Patent Application
20130075457
The present invention relates generally to folders and relates more particularly to folder assemblies of the type including a plurality of telescopically-arranged folders, and related methods.
Storage receptacles of the type known as folders are commonly used to store various types of items, such as, but not limited to, paper documents, recording media (DVDs, CDs, flash drives, floppy discs, etc.), and plastic cards (gift cards, credit cards, identification cards, security cards, etc.). One common type of folder includes one or more sheets of material arranged to define a pocket that is accessible through a top or side opening and in which one or more items may be stored. Oftentimes, it is desirable to organize a plurality of items that one wishes to store by storing some items in one folder and storing other items in another folder. As can readily be appreciated, where a plurality of such folders is arranged so that the individual folders are in registry with one another, such as may be the case where the folders, themselves, are stored within a file cabinet or within a portable storage container, it may be difficult to identify the contents of the various folders, without actually removing the contents from the folders, since the contents of a folder or identifying indicia on the folder may be obscured by a neighboring folder. Moreover, with the individual folders arranged in registry with one another, it may be difficult to gain access to the pocket of a desired folder, for example, to insert an item into the pocket or to remove an item from the pocket, since the openings to the pockets of the various folders are positioned close to one another.
One approach to the above problems has been to provide a folder assembly including a plurality of telescopically-arranged folders. With such an arrangement of folders, by telescopically expanding the assembly, labels or other identifying indicia that previously were obscured by an adjacent folder may be revealed, as may also be the contents of the folders, themselves. In addition, by telescopically expanding the assembly, one may more easily gain access to the pockets of the respective folders. An example of such an assembly is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,871,066, which issued Oct. 3, 1989, by David LaWall, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In the LaWall patent, there is disclosed an assembly of telescoping file folders, the assembly providing a lost motion telescoping connection between containers with pockets for receiving articles by means of a connection flap from a front such container extending into an article-receiving pocket in a next container to the rear, the containers being stackable in registry and the top edge of rearmost container being exposed by lifting it, until the lost motion connection causes the next successive forward container to be lifted as well. The next container lifts yet a next container, and so on. The flap on the ultimate rearmost container can be turned forwardly to neatly close the stack in a single closed package. Accordingly, containers are stacked in registry in a compact and orderly fashion, and the user can easily scan the labeled edges of a plurality of containers by merely pulling a rearmost container out of registry, engaging the connecting flap of the next successive container, and pulling a plurality of such containers out of registry until locating a desired one. The desired one is separated by lifting the next forward container until its flap clears the desired container. The invention can be operated in a vertical-pulling arrangement, and is likewise operable by arranging the flap and pocket for sideways motion.
Another example of an assembly of telescopically-arranged folders is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,758,336 B2, which issued Jul. 6, 2004, by Norio Kohana, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In the Kohana patent, there is disclosed a storage case including a plurality of unit cases each consisting of a front panel and a rear panel, defining between them a pocket in which content is received, wherein the plurality of unit cases is coupled to each other with a coupling means formed in the rear panel of a forward one of adjacent unit cases and a one formed in the front panel of a rearward one so that the unit cases will be superposed on each other in the back-and-forth direction and the rearward one of the unit cases will be movable in a predetermined direction in relation to the forward one. The coupling means includes right and left engagement pieces formed, by cutting, each like a tongue-shaped piece in the front panel of the rearward unit case with a predetermined distance between them, and corresponding right and left engagement holes formed in the rear panel of the forward unit case with a predetermined distance between them. Each of the unit cases has a folding panel formed contiguously to, and along a return line at, the upper end of the rear panel. The folding panel of the forward unit case is disposed in the pocket of the rearward unit case, and the front panel of the rearward unit case is disposed between the rear panel and folding panel of the forward unit panel.
Although telescopic folder assemblies of the types described above do ameliorate many of the problems discussed above, these assemblies can encounter difficulties in smoothly telescoping open and shut. In addition, the initial assembly of these products can be difficult as the mechanisms on adjacent folders that are responsible for endowing the product with the capacity for telescopic movement must be coupled to one another in a specific manner.
Thus, there is a need for a folder assembly of the type including a plurality of telescopically-arranged folders wherein the folders are capable of smoothly telescoping open and shut and wherein the telescopic mechanism coupling adjacent folders may be easily assembled.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a folder assembly that includes a first folder, the first folder including a first hook; and a second folder, the second folder including a first strap, and wherein the first hook of the first folder is slidably coupled to the first strap of the second folder, whereby the first folder and the second folder are telescopically coupled to one another.
