GB2329869A - A document file with slidable display portion - Google Patents

Abstract

The document file has a separate display portion 517 attached by means of oppositely-extending tabs 563,565 slidably-engaging a single elongate slot 567,569 or a pair of elongate slots 525,527.

Description

CONrrANER FOR DOCUMEl\crTS POTHER ARTTER People with active lives accumulate large quantities of printed matter which must be either filed or thrown away once it = no longer of use or interest. In the domestic and scholastic environments the accumulation of printed material which is not ready to be discarded ?resents a very real problem. It needs to be readily accessible in a form in which documents relating to a particular subject are not mixed up with these relating to other subjects. In offices, documents may be kept in a tray or in an individual file on a desk top until initial processing has been completes. The documents can then be transferred to a filing cabinet for more permanent storage. In the home and schoolroom, desk top space (if available) is generally needed for other purposes and there is unlikely to be any room for either filing trays or a filing cabinets. The final destination of a document file will in most cases therefor be a drawer or a shelf.

In the prior art a number of products are available for the storage of documents and similar matter. These products can be generally termed "document files" and must be distinguished from specially designed fittings such as filing cabinets in which the individual files may be placed. A document file has to perform two tasks. It must identify its contents and in some way retain them within its covers.

In the prior art document files take many fonts ranging from simple folders (designed to be placed in a suspended file in a filing cabinet) to ring binders, lever arch files and box files which are sufficiently rigid to be placed upon a shelf. In between these two extremes are files made from a flexible material such as paper-board, polypropylene or PVC which incorporate a "pocket". A document file is generally provided with a front portion comprising a cover and a back portion, the two portions being substantially rectangular both individually and in combination. A pocket may be formed by attaching two or three edges together or by extending flaps from the back portion which are folded forwardly so as to lie in front of tme back portion in use. A pocket formed from a lower flap and a side flap so as to be "L" shaped provides containment for the contents on two sides when the file is open and on three sides when the file is dosed and the front (cover) portion is folded in front of and overlays the back portion. Alternatively, 2 pocket may be formed from an upper flap extended from the back portion as well as a lower flap and a side flap so as to be "U" shaped. Such a file will provide containment for its contents on three sides when the file is open and on four sides when the file is dosed.

A file with a 'E" shaped pocket is generally provided with portions adapted to act as gussets. These gussets are formed from the flaps by incorporating lines of fold and in use lie between the flaps (or what remains of the flaps) and the back portion. Gussets are generally inwardly folded so as to be largely concealed from view and allow the pocket to expand and contract according to the volume of the contents of the file. The inclusion of expanding and contracting gussets requires the three flaps to be secured together in some way. It is not enough that they should simply overlay each other. Where gussets are incorporated into a file they will usually be complemented by provision for a spine. A spine is formed by fold lines parallel to the line of fold dividing the front and back portions and with the assistance of these fold lines is able to expand and contract in line with the contents of the file. It is customary for a spine portion to be outwardly folded. Such a file with a ' it" shaped pocket and a spine is often termed a "file wallet".

The etymology of the word "gusset" dates back to medieval times when it was used to describe a piece of material filling up a joint in a suite of armour.

In that context, as in the present context, flexibility is critical to the performance of a gusset. In the case of a document file provided with an shaped pocket formed by attaching together a lower flap to a side flap there will be a tendency for the lower flap to bulge outwardly and/or to sag under the weight of the contents when the file is stood on end. This tendency is aggravated by the incorporation of gussets which add to the flexibility of the pocket and bring about a corresponding reduction in its stability in use. The constructions now disclosed include the provision of a form of support for a flap forming part of an "L" shaped pocket as well as providing means whereby the flexibility of portions acting as gussets is enhanced by the incorporation of one or more weakened sermons along the line of the folds with which such gussets are formed.

Written languages vary, some (like Englis . being written from left to right and others from right to left or verticaliy. While the text and drawings included in this specification relate to files rest suited for documents written from left to right it should be noted that th- constructions now disclosed are equally suitable for documents written in other languages and not from left to right, subject to appropriate modificatien. For documents in a language such as Hebrew, for example, files provide with an "L" shaped pocket will more conveniently open from a spine l-ng between the front and back portions which is located on the right ha:'d side, and the pocket will be formed from a lower flap extended froi the back portion and a flap extended from the left-hand side of the bac; portion. Such a construction will be a mirror image of the constructions as described in this specification but within the ambit of the invention nevertheless.

The incorporation of gussets into a document file provided with an "L" shaped (which expression is used in this svcification notwithstanding that the "L" in question in a normal view of the ::ie is reversed) pocket formed by the attachment of a flap extended from the bottom edge of the back portion to a flap extended from the right-hand side of the back portion combines the advantages of wallet type expansion with those of visibility and accessibility as regards documents contained within the file when the file is open. The subject of an individual document can generally be determined from whatever appears in its upper part where i-2adings and often page numbers appear. Where the pocket is "L" shaped the pages can be reviewed and individual documents located by lifting their respective upper left hand corners one by one. This is not possible where the pocket is "U" shaped and a file provided with an "L" shaped pocket rr,av, accordingly, be considered to be the better working tool.

Weakened sections adapted to increase the flexibility of portions acting as gussets or as a spine may take the form o- apertures. Such apertures can be so configured as to provide an indication o: whether or not there is anything in the file. In this way a file made from z non-transparent material such as paper-board can be provided with the facii:'Th possessed by a file made from a clear plastics material to show at a glance whether or not it has anything in it. The pigeon holes found in antique desks, from which all later filing systems may be said to have evolved, confer the same benefit.

Files made from clear plastics material possess the further advantage that the subject matter of any contents can also often be discerned from what appears upon the uppermost document within its covers. For files made from nontransparent material such as paper-board some other form of labelling must be utilised. It is desirable that the form adopted should be such as to accommodate the possibility that at certain times a file may lay flat upon a desk or table top and at other times be suspended and placed upon a shelf, or in a filing cabinet, or in a so called "bankers box" (of the kind often used for storing magazines) along with other similar files. A prindpal advantage of a file in accordance with the present invention are mechanical display devices which identify or provide an indication of the subject matter of the contents of individual files. Embodiments are possible in which such display devices may be affixed to the file in any one of several different positions or, if preferred, not at all. The same o; other display devices may be configured so that when affixed to the file deployment is at the user's option.

The forms of construction now disclosed also make it possible to produce a container for documents which is semi-flexible rather than rigid and which is comfortable to handle. The absence of a lever arch or ring mechanism or one which utilises metal or plastic ties also means that documents can be retained without holes being punched in them. This is an irnportant consideration where the documents in question are original items such as birth and marriage and other certificates, licences, insurance polides, travel documents, photographs, newspaper cuttings and the like.

A typical embodiment in accordance with this invention is made from a flexible material such as paper-board of a weight of 350 gsm and of a size of 450 mm by 640 mm, which is to say the ISO paper size known as SRA 2. The file per se may be supplied in any one of a number of forms. The three principle forms being, firstly, die-cut and ready to be punched out of the sheet of paper-board and assembled by the customer; secondly, already stripped-out of the sheet and ready to assemble by the customer, and thirdly, fully assembled and ready to use. In which ever of these three forms the file is supplied the creases may be pre-set and in preferred embodiments the form of construction adopted requires neither glue nor staples nor any other extraneous fixing agency. In its assembled form the file in certain respects resembles a wallet which is adapted to expand according to the number and volume of the documents to be accommodated. The file is of sufficient rigidity to be able to stand on end on a shelf or table provided that it is supported from the side and a sufficient degree of containment is provided for the contents not to fall out when the file is stood on end.

A particular advantage of certain embodiments of the invention is the facility for dividers to be positioned within an 'S" shaped pocket. These dividers are provided with means of attachment to the remainder of the file which allow the amount of separation between their respective surfaces and between the dividers and the inner surface of the back portion to vary according to the volume of documents between the surfaces. Additional dividers can be added as required and index display portions can be incorporated along their upper and/or side edges.

Many of the constructions now disclosed are equally efficacious when incorporated into a file which consists only of a back portion and a pocket, no front portion (and, accordingly, no cover) being present. It is also possible to incorporate certain constructions into files consisting only of a back portion and a front portion, there being no flaps and, accordingly, no pocket. The former type of file is useful for organising documents but has relatively limited potential for embellishment. The latter type is best suited for use in conjunction with an outer file of the kind found in suspended filing systems.

The functional qualities of the file which is the subject of this invention, combined with the ease and speed with which it can be manufactured and distributed and the infinity of decorative possibilities inherent in the design, make it possible for such a file to be published in a myriad of editions rather than manufactured in just one or two different styles. It is possible to contemplate files designed with specific user groups in mind. Files can be produced at low cost for, for example, very young children, teenagers, students, home owners, sports enthusiasts, and owners of businesses. Files suitable for gifts on the occasion of anniversaries and special occasions, as momentos of a holiday or an event, as corporate and institutional gifts, as a vehide for advertising and for the dissemination of topical information can also be produced as well as files with an educational purpose.

The ability of files (induding dedicated accessory items sllch as display tab devices and dividers) in accordance with the invention to establish themselves as a generic product capable of being developed creatively by designers of office stationery or used by artists as a medium for applied art, in the manner of the Russian Jeweller Carl Faberge for example, may be encouraged by making the files and accessories available in die-cut form, but un-printed, or printed in outline only. It is possible also to make templates of the files and accessories available either in physical form cut from a rigid or semi-rigid material or digitised on to a computer disk.

A particularly useful form in which files in accordance with the invention may be made available to designers is one in which the material is only partially die-cut so that the designer is spared the, at times tedious, task of cutting out attachment and rotation mechanisms and apertures incorporated into the hinged portions and the scoring-in of aeases, all of which take time and in some cases have to be done with precision for the file to work properly and demorDtrate the efficacy of the design. In this "semi-skeleton" form the file and accessories such as the various plaques and dividers may be supplied with some of their edges un-cut and the outline indicated in "drop-out" blue, that is to say blue print so light as not to be read by process cameras and plate making equipment of the kinds generally in use. A grid, which may be similar to that found on graph paper, can also be provided in the same light blue colour with advantage.

Files specifically designed for children to colour, or to create their own art work are also possible. Alternatively popular cartoon characters can be incorporated into the design. The facility for dividers to be used without the paraphernalia for punching holes in documents and the manipulation of nonuser friendly lever arch or ring mechanisms makes files in accordance with invention particularly suitable for use by small children as a "first file".

The embodiments which are the subject of the drawings included in this specification relate to SRA 2 size stock and the size of documents able to be accommodated is A 4 (210 mm by 297 mm) and foolscap (approximately 200 mm by 330 mm). Where stock with a size in excess of SRA 2 is employed it is possible to produce files in accordance with the invention which are able to accommodate matter with dimensions larger than A 4 and foolscap and/or which are able to assume a greater width so as to accommodate a greater number of sheets than is possible with files produced within the SRA 2 format. Where stock of a larger size than SRA 2 is utilised is also possible to improve the rigidity of the assembled file by increasing the size of the flap portions incorporating the attachment mechanism and positioning the points of attachment of one flap to another further apart. Certain of the embodiments illustrated which are without front cover portions may also be provided therewith.

Embodiments of the present invention may make use of flexible materials such as paper-board and polypropylene. The former material, with a weight of the order of 350 gsm, may however be preferred in certain applications to the stronger and more durable polypropylene. Where the requirement is for a file which fulfils a decorative as well as a functional role, the appearance of colour printed paper-board which may be gloss coated, varnished, laminated, die stamped, embossed, and/or hot foiled, may be thought to be of greater appeal. Files made from paper-board may be published, so to speak, in topical editions reflecting the breaking news and here, too, paper-board is the preferred material for its ease of printing and cutting and creasing.

Paper-board is likely to be a more suitable material for files intended for the use of young people and for domestic purposes which are provided in kit form, which is to say in the flat sheet ready for the customer to punch-out and assemble. Included in such a "kit" may be one or more optional accessory items such as display tabs, loose leaf dividers (with or without index displays or pockets), jotters, memo-pads, calendars, time-tables, horoscopes, photo frames, telephone and address books, pen and pencil holders, calculators.

These and other stationery and non-stationery items can be attached to the file by means of devices in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

An alternative form of retail distribution is one in which the file proper may be provided stripped-out of the flat sheet, either still in the flat form or partially or fully assembled, and the accessory items provided in an individually wrapped form displayed upe:l racks, the customer choosing the accessories according to his or her needs and individual preference.

It is possibly to envisage files which rre made from a plastic such as polypropylene which are provided with accessory items of the kind referred to, which accessory items may be made rom paper-board. Paper-board is more easily written upon than a plastic suih as polypropylene and accessory items designed to allow the user to append a description of his or her own choice to a file may be better provided from paper-board. It should be noted that the display tabs now disclosed are a to able to provide for the insertion of a separate portion of material which is designed to provide a surface for any writing required. Embodiments are possible in which a tab holder made from a plastic material, typically the same plastic material as that utilised for the file itself, is configured so as to accept a small slip of paper or card. Such an arrangement is likely to be more acceptable in design terms than one in which a complete display portion accessory made from paper-board is used in conjunction with an otherwise plastic item.

A file in accordance with the invention which is capable of accepting A4 and foolscap documents may be produced from a piece of material of SRA 2 size leaving sufficient unused space on the sweet to provide a limited accessory content. It has been found that the space available within the SRA 2 format, given the dimensions of the file proper, makes it possible for the range of accessories to comprise up to three optional display devices.

An optional display device may take the form of an element which is extended from a lower flap and which is configured in such a way that it is able to provide support for the flap by passing through a slot in the front portion of the file at a point adjacent to the spine of the file. The projecting end of the element may extend outwardly from the spine and be provided with a display portion. Alternatively, it muay be folded backwardly so as to lie above the front cover in use. Such projecting elements may either be integral with the remainder of the file or provided with means of attachment thereto.

Where a non-integral projecting element is provided the means of attachment employed may be of a rotary kind or they may take the form of oppositely extending tabs slidably engaging with an elongate single slot or pair of parallel slots incorporated into the lower flap.

Another form of optional display tab may comprise a windmill style rotary device separate from the file, the device of:nng a choice of (typically) four plaques which may either be pre-printed or ieft blank, or pre-printed on one side and left blank on the other. In use the selected plaque will project from the top or the open side of the file. The same kind of rotary mechanism may be employed to provide a display portion or similar feature which comes into view and disappears from view by manipuzation of a lever extending from the back portion of the file. An arrangemeni of concentric disks may also be provided, which when attached to the front portion provide a range of information through one or more windows raced therein.

Many preferred embodiments of the invention incorporate apertures along the fold lines forming spines and gusse:s. In these embodiments the apertures may be of similar shape and size and provide a convenient fixing for many of the accessory items described above.

The invention provides a further form of display device utilising a pair of oppositely extending tabs adapted to slide along an elongate slot placed parallel and adjacent to an outer edge of the rile in use. This device is mainly of use in connection with suspended filing systems but can also be incorporated into dividers. As with other display devices to which reference has been made, the display portions may incorporate means for accepting a separate piece of material able to bear printed or hand written lettering.

As noted above, in the prior art the traditional form of gusset incorporated into a document file in the nature of a wallet is one in which the portions comprising a gusset are concealed from view by means of inwardly folding concertina type folds. The effect of these inward folds is to place the portions forming the gussets between the adjacent portions when the file wallet is in its flat form with minimal or no contents. These concertina folds open up as the volume of the contents increase. In such traditional products the portions comprising a gusset are secured to the adjoining portions by glue. A second form of expansion device for a file wallet not requiring glue or any other form of extraneous fixing agency is employed in a known stationary product, called an "Adaptafile" (Registered Trade Mark). This product is the subject of UK-A-9404124.1 (Corbishley) and comprises z container for documents in the nature of a file wallet. The wallet is provided with a front cover and a rear cover. A pocket is formed b providing the rear cover with hinged flaps which overlie the rear cover in use. A sliding connection is formed between at least two of the flaps so that they can move relative to each other so as to vary the capacity of the file. A further sliding connection is provided between front cover and the flap lying along the side of the rear cover to secure the front and rear covers in a dosed position. The sliding connections in each case take the form of oppositely extended tabs (referred to as oppositely directed tongues in the application) which hook over and slide along guide edges. The tongues connecting the flaps slide along parallel guide edges formed by the opposite sides of a single slit, those securing the front cover and the side flap slide along parallel guide edges at opposite ends of the flap. The purpose of the sliding connections is to prevent, in the first instance, the pocket formed by the rear cover and the flaps from bursting open, and in the second instance the front cover from opening.

In its first aspect the present invention provides an improved form of gusset and spine, either or both of which can be incorporated into known files induding the "Adaptafile".

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an item of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to act as a container, the piece being generally rectangular in shape and comprising a back portion, the back portion being accompanied by either one or both of the following features: (1) a lower flap and a side flap, the lower and side flaps respectively extending from the lower and side edges of the back portion, a line or lines of fold being provided along the line of and/or parallel to and outwardly of each of the said edges, each flap being folded inwardly so as to lie in front of the back portion in use, a pocket being thereby created, at least one flap being provided with a plurality of apertures which apertures may lie between, adjacent to or intersect a said line or lines of fold, the effect of the apertures being either to weaken the material lying along a line of a fold so as to increase its flexibility arJ/or to allow the contents of the pocket to be partially visible or more visible than would otherwise be the case; (2) a front portion, the front portion being separated from the back portion by a line or lines of fold, a plurality of apertures being provided between, adjacent to or intersecting the said line or lines of fold, the effect of the apertures being either to weaken the material lying along the line of a fold so as to increase its flexibility and/or to allow the contents of the container to be partially visible or more visible than would otherwise be the case when the front portion overlies the back portion and the container is closed.

Embodiments of this aspect mar comprise only a back portion from which flaps are extended which, when folded forwardly, provide a pocket.

Alternatively, a front portion may be present (instead of or in addition to a pocket) which portion provides a front cover for the file which can be opened and closed in the same way as the cover of a book. Most of the preferred embodiments of the invention fall within this second category and such embodiments are the subject of most of the illustrations accompanying this specification.

In preferred embodiments of this first aspect of the invention a plurality of apertures are provided along the fold lines which separate a front cover portion from the back cover portion and along the fold lines which provide the flaps which form the pockets. In certain of these embodiments parallel fold lines are incorporated for the purpose of forming a spine and gussets which are able to expand in width as the volume of the contents of the file increases. The apertures may lie across a fold line so as to be intersected by the line of fold. Where further lines of fold, parallel to the first fold line are provided, these folds, or some of them, may also be intersected by apertures.

The provision of apertures in the manner described has the effect of weakening the material at the point of folding so that it more readily bends into a gusset or spine in response to an increase in the volume of the contents of the file.

In preferred embodiments the positioning and dimensions of the apertures will also be such as to reveal the presence of documents within the file.

The benefits to be derived from the incorporation of apertures in accordance with this first aspect of the invention are both functional and visual. As previously noted, the presence of apertures goes some way towards bridging the gap between transparent files made from a material such as polypropylene) and non-transparent files and wallets. The extent to which the contents of a file are revealed can be incrased by providing apertures in the front and back covers in areas in whizn no folds are present. Such apertures can, if desired, form a part of the a? plied design overall and need not significantly impair the strength of the file.

