Method of filing having a directed relationship through defining a staple relationship within the context of a folder document

In an electronically automated information processing system having input means, processing means, and storage means storing a plurality of documents within said system to file documents which have a directed relationship linking selected ones of said plurality of documents within said system, said computer implemented method comprising the steps of:

• identifying in said system two of said plurality of documents to be linked by directed relationship in responsive to signals provided by said information processing system;
• defining by said processing means in said system a staple relationship through a first attribute which provides a one-to-one link between said two identified documents;
• specifying by said processing means in said system that said staple relationship exists only within the context of a folder document, defined by a second attribute, which has a group of two or more documents included therein and;
• associating said first attribute and said second attribute in said storage means with said two identified documents whereby said two identified documents are linked together via said first attribute and said second attribute.