EP2079339B1 - Reduced thickness document case - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a briefcase for receiving a plurality of standard format documents, such as a wallet for receiving credit card format documents or business cards or a bag for receiving files of any kind. standard format or leaflets.

For many documents such as the vital card, store loyalty cards, subscription cards and sports license cards, the format of credit cards has been adopted. We quickly arrive at a large number of cards that must be inserted into a wallet.

Portfolios with at least two flaps hinged to one another are often used, the cards being inserted in insets in offset pockets, their opening being parallel or perpendicular to the hinge axis of the flaps, so that the cards are arranged in tiers with an uncovered visible edge. It is thus possible to identify a card by its visible edge and extract it easily from its pocket to use it (see for example US3,946,781 ).

The cards are overlapping, forming a sort of staircase and the result is a large thickness where the maximum number of cards are on top of each other. Each flap has in profile a substantially triangular shape. The pouches are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of articulation of the two flaps and, when the wallet is closed, the two thickest parts of the two flaps are opposite one another so that This results in a significant extra thickness that creates a bulge on one side of the flaps in the closed position and prohibits placing it in a thin pocket, such as the rear pockets of pants or shirt pockets.

In the same way, people who have to carry a large number of files, for Customers' files for a representative, wish to be able to accommodate their folders also separately in steps in a bag with two flaps so as to identify and extract them quickly and in this case, we also want to limit the volume of the bag.

The problem underlying the invention is to provide a document holder of the aforementioned type whose thickness is reduced, avoiding the aforementioned bulge.

Another object of the invention is to reduce the cost of manufacturing such a document holder.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a document holder that can receive a large number of documents of several formats (A4 or other).

For this purpose, the invention provides that, for two adjacent flaps, the pockets are arranged with the same direction of insertion, the highest document of one of the flaps is adjacent to the lowest document of the other flap, so that when the two flaps are folded over one another, the two sets of steps are nested one inside the other so as to reduce the thickness of the wallet or document holder.

In this way, the bulge is reduced, the thicker sections of the two flaps being in opposition when the briefcase is closed. This allows for a two-fold portfolio with a maximum number of documents in a minimum thickness.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the series of steps of a shutter is constituted by a folded sheet on itself in zigzag, the distance between two folds having, alternately, two different values, a value equal to the side of the document to be inserted which is perpendicular to the opening of the pocket and a slightly lower value to make it possible to grasp the document, the edges of the zigzag sides of the sheet being fixed on each other and the set of pockets of all the shutters is made in a single sheet.

This provision simplifies the manufacture of the briefcase and reduce its cost.

Advantageously, the edges of the zigzag sides of the sheet are fixed to one another by a seam. We get a pinch of pockets on the side, which prevents documents from falling out of the pocket.

According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the briefcase comprises a third intermediate flap which is articulated on one of the other flaps, which, in the closed position, is folded down on one of the other two flaps and which has pockets on its sides. two faces, the series of pouches of its two faces being arranged in an antisymmetric manner so that, in the closed position, the series of steps of each face of the third intermediate flap is nested in the series of steps of the inner face of the one of the first two components and in that the width of the ease pleat separating the two first flaps substantially corresponds to 2 n times the thickness of an inserted document, n being the number of documents that can be inserted into a flap.

According to yet another characteristic of the invention, an assembly of two adjacent flaps comprises an outer lateral pocket extending over the entire length and whose opening is perpendicular to the hinge axis.

This side pocket can accommodate long documents such as bank notes and IDs.

According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the side of the flaps which is parallel to the hinge axis is substantially greater than twice the width of the credit cards and each flap successively comprises three pockets intended to receive a document. the map format credit arranged parallel to the axis of articulation of the two components, and two sets of two adjacent pockets for receiving a credit card size document disposed transversely to the axis of articulation of the two components.

This allows for a portfolio of reduced size two-fold that contains 14 documents of the credit card format.

Advantageously, at least one flap further comprises at least one larger pouch for larger documents.

This makes it possible to house official documents whose dimensions are larger than those of credit cards, for example official papers such as the identity card, the driving license, the new European registration certificate, etc.

Advantageously, the outer side pocket may comprise an inner partition. This makes it possible to accommodate documents of different sizes, such as business cards.

According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the document holder comprises an insert consisting of a single flap which is hingedly mounted on a tongue that can be inserted into an inner pocket of a flap and which comprises, on one of its faces. , a series of steps whose opening is parallel to the axis of articulation, said tongue being folded over the pockets in the storage position in a pocket of clothing.

In this way, one can have a removable card holder that can be used separately or inserted in a wallet. When used separately and placed, for example, in a shirt pocket or an outer jacket pocket suit, the documents it contains are protected against the formation of static electricity that can damage documents with elements electronic or magnetic, such as credit cards, memory cards or tickets.