In a most preferred embodiment of this aspect . of the invention the line of a fold lies down the centre of a plurality of circular apertures so that the edge of the file takes on a serrated appearance when the fold is activated. A sufficient portion of material is left between the apertures to provide containment and protection for the contents of the file, the contents nevertheless remaining partially visible when the file is in its dosed position.

Although a principal application of the present invention will be the production of document files the constructions now disclosed can be utilised in connection with containers intended for other uses. Display packaging for soft goods is an examples of a non-stationer application for which items in accordance with the invention are well suited. In this specification the word "file" is generally used in relation to embodiments of the invention. It should be born in mind, however, that containers of a general nature can also be produced in which constructions in accordance with the invention in its various aspect may be employed with advantage.

A further advantage of constructions in accordance with the first aspect of the invention is that the apertures can be used for the purpose of securing one or more dividers and/or accessory pockets between the front and back portions. It is also possible for display portions and other accessory items to be position outermost of the file in a manner which is highly visible when the file is placed upon the shelf. A plaque may be elongate so as to take on a banner-like appearance when it is attached to the spine of the file by means of tabs inserted into complementary apertures located therein. Dividers and plaques and other separately provided accessory items are the subject of the fifth aspect of the invention which is described below.

Embodiments of the invention in its first aspect are possible in which a third flap lying along the uppermost edge of the rear portion is provided, which flap may or may not include apertures of the kind which are the subject of the present aspect. Such a flap, like the flaps at the bottom and the side previously referred to, may retain its position in use without the addition of a device whereby it is attached to another flap. The incorporation of a plurality of apertures across the line of a fold has the effect of making the creases of the folds lying between the apertures firmer and more effective than would otherwise be the case. Where a third flap is present a container somewhat in the nature of a traditional file wallet results.

In embodiments designed to contain a significant volume of documents, flaps are generally provided in a form which allows them to be attached to each other. Some kind of joining mechanism, which may be glue, staples or a tab and slot device becomes essential where portions acting as gussets are provided.

Embodiments able to securely contain documents are possible in which a pocket is formed by attaching only the lower flap and the side flap together so as to produce an "L" shaped pocket. An upper flap (if present) may be similarly attached to the side flap in which case a "U" shaped pocket results.

The attachment device may fix the position of one flap relative to the other or may be such as to allow one flap to slide against the other 2s the volume of contents of the file increases. A further form of attachment is provided by the fourth aspect of the present invention in which a limited degree of eccentric rotational movement in one flap in relation to another is allowed.

As already mentioned, a file in which the pocket is formed by a lower flap and a side flap and is "L" shaped provides a better view of and access to documents than one in which an upper flap is also present. In a most preferred embodiment of the invention the degree of visibility is further enhanced by tapering the side flap so that it narrows as it approached its uppermost end. Such tapering does not materially affect the structural integrity of the file qua a container. It is not necessary for a flap to extend along the full length of the edge of the back cover portion from which it is extended It should be noted where portions acting as gussets are folded invçardlv of the front and back covers of the file the exterior plan dimensions of the file tso far as the gussets are concerned) remain constant. Such an arrangement is often found in file wallets of the manila type and in the absence of an interesting and functional feature such as that provided by apertures or some form of applied decoration, the concealment of a gusset may be thought to be visually more acceptable. In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention the gusset portions are folded so as to lie outwardly and to remain in full view (excepting when the file is filled to capacity and the file is viewed precisely in plan) and the exterior plan dimensions of the file vary according to the volume of the documents, the dimensions decreasing as the volume increases. The effect of the gussets lying outwardly of the covers is to allow a somewhat larger document to be contained within the file, when it is below capacity, than would otherwise be the case. It is also the case that the documents contained within the file lie more comfortably than they would if they were resting against the inverted "V" section of an inwardly folded gusset. When the file is empty or nearly empty portions of outwardly folded gussets tend to merge with the back cover portion and the flap which they respectively connect together. Portions lying between folds separating a front cover portion from a back cover portion likewise tend to merge with the respective covers when not acting as a spine. In an embodiment made from paper-board of 350 gsm weight the plastic of the material is such that, once the material is deformed by activation of the folds creating the gussets and/or spine, the folds will remain in evidence, albeit not serving their intended purpose.

In the design of the most preferred embodiments of the invention care is taken to ensure that the shape and positioning of the apertures is such that no portion of the inner surface of the file is visible ''hen the file is closed and whether or not there is anything in it. In the shaping of flaps (and any associated gussets) care is taken to ensure that, whether the file is open or closed, no portion of the inner surface of the file is visible at the point where the folds forming the flaps and/or gussets terminate. These points comprise the lower right hand corner of the inner surface of the back portion in the case where only lower and side flaps are present and the lower and upper right hand corners in the case where three flaps are present. A view of the inner surface, which is effectively the reverse surface, at any of these points would intrude upon the senses where the coating of the surface of the substrate and/or colour printing is confined only to the obverse side which side comprises the outer covers of the file.

A principal advantage of the invention lies in the scope for enhancing the appearance of an item in common daily use without incurring additional production costs of such an order as to be incapable of being born by the popular market. In the most preferred embodiments of the invention the coating of the paper-board and full colour printing are confined to the outer surface, the inner surface being relatively plain and printed either in a single colour (a lining patty perhaps, and instructions and announcements) or not at all. A sharp contrast between the inner and outer surfaces may be thought to add to rather than detract from the visual merits of the item provided that the inner surface is only visible when the file is fully open.

While similar considerations apply to the configuration of apertures provided in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, asymmetrical arrangements, in which a portion of the inner (reverse) surface of the file comes into view, are not precluded. The designer must, however, make suitable dispositions as to that surface as the circumstances require. Certain of the most preferred embodiments make use of apertures which are formed by a cut or a cut-out in such a way that a portion projects outwardly from the surrounding area when the material is folded. Such portions may represent letters or symbols and in most preferred embodiments one or more words or symbols may be placed along the line of the fold separating the front and back portions.

In its second aspect the invention provides a file in which a tab and slot mechanism is incorporated which permits flaps extended from the lowermost and side edges to be attached to each other in such a manner as to permit their respective surfaces to slide against each other. The mechanism is similar in certain respects to that utilised in the "Adaptafile" product previously referred to.

In the "Adaptafile" the upper and lower flaps, respectively extended from the upper and lower edges of the back cover portion are each attached to the side flap (extended from the side edge of the back cover portion) by means of pairs of oppositely extending tabs, each pair of tabs being adapted to slidably engage with a respective elongate slot, the slots placed in the side flap which lies beneath the other flaps following assembly and in use. Pre-set lines of fold are provided to facilitate the bending round of the three flaps and further lines of fold parallel to those first mentioned are incorporated which, when activated. provide the file with the gussets located at the top and bottom and side. The respective lines of the elongate slots are placed at a right angle to each other and at an angle of 45 degrees to the upper and lower and vertical edges of the rear portion. Each pair of tabs comprises a small tab the base of which is approximately co-linear and within the base of a larger tab. The effect of such an attachment device is to allow the three flaps to move outwardly relative to each other while their surface remain in close contact. In this manner three gussets are formed from material comprising part of the flap portions. A further plurality of folds about lines which are parallel to the line o.t fold separating the front cover portion from the rear cover portion facilitates the formation of a spine. In the result the internal width of the wallet as measured between the inner surfaces of the front and back covers is able to expand within a permitted range according to the volume, in terms of thickness, of the contents. Disregarding the effect of enlargement of the spine, this expansion is achieved without a decrease in the area in plan of the front and back covers. Sliding catches are also provided at the top and the bottom of the wallet for the purpose of securing the front cover portion to the upper and lower flaps extended from the back portion.

When engaged these catches ensure that the file remains in a dosed position even when it is not resting flat but stood upon its bottom edge as may happen, for example, when it is stored "portrait-fashion" on a shelf.

The "Adaptafile" relies upon three flaps extended from the back cover portion to secure documents within its covers and this arrangement places it firmly within the "wallet" category. When the file is open the uppermost portion of the topmost document is hidden from view and leafing through the documents can not be accomplished without at least partially withdrawing them from the 'V" shaped pocket. As previously noted, it is the uppermost portion which is likely to bear the letterhead and the date of the document and so the configuration may be less to be preferred in those applications where the emphasis is on day to day access rather than a requirement for a strong permanent storage container. The "Adaptafile" makes no provision for any kind of display portion adapted to project outwardly from its covers so as to provide an indication of the contents. The display devices now disclosed can be utilised in connection with known files including the "Adaptafile".

The "Adaptafile" is made from polypropylene and while the three flap configuration which has been adopted can be fitted into an SRA 2 format no space is left for a grip edge.

A file provided in accordance with the second aspect of the invention male incorporate only lower and a side flaps. The means for attaching the two flaps together comprise tlço pairs of horizontally extending tabs in one flap which pairs of tabs slidably engage with the edges of a pair of horizontal slots in the other flap. The doubling-up of pairs of tabs and corresponding slots in this way allows a file constructed with only two flaps to benefit from two sliding tab arrays acting in parallel. In this way a file made from a lighter weight material than pol!ropylene, such as paper-board, acquires a greater degree of stability in use than is possible if only one pair of tabs is present.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an item of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to act as a container, the piece being generally rectangular in shape and comprising a back portion, the back portion being provided with a lower flap and a side flap, the lower and side flaps respectively extending from its lower and side edges, lines of fold being provided along the line of and/or parallel to and outwardly of the said edges, each flap being folded inwardly so as to lie in front of the back portion in use, a pocket being thereby created, the flaps being provided with a plurality of folds parallel to the respective lower and side edges of the back portion so as to provide portions able to act as gussets, one of the flaps being provided with two pairs of oppositely extending tabs, the pairs of tabs adapted to respectively slidably engage with a pair of parallel slots in the other flap, the effect of the device being to attach the flaps to each other and to maintain contact between their respectix-e surfaces while they slide against each other thereby allowing the width of the portions acting as gussets to respond to any variation in the volume of contents of the pocket from time to time.

As was the case with the ,*st aspect, embodiments of the present aspect may comprise only a back portion from which flaps are extended to provide a pocket. A front portion may also be present providing a front cover for the file.

The value of a file to the user is enhanced if it is able to stand on end on a shelf. In the case of a file provided with only two flaps forming an "L" shaped pocket, however, there is a propensity for the lowermost flap to bulge outwardly and/or to sag under the weight of the contents at the end furthest away from the outer edge of the back portion from which the side flap is extended. Where the file is constructed from a material such as paper-board (for example of 350 gsm weight) and the two flaps are not glued to each other or otherwise firmly secured together in a fixed position but are attached, as is the case with embodiments of the present aspect, by a device in which tabs slidably engage with the edges of a slot the tendency for the lower flap to deform is greater on account of the slot tending to gape under the pressure exerted on the mechanism by the weight of contents of the pocket. Embodiments of the present aspect counter this tendency by strengthening the attadirnent means with the addition of a second tab and slot array in dose proximity to the first and operating on the same pair of flaps.

In a most preferred embodiment of the present aspect a flap which is extended from the lower edge of the back portion is provided with two pairs of oppositely extending tabs. These tabs respectively slidably engage with the edges of a pair of slots placed in a flap extended from the side edge of the back portion. A plurality of folds in each flap allows gussets to form as the file expands. The size of the flaps and the position of the tabs is dictated in part by the size of the sheet of material which is utilised for the manufacture of the file. Where the sheet size is SRA 2 and the file is designed to accommodate A 4 and foolscap size documents there is insufficient room for a side flap which extends across the greater part of the width of the back portion and the tab and slot arrays will, accordingly, be less than the optimum distance ap & In configurations where the final capacity of a file is known, for example files accompanying promotional literature, it is possible to further utilise a catch of the opposed tab type to secure the front cover in the closed position. In these embodiments a slot in the front cover is provided which is placed in a position in which its edges are able to engage with a pair of tabs securing the flaps together, the tabs being optionally passed through the front cover. In a preferred embodiment incorporating two pairs of oppositely extending tabs operating in parallel the pair of tabs furthest away from the line of fold separating the front and back portions has been found to be the most suitable for the purpose.

It has been found that a suitable catch mechanism for incorporation into embodiments (whether the requirement is for a fixed or a sliding catch) is one in which the opposed tabs can be inserted with reasonable ease into the respective slot or slots. In the case of a sliding catch it is also desirable that, once in place, the tabs can slide up and down the slot without too much difficulty. At the same time the catches must afford a sufficient degree of stability to the flaps which they are attaching together to prevent unwanted sideways or up and down movement relative to each other. Some of these requirements conflict with others and a satisfactory compromise has to be arrived at. Most preferred embodiments made from 350 gsm paper-board incorporating sliding catches are provided with slots with a gap between the sides of the slot of the order of 1 mm. It is desirable that the tabs should be sufficiently large to be able to be firmly gripped between finger and thumb.

Oppositely extending tabs with co-linear or substantially co-linear bases will necessarily be different in size. In preferred embodiments combinations of tabs with overall dimensions of the order of 20 mm by 18 mm and 30 mm by 20 mm have been found to be satisfactory. The most convenient form of insertion of tabs into a slot in course of assembly would seem to be one which requires a pair of oppositely extending tabs to be gripped together between finger and thumb. This action may be facilitated by the provision of pre-set folds along the bases of the tabs and an aperture in the larger tab making it more easily foldable and more easy to grip. The two tabs are inserted together into the appropriate slot. If a second set of tabs and a slot are present all four tabs need to be inserted at substantially the same time.

As is the case with constructions in accordance with the first aspect, embodiments of the second aspect are possible in which there is no front (cover) portion, the item consisting only of a back portion and flaps folded forwardly to provide a pocket. Embodiments of the third aspect do, however, require a front portion to be present. Such a front portion will generally be similar in size and shape to the back portion and provide a cover for the file.

In its the third aspect the invention provides a means whereby a lower flap which is extended from a back portion and which is attached to a side flap so as to form an "L" shaped pocket may be provided with additional stability by the incorporation of an elongate element which projects outwardly from the flap and passes through an aperture or slot in the front portion, the bottom of the elongate element resting upon the bottom of the slot or aperture. It is necessary for the slot or aperture to be located dose to the fold or folds separating the front portion from the back portion of the container so that the front portion can be opened. In preferred embodiments comprising a document file there are usually at least three such folds which are arranged in a parallel manner and which taken together comprise a spine of variable width. In such embodiments the projecting element passes through a slot in the front cover potion adjacent to the outermost of the folds comprising a spine. The projecting element can be provided with an enlarged portion at its further end which will be prominently in view when the file lays on a desk top or is placed on a shelf along side other files. The projecting element may, therefor, perform the function of a display portion as well as supporting the lower flap under the weight of contents of the pocket.

A configuration is possible in which the projecting element is carried across the spine and captured within the back portion. In certain embodiments the projecting element is so configured as to lay across the front cover of the file almost extending from one side to the other. The projecting element may also be provided in a form in which it can be optionally folded backwardly and captured by the flap from which it is extended or otherwise taken out of commission.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided an item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to act as a container, the piece being generally rectangular in shape and folded about a line of at least one fold so as to provide a back portion and a front portion, the respective portions being of approximately similar size and shape, the back portion being provided with a lower flap and a side flap, the lower and side flaps respectively extending from its lower and side edges, lines of fold being provided along the line of and/or parallel to and outwardly of the said edges, each flap being folded inwardly so that a part thereof lies between the front and back portions in use, a pocket being thereby created, the lower flap being provided with a projecting element adapted to slidably and/or pivotally engage with the edges of a slot or aperture in the front portion in a manner which permits the front portion to lie along side and in the same plane as the back portion when the container is open and to overlie the back portion when the container is dosed.

Items provided in accordance with this aspect require the presence of both a front portion and a back portion and are configured in such a way that, the projecting element notwithstanding, the container is openable and closable at will. This requirement is achieved in one of three ways. The projecting element may be of fixed length and shaped and positioned so that it is able to freely slide within the slot. The term "slot" is used in this document to mean an elongate slit not extending to any edge of the material, the sides of uThi-d slit may or may not be contiguous. The term "aperture" is used to denote a cut-out the sides of which are not necessarily elongate. In embodiments of the present aspect an elongate slot is generally preferred to a non-elongate aperture on account of its less obtrusive appearance. The length of a projecting element must be sufficient both for it to remain within the slot whether the file is open or closed and for any enlargement at its further end not to fall foul of the slot. In a second type of construction, the means whereby the projecting element is attached to the lower flap allow it to slide with respect thereto. In a third type of construction the projecting element is provided with a device allowing its length to vary.

Projecting elements in the first category which are fixed in position and length may be integral with the flap from which they are extended or map be provided as a separate item and secured to the flap by means of a tab and slot mechanism. Where the projecting element is integral with the flap the slot or aperture must be of sufficient size for any enlargement at the end of the element to pass through it, the enlargement being folded if necessary. As already indicated the additional support which the pocket must have if it is to be prevented from sagging under the weight of the contents of the file is provided by the bottom edge of the projecting element (which must be fixed in position relative to the flap whether or not it is integral with it) slidably engaging with the material lying at the bottom of the slot or aperture in the front portion. The sagging effect is most noticeable at the end of the pocket nearest to the spine, the other end of the pocket being attached to and supported from the side flap. rne sagging effect is particularly pronounced when a gusset portion is present but can nevertheless be largely countered by the provision of a projecting element in accordance with the present aspect.

Projecting elements in the fist category can be made long enough to be wrapped around the spine in 2 strap-like fashion and passed through a slot or aperture in the back cover portion. Alternatively they can remain in view, any enlargement acting as a aisplay portion. What may be thought to be a disadvantage in this role is the fact that any such display portion will project outwardly from the back of the file by a distance at least equal to the maximum width of the spine. In preferred embodiments this width, and therefor the extent of projection of the display portion, may be of the order of 35 mum.

A projecting element in the fi-st category must be fixed or capable of being fixed in position relative to the lower flap. It can be provided as a separate item and attached to the lower flap by means of some kind of tab and slot mechanism. The attachment mechanism may be such as to permit the projecting element to rotate in a clockwise or an anti-clockwise direction relative to the lower flap to which it is attached with additional provision being made for the alignment of the projecting element in relation to the aperture or slot to be fixed when required. Such an element, although capable of rotation, will be able to support the pocket when its alignment is fixed. The rotary attachment means may allow the projecting element to be "parked" away from the slot or aperture and without engaging with any of its edges in a non-operational mode. In a most preferred embodiment a tab adapted to engage with the projecting element is provided in the side flap for this purpose. A corresponding tab is provided in the lower flap to ensure that the projecting element maint=ns its position when engaging with the edge of a a slot or aperture in the front portion.

Embodiments in the first category which are provided with a projecting element which is integral <RTI I de-activation of the element in the form of a provision for the element to be folded back and captured by the flap instead of engaging with the edge of a slot or aperture in the front cover portion. Alternatively, the projecting element may be provided with a line of perforations across its long axis allowing it to be torn off and discarded.

Projecting elements in the second and third categories are provided as separate items and are able to meet a wider range of consumer preferences.

In a most preferred embodiment in which the projecting element falls into the second category the means of attachment of the projecting element to the flap takes the form of a pair of oppositely extending tabs incorporated into the projecting element, the tabs slidably engaging with the edges of a pair of elongate slots provided within the flap. Upward movement of the element as it slides along the flap is prevented by a tab placed within the flap which is adapted to slidably engage with the upper edge of the element. In this way support for the pocket is provided. Other forms of sliding attachment are possible. Both projecting element and flap may be provided with pairs of oppositely extending tabs and corresponding slots. Alternatively, a pair of tabs may slidably engage with the edges of a single slot or two pairs of tabs may engage with the edges of two single slots. Embodiments are possible in which no elongate slot is present, 'M" shaped tabs in the flap being adapted to engage with the outer edges of the projecting element instead.

