Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6305714
-
Patent Number
6,305,714
-
Date Filed
Friday, July 2, 199925 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, October 23, 200122 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
- Fridie, Jr.; Willmon
- Henderson; Mark T.
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 281 31
- 281 37
- 281 29
- 281 51
- 402 4
- 402 70
- 402 73
- 040 725
- 040 726
- 040 700
- 040 775
- 040 777
- 040 768
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A folder having framed windows featuring a first panel, a second panel and a spine panel disposed between the covers. A pocket panel secured to the holder providing framed windows in substantial alignment with the front cover and the spine such that a sheet containing content information is insertable within the pocket and displayable over the front cover, spine or a combination thereof. A mounting sheet is insertable within the pocket for securing a sheet containing content identification. The mounting sheet has a plurality of fasteners adaptable for securing and displaying sheets for insertion into the pocket in multiple orientations. In the first orientation, the plurality of fasteners secures the sheet such that it extends over the front cover and is viewable only within the framed window of the front cover. In the second orientation, the fasteners secure the sheet such that it extends over both the front cover and the spine and is viewable within both framed windows. In both orientations, the framed windows cover the fasteners from view.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to folders. More particularly, this invention is directed to a folder or a loose-leaf binder comprising a cover having first and second panels and a mounting portion connected to the cover for securing a display sheet in different positions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Folders and loose-leaf binders are conventionally used for holding and organizing sheets of paper. Loose-leaf binders typically have front and back covers and a spine disposed between the covers. Additionally, ring segments that abut to form rings are incorporated in the inside surface of these binders, either along the spine or the back cover, to allow the insertion of paper to or removal of paper from the binder. To further facilitate the organization and identification of the sheets of paper held within the folder or binder, content identifiers such as labels are generally affixed to the spine, front cover, or both. Although the area available for an inscription is more limited, content identifiers have been displayed on the spine of these folders or binders to provide identification when they are stored in the upright position either on a shelf or a desk top. Displaying content identifiers on the front cover allows the user more inscription space in displaying titles or graphics, but is only visible when the binders are laid flat.
Various forms of content identifiers are known in the art and have been incorporated into binders. The simplest form is attaching inscribed self-adhesive labels to either the front cover or the spine of the binder. Also commonly used are transparent plastic materials, typically rectangular in shape, that are either heat sealed or adhesively attached to the spine or the front cover into which a label can be inserted.
Improvements have developed in content identifiers for binders to enhance both usage versatility and visual appeal. U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,797 discloses a three-ring binder having a spine, front cover and back cover. The spine and the front cover each includes a rectangular frame aligned with and welded to the bottom and side edges of the spine and cover. A clear plastic membrane is secured to the frame's interior and covers the opening in the picture frames. A display insert is dimensioned for inserting into each of the picture frames.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,704,546 discloses a ring binder having a transparent cover with a framed border and an interior pocket opening alongside the spine for holding a title sheet. The ring mechanism is connected to the spine and content identification is provided only on the covers. Both references require separate identification for the spine and the covers.
Another reference allowing customized insertion of a content identifier in an exterior window is U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,564. This reference teaches a binder having a single sheet of transparent plastic material wrapping around the spine and extending to at least a portion of the front and back covers to form a single pocket. The pocket is formed to hold a label made from a conventional 8.5 by 11-inch sheet of paper.
The Avery® Framed View Binder™ has two individually framed label pockets, with one extending over the front cover and the other extending over the spine. A spine label is first printed and either must be manually retrofitted to the size necessary for fitting into the pocket on the spine or printed on a pre-sized label which minimizes the inscription options available to a user. Thereafter, a cover sheet is separately prepared for insertion into the pocket on the front cover. Although the spine label or cover sheet can be printed using conventionally sized 8½ by 11-inch paper on a widely popular laser printer, the printed sheet must thereafter cut into size to fit in both pockets. Moreover, the spine label and cover sheet can easily shift out of position when the binder is handled, mis-aligning the printed materials with respect to the front cover. U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,417 discloses a three-ring binder having full length pockets with opaque framing applied by silk screening. The pockets are heat sealed to the front and back covers such that identification is not available on the spine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A folder with framed windows according to the present invention features a first panel, a second panel and a spine panel disposed between the covers. A pocket secured to the holder provides framed windows in substantial alignment with the front cover and the spine such that a sheet containing content information is insertable within the pocket and displayable over the front cover, spine or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, cut-outs are provided within the front cover and the spine forming framed windows. A pocket is secured to the inside surface of the binder to allow the insertion of a sheet containing content information to be displayed through the windows.
