CA1216486A - Reinforced file folder and method - Google Patents

Reinforced file folder and method

Info

Publication number
CA1216486A
CA1216486A CA000486182A CA486182A CA1216486A CA 1216486 A CA1216486 A CA 1216486A CA 000486182 A CA000486182 A CA 000486182A CA 486182 A CA486182 A CA 486182A CA 1216486 A CA1216486 A CA 1216486A
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
film
folder
tab
colour
file
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
CA000486182A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Donald T. Barber
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Datafile Ltd
Original Assignee
Datafile Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from CA000444469A external-priority patent/CA1197155A/en
Application filed by Datafile Ltd filed Critical Datafile Ltd
Priority to CA000486182A priority Critical patent/CA1216486A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA1216486A publication Critical patent/CA1216486A/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42FSHEETS TEMPORARILY ATTACHED TOGETHER; FILING APPLIANCES; FILE CARDS; INDEXING
    • B42F21/00Indexing means; Indexing tabs or protectors therefor
    • B42F21/04Tabs permanently fastened to sheets, papers, cards, or suspension files
    • B42F21/045Tabs permanently fastened to sheets, papers, cards, or suspension files for suspension files
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42CBOOKBINDING
    • B42C7/00Manufacturing bookbinding cases or covers of books or loose-leaf binders
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42FSHEETS TEMPORARILY ATTACHED TOGETHER; FILING APPLIANCES; FILE CARDS; INDEXING
    • B42F21/00Indexing means; Indexing tabs or protectors therefor
    • B42F21/04Tabs permanently fastened to sheets, papers, cards, or suspension files

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

An improved file folder having a preselected colour band applied along a straight edge of the folder is taught.
The colour band includes a plastic film applied over and secured either side of the file folder to provide a wear resistant edge and protect the colour band. Preferrably the film is secured to the folder with a coloured adhesive visible through the film to provide the colour band or an ink is used visible through the film when adhered to the file folder edge.

Description

FIELD OF T~IE INVENTION
This invention relates to file -folders, file backers and the like used in filing systems and more particularly -to such folders ? backers and the like having at least one edge having a colour band visible -through a plastic film applied over the colour band. The colour band preferrably forms part of the colour code used to identify the folder.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
With the ever increasing use and popularity of colour coded filing systems in offices there is a decided -trend to -the use of side tab folders. Side tab folders should be distinguished from top tab folders. Top -tab folders are indexed on -the upper edge parallel to the spine or fold between the front and back surfaces of the folder. Side tab folders are indexed on the side at right angles to the spine or fold.
The file folders are placed upright on shelves wi-th -their side edges projecting outwardly from the shelf. Side tab filing systems have become most advantageous, especially in larger filing systems, because the filing and finding of folders is faster and easier. Also, side tab Filing systems save floor space as compared wi-th drawer filing. The colour coding of the files is not a necessity but can usually be an enhancemen-t.
The reinforced edge can advantageously be used in either top or lateral systems.

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1 An example of side -tab file systems .is disclosed in United States Patent 4,204,639. Usually file folders remain in a filing system for many years and during the life of the folder are subjected to considerable wear and tear and of-ten to severe handling and abuse. Also, as they are moved between the file room to the user departments they are often roughly handled as they are temporarily placed in holding baskets or carts with the side tab projecting. This projecting tab is exposed and thus vulnerable to creasing, tearing and fatigue.
The folder stock commonly used for file folders, backers and the like is a folder stock approximately .011 inches or .014 inches thick. The folders are manufactured from web stock on high speed automatic folder machines.
In the past, many attempts have been made to reinforce file folder edges, especially the top tab type which have been commonly used for many years and are stored in file drawers.
Usually the upper edge of the file folder is reinforced in one way or another to withstand abuse. Qn example of such file folder reinforcement is disclosed in United States Patent 1,743,191. In that instance, the upper edge of the rear panel of the folder has an additional layer of file folder stock glued to the upper edge and wrapped around the upper edge of the folder to provide a three ply thickness to substantially reinforce the upper edge. Other examples of similar manners for reinforcing file folder edges, are disclosed in Uni-ted States Patents 1,081,727; 2,052,623 and 2,138,788. In each ~2~
6251-1 - 3 12~6G

1 instance, either the file folder stock integral with the folder is folded over and glued to reinforce the edge or additional material is added of the same file folder stock to reinforce the edge.
The approach to date has, therefore, been to add additional layers of the folder s-tock to the fol~er edge in an at-tempt to reinforce and add stiffness to the folder edge to resist tearing.
Various forms of high tensile strength films have been used to repair rips in paper and protect surfaces of paper products. An example of such film is Mylar (trademark) which consists of polyethylene terephthalate and is sold by Du Pont.
In the file folder field, such film is used to protect add-on file folder tabs as disclosed in Canadian Patent application ~.N. 380,208 filed June 19, 1981, now Canadian Patent 1,138,488.
It has been discovered as discussed below tha-t this type of high -tensile strength film may be bonded to the edge of a file folder to unexpectedly greatly increase the strength of the folder and its resistance -to tear. Because of the thinness of the film, little bulk is added to the folder thickness and the film may be conveniently applied during the manufacture of the file folder.
It has also been found that the edge of the folder can have a colour band applied thereto in a simple manner by using coloured adhesives, ~hich may be applied to a clear film just prior to bonding the film to the folder edge, the edge of -the 6251-1 - 4 ~ 1286G

