CA2052512C - Linked file folder - Google Patents
Linked file folder Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2052512C CA2052512C CA002052512A CA2052512A CA2052512C CA 2052512 C CA2052512 C CA 2052512C CA 002052512 A CA002052512 A CA 002052512A CA 2052512 A CA2052512 A CA 2052512A CA 2052512 C CA2052512 C CA 2052512C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- file
- compartments
- walls
- file folder
- support
- 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 - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
- B42F—SHEETS TEMPORARILY ATTACHED TOGETHER; FILING APPLIANCES; FILE CARDS; INDEXING
- B42F15/00—Suspended filing appliances
Landscapes
- Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
- Sheet Holders (AREA)
Abstract
A file folder having a plurality of file compartments, each of the compartments is a member having at least one pair of substantially opposing walls and a base. Each pair of adjacent file compartments are connected together along their edge. Support members are associated with each pair of compartments and are coextensively positioned along the joined edges. In a preferred embodiment, the support members include a pair of opposing flanges substantially coextensive with and compressively engaging the longitudinal ends of walls of adjacent file compartments. End hanger members having opposing flanges compressively engaging and extending substantially coextensively along the two end walls are also provided to support the ends of the file.
Description
The present invention relates to a file folder for document storage and, in particular, to a suspended file folder for use in file drawers and cabinets in which a plurality of permanently linked file folder compartments provide an expandable file folder.
File folders for use in office file cabinets to store various types of documents are well known. Typically, they comprise separate "V" or "U"
shaped folders for holding documents. To provide improved access to the files p contained therein, support hangers are provided along the lengths of the compartment. File cabinet drawers are, or can be, equipped with rails or frames from which the folders can be suspended and moved to facilitate their use.
File folders which are suspended from frames are typically slid back and forth within the file drawer to facilitate filing and access. Because prior art file folders are separate units, documents or files are easily mislocated by the user by accidentally placing a document betVVeen rather than in the desired file.
These documents tend to become lodged between and under the individual file folders and lost.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a file 20 folder which overcomes this problem by providing a suspended file system having a plurality of compartments which are permanently linked together. In addition to facilitating the filing of documents, the construction of the file folders according to the invention reduces the cost by eliminating the number of hangers required to properly suspend the folder.
a5 Generally, the present invention comprises a file folder having a plurality of file storage compartments which is used to store documents. Each of the file compartments comprise a container member, preferably formed from a heavy paper stock, which is folded into a "V", "U" or "W"-shaped container having a pair of substantially opposing walls. The base of each compartment is formed at the juncture of the intersecting walls or by at least two folds to provide a flat or expandable (accordion-shaped support surface).
In one embodiment, the walls are formed by continuously folding the material to provide a plurality of individual compartments. Support members are positioned at the folds defining the intersection of the walls of two adjacent compartments to provide support for the files to hang from a set of file rails. The support members are preferably coextensive with wall intersection and secured thereto by means of an adhesive, for example.
In another embodiment, the material is cut and folded to provide individual file compartments. Along the edge of each wall defining adjacent file compartments is positioned a support or connector means for connecting the two walls together. Each support means is preferably formed from an elongated, stamped metal element having a pair of opposing flanges used to compressively engage the edges of the adjacent compartments. Alternatively, one wall of each adjacent formed compartment can be folded over the adjacent wall and bonded or~secured to that adjacent wall. The fold preferably includes therebetween an elongated support member.
Preferably, each connector means or support member includes a hanger element ai its respective ends to engage a file drawer rail or file folder hanger flange assembly. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each flange of the connector means include detents which penetrate and engage the walls of the file compartment to provide additional engagement of the walls by the connector means to prevent the walls from sliding out of engagement with the flanges when the file compartment is heavily loaded.
The file folder of the present invention is thus made up of a number of file compartments and includes a plurality of connector or support means therebetween. At each end of the continuous folder is an end wall which is provided with end or support members which are preferably identical to the connector or support members. f=ach of the two end a~e~~taers compressively engages or is folded between only a single wall edge. Preferably, each ia~cdudes a hanger element for engaging the rail of the file drawer to support the respective end file compartments.
Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a perusal of the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment of invention taken in connection with the drawings , in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the file folder of the present invention having file identification means;
Figure 2 is a side elevation of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a plan view of the present invention;
Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional elevation of the connector means and opposing compartment walls taken along line IV-IV of Figure 5; and Figure 5 is an enlarged partial elevation of the connector means and hanger elements at its end.
Figure 6 is a partial side elevation of another embodiment in which continuously formed compartments have positioned therebetween a support member;
Figure 7 is a partial end view of the embodiment shown in Figure 6;
Figure 8 is an alternative means for supporting the continuously formed compartments shown in Figure 6; and Figure 9 is another embodiment for connecting individual file compartments using a wall fold and adhesive.