According to one feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, the first folder can further include a second hook and the second hook of the first folder can be slidably coupled to the first strap of the second folder.
According to another feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, the second folder can further include a second strap, the first folder can further include a second hook, and the second hook of the first folder can be slidably coupled to the second strap of the second folder.
According to another feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, the first folder can include a front panel, a back panel, and a pocket, the pocket can be at least in part defined by the front panel and the back panel, and the first hook can be integrally formed in the back panel.
According to another feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, the second folder can include a front panel, a back panel, and a pocket, the pocket can be at least in part defined by the front panel and the back panel, and the first strap can be integrally formed in the front panel.
According to another feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, the first folder can include a front panel, a back panel, and a pocket, the pocket of the first folder can be at least in part defined by the front panel and the back panel of the first folder, and the first hook can be integrally formed in the back panel of the first folder, and the second folder can include a front panel, a back panel, and a pocket, the pocket of the second folder can be at least in part defined by the front panel and the back panel of the second folder, and the first strap can be integrally formed in the front panel of the second folder.
According to another feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, the first folder can further include a cover flap, the cover flap of the first folder inserted into the pocket of the second folder.
According to another feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, the first folder can be generally rectangular and can include an open top, a bottom, and a pair of sides, the second folder can be generally rectangular and can include an open top, a bottom, and a pair of sides, the first strap can be oriented generally parallel to the sides of the second folder, and the first hook can be oriented at a downward angle relative to an imaginary line perpendicular to the sides of the first folder.
According to another feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, the first hook can be defined by a through-cut in the first folder, the through-cut having a first terminal end and a second terminal end and defining a long leg, a short leg, and a transverse leg, the long leg fixed to the first folder, the short leg not fixed to the first folder, the transverse leg interconnecting the long leg and the short leg.
According to another feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, the first terminal end and the second terminal end of the through-cut can be spaced different distances from the sides of the first folder.
According to another feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, at least one of the first folder and the second folder further can include a closure mechanism for maintaining the first and second folders in registry with one another.
According to another feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, the closure mechanism can include a knob on one of the first and second folders and an elastic loop on the other of the first and second folders.
According to another feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, the second folder can further include a first hook, the folder assembly can further include a third folder, the third folder can include a first strap, and the first hook of the second folder can be slidably coupled to the first strap of the third folder, whereby the second folder and the third folder are telescopically coupled to one another.
According to another feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, the third folder can further include a first hook, the folder assembly can further include a fourth folder, the fourth folder can include a first strap, and the first hook of the third folder can be slidably coupled to the first strap of the fourth folder, whereby the third folder and the fourth folder are telescopically coupled to one another.
According to another feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, the fourth folder can further include a first hook, the folder assembly can further include a fifth folder, the fifth folder can include a first strap, and the first hook of the fourth folder can be slidably coupled to the first strap of the fifth folder, whereby the fourth folder and the fifth folder are telescopically coupled to one another.
According to another feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, the second, third, and fourth folders can be identical.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a folder assembly, the folder assembly including a first folder, the first folder including a front panel and a back panel, the front panel and the back panel interconnected at their respective bottoms by a fold line and joined to each other at their respective sides, whereby the front panel and the back panel jointly define a pocket having an open top, the back panel configured to define a plurality of flexible hooks; and a second folder, the second folder including a front panel and a back panel, the front panel and the back panel interconnected at their respective bottoms by a fold line and joined to each other at their respective sides, whereby the front panel and the back panel jointly define a pocket having an open top, the front panel configured to define a plurality of flexible straps, wherein the flexible hooks of the first folder are slidably coupled to the flexible straps of the second folder, whereby the first folder and the second folder are telescopically coupled to one another.
According to a feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, the flexible hooks on the back panel of the first folder can be arranged in two groups, with one of the two groups of flexible hooks is slidably coupled to a first flexible strap and with the other of the two groups of flexible hooks is slidably coupled to a second flexible strap.
According to another feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, the first and second flexible straps can be parallel to one another and can be parallel to the sides of the second folder.
According to another feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, the first and second flexible straps can be defined by through-cuts in the front panel of the second folder.
According to another feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, the first flexible strap can be defined by a first pair of through-cuts in the front panel of the second folder and the second flexible strap can be defined by a second pair of through-cuts in the front panel of the second folder.