1 folder front and back panels may be provided with a distinct colour to which colour coded labels may be subsequently applied. An alternative to a coloured adhesive is to use a coloured paper on -the folder edge which is covered by a clear film. Another alternative is to use coloured film which is secured to the folder edge to provide the desired colour band.
This is a significant advantage in the preferred embodiment, in tha-t groups of files of a file system may now be recognized by the complete band of colour down its front and back panel L0 edges. This avoids -the prior more costly approach of using many different coloured folder stocks for distinguishing each desired group of files in the system. Such coloured paper stock tends to fade and loose its distinctive colour. In addition, the colour of the folder stock would change from batch to batch oF the s-tock, so that there would not be a consistent colouring for a group of files. The -Film acts as a protecting layer for the coloured edge.
The Folders can be manufac-tured from web s-tock sn high speed automatic folder machines where the high tensile strength film when bonded to the edge of a f`ile folder unexpectedly greatly ir,creases the strength of the folder and its resistance to tear. This advantage can be accomplished during the folder manufacturing process in a way that only marginally increases the manufacturing cost. This marginal cost factor in rela-tion to a much superior file folder with respect to -the colour band and/or the durability of the folder and is a worthwhile and 6251-1 _ 5 _ ~Z~6~ 6 1 important advantage. Such high tensile strength film compliments and lncreases additionally the strength of a folder edge which consists of ploughed over web stock to provide a double thickness of paper stock at the edge. Also, the high tensile strength film provides a superior bonding surface for the attachment of the self adhesive indexing and colour coded labels used to identify the folders.
SUMMARY ûF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, an improved file Folder primarily made of paper stock is provided. The file folder has a body portion and an integral tab extending therefrom for receiving a plurality of labels spaced therealong for identifying the file. A plastic film is secured either side of the tab and about the edge thereof along the length of the tab and provides a superior surface for adhering with the labels. The tab is of a colour dif-Ferent -than the colour of the paper stock and the colour is visible through or part of the film. In a preferred form the adhesive used to secure -the film to the file folder is coloured.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIûN OF THE DRAWINGS
... .. _ _ _ _ Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a file folder having a side portion rein-forced in accordance with this inven-tion;

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1 Figure 2 is a plan view of web stock which has an edge thereof reinforced with film and from which folder blanks are die cut;
Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the undercut portion of the side tab as it projec-ts from the rear panel of the file folder;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the enlarged portion of the undercut as shown in Figure 3;
Figure 5 and 6 show other arrangements -For file folder side tab portions as reinforced in accordance with this invention, Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the undercut portion oF the file folder side tab arrangement of Figure 5;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of apparatus for applying reinforcing film -to the side edge of a moving web from which the folder blanks are die cut;
Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the application of a film having fresh adhesive applied thereto;
Figure 10 is a side elevation oF the machine for applying and drying adhesive on the film for application to folder stock web;
Figure 11 is a partial view of the apparatus of Figure 10 showing devices for drying the adhesive on the film;
Figure 12 is a perspective view of the device -For applying a thin layer of adhesive to the film;

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1 Figures 13a, 13b and 13c are a series of partial sectional views through the edge of a file folder diagrammatically illustrating several manufacturing steps;
Figure 14 is a partial perspective view showing an alternate method of applying the film to the paper web stock;
Figure 15 is a partial perspective view of the web stock and film being folded upon itself after application of an adhesive to the opposite face of the web stock relative to the sur-Face carrying the high tensile strength film;
.lO Figure 16 is a perspective view of a folder blank with the plastic film secured about the reinforced edge;
Figure 17 is a partial perspective view of a folder blank similar to Figure 16 having a portion of the reinforced edge removed to define a label securing portion on the remaining reinforced edge;
Figure 18 is a section through a modified apparatus for applying adhesive to the lower surface to the high tensile strength film and subsequent drying of -the film prior to securement of -the film to one surface of -the paper web s-tock;

and Figure 19 is a perspective showing a roller used to align the film with the previously aligned paper web stock.

