US3466133A

US3466133A - Insert sheet for file folders having a paper fastening device thereon

Info

Publication number: US3466133A
Application number: US627233A
Authority: US
Inventors: Walter Lennartz
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1966-02-04
Filing date: 1967-03-30
Publication date: 1969-09-09
Anticipated expiration: 1986-09-09
Also published as: FR1510409A; DE1536629A1; LU52934A1; NL6701664A; SE330367B; CH463461A; BE693620A; GB1160023A; ES336274A1; DE1486775A1; AT286230B

Description

Sept. 9, 1969 w. LENNARTZ 3,466,133

INSERT SHEET FOR FILE FOLDERS HAVING A PAPER FASTENING DEVICE 'I'HEREON Filed March 30. 1967 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN VEN TOR.

ATMEMK! Sept. 9, 1969 LENNARTZ 3,466,133

INSERT SHEET FOR FILE FOLDERS HAVING A PAPERFASTENING DEVICE THEREON Filed March 30. 1967 v3 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVEN TOR. W41 TIE [54 4/4677 Amen 5V9 United States Patent Int. Cl. B42f 13/66, 13/08, 13/10 US. Cl. 402-14 2 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An insert sheet for file folders, said sheet having a paper retaining device. The insert sheet is folded, forming a base portion and a relatively narrow strip which may be superimposed above said base portion. The base portion may be approximately the size of the cover of the file folder and may be provided with a pair of holes by which said insert sheet may be mounted in a file folder. A pair of holes are provided in said narrow strip through which a second paper retaining device may extend thereby providing a means to secure papers tothe insert sheet. During long periods of storage, the insert sheet with said papers still attached, may be removed from said file folder, thus releasing said file folder for a second use. The insert sheet and papers may be stored in an appropriate location. An alternate structure provides a cover portion for further protection of the papers during storage.

This invention relates to an insert sheet for file folders having a paper-fastening device particularly adapted for folders with a receiving device.

The known file folders made of cardboard or of plastic are relatively more expensive to manufacture than, for example, ordinary file folders and hanging folders so that the price of said folders does not allow same to be stored in closed files together with the filed papers after the subject matter is closed.

The basic purpose of the invention is to produce an insert sheet for file folders, for example, the type having a fastening device, which allows removal of the insert sheets after work has been completed and which at the same time permits filing of the stack of papers with the respective identification in a closed file container.

To attain said purpose, the invention provides an insert sheet which has a bending line extending approximately parallel to the back of the file folder and has receiving holes arranged on both sides of said bending line respectively whereby the holes on one side are used to receive a known paper fastening device.

Such a measure makes it possible to file the insert sheet in the file holder and to retain the punched papers in the insert sheet by means of the fastening device. If desired, an official filing system or a business filing system can take place without changing the insert sheet.

For such filing, it is particularly advantageous if an identification area is provided on at least one side of the insert sheet, said area being arranged approximately in the center of the sheet.

However, it is also possible to provide for a selective type of filing if the front and rear portions of the insert sheet are each provided with holes through which a paper fastening device may be mounted.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the insert sheet can be obtained if said insert sheet is further mod- 3,466,133 Patented Sept. 9, 1969 ified to form a closeable file insert. The bending line here subdivides the insert sheet into a narrow front folded strip which carries the paper fastening device and into a rear base sheet. The lengthwise side of said base sheet which does not face the fastening device is interconnected to a cover sheet by a resilient portion, said cover sheet having holes in the area of its opened lengthwise edge. Said holes are aligned with the holes adjacent the bending line in the folded strip.

Such a closeable file insert is, in spite of its advantages in use, so simple in structure and manufacture that the cost is low enough to permit the closed file insert to be stored in a closed file together with the papers filed therein after the subject matter is closed. The papers are substantially protected from dust and dirt because said closed file insert can completely enclose the papers by securing said cover sheet in place using the receiving strip of the folder.