Also, the present invention reduces the probability of the display sheet or spine label from getting loose when the binder is dropped or transported by providing a mounting sheet insertable within the pocket. The mounting sheet has a plurality of fasteners adaptable for securing and displaying sheets in multiple orientations. In the first orientation, the plurality of fasteners secures the sheet such that it extends over the front cover and is viewable only within the framed window of the front cover. In the second orientation, the fasteners secure the sheet such that it extends over both the front cover and the spine and is viewable within both framed windows. In both orientations, the window frames cover the fasteners from view.
The present invention is also directed to a method manufacturing a folder comprising the steps of forming a base by layering a board between a first and second cover material such that the first cover material is on top. A mounting sheet is located over the base, covering a portion of the base. A pocket sheet is placed over the mounting sheet atop of the base such that the pocket sheet covers the mounting sheet. The pocket sheet is affixed to the base by radio frequency welding the edges of the pocket sheet to the base such that at least one seal line abuts the mounting sheet. Once the pocket sheet is sealed onto the base, the edges are trimmed along the seal line.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a side view of a folder according to the present invention;
FIG. 2
is a perspective view of a folder in an open position according to the present invention;
FIG. 3
is a perspective view of the binder in
FIG. 2
showing the insertion of a mounting sheet with a sheet in a first orientation;
FIG. 4
is another embodiment of the binder if
FIG. 2
showing the insertion of the mounting sheet with the sheet in a second orientation;
FIG. 5
is a top view of the mounting sheet of
FIGS. 3 and 4
;
FIG. 6
is a perspective view of another embodiment of a folder according to the present invention;
FIG. 7
is a top view of the folder of
FIG. 6
in an open position showing the first step of inserting a sheet into the holder;
FIG. 8
is a top view of the folder of
FIG. 6
in an open position showing the second step of inserting the sheet into the holder;
FIG. 9
is a top view of a folder constructed according to the present invention; and
FIG. 10
is a cross-sectional view of the folder of
FIG. 9
along line
10
—
10
.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2
, a sheet holder such as a folder or a binder according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown in
FIG. 1
, the folder
10
comprises a binder
11
preferably having a front cover
12
, a back cover
14
and a spine
16
disposed therebetween. The spine
16
defines a front fold line
18
forming a hinge, and a back fold line
20
at the respective interfaces with the front cover
12
and the back cover
14
. The folder
10
of the preferred embodiment in
FIG. 1
is shown as a conventional loose-leaf binder that comprises a ring binder mechanism
22
, which is preferably a ring binder as shown, but may otherwise be other known mechanisms for securing sheets
26
. The binder mechanism
22
is secured to the inside surface of the folder
10
and preferably has at least one ring
24
, and more preferably 3 rings
24
, for holding at least one sheet, a display sheet
33
, between the front and back covers
12
and
14
.
The ring binder mechanism
22
may be secured to the inside surface of the front or back cover
12
and
14
, preferably proximate to the back fold line
20
as shown in
FIG. 2
or laterally centered on the spine
16
between the front and back fold lines
18
and
20
as shown in FIG.
1
. The rings
24
may comprise ring segments that abut to form substantially circular rings to facilitate the insertion or removal of sheets
26
to and from the folder
10
. Alternative rings
24
may have one segment that is substantially semi-circular while the other substantially straight, forming a “D” shaped rings when the segments abut to form a closed configuration as shown in FIG.
2
.