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1 DETAILED DESCRIP-rION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The file folders as reinforced in accordance with this invention optionally having colour banding applied thereto are particularly useful in lateral filing systems. Such filing systems differ from the standard drawer type in that -the file folders are placed on shelves and stand upright as they rest on the spine portion of each file. Only the side edges of the file folder project from the shelf where each -folder s:ide edge carries labels or a label deFining the code for the file. It is possible to use colour coded labels with this system to pro~ide an orderly colour array in which misfiles are easily spotted. Details of this system are discussed in previously mentioned United States Paten-t 49204,639.
Referring to Figure 1, a file folder 10 for use in a lateral file system is shown. File folder 10 comprises a back panel 12 and a front panel 14. The back panel 12 has a top edge 16 and side edges 18 and 20. Similarly, the Front panel has top edge 22 and side edges 24 and 26. The bottom edges o-f front and back panels are interconnected at the fold or spine portion 28. A reinforcing Film 30 is applied to bo-th the top and bot-tom surfaces of panel edges 20 and 26 in the manner shown, to reinforce the folder side generally designated 32 along the length of edges 20 and 26. Rein-Forcement of edge 32 includes reinforcing the projecting tab to decrease damaye by creasing or folding causing weakening and separation of the layers making up the web stock as well as reinforcing oF the 6~
6251~ 1286 1 area securing the tab to the panel. This second type of reinforcing i5 accomplished by having a portion of the -Film overlie the paper web panels to distribute the local forces exerted on the tab to a larger area of the -File folder. In addition, labels 34 are applied over the Film 30 to designate at least in part a code for the file folder. In accordance with -the aforementioned United States Patent 4,204,639, these labels may be colour coded.
The file folder 10 is formed from a file folder blank which in turn is cut from a web of file folder stock. As shown in Figure 2, the file folder stock 36 is a web having side edges 38 and 40. The web stock 36 has a reinforcing film 30 applied along side edge 40. The film 30 is wrapped around web edge 40 and secured -to each surface, that is top and bottom surfaces, of the web stock.
Various configurations may be used in providing a folder side for use in a lateral file system. As per the arrangement shown in Figure 1, folder side 32 is formed by cutting web side 40 wi-thin the width of Film 30 along edge 26 to provide a cut-out portion 42. Depending upon the type of cutting mechanism used, the folder blank 36 is cut from the web along lines 44 and 46 either simultaneously with cutting sides 40 or cut subsequently at another station. Such cut-out blank is subsequently folded along line 28 to form the folder of Figure 1. ~ith portion 42 cut from -the web to define the side tab or identification extension 32 of the folder, an undercut 6251~1 - 10 ~ 6~ 1286G

1 portion 48 having a curved transi-tion edge is provided at the fold l.ine 28. It is this portion of -the folder side which is most susceptible to wear and tear and can be ripped as the folder is used in lateral file sys-tems, carryiny baskets, car-ts and the like.
Turning to Figure 3, the undercut por-tion 48 is curved at 50 to reduce sharp edges which are more likely to tear.
That in conjunction with the reinforcing film 30 considerably strengthens the undercut portion 4~ to minimize tearing of the folder in this area. In addition the outer edge of the .In undercut area is sloped at 49 to avoid fraying and splitting of this prot.ion of the side tab. From the standpoint of cutting the outer edge, the sloped portion 49 is more accurately cut -than a radius because the die cutting edge may extend well beyond the folder edge. This ensures a clean cu-t to the ou-ter edge of the folder side even if the web should shiFt slightly laterally before being cut.
rn the en.larged view shown in Figure ~ the web stock material may have a side edge folded over to provide double thickness of material along the edge. The web stock edge therefore has an underlying layer 52 which has adhesively secured thereto a folded over upper layer 54 which has an inner edge 56. The reinforcing film 30 is secured to the surfaces along the side edge 40 of the web. The reinforcing film 30 is wrapped around the edge where -the film is of a sufficient width ? -5 to extend beyond the inner edge 56 of the folded over web stock 6251-1 ~ 2~6~ 1286G

1 material. Thus, the side tab portion 32 of -the folder to be made has the relnforcing web wrapped therearound. In the area of the undercut 48 and outer edge 49, the film has been cut so as to be flush with corresponding cut web portions 52 and 54.
It has been found that by adhesively securing -the film to these portions oF the folder stock and cut flush with the undercut edges, the likelihood of ripping the folder in this undercut area and along the remainder of the folder side is minimized due to the significant increase in strength of the folder side by way of the reinforcing film.
Referring to Figures 5, 6 and 7, alternative arrangements for file folder side portions for use in lateral -file systems are shown. In Figure 5, side region 58 of a file folder comprises rear panel 60 and front panel 62. Projecting outwardly from rear panel 60 is side tab 64. A reinforcing film 66 is applied to both surfaces of the side tab 64 and also along both surfaces of the edge 68 of front panel 62. The reinforcing film 66 rein-forces the entire side o-f the folder 58, particularly the area of undercut at 70 where the shorter front panel 62 intersects the longer rear panel 60. As shown in Figure 6, file folder portion 72 has corresponding rear panel 74 and front panel 76 with side tab 78. Film 80 is secured to both surfaces of the front and back panels to reinforce the panel side and particularly the undercut portion 80. In Ihe embodiment of Figure 6 the undercut portion is ~5 locate~ upwardly from the fold line or spine 82 of the folder.

6251-1 - 12 - ~ 1286G

1 Referring to Figure 7 an enlarged portion of the undercut area 70 of the folder 58 of Figure 5 is shown where the film 66 is secured by an appropriate adhesive to both surfaces of the front and back panels 60 and 62 In -the area of the undercut 70, the notch ~ is protected by the film 66 secured to both surfaces surrrounding the notch 84 to prevent or minimize tearing of the folder side in this area.
Various techniques may be employed for securing and applyin~ the reinforcing film to the edge portion of a file folder. The film itself may be provided in -the form of a roll already having an adhesive on one Face thereof, or the film may have applied thereto the adhesive with the film subsequently directly applied to folder web stock material. The desirable forms of adhesives include the pressure sensi-tive type where, if the adhesive is applied -to the fil~ and re-rolled -the adhesive has less affinity for the film to which it is applied than for the paper stock material to which it is subsequently applied. Referring to Figure 8, a machine is shown which withdraws film having already applied thereto a pressure sensitive adhesive for securing the reinforcing film to the paper stock material. The film is of a high tensile strength tear resistant type. An example of such film is polye-thylene terephthalate which is sold by Dupont under the trademark "Mylar".