Whatever configuration is adopted it is important that the projecting element slides freely along the flap because, at the point where it passes through the slot, it is fixed in position with respect thereto. The projecting element does not slidably engage with the edge of the slot in the manner of embodiments falling within the first category but instead pivots around the points of contact with the sides of the slot. This form of engagement is achieved by providing the projecting element with a cut-out, typically in the shape of a "V", which engages with the edge of the slot at its lowest point. If the sliding mechanism is too tight there is a tendency for the projecting element to buckle as the file is closed. This can be prevented by pressing it down with the hand but in most preferred embodiments is avoided altogether.

Conversely, if the projecting element is too loose, it will fail to adequately support the lower part of the pocket. The device therefor requires to be precisely configured.

Similar conside ations apply to a projecting element falling within the third category in which the length of the element, as measured between the point of attachment to the flap and the point of pivotal engagement with an edge of the slot in the front cover portion, is able to expand and contract. The element is formed by two components each of which are provided with a pair of oppositely extending tabs adapted to engage with the edges of a single slot or of a pair of elongate slots in the respective other component.

Here, too, upward movement of the projecting element is prevented by a tab placed within the flap which tab is adapted to slidably engage with the upper edge of the element. Projecting elements in the second and third categories are able to provide enlargements which abut on to the slot and w hich do not necessarily project outwardly of the spine in the way in which do items comprising the first category.

In preferred embodiments incorporating projecting elements falling within the third category the means of attachment to the lower flap may be direct, or indirect in the sense that the tabs engaging with the projecting element may be incorporated not into the lower flap but into the side flap. In such a configuration the tabs pass through an aperture in the lower flap prior to engaging with the projecting element.

Projecting elements falling within second and third categories, like those of the first category, can be inserted through a second slot placed within the back cover portion of the file and on the other side of the spine to the first slot. The name of the file can be written on the surface lying in front of the spine.

The provision of a projecting element in a form in which it comprises a separate portion allows a more flexible approach to be adopted as regards the provision of display portions. A single file, favoured by the owner for its applied decoration, can be re-labelled as time goes by. A wide ranging selection of display portions may be made available as accessory items. The provision of a projecting element as a separate portion further allows the length of the slot to be reduced to the width of the element (or component thereof) exduding any enlargement at the end.

Projecting elements in accordance with this third aspect of the invention can be utilised in connection with embodiments of the second aspect in which one flap slides against another as the volume of contents of the file increase. The position and/or direction and/or extent of projection of the projecting element relative to the spine will, however, vary according to the width in cross-section of the gussets lying between the front and back portions.

Where the alignment of the projecting element is fixed relative to the lower flap it must be able to move up and down for a short distance within the slot through which it is projected. Where the means of attachment of the projecting element allows a degree of rotation, the projecting element will be able to accommodate changes in the width in cross-section of the gussets by assuming a simultaneously sliding and pivoting motion vis a vis the slot. In such a case the length of the slot can be shorter but must nevertheless be sufficient to allow any enlargement at the end of the element to be threaded through it. Whatever configuration of projecting element is adopted it will provide little or no support for the pocket of a file provided with sliding flaps of the second aspect kind and its value is as a means of providing a display portion lying outwardly of the spine.

If the front portion is provided with a slot rather than an aperture the threading of the projecting element may be facilitated and the efficacy of its operation improved by the provision of a gap between the two sides of the slot so that they are not contiguous. Where such a slot, or an aperture, is provided, it is desirable for the material visible behind the slot or aperture to be unlettered and as plain as possible. In preferred embodiments the slot or aperture are configured so as not to be superimposed over the lower flap.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the sides of the slot are contiguous along the upper part of its length and are separated by a slight gap along the lower part. The slot is provided at its uppermost extremity with a lateral cut.

In this way an elongate flap adjoining an elongate slot is formed, the flap opening when the projecting element is presented to the slot and allowing it to pass but dosing again when the projecting element drops to the lower part of the slot at the point where its width decreases on account of the cut-out.

Such a device obviates a tendency for the projecting element to move upwards within the slot when the file is opened and closed and the sliding mechanism binds - as may sometimes happen when the contents are not evenly distributed within the pocket.

Embodiments are possible in which a projecting element extends upwards along the greater part of the length of the spine or line of fold separating the front and back portions of the file, the element being secured at its uppermost end by the engagement of a tab incorporated into the element with the edge of a slot placed towards the top of the front portion. Such an element can also be secured at its further end by a "T" shaped tab engaging with an aperture along the line of a fold separating the front and back portions of the kind described in connection with the first aspect of the invention. In this latter configuration parallel lateral folds may be incorporated into the projecting element dose to the point where it emerges from the slot the effect of which is to realign the element along the centre of the spine. another form of projecting element is possible in which the element is "V" shaped and extends across the lower part of the outer surface of the front portion. A lateral fold is required at the point of pivotal engagement with an edge of the slot to enable the front cover portion to lie flat when in the open position.. A 'to" shaped element can provide a strap like feature across the bottom of a front cover of a file and, being somewhat in relief and with the possibility of irregular edges, offers interesting potential for a decorative feature in the style of a dassic frieze. In a most preferred embodiment the upper part of the "U" shaped element is extended upwardly so as to cover a substantial area of the front portion of a file. In such an embodiment one or more tabs may be adapted to engage with edges of complementary slots in the front portion, their purpose being to stabilise that part of the element lying outwardly of the front portion in use in position so as to ensure that it lies flat against the surface. 'V" shaped elements can be utilised to provide a three dimensional look to the front of a file, providing a layer of illustration superimposed upon illustration applied directly to the surface of the front cover portion. The user may be given a choice of alternative and readily interchangeable graphics as regards the "U" shaped element; the file, meanwhile, continuing to function adequately as a container for documents.

Illustration applied to a "U" shaped element can, if desired, be themed to match both the style of the file proper and that of other separately provided accessories.

What may be thought of as "outsize" enlargement placed at the end of a projecting element of the kind described in the preceding paragraphs will not require to be threaded through the slot in the front portion provided that the element is non-integral with the flap from which it is extended. A projecting element which is '1J" shaped does not require a "\7 shaped type cut-out of the kind previously described, pivoting instead about the end of the split dividing the two constituent parts of which the '1J" shape is comprised. A 'V" shaped element can, if required, incorporate an optional means of attachment whereby a front portion can be secured to a back portion.

Enlargements performing the function of a display portion can be shaped so as to form (with the addition, if desired, of applied art) a symbol representative of the subject matter of the designated contents of the file. An enthusiastic gardener, for example, might have two files for paperwork, one with a symbol depicting a turnip for vegetables and another with a symbol of a daisy for flowers. Files for investment circulars might be provided with a cash bag bearing a "" sign, those for outstanding bills might be provided with a downward pointing thumb and those for paid bills with an upward pointing thumb. School projects might be identified by an ink blot, or a hand over a yawning mouth, income tax demands by the head of a shark with gaping jaws, blood dripping from its teeth, and so on. A file intended to contain applications for patents might, appropriately it may be thought, be provided with an identifying device depicting a flashing light bulb. In preferred embodiments such symbols are printed on both sides of the display portion so as to be readable both ways, a useful feature where a file may be placed upright on a shelf and viewed from either side. Embodiments are possible in which enlargements incorporate enclosed or partially enclosed cut-outs. Embodiments are also possible in which enlargements are provided with means for attachment of a separate piece of material on which the name of or symbol relative to the file is displayed. Such an arrangement will be useful where the projecting element is integral with the flap from which it is extended and/or is fashioned from a material such as polypropylene which does not lend itself to handwriting and may not be the most suitable material for printing purposes.

It will also be possible to publish files on a daily or weekly basis bearing printed matter of a topical nature along with advertising material, entertainment listings and the like. The ability to produce A 4 files in accordance with the invention utilising SR 2 stock and printing presses means that such an activity need not be confined to companies and indiliduals of great wealth.

In its fourth aspect the present invention provides for the incorporation of a rotas device into a container. The form of the device is such that it can be used to provide a mounting for a separately provided component or as a means of attachment between two flaps, or both. In its flap attachment role a principal purpose of the device may be to allow a limited degree of all round planar movement between the respective surfaces of the flaps while maintaining the contact between them.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided an item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to act as a container, the piece being generally rectangular in shape and comprising a back portion, the back portion being accompanied by either one or both of the following features: (1) a lower flap and a side flap, the lower and side flaps respectively extending from the lower and side edges of the back portion, a line or lines of fold being provided along the line of and/or parallel to and outwardly of each of the said edges, each flap being folded inwardly so as to lie in front of the back portion in use, a pocket being thereby created, a further portion or portions being adapted to be capable of rotation with respect to the back portion or a flap by virtue of one portion defining a male element and another or other portions defining a female element; (2) a front portion, the front portion being separated from the back portion by a line or lines of fold, a further portion or portions being adapted to be capable of rotation with respect to the front portion by virtue of one portion defining a male element and another or other portions defining a female element.

As was the case with the first and second aspects, embodiments of the present aspect may comprise only a back portion from which flaps are extended to provide a pocket. In preferred embodiments a front portion is generally also present providing a front cover for the file.

Preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention fall into two categories. In the first category are document files which incorporated a rotary device for the purpose of mounting a display portion in the form of a rotatable feature. In the second category are document files which use a rotary device as a means of attaching one flap to another flap. The two categories overlap in those cases where a rotary device is used to join two flaps together and also to provide means for mounting one or more rotatable display portions.

Preferred embodiments of this aspect falling within the first category will generally allow the user to choose whether to not to display an individual information bearing plaque or to select one from a number of plaques.

Rotary features may consist of a set of rotatable concentric circular discs of different sizes each carrying data arranged in such a way that the combined discs are able to give varying readings according to how they are juxtaposed.

Preferred embodiments utilise a common form of rotary device so that accessories may be attached to flap attachment mechanisms or, if preferred, to other parts of the file. Such accessories may be interchangeable with other accessories provided with identical means of attachment.

In embodiments of this aspect the portion defining the male element may be in the form of a hub and/or interlock with the portion defining the female element. The portion defining the male element and/or the portion defining the female element may be provided with a respective annular collar, which may have a plurality of (for example four or more) cuts extending radially outwardly to its outside edge. The innermost and outermost ends of the cuts, if provided in the portion defining male element, may be of a lesser and greater diameter, respectively, than the female element; alternatively, the innermost and outermost ends of the cuts, if provided in portion defining the female element may be of a greater and lesser diameter, respectively, than the diameter of the male element. Material on each portion between the cuts can act as tabs, capable of being positioned on either side of the other portion so as to act as an interlocking mechanism. The rotatable element may be provided with one or more radial, or substantially radial, arms.

It is possible for a single male element to act as a hub and interlock with a plurality of female elements and in certain embodiments the insertion of washers of a slightly larger external diameter than the annular collars of the female elements can be employed with advantage for the purpose of reducing the risk of the radial arms catching on other portions of the mechanism.

Embodiments of the present aspect are possible in which a file is provided with a display device comprising four plaques placed at the ends of four arms, the arms radiating at right angles to each other from a hub incorporating a female element comprising a circular aperture. The corresponding male element, comprising four tabs configured in the manner of a Maltese cross, is incorporated into the back portion of the file. The plaque on display appears above the upper edge of the file, the remaining three plaques being generally hidden from view, even when the file is open, by the contents. the four plaques may be supplied in lettered form reading, for example, "Action!", "Pending", "File" and "Bin!" ('Trash!" in American English.) Alternatively, symbols may be displayed conveying the same or other messages. The plaques may also be supplied unlettered (or with one side unlettered) for the user to write on his or own words. Plaques can be configured in such a way that separately provided material can be attached.

It is also possible for a display portion to be provided in the form of a circular rotatable element at the centre of which either the male or the female component is located. In such a construction the circular element takes the place of the radial arms, The circular element may be captured, typically at its rcumference, by a tab let into the portion of the file to which it is attached in a way which permits the rotation required to bring the appropriate areas of the circular element into view. A window can be provided in the attached portion for the purpose of revealing and exduding matter as required.

In a most preferred embodiment a plurality of circular shaped individually rotatable elements are attached to the front portion of a file. The file being of A 4 size, a combination of three such circular elements with respective diameters of 210 mm, 165 mm and 120 mm can be conveniently provided.

On one side of each of these discs twelve separate fields of information can be placed. A greater or lesser number of fields of information can be provided if required. Where there are three rotatable eiements, each provided with twelve fields of information, the fields can be individually combined with an external reference point (which may be an arrow printed on the front portion) in any one of 1728 ways. If a choice of twelve further fields of information or twelve reference points is provided on the front cover portion instead of a single arrow, the number of possible combinations rises to 20736.

In such a preferred embodiment the rotatable elements may attached the obverse (outer) surface of the front portion of the file so as to be entirely in view when the file is dosed. In another preferred embodiment the elements are attached to the reverse (inner) surface of the front portion of a file, one or more windows being provided in the front portion to enable the information to be read when the file is dosed.

In preferred embodiments comprising a set of three rotatable elements concentrically mounted on the reverse side of the front portion of a file either one of two configurations may be adopted. The element with the least diameter may be placed uppermost of the element with the second least diameter which in turn is placed above the element with the greatest diameter. Three windows are provided in the front portion which allow a field of information from each element to be viewed at the same time.

Alternatively, the order of mounting the rotatable elements may be reversed, windows being provided in the two larger elements for the purpose of exposing underlying fields of information. Viewing through an arrangement of windows in the front portion as before. This second configuration may be preferred to the first in certain applications because individual manipulation of the rotatable elements is more readily effected.

The second configuration also permits indicia or data to be provided on the reverse surface of the rotatable elements (this being the surface uppermost when the file is open) for the purpose of bringing the elements into a desired or random alignment, the alignment being such that the necessary superimposition of windows is achieved and the underlying fields of information revealed through the windows in the front portion the operation being, so to speak, blind.

Rotatable elements can be equipped with knurled or otherwise uneven edges which edges will further assist in their individual manipulation. It is also possible to identify and manipulate a smaller underlying element by touch, but the facility of intentional or random alignment of the elements would require the provision of windows in the larger disk and little would be gained in such circumstances.

For the enthusiastic gardener already mentioned combinations of circular shaped rotatable elements, with or without windows, can be used to provide a guide to when to sow seeds, plant out seedlings, etc. Other possible applications for the window version include a telephone directory (the numbers selected by a sponsor or group of sponsors - the shopkeepers, service providers and restaurant owners in a local High Street, for example or written in personally by the consumer) or a calendar. The latter might be used in conjunction with a memory jogger for birthdays and anniversaries.

The rotatable elements can also be adapted to provide a form of astrological or prediction of the kind found in the popular press and it is in respect of this particular embodiment, perhaps, that the facility for a random setting is of most value. In a particularly preferred embodiment the rotatable elements may be used to provide a random selection, which may be thought by some to have a mystical significance, of lottery participation numbers.

Embodiments of the present aspect are possible in which simple mechanical constructions are provided by combining rotatable elements with other rotatable elements. In a most preferred embodiment movement of an arm projecting from the side edge of the back portion can, by a system of levers, bring about an upward and downward movement in a display portion positioned just below (or just above) the upper edge of the file. As with certain other embodiments of the present aspect, such a device may have as a primary object the amusement of the person owning the file and of such other persons as may be nearby.

Embodiments of the present aspect falling within the second category may use the same or a similar rotary device for the purpose attaching a lower flap to a side flap so as to form a pocket, which pocket may or may not be furnished with gussets. In a particularlt preferred embodiment the rotary device is configured in such a way 2s to allow a degree of eccentric movement between the surfaces of the flaps following attachment. An attachment device which allows eccentric movement in flaps formed into a pocket invests the document file with aisinctive characteristic not previously seen in files made from paper-board and similar flexible materials. In such a particularly preferred embodiment in which gussets are also present the files have the soft, slightly mobile feel of a bundle of documents secured together by means of a "treasury tag" rather than that of a semi-rigid document file made from the same material but in the r;aditional manner. The two flaps (or three if present and similarly attached) are able to articulate to a limited degree in relation to each other and may do so when further documents are added, or when the documentary contents of the pocket are reviewed, or when the file is closed and turned on end preparatory to being placed upon a shelf or moved to another location. This distinctive behaviour, which may be characterised notionally or otherwise as the file "settling", may also be in evidence when the file, in a three flap version, is turned on its side preparatory to being placed in a suspended file of a filing cabinet.

The effect of the file "settling" is particularly noticeable when the contents of the pocket are at or close to capacity. The eccentric movement between the flaps allows the lower gusset portion to assume a flat plane when the file is upended while the side gusset continues in section to form the two sides of a "V" as if the file was at half capacity. In such a mode the file is able to sit comfortably upon a shelf. The physical differences between the lower and side gussets would appear to be a consequence of the absorption to a material extent by the eccentric mechanism of the sagging and bulging effect to which a lower flap is prone when weighed down by the contents of the pocket, to which reference has already been made. The eccentric movement does not, however, interfere with the slideable and/or pivotal engagement with an edge of a slot in the front portion of a projecting element provided in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention.

A rotary device which allows a degree of eccentric movement between flaps but at the same time provides a secure means of attachment between them must be configured with precision. While, theoretically, the tabs comprising the male element may extend well beyond the edge of the aperture comprising the female element so as to obviate any possibility of them becoming accidentally disengaged, in practice regard has to be had to the difficulty of manually manipulating the tabs into place and the dimensions of the portion in which they are provided. In many preferred embodiments, accordingly, the distal ends of the tabs may barely extend beyond the edge of the aperture.

In a most particularly preferred embodiment account is taken of a further factor which i portion of a file to the back pOrtiOn. The presence of such an attachment device is beneficial when the contents of a file are at or near capacity and/or the file is to be stood on end, for example on a shelf. In certain embodiments the function of the device is limited to attaching the front and back portions, in other embodiments a display portion may also be incorporated. In the latter case a plurality of such devices may be mounted on the same male component, the user thereby being given a choice as to which device to display.

An alternative means of attaching the front portion to the back portion may be employed which makes use of the tab lying in the seven o'clock position to which reference has already been made. If this tab is lengthened as well as widened it becomes more easily manipulatabie. In preferred embodiments a complementary slot is provided in the front portion of the file. When necessary the tab is passed through the slot, its further end lying over the front portion when the file is closed and inhibiting it from accidentally opening.

Files generally in accordance with this invention may be provided, by way of an accessory item, with one or more non-integral dividers the size of which may be marginally smaller than the plan sizes o: the front and back portions.

Where a plurality of dividers is provided the upper and/or one side of the dividers may be die-cut and shaped in such fashion as to provide an index.

Such dividers and other accessory items mas be secured in position by attachment by means of apertures incorporated into a spine or a fold forming a flap or gusset portion and need not necessarily be made from the same material as the remainder of the file.