The folder
10
has a mounting portion, which includes pockets, mounting sheets, clips attached to the binder, cut-outs on the binder allowing the insertion of materials. The preferred mounting portion is shown in
FIG. 2
, having a pocket panel
28
has a first side
30
connected adjacent an outer edge
32
of the front cover
12
preferably by heat sealing to form a first sealed edge
13
. A second side
34
of the pocket panel
28
is connected to the binder
11
of the folder
10
along or near the back fold line
20
preferably forming a second sealed edge
15
, which is on a side of the spine
16
opposite from the outer edge
32
. As shown in
FIG. 2
, the pocket panel
28
is thus secured to the binder
11
to form a pocket
29
. The pocket
29
extends over the front cover
12
and the spine
16
. A display sheet
33
with content inscriptions may be inserted in the pocket
29
as will be described in greater details hereafter. Referring to
FIG. 2
, folder
10
is shown with the front and back covers
12
and
14
opened in such a manner that the pocket panel
28
reveals a wide open pocket
29
allowing greater ease in inserting the display sheet. A third side
35
of the pocket panel
28
is also preferably connected to the base of the binder
11
and extends along the base of the front cover
12
and the spine
16
.
Preferably a cut-out
37
is positioned on the pocket panel
28
in alignment with the front fold line
18
around the base of the hinge, between the front cover
12
and the spine
16
before the pocket panel
28
is secured to the binder
11
. The cut-out may alternatively not be provided, but the effect of connecting the pocket panel
28
to the binder
11
about the back fold line
20
may create a gathering of excess pocket panel
28
material along the hinge area between the front cover
12
and the spine
16
, making the pocket panel
28
difficult to fold about the back fold line
18
. One advantage of cut-out
37
, therefore, is to facilitate the folding of the pocket panel
28
about the front fold line
18
when the pocket panel
28
is sealed to the base of the folder
11
, preventing the gathering of excess material. Additionally, the cut-out
37
prevents the pocket panel
28
from pinching the mounting sheet
44
, which will be discussed hereinafter. Preferably, the cut-out
37
has a semicircular shape to allow greater ease in the insertion and removal of the display sheet
33
. The preferred method of connecting the pocket panel
28
to the binder
11
is sealing by radio frequency welding, as will be discussed hereinafter. Other connecting methods known in the art, including stitching, stamping, snapping, riveting, adhering, pressing and fastening, are also suitable for forming fold lines
18
and
20
and connecting the pocket panel
28
to the binder
11
.
As previously stated, pocket panel
28
allows the insertion of the display sheet
33
to indicate the contents thereof or for decorative purposes. As a part of the present invention, a mounting sheet
44
is provided to facilitate the insertion of the display sheet
33
into the pocket
29
, as shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4
. Preferably the mounting sheet
44
is constructed of a pliable, semi-rigid plastic material. The most preferred material is a plastic coated paper material commercially know as a Yupo™ sheet, which is sold by Yupo Corporation. The mounting sheet
44
has at least one and preferably a plurality of fasteners
46
a
and
46
b
for securing the display sheet
33
for insertion into the pocket
29
as shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4
. The fasteners
46
a
and
46
b
are arranged to secure the display sheet
33
in various positions.
FIG. 3
shows the display sheet
33
in a first position, known as landscape, where the display sheet
33
is secured by a first set of fasteners
46
a
in an orientation allowing the display sheet
33
to span both the front cover
12
and the spine
16
portions of the pocket panel
28
.
FIG. 4
shows the mounting sheet
44
with a display sheet
33
fitted in a second position, preferably portrait, where the display sheet
33
is secured by a second set of fasteners
46
b
in an orientation allowing the display sheet
33
to span only the front cover
12
portion of the pocket panel
28
.
In both
FIGS. 3 and 4
, mounting sheet
44
, once fitted with the display sheet
33
containing inscriptions or other information, is receivable within the pocket
29
by sliding the mounting sheet
44
in the direction of the arrows. The frames
36
and
40
are preferably dimensioned to cover fasteners
46
a
and
46
b
, or concealing them from view by overlapping the fasteners
46
a
and
46
b
. The contents of the display sheet
33
are displayed for view through windows
38
and
42
.