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1 The web stock 86 is withdrawn from a supply roll, not shown, and fed in the direction of arrow 88. The web s-tock has side edge portions 90 and 92. On side edge portion 92, an adhesive 94 is applied by adhesive application wheel 96. The web stock edge 9~ is folded over in the direction of arrow 98 and adhered to itself by a device not shown to provide a double edged portion along the web stock 86. This will in turn forrn the side edge of a folder of the type shown in the enlarged view of Figure 4.
A supply roll 100 of reinforcing tear resistant plastic film having a pressure sensitive adhesive already thereon is mounted on a spindle 102 of the film application apparatus lu4. Nip rollers 106 and 108 withdraw the film 110 from the supply roll 100. The rollers 106 and 108 are driven by a motor 112 the speed of which is coordinated with the rate of feed of the web stock 86 in the direction of arrow 88 to withdraw and feed the film llû at a linear speed equal to the speed at whlch the web stock 86 is travelling in the direction of arrow 88. The film 110 is passed over a spring loaded arm having a roller 114 to compensate for slack in the film due to variations in the speed of the web stock 86 should the mo-tor 112 not be capable of quickly compensating for variations in speed of the web stock 86.
The film is then passed over a series of standard rollers generally designated 116 which are usually used to fold the film over edge 118 of the web stock and apply it -to both 6251~ 2~G~ .286G

1 surfaces along the edge. The roller system 116 comprises a first vertical planar roller 120 whlch presses the film against the edge 118 of the moving web stock 86. Although no-t shown, a spring loaded uevice or a moveable guide is placed on the other side of the web to constantly urge -the web against the roller system 16. Th~ film 110 .is gradually creased a-t the edge 118 of the web stock 86 by grooved roller 122. Planar vertical roller 124 maiT~Iains the slightly creased film against the edge of the web stock where roller 126 having an accentuated grooved portion creases the film further to essentially overlie both surfaces of the web stock along the edge 118. Vertical roller 128 maintains the film in this position as opposing compression rollers 130 and 132 press the film with pressure sensitive adhesive against the web stock material. With the film now adhered to both surfaces along the side edge of the web s-tock it is ready for cutting to form -the desired side tab shape. As the web s-tock continues to move, a standard device (not shown) is used to cut out from the web stock, edge portion 13~ which resembles the shape of cut out 42 as shown in Figure 2 in forming the side tab arrangemen-t for the file folder of Figure 1. The file folder blank is cut from the web stock along lines 136 and 138 and folded about its mid section along fold 140 to form the folder of Figure 1.
In situations where it is desired as aforementioned to provide a colour band along the side tab of the file Folder, the machine and method according to this invention does this 6251-1 - 15 ~ ~ 1286G

1 including changing the colour applied to folders with minimal difficulty. This may be accomplished by selecting a coloured adhesive which is applied to a clear reinforcing film and which is in turn applied -to the file folder. As already mentioned, however, one may instead of using various coloured adhesives to determine the colour of the band along the folder side, use a reinforcing film which is itself of the desired colour. Such coloured film may then have clear adhesive applied thereto by the machine and method according to -this invention, or have adhesive previously applied and re-rolled. In the latter instance with the coloured film having the adhesive already thereon, such film may be applied to folders by using an apparatus such as that shown in Figure 8.
The width of the film applied to the web stock edge or the folder side may vary depending upon whether it is a clear film or a coloured arrangement to provide the band of colour.
As shown in Figure 1, a significant portion of the exterior oF
the front flap 14 includes the Mylar film as with the ex-terior of the rear flap 12. Thus when the folder having the band of colour applied thereto is lying on a desk either right side up ~0 or upside down, the large band of colour designates clearly the group of files to which it belongs. To ensure a sufficient width of colour band, for example with a four inch width of film, two and a half inches may be applied to one surface of the web stock, which constitutes the exterior of -the front and rear panels, and one and a half inches to the remaining surface 6251-1 - 16 ~ 8~ 1286G

1 which constitut~s the in-terior oF the front and rear flaps.
Such one and a half inch overlap is sufficient, as already explained with reference to Figure 49 to cover the doubled over portion of the folder edge. Such difference in widths of the film as applied to each side of the folder stock is shown in Figure 2 by the dotted line which signifies the width of the film applied -to the other side of the stock. This extra width of film also serves to distribute forces exerted on the tab to a larger area o-F the panel and reduce the possibility of tearing of the tab from the folder.
Referring to Figures 9 and 10 a machine is shown which allows the use of various coloured adhesives so that the folder side tab is of a desired colour. The adhesive applicator device of Figure 10 supplies the transparent film which as shown in Figure 9, moves in a downward slope and is secured onto a web which is conveyed to -the machine. As with -the device in Figure 8 the web stock 142 is conveyed over framework 144 and over a support 146. A glue applica-tor roll 148 applies glue to an edge 150 of the web 142. A device (not shown) is used to plough over the edge 150 in the direction of arrow 152 and rollers are used to lay down and secure the folded over edge portion 154 of the web stock 142. The adhesive used is such that the Folded over edge portion 154 remains flat after passing between spriog loaded pressure rollers 156 and 158.
The film is of sufficient width and secured -to -the web 142 in a manner so as to extend beyond edge 160 of the folded over 6251-1 - 17 - ~ 1286G

