GB2187676A - Expansible file holder - Google Patents

Description

GB 2 187 676 A SPECIFICATION stretchable, resilient and flexible material

such as, forexampleonly, a softand pliant, probably Expansible file holder polymerized or resinous plastic (polyvinyl chloride, polypropelene or polyethylene) orcombination

Backgroundof the invention 70 paper material ("TYVAK", e.g.).

Substantially everyone in developed parts of the It isfurther an object of the present invention to world accumulates large quantities of papers that provide such a holderwith cut-outs at its lowertwo must be stored. Such papers are of diverse size, but corners (i.e., the corner ends of the side oppositethe most such papers, at least in the United States,tend open throat of the envelope), allowing the holderto to be of a standard lettersize, 8A/2" x 11 ". Manyfile 75 deform into a somewhat box-like shape, assuming a holders or envelopesfor such papers are simplyflat transverse dimension orthickness significantly envelopes which can hold only a few papers. Others greaterthan the aggregate lineal dimension of the are of an expanding naturewhich may include cut-out. Such a holder can remain expanded and accordion pleats along the lateral edges and the capable of standing erect by itself upon removal of bottom to allowthe holderto expand from a 80 the contents.

substantially f lat structure at the start to a substantial In accordance with the principles of the present thickness on the order of an inch or much more when invention, such a file envelope or expansible file can full. be produced by placing two similar sized sheets in Afile holder or envelope as thus described must face-to-face relationship, or by folding a single sheet be sturdy and somewhat flexible. Paper, pasteboard, 85 of resilient, elasticized material such as polyvinyl fibreboard orcardboard have been widely used for chloride, about a horizontal axis to bring two leaves such purposes and in various thicknesses. Gusseted of the plastic material intofacetoface relationship.

sides have often been provided to accommodate The vertical edges, and the bottom edge also if two accumulating papers added to the file, which sheets be used, are then sealed to one another by increase its thickness. Such construction is more 90 any suitable means such as thermal fusion or costly than that of essentially two-dimensional flat welding, although the use of solventtype or other envelopes. A search of the files of the United States adhesives orjoining tape is contemplated. The lower Patent Office discloses no file holder or envelopeto corners of the envelope so formed are provided with date which depends functionally in whole or part cut-outs or notches which may be square or of other upon the elasticity of the basic material used in its 95 suitable shape. Due to the cut-outs and the nature of construction, or which utilizes the stretchable, elastic the resilient, elastic material used, papers may be properties of such construction material as the placed in the file and the file can expand in thickness precise means by which it achieves the important from its initial two- sheet thickness to a thickness characteristic of expandability. considerably greaterthan the aggregate total lineal One expansible envelope is shown and described 100 length of either cut- out. The file assumes a generally in Baer U.S. Patent 1,126,341. According to its box-like configuration while holding a large number disclosure a typical envelope-typeflat container is of papers. Upon removal of the papers,the file can provided without gussets and without discreetsides. retain its expanded, box-like shape, capable of The device disclosed is essentially a flat, single piece standing upright without support, or it may return to of paperwhich isjoined together at its lateral edges, 105 its original two-sheet thickness.

leaving thetop open. Aflap of paper extendsfrom one of the sidesfiat across the bottom, and is The drawings secured to the opposite side. Thisfiap is of lesser The present invention will best be understood dimension than the width of the bottom edge of the from the following specification when taken in envelope. Thus in accordance with the Baer Patent 110 connection with the accompanying drawings an otherwiseflat envelope that ordinarilywould not wherein:

yield to accumulating contents because of the Figure 1 is a front elevational viewof an expansible restrictive nature of the bottom and edge file constructed in accordance with the principles of configuration, became a file container or holder the present invention; which, because of the bottom corner cut-outs, was 115 Figure2 is a perspective view of the file on a capable of accommodating an expanding interior somewhat reduced scaiefollowing insertion of a content. This envelope holder, however, could open small numberof paperstherein; orexpand onlyto a maximum thickness equal to the Figure3is aviewsimilarto Figure4butwith avery aggregatetotal ofthe dimensions ofthecorner large numberof papers stored within the file; cut-out: I.e.,a cutoutwith a 1 " lateral and 1 " 120 Figure 4 is a view similarto Figure3 butwiththe horizontal length results in maximum expansibility papers removed, illustrating the manner in whichthe of 2". Upon removal of some or all of the contents of file can remain expanded and in upright position; the holder disclosed in the Baer Patent, the holder Figure 5is a view similarto a portion of Figure 3 or would revertto its initial envelope-like construction, 4 and is exemplary of the prior artonly; and would be incapable of standing upright. 125 Figure 6is a fragmentarytop view of one end of thefile with a limited number of documents or Objects andsummaryof the present invention papers inserted therein, say on the order of 60to 70

It is an object of the present invention to provide an papers; initiallyflat, envelope-like holderfor accumulating Figure 7is a fragmentaryview of the bottom left contents which is made of an elastic, somewhat 130 corner of the file with a limited number of papers in 2 GB 2 187 676 A 2 the file, corresponding to Figure6; then removed therefrom, the file will remain in its Figure 8 is a frag mentarytop view similar to Figure expanded condition as shown in Figure 4. There is 6 butwith a larger number of papers inserted and still a flat bottom so thatthe file will stand upright, showing the manner in which one bottom corner but it can beflattened readily and restored to its cut-out of the file or envelope starts to deform; 70 initial shape as in Figures 1 and 2 for reuse with a Figure 9 is a view similarto Figure 7, but it relates small number of papers and for accommodation in, to and corresponds with Figure 8; for example, a file drawer orfile box.