According to another feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, the flexible hooks can be angled downwardly relative to an imaginary line perpendicular to the sides of the back panel of the first folder.
According to another feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, each of the flexible hooks can be defined by a single through-cut in the back panel of the first folder.
According to another feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, each of the two groups of flexible hooks can include at least two flexible hooks.
According to another feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, each of the at least two flexible hooks can include a long leg, a short leg, and a transverse leg, the long leg fixed to the first folder proximate to a first side, the short leg not fixed to the first folder, the transverse leg interconnecting the long leg and the short leg.
According to another feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, each of the at least two flexible hooks can include a bottom hook, each of the through-cuts can include an upper terminal end and a lower terminal end, the lower terminal end of the through-cut for the bottom hook can be closer to the first side than is the upper terminal end of the through-cut for the bottom hook and than are the upper and lower terminal ends of the remaining hooks of the at least two flexible hooks.
According to another feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, the first folder can further include a cover flap, the cover flap can be connected to the back panel by a fold line, and the cover flap can be inserted into the pocket of the second folder.
According to another feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, at least one of the first folder and the second folder can further include a closure mechanism for maintaining the first and second folders in registry with one another.
According to another feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, the second folder can further include a cover flap, the cover flap can be connected to the back panel by a fold line, and the closure mechanism can include a knob on the front panel of the first folder and an elastic loop on the cover flap of the second folder.
According to another feature of the aforementioned folder assembly, the back panel of the second folder can be configured to define a plurality of flexible hooks, the folder assembly can further include a third folder, the third folder can include a front panel and a back panel, the front panel and the back panel can be interconnected at their respective bottoms by a fold line and can be joined to each other at their respective sides, whereby the front panel and the back panel jointly define a pocket having an open top, the front panel can be configured to define a plurality of flexible straps, and the flexible hooks of the second folder can be slidably coupled to the flexible straps of the third folder, whereby the second folder and the third folder are telescopically coupled to one another.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a plurality of folders, the method including the steps of (a) providing a first folder, the first folder including a first hook; (b) providing a second folder, the second folder including a first strap; and (c) slidably coupling the first hook of the first folder on the first strap of the second folder so as to telescopically couple the first folder and the second folder to one another.
According to a feature of the aforementioned method, the slidably coupling step can include hooking the first hook around a side edge of the first strap.
According to another feature of the aforementioned method, the first folder can have a cover flap and the said second folder can have a pocket, and the method can further include the step of inserting the cover flap of the first folder into the pocket of the second folder.
According to another feature of the aforementioned method, the second folder can further include a first hook, and the method can further include the steps of providing a third folder, the third folder including a first strap, and slidably coupling the first hook of the second folder on the first strap of the third folder so as to telescopically couple the second folder and the third folder to one another.
According to another feature of the aforementioned method, the first hook can be formed by a through-cut in a back panel of the first folder.
According to another feature of the aforementioned method, the first strap can be formed by a through-cut in a front panel of the second folder.
According to another feature of the aforementioned method the first strap can be formed by a through-cut in a front panel of the second folder.
According to another feature of the aforementioned method, the first folder can be generally rectangular and can include an open top, a bottom, and a pair of sides, the second folder can be generally rectangular and can include an open top, a bottom, and a pair of sides, the first strap can be oriented generally parallel to the sides of the second folder, and the first hook can be oriented at a downward angle relative to an imaginary line perpendicular to the sides of the first folder.
According to another feature of the aforementioned method, the first folder providing step can include the steps of (i) providing a sheet of material, (ii) cutting and scoring the sheet of material to form a first folder blank including a first panel, a second panel joined to the first panel by a first fold line, and a third panel joined to the second panel by a second fold line, the first panel including a pair of side flaps, the second panel including a through-cut defining the first hook, (iii) folding the first folder blank about the first fold line to bring together a rear surface of the first panel and a front surface of the second panel, (iv) joining the side flaps to a rear surface of the second panel, whereby the first panel and the second panel jointly define a pocket having an open top, and (v) folding the first folder blank about the second fold line to form a cover flap.
According to another feature of the aforementioned method, the joining the side flaps to the rear surface of the second panel of the first folder blank includes welding the side flaps to the rear surface of the second panel of the first folder blank.
According to another feature of the aforementioned method, the joining the side flaps to the rear surface of the second panel of the first folder blank includes gluing the side flaps to the rear surface of the second panel of the first folder blank.