• les figures 1 a 1g sont des schémas explicatifs de l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue schématique en coupe longitudinale d'un portefeuille à 2 volets destiné à recevoir des documents du format carte de crédit
• la figure 3 est une vue schématique en coupe du portefeuille de la figure 3,
• les figures 4 à 6 sont des schémas explicatifs d'un mode de réalisation des pochettes,
• la figure 7 est un schéma montrant un point de couture,
• les figures 8 à 11 sont des schémas explicatifs d'un mode de réalisation d'un portefeuille à 3 volets et 4 gradins de pochettes,
• la figure 12 est une vue schématique en coupe de la poche latérale extérieure d'un portefeuille à 2 volets au moins,
• la figure 13 est une vue de face d'un volet d'un portefeuille de dimensions réduites à 7 cartes par volet,
• la figure 14 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un porte-cartes constitué par un volet unique comportant une languette pouvant être insérée dans une poche intérieure d'un volet,
• les figures 15 et 16 et 20 illustrent trois modes de réalisation de portefeuille à quatre volets selon l'invention,
• la figure 17 représente un exemple de réalisation d'un rabat fixé sur un volet, en position d'ouverture,
• la figure 18 représente un portefeuille comportant deux rabats en position de fermeture
• la figure 19 représente un volet comportant une double poche dont l'une des deux entrées reçoit la languette d'un insert à volet unique (figure 14).
• La figure 21 explique avec ce schéma en coupe, la manière dont est réalisé, par pliage en zig-zag, un insert à languette, comportant un gradin sur chacune de ses faces, avec une seule et même bande,
• les figures 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d présentent les étapes de repliement d'une portefeuille à trois volets, qui permettent d'assurer une sécurité de rangement optimale,
• la figure 23 est un schéma de portefeuille avec sur chacun des volets une poche située sous les gradins de pochettes et dont l'ouverture perpendiculaire à l'axe d'articulation permet le rangement de documents de taille supérieure à celle des documents des gradins.
• Les figures 24a et 24b présentent les étapes de repliement d'un portefeuille à deux volets et deux inserts, chacun d'eux étant situé à une extrémité du portefeuille, permettant de sécuriser le rangement des cartes et d'augmenter la capacité du portefeuille, les faces extérieures de chacun des inserts comportant une pochette à fenêtre.
• Les figures 24c et 24d présentent ces pochettes à fenêtre munies de fermetures à glissière qui ainsi disposées se replient par complémentarité de forme.
• La figure 25 présente un portefeuille de dimensions réduites à trois volets, chaque volet pouvant contenir jusqu'à dix cartes.
• Les figures 25a et 25b représentent un portefeuille à 3 volets comportant sur le volet d'extrémité le pius à droite, un ensemble de pochettes superposées de plus en plus petites pour recevoir des documents de formats différents, avec un rabat à fenêtres se repliant sur lesdites pochettes en position de fermeture tel que présenté sur la figure 25c.

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description which follows, given by way of illustration and in no way limitative, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• the figures 1 a 1g are explanatory diagrams of the invention,
• the figure 2 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of a 2-part wallet intended to receive documents of the credit card format
• the figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of the wallet of the figure 3 ,
• the Figures 4 to 6 are explanatory diagrams of an embodiment of the pockets,
• the figure 7 is a diagram showing a stitch,
• the Figures 8 to 11 are explanatory diagrams of an embodiment of a wallet with 3 flaps and 4 tiers of pockets,
• the figure 12 is a schematic sectional view of the outer side pocket of at least two-part wallet,
• the figure 13 is a front view of a flap of a portfolio of reduced size to 7 cards per flap,
• the figure 14 is a schematic perspective view of a card holder constituted by a single flap comprising a tongue that can be inserted into an inner pocket of a flap,
• the Figures 15 and 16 and 20 illustrate three embodiments of fourfold portfolio according to the invention,
• the figure 17 represents an exemplary embodiment of a flap fixed on a flap, in the open position,
• the figure 18 represents a wallet with two flaps in the closed position
• the figure 19 represents a flap comprising a double pocket whose one of the two inputs receives the tongue of a single flap insert ( figure 14 ).
• The figure 21 explains with this diagram in section, how is made, by zig-zag folding, a tongue insert, having a step on each of its faces, with one and the same band,
• the Figures 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d present the stages of folding a three-part portfolio, which ensure optimal storage security,
• the figure 23 is a wallet diagram with on each of the shutters a pocket located under the bleachers of pockets and whose opening perpendicular to the axis of articulation allows the storage of documents of size larger than that of the documents of the steps.
• The Figures 24a and 24b present the stages of folding a portfolio with two components and two inserts, each of them being located at one end of the portfolio, to secure the storage of cards and increase the capacity of the wallet, the outer faces of each of inserts comprising a window pocket.
• The Figures 24c and 24d present these window pockets provided with zippers which thus arranged fold in form complementarity.
• The figure 25 presents a portfolio of reduced dimensions to three components, each component can contain up to ten cards.
• The Figures 25a and 25b represent a 3-part portfolio comprising on the right end flap on the right, a set of smaller and smaller pockets for receiving documents of different sizes, with a flap with windows folding on said pockets in the closed position as presented on the figure 25c .