With reference to Figures 1-3, file folder i0 of the present invention is shown. File folder i 0 includes a plurality of file compartments 11 a through 1 i n. Each file compartment comprises a pair of opposing walls 12a-12n and 13a-13n. As can be seen, compartments are formed in the shape of a "V" with the intersection of opposing walls 12a-12n and 13a-13n forming bases 14a-14n, respectively.
Base 14 of the respective compartments can also take other shapes, such as a "U" configuration of "W" or a multiple W-shape which provides expansion capabilities for each file compartment. In the preferred embodiment, each file compartment 11 is made up of a heavy paper stock which is cut and folded to provide the desired shape for base 14. In the preferred embodiment, the "V"-shape is achieved by a single folding operation. Moreover, while heavy paper stock is preferred for file folder 10, other materials can be used to form file compartments 11, such as polyethylene sheet material.
Referring to Figures 1,4 and 5, file folder 10 includes a plurality of support-connector means 20 through 20n-2 which are used to link file compartments 11a-11n together. Thus, in this embodiment support means 20 function to both support folder 10 as well as connect the compartments together.
File folders for use in office file cabinets to store various types of documents are well known. Typically, they comprise separate "V" or "U"
shaped folders for holding documents. To provide improved access to the files p contained therein, support hangers are provided along the lengths of the compartment. File cabinet drawers are, or can be, equipped with rails or frames from which the folders can be suspended and moved to facilitate their use.
File folders which are suspended from frames are typically slid back and forth within the file drawer to facilitate filing and access. Because prior art file folders are separate units, documents or files are easily mislocated by the user by accidentally placing a document betVVeen rather than in the desired file.
These documents tend to become lodged between and under the individual file folders and lost.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a file 20 folder which overcomes this problem by providing a suspended file system having a plurality of compartments which are permanently linked together. In addition to facilitating the filing of documents, the construction of the file folders according to the invention reduces the cost by eliminating the number of hangers required to properly suspend the folder.
a5 Generally, the present invention comprises a file folder having a plurality of file storage compartments which is used to store documents. Each of the file compartments comprise a container member, preferably formed from a heavy paper stock, which is folded into a "V", "U" or "W"-shaped container having a pair of substantially opposing walls. The base of each compartment is formed at the juncture of the intersecting walls or by at least two folds to provide a flat or expandable (accordion-shaped support surface).
In one embodiment, the walls are formed by continuously folding the material to provide a plurality of individual compartments. Support members are positioned at the folds defining the intersection of the walls of two adjacent compartments to provide support for the files to hang from a set of file rails. The support members are preferably coextensive with wall intersection and secured thereto by means of an adhesive, for example.
In another embodiment, the material is cut and folded to provide individual file compartments. Along the edge of each wall defining adjacent file compartments is positioned a support or connector means for connecting the two walls together. Each support means is preferably formed from an elongated, stamped metal element having a pair of opposing flanges used to compressively engage the edges of the adjacent compartments. Alternatively, one wall of each adjacent formed compartment can be folded over the adjacent wall and bonded or~secured to that adjacent wall. The fold preferably includes therebetween an elongated support member.
Preferably, each connector means or support member includes a hanger element ai its respective ends to engage a file drawer rail or file folder hanger flange assembly. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each flange of the connector means include detents which penetrate and engage the walls of the file compartment to provide additional engagement of the walls by the connector means to prevent the walls from sliding out of engagement with the flanges when the file compartment is heavily loaded.
The file folder of the present invention is thus made up of a number of file compartments and includes a plurality of connector or support means therebetween. At each end of the continuous folder is an end wall which is provided with end or support members which are preferably identical to the connector or support members. f=ach of the two end a~e~~taers compressively engages or is folded between only a single wall edge. Preferably, each ia~cdudes a hanger element for engaging the rail of the file drawer to support the respective end file compartments.
Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a perusal of the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment of invention taken in connection with the drawings , in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the file folder of the present invention having file identification means;
Figure 2 is a side elevation of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a plan view of the present invention;
Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional elevation of the connector means and opposing compartment walls taken along line IV-IV of Figure 5; and Figure 5 is an enlarged partial elevation of the connector means and hanger elements at its end.
Figure 6 is a partial side elevation of another embodiment in which continuously formed compartments have positioned therebetween a support member;
Figure 7 is a partial end view of the embodiment shown in Figure 6;
Figure 8 is an alternative means for supporting the continuously formed compartments shown in Figure 6; and Figure 9 is another embodiment for connecting individual file compartments using a wall fold and adhesive.