According to another feature of the aforementioned method, the second folder providing step can include the steps of (i) providing a sheet of material, (ii) cutting and scoring the sheet of material to form a second folder blank including a first panel, a second panel joined to the first panel by a first fold line, and a third panel joined to the second panel by at least one second fold line, the first panel including a pair of side flaps and a through-cut defining the first strap, (iii) folding the second folder blank about the first fold line to bring together a rear surface of the first panel and a front surface of the second panel, (iv) joining the side flaps to a rear surface of the second panel, whereby the first panel and the second panel jointly define a pocket having an open top, and (v) folding the blank about the at least one second fold line to form a cover flap.
According to another feature of the aforementioned method, the joining the side flaps to the rear surface of the second panel of the second folder blank includes welding the side flaps to the rear surface of the second panel of the second folder blank.
According to another feature of the aforementioned method, the joining the side flaps to the rear surface of the second panel of the second folder blank includes gluing the side flaps to the rear surface of the second panel of the second folder blank.
The embodiments of the present invention described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present invention. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. It is to be understood, however, that the detailed description of the various embodiments and specific examples, while indicating preferred and other embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.
These, as well as other advantages of this invention, will be more completely understood and appreciated by referring to the following more detailed description of the presently preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, which are hereby incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. It should be noted that the drawings are not drawn to scale. In the drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like parts:
a), 2(b), 2(c), 2(d), 2(e), 2(f), and 2(g) are front perspective, front elevational, right-side elevational, left-side elevational, rear elevational, top plan, and bottom plan views, respectively, of the folder assembly of
a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), and 3(g) are front perspective, front elevational, right-side elevational, left-side elevational, rear elevational, top plan, and bottom plan views, respectively, of the folder assembly of
a), 6(b), 6(c), 6(d), 6(e), 6(f), and 6(g) are front perspective, front elevational, right-side elevational, left-side elevational, rear elevational, bottom plan, and top plan views, respectively, of the front folder shown in
a) and 8(b) are top plan and side elevational views, respectively, of a blank cut and scored according to the method of
a), 9(b), 9(c), 9(d), 9(e), 9(f), and 9(g) are front perspective, front elevational, right-side elevational, left-side elevational, rear elevational, bottom plan, and top plan views, respectively, of one of the three identical middle folders shown in
a) and 11(b) are top plan and side elevational views, respectively, of a blank cut and scored according to the method of
a), 12(b), 12(c), 12(d), 12(e), 12(f), and 12(g) are front perspective, front elevational, right-side elevational, left-side elevational, rear elevational, top plan, and bottom plan views, respectively, of the rear folder shown in
a) and 14(b) are top plan and side elevational views, respectively, of a blank cut and scored according to the method of
The present invention is embodied in folder assemblies, and related methods. Folder assemblies come in a multitude of configurations. It will be appreciated that modifications to disclosed and described examples, arrangements, configurations, components, elements, apparatuses, methods, materials, etc., can be made and may be desired for a specific application. In this disclosure, any identification of specific shapes, materials, techniques, arrangements, thicknesses, etc., are either related to a specific example presented or are merely a general description of such a shape, material, technique, arrangement, thickness, etc. Identification of specific details or examples are not intended to be, and should not be, construed as mandatory or limiting unless specifically designated as such. A few non-limiting examples of folder assemblies are discussed below.
Referring now to
For purposes of the present specification and claims, unless otherwise specified, the term “plurality” is defined to mean “two or more.”
Folder assembly 11 can include a front folder 13, three identical middle folders 15-1 through 15-3, respectively, and a rear folder 17, with each of folders 13, 15-1 through 15-3, and 17 being telescopically coupled to the folder(s) directly adjacent thereto in the manner described below. It should be understood that, although the present embodiment is shown including three middle folders 15-1 through 15-3, the invention is not limited to an assembly including three middle folders and could include more than three middle folders or less than three middle folders. In fact, the present invention can include no middle folders at all and can consist merely of front folder 13 and rear folder 17.
Referring now to
Front panel 19 has a top edge 39 that is spaced downwardly relative to a top edge 41 of back panel 21 to enable the viewing of a portion of a document or other appropriately sized item disposed within pocket 37, thereby facilitating a user in the identification of the contents of pocket 37 without requiring the user to remove the contents from pocket 37. In addition, because top edge 39 is spaced downwardly relative to top edge 41, one can position an appropriately dimensioned label or other indicia on the front surface of back panel 21 without having the same obscured from view by front panel 19. It should be understood that, although a portion of top edge 39 is shown in the present embodiment as having a curved wave-like shape, top edge 39 need not be so shaped.
