METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR STORAGE AND FILING OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND RELATED ACCESSORIES

Abstract

Methods and systems for storage and filing for electronic devices and related accessories are provided wherein a receptacle member has a rectangular configuration and includes a plurality of ridge members. A plurality of storage members are provided which have connecting members that engage and disengage to the ridge members. The storage members include a front and back wall, whereby the front wall has an expandable portion which includes a securing member that is configured for slideable engagement to seal and unseal the expandable portion. The storage members are capable of receiving and maintaining electronic devices and related accessories in the expandable portion of the storage members in a suspended manner.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to methods and systems for storage and filing, and more particularly, to methods and systems for storage and filing of electronic devices and related accessories through the use of hanging file folders having removable anti-static storage mediums.

2. Background of the Invention

FIGS. 1-3 are examples of a packing system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,815,903, which issued on Oct. 6, 1998 to Foster et al. Traditional hanging file folders have folders 10 which maintain items within pouches 12 in a suspended manner as shown in FIG. 1. In conventional usage, folders 10 are arrayed in a row, one behind the other, within a file drawer. The pouches 12 typically provide a space wherein items are housed in a central location. These pouches 12, however, suffer from several drawbacks. First, the pouches 12 provide a housing wherein items are maintained in a loose and unstable manner. For example, small items such as cables, writing utensils, and the like can freely move and cause damage to the contents of the pouches 12. Second, although the pouches 14 may be portable, as shown in FIG. 2, the side portions of the pouches 14 are exposed and items can fall outside of the walls of the pouches 14 during removal and transport. Third, the pouches 12, as shown in FIG. 1, and the pouches 14, as shown in FIG. 2, are not configured to maintain fragile or bulky items of various geometric shapes and sizes due to the folders' 10 open-ended configuration.

Folders 16, as shown in FIG. 3, have addressed several drawbacks as previously exhibited in the prior art. For example, pouches 18 are designed to house multiple items within the folders 16. Additionally, a single opening is provided along the top portion of the pouches 18 to address the unstable, open-ended configuration of the pouches 12 as shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the folders 16 provide a means for transporting several items contained in multiple pouches 18.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, although the folders and pouches address several drawbacks, these prior art references are not suitable for maintaining and storing electronic devices and related accessories. For example, electronic devices and related accessories are comprised of sensitive components which require pouches that are sensitive to static discharge. Additionally, the folders as presented do not allow a user to detach at least one pouch from the folder, while retaining the other pouches in a single location. Moreover, prior art references require removing the entire folder or specific contents from the pouches for the purposes of transport.

What is needed are improved methods and systems for the filing and storage of electronic devices and related accessories.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, methods and systems for storage and filing are provided that are easily designed for the optimal organization of electronic devices and related accessories.

In a first aspect, a storage and filing system for electronic devices and related accessories is comprised of a receptacle member. The receptacle member includes a plurality of ridge members that engage and disengage connecting members of a plurality of storage members. The at least one storage members include a front and back wall. The front wall includes an expandable portion which may be sealed or unsealed by a securing member. Additionally, the at least one storage members are capable of receiving and maintaining electronic devices and related accessories in a suspended manner.

In one embodiment, the at least one storage members are comprised of anti-static materials. In another embodiment, the front and back wall of the at least one storage members have multiple dimensions of various widths and lengths. Additionally, the front wall includes a void which can receive a label or other indicia. Furthermore, the label may include an erasable surface. In a further embodiment, the electronic devices and related accessories include a compact disc, a serial bus cable, a proof of purchase label, and an electronic device charger. In another embodiment, the at least one storage members improve over prior art references to accommodate the geometric shape of the electronic devices and related accessories housed within the anti-static storage members, including a compact disc, a serial bus cable, a proof of purchase label, and an electronic device charger.

In a second aspect, a method for storing and filing of electronic devices and related accessories is comprised of the steps of affixing at least two storage members to ridge members of a receptacle member, enlarging an expandable portion of the front wall of the at least one storage members, placing the electronic devices and related accessories within the expandable portion of the front wall, collapsing and sealing the expandable portion of the front wall of the at least one storage members, and defining the electronic devices and related accessories by writing on a label or indicia on the front wall of the at least one storage members.

The receptacle member is comprised of a rectangular configuration and includes a plurality of ridge members. The at least one storage members including connecting members that engage to the ridge members. The at least one storage members further include a front and back wall. The front wall has an expandable portion that includes a securing member which is configured for slideable engagement to seal and unseal the expandable portion.