With reference to Figures 1-3, file folder i0 of the present invention is shown. File folder i 0 includes a plurality of file compartments 11 a through 1 i n. Each file compartment comprises a pair of opposing walls 12a-12n and 13a-13n. As can be seen, compartments are formed in the shape of a "V" with the intersection of opposing walls 12a-12n and 13a-13n forming bases 14a-14n, respectively.
Base 14 of the respective compartments can also take other shapes, such as a "U" configuration of "W" or a multiple W-shape which provides expansion capabilities for each file compartment. In the preferred embodiment, each file compartment 11 is made up of a heavy paper stock which is cut and folded to provide the desired shape for base 14. In the preferred embodiment, the "V"-shape is achieved by a single folding operation. Moreover, while heavy paper stock is preferred for file folder 10, other materials can be used to form file compartments 11, such as polyethylene sheet material.
Referring to Figures 1,4 and 5, file folder 10 includes a plurality of support-connector means 20 through 20n-2 which are used to link file compartments 11a-11n together. Thus, in this embodiment support means 20 function to both support folder 10 as well as connect the compartments together.
2~D Each support means 20 includes a pair of opposing flanges 21 and 22 (Figure 4) which extend coextensively the length of walls 12 and 13. As can be seen more clearly from Figura 4, flanges 21 and 22 compressively engage walls 12 and 13 from an adjacent file compartment 11.
It is preferred that support means 20 includes detents 25 which 2~ extend inwardly of the associated flange and into the respectively positioned file compartment wall. Detents 25 provide additional compressive force and assist in prevortting the compartment walls contained between flanges 21 and 22 from pulling out of compressive engagement, Detents 25 are preferably formed during the manufacturing of connector means 20. Alternatively, detents 25 can 30 be made coincidentally witit the compression of flanges 21 and 22 onto walls 12 and 13.
a ~ t~ .~ er _~ .~-~
Flowever, in another embodiment shown in Figure 9, wall 12 is folded over wall 13 to provide a pocket 17 through which support member 36 is positioned. in this embodiment, it is desirable to secure the fold of wall 13 to wall 12 by means of an adhesive at loci 37 across the face of wall 12. Other folds may be used to achieve the same effect.
Each support means 20 includes a pair of hanger elements 27 and 28 on either end thereof. Hanger elements 27 and 28 include retainer means 29 which maintains the hanger element on a rail of a file drawer of a hanger frame and prevents the lateral movement of the file folder.
1 p Respective ends 18 and 19 consisting of end walls 12a and 13n of compartment 11 a and 11 n, respectively, and include end members 24 which are preferably identical to support means 20. End members include identical hanger elements 27 and 28 for supporting the end walls on file drawer hanger or rail assembly. End member 24 is required to support only a single compartment wall between its associated flanges 23 and 26. Flanges 23 and 26 include detents 31 used to grip respective ends 18 and 19. Detents 31 are preferably identical to detents 25.
Support/connector means 20 may also include file identification support means 35, shown in Figure 1. File identification means attach to support means 20 by clamping over opposing flanges 21 and 22 so as to slide therealong. Detents 25 provide resistance to sliding to prevent accidental movement of identification means 35. Preferable identification means 35 is made from a transparent plastic such as polypropylene.
Referring to Figures 6-8, another embodiment is shown in which walls 12 and 13 are continuous. In a preferred embodiment, compartments 11 are formed by folding a continuous sheet material to define walls 12 and 13. A
support means 120, similar to that shown with reference to Figure 9, is positioned at fold 41 defining walls 12 and 13 and secured to the facing walls by means of an adhesive or other fastening means as shown in Figure 7.
Alternatively, support/connector means 120 can be positioned in the manner described in connection with the embodiment shown in reference to Figure 1-3.
In this case, detents 25 assist in comprehensively engaging flanges 21 and 22 to grip walls 12 and 13, respectively.
~~ a_~J
Support member 36 includes hanger elements 127 and 128 similar to hanger elements 27 and 28, respectively in suppor+Jconnector means 20.
While a presently preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in particularity, the invention may be otherwise embodied within the scope of the appended claims.
It is preferred that support means 20 includes detents 25 which 2~ extend inwardly of the associated flange and into the respectively positioned file compartment wall. Detents 25 provide additional compressive force and assist in prevortting the compartment walls contained between flanges 21 and 22 from pulling out of compressive engagement, Detents 25 are preferably formed during the manufacturing of connector means 20. Alternatively, detents 25 can 30 be made coincidentally witit the compression of flanges 21 and 22 onto walls 12 and 13.
a ~ t~ .~ er _~ .~-~
Flowever, in another embodiment shown in Figure 9, wall 12 is folded over wall 13 to provide a pocket 17 through which support member 36 is positioned. in this embodiment, it is desirable to secure the fold of wall 13 to wall 12 by means of an adhesive at loci 37 across the face of wall 12. Other folds may be used to achieve the same effect.