According to a fifth aspect of this invention there is provided an item of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to act as a container, the piece being generally rectangular in shape and comprising a back portion, the back portion being accompanied by either one or both of the following features: (1) a lower flap and a side flap, the lower and side flaps respectively extending from the lower and side edges of the back portion, a line or lines of fold being provided along the line of and/or parallel to and outwardly of each of the said edges, each flap being folded inwardly so as to lie in front of the back portion in use, a pocket being thereby created, at least one flap being provided with one or more apertures defining a female element, which aperture or apertures may lie between, adjacent to or intersect a said line or lines of fold, a further portion of material being separately provided and attachable to the container by means of one or more "T" shaped or hook shaped or other shaped tabs defining a male element, the tab or tabs extending from an outer edge of the separately provided portion and adapted to be inserted into a said aperture or apertures and secured in position, the separately provided portion lying either substantially within or substantially without the container in use; (2) a front portion, the front portion being separated from the back portion by a line or lines of fold, one or more apertures defining a female element being provided between, adjacent to or intersecting a line or lines of fold lying between the front portion and the back portion; a further portion of material being separately provided and attachable to the container by means of one or more T" shaped or hook shaped or other shaped tabs defining a male element, the tab or tabs extending from an outer edge of the separately provided portion and adapted to be inserted into a said aperture or apertures and secured in position, the separately provided portion lying either substantially within or substantially without the container in use.

Embodiments of this aspect may comprise only a back portion from which flaps are extended to form a pocket. More usually a front portion is also present to provide a cover for the file which can be opened and closed as required.

In a preferred embodiment of this aspect one or more dividers are each provided with a matching pair of"T" shaped or hook shaped or other shaped tabs which tabs are passed through apertures provided along an edge of the file and protrude beyond it so as to be visible when the file is closed. The tabs may be configured so as to have a relatively narrow neck portion beyond which a wider portion prevents them from slipping back through the respective apertures. Such tabs may be designed in such a way as to enhance the appearance overall of the file when it is dosed. Themes appropriate to the design of and/or applied decoration to other parts of the file may be evoked.

A file generally designed to reflect support for a particular football team, for example, might be supplied with dividers equipped with tabs shaped as a football.

In another preferred embodiment a file pocket is provided which lies on the left-hand side of the file when it is open. The pocket is formed by folded flaps attached to each other by a tab and slot mechanism or other means. Pockets adapted to lie on the right hand side of the file may also be provided. With lateral folds across the bases of the necks of the tabs at the point of insertion through the apertures in the spine it is possible for a left-hand pocket and right-hand dividers or a right-hand pocket to be added to a file at the same time.

As previously indicated, embodiments are possible in which a plurality of portions adapted to act as dividers is provided, the upper and/or side edges of the dividers being die-cut so as to provide an index to the contents of the file. In a most preferred embodiment an T' shaped pocket is present. A set of such dividers (typically four in number, although a lesser or greater number are possible) is provided which dividers are secured to the file by means of tabs inserted through apertures placed along a fold line forming part of a side gusset. In use the dividers proper lie within the pocket. In a particularly preferred embodiment the side flap is tapered so as to facilitate the raising of the upper left-hand corner of one or more of the dividers so as to review, or at least ascertain the nature of the documents lying between them. In such an embodiment the respective dimensions of the tabs, the width and length of the neck in particular, and the aperture are critical to the function of the divider. In an embodiment made from 350 gsm paper-board a tab with a neck which is 5 mm wide and 15 mm long which is inserted through an aperture with a diameter of 25 mm has been found to work well, a single tab being able to move within the aperture to a limited extent and there being room for as many as eight tabs in a single aperture. The number of tabs able to be accommodated within an aperture is one of the determining factors in the number of dividers which can be present.

A preferred configuration for tabs providing means of attachment for dividers is one in which a pair of tabs are provided along the edge of a divider, one tab being close to the upper end of the edge and the other being dose to the lower end. It is possible for further tabs to be placed between the hs o tabs but in the general run of file embodiments little purpose would appear to be served thereby. It is also possible for the positioning of tabs on the different dividers to vary from one divider to another. In the preferred configuration the two tabs are similarly placed on each divider and are adapted to engage with apertures separated by the same distance as the tabs, the relevant measurements being taken from the base of the neck of each tab and the respective bottom edge of each aperture. Where, as will be the case sith many embodiments of the invention in its various aspects, more than hço apertures are present in a line of apertures of similar shape and size, the -er may be able to choose which pair of apertures is selected to receive the tabs. According to which pair of apertures is chosen the position of the dividers will move upwardly or downwardly relative to the portion in which the apertures are incorporated.

In the prior art a plurality of dividers adapted to act as an index to the matter lymg between them are provided with die-cut edges, the individual tab portions along the edges being substantially rectangular in shape. The index tabs may be provided along an upper edge but are more usually to be found along a side edge. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention dividers are provided with irregularly shaped tabs or tabs incorporating individually shaped apertures along an upper edge of the dividers representative of the general theme of the file and of the contents as subdivided. Tabs may be shaped to depict popular cartoon characters, prominent sportsmen, politicians, symbols and objects. Such tabs may be additionally lettered to indicate the matter to which the divider relates, and may be supplemented by further tabs along a side edge which further tabs Ir2y be shaped, coloured and lettered in a manner corresponding with the of the tabs along the upper edge. Where tabs form a distinctive feature of a file, embodiments of this invention possess an important advantage in that the means whereby the dividers are attached to a file (by the insertion of pairs of tabs through complementary apertures provided, for example, in a side gusset) may allow alternative positioning in the manner previously described. In this way a set of dividers can be positioned so that the customized index tabs along their upper edges are visible above the upper edge of the file even when it is closed. Such an arrangement might be thought appropriate to a file which is in constant use and is lying on a desk top or table. If and when the file is put away on a shelf the dividers can be lowered so that the index tabs are concealed between the covers of the file.

The neck portion of a tab requires to be of sufficient length to permit easy insertion (generally in common with other like tabs) into the receiving aperture but must not be so long as to allow the attached divider to hang from the apertures in such a way that its edge is at a substantial angle from the vertical. In an embodiment constructed from paper-board of 350 gsm weight it has been found that an arrangement in which the edge of the divider proper buts up against the portion into which the apertures are incorporated along its entire length is unsatisfactory in use on account of a tendency for the two portions to bind against each other. Where a number of dividers are present, moreover, the result of too tight a fit between the dividers and the remainder of the file is to make the dividers less mobile and to make the file generally more rigid than is desirable. The invention provides a solution to this problem in a preferred embodiment in which shoulder-like elements are incorporated into the edges of the dividers. These shoulder-like elements lie on the opposite side of the neck to the tab and ensure that the divider stands off from the portion into which the apertures are incorporated along the greater part of its edge. In a preferred embodiment the width of a shoulder-like element may correspond to the distance between the nearest edges of the apertures on either side of the aperture through which the tab is inserted.

In a further group of embodiments of the present aspect of the invention the facility for engaging tabs with apertures along the edges of a file generally in accordance with the invention is made use of to attach a display portion or similar portion to a file in such a way that it lies outermost of the file.

In a most preferred embodiment a display portion elongate in shape is attached to the spine or another edge of a file so as to lie outwardly of the file when it is closed. An elongate plaque attached in this way takes on an appearance somewhat in the manner of a horizontal or vertical banner. Such a plaque provides an alternative or additional means for labelling the file in a way which is highly visible when the file is laid upon a desk or placed upon a shelf with others of its kind. As with projecting elements separately provided in accordance with the third aspect of the invention and index tabs attached to dividers provided in accordance with the present aspect, banner type plaques may be offered in a variety of shapes and size bearing wording or indicating in a visual and/or symbolic way the nature of the contents of the file. Such a plaque may incorporate the means for the attachment of a piece of separately provided material on which the requlsite information or graphic is placed.

The means of attachment of a banner type plaque to the outside of a file are similar to those used for the attachment of accessory pockets and dividers within a file. The same apertures may be used and the tabs with which the plaques are provided may be identical in shape and size to those of concurrently or separately attached pockets and dividers.

A banner shaped plaque attached to a file destined to be stored in a suspended file in a filing cabinet may be more appropriately attached to the file by way of apertures along the line of the fold creating the side flap, which flap may or may not incorporate a gusset. Where the file is in a three flap configuration the appropriate place of attachment may be the spine fold. Side flap and spine folds also provides a suitable fixing point for accessory items such as jotters, calculators, pen and pencil "tidies" and photo mountings. Such items may also bear inspirational mottoes. They mav represent a useful adjunct to a file which is in day-to-day use and is kept on a desk top. This can be the case, for example, with a file used in connection with a school project.

Accessory items may be provided with hook shaped rather than 'T" shaped tabs enabling them to be easily transferred from one file to another.

"T" shaped tabs provide a more secure means of attachment than hook shaped tabs and when the tabs lie outermost of the file when the cover is dosed would seem to be more satisfying in design terms. Although not very difficult to insert into the apertures, 'T" shaped tabs are, however, less easily removed. Hook shaped tabs may, accordingly, comprise a more suitable means of attachment for accessory items intended to pass from file to file rather than to stay permanently with one particular file.

In a most preferred embodiment the apertures are circular in shape. Elliptical and other shapes of aperture are also possible, however. Apertures may, for exam?le, be diamond shaped, keyhole shaped or square shaped. In the case where the aperture intersects the line of a fold a square aperture is less preferred on account of its propensity to allow a tab to move inwardly from the outer edge of the portion into which the aperture is incorporated.

Apertures which are diamond shaped or keyhole shaped or inverted teardrop shaped or circular shaped (provided, perhaps, with a notch at the lowermost point) in effect act as a self-cent:ring repository for tabs and the possibility that accessories will take on a lop-sided position following attachment is lessened.

In the art files stored in a suspended file in a filing cabinet are identified by a raised display portion attached to the outer file, the outer file (and associated display portion) remaining in situ when the inner file is removed. The means of attachment of a raised display portion to an outer file varies but does not utilise oppositely extending tabs in the manner hereinafter described. The system generally employed for identifying an inner file (which is likely to be a "file insert" of the kind already discussed) is for the name of the file to be written along an outer edge, the fold dividing the front and back portions being offset to one side by, typically, 10 mm for this purpose. Often a single outer file will hold a plurality of inner files the contents of which relate to different aspects of the same subject. It would be convenient for such inner files to be provided with a means of identification in the form of a raised display portion. A plaque attachment system of the kind now disclosed will enable an individual inner file to be readily located and replaced. The same or a similar attachment system can be used for the attachment of a raised plaque to a file wallet which is be stored in a suspended file, and is particularly suitable where the wallet is made from a material such as polypropylene which can not be easily hand-lettered. A similarly configured device can also be used in connection with dividers in place of integral portions which have been die-cut so as to provide an index.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided an item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to act as a container, the piece being generally rectangular in shape and comprising a back portion, the back portion being accompanied by one or more of the following features: (1) a lower flap and a side flap, the lower and side flaps'respectively extending from the lower and side edges of the back portion, a line or lines of fold being provided along the line of and/or parallel to and outwardly of each of the said edges, each flap being folded inwardly so as to lie in front of the back portion in use, a pocket being thereby created, a separately provided display portion adapted to convey information incorporating means of attachment to the back portion or a flap, the means of attachment comprising a pair of oppositely extending tabs incorporated into either the separately provided display portion or the back portion or flap, the tabs being inserted through an elongate slot (or each through a respective one of a pair of elongate slots) incorporated into the respective other portion so as to slidably engage therewith.

(2) a front portion, the front portion being separated from the back portion by a line or lines of fold, a separately provided display portion adapted to convey information incorporating means of attachment to the front portion or back portion, the means of attachment comprising a pair of oppositely extending tabs incorporated into either the separately provided display portion or the front or back portion, the tabs being inserted through an elongate slot (or each through a respective one of a pair of elongate slots) incorporated into the respective other portion so as to slidably engage therewith (3) a portion adapted to act a divider for the contents or a part of the contents of the container, the divider lying either within a pocket as described in (1) above or between the back portion and a front portion as described in (2) above, a separately provided display portion adapted to convey information incorporating means of attachment to the divider, the means of attachment comprising a pair of oppositely extending tabs incorporated into either the separately provided display portion or the divider, the tabs being inserted through an elongate slot (or each through a respective one of a pair of elongate slots) incorporated into the respective other portion so as to slidably engage therewith.

Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may relate to a file provided only with a back portion. Usually a front portion will also be present providing the file with a front cover. In certain applications the separately provided display portion slidably engages not with the front or back portion of the file proper but with a slot or slots placed in a divider. It is possible for a file to be provided with a back portion fro e which flaps are extended to form a pocket, one or more dividers being place within the pocket. In preferred embodiments a front portion acting as a cover for the file which can be opened or dosed is also present.

A display portion in accordance with this aspect of the invention is able to move along a slot or slots in such a way that it does not obscure the view of the information conveyed by a display portion attached to a nearby file. In preferred embodiments a single slot extends along an outer edge of an A 4 / foolscap file insert, the placing and extent of the slot being largely determined by the shape and length of the tab. No purpose is served by the tab extending beyond either end of the edge 0? the file insert. In a preferred embodiment in which an A 4 / foolscap file insert is made from a light weight material a slot extending along the edge (approximately 350 mm in length) is subdivided into two co-linear slots separated by a short distance. In this way the risk of the slot gaping open and de-stabilising the identification tab is reduced. In either arrangement a display portion which is 80 mm in length can be located in any one of four positions which do not overlap. Where the slot is subdivided into two separate slots it is necessary to transfer the display portion to the second slot if neither of the hs-o positions selected in the first slot turns out to be suitable by reason of other adjacent files being provided with display portions in a similar location. Individual optional positions for the display portion can be physically indicated by the incorporation of notches or cuts along the slot and/or visually indicated by printed indicia.

In a preferred embodiment in which a file wallet requires to be identified, the slot or slots is placed along a line parallel to a fold forming a spine between the back portion and the front cover portion.

The sides of a slot or slots need not necessarily be contiguous. The oppositely extending tabs are more readily engaged and more easily slide if there is a small gap between the edges of the slot and such an arrangement is particularly suitable where the material of which either or both file and display portion are made is semi-rigid, polypropylene for example. In embodiments in which maximum stability for the display portion is required and/or in which the location of the slot is sone distance from the outer edge (which may be a folded edge) above which the display portion is to appear, a pair of parallel elongate slots is preferred to a single slot.

In a most preferred embodiment additional tab-like elements capable of being gripped between finger and thumb are incorporated into the display portion for the purpose of manipulating it into a desired position along the slot. Such addition tab-like elements may be positioned below and clear of the oppositely extending tabs.

Display portions in accordance with the present aspect may be provided with printed lettering, or with an area suitable for hand-lettering or a pewritten lettering, or with means for the attachment of a piece of separately provided material.

Display portions in accordance with the present aspect may be of rectangular or another shape which other shape may contribute to the visual impact of the display portion. Used as a form of character merchandising display portions can be supplied in individually packaged sets. Such a form of marketing may be particularly suited to display portions supplied for use in connection with dividers constructed in accordance with the fifth aspect of the invention. In the context of an A 4 format upright file a display portion may be slidably attached to a divider so that it may occupy any one o- a plurality of positions along the upper edge of the divider which upper edge is likely to be of the order of 210 mm in length. The means of attachment may be such either that the display portion is able to slide along the upper edge or move upwards and downwards in relation to the upper edge and at an angle of 90 degrees thereto. In the latter instance the display portion may be fully retractable so as to be able to be positioned below the upper edge.

Since a slot extending across the top of a divider is likely to be shorter than a slot extending across the side of a file insert, and given that the material from which a divider is made is likely to be of a heavier weight than that appropriate to a file insert, it follows that there is relatively little zo be gained by subdivision of the slot across the top of the divider into two cc-linear slots.

The case for providing parallel slots which may improve the stability of the display portions may, however, be more compelling.

Display portions in accordance with the present aspect of the invention may, at the user's option, overlap other similar display portions to a greater extent than would be thought appropriate for the display portions forming an index which are die-cut and permanently fixes in position at the manufacturing stage. In a preferred embodiment relating to an A 4 size file up to eight separately provided display portions may be placed across the top of a similar number of dividers, a consideranle amount of overlapping of the display portions taking place. The attraction of such an embodiment is that the decision as to what degree of overlapping of the display portions is acceptable is left to the user.

In a most preferred embodiment a set of dividers is provided with a retractable display portion for each divider. The configuration is such that when a display portion is in its lowest pos'tion its uppermost edge lies in line with, or slightly below, the upper edge ot the divider. In this mode, even if the display portion remains visible, it can be seen to be clearly non-active.

The facility for up and down movement of the display portion may be utilised to position it either above the u??er edge of the divider but in line with or below the upper edge of the front and back portions of the file (so that the display portion is not visible when the file is closed), or above the upper edge of the file proper. Where, for example, four display portions are attached to four separate dividers and the points of attachment are staggered, it is possible for all four display portions to be visible when the file is closed. This may be the preferred configuration when the file is in day-today use, the display portions being lowered if and when the file is placed on a shelf. Such display portions may comprise an interesting visual feature in their own right, so that the user of the file is glad to have them in view whether the file is open or closed. They array also provide an indication of the contents of the file or (where they are along the lines of "Action!", "Pending", "Filing" and "Trash!") of the status of the contents, according to which display portion is visible.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the kind described in the preceding paragraph a set of dividers is provided each one of which incorporates as many pairs of elongate slots as there is room across the top for display portions. In another particularly preferred embodiment each divider is provided with only one pair of slots, the slots placed in a different position on each divider. The advantage of the former arrangement lies in the saving in the cost of production which results from not having to have separate cutting formes for each divider and collating them at the packaging stage.

In a particularly preferred embodiment in which four retractable tabs are positioned along the respective upper edges of a set of four dividers, each divider being provided with only one pair of slots, a fixed position die-cut index tab is also placed along each of the respective side edges, the side tab of one divider not overlapping the side tab of another.

In a most particularly preferred embodiment of the present aspect side tabs of the kind referred to in the preceding paragraph are readily distinguishable from each other. Such side tabs may be colour coded and/or carry an applied image and/or provided with an aperture and/or a projecting edge shaped in such a way as to correspond with the respective one of the retractable tabs.

A principal purpose of many of the embodiments of the invention in its various aspects which have been described above is to furnish the user with a document file and a range of accessories which can to be put together without the use of glue or any other extraneous agency in a number of possible configurations, giving the user the final choice.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how it may be put into effect, certain known containers in the nature of docurnent files and certain preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are grouped to show features of the aspects in the same order as that followed above.

In the majority of cases the drawings show plan views of pieces of flexible material before and after assembly into a container in accordance with the invention. The container depicted is generally one which is suitable for filing documents and other matter but may also be able to be used for other products. In certain instances only a detail of the item is shown. Except where stated to the contrary, the reverse side of the sheet of material of which the container is comprised is indicated by hatching. Lines of foid which are indicated by solid black dots are "mountain" folds. A mountain fold is one in which the direction of folding from the point of view of the folder is such as to leave the surfaces on either side of the fold facing outwardly of each other.

*Lines of fold which are indicated by dots with holes in them are "valley" folds, a valley fold being one in which the direction of folding from the point of view of the folder leaves the surfaces on either side of the fold facing inwardly. The material from which the containers illustrated are made is gene rally paper-board of approximately 350 gsm weight. The containers illustrated are in most cases ca?able of being produced from a stock sheet of such material of SRA 2 (450 mm by 640 mm) size and are drawn to a scale slightly in excess of one quarter. The constructions illustrated can, however, be produced from other grades of paper-board and from other flexible materials and in other sizes.

