Dual mount searchable binder

Abstract

A searchable binder which is operationally compatible with a binder management system having a cabinet with shelves or a file cabinet with file drawers for removable storage of searchable binders. Each binder has a body with front and rear covers and a spine. Inside the body is a binder mechanism for removably retaining sheet media. Each binder has a pair of binder contact mechanisms mounted to the spine at opposite ends, a binder identification circuit electrically coupled to the binder contact mechanisms, and a visible indicator. Each binder contact mechanism has a base element and a sliding element. The sliding element can be manually set to a retracted position in which the sliding element is extended a first distance and an extended position in which the sliding element is extended a second greater distance. In the retracted position, the sliding elements can make contact with conductive elements of a binder cabinet when a binder is placed on a shelf. In the extended position the sliding elements can make contact with conductive support rails of a file cabinet when a binder is placed in a file drawer. When a binder identification signal from a host computer is supplied to the conductive elements or the conductive rails. It is transferred by the binder contact mechanisms to the binder identification circuit. If the signal matches an address code stored in the binder identification circuit, the LED is activated to aid the user in finding the binder.