Back panel 21 includes a plurality of through-cuts 44-1 through 44-4 defining a corresponding plurality of J-shaped hooks 45-1 through 45-4, respectively. As will be discussed further below, J-shaped hooks 45-1 through 45-4 are part of a mechanism for coupling front folder 13 to middle folder 15-1 to enable telescopic movement therebetween. J-shaped hooks 45-1 through 45-4 are symmetrically arranged on back panel 21 in two columns of two, with J-shaped hooks 45-1 and 45-2 being mirror images of one another and with J-shaped hooks 45-3 and 45-4 being mirror images of one another. (It is to be understood that the number and arrangement of J-shaped hooks 45-1 through 45-4 in the present embodiment is merely illustrative and that there may be a greater number or lesser number of J-shaped hooks 45-1 through 45-4 and/or that these J-shaped hooks may be arranged in a different fashion.) J-shaped hooks 45-1 through 45-4 are preferably angled downwardly slightly (e.g., 10 degrees) towards fold line 25 to reduce the likelihood that paper or other items inserted into pocket 37 may become caught in cuts 44-1 through 44-4. Each of J-shaped hooks 45-1 and 45-2 (also referred to as upper hooks) includes a long leg 47 fixed at one end to back panel 21, a short leg 49 generally parallel to long leg 47, and a transverse leg 51 interconnecting long leg 47 and short leg 49. J-shaped hooks 45-1 and 45-2 are arranged so that their fixed ends 50 are proximate to side edges 31-2 and 31-1, respectively, and so that their free ends 52 are distal to side edges 31-2 and 31-1, respectively. Similarly, each of J-shaped hooks 45-3 and 45-4 (also referred to as bottom hooks) includes a long leg 53 fixed at one end to back panel 21, a short leg 55 generally parallel to long leg 47, and a transverse leg 57 interconnecting long leg 53 and short leg 55. J-shaped hooks 45-3 and 45-4 are arranged so that their fixed ends 54 are proximate to side edges 31-2 and 31-1, respectively, and so that their free ends 56 are distal to side edges 31-2 and 31-1, respectively. Through-cut 44-1 have a pair of terminal ends 60-1 and 60-2, and through-cut 44-3 have a pair of terminal ends 62-1 and 62-2. Each of terminal ends 60-1, 60-2, 62-1, and 62-2 is a crescent-shaped cut that curls upwardly and towards side 31-1. Each of terminal ends 60-1, 60-2, and 62-1 is spaced substantially the same distance from side edge 31-2, with terminal end 62-2 (also referred to as the lower terminal end of J-shaped hook 45-3) being spaced substantially closer to side edge 31-2 than are terminal ends 60-1 and 60-2 of J-shaped hook 45-1, and terminal end 62-1 (also referred to as the upper terminal end of J-shaped hook 45-3). Similarly, through-cut 44-2 have a pair of terminal ends 64-1 and 64-2, and through-cut 44-4 have a pair of terminal ends 66-1 and 66-2. Each of terminal ends 64-1, 64-2, 66-1, and 66-2 is a crescent-shaped cut that curls upwardly and towards side 31-2. Each of terminal ends 64-1, 64-2, and 66-1 is spaced substantially the same distance from side edge 31-1, with terminal end 66-2 being spaced substantially closer to side edge 31-1 than are terminal ends 64-1, 64-2, and 66-1. The closer spacing of terminal ends 62-2 and 66-2 to side edges 31-2 and 31-1, respectively, can serve to minimize the likelihood that back panel 21 may tear when front folder 13 is telescoped away from middle folder 15-1.
Cover flap 23 is integrally formed with back panel 21 and is hingedly connected to top edge 41 of panel 21 at a fold line 69. Cover flap 23 is centered relative to back panel 21 and tapers in length from a maximum length l1 at fold line 69 to a minimum length l2 at a bottom edge 73, with maximum length l1 being substantially less than the length l3 of back panel 21. In addition, cover flap 23 has a width w1 that is substantially less than the corresponding width w2 of back panel 21. As will be discussed further below, cover flap 23 can be inserted into the pocket of middle folder 15-1 and, thus inserted, can minimize the likelihood that a user may inadvertently insert an item into the space between front folder 13 and middle folder 15-1.