The Figures 1a to 1g are diagrams explaining the principle of the invention. We see on the figure 1a a card holder of known type which consists of 2 flaps 1 and 2 which pivot about a hinge axis 3. Each flap comprises pockets 4 which are intended to receive credit card size documents and offset the one with respect to the other, their openings 7 being directed towards the hinge axis 3, the series of steps of the flaps 1 and 2 being arranged symmetrically with respect to the hinge axis 3. In the case of the figure 1b 4 'pouches are perpendicular to the axis of articulation 3' The depth 5 of a pocket 4 or 4 'is smaller than the width 6 of a map so that an edge of the map is visible in the space separating two successive openings 7. In the closed position ( figure 1e ), the two flaps are folded over one another, the pockets of the two flaps being in contact.

There are 5 pockets per flap and it can be seen that the cards 8 housed in the pockets 4 are overlapping one above the other, as shown schematically on the figure 1c . In the example of the figure 1a the visible end of the first card inserted in the pocket opposite the hinge axis 3 overlaps with the next four cards. As a result, after folding ( Figures 1d and 1d '), a profile in steps schematized in triangle constituting a bulge as represented on the figure 1 d or 1d 'in the case of figure 1b . When the two sets of steps are arranged symmetrically in the known card holder of the figure 1 a or 1b, in the closed position, as shown in the figure 1e , the extra thicknesses of the two triangles are one on the other and one obtains a card holder which is very thick and will have difficulty to enter a pocket of narrow clothing, such as the back pocket of trousers, the pocket a shirt or the outer pocket of the jacket of a suit.

According to the present invention, for two adjacent flaps, the pockets are arranged with the same direction of insertion, the highest document of one of the flaps is adjacent to the lowest document of the other flap, so that when the two flaps are folded over one another, the two sets of steps are nested one inside the other so as to reduce the thickness of the wallet or document holder. This is schematized on the figure 1f and, in the closed position, as shown on the figure 1g the triangles of the two flaps are opposite and there is a compensation of the thicknesses so that the overall thickness of the card holder is significantly reduced.

On the Figures 2 and 3 schematically, in longitudinal and transverse sections, there is shown a two-part wallet according to the present invention which has an outer side pocket. It can be seen that the two series of steps 11 and 12 have a common inner face 13. An outer lateral pocket is formed on the outer face of this common inner face 13, it comprises two compartments 14 and 15 intended to receive large documents such as bank notes and identity papers. In the inner compartment 14, there is provided a pouch 16 of short length and width less than that of a flap for receiving, for example, business cards.

On the figure 3 , which is a cross section at the level of the small pocket 16, we see that the pocket is made by means of a sheet 17 folded three times in zigzag.

The Figures 4 to 6 describe an embodiment of the stepped pockets. On the figure 4 a sheet 21 made of flexible and pliable material, such as a canvas liner, in which transverse fold lines 22 to 25 are made. The distance between two adjacent fold lines has, alternately, two different values. , a value equal to the dimension of the side of the document to be inserted which is perpendicular to the opening of the pocket and a slightly lower value, the edges of the zigzag sides of the sheet being fixed on one another, namely that the distance between the two lines 23 and 24 is equal to the width of a credit card and corresponds to the depth of a pocket and that the distance between the two lines 22 and or 24 and 25 is slightly less than this width, for example about 9 mm. The sheet 21 is then folded in a zigzag pattern as shown in FIG. figure 5 , the edges of the zigzag sides of the sheet 21 are then fixed on each other so as to obtain three pockets as shown on the figure 6 . On these Figures 4 to 6 For reasons of clarity, only three pockets with a sheet having six parts folded in five folds have been represented, but in reality, series are produced with many more pockets per flap, for example for format documents. credit card, the length of each flap then being about 14 cm.

On the whole obtained from the figure 6 it is possible, for aesthetic reasons, to fix a finishing cover, for example made of leather, on at least a part of the set of pouches. Advantageously, it is possible to cut a window 28, in the part of the finishing cover that covers the first pocket to better visualize the map disposed in this pocket; this window can be closed by means of a transparent element.

According to the invention, a bead 20 of flexible material is deposited on the edges of the sheet 21 when it is not yet folded (see FIG. figure 4 ). This flexible bead 20 is disposed at the location where the edges are secured.

The presence of this flexible cord 20 makes it possible to obtain a pinching effect of the edges of the cards inserted into the pockets so that the cards are well held in the pockets and can not escape.

Advantageously, one can cut the sheet 21 at a fold on two as shown on the Figures 4 and 5 . An indentation 26 of substantially elliptical shape is obtained on the folds 22 and 24 at the nose of the steps. When the edges of the sheet 21 are fixed to make the pockets, as shown on the figure 6 , we obtain a recess 27 which makes it easier to grasp the card that we want to extract. Moreover, in the case where a finishing cover is provided, this recess 27 reveals the cover sheet, which indicates an empty cover.