The numbering scheme which has been adopted assigns to each figure three numbers. The first number relates to the aspect of the invention to which the figure is directed. The second number denominates the individual construction and the third number individual drawings in relation to the construction. A reference to a construction by its first and second numbers includes any individual drawings relating to the construction, if more than one.

FIGURES 1.1 to 1.6 respectively illustrate containers comprising document files of unitary construction and which are of a traditional kind and form part of the prior art; FIGURE 1.1 shows a single sheet of rectangular flexible material which is folded once to produce a container open at both ends of the kind known as a "file insert". Such an item is generally used in conjunction with a suspended file an provides minimal containment for documents on its own; FIGURE 1.2 shows a file with two flaps comprising a lower flap and a side flap which when folded against the back (cover) portion form an "E shaped pocket; FIGURE 1.3 shows a file with three flaps comprising a lower, side and upper flap, which when folded form z 'V" shaped pocket; FIGURE 1.4 shows a file with a 'E" shaped pocket of the kind known as a "wallet". This item is provided with three flaps each of which incorporate parallel folds which create inwardly folding portions acting as gussets on the lower, upper and side edges the pocket. Parallel folds are also provided on either side of the fold dividing the front cover from the back cover so as to create an outwardly folding spine the width of which effectively expands with the volume of contents; FIGURE 1.5 shows a file with a 'E" shaped pocket with inwardly folding gussets incorporated into the lower and side flaps. An outwardly folding spine is present. Some form of permanent attachment behs-een the flaps is required for the gussets to operate; FIGURE 1.6 shows a similar file to that depicted in the preceding figure with outwardly folding gussets; FIGURES 1.7 to 1.18 show embodiments of the first aspect of the invention; FIGURE 1.7 shows a file provided with two flaps and a plurality of apertures along the line of fold dividing the front portion from the back portion. The effect of these apertures is to provide a line of weakness along the line of the fold; FIGURE 1.8 shows a similarly configured file to that depicted in the preceding figure in which apertures are also incorporated into the folds lying between the back portion and the respective lower and side flaps; FIGURE 1.9 shows a file provided with a lower flap in which is provided an elongate aperture, the aperture so configured as to allow portions of documents within the pocket created by the flaps to be visible through a plurality of holes in the front portion when the file is closed. The holes in the front portion are so placed as to overlie the elongate aperture when the file is dosed; Figure 1.10 shows a file provided with two flaps and a plurality of apertures about lines parallel to the lines fold lying between the respective flaps and the back portion and about lines parallel to the line of fold dividing the front portion from the back portion. The effect of these apertures is allow portions of documents with the pocket to be visible when the file is dosed; FIGURE 1.11 shows a file similar to that depicted at Figure 1.7 in which, however, the side flap is tapered so as to enhance the accessibility and view of the contents when the file is open; FIGURE 1.12 shows a file provided with lower and side flaps together with outwardly folding gussets configured in a manner similar to those depicted in Figure 1.6; FIGURE 1.13 shows a file in which apertures are incorporated into the gussets thereby providing a line of weakness along the centremost fold of each gusset and allowing the contents of the file to be partially visible when the file is dosed. The spine of the file is similarly configured; FIGURE 1.14 shows a three flap version of the preceding figure in which "U" shaped pocket is provided; FIGURE 1.15 shows a file in which asymmetric apertures shaped to represent (with adjacent applied design) the word "FILE" have been incorporated into the areas adjoining the fold dividing the front and back portions; FIGURE 1.16 shows a similarly configured file to that depicted in the preceding figure in which the word "FILE" is produced in part by apertures formed by cuts and cutouts, the effect of folding being the leave portions of the material in situ and projecting outwardly from the left hand edge of the file; FIGURE 1.17 shows another version of the file depicted in the two preceding figures in which the apertures are formed by cuts and the effect of folding and not by totally enclosed cutouts in the flat stock; FIGURE 1.18 shows a modified form of the file depicted in Figure 1.12 in which the lower and side flaps have been respectively re-configured so as to conceal from view areas of the reverse surfaces of the back portion and side gusset; FIGURE 2.1 shows an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention. In this embodiment a file is provided with a lower and side flap and outwardly folding gussets. A pair of oppositely extending tabs are incorporated into the side flap which tabs are adapted to slidably engage with a pair of parallel slots in the lower flap. the two flaps being able to slide ouhs-ardly in relation to each other as the volume of the contents of the file increases; FIGURES 3.1 to 3.30 show embodiments of the third aspect of the invention; FIGURE 3.1 shows a file provided with a lower flap and a side flap, a projecting element being extended from and integral with the lower flap, the lower edge of the element being adapted to slid ably engage with the bottom of a slot in the front portion. Although the file in question does not have gussets the projecting element will give useful support if the pocket is overloaded, provided that the flaps are attached to each other in some way; FIGURES 3.2 and 3.3 show files respectively incorporating inward and outward folding gussets, the lower flap of each file is equipped with a projecting element which is integral therewith; FIGURES 3.4 to 3.8 show various configurations in which a projecting element is integral with the lower flap and has an enlargement at its extremity; FIGURES 3.9 to 3.23 show various configurations in which a projecting element is incorporated which is not integral with the flap from which it is extended but instead is provided with optional means of attachment thereto; FIGURES 3.24 to 3.27 show configurations in which projecting elements return along and outwardly of the surface of the front portion; FIGURE 3.28 shows a projecting element adapted to attach the back portion to the front portion to maintain the file in a closed state; FIGURE 3.29 shows example of the modifications which may be made to exclude an unwanted view of a particular portion; FIGURE 3.30 shows a slot configuration in which a section functioning as a flap is incorporated; FIGURES 4.1 to 4.23 show further embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention in addition to those already illustrated at Figures 3.9 to 3.12 and Figures 3.15 and 3.16, supra; FIGURES 4.1 to 4.3 show devices incorporating display portions arranged in the manner of radial arms extending from a rotatable element; FIGURES 4.4 to 4.10 show devices comprising circular shaped rotatable elements which are attached to a file, the elements being provided with fields of information which can be juxtaposed with other fields of information or indicia; FIGURE 4.11 shows a file provided with an arrangement in which a portion capable of rotation is attached to further similar portions, the effect of the device being to raise and lower a display portion attached to the back portion, manual means of adjustment being provided; FIGURES 4.12 to 4.20 show examples of rotary attachment mechanisms induding those which allow eccentric movement between the attached portions. A number of the figures illustrate the operation of such devices when utilised as a means of attachrnent of one flap to another; FIGURES 4.21 to 4.23 illustrate the manner in which rotary attachment devices providing means of attachment of one flap to another can also serve as a mounting for display portions; FIGURE 4.24 shows a configuration in which a rotary flap attachment device also provides means for the attachment of the front portion to the lower flap and back portion; FIGURES 5.1 to 5.23 show embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention; FIGURES 5.1 to 5.4 show various separately provided pockets and dividers which are provided with "T" shaped tabs enabling them to be optionally attached to a file by means of insertion of the tabs through apertures along the line of a fold separating the front portion from the back portion. The manner in which dividers can be provided with index display portions is indicated; FIGURES 5.5 to 5.8 illustrate the manner in which a set of dividers can be optionally attached to the file by means of insertion of "T" shaped tabs into apertures lying along a line of fold of the ldnd forming a gusset to a side flap; FIGURES 5.9 to 5.13 provide detailed drawings showing the manner in which tabs incorporated into separately provided pockets and dividers engage with apertures lying along the line of a fold in the file proper; FIGURE 5.14 shows a configuration in which shoulder shaped portions are incorporated into the means of attachrnent of a separately provided portion to ensure that it stands away from the other portion in use; FIGURE 5.15 shows a configuration in which the manner of attachment of a set of dividers is able to be varied so that the index display portions either project above the upper edge of the front portion of a file, or are hidden behind it, according to choice; FIGURES 5.16 and 5.17 shows constructions in which dividers are attached to a file by means of tabs inserted into apertures place in portions on either side of the file; FIGURES 5.18 to 5.23 illustrate the manner in which separately provided display portions provided with "T" or hook shaped tabs can be attached to a file in such a way as to lay outwardly of a file in the manner of banners in use. These display portions can be positioned along the spine of the file or along the side or upper edges according to requirements; FIGURES 6.1 to 6.16 show embodiments of the sixth aspect of the invention; FIGURES 6.1 to 6.3 show non-pocket constructions similar to the file insert type depicted in Figure 1.1, supra. In the embodiments illustrated a single or a pair of elongate slots are provided along the outer edge of the back portion. Display portions incorporating oppositely extending tabs adapted to slidably engage with the slot or slots are shown; FIGURE 6.4 shows a similar device adapted for the purpose of providing an index display portion for a file divider; FIGURE 6.5 shows a display portion in which provision is made for the display of information provided on a further portion of material; FIGURE 6.6 shows a file of the wallet type provided with a toT shaped pocket in which 2 pair of parallel elongate slots, the respective sides of which are not contiguous, are provided. The display portion in this embodiment is provided with two pairs of oppositely extending tabs, the bases of each pair of tabs not being co-linear a further tab-like element being provided for the purpose of manipulating the display portion into a desired position; FIGURES 6.7 to 6.12 show file dividers provided with display portions adapted to slide upwardly and downwardly at an angle of 90 degrees to the upper edge; FIGURES 6.13 and 6.14 show similar arrangements incorporated into a file insert; and FIGURES 6.15 and 6.16 show sideways sliding display portions for use in connection with file dividers and file wallets.

The drawings will now be described in more detail.

FIGURE 1.1 shows a known construction of the kind some mews referred to as a "file insert", viewed from the reverse side. In this construction a sheet of rectangular flexible material is folded along the line of a fold 1 to produce a container for documents open on three sides. For permanent storage purposes such a container is usually placed within a larger suspended file in a filing cabinet. The item is provided with additional pre-set creases 3 and 5 parallel to the first mentioned fold for the purpose of forming a spine if the volume of contents so requires. The portico s on either side of fold 1 which are identified by the numerals 7 and 9 are not of equal size. When fold 1 is activated the front portion 7 overlies the bazk portion 9 leaving a small strip of the inner surface of the back portior. exposed to view. This strip is customarily used as a surface for hand-writren words describing the contents of the file but is less in evidence when folds 3 and 5 are activated and a spine is formed. In the first drawing of the figure. and in drawings of other figures which follow, a rectangular broken line 1 shows the size of a sheet of material of SRA 2 size (450 mm by 640 mm and a second smaller rectangular broken line 13 shows the size of a sheet of material of A 4 size (210 mm by 297 mm) in relation to the item described.

FIGURE 1.2 shows a know construction comprising a rectangular file with two flaps namely a lower flap 15 and a side ilap 17. The flaps are respectively created by folds 19 and 21. When folded against the back (cover) portion 23 these flaps form an "L" shaped pocket. A ront (cover) portion 25 is created by a further fold 27. When the file is closed and the front portion overlies the back portion containment for documents is provided on three sides, the file being open along the forth side. The rectangular broken line indicating the SR 2 sheet of material on which such a file might be provided indicates that the dimensions of the flaps are the maximum possible in relation to contents of A 4 size. Allowance has been made, it rnev be noted, for a grip edge along one side of the SRA sheet and smaller marg s along the other three sides.

FIGURE 1.3 shows a known construction comprising a file with three flaps, namely a lower, side and upper flaps respectively numbered 29, 31 and 33, which when folded form a "U" shaped pocket and with the front (cover) portion provides total containment for documents. The back and front (cover) portions are identified by the numerals 33 and 37. It will be noted from the rectangular broken lines that for such an item to be produced on an SRA 2 sheet the width of the upper and lower flaps 29 and 33 has to be restricted and the width of each flap is less than the width of the lower flap 15 in the preceding figure. This reduction in the width effectively restricts the volume of documents which the file is able to contain in the absence of some form of attachment (such as glue, stapling or a tab and slot device) of one flap to another.

FIGURE 1.4 shows a known construction comprising a file with a '1J" shaped pocket of the kind known as a "wallet". This item is provided with three flaps 39, 41 and 43. Each flap incorporates one or a pair of parallel folds, those of the lower flap~are identified by the numbers 45 and 47, those of the side flap by the numbers r9, 51 and 53 and those of the upper flap by the numbers 55 and 57. The folds create inwardly folding portions acting as gussets on the lower, upper and side edges the pocket. Parallel folds, 59 and 61 are also provided on either side of the fold 63 separating the front cover 63 from the back cover 67 so as to create an outwardly folding spine the width of which effectively expands with the volume of contents. It will be noted that, given a sheet of stock of SRA 2 size, and even allowing for the more generous dimensions of the file, the provision of gussets further reduces the maximum width of the upper and lower flaps. The extent of the reduction is such that even taking no account of the operational needs of the gussets, the upper and lower flaps 39 and 43 will require to be glued or otherwise permanently attached to the side flap 41. The side flap 41 is provided with hs o narrow portions, 69 and 71, which are folded inwardly and respectively glued (obverse surface to obverse surface) to similarly shaped portions 73 and 75 forming parts of upper and lower flaps 39 and 43. In the result the file is provided with three inwardly folded gussets.

The expressions "inwardly" and "outwardly" are used here to distinguish a combination of folds and which place a portion forming or contributing to a gusset within the back and front (cover) portions from a combination of folds which leaves a portion forming a gusset outward of the cover portions. In the second drawing of Figure 1.4, showing a perspective view of the assembled file, one of the three inwardly folded gussets 77 and a spine 79 can be seen.

FIGURE 1.5 shows a file not in accordance with the present invention in which a "U" shaped pocket is formed by a back portion 89 incorporating lower and side flaps 91 and 93 and a front portion 95. The file is provided with inwardly folding gussets incorporated into the lower and side flaps. An outwardly folding spine between the front and back portions is also present.

Some form of attachment (for example glue, staples or a tab and slot device) between the flaps 91 and 93 at or adjacent to the point (arrowed) identified by the numeral 97 is required for the gussets to operate.

FIGURE 1.6 shows a similar file to that depicted in the preceding figure (and also not in accordance with the present invention) in which a back portion 91 is provided with lower and side flaps 93 and 95, the flaps incorporating outwardly folding gussets created by parallel folds 97, 99 and 101, and 103, 105 and 107. A fold 109 separates the front portion 111 from the back portion 91. Parallel folds 113 and 115 on either side of fold 109, when activated, provide a spine. When the file is assembled and less than full and the front portion 111 overlies the back portion 91 the outwardly folding gusset portions are visible in the plan view. Attachirient is required at or adjacent to point (arrowed) 117 for the gussets to operate.

FIGURE 1.7 shows a file in accordance with the present invention in which the back portion 119 and a front portion 121, the two portions being of substantially rectangular and of similar size and shape. The back portion is provided with a lower flap 123 and a side flap 125, lines of fold 127 and 129 being provided along the lower and side edges of the back portion. A plurality of apertures 131 intersect the line of fold 133 separating the front portion from the back portion. The effect of these apertures is to provide a line of weakness in the portion of material lying along the fold line 133 so as to increase its flexibility and thereby to facilitate activation of the fold. The apertures are elliptic in shape and symmetrical about an axis which is colinear with the fold line 133. The flaps 123 and 123 are extended only along a part of the lower and side edges of the back portion 119. All the apertures are identical in size and shape and symmetrical about a common axis.

FIGURE 1.8 shows a similarly configured file to that depicted in the preceding figure in which further pluralities of apertures 133 and 137 intersect the fold lines 139 and 141 which lie between the back portion 143 and the lower and side flaps 145A and 145B. All the apertures are identical in size and shape and symmetrical about their respective axes.

FIGURE 1.9 shows a file provided with a back portion 147 and lower and side flaps 149A and 149B and a front portion 153. A plurality of circular apertures 155 is provided along a line parallel and adjacent to the line of fold 157 separating the front and back portions and a single aperture 159 is provided in the lower flap 149A along a line adjacent and parallel to the fold line 151A.

The aperture 159 is complemented by a plurality of apertures 161 in the front cover, the apertures 161 being largely superimposed over the aperture 159 when the container is closed so as to make the contents, if any, partially visible. The second drawing in the figure shows a diagrammatic view of the file when it is assembled and dosed with the front portion overlying the back portion. The configuration of the flaps is such that a portion of the reverse (inner) surface of the back portion 147 can be seen at a point 163 (arrowed) adjacent to the point at which the fold 151B creating the side flap 149B terminates at its lower end. All the apertures are identical in size and shape and symmetrical about their respective axes.

Figure 1.10 shows a file provided with a lower flap 167 and a side flap 169 which are extended from a back portion 171. Each flap incorporates a plurality of circular apertures 173 and 175, the apertures being arranged along lines parallel and adjacent to the lines of fold 177 and 179 creating the flaps. The front portion 181 is provided with a pluralities of circular apertures 183, 183 and 187, arranged along three lines parallel and adjacent to the line of fold 189 separating the front portion from the back portion. The effect of these apertures is allow portions of contents within the pocket to be visible when the file is dosed. All the apertures are identical in size and shape and symmetrical about their respective axes.

FIGURE 1.11 shows a file similar to that depicted at Figure 1.7 in which the side flap 191 is tapered so that its upper part is narrower than its lower part, the effect being to enhance the accessibility of the pocket and view of the contents when the file is open.

FIGURE 1.12 shows a file provided with lower and side flaps 193A and 193B extended from a back portion 195. The flaps each incorporate three parallel lines of fold, respectively 199, 201 and 203, and 205, 207 and 209, which folds form outwardly folding gussets similar to those depicted in Figure 1.6. The folds allow the distance between the back portion 195 and those portions of the flaps lying beyond the gussets to vary in accordance with the volume of contents of the container. The file is provided with a plurality bf apertures 197. the apertures intersecting the line of the fold 209 separating the back portion 195 from the front portion 211, these apertures being identical in size and shape and symmetrical about a common axis and fulfilling a similar function to those shown in Figure 1.7. The side flap 193B is tapered so as to enhance the accessibility and view of the contents. The second drawing of the figure provides a view of the inside of the file when it is Open. It can be seen that the configuration of the flaps 193A and 193B is such that a portion 213 of the reverse (inner) surface of the back portion 195 is visible at the point (arrowed) where the fold 205 creating the side flap terminates at its lower end. A portion 213 (arrowed) of the reverse side of a gusset portion (lying between folds 207 and 209) is also in evidence. For the gussets to operate the flaps must be attached to each other at or about point (arrowed) 217.

FIGURE 1.13 shows a file similar to that depicted in Figure 1.6. Each of the flaps is provided with a plurality of apertures, the apertures 235 of the lower flap 219 lying between fold lines 223 and 227 and intersecting fold line 225 and the apertures

FIGURE 1.15 shows a file in which four as,rnrnetric apertures 269, 271, 273 and 2end, shaped to represent (with adjacent applied design) the word "FILE" intersect the fold line 277 separating the front portion 279 from the back portion 281. The line of the fold line 277 is thereby weakened.

FIGURE 1.16 shows a somewhat similarly configured file to that depicted in the preceding figure in which the word "FILE" is produced by asymmetric apertures formed in part by cuts 283,285,287 and 289 and in part by cut-outs 291, 293, 295, and 297. The cuts are adjacent to fold line 299 and the cutouts are about fold line 299. Fold line 299 separates the front portion 301 from the back portion 303. The second drawing in the figure shows the effect of applied art and the third drawing shows how, when the fold line 299 is activated, portions surrounded by the cut and cut-out remain in situ and project outwardly from the left hand edge of the file. Again, the effect of the construction is to weaken the line of the fold line separating the front and back portions.