In one embodiment, length l3 is approximately 11⅝ inches and width w2 is approximately 9⅛ inches. In alternate embodiments, length l3 and width w2 can be varied to accommodate a variety of different-sized articles, for example, legal-sized or A4-sized sheets of paper or media, file folders, or hanging file folders.
Front folder 13 further includes a knob 75. Knob 75 includes a pedestal portion 77 of comparatively smaller diameter secured at one end to front panel 19 and a disc portion 79 of comparatively greater diameter secured at the opposite end of pedestal portion 77. As will be discussed further below, knob 75 serves as a part of a closure mechanism for folder assembly 11.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Front panel 119 has a top edge 139 that is spaced downwardly relative to a top edge 141 of back panel 121 to enable the viewing of a portion of a document or other appropriately sized item disposed within pocket 137, thereby facilitating a user in the identification of the contents of pocket 137 without requiring the user to remove the contents from pocket 137. In addition, because top edge 139 is spaced downwardly relative to top edge 141, one can position an appropriately dimensioned label or other indicia on the front surface of back panel 121 without having the same obscured from view by front panel 119. Top edge 139 is shaped to include a pair of level end portions 139-1 and 139-2, a pair of angled portions 139-3 and 139-4 sloping downwardly from end portions 139-1 and 139-2, respectively, and a level center portion 139-5 interconnecting angled portions 139-3 and 139-4. Center portion 139-5 has a length l4 that is dimensioned to matingly receive the length of fold line 69 of front folder 13 so that, with cover flap 23 of front folder 13 is inserted into pocket 137 of middle folder 15-1 and with folders 13 and 15-1 telescoped away from each other, fold line 69 can mate with and can rest upon center portion 139-5.
Front panel 119 further includes a plurality of through-cuts 140-1 through 140-4. Through-cuts 140-1 through 140-4 are arranged on front panel 119 in two sets of two, with through-cuts 140-1 and 140-3 jointly defining a strap 142-1 and with through-cuts 140-2 and 140-4 jointly defining a strap 142-2. Straps 142-1 and 142-2 are symmetrically arranged on front panel 119 so as to extend generally parallel to one another and generally parallel to side edges 129-1 and 129-2 and so as to be positioned between fold line 125 and top edge 139. As will be discussed further below, together with J-shaped hooks 45-1 through 45-4, straps 142-1 and 142-2 include a mechanism for coupling front folder 13 to middle folder 15-1 to enable telescopic movement therebetween. As such, strap 142-1 are appropriately positioned and dimensioned so that J-shaped hooks 45-2 and 45-4 are slidably mounted thereon, and strap 142-2 are appropriately positioned and dimensioned so that J-shaped hooks 45-1 and 45-3 are slidably mounted thereon. (As can readily be appreciated, if the number and/or arrangement of J-shaped hooks 45-1 through 45-4 is modified, the number and/or arrangement of straps 142-1 and 142-2 can be modified correspondingly.) Through-cuts 140-1 and 140-3 are staggered vertically relative to one another, with the top end of through-cut 140-1 being positioned closer to top edge 139 than is the top end of through-cut 140-3 and with the bottom end of through-cut 140-3 being positioned closer to fold line 125 than is the bottom end of through-cut 140-1, so as to correspond to the above-mentioned downward angling of J-shaped hooks 45-2 and 45-4. Similarly, through-cuts 140-2 and 140-4 are staggered vertically relative to one another, with the top end of through-cut 140-2 being positioned closer to top edge 139 than is the top end of through-cut 140-4 and with the bottom end of through-cut 140-4 being positioned closer to fold line 125 than is the bottom end of through-cut 140-2, so as to correspond to the above-mentioned downward angling of J-shaped hooks 45-1 and 45-3. To minimize tearing of through-cuts 140-1 and 140-3 by J-shaped hooks 45-2 and 45-4, the respective top and bottom ends of through-cuts 140-1 and 140-3 are curled away from strap 142-1. Similarly, to minimize tearing of through-cuts 140-2 and 140-4 by J-shaped hooks 45-1 and 45-3, the respective top and bottom ends of through-cuts 140-2 and 140-4 are curled away from strap 142-2.