I portion 154 such that when the film 162 wi-th pressure sensitive adheslve on its underside passes between the web edge 154 supported by roller 158 and the spring loaded roller 156, it is secured to the web edge and overlaps the ed~e 160 of the folded over portion of the web stock.
The film is -then wrapped around and onto the undersurface of the web stock in a four~stage process. Having secured a portion of the width of the film 162 to the upper surface of the web stock, the accurate location of the film In relative -to the web stock is now dekermined. According to -the example of a four inch width of film, one and a half inches of the film width is laid onto and secured to the presented surface of the folder stock. The next stage is to fold over the remaining two and a half inches of film which is commenced by roller 164 having bevelled face portion 166. Bevelled -Face 166 bends the film downwardly at an angle relative to the plane of the web stock. The next stage in bending the film is provided by ver-tical roller 168 which bends the film to a 90 degree angle relacive to the plane o~ the web stock. The next stage of the fold over is provided by roller 170 having bevelled face 172 which begins to fold the film underneath the web stock at an acute angle relative to the underside of the plane of the web stock. The film, as bent under the web stock, can now be passed through spring loaded pressure rollers 174 ?5 and 176 to complete the securement of the folded over film to the web stock. The overall length of -the roller arrangement 6251-1 - 18 - ~ 8~ 1286G

1 178 is sufficient to ensure a smooth wrap around the film wi-thout creases therein. The web stock is now ready for the next stage in manufacture, namely the die cutting thereof to provide the desired folder side shape and cut the folder blank from the web stock in a manner which is commonly used in the art. In instances where a clear film is applied to the web stock, a narrower film width may be used because of the nonrequirement of a large colour band. A three inch clear film may be used where the film is folded over equally on both la surfaces of the web stock to reinforce the edge.
Turning to Figure 10, the relative location of the roller arrangement 178 for applying the film 162 to the web is shown. Above the roller location is the apparatus 18û for withdrawing film from a supply roll, applying adhesive there-to lS and drying the adhesive preparatory to application of the Film to the web stock 142 by the roller arrangement 178. The film 162 is withdrawn from a supply roll 182 which is suppor-ted on a spindle 184 which in turn is secured to a mainframe 186. The second spindle 188 is provided to carry a second supply roll 190 so as to be spliced with the film 162 when it is completely withdrawn from the first supply roll 182. The spindles 184 and 188 are adjustable laterally to accommodate various sizes of film width for use on the machine. The film 162 passes under roller 192 and over the remaining several rollers which serve to pass the film through the machine in applying and drying adhesive thereon. Rollers 194, 196 and 198 provide a path for 6251-1 - 19 - 2~ 1286G

1 the film so as to rnove vertically downwardly onto roller 200.
To provide a predetermined tension in -the film 162 sufficient to maintain the film without creases, a spring loaded roller 202 is provided as urged downwardly by spring 204. Roller 206 operates in conjunction with roller 200 to pass the film over adhesive application roller 208 which picks up adhesive from an adhesive tray to be described in more detail with respect to Figure 12.
A sensor is used to determine when the web movernent is stopped such as a sensor on the rolls for moving the web (not shown) so that when they stop a pneumatic cylinder 210 is actuated to retract upwardly roller 200 about hinged arm 212 to move the film 162 away from the adhesive application roll 208 which continues to rotate and circulate adhesive in the tray.

This prevents wearing of the film and build-up of adhesive on the film during line shutdown.
As the film passes over the roller 208 a thin layer of adhesive is applied co the outer surFace of -the filrn 162. Thus the remaining series of rollers 214 and corner guide rollers 216 pass the web upwardly, across and downwardly to a final bottom guide roller 218.
The adhesive which is applied to the film may be of the water base type which is an emulsion of pressure sensitive adhesive solids in water. The layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on the film must be dried so there is little moisture left in the layer when applied to -the folder to ensure a good 6251-1 - 20 - 1~6 1 bond with the folder material. To ensure that the adhesive is relatively dry, cons1dering that the film may be moving at speeds in the range of 150 to 200 feet per minu-te, hot air is directed onto the adhesive through tubes 220 about the perimeter of U-shaped plenum 222 which carries hot air from hot air blowers shown in dotted at 224 and 226.
The structure of the tubes 220 and the plenum 222 is shown in more detail in Figure 11. A ho-t air blower 226 blows air into a hollow rectangular plenum tube 222 which is closed at its ends 223. The tubes 220 have a series of ports 228 which direct the hot air onto the surface 230 having the layer of adhesive on the fllm 162. The two hot air blowers 22~ and 226 supply sufficient hot air through the ports 228 so that the adhesive is dried when it passes over exit roller 216 of the drying chamber arrangement. A shield 215 is provided about the perimeter of the u-shaped plenum 222. The shield ex-tends slightly greater than the length of the rollers 21~ to shield the film as it passe~ over such rollers from ambient air currents which may be laden with dust and other con-taminants.