Such a closeable file insert can be stored advantageously in a known file folder having a paper-receiving device while which the subject matter is being worked on by providing receiving holes in the base sheet underneath the folded strip of the closeable file insert. The cover sheet rests on the base sheet when said closeable file insert is in the file folder. The paper fastening device of the file folder can then be guided through the holes of both the closeable file insert and the cover sheet. The paper to be filed in the file folder consequently rests on the cover sheet While the subject matter is being worked on.

However, it is also possible to place the file folder insert in a pocket of a file folder during the time that the subject matter is being worked on by placing the cover sheet on the base sheet so that both sheets can be moved together into the pocket. However, the folded strip together with the fastening device remain outside of the pocket.

To increase the possibilities of the use of the folder, the base sheet can, according to the invention, be provided with a flap on each transverse edge. This makes it also possible to store loose papers in the file folder such that said papers are prevented from falling out.

To obtain an especially large holding capacity, the folded strip can be resiliently hinged to the base sheet, for example, by a grooved bend.

The holes in the file folder insert which are provided for securing same in a file folder having a paper-fastening device can be prevented from tearing in a simple manner, namely, by making the area around the holes in the folded strip and, if desired, the area around the holes in the base sheet of two layers. This can be done in a simple structural manner by providing the folded strip with an extension at its lengthwise edge.

The file folder can be very simply stored in a closed file after the subject matter therein has been closed by providing a hanging registry whereby the holding bar, which cooperates with the fastening device in a known manner, has an enlargement with a recess which forms a support hook for suspension on a support rail.

It may be desirable that the file folder inserts have a color identification while the subject matter is being worked on in order to identify groupwise the contents of the file folder insert from the outside. The invention provides a simple solution which does not increase the cost of manufacture of said insert. This is achieved by making the file folder of a neutral color, for example, of white or gray paper or cardboard, while a colored holding bar is received by the strip as part of the clasp.

This permits use of a file folder insert of a single construction, however, still providing an identification through colors in a simple manner. The colored holding bar is always positioned on top during work on the subject matter and is also on top after the file folder has been stored in a closed file.

The insert sheet can be made of cardboard. A still less expensive manufacture is achieved if the insert sheet is made of paper which is folded to have at least two layers in the area of the receiving holes or is reinforced by a strip of cardboard in said area.

The embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an opened folder having an insert sheet spaced thereabove.

FIGURE 2 illustrates the same folder with the insert sheet arranged therein, said insert sheet being ready to receive the punched papers.

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a stack of papers after being removed from the folder and covered by the insert sheet.

FIGURE 4 is a further perspective view of a folder having an alternate insert sheet spaced above said folder.

FIGURE 5 is a perspective View of the insert sheet constructed as a closeable file insert.

FIGURE 6 is a top view of the closeable file insert with folded strips.

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of the closeable file insert together with a paper container having a receiving strip.

FIGURE 8 illustrates the closeable file insert with the receiving strip arranged in the paper container.

FIGURE 9 illustrates the closed file insert having papers arranged therein ready to be stored in a closed file.

The file folder illustrated in FIGURE 1, which receives the insert sheet, comprises in a known manner a rear cover 1 and a front cover 2 connected to said rear cover. A paper fastening device or receiving strip 4 is secured to the folded strip 3 of the front cover 2. The end portions or prongs of said receiving strip 4 are illustrated in a receiving position extending substantially perpendicularly to the file holder.

The insert sheet 5 is shown above the file folder, said sheet being ready to be filed. The insert sheet 5 is divided into two portions 7 and 8 by bending along the fold line 6 which extends parallel to the back 24 of the folder. The portion 8 has two receiving holes 9 adjacent the fold line 6. Said portion 8, used as a base sheet, corresponds in size approximately to the rear cover 1 of the file folder. Said base sheet 8 can be provided with an identification area 10 at least on its visible side, said area being arranged in the center of the sheet. The portion 7 is constructed as a strip which can be folded about the fold line 6 and has two receiving holes 11 adjacent said line 6. Said fold holes are used to secure a receiving strip 12 which is guided through the holes 11 such that the end portions or prongs of the strip 12 are on the bottom side of portion 7 as illustrated in FIGURE 1.