When the briefcase comprises several sets of pouches, all of these pouches is made in a single sheet by providing an unfolded portion between two sets of pouches that corresponds to the axis of articulation. We then obtain an inner continuous sheet on which are the different series of pockets which constitute successive series of steps oriented in the same direction.

The attachment of the edges to one another is advantageously effected by sewing, for example by means of a winding point as shown in FIG. figure 7 . The sewing thread passes over the sides of the sheet over a distance D, then it passes below in the opposite direction over a distance d which is smaller, for example half of D, then the yarn is passed over on the distance D and so on. If there is a flexible cord 20, as described in figure 6 , sewing is performed on the flexible cord or at the edge of this cord outside the pouch so as to obtain an effective nip without crushing.

The Figures 8 to 11 represent an embodiment of a portfolio that has 3 components, but 4 sets of steps. As indicated above, all sets of steps 31 to 34 are made with a single sheet being separated by non-folded portions of the sheet 35 to 37 which are arranged at the axes of articulation of the flaps and which constitute folds of ease. It can be seen that all series of steps are oriented in the same direction.

One of the flaps 38 is obtained by folding the two sets of steps 33 and 34 one on the other as shown in FIGS. Figures 9 and 10 . We then obtain three flaps, first two flaps 39 and 41 which comprise a single series of steps on their inner face and a third intermediate flap 38 which, in the closed position, is between the two other flaps and which has pockets on its sides. two faces. To close the wallet, first fold the third spacer 38 on the first flap 39 and then fold down the assembly obtained on the first flap 41. It can be seen on the figure 11 that, in accordance with the invention, the nesting of the series of steps is achieved and that the total thickness of the wallet substantially corresponding to the thickness of two series of steps is substantially reduced.

The width of the folds of ease 35 to 37 (see also the figure 2 ) is adapted to the cumulative thickness of the documents that are applied to each other when the wallet is folded and closed. More specifically, if each of the flaps comprises n pockets, the width of the fold of ease 37 which is between the sets of steps 33 and 34 of the intermediate flap 38, is substantially equal to n times the thickness of a document, c that is to say the thickness of the intermediate flap 38 and the width of the pleat of ease 35 which separates the two first flaps constituted by the series of steps 31 and 32 is substantially equal to 2n times the thickness of a document, that is to say the total thickness of the wallet in the closed position.

The figure 12 represents, in schematic longitudinal section, the side pockets of a two-compartment wallet. A first outer compartment 51 is for example, to receive identity papers, the second compartment 52 is intended, for example, to receive bank notes and it comprises a small pocket 53 for receiving visiting cards.

The figure 13 represents a portfolio component in the case where the side of the flaps which is parallel to the hinge axis is substantially greater than twice the width, I, of the documents, which makes it possible to provide pairs of pockets 62 or 63 located next to one another, their length being perpendicular to the axis of articulation 64. In this case it is first arranged in steps the maximum number, n1, pockets "vertical" 62 and 63 which is determined by the length of the document, L, and the dimension, e, of the visible part, the dimension, A, of the flap which is perpendicular to the hinge axis 64 being substantially equal to A = L + n1 e where n1 is the number of pairs of vertical documents.

• A = I + (n1 + n2) e ; I étant la largeur des documents.

In the free part 65 of the flap which is below the openings of the pockets 62 and 63, "horizontal" pockets 66 are arranged whose width corresponds to the length, L, of the documents. The maximum number, n2 of horizontal pockets is determined by the relation:

• A = I + (n1 + n2) e; I being the width of the documents.

This arrangement optimizes the number of pockets; thus, in the exemplary embodiment which is shown on the figure 13 there are seven pockets whose opening is directed towards the hinge axis 64, whereas, if all the pockets are arranged "horizontally" as in the preceding embodiments, only five pockets can be provided.

The figure 14 represents, in front view, an insert which is constituted by a flap 71 and a tongue 72 which is articulated on the flap along the axis 73 and which can be introduced into a pocket formed in a flap (89) and whose opening is parallel to the hinge axis of the flap in such a way that the insert can be articulated between two parts of a wallet. This insert can also be marketed and used separately, for example in a shirt pocket.

This insert comprises, on at least one of its faces, pouches 74 and when used separately, in the closed position, the tongue 72 is folded on these pouches 74. This tongue protects the documents against friction when the insert is placed in a pocket, this avoids, in particular, static electricity phenomena that can damage documents with electronic and / or magnetic elements, such as smart cards, tickets and memory cards .

This insert can also have pockets on its second side for static-insensitive documents. One can also provide a side pocket to receive some bank notes. Thus one can make an insert having on one side, a series of stepped pockets for the most used credit cards, on the other side one or more pockets of larger dimensions for identity papers and a side pocket for banknotes. Such an insert is used separately to take the necessary documents with you and to be inserted into a portfolio of two or more pieces containing documents that are used infrequently and are not essential.