To guide the path of the film through the drying chamber arrangement, each corner guide roll 216 has a pair of rings 232 as shown in ~igure 11 which are adjustable along the axis of the roller 216 so as to determine the lateral position of the film on these guide rollers and thereby direct the film about the perimeter of the U-shaped drying arrangement. Similarly, on roller 218 rings 23~ are provided to locate -the film 162 6251 1 - 21 ~ 1286G

1 relative to the web stock 142 in properly positioning it for application to the f-le folder. Such ring in providing film position adjustment thereby accommodates various widths of film to be applied.
Turning to Figure 12, the adhesive applicator device 234 comprises the driven roller 208 which applies a thin layer of adhesive to the film 162. The roller 208 is driven by a drive arrangement 236 which is synchronized with the speed at which the film passes through the apparatus 180 that is, the linear speed of the web stock 142. Thus, the :roller 208 is rotated at a speed so as to have a peripheral linear velocity corresponding to the speed at which film 162 is moved through the apparatus 180. In synchronizing the speed of the drive 236 it will correspondingly vary the speed of the roller 208 depending on variations in the speed of the movement of the web stock 142.
A doctor blade 238 with caliber adjustments 240 and 242 determine the thickness of the adhesive layer picked up by the roller 208 from the adhesive tray 244. As mentioned, the drive 236 rotates at all times even during temporary stoppage of the line to circulate the adhesive in the tray 244. The tray 244 is removable from the adhesive applicator device 234 by loosening of knurled knob 246 which fits in inverted L-shaped slot 248. Upon loosening of the knob 246 tray may be moved forwardly and downwardly from the suppor-tive framework 250 of the adhesive applicator device 234.

6251-1 - 22 - ~2~ 1286G

1 When it is desired to change colours of adhesive applied to the film 162, the adhesive tray 244 is removed and replaced with a differenc tray having a different coloured adhesive therein. When the tray is removed, access to roller 208 is gained to remove ~ny remaining colour from the roller before applying the next adhesive.
Since the adhesive is a water based type, the sensor which retracts roller 200 so that there is not a build-up of adhesive on the film 162 during line shutdown can also be used to turn off blowers 224 and 226 so as to not overdry or deteriorate the adhesive applied to the film. Therefore, the line may be shutdown safely without damaging the adhesive applied to the film. On start-up the hot air blowers are reactuated to direct hot air onto the film to comple-te any necessary drying and continue -to dry fresh adhesive as applied to the film emerging from roller 206 of -the system.
The apparatus according to -this invention is therefore useful in selectively applying a predetermined coloured adhesive to the film 162 before application to a folder. This provides the significant advantages of not only reinforcing the folder edge but also providing a desired coloured band along the folder edge to designate a group of folders in a file system having many different groups. A further advantage in using a coloured adhesive or a coloured film is the colour fastness o~ the band on the folder. Unlike coloured paper stock which will fade in sunlight, the colour band as provided 6251-1 23 ~6~ 1286G

1 by this invention does not fade. In addition, the control on the colour is more consistent because of the accuracy enabled in either colouring the film or the adhesive compared -to a batch-to~batch process in making colour paper stock.
A further consideration in providing the coloured ban is to have coloured paper on the web stock edge and covered by the Mylar film. The colour of the paper shows through the clear film to provide a desired colour band. The colour paper may be secured to the Mylar film and the paper, in turn, be secured to the Folder edge or conversely, the coloured paper may be secured to the folder edge and the Mylar applied over the colour paper.
The plastic reinforcing film, when applied to the paper web stock, reduces the tendency of the tab or edge to be torn from the paper web stock and distributes forces such that creasing the folding of the tab or panel adjacent the tab are reduced. Films which are suitable adjacent the kab are reduced. Filrns which are suitable include, polythelene terephthalate films such as sold by Dupont under the trade mark Mylar, "Celanar" (trade mark) from Celanese and "Scotchpar"
(trade mark) from 3M.
Figures 13 through 19 illustrate a variation of the method of manufacturing the product as well as a variation of the apparatus. For this reason, a new numbering scheme will be 2S used. Referring to Figures 13, 14 and 15 the web 300 of paper web stock is advanced from a roll not shown and undergoes a 6251-1 - 24 ~ 6~6 1286G

1 number of operations to produce the -file folder bland ~02a shown in Figure 17. The difference between the folder blank of Figure 16 a~d that of Figure 17 is that a portion of the reinforced edge has been removed from the front panel 308 to thereby define an outward extension portion 305 on the front panel 310. As in the earlier figures the reinforced edge 303 has a high tensile strength reinforcing film 312 secured about the straight reinforced edge 303 with a portion of the film extending beyond the reinforced edge to be in direct contact with the portion of the web stock 300 adjacent the reinforced edge. In this way, reinforcement of the file folder adjacent the junction of the reinforced edge 303 and the abutting paper stock is achieved. This serves to distribute localized forces exerted on the outward extension 305 to the file folder and thereby avoid localized deterioration of the extension.
In Figure 13 the high tensile strength film 312 has been adhesively secured in this case to the lower surface of the paper web stock as generally shown in Figure 14 and an adhesive 314 has been applied to the opposite surface of the paper web stock for adhesively securing the paper web stock which will be folded upon itself. Therefore, the paper web stock with the film on the lower surface thereof is folded upon itself to produce a reinforced edge portion with the high tensile film secured along the length thereof. This defines two opposed surfaces of paper web stock indicated as 316 and 318 which are secured by adhesive 314 to provide a double 6251~ 5 ~ 6~ 1286G