A third variation is also available in which the first and second positions are used in combination. A user may print two display sheets
33
, one for insertion into the first set of fasteners
46
a
, but containing only spine label information, and the other display sheet
33
inserted in the second set of fasteners
46
b
containing cover information. The two display sheets
33
are each secured to the mounting sheet
44
preferably using different sets of fasteners
46
a
and
46
b
before inserting the mounting sheet
44
into the pocket
29
of the folder
10
. The display sheet
33
is preferably smaller than the front cover
12
and spine
16
combined to suitably fit within the pocket
29
. Most preferably, the display sheet
33
has the same dimensions as sheets
26
contained in the binder
11
. A user may conveniently print information on the display sheet
33
along with the sheets
26
that are intended for the binder
11
. Such an identification system allows the user the ease and flexibility of using conventionally available printer technology and office supplies to create a visually appealing display sheet, spine label, or a combination thereof that not only identifies the contents of the folder but also enhances the overall appearance of the folder
10
.
Referring to the preferred embodiment shown in
FIG. 5
, the first set of fasteners
46
a
comprises left and right fasteners
47
a
and
47
b
. Preferably the left fasteners
47
a
are each located in a position proximate to the first fold line
18
, such that when the mounting sheet
44
is inserted in the pocket
29
, the fasteners
47
a
are substantially aligned in area of the pocket panel
29
between the first and second windows
38
and
42
covered by frames
36
and
40
. The right fasteners
47
b
are preferably disposed proximate to the outer comers of the mounting sheet
44
such that when the mounting sheet
44
is inserted within the pocket
29
, the fasteners
47
b
are located between the outer edge
32
of the front cover
12
and the first window
38
and are covered by the first frame
36
.
Each of the fasteners
47
a
and
47
b
preferably comprises a tab
50
a, b
, respectively, integrally constructed with the mounting sheet
44
. The mounting sheet
44
defines an opening space or die-cuts
48
a, b
. In securing the display sheet
33
to the mounting sheet
44
with the fasteners
47
a
and
47
b
, the tabs
50
a
,
50
b
and the mounting sheet
44
, a slight downward pressure in applied on the display sheet
33
, pressing the display sheet
33
toward the mounting sheet
44
while the mounting sheet
44
exerts an upward force against the display sheet
33
, thus clamping the inserted portion of the display sheet
33
to the mounting sheet
44
. The die-cuts
48
a
,
48
b
and
52
prevent creasing or bunching of the display sheet
33
at the point of attachment by providing a space for the inserted portions of the display sheet
33
to adjust to the opposing forces of the tabs
50
a
,
50
b
and the mounting sheet
44
, while relieving stresses in the mounting sheet
44
.
FIG. 5
also shows the left fasteners
47
a
having a semi-circular opening or die-cut
48
a
and a tab
50
a
abutting the die-cut and correspondingly shaped. This preferred configuration of the fasteners
47
a
is adapted for receiving the straight portion of display sheet
33
. Preferably the right fasteners
47
b
have a die-cut
48
b
is preferably shaped as a quarter part of a circle and forms tab
50
b
of a corresponding shape. The configuration of die-cuts
47
b
and tabs
50
b
is better adapted to receive the comers of display sheet
33
. Accordingly, the first set of fasteners
46
a
are configured to secure the display sheet
33
in a landscape orientation.
Similarly, the second set of fasteners
46
b
preferably has the same die-cut and tab construction of the first set of fasteners
46
a
. As shown in
FIG. 5
, die-cut
52
is preferably arcuate or substantially semi-circular in shape, and the tab
54
correspondingly has a semi-circular shape abutting the die-cut
52
. As stated above, the second set of fasteners
46
b
hold the display sheet
33
in a portrait orientation. All of the die-cuts
52
and tabs
54
in the second set of fasteners
46
b
are preferably similarly shaped to easily receive the straight portions of the display sheet
33
although comer tabs similar to tabs
50
b
can also be used.