Figure 10 is a view similarto Figures 6 and 8, but The lower left corner of a prior art f ile holder such with the expansiblefile containing a much greater as is disclosed in Baer U.S. Patent 1,126,341 is shown number of papers, and it now extended to 75 in Figure 5, its parts are identified with like numbers, substantially greater thickness; with the addition of a prime mark. Sincethe priorart Figure 11 is a viewsimflarto Figures 7 and 9 but file holder is made of paperwhich is inelasticthe relating to and corresponding with Figure 10; and expandable thickness cannot be greaterthan the Figures 12-16arefigures similarto one another aggregatetotal dimensions of one of the corner showing the bottom left corner of the filewith 80 notches orcut-outs, i.e. , it cannot be greaterthanthe varioustypes and sizes of cornercut-outs. sum of the dimensions (40 + 42) of the corner cut-outs. It is not possible also, under prior artJora

Detailed description of the illustrated embodiments bottom corner lip orflangeto form, norforthe

Turning now in greater particularity to the material to stretch to accommodate a thickness of drawings, andfirstto Figures 1-4, there will be seen 85 papers greaterthan the aggregate, total dimensions an expansiblefile 20 constructed of a single sheet of of the corner cut- out, i.e., the sum of side-lengths40 resilient, stretchable material such as polyvinyl and 42.

chloride. The sheet is folded upon itself at the lower Attention next should be directed to Figures 6-11.

horizontal edge 22 to form a front leaf 24 and a rear As shown in Figures 6 and 7 there is a substantial leaf 26 lying in contacting relationship with one 90 thickness of papers 46 which has moved the leaves another. Leaves 24 and 26 are connected together at 24 and 26 apart a substantial distance. The the vertical edges 28 and 30, such as by heat sealing. movement apart is far enough thatthe leaves 24 and Other known, suitable means for securing the edges 26 have deflected diagonally at 50 along the vertical together may be employed, including adhesive, edge portions of thefile. A nascent lip orflange 48 solventwelding, strips of tape, etc. The rear leaf 26 95 has started to form. As still more papers are inserted preferably is optionally provided with a somewhat in the file, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the leaves 24 shortened upward extension 32 which may be and 26 have been moved further apart, causing the suitablytreated as at34to accept ink, orto have a diagonal inward portions 50 to become more label adhesively secured thereto to identify the file. straightand to angle in more sharply. The lip or The expansiblefile 20 as shown in Figures 1-4 is 100 flange 48 has become more pronounced.

completed by the provision of square cut-outs 36 and Finally, when still more papers or documents 46 38 respectively atthe lower left and lower right are inserted as shown in Figures 10 and 11 the corners thereof. The left corner cut-out 36, for material atthe bottom corners is stretched example, comprises a horizontal edge 40 spaced - significantly, and the end portions 50 have pulled in upwardlyfrom the bottom fold 22, a vertical edge42 105 flat againstthe ends of the papers, whiletheflange spaced inwardlyfrom the leftedge 28, and a or lip 48 has protruded to its fullest extent, having a connecting corner44which is rounded so asto avoid concave outer edge 52. The total thickness of the the possibility of tearing atthe corner. The right expansible file, i.e., the distance from the front leaf 24 cut-out 38 is formed in identical fashion, it being to the back leaf 26 atthis point is rather considerably understood that the shape and dimensions of such 110 greaterthan the aggregate, total dimensions of the cut-out are optional as illustrated in Figures 12-16. corner cut-out or notch 36, i.e., greaterthan As shown in Figure 2 a few papers or documents side-lengths 40 + 42.