1 thickness of paper web stock adjacent -the edge of the file folder. It should be noted that the paper web stock and film are not folded in the centre line of the film as it is preferable to have -the film extend across the junction of the reinforced edge and the paper web stock to reinforce this and reduce the tendency of this reinforced area to be torn from the remaining body of the web stock.
Application of the high tensile film to the lower surface of the paper web stock and the subsequent folding of the film and paper web stock is shown in Figures 1~ and 15.
The high tensile strength film 312 is secured by an adhesive 311 to one surface of the paper web stock 300 adjacent -the edge thereof, in this case to the lo~er surface of the paper web stock, as the web stock is advanced. This advancement is generally indicated by arrow 320 showing movement of the paper web stock and arrow 321 showing movement of the high tensile strength film with adhesive applied thereto. A paper web stock aligning device 322 accurately maintains alignment of the paper web stock as it is being withdrawn from the supply roll. One such aligning device is manufactured by G.W.D. Controls Lirnited and is referred to as a paper stock guide. This apparatus accurately maintains the edge ol` the paper web stock and therefore a manual aligning roller generally shown as 330 in Figure 14 can be used to align the high tensile strength film with the edge of the paper web stock to assure placement of the film adjacent the edge of the web stock. Further details of the alignment roller 330 can be appreciated from a review of Figure 19.

~2~8~i 1 The high tensile strength film 312 is applied to the lower surface of the web stock 300 and is retained on the web stock as it is passed between pressure rollers 34û and 341.
This assures the pressure sensitive adhesive 311 firmly bonds the high tensile strength film to the lower surface of the paper web stock. In applying the high tensile strength film, it is important to control the tension thereof to assure the film is not highly prestressed as it is applied to the paper web stock. It is preferred to merely apply sufficient -tension to maintain the film flat as further stressing of the film will occur when the folder blank is folded to form front and back panels. Prestressing of the film can cause buckling of -the paper stock. In contrast to the earlier apparatus, the high tensile strength film is not drive but merely advanced by the web stock.
A further adhesive ~14 is -then applied adjacent the edge of the paper web stock and is used to secure -the paper web stock portions 316 and 318 as shown in Figure 13. After the adhesive 314 has been applied, the web stock is passed through a number of folding rollers generally designated as 350 to fold the paper web stock upon it~elf and subsequently pass -the folded web stock through pressure rollers 352 and 354 in order to strongly adhere the paper web stock portions 316 and 318.
After completing the folding of the paper web stock with the film on the exterior surface thereof, the paper web stock is passed through a number of cutting or blanking 6251-1 - 27 - ~Z 1286G

1 operations to form folder blanks generally as shown in Figure 16 and Figure 17. In -the embodiment shown, a fold line 370 has been produced on the F`o].der blank 302 and ~02a -to thereby define front and back panels of the file folder. By removing a portion of the reinforced edge 303 as shown in Figure 179 a file folder having a laterally extending portion 305 is produced suitable for use in lateral filing. However it can be readily appreciated that the fold line 370 could have been formed in a direction perpendlcular to that shown to form a top rdable system and therefore the present method and appartus is not limited to file folders for use in lateral filing systemsO
Figure 18 shows a modified apparatus for advancing -the high tensile strength film passed an adhesive applying roller which applied a thin film of pressure sensitive adhesive emulsion to one surface of the Film and subsequently dries the applied emulsion sufficiently to strongly adhere the film to the paper web stock. The apparatus includes a supply 360 of high tensile stength film, with -the film 312 being threaded thlough a number of roller prior to contact with adhesive applying roller 362. This roller is partially submerged in a tank of pressure sensitive adhesive emulsion 364 which can be of a particular colour to colour code the edge of a file folder as previously described. The doctor blade 366 is above the level of emulsion and can be adjusted to accurately vary the amount of adhesive applied to the lower surface of a high tensile strength film. After ti,e adhesive emulsion has been 6251-1 - 28 ~ 6 12~6G

1 applied, the film is passed over a number of guides or rollers 368 which are contained within the heated channel plenum generally defined by wall members 371 and 372. Within this channel plenum a heat distribution conduit generally designated as 373 is provided which allows hot air to be circulated about the film to which the adhesive has been applied. The film after the adhesive has been dried is brought into con-tact with the lower surface of the paper stock 300 adjacent the two pressure rollers 340 and 341.

The alignment roller generally indicated as 330 is shown in greater detail Figure 19. The free end of the roller generally indicated as 331 is the portion visible in Figure 18. This alignment roller includes a rotatable barrel portion 332 secured by a pivot connection 333 to the support bracket 335. Thus the barrel 332 is freely rotatable and the axis of the barrel can be moved in the direction of arrow 336 by adjusting of the set screw 337. The high tensile s-trength film is snuggly retained between the shoulders 338 and 339 whereby adjusting of the barrel can vary the position oF the film relative to the paper web stock. As previously mentioned, the paper web stock is accurately aligned ~nd therefore, the simple manual adjustment of the alignment roller 339 is sufficient to accurately place the high tensile strength film adjacent the edge of the paper web stock.