In one embodiment, a plurality of storage members are affixed to the ridge members. In another embodiment, the at least one storage members are removable from the ridge members. In a further embodiment, the method of defining the electronic devices and related accessories includes erasing the writing on the label. In another embodiment, the at least one storage members improve over prior art references to accommodate the geometric shape of the electronic devices and related accessories housed within the anti-static storage members, including a compact disc, a universal serial bus cable, a proof of purchase label, and an electronic device charger.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the present disclosure, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present disclosure, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objectives and advantages, may be best understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings as set forth below:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a traditional filing folder system, including a pair of spaced apart folders having pouches therebetween;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a traditional filing folder;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative filing folder system illustrating an embodiment with a plurality of segregated pouches;

FIG. 4 is front view of a receptacle member according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A-C is a front view of assembled storage mediums according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is a front view of an assembled storage and filing system according to the present disclosure for electronic devices and related accessories.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed towards methods and systems for storage and filing, and more particularly, to methods and systems for storage and filing of electronic devices and related accessories in portable, anti-static mediums. Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures.

Referring to FIG. 4, a receptacle member 20 is designed for the optimal storage and organization of electronic devices and related accessories. The receptacle member 20 is a portable file folder which eliminates the need for the cumbersome storage of electronic devices and accessories as exhibited in prior art hanging file folders. In a preferred embodiment, the receptacle member 20 is configured in a rectangular configuration to facilitate compatibility with traditional file cabinets and desks.

A tab 22 is disposed to the top edge of the receptacle member 20. The tab 22 is preferably construed from polymeric materials and can be placed in discrete positions along the top edge of the receptacle member 20. It is contemplated that the tab 22 is moveable and not restricted to a permanent position.

A sheet-like member 24 is disposed within the tab 22 for the purpose of identifying the contents of the receptacle member 20. In a preferred embodiment, the sheet-like member 24 is comprised of paper or card-stock labels. In one embodiment, the sheet-like member 24 has a textured surface that is suitable for permanent marker inks. In another embodiment, the sheet-like member 24 is compatible with peelable labels. It is contemplated that erasable markings by non-permanent marking utensils may be used on the sheet-like member 24.

Ridge members 26 are affixed to the receptacle member 20. In a preferred embodiment, the ridge members 26 are disposed approximately one inch from the top edge of the receptacle member 20. The ridge member 26 may be comprised of polymeric materials such as plastic snaps with a male or female engaging configuration. It is envisioned that alternative materials may be used to satisfy the desired purpose. Furthermore, the ridge members 26 are separated at a fixed distance in order to facilitate the housing of multiple electronic devices and accessories within a single receptacle member 20.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5C, storage members 36 are provided to support the effective storage and transport of the electronic devices and related accessories 34. The storage members 36 are comprised of a front and back wall, connecting members 28, a securing member 30, and a void 32 for receiving a label or indicia. At least one electronic device and related accessories 34 is housed within the storage members 36.

The storage members 36 may be presented in multiple dimensions of width and length to accommodate the electronic devices and related accessories 34 of varying geometric shapes and sizes. For example, the electronic devices and related accessories 34 are compact-discs (CD), serial bus cables, and more specifically universal serial bus cables, electronic device chargers, and proof of purchase labels. It is contemplated that items such as proof of purchase, warrantee information, product manuals, etc., may be housed in the storage members 36 in addition to the electronic devices and related accessories 34.

The present disclosure improves upon prior art storage and filing systems through the use of storage members 36 that are comprised of anti-static materials. Anti-static materials specifically protect sensitive electronic components of the electronic device and related accessories 34 from static electrical charge. It is understood within the art that any material capable of preventing static electrical charge is suitable for the contemplated purpose.

The electronic devices and related accessories 34 are placed within an expandable portion of the storage members 36. In order to gain access to the expandable portion, a securing member 30 must be manipulated to expose the inner portion of the storage member 36. In a preferred embodiment, the securing member 30 is a zipper with a slider. In one embodiment, the contents of the storage members 36 are accessible when the securing member 30 is in an open position. Alternatively, the storage members 36 are securely sealed when the securing member 30 is placed in a closed position. It is contemplated that fasteners, depressible clips, adhesives, and similar non-permanent locking mechanisms may be utilized as the securing member 30.