Each support means 20 includes a pair of hanger elements 27 and 28 on either end thereof. Hanger elements 27 and 28 include retainer means 29 which maintains the hanger element on a rail of a file drawer of a hanger frame and prevents the lateral movement of the file folder.
1 p Respective ends 18 and 19 consisting of end walls 12a and 13n of compartment 11 a and 11 n, respectively, and include end members 24 which are preferably identical to support means 20. End members include identical hanger elements 27 and 28 for supporting the end walls on file drawer hanger or rail assembly. End member 24 is required to support only a single compartment wall between its associated flanges 23 and 26. Flanges 23 and 26 include detents 31 used to grip respective ends 18 and 19. Detents 31 are preferably identical to detents 25.
Support/connector means 20 may also include file identification support means 35, shown in Figure 1. File identification means attach to support means 20 by clamping over opposing flanges 21 and 22 so as to slide therealong. Detents 25 provide resistance to sliding to prevent accidental movement of identification means 35. Preferable identification means 35 is made from a transparent plastic such as polypropylene.
Referring to Figures 6-8, another embodiment is shown in which walls 12 and 13 are continuous. In a preferred embodiment, compartments 11 are formed by folding a continuous sheet material to define walls 12 and 13. A
support means 120, similar to that shown with reference to Figure 9, is positioned at fold 41 defining walls 12 and 13 and secured to the facing walls by means of an adhesive or other fastening means as shown in Figure 7.
Alternatively, support/connector means 120 can be positioned in the manner described in connection with the embodiment shown in reference to Figure 1-3.
In this case, detents 25 assist in comprehensively engaging flanges 21 and 22 to grip walls 12 and 13, respectively.
~~ a_~J
Support member 36 includes hanger elements 127 and 128 similar to hanger elements 27 and 28, respectively in suppor+Jconnector means 20.
While a presently preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in particularity, the invention may be otherwise embodied within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (8)
1. A file folder comprising:
(i) a plurality of file compartments, each of the compartments comprising a pair of substantially opposing walls and a base, walls of adjacent compartments being joined at their edges opposite the base;
(ii) support means positioned substantially coextensively along the edge forming the joint between the adjacent compartments, the support means including a pair of opposing flanges compressively engaging the joint; and (iii) hanger means projecting from the support means, the hanger means adapted to maintain the file folder on an external support.
(i) a plurality of file compartments, each of the compartments comprising a pair of substantially opposing walls and a base, walls of adjacent compartments being joined at their edges opposite the base;
(ii) support means positioned substantially coextensively along the edge forming the joint between the adjacent compartments, the support means including a pair of opposing flanges compressively engaging the joint; and (iii) hanger means projecting from the support means, the hanger means adapted to maintain the file folder on an external support.
2. A file folder as set forth in Claim 1 wherein the file compartments comprise a plurality of separate file compartments, each pair of adjacent compartments being connected together by the support means.
3. A file folder as set forth in Claim 1 wherein the walls and base comprise a plurality of folds of a continuous sheet material.
4. A file folder as set forth in Claim 1 wherein the file compartments comprise a plurality of individual compartments, each pair of adjacent compartments being connected together at their adjacent edges by a bonded fold.
5. A file folder as set forth in any one of claims 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein the external support comprises a means for engaging file support rails in a file drawer.
6. A file folder as set forth in any one of claims 1, 2, 3 or 4 further comprising identification means adapted to slidably mount on the edge of adjacently joined compartment walls.
7. A file folder as set forth in an one of claims 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein the opposing flanges of each of the support means includes at least one detent engaging a file compartment wall.
8. A file folder as set forth in any one of claims 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein the base is "V"-shaped.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002052512A CA2052512C (en) | 1991-09-30 | 1991-09-30 | Linked file folder |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002052512A CA2052512C (en) | 1991-09-30 | 1991-09-30 | Linked file folder |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2052512A1 CA2052512A1 (en) | 1993-03-31 |
| CA2052512C true CA2052512C (en) | 2000-06-27 |
Family
ID=4148474
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002052512A Expired - Fee Related CA2052512C (en) | 1991-09-30 | 1991-09-30 | Linked file folder |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2052512C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20060226204A1 (en) | 2005-04-06 | 2006-10-12 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | File folder management system |
-
1991
- 1991-09-30 CA CA002052512A patent/CA2052512C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2052512A1 (en) | 1993-03-31 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20071001 |