6251-l - 29 - ~2~6~ 1286G

l It has been found tha-t the product method and apparatus as described with respect -to Figures 13 through l9 is preferred. Because the high tensile strength film is very thin, it is much easier to handle when secured on the paper web stock and problems such as creasing or folding of the film during application to the paper web stock are reducedO
Paper web stock is very susceptable to wear and separation of the individual layers thereof which substantially weakens the overall strength of the web stock. This problem is particularly acute at areas of high stress which are subject to damage such as the portion of the file folder which extends beyond the panels of the folder to present a surface to which labels can be applied for identifying of the file folder. As such, the label identifying portion is prone to wear and of-ten will tear from the body of the foler. By applying a high tensile strength film either side of the paper substrate, and in a manner to bridge the transition between the reinforced edge and the body of the file Folder, the tendency of the paper stock to separate is reduced as the high tensile strength Film reinforces the area and limits the separation of the individual layers. By providing a film of substantially greater width than the label extending por-tion and securing the film in a manner such that the film is secured to the web stock interior to the label extending portion a distance approximately at least equal to the label extending portion, it has been found that the tendency of the edge of the panel to tear from the 6251-l - 30 - ~ ~ 1286G

l folder is reduced as the high tensile strength film provides a means for distrlbuting the force, which is locally applied to the label extending portion, to a larger area of the file folder. Therefore, edges of file folders prone to damage can be reinforced in the manner described to significantly increase the effective life of the file folder of substrate.
Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (8)

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A file folder for use in a lateral file system and having a colour band along side edge portions of folder front and back panels which provides a side tab for said folder, said colour band comprising a length of clear thin film adhered to both surfaces of said folder side edge portions with an adhesive of a predetermined colour which is visible through said film to provide said colour band along the folder side edge portions, said colour band being distinctive of a group of files in a file system, said side tab projecting from said back panel beyond said front panel side edge, colour coded labels being secured to said film on said side tab by a pressure sensitive adhesive having superior adhesion properties with said film, said colour coded labels in combination with said colour band providing a unique code for said folder to which said labels are applied.
2. A file folder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side edge portions of said panels are twice the thickness of the remaining portion of said panels.
3. A file folder of claim 2, wherein said film reinforces said side tab and consists of a high tensile strength polyethylene terephthalate.
4. A file folder of paper stock having a body portion and an integral tab along one edge of the body portion, said tab being of a length to receive a plurality of labels spaced there along for identifying the file; said tab being of a colour different than said body portion and including a plastic film secured about and either side of said tab and along the length thereof, said film preparing said tab for the receipt of such labels and providing a superior surface for adhering with such labels compared to the paper stock of said tab and body portion, said film cooperating with said tab such that the colour of said tab is visible through said film.
5. A file folder as claimed in claim 4, wherein said -film is secured to said tab by a colour adhesive visible through said film to provide the colour of said tab different then said body portion.
6. A file folder as claimed in claim 5, wherein said tab is integral with a back panel of the file folder and said film is secured either side of said tab and the edge of a front panel of said folder to the same side of said folder as said tab.
7. A file folder as claimed in claim 6, wherein said folder is a lateral file folder and said film is secured to said paper stock prior to die cutting of folder from the paper stock.
8. A file folder as claimed in claim 4, wherein said film is of a thickness about .5 mils and is of polyethylene terephthalate and is of an overall width of about 4 inches with at least about 1 inch either side of said tab.
CA000486182A 1983-12-30 1985-06-28 Reinforced file folder and method Expired CA1216486A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA000486182A CA1216486A (en) 1983-12-30 1985-06-28 Reinforced file folder and method

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA000444469A CA1197155A (en) 1983-12-30 1983-12-30 Reinforced file folder and method
CA000486182A CA1216486A (en) 1983-12-30 1985-06-28 Reinforced file folder and method

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA000444469A Division CA1197155A (en) 1983-12-30 1983-12-30 Reinforced file folder and method

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA1216486A true CA1216486A (en) 1987-01-13

Family

ID=25670257

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA000486182A Expired CA1216486A (en) 1983-12-30 1985-06-28 Reinforced file folder and method

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Country Link
CA (1) CA1216486A (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5161731A (en) * 1991-08-21 1992-11-10 Esselte Pendaflex Corporation Reinforced expandable folder
US5256130A (en) * 1990-02-21 1993-10-26 Esselte Pendaflex Corporation Reinforced paper office supplies and method of making them
US5711750A (en) * 1990-02-21 1998-01-27 Smead Manufacturing Company Reinforced expandable folders

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5256130A (en) * 1990-02-21 1993-10-26 Esselte Pendaflex Corporation Reinforced paper office supplies and method of making them
US5284362A (en) * 1990-02-21 1994-02-08 Esselte Pendaflex Corporation Reinforced shelf filing folders
US5711750A (en) * 1990-02-21 1998-01-27 Smead Manufacturing Company Reinforced expandable folders
US5720427A (en) * 1990-02-21 1998-02-24 The Smead Manufacturing Company Reinforced expandable folders
US5161731A (en) * 1991-08-21 1992-11-10 Esselte Pendaflex Corporation Reinforced expandable folder

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