Connecting members 28 are disposed above the securing member 30. The connecting members 28 are comprised of, but not limited to, materials such as plastic snaps with a male or female engaging configuration.

A void 32 for receiving a label or indicia has a surface that is suitable for permanent marker inks or other writing utensils. It is contemplated that the void 32 is also compatible with a peelable labels. Markings may be made on the void 32 to identify the type of electronic device and related accessories 34 stored in the storage members 36. It is contemplated that the markings may be permanent or erasable markings on the void 32.

Referring to FIG. 6, at least two storage members 36 comprised of anti-static materials are affixed to the ridge members 26 by engaging the connecting members 28. In a preferred embodiment, the ridge members 26 are a first portion of a plastic snap with a male engaging configuration and the connecting members 28 are a second portion of the plastic snap with a female engaging configuration. The present configuration allows the at least one storage members 36 to be removed from the receptacle member 20.

In one embodiment, the securing member 30 is sealed when at least two electronic devices and related accessories 34 are placed within the expandable portion of the storage member 36. The electronic devices and related accessories 34 are a serial bus cable and a compact disc. Erasable markings are subsequently made in the form of text upon void 32 which represents the electronic devices and related accessories 34.

It is envisioned that the storage members 36 provide a medium wherein the electronic devices and related accessories 34 can be easily removed from the receptacle member 20 for seamless transportation to and from an office, home, or other filing cabinet. It is further envisioned that the storage members 36 will maintain the electronic devices and related accessories in an easily identifiable, safe, and secure manner.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of the various embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A storage and filing system for electronic devices and related accessories, comprising:

a receptacle member having a rectangular configuration, including a plurality of ridge members whereby a plurality of storage members including connecting members attach thereto, the storage members further including a front and back wall, the front wall having an expandable portion including a securing member that is configured for slideable engagement to seal and unseal the expandable portion;

at least one of the storage members capable of receiving and maintaining the electronic devices and related accessories in the expandable portion in a suspended manner; and

the ridge members engage and disengage the connection members of the storage member.

2. The storage and filing system of claim 1, wherein the storage members are further comprised of anti-static materials.

3. The storage and filing system of claim 1, wherein the front and back wall of the storage members comprise multiple widths and lengths.

4. The storage and filing system of claim 1, wherein the front wall includes a void for receiving a label or other indicia.

5. The storage and filing system of claim 4, wherein the label includes an erasable surface.

6. The storage and filing system of claim 1, wherein the electronic devices and related accessories include a compact disc.

7. The storage and filing system of claim 1, wherein the electronic devices and related accessories include a universal serial bus cable.

8. The storage and filing system of claim 1, wherein the electronic devices and related accessories include a proof of purchase label.

9. The storage and filing system of claim 1, wherein the electronic devices and related accessories include an electronic device charger.

10. The storage and filing system of claim 1, wherein the improvement comprises the at least one storage members conforming to accommodate the geometric shape of at least one of the electronic devices and related accessories within the anti-static storage members, including the compact disc, the universal serial bus cable, the proof of purchase label, and the electronic device charger.

11. A method for storing and filing electronic devices and related accessories, comprising the steps of:

affixing at least two storage members to ridge members of a receptacle member, the receptacle member having a rectangular configuration, including a plurality of ridge members whereby the at least two storage members include connecting members attach thereto, the at least two storage members further including a front and back wall, the front wall having an expandable portion including a securing member that is configured for slideable engagement to seal and unseal the expandable portion, the ridge members engage and disengage the connection members of the at least two storage members;

enlarging an expandable portion of the front wall of the at least two storage members, the at least two storage members capable of receiving and maintaining the electronic devices and related accessories in the expandable portion in a suspended manner;

placing the electronic devices and related accessories within the expandable portion of the front wall of the at least two storage members;

collapsing the expandable portion of the front wall of the at least two storage members to seal and maintain the electronic devices in a suspended manner; and

defining the electronic devices and related accessories by writing on a label or indicia on the front wall of the at least two storage members.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising affixing a plurality of the storage members to the ridge members of the receptacle member.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one storage members is removable from the ridge members of the receptacle member.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein defining comprises erasing the writing on the label upon removing the electronic devices and related accessories from the at least one storage members.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the improvement comprises the at least two storage members conforming to accommodate the geometric shape of one of the electronic devices and related accessories within the anti-static storage members, including the compact disc, the universal serial bus cable, the proof of purchase label, and the electronic device charger.