The positioning and the size of die-cuts
48
a, b
and tabs
50
a, b
is preferably selected so that the frame
36
covers the die-cuts
48
a, b
and tabs
50
a, b
when the mounting sheet
44
is inserted in the pocket
29
. As the size of the folder
10
can be easily adapted to hold a variety of sizes of paper, the size of the frames
36
and
40
and the positions of the die-cuts
48
a, b
and tabs
50
a, b
are similarly adapted to hold the preferred size of display sheet
33
, including the plurality of sheets
26
held or bound within the folder. Accordingly, users may print the display sheet along with a document on the same size sheets to be used with the folder.
The configuration of the fasteners
46
allow a conventionally sized sheet to be easily attached to and securely held in place by the mounting sheet
44
, allowing flexibility in labeling the contents of the holder
10
. The first and second sets of fasteners
46
a
and
46
b
are respectively disposed along spaced lines L
1
and L
2
that correspond to the dimensions of the display sheet
33
, as shown in FIG.
5
. Laser quality printing on conventional size sheets is readily available. By adapting the labeling of the binder for use with the commonly available printing process and by providing labeling of the front cover
12
only or front cover
12
and spine
16
in one easy step, the present invention greatly improves the versatility of identifying the contents of the folder as well as improving its overall appearance.
The mounting sheet
44
is preferably printed on one side with instructions to users for securing and inserting the display sheet
33
in the various positions. Additionally, the mounting sheet
44
can be used as a sell sheet featuring consumer information about the folder
10
, including a picture of the folder, the size of the rings, and the UPC code. Preferably the folder
10
is sold with the mounting sheet
44
inserted in the pocket panel
28
, displaying consumer information through the windows.
The folder
10
is preferably constructed of card board or bristol board and preferably covered by a pliable plastic material of polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene composition. The pocket panel
28
is preferably a flexible single ply plastic material that may be transparent, translucent, opaque or a combination thereof to protect while displaying the inserted display sheet
33
. The most preferred material for the pocket panel is clear polyvinyl chloride with an “orange peel” texture. Alternatively, the folder
10
can be made of plastic and have living hinges.
The window frames
34
and
36
and windows
38
and
40
may be constructed from different materials secured to each other to form the pocket panel
28
. Preferably the windows
38
and
40
and the window frames
34
and
36
are formed from a continuous sheet of pocket panel material where the window frames
38
and
40
are opaque and the windows are transparent. The windows
38
and
40
may additionally be cutouts from the panel material or the front cover
12
and the spine
16
. The most preferred method of forming the window frames
34
and
36
and the windows
38
and
40
is by a silkscreen printing process, where the desired colors for the window frames are silkscreen printed onto the pocket panels. The use of both transparent and opaque plastic material is shown in
FIG. 2
, where pocket panel
28
has a first frame
36
of the opaque plastic material framing a first window
38
of a transparent material. The windows
38
and
40
may respectively be disposed over any portion of the front cover
12
and spine
16
. Additionally, the windows
38
and
40
may have any shape. The windows
38
and
40
preferably has dimensions that corresponds to the display sheet
33
as well as the sheets
26
contained in the binder
11
. Preferably, the windows
38
and
40
are smaller in dimensions than the display sheet, exposing portions of the display sheet
33
. Most preferably, the windows
38
and
40
have dimensions such that the fasteners
46
a
and
46
b
are not shown with the exposed portions of the display sheet
33
.
Preferably, first frame
36
and first window
38
are disposed on the pocket panel
28
of the front cover
12
such that the first window
38
exposes only a portion of the front cover
12
. Similarly, the pocket panel
28
has a second frame
40
of the opaque plastic material framing a second window
42
of a transparent material. The second frame
40
and second window
42
are disposed on the pocket panel
28
such that the second window
42
exposes only a portion of the spine
16
.