Said receiving strip 4 of the file folder is inserted through holes 9 of sheet 5. The printed material used to identify the contents can then be provided in area 10. The strip 7 of the insert sheet 5 is then folded 180 degrees about the fold line 6. The insert sheet 5 of FIGURE 2 is shown in said position with the end portions of the receiving strip 12 being bent upwardly. After the holding bar 13 is removed the punched papers which are to be filed can be inserted as desired.

If the subject matter is closed, the insert sheet 5 together with the pile of papers attached thereto is removed from the receiving strip 4 of the folder and is taken out of same. The base sheet 8 is then bent 360 degrees about the fold line 6 so that, as illustrated in FIG- URE 3, said base sheet covers the front of the stack of papers 14 and at the same time the receiving strip .12. The

printing area 10 is then visible from the outside and can be read in the right position on the front of the base sheet 8. The complete subject matter can then be filed away together with the insert sheet 5 without requiring any additional work. The file folder is immediately ready to receive a new set of papers relating to a new subject.

In the embodiment of FIGURE 4 basically the same insert sheet 5 is used. The difference from FIGURE 1 is that a paper fastening device or receiving strip 12 is secured in the holes 9 of the base sheet 8 while the receiving holes 11 of the folded strip 7 are free.

Filing of the insert sheet 5 in the folder takes place in this case such that said holes 11 receive the ends of the clasp 4. The base sheet 8, after the identification area 10 has been labeled, is folded degrees about the fold line 6 so that the base portion 8 of the insert sheet rests on the rear cover 1 of the folder. The ends of the receiving strip 12 can be bent upwardly extending away from the folder so that the punched papers of the respective subject matter can be filed by means of the receiving strip 12' of the insert sheet 5. In this case, filing is done in a business manner which means that the papers of the latest date are filed on top of the pile.

However, by using the same insert sheet 5 and without changing same an oflicial filing system can be used in which case the oldest paper is on top of the file. The insert sheet 5 is for this purpose turned 180 degrees in the plane of the insert sheet from its position of FIG- URE 4 and is then again received by the ends of the clasp 4 of the folder by means of the holes 11. The base portion 8 of the insert sheet 5, being above the rear cover 1, is folded 180 degrees about the fold line 6 so that the base sheet 8 rests on the front cover 2 of the folder. The receiving strip 12' with its ends can in said position be reached from above so that the punched papers can be received by the strip 12 in an oflicial filing manner. The identification area 10 can be used for both types of filing if said area is arranged symmetrically about the center lines of the insert sheet 5.

The insert sheet 5 having one paper-fastening device can be used for all types of folders or paper containers and also for letter files. This is also especially true for hanging files. It is especially advantageous in this case if the area of the

holes

9 and 11 of the base sheet 8 is reinforced in the above-described manner.

In any case it is now possible in a simple and economical manner to use files of relatively high cost of production, particularly files made of plastic, and still possible in a simple and economical manner Without any gtliditional work to store filed stacks of paper in a closed FIGURES 5 through 9 illustrate the manner in which said insert sheet can be modified to form a closeable file insert.

The closeable file insert comprises a base sheet 8 and a cover sheet 25 being interconnected by a resilient portion 27 at the right lengthwise edge of the base sheet, said portion being provided with bending grooves.

Flaps

30 and 31 are hinged to the

transverse edges

28 and 29 of the base sheet 8, said flaps preventing the loose papers lying on the base sheet 8 from sliding out of the folder.