Back panel 121 includes a plurality of through-cuts 144-1 through 144-4 defining a corresponding plurality of J-shaped hooks 145-1 through 145-4, respectively. J-shaped hooks 145-1 through 145-4 include a part of a mechanism for coupling middle folder 15-1 to middle folder 15-2 to enable telescopic movement therebetween. J-shaped hooks 145-1 through 145-4 are symmetrically arranged on back panel 121 in two columns of two, with J-shaped hooks 145-1 and 145-2 being mirror images of one another and with J-shaped hooks 145-3 and 145-4 being mirror images of one another. (It is to be understood that the number and arrangement of J-shaped hooks 145-1 through 145-4 in the present embodiment is merely illustrative and that there may be a greater number or lesser number of J-shaped hooks 145-1 through 145-4 and/or that these J-shaped hooks may be arranged in a different fashion.) J-shaped hooks 145-1 through 145-4 are preferably angled downwardly slightly (e.g., 10 degrees) towards fold line 125 to reduce the likelihood that paper or other items inserted into pocket 137 may become caught in cuts 144-1 through 144-4. Each of J-shaped hooks 145-1 and 145-2 includes a long leg 147 fixed at one end to back panel 121, a short leg 149 generally parallel to long leg 147, and a transverse leg 151 interconnecting long leg 147 and short leg 149. J-shaped hooks 145-1 and 145-2 are arranged so that their fixed ends 150 are proximate to side edges 131-2 and 131-1, respectively, and so that their free ends 152 are distal to side edges 131-2 and 131-1, respectively. Similarly, each of J-shaped hooks 145-3 and 145-4 includes a long leg 153 fixed at one end to back panel 121, a short leg 155 generally parallel to long leg 147, and a transverse leg 157 interconnecting long leg 153 and short leg 155. J-shaped hooks 145-3 and 145-4 are arranged so that their fixed ends 154 are proximate to side edges 131-2 and 131-1, respectively, and so that their free ends 156 are distal to side edges 131-2 and 131-1, respectively. Through-cut 144-1 have a pair of terminal ends 160-1 and 160-2, and through-cut 144-3 have a pair of terminal ends 162-1 and 162-2. Each of terminal ends 160-1, 160-2, 162-1, and 162-2 is a crescent-shaped cut that curls upwardly and towards side 131-1. Each of terminal ends 160-1, 160-2, and 162-1 is spaced substantially the same distance from side edge 131-2, with terminal end 162-2 being spaced substantially closer to side edge 131-2 than are terminal ends 160-1, 160-2, and 162-1. Similarly, through-cut 144-2 have a pair of terminal ends 164-1 and 164-2, and through-cut 144-4 have a pair of terminal ends 166-1 and 166-2. Each of terminal ends 164-1, 164-2, 166-1, and 166-2 is a crescent-shaped cut that curls upwardly and towards side 131-2. Each of terminal ends 164-1, 164-2, and 166-1 is spaced substantially the same distance from side edge 131-1, with terminal end 166-2 being spaced substantially closer to side edge 131-1 than are terminal ends 164-1, 164-2, and 166-1. The closer spacing of terminal ends 162-2 and 166-2 to side edges 131-2 and 131-1, respectively, can serve to minimize the likelihood that back panel 121 may tear when middle folder 15-1 is telescoped away from middle folder 15-2.
Cover flap 123 is integrally formed with back panel 121 and hingedly connected to top edge 141 of panel 121 at a fold line 169. Cover flap 123 is centered relative to back panel 121 and is shaped similarly to cover flap 23 of front folder 13. Cover flap 123 can be inserted into the pocket of the folder directly behind it, which, in this case, can be middle folder 15-2 and, thus inserted, can minimize the likelihood that a user may inadvertently insert an item into the space between middle folder 15-1 and middle folder 15-2.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Front panel 219 has a top edge 239 that is spaced downwardly relative to a top edge 241 of back panel 221 to enable the viewing of a portion of a document or other appropriately sized item disposed within pocket 237, thereby facilitating a user in the identification of the contents of pocket 237 without requiring the user to remove the contents from pocket 237. In addition, because top edge 239 is spaced downwardly relative to top edge 241, one can position an appropriately dimensioned label or other indicia on the front surface of back panel 221 without having the same obscured from view by front panel 219. Top edge 239 is shaped to include a pair of level end portions 239-1 and 239-2, a pair of angled portions 239-3 and 239-4 sloping downwardly from end portions 239-1 and 239-2, respectively, and a level center portion 239-5 interconnecting angled portions 239-3 and 239-4. Center portion 239-5 has a length l5 that is dimensioned to matingly receive the length of fold line 169 of middle folder 15-3 so that, with cover flap 123 of middle folder 15-3 inserted into pocket 237 of rear folder 17 and with folders 15-3 and 17 telescoped away from each other, fold line 169 can mate with and can rest upon center portion 239-5.