The Figures 15 and 16 represent, in unfolded position, two exemplary embodiments of portfolios according to the invention. The figure 15 A four-section portfolio 81 to 84, each of which has a series of six "horizontal" pockets and is 11.5 cm x 9.5 cm in size and includes a side pocket 85. The outer folds 86 and 87 between an outer flap 81 or 84 and a central flap 82 or 83 is about 6 mm, that is to say substantially six times the thickness of a document and the inner pleat between the two flaps central 82 and 83 has a double value that corresponds to the thickness of an outer flap folded on a central flap. This gives a portfolio that can receive 24 credit card size documents, which is 48.7 cm long in the unfolded state and whose dimensions are approximately 11.5 cm x 9.5 cm with a thickness of about 15 mm. It can easily fit into a shirt pocket or the outer jacket pocket of a suit whose dimensions are approximately 15 cm x 10 cm.

The figure 20 represents a portfolio with 4 components, each component being the same size as the components of the figure 15 , but arranged transversely, it allows a use more suitable for a woman's hand, the capacity being reduced by 15%. In the free space of the shutters, pocket pockets 201, can receive documents that can not take place in the pockets in tiers, such as large business cards, photos, stamps or subway tickets, receipts credit cards. The opening of these window pockets is oriented on the same side as the stepped pockets. Thus, no document contained in these different pockets can fall when the wallet is in the closed position.

The portfolio represented on the figure 16 can accommodate up to 7 cards per flap. It is four-part of the type described on the figure 13 each having four vertical pockets and three horizontal pockets and whose dimensions are 10.5 cm x 12 cm. The outer and inner pleats have a respective width of 5 and 10 mm which is adapted to the thickness of the shutters with seven pockets. In the unfolded state, this portfolio has a length of 44 cm and in the closed position, its dimensions are substantially 10.5 cm x 12 cm with a maximum thickness of about 18 mm. Its capacity is 28 credit card size documents.

The figure 17 represents an exemplary embodiment of a flap 91 which is hinged to a flap 92 on the side of the wallet, that is to say on a side perpendicular to the axis of articulation 93. This flap may include a pocket on each of its faces and it is arranged at the level of the stepped nose formed by the edges of the documents itself. located in the pockets of the flap 92 so as to cover them in the folded position on the flap 92.

On the figure 18 , there is shown a two-section portfolio each having 6 horizontal pockets, each flap comprising a flap 94 or 95 which is in the closed position and whose width is slightly less than the length of the flap. When the wallet is folded, the two flaps 94 and 95 are arranged next to each other without overlap so that the capacity of the portfolio of 4 documents is increased while the thickness is only increased by 2 the thickness of a document, the fold of ease 96 having a width of 8 mm instead of 6. This portfolio with 2 parts can therefore contain 16 documents in a reduced volume. In the case where a finishing cover is provided, the flaps 94 and 95 hide the steps of the pockets, which improves the aesthetic appearance of the wallet.

The figure 19 represents, in longitudinal section a flap 101 which comprises two pockets 102 and 103 arranged head to tail whose openings are parallel to the axis of articulation 104. Once again, this double pocket is constituted by a folded zigzag sheet and of which the edges are fixed on each other. Each of the pockets obtained can receive a document of large dimensions or the tongue 105 of an insert as described in FIG. figure 14 .

The briefcases are made by attaching the edges of the zigzag sides of the sheet (21) to one another by a seam with a winding stitch as shown in FIG. figure 7 .

The figure 21 shows a tab insert 210 made by zig-zag folding of a strip 213 so as to obtain a succession of pouches 211, 212, arranged in steps alternately opening on both sides of the insert and hinged to a tongue 210, of rectangular shape intended to be introduced into a pocket of a wallet. Note that in this example the pouches 211, 212, the inner face and the outer face are oriented in the opposite direction. The distance between two consecutive folds of the strip 213 has, alternately, a value equal to the width of a document to be inserted which is perpendicular to the opening of the pouch and a lower value so as to extract the document. Advantageously, the wallet may include flaps comprising steps oriented in the same direction of insertion and which then fit perfectly with those of the insert, which allows for example to double the capacity of a portfolio whose components include the same number of steps as each of the faces of the insert.

The Figures 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d show a folding mode of a wallet with three parts, connected to each other by two folds of ease 222, 223, of different width. As this is visible on the figure 22a , which shows the portfolio in the unfolded state, each strand includes a series of five pockets opening on their left side. The five pockets of each pane are inscribed, viewed from the side, in a right triangle ( figure 22b ). Folding the wallet is done by folding the leftmost flap on the central flap so that the hypotenuse of the two triangles are superimposed. The rightmost flap is then folded onto the stack constituted by the two other flaps. Thus, in the folded position, the wallet has a reduced thickness. In addition, this solution ensures that cards do not fall once the wallet folded. It implies that the ease pleats 222, 223 are sized correctly, the ease pleat 223 being larger than the ease pleat 222.