First and second frames
36
and
40
may be formed by silk-screening, hot stamping, appliqueing or other methods of applying an opaque coverage a portion of the pocket panel
28
. Any color desired is suitable for use with the present invention. The method of applying the silk screen may differ depending on the color of the window frames desired. For example, where black window frames are desired, a single pass of black ink is usually sufficient to create the opaque quality to accentuate the displayed materials. Where a lighter color frame is desired with a light colored binder, such as white, it is preferable to print one layer of white ink and two more layers of light gray ink on top of the white ink after the white ink is allowed to dry. The use of the gray ink layers under the white ink layer insures an opaque, yet white, surface for the window frames.
The folder
10
is preferably dimensioned to accommodate conventionally sized sheets of papers with sufficient clearance to fully protect the sheets held therein from external elements. An example of such sheets of paper is the standard 8½ by 11 inch sheets of paper, commonly used in the U.S., or A4 size. To accommodate standard 8½ by 11 inch sheets of paper, the front and back covers preferably are 10-{fraction (
1
/
4
)} by 11-{fraction (
5
/
8
)} inches. In addition to accommodating the size of the sheets contained in the folder
10
, the dimension of the spine
16
is selected to accommodate the variable thicknesses of the stack of sheets
26
that may be held within the folder
10
.
The dimensions of the first and second frames
36
and
40
are selected to cover a portion of the display sheet
33
, according to the size of the inserted sheet. The dimensions of the windows
38
and
42
are selected corresponding to the size of frames
36
and
40
, front cover
12
and spine
16
. Preferably the size of the windows
38
and
42
are dimensioned to maximize the displayed area of the display sheet, while covering the fasteners. Since the dimension of the second frame
40
depends on the size of the spine
16
, the window
42
size will likewise vary. For a folder having a one inch holding capacity, the first window
38
preferably has a dimension 7.25 inches in width by 8 inches in length, and the second window
42
preferably has a dimension 0.625 inches in width by 8 inches in length. For a folder having a two-inch holding capacity, the first window
38
preferably has a dimension 7.25 inches in width by 8 inches in length, and the second window
42
preferably has a dimension 0.75 inches in width by 8 inches in length. Moreover, although first and second frames
36
and
40
are shown as having a substantially rectangular shape, other shapes can be employed, including circular, oval, or irregular, to display a different display area shape of the display sheet.
Another embodiment of a folder
100
according to the present invention is shown in FIG.
6
. Folder
100
is shown having a front cover
102
, a back cover
104
and a spine
106
disposed therebetween respectively forming a front and back fold lines
108
and
110
along the interfaces with the front and back covers
102
and
104
. A ring mechanism
112
is preferably attached to the inside surface of the back cover
104
proximate to the back fold line
110
. As shown, a pocket panel
114
is secured to the inside surface of the folder
100
along the outer edge of the front cover
102
forming a first seal line
103
. The pocket panel
114
is also secured to the inside surface of the folder
100
along the back fold line
110
, forming a second seal line
105
. The pocket panel
114
forms a pocket
115
to allow the insertion of a display sheet
33
. The pocket panel
114
, however, can alternatively be secured to the outside surface of the folder
100
. A first cut-out
116
is disposed on the front cover
114
forming a first window
118
and a first frame
120
. A second cut-out
122
is disposed on the spine
106
forming a second window
124
and a second frame
126
. Windows
118
and
124
and frames
120
and
126
provide coverage to a portion of the front cover
114
and the spine
106
, allowing exposure and framing of the display portion of the display sheet preferably containing content information when inserted. The windows
118
and
124
of this embodiment is shown as having arched top and bottom sides. As with the first embodiment, windows
118
and
124
having other shapes are also suitable.
Referring now to
FIGS. 7 and 8
, the pocket panel
114
is shown having an opening
128
along the front fold line
108
, allowing the insertion of the display sheet
33
within the pocket
114
.
FIG. 7
shows a first step in inserting the display sheet
33
of paper into the pocket panel
114
where the title page side of the paper is inserted in the front cover
112
portion of the pocket
114
. A second step involves inserting the spine label side of the display sheet
33
into the spine
106
portion of the pocket panel
114
, as shown in FIG.