Front panel 219 further includes a plurality of through-cuts 240-1 through 240-4. Through-cuts 240-1 through 240-4 are arranged on front panel 219 in two sets of two, with through-cuts 240-1 and 240-3 jointly defining a strap 242-1 and with through-cuts 240-2 and 240-4 jointly defining a strap 242-2. Straps 242-1 and 242-2 are symmetrically arranged on front panel 219 so as to extend generally parallel to one another and generally parallel to side edges 229-1 and 229-2 and so as to be positioned between fold line 225 and top edge 239. Together with J-shaped hooks 145-1 through 145-4 of middle folder 15-3, straps 242-1 and 242-2 include the mechanism for coupling middle folder 15-3 to rear folder 17 to enable telescopic movement therebetween. As such, strap 242-1 is appropriately positioned and dimensioned so that J-shaped hooks 145-2 and 145-4 are slidably mounted thereon, and strap 242-2 are appropriately positioned and dimensioned so that J-shaped hooks 145-1 and 145-3 are slidably mounted thereon. (As can readily be appreciated, if the number and/or arrangement of J-shaped hooks 145-1 through 145-4 on middle folder 15-3 is modified, the number and/or arrangement of straps 242-1 and 242-2 can be modified correspondingly.) Through-cuts 240-1 and 240-3 are staggered vertically relative to one another, with the top end of through-cut 240-1 being positioned closer to top edge 239 than is the top end of through-cut 240-3 and with the bottom end of through-cut 240-3 being positioned closer to fold line 225 than is the bottom end of through-cut 240-1, so as to correspond to the above-mentioned downward angling of J-shaped hooks 145-2 and 145-4. Similarly, through-cuts 240-2 and 240-4 are staggered vertically relative to one another, with the top end of through-cut 240-2 being positioned closer to top edge 239 than is the top end of through-cut 240-4 and with the bottom end of through-cut 240-4 being positioned closer to fold line 225 than is the bottom end of through-cut 240-2, so as to correspond to the above-mentioned downward angling of J-shaped hooks 145-1 and 145-3. To minimize tearing of through-cuts 240-1 and 240-3 by J-shaped hooks 145-2 and 145-4, the respective top and bottom ends of through-cuts 240-1 and 240-3 are curled away from strap 242-1. Similarly, to minimize tearing of through-cuts 240-2 and 240-4 by J-shaped hooks 145-1 and 145-3, the respective top and bottom ends of through-cuts 240-1 and 240-3 are curled away from strap 242-2.
Cover flap 223 is integrally formed with back panel 221 and is hingedly connected to top edge 241 of panel 221. Cover flap 223 is dimensioned so that, when cover flap 223 is closed over front folder 13, cover flap 223 extends downwardly past top edge 39 of front folder 13, thereby covering pocket 37 of front folder 13. It should be understood that, although the free edge 224 of cover flap 223 is shown in the present embodiment as including a curved wave-like shape, edge 224 need not be so shaped.
Rear folder 17 further includes an elastic strap 260 looped through a transverse opening 262 in cover flap 223. A first transverse bar 263-1 is secured at one end of strap 260, and a second transverse bar 263-2 is secured at the opposite end of strap 260. Transverse bars 263-1 and 263-2 are appropriately dimensioned to minimize the likelihood that the ends of strap 260 may be pulled from an interior side 265 of cover flap 223 through opening 262 to the exterior side 267 of cover flap 223. Strap 260 can be stretched and looped around pedestal portion 77 of knob 75 so as to maintain folder assembly 11 in a closed and compacted state.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring back now to
In use, with folder assembly 11 in a closed and compacted state, such as is shown in
Owing in large part to its construction, some of the advantages of folder assembly 11 include the ease with which folder assembly 11 can be telescoped open and shut and the ease with which folder assembly 11 can be assembled, particularly the attachment of the J-shaped hooks of one folder with the straps of an adjacent folder.
All features disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, and all of the steps in any method or process disclosed, can be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
The foregoing detailed description of the present invention is provided for purposes of illustration, and it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the particular embodiments disclosed. The embodiments can provide different capabilities and benefits, depending on the configuration used to implement the key features of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined only by the following claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/402,327, filed Sep. 22, 2011, entitled “File Folder Assembly and Folders for Use Therein” by Vincent H. Bowman and Jeffrey Herz, which is incorporated herein by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 29402327 | Sep 2011 | US |
| Child | 13327697 | US |