The folded strip 7 is again arranged along the lengthwise edge of the base sheet 8. The folded strip and the base sheet 8 are interconnected by a bend along fold line 6, said bend being provided by bending grooves 33. The folded strip 7 is constructed of double thickness, as is that portion of the base sheet 8 adapted to be positioned underneath said strip 7 when same is folded over on top of the base sheet 8. Said strip 7 is provided for this purpose with an integral extension extension 34 which is folded so as to form a double thickness such that one half of said extension forms the second layer 34' of the folded strip 7 and the other half of the extension 34 forms a second layer 34" overlapping a portion of the base sheet 8. Two holes 11 are provided in the folded strip 7 and in the second layer 34'. A receiving strip 16 is guided through one of the holes 11 and has one end 16' thereof bent so as to be adjacent the front side of the strip 7 and the other end 16" thereof bent so as to be adjacent the backside of the folded strip 7. A similar receiving strip is mounted in the same manner in the other hole 11. A holding bar 13 is provided adjacent the front side of the folded strip 7 and a holding bar 17 is provided adjacent the backside of said folded strip, said holding bars having openings therein aligned with the openings 11 and being held in place by the

strips

15 and 16. Thus, the receiving strips 15 and 16 are fixedly connected to the fold strip. The official filing can thus take place without any change of the file. However, it is also possible to divide the respective subject matter and to file one part in the business manner and the other part in the official manner.

The folded strip 7 illustrated in FIGURE 6 is bent or opened outwardly so as to be within the plane of the base sheet 8 to obtain a better view. It can thereby be seen that two holes 18 are punched into the base sheet 8 and into the second layer 34 adjacent the back 32. Moreover, the cover sheet 25 is also provided with two holes close to the free lengthwise edge 19, said holes being in alignment with the holes 18 of the base sheet 8 when the cover sheet is placed on the base sheet 8 (FIGURE 6). The holes 20 of the cover sheet 25 when in position also are in alignment with the holes 11 of the folded strip 7. It is thus possible to guide the prongs or receiving

strips

15 and 16 into the holes 20 and to connect the cover sheet 25 to the outwardly bent folded strip 7 by means of the holding bar 13 and the receiving strips 15 and 16.

The cover sheet 25 has an identification area 21 on its outer side, said area being provided with respective labeling for identification of the subject matter.

The folder can be made of one single piece of paper or relatively thin cardboard whereby the blank need only be folded once. If the flaps and 31 are not needed, the folder can be manufactured simply from a roll of paper or cardboard.

FIGURES 7 and 8 illustrate the closeable file insert of paper or light cardboard being stored in a file folder of plastic or other lasting, but more expensive, material. The plastic file folder 22 has a receiving strip 4, the ends of which are illustrated in upright position in FIGURE 7. The end portions of the receiving strip 4 are guided into the holes 18 of the base sheet 8 and holes 20 of the cover sheet 25 after the folded strip 7 is bent outwardly to the position of FIGURE 7. A holding bar (not illustrated) is then received in the usual manner by the end portions of the strip 4. The ends of said receiving strip 4 are bent so that the closed file folder is now secured in a plastic folder 22. After this the folded strip 7 is bent back to its normal position as illustrated in FIGURES 5 and 8. The punched papers can now be received by the

strips

15 and 16 and retained by means of the holding bar 13.

As soon as the work on the subject matter is completed, the new file folder is taken from the end portions of the receiving strip 4 of the plastic folder 22. The cover sheet 25 is pulled out from beneath the filed stack of papers (FIGURE 9) and wrapped around the stack of papers 36. The end portions of the receiving strips 15 and 16 are then guided through the holes 20 of the cover sheet 25 which is retained against the filed papers 36 by means of the holding bar 13 and the

strips

15 and 16. The file folder is thus closed, having the material filed therein. A file insert filled in this manner can then without any additional work be placed in the closed file. The labeling in the identification area 21 shows the content of the file.

If the papers are not filed in the business manner but in the official manner, the folded strip 7 is not provided underneath the papers but above same whereby the resilient portion 32 provided with bending grooves 33 guarantees a sufiicient holding capacity. The cover sheet 25 in this case also forms the top sheet which then rests on the folded strip 7.