The figure 23 shows a portfolio with two parts connected to each other by a fold of ease. Each of the flaps comprises a main longitudinal zone in which is disposed a series of pouches opening on the same side, a width substantially smaller than the width of the flap, and a lateral area at which a pocket opens. 231 located below the main zone. The opening of the pouches extends parallel to the fold of ease while the opening of the two pockets 231 extends perpendicularly to said fold.
The two pockets have larger dimensions than the pockets and can therefore receive larger documents that can spill over the side areas, such as, for example, the national identity card, driver's license, voter's card or health insurance, the green car insurance card, etc.

The Figures 24a and 24b show a two-fold wallet connected to each other by a fold of ease and equipped with two inserts each comprising a series of pockets arranged in tiers. The pockets of these inserts open on the same side as the pockets of the shutters of the wallet with which they are associated. For this purpose, the shutters of the wallet each comprise, under the bleachers pockets a pocket 232 whose opening extends parallel to the fold of ease, along the edge of the shutter opposite said fold and in which engages a corresponding insert.
Thanks to these provisions, in the folded position of the wallet, the series of pockets of the insert and the adjacent flap interlock one into the other so as to reduce the thickness of the wallet or briefcase, the capacity of which is then increased. In addition, this ensures optimal storage security, in the folded state of the wallet, the openings of the flap pockets and inserts being turned towards the inside of the wallet, which prevents the contents of these wallets from falling.
In this example, the inner face of each of the inserts is provided with a series of steps while the outer face of each of these inserts is provided with a transparent window pocket 248, 249, the opening of the transparent pockets being oriented on one side ( figure 24b ).
In order to maximize the capacity of these window pockets and to prevent the documents or objects therein from falling, they are in the example of the figure 24c each provided with a zipper (246, 247) allowing complete closure of these window pockets, and equipped with a bellows (233) to increase the capacity.
These pouches window of the outer face of the inserts, equipped with zipper, once they closed, form two closed areas that may contain objects that can not take place in the pockets of the inner tiers of the wallet, such as, for example, coins of different national currencies that can be easily grasped, the transparency of the window promoting their identification. In the last folding step, the two flaps on which are folded the two inserts, fold against each other, the zippers of the window pockets of the outer face of the inserts interlocking without extra thickness in the free space flaps 244, 245 ( figure 24d ).
On the figure 24d , pouches with window bellows (233), are presented from the side and their shape in a right triangle, allows the folding of the two parts of the wallet, a perfect nesting of the two pockets, complementing form. The wallet once closed stays flat and its thickness is minimized.

The figure 25 shows a portfolio, of the same dimensions as that of the figure 16 , three sections connected by folds of ease (252) each comprising pockets arranged in bleachers, some of which may receive mini-loyalty cards or tickets, the mini-loyalty cards having a length L1 equal to one-third of the length L of the credit card format loyalty cards, all having a width I.

The figure 25 represents a portfolio whose width B is substantially greater than twice the width I of the documents. On each of the flaps and in steps, the maximum number n1 of pairs of vertical pockets (256, 257) arranged next to each other is determined, which is determined by the length L of the document and the dimension e of the visible part, the dimension A of the flap which is perpendicular to the axis of articulation of the flaps being substantially equal to: A = L + n1e.
The width B of the wallet is also substantially greater than four thirds of the length L of the documents, it is cleaned in the free space of the flap (258), two steps of horizontal pockets, one of width equal to the length L documents and the other of width L / 3 of the documents. The maximum number of pockets of each of the steps is n2 determined by the relation: A = I + (n1 + n2) e, where I is the width of the documents. This arrangement optimizes the number of pockets; so in the example of the figure 25 , the number of pockets for credit cards is identical for the three panels (253, 259) but for the two left-most shutters, it allows in addition to receive 3 pouches for mid-loyalty cards (250, 251). ), be 10 pockets instead of 7 for the last shutter, the rightmost shutter.