46 have been inserted in the file 20. Such papers Various sizes and configurations of lower left move thefront and back leaves 24 and 26 only corner cut-out36 are illustrated in Figures 12-16. It slightlyapart and do not changethe overall shape of 115 will be understood thatthe right cornerwould bethe thefile. same. The cut-out36 as shown in Figure 12 is Howevenwhen a large number of papers or approximately 1/2" along each side 40,42.

documents 46 is inserted in thefile thefront and back Similar dimensions are retained in Figure 13.

leaves 24 and 26 are moved apart a substantial Similar parts are identified by like numeraiswiththe distancewhich may be greaterthan the aggregate 120 addition of the suffixa. Thus,the corner cut-outor dimensions (40 + 42) of the corner cut-outs. This notch 36a has vertical and horizontal dimensionsthe causes a certain stretching of the elastic, resilient same as the notch 36 in Figure 12, butthe notch does material of which the file is made, and causes the not have any straight sides, comprising a continuous open cut-outsto graduallyclose, and cornerflanges arch orconcavity44a. Results are substantially the or lips48to protrude laterally on both sides. As is 125 same aswith Figure 12.

readilyseen in Figure 3thefile has assumed a Figure 14shows a comercutoutor notch similar rectangular, general box-like configuration with a to that in Figure 12, and in this instancethe similar flat bottom so that itcan stand uprightwiththe parts are identified by like numerals with the addition papers 46 therein. of the suffix b. The notch 36b in the embodimentof If the papers are left in thefile forsometime and 130 Figure 14 is the same size asthe notch 36 on Figure 3 GB 2 187 676 A 3 12. However, the notch is formed simply by a or accumulating insertions causing the aforesaid horizontal edge 40b and a vertical edge 42b, meeting cut-away corners to gradually close and growingly at a right angle corner 44b, rather than a rounded project laterally in the form of a lip or closure as the corner. Results are generally the same, butthere is file contents increase in bulkto the cubic capacity of some danger of tearing the flexible, elastic material 70 thefile holder.

Claims (9)

1. atthe corner44b, particularly afterthe material has
2. 2. Afile holder as

   setforth in Claim 1 wherein aged. said leaves are flexed and stretched to the point that Afurther embodiment of the invention is shown in said holder remains in substantially box shape for at Figure 15, and again like parts are identified by least some timefollowing the removal of file similar numerals, thistime with the addition of the 75 materials, whereby said file holder is capable of suffix c. In this instance the corner notch 36c is standing alone.

   formed by a single diagonal edge 54. Again, broadly
3. 3. A file holder asset forth in Claim 1 wherein similar results are attained. said bottom edge and said side edges are cut away Figure 16 is a prior art exemplification of Baer U.S. by equal amounts.

   Patent 1,126,341. As in Figure 5, parts are identified 80
4. 4. A file holder asset forth in Claim 3 wherein the by like numerals with the addition of a prime mark. In corner cut-aways are each in the shape of a square.

   this case the corner notch Wis formed by two
5. 5. Afile holder asset forth in Claim 4 wherein the straight edges, a horizontal edge 40'and a vertical inner corner of each square is rounded.

   edge 42', meeting at aright angle corner 44'. It will be
6. 6. Afile holder asset forth in Claim 1 wherein apparent in Figure 16 that the notch Wis much 85 each projected corner is cut away along an arc largerthan the notch 36 of the present invention. By concave toward the respective projected corner.

   way of specific example, the horizontal edge 40'and
7. 7. A file holder asset forth in Claim 1 wherein the vertical edge 42'are each 7/8's of an inch: The each projected corner is cut away along a diagonal resulting file is capable of holding papers line.

   accumulating in thickness up to 1-3/4" but not 90
8. 8. An expansible file holder, substantially as greater. On the other hand, the files of Figures 12-15, herein before described, with reference to Figures 1 Figure 12 being chosen as exemplary, have a smaller to 4 and 6to 11 of the accompanying drawings, oras corner notch of approximately 112" as previously modified by reference to any one of Figures 12 to 15 noted: This allows the thickness of papers to of the accompanying drawings.

   accumulate upto or in excess of 2", substantially 95
9. 9. The features hereinbefore disclosed, ortheir greater than the thickness possible in the prior art equivalents, in any novel selection.

   with a larger notch, and with far neatercomers.

   It should now be apparentthat 1 have disclosed an expansible file of superior construction which can expand to a substantially greaterthickness than prior Printed for Her Majesty's Stationery Office by CroydonPrinting Company (UK) Ltd,7187, D8991685.

   artfiles, and which can retain its expanded shapeto Published by The Patent Office, 25 Southampton Buildings, London, WC2A lAY, allowthefileto stand upright or may beflattened for from which copies may be obtained.

   reuse starting with a few papers.

   The specific examples of the invention as herein shown and described will be understood as being for illustrative purposes only. Various changes will no doubt occurtothose skilled in the art, and will be understood asforming a part of the present invention insofar as theyfall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

   CLAIMS 1. An expansible file holder comprising initially an essentially flat envelope consisting of a front leaf of elastic, stretchable and flexible sheet material having substantially vertical side edges and substantially horizontal top and bottom edges, and a like second leaf, said leaves being joined together along the bottom edge and along the side edges, said bottom edge and said side edges intersecting to form substantially recti-linear bottom corners each of said corners being cut away by at least a distance D along the bottom edge and at least by a distance D along the side edge, said leaves being moved apart bythe insertion of file materials into said file holder, flexing said leaves to form said file holder into substantially a box shape, whereby said leaves in the main can be moved apart by a distance substantially greaterthan twice the distance D, and said insertion