The holding bar 13 can, in any case, be made of plastic of a certain color so that the filed subject matter can be identified with respect to a certain class by only a glance.

The holding bar 13 can be provided with an enlargement on one lengthwise side, said enlargement having a recess being opened at the edge and being overlapped by at least one support hook (not shown). While the file is for example arranged in the container 22, said holding bar can be arranged so that the enlargement is directed along the filed paper. However, if the file is removed from the container 22 to be stored together with the stack of paper 36 in a closed file, the holding bar can then be placed the other way around on the cover sheet 25 and can be fastened by the receiving strips 15 and 16 so that the enlargement extends over the lengthwise edge of the file folder. Said holding bar can be suspended on a support rail by means of the support book if the closed file has a hanging registry.

Finally, it must be emphasized that the closed file can also be stored in another type of file folder which has no receiving strip or corresponding receiving pins. On the contrary, it is sufficient, if, for example, a pocket is arranged on the inner side of the base sheet of a file folder, the insert opening of said pocket extending along the back of the file folder. The closed file can be inserted into said pocket together with the base sheet and the cover sheet, while the folded strip 7 is provided outside of said pocket so that the punched papers are filed on the folded strip 7 by means of the receiving strips 15 and 16.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. Apparatus for receiving documents for ready reference and for storage comprising:

a file folder having front and back covers connected by a flexible hinge portion;

means defining a first pair of holes in said file folder spaced along and adjacent said flexible hinge portion;

an insert for said file folder comprising a base sheet and a fold strip integrally and hingeably connected to said base sheet adjacent one longitudinal edge thereof, said fold strip and said base sheet respectively having a second pair of holes and a third pair of holes therein spaced along and adjacent said one longitudinal edge;

first fastening means for releaseably securing said insert to and within said file folder, said first fastening means comprising a joined, spaced pair of prongs, said prongs of said first fastening means extending through said first pair of holes in said file folder and said third pair of holes in said base sheet of said insert and not through holes in said fold. strip for releaseably securing said base wall of said insert to said file folder at said first pair of holes;

second fastening means independent of said first fastening means for releaseably securing documents to said insert independently of the releaseably securement of said insert to said file folder, said second fastening means comprising a joined, spaced pair of prongs, said prongs of said second fastening means extending through said second pair of holes in said fold part for releaseably securing documents to said fold part of said insert;

said insert being removable with said documents, as a unit, from said file folder by release of said first fastening means from said third pair of holes and without disengaging said documents from said second fastening means of said insert;

said insert further including a cover sheet integrally connected by a flexible portion along the other longitudinal edge of said base sheet and means defining a fourth pair of holes disposed in said cover sheet adjacent the free edge thereof opposite said other longitudinal edge, said fourth pair of holes being substantially aligned with said third pair of holes when said cover sheet overlies said base sheet, said cover sheet being positionable over said documents, said prongs of said second fastening means being additionally receivable through said fourth pair of holes for securing said free edge of said cover sheet to said documents and said fold part, whereby said documents may be enclosed between said base sheet and cover sheet and within said insert for protection of said documents by said insert during storage outside said file folder.

2. The device defined in claim 1 wherein said means defining said first pair of holes comprises an inside portion extending from said flexible hinge means into said file folder between said front and back covers thereof, said first pair of holes extending through said inside portion, said fold portion and said base sheet of said insert being received between said inside portion and one of said covers of said file folder, said base sheet being releaseably secured by said first fastening means to said inside portion References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Templeton 129-25 X Crowson 129-25 Kiso 129-25 X Wolf 129-25 Cather 129-25 McClure 129-25 Proskauer 281-29 Shont 129-1 Karlen' 129-25 Kearney 129-25 Taylor 129-1 FOREIGN PATENTS of said file folder for securing said insert to said file folder. 20 JEROME SCHNADL, Primary Examiner