8
. Once inserted, the frames
120
and
126
frame the information contained on the display sheet
33
and expose only the portion of the display sheet
33
through windows
118
and
124
.
The folders described above may be manufactured by various automated and continuous assembly line methods. As each folder is manufactured in a similar fashion as the others, the following describes the preferred method of manufacturing a folder
200
according to the present invention. In this preferred method, a plurality of folder parts are pre-dimensioned and configured for assembly.
Preferably a pre-dimensioned and configured board
202
, having a front cover
204
, a back cover
206
and a spine
208
disposed therebetween respectively defining a front fold line
210
and a back fold line
212
with the front and back covers
204
and
206
, is placed on an assembly table, as shown in FIG.
9
. The board
202
is layered between two binder cover materials
214
to form a base
216
. An mounting material
218
formed or cut as the mounting sheet
44
is located over the front cover
204
and spine
208
portions of the previously formed base
216
. Preferably the mounting material
218
is constructed of a pliable and transparent or translucent material composed of polyvinyl chloride or polypropylene. Additionally, the mounting material
218
is formed with fasteners and printed display information. The pocket panel material
220
is placed over the assembly of mounting material
218
and base
216
.
The pocket panel material
220
is then fixed to the base
216
to form sealed side edges
222
and
224
that are substantially in alignment with the back fold line
212
and the outer edge
226
of the front cover
204
as shown by the arrows in FIG.
10
. Additionally, a third seal line
228
is formed substantially in alignment with a hinge line
230
formed between the front cover
204
and the spine
208
. The third seal line
228
is fixed to the base
216
, as shown by the arrows along the font fold line
210
, such that the pocket material
220
is not secured to the base
216
or the mounting material
218
.
The selection of the mounting material
218
prevents such attachment of the pocket panel to the binder. The method of fusing may be provided by various systems well known in the art including, heat, sonic, ultrasonic, or mechanical methods. The most preferred method of fusing the pocket panel material is through radio frequency welding. Other methods of fixing the pocket material to the binder cover includes heat sealing, stitching, stamping, snapping, riveting, adhering, pressing and fastening by adhesives. As shown in the preferred embodiment, the use of the plastic coated paper, commercially known as a Yupo sheet, prevents such attachment due to the Yupo sheet's resistance to radio frequency welding. Preferably, the mounting material
218
and the cover material
214
are selected such that the two materials will not become fixed by the fixing method used to fix the pocket sheet
220
to the cover
204
.
One of ordinary skill in the art can envision numerous variations and modifications to the invention disclosed herein. All of these modifications are contemplated by the true spirit and scope of the following claims.
Claims
- 1. A folder comprising:a) a cover having an exterior surface and having first and second panels pivotably associated with each other; and b) a mounting portion associable with the first and second panels for mounting a display sheet extendable across both the first and second panels, the mounting portion including at least one first fastener configured and disposed to secure the display sheet in a first position relative to the mounting portion; wherein at least a portion of the display sheet is visible from the exterior surface of the cover when the display sheet is in the first position.
- 2. The folder of claim 1 wherein the display sheet in the first position extends only over the first and second panels.
- 3. The folder of claim 1, wherein the mounting portion further comprises at least one second fastener configured and disposed to secure the display sheet in a second position relative to the mounting portion, wherein the display sheet extends over only one of the first and second panels.
- 4. The folder of claim 1, wherein the mounting portion comprises:a) a pocket panel connected to the cover defining a pocket therebetween; and b) a mounting sheet receivable within the pocket wherein the at least one first fastener is disposed on the mounting sheet.
- 5. The folder of claim 3, wherein the display sheet in the first position is in a first orientation and in the second position in a second orientation.
- 6. The folder of claim 3, wherein the display sheet in the second position is disposed only over the first panel.