The figure 25a shows a portfolio in the open position, having on the rightmost end flap, a storage area for accommodating documents that can not take place in the pockets of the two flaps the leftmost, said documents may have different formats. This storage area consists of a set of superposed pockets (263), open on two of their four sides, on the one hand the side parallel to the axis of articulation of the shutter and on the other hand one of the sides perpendicular to said axis, side where is fixed the flap (261) of rectangular shape whose dimensions are substantially equal to those of the flap and connected to said flap by a pleat of ease (260), this flap having on each of its faces a pocket window (262) whose opening is directed towards the pleat of ease (252 ). These superimposed pockets, are smaller and smaller, the width and length of the pouch located above being substantially and respectively lower than the width (265) and the length (266) of the pouch below, so that the document in the bottom pocket is sufficiently large to allow identification and seizure.
The figure 25b shows a portfolio of the same type whose storage area for documents in different formats is also constituted by a set of superimposed pockets on the same principle as on the figure 25a but of a different shape, cutaway, the portion covered with each of the documents placed in the pockets being lower. The placement and extraction of the document in each of the pockets (263) are then facilitated. This cutaway shape is obtained by practicing on the rectangular pockets of the storage area of the figure 25a , a cut parallel to the diagonal of said pouch, so that the cutaway pouch has a surface slightly larger than half of the rectangular pouch before cutting. The distance between the diagonal and the parallel (267) in which the pockets are cut is substantially equal to the difference between the widths (265) and the lengths (266) of two adjacent and superposed pockets.
Thus protected, the documents placed in this storage area are stored flat which allows, the flap (261) being folded over said documents, to minimize the thickness of the wallet that stays flat in the closed position and to prevent documents from falling out.

The invention makes it possible to realize a whole range of portfolios adapted to the needs of the users. The dimensions of the pockets can be adapted to the formats of all types of documents such as credit cards (5.4 x 8.5 cm), business cards (7.5 x 12.5 cm), mini- loyalty cards (5.4 x 2.83 cm), the new sizes of official papers such as driving license (7.5 x 11 cm), identity card (7.2 x10.3 cm), etc. Pouches can also be provided for items such as memory cards, flat camera or telephone batteries, permanent tickets for example for the metro or motorway tolls.

The use of an insert allows to take with you only the most important documents, the insert having a series of steps on one of its faces for the documents sensitive to the static electricity that comes to protect the tongue and several pockets on his other face. The invention has been described in detail with examples of portfolios intended to receive personal documents, but it obviously applies to any briefcase. In particular, we can design towels or bags with two panels comprising sets of pockets forming series of steps interlocking into each other to reduce the thickness of the towel. Such a towel may for example contain customer cards or product samples for representatives or deliverymen, these cards or samples, for example carpet or wallpapers, being easily identifiable and can be easily extracted.

Claims (18)