FIGURE 1.17 shows another somewhat similarly configured version of the file depicted in the two preceding figures. Asymmetric apertures 305, 307, 309 and 311 are formed by cuts and the effect of folding and not by totally enclosed cut-outs in the flat stock. The effect of the construction is to weaken the line of the fold line 313 separating the front and back portions 315 and 317.

FIGURE 1.18 shows a modified form of the file depicted in Figure 1.12. In this construction the side flap 319 has been extended from the back portion 321 in such a way that its lower edge is in line with the line of fold 323 which lies between the lower flap 325 and back portion 321. In this way the part identified by the numeral 213 of the reverse surface revealed by the construction illustrated at Figure 1.12 is no longer visible whether the file is open or closed. The curve at the top of the side flap 319 has also been reconfigured so as to conceal from view that part of the reverse surface of the gusset created by fold lines 327, 329 and 331 which is identified by the numera! 215 in Figure 1.12.

FIGURE 2.1 shows an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention. In this embodiment a file is provided with a lower flap 333 and a side flap 335 extended from a back portion 337. The flaps incorporate outwardly folding gussets created by parallel folds 339,341 and 343, and 345,347 and 349. A fold 351 separates the front portion 353 from the back portion 337. Parallel folds 355 and 357 on either side of fold 351, when activated, provide a spine. Two pairs of oppositely extending tabs 3D9 and 361 are incorporated into the side flap 335 which tabs are adapted to slidably engage with a pair of parallel slots 363 and 365 in the lower flap 333, the ho flaps 333 and 335 being able to slide outwardly in relation to each other as the volume of the contents of the file increases. In the embodiment depicted the sides of the slots 363 and 365 are not contiguous. The bases of the tabs and the complementary elongate slots are arranged so as to be at an angle of 45 degrees to the outer edges of the back portion 337 and the folds creating the gussets. The second drawing of the figure shows a diagrammatic view of one of the pairs of oppositely extending tabs to an enlarged scale. The base of the smaller tab 367 is colinear along the broken line A - A with the base of the larger tab 369. To facilitate folding of the tabs preparatory to engagement with a slot an aperture 371 is provided, a part of the periphery of which is co-linear with the bases of the tabs 367 and 369 along the line A - A. This aperture weakens the line of fold between the two tabs and facilitates their engagement within the slot. In the third and fourth drawings of the figure the position of the tabs and flaps according to whether the file is empty (or very nearly so), half full, or full is shown.

FIGURE 3.1 shows a file similar to that depicted at Figure 1.2. The file is provided with a lower flap 373 and a side flap 375 extended from a back portion 377 and separated therefrom by fold lines 379 and 381. A further fold line 383 separates the front portion 385 from the back portion. A projecting element 387 is extended from and is integral with the lower flap 373, the lower edge 389 (arrowed) of the element being adapted to slidably engage with an elongate slot 391 at its lowest point 393 (arrowed) the slot being placed in the front portion adjacent to and parallel with the fold line 383.

Although the file in question does not have gussets the projecting element will give useful support if the pocket is overloaded, provided that the flaps are attached to each other in some way at or about point (arrowed) 395. The projecting element 387 is of sufficient length to remain within the slot 391 whether or not the file is open or closed. For the construction to work it is necessary for the distance between the shoulder 397 (arrowed) of the projecting element which represents one extremity of the slideable portion) and the line of fold 383 to be greater than that between the fold 383 and the long axis of the slot 391 when the flap 373 is folded into position.

FIGURE 3.2 shows a file incorporating an inward folded gusset. The lower flap 399 is provided with a projecting element 401 which is integral with the flap and which is adapted to slidably engage with a slot 403 in the front portion 405. The lower flap 399 requires to be attached to the side flap 407 for the gussets to operate.

FIGURE 3.3 shows 2 similar item to that depicted in the preceding figure in which the gussets are outwardly folding The lower flap 409 is equipped with a projecting element 411 which is integral with the flap. The element is adapted to slidably engage with a slot 413 in the front portion 415. Again the lower flap 409 requires to be attached to the side flap 417 for the gussets to operate.

FIGURE 3.4 shows 2 similarly configured file to that depicted in the preceding two figures. In this embodiment the gussets are outwardly folding and are provided with a plurality of apertures in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention. The projecting element 419 has an enlargement at its extremity which is adapted to be folded down to a smaller size by means of folds 421 and 423 so that it can be passed through the slot 425 in the front portion 427, thence carried across the spine of the file formed by fold lines 429,431 and 433 and inserted into a slot 435 in the back portion 437 at which point it is unfolded and thereby secured in position. In the result a strap 439 is produced across tho spine of the file which can, if desired, be shaped and/or lettered.

FIGURE 3.5 shows a detail from a similar embodiment in which the enlargement 441 at the end of the projecting element 443 is passed through a slot 445 in the front portion 447, the dimensions of the slot being large enough to allow the projecting element to pass through. The projecting element takes up a permanent position outward of the spine of the file.

FIGURE 3.6 shows a detail from a similar embodiment ifl which the projecting element 29 is adapted to be optionally folded backwards, a pre set line of fold 351 being provided at the point of extension from the lower flap 353. The projecting element is able to be secured in position when folded back against the flap by means of a tab 355 let into the flap. It should be noted that when folded backwards against the flap the projecting element provides no support for the pocket.

FIGURE 3.7 shows a detail from a similar embodiment in which a projecting element 457 is provided with a small enlargement 459 which is configured so as to be able to be passed through the aperture 461 in the front portion 463 by gentle folding without leaving creases.

FIGURE 3.8 shows a detail of a file incorporating a projecting element 465 which is provided with a line of perforations 467 across its long axis at the point where it joins the lower flap 469. The perforations can be torn so that the projecting element can be detached from the flap and discarded if desired.

In such a case, however, the projecting element will no longer be able to provide support for the contents of the pocket.

FIGURE 3.9 shows a file provided with an '2" shaped pocket and outwardly folding gussets which incorporate circular apertures, the spine being likewise equipped. A projecting element 471 is provided in a form which is not integral with the lower flap 479 from which it is able to be extended. Instead the projecting element is provided with optional means of attachment thereto. The means of attachment consists of a rotary tab and slot device, the female portion of which 475 is placed at the inner extremity of the projecting element 471, an enlargement 473 being provided at the opposite (projecting) end. The female portion engages with four radial tabs 477 in such a way that the projecting element is able to rotate with respect to the flap. A tab 481 is let into the lower flap 479 and positioned in such a way that it engages with the upper edged 483 (arrowed) of the elongate element thereby preventing the element from moving upwardly in relation to the flap, The projecting element is inserted through a slot 487 in the front portion 489 its lower edge 485 (arrowed) slidably engaging with the lowest point of the slot. The projecting element is thereby unable to move downwards as well as upwards in relation to the flap. Attachment of the lower flap 479 to the side flap 491 makes the gussets effective and the projecting element provides a substantial amount of support for the pocket. Because the projecting element is non integral the user may be permitted to select from a number of such elements each of which has identical (female) means of attachment, the elements differing from each other only in the characteristics of the enlargement in terms of shape, applied art or wording.

The following figures, up to and including Figure 3.28, also illustrate embodiments of the third aspect of the inx ention which are provided with non-integral projecting elements.

FIGURE 3.10 shows an embodiment similar to that depicted at Figure 3.9, the means of attachment of the projecting element again taking the form of a rotary device, the alignment of the projecting element with the slot in the front portion being ensured by a tab in the flap, which tab prevents the element moving upwardly with respect to the flap as in the preceding figure.

In this embodiment, however, the lower flap 495 is provided with a further tab 497 which allows the projecting element to be secured in a nonoperational position if desired. It is also possible to use the attachment device to secure two projecting elements to the lower flap, one of which can be operational and slidably engaged with the slot in the front portion, the other being non-operation and secured by the tab 497. Such a configuration is shown in the second drawing of the figure.

FIGURE 3.11 shows a file in which the projecting element 499 is particularly elongate and is attached to the lower flap 401 by means of a rotary device, the male component of which 403 is positioned on the lower flap in such a way that, when the lower flap is folded behind the side flap 403, its four radial tabs are exposed by the circular aperture 407 in the side flap. Engagement of the female component 409 which is provided at the inner extremity (in use) of the projecting element 499 has the further effect of attaching the lower flap and side flaps together thereby enabling the gussets to operate.

FIGURE 3.12 shows a similar item in which a further pair of tabs 511 configured as an "H" is provided in the side flap 513 enable the projecting element 515 to be secured to the side flap in a non-operational mode if desired.

FIGURE 3.13 shows a rile in which the projecting element 517 is not integral with the lower flap 519 but is attached to it by means of oppositely extending tabs 521 and 523 adapted to respectively slidably engage with parallel elongate slots 525 and 527. The projecting element is provided with a "7' shaped cut-out 529 allowing it to pivotally engage with the slot 531 provided in the front portion 533 after the lower flap has been folded into position in the same way as in previously described embodiments. An enlarged area 535 at the end of the projecting element projects outwardly from the spine of the file in use. A further tab D37 is provided in the lower flap to prevent upward movement in the projecting element in relation to the flap thereby to secure its alignment within the slot and to support the flap when it is burdened by the contents of the pocket. In this embodiment the length of the slot 531 is such as to allow the end of the projecting element which is furthest from the enlargement 535 (and which is the lesser in width of the projecting element's two widest points) to be threaded through the slot without folding the projecting element. Any tendency for the projecting element to rise in the slot to such an extent as to disengage the cut-out is obviated by the further tab 537 preventing upward movement. Following assembly and in use the projecting element slides backwards and forwards along the lower flap according to whether the front portion is dosed or open, the movement in the front portion being transmitted to the projecting element via the slot 331 and the pivotally engaged cut-out 529. It is important that, when the file is in its assembled state. the upper point of the cut-out rests or almost rests upon the lower point of the slot.

FIGURE 3.14 shows a second form of non-integral projecting element wherein the means of attachment to the lower flap again takes the form of oppositely extending tabs. In this embodiment, however, pairs of oppositely extending tabs 539 and 541, and 543 and 545, and pairs of parallel elongate slots 547 and 549, and s51 and 553, are incorporated into each the lower flap and the projecting element, the tabs and slots slidably engaging with each other as previously described.

FIGURE 3.15 shows a different type of non-integral projecting element in which the element itself is subdivided into two separate parts 555 and 557 which are brought together by a mechanism similar to that illustrated in the preceding figure. In this embodiment, following attachment, the end of the combined element 559 furthest away from the enlargement 561 is attached to a rotary device similar to that depicted in Figure 3.11. The second and third drawings of the figure show the combined element in its least extended and most extended states.

FIGURE 3.16 shows a non-integral projecting element similar to that depicted in the preceding figure in which are provided two pairs oppositely extending tabs 563 and 565, each pair comprising a larger tab and a smaller tab with substantially co-linear bases, each pair of tabs slidably engaging with a single elongate slot 567 and 569 in the respective other part.

FIGURE 3.17 shows a further type of non-integral projecting element 571 in which the means of attachment to the lower flap 573 takes the form of tabs 577 and 579 set into the flap in the manner of an "H", the tabs slidably engaging with the projecting element along its outer edges Ssl and 583. In this embodiment stops 585 and 587 are provided although not strictly necessary. The dimensions of the stops are not so great as to make it difficult for the element to be threaded through the slot 589 in the front portion 591 FIGURE 3.18 shows a Figure 3.13 type projecting element in which the enlargempnt 593 incorporates a wholly cut out portion 595.

FIGURE 3.19 shows Figure 3.13 type projecting element in which the enlargement D97 incorporates an enclosed partial cut-out portion 599. In the embodiment illustrated the partial cut-out can be folded outwardly so as to resemble a door slightly ajar.

FIGURE 3.20 shows a projecting element in which the enlargement 601 is provided with cuts 603 adapted to display matter on a separately provided piece of material 605.

FIGURE 3.21 shows a non-integral projecting element which is provided with oppositely extending tabs and is attached to the lower flap by slideable engagement of the tabs in a pair of elongate parallel slots in the manner illustrated in Figure 3.13. In this embodiment the enlargement 607 is adapted to be further attached to the front portion 609 at a point above the slot 611.

The means of attachment comprises a pair of oppositely extending tabs 613 adapted to engage (by folding and unfolding) with a slot 615 which is ca linear with the slot 611. In use the enlargement projects outwardly of the spine of the file in substantially the same plane as the front portion.

FIGURE 3.22 shows a similar item to that depicted in the preceding figure with the addition of two folds 617 and 618 acting in opposite senses the combined effect of which is to position the enlarged portion in approximately a plane half way between the respective planes of the front and back portions. In this way it is possible for the enlargement to be further attached to an aperture in the spine utilising a pair of tabs similarly configured to those shown in the preceding figure.

FIGURE 3.23 shows a file in with a "U" shaped pocket somewhat in the nature of a wallet in which an upper flap 619 is provided in addition to a lower flap 620 and a side flap 621. Outwardly folding gussets are incorporated into the lower and side flaps, the side flap being attached to the lower flap 622. To facilitate access to documents the upper flap is provided with a spine instead of a gusset. A projecting element 623 is attached to the lower flap which provides a display portion 624 when the file is dosed.

FIGURE 3.24 shows a non-integral projecting element which is configured in such a way as to provide a feature outwardly of the surface of the front portion, the projecting element returning along and outwardly of the surface of the front portion after passing through a slot in the front portion. The first drawing shows an extension 625 to the projecting element which in effect makes it "U" shaped, the extended portion being adapted to lie outwardly of the front portion in use. A "V" shaped cut-out 626 and a pre-set crease 627 are provided at the point of pivotal engagement with the slot. The second drawing of the figure shows a perspective view of the same construction in which can be seen the slot 628 in the front portion 629.

FIGURE 3.25 shows a similarly configured projecting element in which, however, the part 630 of the element adapted to lie outwardly of the surface of the front portion is shaped so as to cover larger part of its surface than is the case in the preceding figure. The projecting element may still be said to conform to the description 'approximately "U" shaped'. A different shaped cut-out 631 is provided, the end of the split 632 which separates the respective arms of the "U" shaped element engaging with the slot so as to provide the traction required when the file is opened.

FIGURE 3.26 shows an approximately 'E" shaped projecting element in which the portion 633 lying outwardly of the surface of the file is able to be further secured to the front portion by means of tabs 634 adapted to engage with an additional slot 635 theby ensuring that the projecting element lies flat.

FIGURE 3.27 shows a projecting element 636 which is folded through 180 degrees about a line of fold 637 across its long axis so that its reverse side 638 is in view. The element is secured in position by means of tabs 639 inserted through an additional slot 640 in the front portion.

FIGURE 3.28 shows an approximately "U" shaped projecting element which is adapted to provide optional means of attachment to the back portion so as to maintain the file in a dosed state, an additional tab 641 being adapted to engage with the right-hand edge of the file 642, the length of the element being sufficient for the purpose.

FIGURE 3.29 shows a version of the construction illustrated in Figure 3.7 in which the configuration is such that no part of the obverse side of the lower flap 643 (excluding the projecting element) is visible when the file is dosed. In the first drawing of the figure the shape of the aperture 644 in the front portion 645 has been modified. The second drawing of the figure shows an alternative arrangement in which the flap 646 has been reduced in size so that its outer edge 647 no longer extends up to a point adjacent to the line of fold 648 and accordingly no longe; underlies the aperture 649 when the file is dosed.

FIGURE 3.30 in its first drawing shows a detail from a front portion of a file in which a slot adapted to allow the passage of an integral or non-integral projecting element is placed. The two sides of the slot 650 and 651 are not contiguous. In the second drawing the slot has been modified so that the two side of the slot are not contiguous along the lower part of its length but are contiguous along the upper part 652. In the third drawing the slot has been further modified at its uppermost end by the provision of a lateral cut 653 which cut forms the upper part of the slot into a flap there by facilitating passage of the projecting element.

FIGURE 4.1 shows a file comprising a front portion 654 and a back portion 655 separated by a fold 656. Tne file is able to accept a rotatable device 657 incorporating four display portions. The file proper is provided with an arrangement of four tabs which together comprise a male element 659. These tabs are adapted to slidably engage with an aperture 661 placed at the centre of the rotary device which aperture comprises the female element of a rotary attachment mechanism. The rotatable element is provided with four radial arms 663 which are set at an angle of 90 degrees to each other and each of which incorporates a display portion. The device is attached to the inside surface of the back portion of the file and is so positioned that any one of the four display portions is visible above the upper edge 665 of the front portion when the file is closed, the remaining three display portions being hidden from view..

FIGURE 4.2 shows a similar device to that depicted in the preceding figure in which means are also provided for locking any one of the four display portions into position, the means comprising small tabs 667 which are adapted to engage one at a time with the upper edge 669 of the back portion.

The second drawing of the figure shows the device viewed from the outer surface of the back portion.

FIGURE 4.3 shows a rotatable element similar to that depicted in Figure 4.1 in which a display portion 671 is adapted to present information printed on a separately provided piece of material 673 by means of suitably placed tabs 675 let into the display portiorL FIGURE 4.4 shows a file comprising a front portion 677 and a back portion 679 separated by a fold 681. The file is provided with a circular rotatable device incorporating a concentric circular aperture 683 comprising a female element the device being attachable to the file via an arrangement of four tabs which together comprise a male element 685. The final drawing of the figure shows an alternative a-rangement in which three rotatable elements 687, 689 and 691 of different n nnleters are present. In the example illustrated each element is provided with twelve fields of data which are visible following assembly and in use. If a pointer indicating one of twelve separate positions for the rotatable element of largest diameter is provided on the surface of the front cover the number of possible combinations of data is 1728.

FIGURE 4.5 shows a file provided with a circular shaped rotatable element of the kind illustrated in Figure '.3 the rim of which is captured by a tab 693 let into the front portion 695 to which the element is attached.

FIGURE 4.6 shows a file provided with a device in which the rotatable element in the shape of a circle 697 is attached to the reverse side of the front portion 699. The element is provided with a display portion a portion of which is viewed through a window 701 cut into the front portion.

FIGURE 4.7 shows a file provided with a similar device in to that depicted in the preceding figure in which however two separate fields of information are provided, portions thereof being viewed through two separate windows 703 and 705 in the front portion. In the example illustrated the rotatable element is offset towards the outer edge 707 of the front portion and its edge is knurled and protrudes beyond the outer edge. This arrangement facilitates manipulation of the element when the file is in its closed position.

FIGURE 4.8 shows a file provided with a device in which three concentric and circular shaped rotatable elements of the kind depicted in the third drawing of Figure 4.4 are attached to the reverse side of the front portion, each element again being provided with twelve fields of information which can be combined in any one of 1728 ways. In this embodiment the front portion is provided with three windows 709, 711 and 713, for the viewing of the fields of information. It would be possible to provide the front portion with thirtysix viewing windows arranged in three concentric circles the windows subdivided into twelve groups of three from which the user selects one group according to criteria indicated visual on the surface of the front portion. In this event the number of combinations would rise to 20736. In the embodiment illustrated the smaller of the three rotatable elements is positioned next to the inner surface of the front portion, the largest outermost. Manipulation of the inner elements must be done by touch, therefor.