- 7. The folder of claim 3, wherein:a) the at least one first fastener includes a plurality of first fasteners disposed along first lines spaced from each other by a first distance corresponding to a dimension of the display sheet; b) the at least one second fastener includes a plurality of second fasteners disposed along second lines spaced by the first distance; and c) the first and second lines are disposed at an angle with respect to each other.
- 8. The folder of claim 3, wherein the mounting portion includes a base, and the first and second fasteners include tabs associated with the base for receiving and holding the display sheet between the tabs and the base.
- 9. The folder of claim 5, wherein the first orientation is substantially perpendicular to the second orientation.
- 10. The folder of claim 6, wherein the first panel is one of a front and back cover and the second panel is a spine.
- 11. The folder of claim 7, wherein the angle is about 90°.
- 12. The folder of claim 8, wherein the mounting portion defines openings disposed between the tabs and the base for reducing deformation of the mounting portion when the display sheet is inserted between the tabs and the base.
- 13. The folder of claim 12, further comprises:a) a first window frame defining a first window disposed only over the first panel; and b) a second window frame defining a second window disposed only over the second panel; wherein the first panel is a front cover of the folder, the second panel is a spine of the folder, and the first window exposes only a first portion of the display sheet over the front cover, and the second window exposes only a second portion of the display sheet over the spine.
- 14. The folder of claim 4, wherein:a) the first and second panels are pivotably connected at a hinge; and b) the pocket panel is attached to the first and second panels such that the pocket panel is free from attachment about the hinge.
- 15. The folder of claim 13, wherein the first and second windows are disposed on the pocket panel.
- 16. The folder of claim 13, wherein:a) the display sheet has a display sheet length; and b) the first and second windows have a first window length extending laterally across the cover and including both windows; wherein the display sheet length is greater than the first window length.
- 17. The folder of claim 15, wherein the pocket panel includes a window frame substantially overlapping with at least one fastener.
- 18. The folder of claim 17, wherein the mounting sheet comprises first and second groups of fasteners wherein:a) the mounting sheet and the first group of fasteners are configured for securing the display sheet in the first position extends substantially over the first and second panels and respectively exposing the first and second portions of the display sheet within the first and second windows; and b) the mounting sheet and the second group of fasteners are configured for securing the display sheet in the second position extending substantially over the first panel and exposing the first and second portions of the display sheet within only the first window.
- 19. The folder of claim 14, wherein:a) the first panel has a first outer edge disposed laterally opposite from the hinge; and b) the second panel has a second outer edge disposed laterally opposite from the hinge; wherein the pocket panel is attached to the first and second panels proximate to the first and second outer edges.
- 20. The folder of claim 14, wherein the pocket panel has an opening disposed substantially about the hinge for receiving the display sheet.
- 21. The folder of claim 19, wherein the pocket panel defines a notch disposed at the hinge preventing the pocket panel from gathering when the first and second panels pivot about the hinge.
- 22. The folder of claim 20, wherein the opening forms a first pocket part and a second pocket part such that the first and second pocket parts open toward each other about the hinge.
- 23. The folder of claim 22, wherein:a) the opening comprises a first side abutting the first pocket part and a second side abutting the second pocket part; and b) the display sheet has a first edge and a second edge disposed laterally opposed to the first edge; wherein the first edge of the display is insertable within the first pocket part, and the second edge of the display sheet is insertable within the second pocket part.
- 24. A folder comprising:a) a cover having first and second panels pivotably associated with each other; b) a binder mechanism attached to the cover and configured for binding sheets having predetermined dimensions with the predetermined dimensions oriented in a bound orientation; and c) a mounting portion for receiving a display sheet having said predetermined dimensions, the mounting portion having at least one fastener formed thereon and configured and dimensioned for mounting the display sheet with the predetermined dimensions oriented in a display orientation, wherein the display orientation is disposed at an angle with respect to the bound orientation.
- 25. The folder of claim 24, wherein the angle between the display and bound orientations is more than about 45°.
- 26. The folder of claim 24, wherein one of the display and bound orientations is portrait and the other is landscape.
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