to engage a removable lid without interference from the hangers, the hanging file folders, or any index tabs that may be attached to the file holders. Optionally, the outer carton may have one or more handles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Publication date: August 24, 2006
    Applicant: Smead Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ellen Fredrich, Pam Tidona
  • Publication number: 20060162197
    Abstract: A multi-layer file folder is disclosed, in which a laminate is bonded to the exterior of a thick, supporting manila interior element. By means of lamination, combinations of materials can be used which would otherwise be impossible or impractical. The index tab, as viewed from the front of the folder, is the color of the interior element, typically manila, and provides for a high-contrast writing surface on the index tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Applicant: Smead Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Duane Christensen
  • Patent number: 6969092
    Abstract: A file folder blank can be folded to form a file folder. The file folder blank is designed for single side printing. The file folder blank can be folded to reveal printed indicia to two directions of a single panel. The printed indicia can be printed by a standard desktop type of printer. The printed indicia can include graphics, location indicator, content indicators, pictures, graphs or the like. In addition, top taps or side tabs are integrally formed with the file folder blank that can be printed with identifying indicia. In some applications, the identifying indicia comprises a repeating set of color bars that can be individualized during printing of the folder blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Smead Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Steve C. MacWilliams, John A. Calkins
  • Publication number: 20050257408
    Abstract: An index tab adapter, suitable for retrofitting an existing file folder for use with a particular index tab style. The adapter has adhesive portions, located on either side of a non-adhesive portion. The non-adhesive portion is slotted and is spaced apart from the file folder. The slots are shaped to engage a particular style of index tab, so that when a given index tab is inserted into the slots in the adapter, the given index tab becomes attached to the file folder, and the file folder may be identified by the given index tab as if it were originally configured to accept the style of the given index tab. Put another way, an index tab removably engages slots in the adapter, rather than slots in the file folder itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Publication date: November 24, 2005
    Applicant: Smead Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Steven Black
  • Patent number: 6938549
    Abstract: Methods for producing easily and securely gripped slip-resistant file folders, including file pockets and hanging folders. The methods include providing folder paper stock; conveying the folder paper stock in the process of folder manufacture; providing a curable slip-resistant material in a melt state; applying the slip-resistant material at predetermined areas of the folder paper stock; and curing the slip-resistant material; such that the slip-resistant portion comprises cured slip-resistant material. Another method includes providing folder paper stock; providing embossing dies in spaced, operable, mating relationship; positioning the folder paper stock appropriately in the embossing dies; applying force to at least one of the embossing dies so as to decrease the spaced relationship; and deforming the folder paper stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Smead Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Roddy McKee Bullock
  • Publication number: 20050098509
    Abstract: A letter file for use in managing papers on a desktop is disclosed. I have many features, which can be made available alone or in combination. The combination structure has a foot element, a staircase base located atop said foot, a detachable paper file trays extending generally vertically from at least some of stairs, a storage element extending from the lowest of said stairs and in front of said file trays, the storage element having a plurality of elongated compartments sized to receive writing instruments or the like, the lower section including a recess and upper and lower rails, slideable storage unit sized to be and a document ledge extending from the lower of rails for holding a document upright in front of the letter file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 12, 2005
    Applicant: Smead Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Alexander Benn
  • Patent number: 6764101
    Abstract: An improved file folder specially adapted to conventional printers and optical scanners and a system and method for printing and using the improved folder. The improved folder has an enclosure for holding documents and printable panels with an integrated tab and integrated document labels. The folder panels, integrated tab and labels are printed with machine-readable identifying indicia and text in one pass through a standard printer. The tab is foldable such that folder identifying indicia and text are visible from either the front or back side of the folder. After printing, the documents labels are removeable and affixable to the folder documents. Images of the folder documents are captured with a standard optical scanner which also reads the document identifying indicia printed on the labels. The document images form a database indexed according to the indicia printed on the document labels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Smead Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Steve C. MacWilliams, Frank C. Kezmoh
  • Publication number: 20040108645
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sheet feeder for a printer. The sheet feeding device feeds a single sheet into an infeeder of a printer without communicating with the printer. The sheet feeder is equipped with a sensor for detecting when the printer is able to accept a sheet. The sheet feeder is equipped with a programmable timing device that causes the sheet feeder to wait a predetermined amount of time before inserting another sheet into the printer. The predetermined amount of time corresponds to the amount of time needed for the printer to complete printing on a sheet after the sensor has detected that the printer is able to accept a sheet into the infeeder of the printer. The sheet feeder is configured with a gate having an adjustable gap in close proximity to a tray containing a stack of sheets. The gate permits only a single sheet to be fed into the infeeder of the printer at a time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: Smead Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Harold Peter Lindelof, Leon David Wirth
  • Publication number: 20040051296
    Abstract: A file folder blank can be folded to form a file folder. The file folder blank is designed for single side printing. The file folder blank can be folded to reveal printed indicia to two directions of a single panel. The printed indicia can be printed by a standard desktop type of printer. The printed indicia can include graphics, location indicator, content indicators, pictures, graphs or the like. In addition, top taps or side tabs are integrally formed with the file folder blank that can be printed with identifying indicia. In some applications, the identifying indicia comprises a repeating set of color bars that can be individualized during printing of the folder blank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: The Smead Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Steve C. MacWilliams, John A. Calkins
  • Publication number: 20040053765
    Abstract: Methods for producing easily and securely gripped slip-resistant file folders, including file pockets and hanging folders. The methods include providing folder paper stock; conveying the folder paper stock in the process of folder manufacture; providing a curable slip-resistant material in a melt state; applying the slip-resistant material at predetermined areas of the folder paper stock; and curing the slip-resistant material; such that the slip-resistant portion comprises cured slip-resistant material. Another method includes providing folder paper stock; providing embossing dies in spaced, operable, mating relationship; positioning the folder paper stock appropriately in the embossing dies; applying force to at least one of the embossing dies so as to decrease the spaced relationship; and deforming the folder paper stock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Smead Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Roddy McKee Bullock
  • Patent number: 6581971
    Abstract: A file folder blank can be folded to form a file folder. The file folder blank is designed for single side printing. The file folder blank can be folded to reveal printed indicia to two directions of a single panel. The printed indicia can be printed by a standard desktop type of printer. The printed indicia can include graphics, location indicator, content indicators, pictures, graphs or the like. In addition, top taps or side tabs are integrally formed with the file folder blank that can be printed with identifying indicia. In some applications, the identifying indicia comprises a repeating set of color bars that can be individualized during printing of the folder blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: The Smead Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Steve C. MacWilliams
  • Patent number: D510600
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Smead Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Alexander Benn
  • Patent number: D518526
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Smead Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Alexander Benn
  • Patent number: D473264
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Smead Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: William R. Sanford, Steven MacWilliams
  • Patent number: D477154
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Smead Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Alexander Benn