FIGURE 4.9 shows a file provided with a device similar to that depicted in the preceding figure but in this instance the rotatable elements are arranged so that the element with the larger diameter 715 lies next to the surface of the reverse side of the front portion, the element with smaller diameter 719 being outermost, the element of intermediate size 717 lying between them.

The advantage of this arrangement is that the outer edges of all three elements are visible when the file is open. Pluralities of windows, 721 and 723 in the larger element and 725 in the intermediate element, need to be provided, however, in the two larger elements allowing all the fields of information to be viewed through the windows in the front portion, the windows being arranged as in the preceding figure.

FIGURE 4.10 shows the same device provided with indicia on the reverse side of the rotatable elements in the form of pluralities 727, 729 and 731, of radial lines. Alignment of a line from each element with the pointer 733 provided on the reverse side of the rear portion allows a random choice of any one of the 1728 possible combinations, one of which combinations will be presented for view through the windows.

FIGURE 4.11 shows a file provided with a back portion 735 in which portion are incorporated male elements 737 and 739 of the kind seen in previously described embodiments. The complementary female elements 741 and 745 are placed at the centre of the rotatable portions 743 and 747. At either upper edge of the back portion at the other end of its travel. Agitation of the protruding portion 769 may be undertaken for the purpose of attracting attention. Alternatively manipulation of the element may be a means of exposing and concealing information on the display portion. A wide range of similarly configured lever type mechanical devices based upon a rotatable element or elements attached to a back portion or front portion or a flap and combined with other rotatable elements are also possible.

FIGURE 4.12 illustrates the means whereby rotary attachment devices similar to those described in the preceding figures can be used to provide a means of attachment for one flap to another in such a way that limited amount of eccentric movement between one flap in relation to another is permitted. In the first three drawings of the figure male elements respectively comprising two, three and four tabs are shown. In each of the drawings a plurality of radial cuts 773 are shown, the portions between the cuts 775 acting as tabs. A broken line 777 indicates the diameter of a notional circle joining the innermost ends of the radial cuts and a second broken line 779 indicates the diameter of a notional circle joining the outermost ends of the radial cuts.

FIGURE 4.13 shows the relationship of a four tab element of the kind depicted in drawing 4.12.3 with an annular aperture 781, the diameter of the innermost edge of which 783 is greater than that of the notional circle 777 but less than that of the notional circle 779. In the example illustrated the extent by which the diameter of the inner edge of the aperture 783 exceeds that of the notional circle (representing on a one to one scale the innermost ends of the radial cuts forming the tabs) is such as to ensure a reasonably tight fit between the male and female elements where the material has the characteristics of paper board of 350 gsm weight. Different materials and a different size of device might require a greater or lesser variation between the respective diameters of the bases of the tabs and the aperture with which they are required to slidably engage. In the second drawing of the figure a perspective view of the device is shown and, while the thicknesses of the materials comprising the device may be somewhat exaggerated, the drawing demonstrates the point that the diameter of the inner edge of the aperture (or if it is not circular, the relative dimensions) must always be greater than the diameter (or respective dimensions) of the base of the tabs.

FIGURE 4.14 shows the relationship of a four tab element of the kind depicted in drawing 4.12.3 with an annular aperture the diameter of the innermost edge of which 785 exceeds that of the notional cirde 787 indicating the diameter of the bases of the tabs to a greater extent than is necessary for slideable engagement between the male and female elements. The diameter of the aperture is, however, less than that of the outer edge of the tabs 789. In the result a degree of eccentric movement between the two elements becomes possible without the elements becoming accidentally disengaged.

The approximate extent of such eccentric movement is diagrammatically indicated by the second drawing of the figure in which the edge of the aperture 785 is juxtaposed with a notional circle 791 of the same diameter as the edge of the aperture shown in the preceding figure 783.

FIGURE 4.15 shows a four tab element in which the radial cuts comprising the tabs are not equidistantly spaced around the circumference of the notional cirde 793, the distances A - A, B - B and C - C across the bases of three smaller tabs 795 being less than the distance D - D across the base of the fourth, larger, tab 797. The cuts 799 and 801 comprising the larger tab 797 extend further outwardly than those comprising the three remaining tabs 795. The second drawing of the figure shows an aperture 803 with a diameter appropriate to a tight fitting configuration (of the kind illustrated in Figure 4.13 and the second drawing of Figure 4.14) and the third drawing shows an aperture 805 with a diameter allowing a degree of eccentric movement between the elements in the manner previously described. A modification to the male element of a rotary device of the kind depicted in this figure allows the tab taking the greatest part of the strain imposed by the contents of the pocket in its upended state to be increased in size relative to the other three tabs. In this way the rigidity of the larger tab and its ability to withstand pressure from the contents of the pocket are increased at the expense of that of the other tabs. The lengthening of the tab relative to the other tabs facilitates its further use as a locking device for the purpose of securing the front portion to the back portion in the manner illustrated in Figure 4.23, infra. Such lengthening may require an increase in the manual dexterity needed to engage the device and in many applications is best applied to only one of the four tabs.

FIGURE 4.16 shows a file which is configured in a manner somewhat similar to that depicted in Figure 1.2, supra, there being a front portion 773 separated from a back portion 775 by a fold 777, the back portion being provided with a lower flap 779 and a side flaps 781 which when folded along fold lines 783 and 785 produce an "L" shaped pocket. In this embodiment, however, optional means of attachment of the two flaps is present in the form of a rotary mechanism the male component of which 783 is located in the lower flap and the female component 785 in the side flap. The mechanism is such as to allow a degree of eccentric movement between the attached flaps taking advantage of the properties of a material such as paper-board which is flexible but nevertheless sufficiently rigid for tabs which are adapted to engage with what in other circumstances would be considered to be an oversize aperture to move within allowable limits without falling out of the aperture. A limited degree of eccentric movement by the lower flap in relation to the side flap is possible even though no gussets are present. The absence of gussets notwithstanding, the effect of such eccentric movement is such as to permit the pocket to expand outwardly to a limited degree (in a manner which might be described as Thulge like") as the contents of the pocket increase. Removal of the contents will allow the pocket to return to its former state in which the flaps lay flat against the back portion.

FIGURE 4.17 shows a file similar to that depicted in figure 1.13, supra, in which gussets, and apertures along the line of folds creating the gussets, are present. The file also incorporates a projecting element in accordance with the third aspect of the invention In the present embodiment a rotary device is used for the purpose of attaching the lower flap to the side flap, the means of attachment being such as to allow a degree of eccentric movement between the lower and side flaps 813 and 815 both as the contents of the "L" shaped pocket formed by the flaps increase and decrease and as the centre of gravity of the contents moves - as will occur, for example, when the file is placed on end preparatory to being put on a shelf. The third and fourth drawings of the figure illustrate the extent to which movement of flaps comprising a pocket relative to each other can occur where gussets are present and eccentric movement is allowed by the means of attachment employed. The engagement of the projecting element with a slot in the front portion would inhibit but not entirely preclude movement of the flaps.

FIGURE 4.18 shows a file in which a lower flap 817 is attached to two side flaps 819 and 821 by means of a single rotary attachment device, a "U" shaped pocket being created thereby. In such an embodiment a further flap (not shown) could be extended from the upper edge to provide a cover portion.

In this embodiment sides to the pocket are provided which will not act as expanding and contracting gussets if the flexible material of which the file is made is of a relatively rigid type. The rotary attachment device will nevertheless allow a degree of articulation between the flaps.

FIGURE 4.19 shows a file configured in a similar manner to that depicted in the preceding figure in which, however, the lower flap 823 is individually attached to each of the side flaps 825 and 827.

FIGURE 4.20 shows a file configured in a similar manner to that depicted in Figure 4.19 a lower flap 829 being attached to side flaps 831 and 833. In this embodiment, however, gussets are provided each of which incorporates an additional fold thereby facilitating expansion and contraction of the 'IJ" shaped pocket. The fourth and fifth drawings of the figure show the extent to which the flaps comprising the pocket are able to articulate in relation to each other.

FIGURE 4.21 shows a file provided with an "L" shaped pocket and gussets in which a rotary attachment device of the kind previously described is used to attach the two flaps together. Means of securing the back portion 835 to the front portion 837 when the file is closed are provided in the form of a separate rotatable tab 839 in which is incorporated a circular aperture 841 adapted to engage with the rotary device securing the lower flap 843 to the side flap 845. the tab 839 incorporates a smaller tab 847 which smaller tab can be optional engaged with the side edge of the front portion 837 so as to secure it in the dosed position. The configuration of the rotary attachment device incorporated into the tab 839 is such as to allow a degree of eccentric movement of the tab in relation to the back portion of the file and this assists in the engagement of the small tab 847 along the side edge of the front portion. When not required the tab 839, being rotatable, can be placed within the front and back portions so as to be out of sight when the file is closed.

FIGURE 4.23 shows a similar item to that depicted in Figure 4.17 in which an widened and lengthened tab of the kind shown in Figure 4.15 enables the front portion of a file to be attached to a flap extended from a back portion, thereby maintaining the file in a dosed configuration. The enlarged tab 851 forms part of a rotary attachment device incorporated into the lower flap 853. The front portion of the file 855 is provided with a complementary slot 857. The second drawing of the figure show s a cut-away representation of the tab 851 in its operational mode.

FIGURE 5.1 shows a form of file similar to that depicted in Figure 1.7 supra in which a front portion 859 is separated from a back portion 861 by a fold line 863 which fold line is intersected by a pluralir- of generally elliptical shaped apertures 865 similar to those which ma) be found in embodiments in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention. A divider 867 capable of separating the contents into two parts is provided as an optional accessory item for use in conjunction with the file. The divider incorporates means of attachment to the file in the form oz a pair of r shaped tabs 869 which tabs are integral with the divider and inserted into two of the apertures following which action they are opened out. The fourth drawing of the figure shows the file in a closed state with the tabs protruding from the left hand edge of the front cover portion. The plan dimensions of the divider in the example illustrated are marginally smaller than those of the front and back portions. The fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth drawings of the figure give an enlarged view of an elliptical shaped aperture and a tab showing the manner in which engagement is effected. In the first of these drawings the longer dimension of the aperture is marked A - A. This dimension must be at least equal to the width of the tab at its neck, marked B - B. To facilitate insertion of the tab into the aperture a pair of parallel folds (which may be along the lines of pre-set creases) 869 and 871 must be made.

Depending upon the material from which the divider and the tabs are made and upon the width of the aperture some residual signs of the folding of the tabs may remain, even if no pre-set creases are present.

FIGURE 5.2 shows an "L" shaped pocket designed to take up a position in use on the right hand side of the file when it is open somewhat in the manner of a divider. The lower and side flaps of the pocket 875 and 877 are attached to each other by means of a rotary device in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention.

FIGURE 5.3 shows a similar pocket to that depicted in the preceding figure in which lower and side flaps 879 and 881 are attached to each other, the pocket adapted to lie on the left hand side of the file when it is open. A "left handed" pocket of the kind shown can be used in association with a file configured with a "L" shaped or "U" shaped pocket (with or without gussets) on the right hand side. It will be noted that in the example illustrated, and those which are the subject of the figures which follow, the apertures are circular rather than elliptical in shape. Insertion of the tabs is thereby facilitated in the manner later described.

FIGURE 5.4 shows a set of four file dividers 883, 885, 887 and 889, the respective upper edges of which are configured in such a way as to provide an index to the documents placed between the dividers.

FIGURE 5.5 shows a set of four dividers, 891, 893, 895 and 897, each divider provided with a pair of "T" shaped attachment tabs on the right hand edge.

These dividers are designed to be attached to the file by means of insertion of the tabs into apertures lying along a line of a fold separating a side flap from the back portion. Such a fold may be associated with a gusset. In the third drawing of the figure a cut-away drawing shows the four dividers attached by means of tabs and apertures to a file provided with an "L" shaped pocket of the kind illustrated in Figure 4.23 supra. The advantage of these dividers, as demonstrated by the fourth drawing, is that not withstanding the containment provided by the pocket the documents lying between the dividers can be reviewed by reference to their upper left hand corners 899, the tapering of the side flap and the flexibility afforded by a construction in which apertures are incorporated into gussets and a rotary attachment device allows eccentric movement between the flaps assisting in this regard.

FIGURE 5.6 shows a variation on the dividers illustrated in the preceding figure in which the index display portions 901, 903, 905 and 907 are of irregular rather than rectangular in shape and in which the means of attachment are so configured that the dividers can be placed in a higher and a lower position within the pocket.

FIGURE 5.7 shows a further variation in which a set of four dividers 909. 911, 913 and 915 are provided with index display portions down the left-hand edge.

FIGURE 5.8 shows a set of four dividers 917, 919, 91D and 915 which are provided with index display portions along both upper and left-hand side edges thereby providing alternative means of reference to the documents between the dividers. In the second and third drawings of the figure a similarly configured embodiment is illustrated in which the index display portions are fashioned with distinctive outlines and applied artwork symbolising what may be thought to be the four of the principal preoccupations of domestic life: Holidays, Celebrations, Health and School. The symbols adopted for the side edge index are repeated along the upper edge and are intended to suggest, respectively sunshine, a bi ,nday cake, an apple (to be taken daily) and a blackboard.

FIGURE 5.9 shows the manner in which engagement of T" shaped tabs with circular apertures of the kind incorporated into the iiles depicted in the preceding figures 5.3 to 5.6 is effected. In the first drawing the diameter of the edge of the aperture is marked A - A. In the second drawing a complementary tab is illustrated, the tab being provided with a neck the extent of the width of which is shown by the marking B - B. This neck widens out into a "shaped head the extent of the width of which is shown by the marking C - C. For the tab to provide a secure fixing within the aperture it is necessary for the dimension A - A to be at least equal to or to exceed the dimension B - B but to be less than the dimension C - C. In the embodiment illustrated the respective dimensions are such as to allow the head of the tab to be gently rolled round as it passes through the aperture instead of being distorted to such an extent as to leave a residual fold or crease. The fifth drawing of the figure shows how the relationship between the dimensions A - A and B - B may be such that a plurality of tabs can be placed within a single aperture with the tabs lying in the same flat plane as the respective portions to which they are integrally attached. This drawing also shows how the distance between the planes of those portions may be sufficient to accommodate a certain thickness of documents between their surfaces without significant pressure being exerted by the necks of the tabs on the edge of the aperture.

FIGURE 5.10 shows how the difference between tabs inserted into circular apertures of the kind shown in the preceding figures and the elliptical apertures shown in Figure 5.1, supra, may in certain respects be material where the application is a divider or pocket lying between the front and back cover portions of a file. In such an application the respective heads of the tabs 925 lie outwardly of the file and in view when the file is closed. Any residual effect of distortion caused by folding the tabs in order for them to pass through an aperture which would detract from their appearance is avoided by making the aperture 927 large enough to accept the tabs without difficulty by rolling them between finger and thumb. Once through the aperture the tabs spring back into a flat plane. Given an aperture of sufficient diameter relative to the dimensions and other characteristics of the tabs it, is also possible to pass several tabs through the aperture in a single operation. As dividers will generally come in sets this is a distinct advantage.

FIGURE 5.11 shows in diagrammatic form a plurality of tabs 929,931,933 and 935 within an aperture the edge of which is represented by a dotted line 937.

It will be noted that the respective necks of the apertures are sufficiently long to allow individual sideways movement within the aperture.

FIGURE 5.12 shows the manner in which the neck of a tab can be modified by the inclusion of a shoulder. In the drawings comprising the figure the edge of the portion 937 to which the tab is integrally attached is marked A - A and the inner edge of the tab 941 is marked B - B. In the first drawing the neck lying between the portion and the tab is denominated by the numeral 939 and is of similar length to that depicted in preceding figures. In the second drawing the neck 943 is shortened so as to reduce sideways movement within the aperture. In such a configuration the edge A - A of the portion 937 will lie adjacent to the inner edge B - B of the tab 941 and may bind against it. The third drawing of the figure shows s how the possibility of such binding may be reduced by the provision of a shoulder 945. The length of the shoulder, marked by the line C - C approximates to that of the tab.

FIGURE 5.13 shows in a diagrammatic form similar to that adopted in Figure 5.11 a plurality of tabs 947, 949, 951 and 953 each of which tabs are provided with a short neck and a shoulder. The shoulder 955 associated with the first tab 947 is in view as is the portion to which the shoulder is integrally attached 959. The edge of the aperture is represented by the dotted line 957. The configuration is such that sideways movement of the neck portions within the aperture is restricted.

FIGURE 5.14 shows one of what might be a plurality of dividers provided with index display portions similar to those seen in Figure 5.5, supra. The portion comprising the divider 961 is provided with a pair of tab arrays adapted to engage with two of a numbe; of apertures 963 incorporated into a flap along the line of a fold represented by the numeral 965. Each tab array comprises a tab 967, an neck 969 and a shoulder 971, the shoulders projecting from the edge of the divider 973. In the second drawing of the figure a cutaway view of the construction is shown in which it can be seen that the upper edge of the display portion 975 lies just below the upper edge of the back portion 977 of the file in which position it would be hidden from view by the front portion (not shown) when the file is closed. In the third and fourth drawings of the figure an alternative arrangement is shown in which the respective tabs 967 are inserted through apertures positioned upwardly of those indicated in the first two drawings. In the result the display portion 975 is place above the upper edge of the back portion 977 in will be in view when the file is dosed.

FIGURE 5.15 show a front view of a file provided with four dividers respectively incorporating index display portions 979, 981, 983 and 985 in the manner illustrated in Figure 5.5, supra. In the first drawing the display portions are hidden behind the front portion of the file 987 whereas in the second drawing (the tabs having been moved to higher apertures) they are in view.

FIGURE 5.16 shows a similarly configured container to that depicted in Figure 4.19, supra, in which however an elliptical aperture 989 is provided in each side portion, each aperture adapted to accept the tabs of four dividers.

In the embodiment illustrated the dividers are provided with index display portions and the tabs are able to assume a position within the aperture, because of its elongate nature, in which the space between one divider and another reflects the width of the documents or other matter between their surfaces.

FIGURE 5.17 shows a similarly configured container to that depicted in the preceding figure in which parts of circular apertures 991 and 993 and 995 and 997 are incorporated into each side portion thereby fixing the gap between the two dividers 999 and 1001. In the embodiment illustrated the positioning of the apertures in the side portion facilitates a taller divider being placed behind a shorter divider and the respective upper edges of the dividers functioning as index display portions.

FIGURE 5.18 shows a small display portion 1003 and a large display portion 1005 both of which are provided with 'T" shaped tabs adapted to be inserted into elliptic and circular shaped apertures of the kind which can be seen in many of the previous figures. These display portions are designed to lay outwardly of a file, somewhat in the manner of banners, in use. The second drawing of the figure shows a file similar to that depicted in Figure 1.13, supra, and typical of the kind to which such display portions can be applied.

The front portion 1007 of the file is separated from a back portion (not in view) by a spine portion 10cog incorporating a plurality of apertures. Further apertures are incorporated into a lower flap 1011 and a side flap 1013. The third and fourth drawings of the figure show the manner in which a display portion can be can be positioned along the spine of the file or along the side edge (or, indeed, the lower edge) according to requirements where the edge is suitably equipped with apertures along the line of a fold.

FIGURE 5.19 shows a display portion 1015 used in conjunction with a file incorporating a "U" shaped pocket of the kind depicted in Figure 1.14, supra.