1. A document case intended for receiving a plurality of standardized-size documents (8; 62, 63), such as a wallet intended for receiving documents of the size of credit cards or visiting cards or a satchel intended for receiving a plurality of documents of several sizes, A4 or otherwise, comprising at least two first flaps articulated one to the other, wherein each flap comprises pouches (4; 4') which are intended for receiving documents, the documents being inserted separately into these overlapping pouches (4; 4') with an offset, their opening (7) being parallel to the axis of articulation (3; 38, 39, 41; 93) of the flaps (1, 2; 64; 81-84), in such a way that the documents are arranged in tiers (11, 12) displaying a visible uncovered edge, wherein, for two adjacent flaps, the tiers (11, 12) are arranged with the same direction of insertion, the highest document of one of the flaps is adjacent to the lowest document of the other flap, in such a way that, when the two flaps are folded on each other, the two series of tiers (11, 12) are fitted in each other so as to reduce the thickness of the wallet or document case.
2. The document case as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the series of pouches of one flap consists of a sheet (21) folded back on itself in a zigzag configuration, the distance between two folds (22-25) having, alternately, two different values, one value equal to the side of the document to be inserted which is perpendicular to the opening of the pouch and one slightly lower value so as to be able to remove the document, the edges of the sides in the zigzag configuration of the sheet (21) being fixed to one another and in that the set of the pouches of all the flaps is formed in a sheet (21), the series of tiers (11, 12; 31-34) being separated by non-folded sections, forming inverted pleats (35-37; 86, 87), the width of which corresponds substantially to n times the thickness of an inserted document, n being the number of documents which can be inserted into a flap.
3. The document case as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the edges of the sides in the zigzag configuration of the sheet (21) are fixed to one another by a stitch with a rolling point.
4. The document case as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, before the folding of the sheet (21), a cord (20) made of a flexible material is placed on the edges of the sides in the zigzag configuration of the sheet in the region of the line of the fixing thereof.
5. The document case as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that there is provided a partial cut-out (26), a substantially elliptically-shaped indentation 26, of the sheet (21) folded in the region of the fold (22, 24) forming the tier ridge.
6. The document case as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the sheet comprises a finishing cover which comprises a cut-out forming a window (28) in the region of at least one pouch or a pocket.
7. The document case as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one third divider flap (38) which is articulated to one of the other flaps (39, 41), which, in the closure position, is turned down on one of the two other flaps and which comprises pouches on its two faces, the series of pouches of its two faces being arranged in an antisymmetrical manner in such a way that, in the closure position, the series of tiers of each face of the third divider flap (38) is fitted in the series of tiers of the inner face of one of the two first flaps and in that the width of the inverted pleat (35) separating the two first flaps (39, 41) corresponds substantially to 2 n times the thickness of an inserted document, n being the number of documents which can be inserted into a flap.
8. The document case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an outer lateral pocket extending over the entire length of the two first flaps, the opening of which is perpendicular to the axis of articulation and which comprises two compartments (14, 15; 51, 52) and in that one of the compartments (14) comprises a pouch having a smaller width (16) than that of a flap.
9. The document case as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the side of the flaps which is parallel to the axis of articulation is substantially larger than twice the width of the documents, in that, in at least one flap, there is provided a maximum number of pairs of adjacent pouches (62, 63) forming two series of adjacent vertical tiers and in that, in the space remaining free of the flap, there are added pouches arranged perpendicularly in such a way as to produce a series of horizontal tiers (66), the opening of all the pouches being directed toward the axis of articulation (64).
10. The document case as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an insert which can be used separately and which consists of a single flap (71) which comprises, on at least one of its faces, pouches, and which is articulated to a tongue (72), the tongue (72) being fixed to the insert on a side parallel to the axis of articulation (73), and when the insert is used alone, said tongue (72) being folded on the pouches in the position for storage in a clothing pocket, in such a way that it covers the documents inserted into the pouches, and the insert is fixed to the wallet by introducing said tongue into a pocket (89) formed in a flap and the opening of which is parallel to the axis of articulation of the flap in such a way that the insert can be articulated, placed between two flaps of a wallet.
11. The document case as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that at least one of the first flaps (101) further comprises at least two superimposed pockets (102, 103), the openings of which are remote from and parallel to the axis of articulation (104, 105) in such a way as to receive an insert tongue (72) or a large document, the two pockets (102, 103) being formed by means of a sheet folded in a zigzag configuration.
12. The document case as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the two first flaps (92) each comprise a tab (91) which is articulated to the flap (92) on a side perpendicular to the axis of articulation (93), in the region of the tier ridges, and which comprises a pouch on at least one of its faces, the width of the tab being slightly smaller than the length of the flap, when the tab is in the closure position, and when the wallet is folded, the two tabs are arranged adjacently, one beside the other, without overlap.
13. The document case as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least three flaps, connected by two inverted pleats (222, 223), each comprising a series of pouches opening from the same side, the wallet being folded by turning down the flap situated at the end of the open wallet, corresponding to said side (220), on the central flap, then by turning down subsequently the flap situated at the end of the open wallet corresponding to the opposite side (221).
14. The document case as claimed in claim 1, comprising at least two flaps, each flap comprising a series of pouches in tiers having a width substantially smaller than the width of the flap, characterized in that it comprises a lateral pocket (231) situated below the tiers, parallel to the axis of articulation, and the opening of which extends over the entire length of the flap, perpendicularly to said axis.
15. The document case as claimed in claim 1, comprising two flaps, connected to each other by an inverted pleat, each flap comprising a series of pouches opening from the same side, characterized in that each of the flaps further comprises below the pouches a pocket (232), the opening of which extends parallel to the inverted pleat along an edge of the flap remote from said pleat and in which there engages a tongue insert comprising on one of its faces a series of pouches arranged in tiers opening from the same side as the pouches of the flaps of the wallet with which it is associated and the face of this insert situated remote from that carrying the tiers of pouches being equipped with a transparent window pocket (248, 249) and with a gusset (233) perpendicular to the opening of these transparent pockets, said openings of the transparent pockets of the two flaps extending from the same side parallel to the inverted pleat and closing by means of a zip fastener (246, 247).
16. The document case as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a tongue insert (210) produced by folding a strip (213) in a zigzag configuration in such a way as to obtain a sequence of pouches (211, 212) arranged in tiers, opening alternately on the two faces of the insert and articulated to the rectangularly-shaped tongue (210) which is intended to be introduced into a pouch of said document case.
17. The document case as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the side of the flaps which is parallel to the axis of articulation is substantially larger than twice the width of the documents and substantially larger than four thirds the length of the documents, in that, in at least one flap, there is provided a maximum number of pairs of adjacent pouches (256, 257) forming a series of adjacent vertical tiers and in that, in the space remaining free of the flap, there are added two tiers of pouches arranged horizontally and adjacently, the openings of the pouches being oriented in the same direction as those of the vertical tiers, the widths of which are respectively on the one hand substantially larger than the length of a document (253) and on the other hand substantially larger than the third of the length of a document (251).
18. The document case as claimed in claim 1, comprising three flaps connected by two inverted pleats (252), one of the end flaps comprising a set of superimposed pouches (263), and such that the dimensions of the top pouch are substantially smaller than those of the pouches situated below, each of the pouches being open on two sides, on the one hand the side parallel to the inverted pleat (252) and on the other hand one of the sides perpendicular to said pleat, this same side being that where there is fixed the rectangularly-shaped tab (261), the dimensions of which are substantially equal to that of the flap, connected to said flap by an inverted pleat (260), and which in the closure position is turned down on the set of pouches, and which comprises on each of its faces a window pouch (262), the opening of which is oriented toward the inverted pleat (252).

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