In the embodiment illustrated the display portion is attached by means of apertures incorporated along the line of a fold forming a gusset portion 1017 incorporated into the side flap.

FIGURE 5.20 shows a display portion 1019 in which the two "T" shaped tabs are complemented by shoulders 1021 in the manner depicted in Figure 5.14, the shoulders serving to provide a tighter fixing between the tabs and the apertures the portion in which the apertures are provided, but leaving the display portion standing away in use from FIGURE 5.21 shows a display portion 1023 in which the means of attachment comprises hook shaped tabs 1025. This form of tab allows attachment and removal of the display portion more readily than is the case with the "T" shaped tabs. A display portion so equipped is thus well suited where the requirement is for a display portion to be transferred from file to file according to which file is in current use. The second drawing of the figure shows such a display portion attached to the side gusset as in Figure 5.19 FIGURE 5.22 shows the constraints which may be imposed by limitations of space where it is desired to provide an A 4 document file in accordance with the invention in its various aspects on a sheet of SRA 2 stock. It will be seen that the file proper 1029 takes up the greater part of the material but sufficient space remains for a banner type display portion 1031 provided with 'T" shaped tabs 1033 and 1035. The second drawing of the figure shows the juxtaposition of the tabs with A 4 size contents (shown by a broken line) when the contents are minimal and the gusset portions and spine portion 1037 are, accordingly visible in the plan view. The third drawing of the figure shows the effect on the plan view of bringing the contents of the file up to capacity only the front portion 1039 being visible. The fourth and fifth drawings of the figure show perspective views of the spine portion 1037 at approximately half capacity and near full capacity. The final drawing of the figure demonstrates the necessity for the material from which the display portion is fashioned to be suffiaently flexible when used in connection with such a product for the tabs to be able to bend at the neck so as to leave room for the contents of the file as they near capacity.

FIGURE 5.23 shows a display portion 1037 similar to the display portion depicted in the preceding figure. The item is provided with four tabs 1039 let into the surface. These tabs are arranged so that they are able to engage with the four sides of a separately provided piece of material 1041 upon which the information to be displayed can be printed or written.

FIGIJ*E 6.1 shows a file or file insert similar to that depicted in Figure 1.1, supra, in which a front portion 1043 is separated from a back portion 1045 by a fold line 1047. A single elongate slot 1049 is provided along the outer edge 1051 or the back portion, the slot being adjacent to and parallel with the edge.

An display tab 1053 is separately provided, the display tab incorporating oppositely extending tabs 1055 and 1057 the bases of which are adapted to respectively slidably engage with the slot 1049 and the edge 1051. An alternative display tab is shown in the fourth drawing of the figure. This tab incorporates a third oppositely extending tab 1059 which is serni-circular in shape and is provided with two bases. The presence of the third tab increases the lateral stability of the display tab along the edge 1051.

FIGURE 6.2 shows a similar item to that depicted in the preceding figure but with two co-linear elongate slots 1061 and 1063 being provided in a back portion 1065. The display tab 1067, which is similarly configured to the display tab 1053 illustrated in the preceding figure, is so proportioned and the slots are arranged in such a way that it is able to take up any one of four nonoverlapping positions. In the second drawing of the figure, india in the form of printed arrows facilitate positioning of the display tab (into which a complementary nick has been incorporated) in any one the four positions.

An alternative arrangement is possible in which the arrows are die cut or embossed rather than being printed, a saving in production cost being thereby achieved.

FIGURE 6.3 shows a similarly configured item to that depicted in the preceding figure in which, however, the co-linear slots 1069 and 1071 are separated by a line of perforations 1073, the perforations being co-linear with the respective slots. The inclusion of the perforated section allows the consumer the option of converting the file into one with a single elongate slot in which the display tab can be moved to any one of the four positions without disengagement.

FIGURE 6.4 shows a sliding display tab device 1075 used in connection with a divider 1077 of the kind shown in, for example, Figure 5.4, supra. In such a configuration the sliding device replaces the index display therefor making it possible for all the dividers comprising a set to be identical in shape.

FIGLT,E 6.5 shows a display tab 1079 similar to the display tab 1053 shown in Figure 6.1. In this display tab, however, provision is made by means of four small tabs 1081 let into the surface of the display portion for the attaclunent of a separate piece of material 1083 on which the information to be conveyed by the tab is written or printed.

FIGURE 6.6 shows a file of the kind illustrated in Figure 1.14, supra, in which a pair of parallel elongate slots 1085 and 1sus7, the respective sides of which are not contiguous, are provided. The display tab 1089 in this embodiment is provided with two pairs of oppositely extending tabs 1091 and 1093 which tabs slidablv engage with the slots. In the third drawing of the figure a further tablike element 1095 is incorporated into the display tab. This further element is capable of being gripped between finger and thumb is provided for the purpose of manipulating the identification tab into a desired position.

FIGURE 6.7 shows a file divider in which a pair of slots is provided at an angle of 90 degrees to the upper edge 1097. The separately provided display portion 1099 is provided with two pairs of oppositely extending tabs 1101 and 1103 which are inserted into and slidably engage with the slots. The second and third drawings of the figure show the display portion in its fully retracted and fully extended state respectively.

FIGURE 6 8 shows a similar divider embodiment to that depicted in the preceding figure in which, however, both slots and oppositely extending tabs are incorporated into the dividers and into the display portion. In the example illustrated, the display portion is provided with an additional tab-like element 1105 which is easily gripped between finger and thumb and facilitates manipulation (particularly retraction) of the display portion FIGURE 6.9 shows a further configuration for the provision of a sliding display portion in which the portion is provided with a pair of slots and the divider with two pairs of tabs 1106.

FIGURE 6.10 illustrates the manner in which four dividers of the kind depicted in the preceding figures can each be provided with four pairs of identically positioned slots 1107, the respective display portions 1108, 1109, 1111 and 1113 occupying a differently positioned slot in a different divider so as to not substantially overlap each other in use. In this way a visible index to the contents of the file is formed.

FIGURE 6.11 shows a set of dividers providing a similar index to that depicted in the preceding figure in which, however, each divider incorporates only a single pair of slots, the respective positions of the pairs of slots being staggered as between the individual dividers so as to provide a visible index.

FIGURE 6.12 shows a similar set of dividers to that depicted in the preceding figure in which a die-cut side index 1123 is also provided down the left-hand edge of each divider, the side index portions being similarly staggered. It will be noted the each side index portion is distinctively configured in a manner corresponding to the respective upper edge index portion in a manner similar to that adopted in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5.8.

FIGURE 6.13 shows a file insert of the kind previously illustrated in which provision has been made for retractable display portions. In the embodiment illustrated four arrays each comprising two pairs of tabs 1129 - 1135 are provided and the display portion is equipped with a pair bf slots 1137.

FIGURE 6.14 shows a divider equipped with a sideways sliding display portion 1139.

FIGURE 6.15 shows a divider similarly equipped with a sideways sliding display portion 1141, In this embodiment the user is given a choice as to the extent of projection of the display portion above the upper edge of the divider. Two parallel elongate slots 1143 and 1145 may be utilised as in the second drawing of the figure, or the upper most slot 1143 and the upper edge of the divider 1147 as in the third drawing of the figure. As is the case with a number of other embodiments, it is also possible for the display portion to be reversed and "parked" so that it is attached to the divider ready for use but no part of it projects above the upper edge and its obverse surface is obscured.

FIGURE 6.16 shows the manner in which a known file wallet of the kind shown in Figure 1.4 can be provided with a sliding display portion in accordance with the present invention. The wallet is provided with a pair of parallel elongate slots 1155 which are positioned just below the spine 1157.

The display portion is provided with a pair of oppositely extending tabs 1159 adapted to be engaged with the respective one of the slots 1155. In use the display portion projects outwardly of the spine and can be slid to a position in which it does not obstuct the view of another display portion.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS 1. An item of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to act as a container, the piece being generally rectangular in shape and comprising a back portion, the back portion being accompanied by either one or both of the following features: (1) a lower flap and a side flap, the lower and side flaps respectively extending from the lower and side edges of the back portion, a line or lines of fold being provided along the line of and/or parallel to and outwardly of each of the said edges, each flap being folded inwardly so as to lie in front of the back portion in use, a pocket being thereby created, at least one flap being provided with a plurality of apertures which apertures may lie between, adjacent to or intersect a said line or lines of fold, the effect of the apertures being either to weaken the material lying along a line of a fold so as to increase its flexibility and/or to allow the contents of the pocket to be partially visible or more visible than would otherwise be the case; (2) a front portion, the front portion being separated from the back portion by a line or lines of fold, a plurality of apertures being provided between, adjacent to or intersecting the said line or lines of fold, the effect of the apertures being either to weaken the material lying along the line of a fold so as to increase its flexibility and/or to allow the contents of the container to be partially visible or more visible than would otherwise be the case when the front portion overlies the back portion and the container is closed.

   2. A container as daimed in daim 1, wherein the container is in the nature of a document file for one or more sheets of paper or similar matter and/or wherein a front portion is similar in size and shape to the back portion, the front portion being able to be optionally folded in front of the back portion so that the container is closed.

   3. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of apertures is provided along each of two or more folds.

   4. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side flap is tapered or otherwise configured so that the upper part of the flap is narrower than the lower part, a greater area of the surface of the contents of the container being thereby presented to view when the front portion (if present) is raised and the container is open or partially open.

   5. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein a further flap comprising an upper flap is extended from the upper edge of the back portion.

   6. A container as daimed in claim 1, wherein a lower or side or upper flap is not attached to the edge from which it is extended along the entire length of the said edge and/or an opening is present at a point where the corner of a pocket is formed.

   7. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein means of attachment are provided whereby the lower flap and the side flap (and the upper flap, if present, and the side flap) are secured together after folding so as to facilitate the creation of portions acting as gussets, the portions acting as gussets lying about the line of folds along or parallel to the outer edges of the back portion, the presence of the gussets allowing the distance between the respective surfaces of the flaps and the back portion to vary in accordance with the volume of contents from time to time.

   8. A container as claimed in claim 7, wherein a portion acting as a gusset is folded in such a manner as to lie outwardly of the back portion, and (if present) front portion, so as to be visible in plan view when the pocket is empty or only partially hill.

   9. A container as claimed in claim 1 or 7, wherein the means whereby one flap is secured to another comprises a tab or tabs in one flap and a complementary slot or slots in another flap.

   10. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein are provided one or more folds parallel to the fold separating a front portion from a back portion so 2s to facilitate the creation of a portion acting as a spine, the width of the spine varying in accordance with volume of contents of the container from time to time, and/or a front portion is of approximately the same size and shape as the back portion.

   11. A container as daimed in daim 1, wherein one or more apertures are provided which are circular or elliptic or rectangular or otherwise symmetrical about an axis in shape.

   12. A container as daimed in claim 1 or 7, wherein a plurality of apertures identical in size and shape are provided either about, or adjacent and/or parallel, to a line of fold separating a front portion from a back portion or the back portion from a flap or the back portion from a portion acting as a gusset.

   13. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein an aperture is formed by a cut and/or cut-out, the cut or cut-out being about or adjacent to the line of a fold, a portion which is partially surrounded by the cut or periphery of the cut-out either remaining in sits after folding and/or being folded in a manner different to other portions adjoining the cut-out.

   14. A container as claimed in daim 1, wherein two or more apertures are provided about the line of fold separating a back portion from a flap and/or forming part of a gusset, all or part of the edges of an aperture or apertures remaining in view when a front portion overlies the back portion and the container is dosed.

   15. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the line of a fold is intersected by the edge or edges of an aperture or a plurality of apertures along an axis of symmetry.

   16. A container as claimed in daim 1, wherein one or more apertures in a front portion overlay one or more apertures in a flap so as to allow the contents of the pocket, if any, to be partially visible when the container is dosed.

   17. A container as claimed in claim 1 or 7, wherein the apertures are configured and positioned in such a way that no part of the reverse side of the front and back portions (being the side which lies innermost when the container is closed) is visible in a plan X ç when the container is closed, whether or not there is anything in the con- iner.

   18. A container as claimed in daim 1 or ~, wherein the lower flap and the side flap are configured in such a way that following folding of the flaps that portion of the reverse side of the back portion of the container which underlies the point or points at which th folds creating the flaps and/or gussets conjoin and/or terminate (which portion lies innermost in use) is obscured from view whether or not the container is open or closed and whether or not there is anything in the po;et.

   19. A container as claimed in claims 7 o.- 8, wherein a portion acting as a flap and/or gusset and/or a spine is prox-ied with a plurality of apertures and a plurality of lines of fold, the lines of fold being parallel to each other, one or more of the lines of fold lying outside of the apertures and one or more being intersected by the apertures.

   20. An item of unitary construction, the :.':em comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to act as a container, the piece being generally rectangular in shape and comprising a back portion, the back portion being provided with a lower flap and a side flap, the lower and side flaps respectively extending from its lower and side edges, iines of fold being provided along the line of and/or parallel to and outwardly of the said edges, each flap being folded inwardly so as to lie in front of the back portion in use, a pocket being thereby created, the flaps being provided çith a plurality of folds parallel to the respective lower and side edges of the back portion so as to provide portions able to act as gussets, one of the flaps being provided with two pairs of oppositely extending tabs, the pairs of tabs adapted to respectively slidably engage with a pair of parallel slots in the other flap, the effect of the device being to attach the flaps to each other and to maintain contact between their respective surfaces while they slide against each other thereby allowing the width of the portions acting as gussets to respond to any variation in the volume of contents of the pocket from time to time.

   21. A container as claimed in claim 2C, wherein the container is in the nature of a document file for one or more sheets of paper or similar matter and/or wherein a front portion is present, the front portion being separated from the back portion by a line or lines of fold, which front portion may be similar in size and shape to the back portion and may be able to be optionally folded in front of the back portion so that the container is closed.

   22. A container as claimed in claim 20, wherein the sides of the slots are not contiguous and/or the slots do not extend to any edge of the material.

   23. A container as daimed in claim 20, wherein the size of any tab is not less than 18 mm across its base and 18 mm in height and/or is of such an order as to be capable of being easily gripped between finger and thumb and/or may be further utilised to secure a front portion in a dosed position.

   24. A container as claimed in claim 20, wherein the bases of the opposed tabs are largely co-linear and/or subjected to a pre-set crease, and/or the larger of two opposed tabs is provided with an aperture, a part of the periphery of the aperture being substantial ccelinear with a line drawn across the base of the smaller tab.

   25. An item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to act as a container, the piece being generally rectangular in shape and folded about a line of at least one fold so as to provide a back portion and a front portion, the respective portions being of approximately similar size and shape, the back portion being provided with a lower flap and a side flap, the lower and side flaps respectively extending from its lower and side edges, lines of fold being provided along the line of and/or parallel to and outwardly of the said edges, each flap being folded inwardly so that a part thereof lies between the front and back portions in use, a pocket being thereby created, the lower flap being provided with a projecting element adapted to slidably and/or pivotally engage with the edges of a slot or aperture in the front portion in a manner which permits the front portion to lie along side and in the same plane as the back portion when the container is open and to overlie the back portion when the container is dosed.

   26. A container as claimed in claim 25, wherein the container is in the nature of a document file for one or more sheets of paper or similar matter and/or wherein the front portion is similar in size and shape to the back portion.

   27. A container as claimed in claim 25, wherein the projecting element is elongate.

   28. A container as claimed in claim 25, wherein the projecting element is not integral with the lower flap but is provided as separate item adapted to be optionally attached thereto.

   29. A container as daimed in claim 28, wherein the means of attachment allows the projecting element to rotate or slide with respect to the lower flap.

   30. A container as claimed in claim 29, wherein an additional device is incorporated into the lower flap so as to prevent or inhibit the projecting element from moving upwardly and/or upwardly and downwardly in relation to the flap and so as to secure the alignment of the projecting element with the slot or aperture in the front portion.

   31. A container as claimed in claim 30, wherein the projecting element is prevented from moving downwardly in relation to the flap by its engagement with material adjoining the lower part of the slot or aperture in the front portion.

   32. A container as daimed in claim 25, wherein the slot or aperture is provided adjacent, and/or in the case of an elongate slot, parallel to the line of fold or folds dividing the front portion from the back portion.

   33. A container as claimed in daim 25, wherein the projecting element further engages with an edge of a slot or aperture in the back portion after slidably and/or pivotally engaging with the front portion, the element being secured in position within the back portion by a taS or tabs.

   34. A container as claimed in claim 25, wherein the projecting element projects outwardly from and in substantially the same plane as the front portion when the container is dosed.

   35. A container as claimed in claim 34, wherein the projecting element is provided with a relatively narrow portion in the manner of a neck at the point of engagement and an enlarged portion at its distal end, which enlarged portion projects outwardly from the front portion when the container is closed.

   36. A container as claimed in claim 35, wherein the enlarged portion is adapted or shaped so as to form and/or display a symbol, words or other indicia on either or both sides.

   37. A container as claimed in claim 35, wherein the enlarged portion incorporates a wholly or partially enclosed cut-out portion.

   38. A container as claimed in claim 35, wherein the projecting element and/or an enlarged portion at its distal end is provided with means for displaying a symbol, words or other indicia on separately provided material.

   39. A container as claimed in claim 25, wherein the dimensions of the slot or aperture in the front portion are sufficient to allow the projecting element at the lesser in width of its two widest points to pass through.

   40. A container as claimed in claim 25, wherein the sides of the slot are not contiguous and/or are contiguous along part only of its length, the length of the non-contiguous part of the slot corresponding to the width of the projecting element at the point or points of engagement.

   41. A container as claimed in claim 40, wherein the sides of a slot are contiguous along part of its length, a lateral cut being provided at the uppermost end of the contiguous part, the cut corresponding to the distance between the edges of the non-contiguous part of the slot at the point where it joins the contiguous part, the effect of the lateral cut being to form a flap, thereby facilitating the passage of the projecting element.

   42. A container as claimed in claim 40 or 41, wherein the portion of the container lying immediately behind the slot or aperture when the container is empty is the reverse (i.e. innermost when the container is closed) side of the back portion.

   43. A container as claimed in claim 25, wherein the projecting element is provided with optional means whereby it can be secured in a position in which it does not project through the slot or aperture in the front portion.

   44. A container as claimed in claim 43, wherein the projecting element is provided with means whereby it may be folded through 180 degrees (instead of engaging with an edge of the slot or aperture) and returned in the direction from which it is projected, means for capturing the element in its folded position being provided if required, the effect of the folding and/or capturing being to prevent the projecting element from projecting beyond the fold or folds dividing the front portion from the back portion.

   45. A container as claimed in claim 25, wherein the projecting element is provided with a line of penorations across its long axis so that it may be optionally detached from the lower flap and discarded.

   46. A container as claimed in claim 28 or 29, wherein the means of attachment securing the projecting element to the lower flap form a part of the means of attachment securing the lower flap to the side flap.

   47. A container as claimed in claim 46, wherein the means of attachment allow a limited degree of movement in all directions between the respective flaps, their surfaces remaining in contact.

   48. A container as claimed in any one of daims 28 or 46 and 47, wherein the projecting element is either attached to the lower flap or to another element directly or indirectly attached to the lower flap, the means of attachment allowing it to slidably engage with the lower flap or other element as the case may be in such a manner as to be able to slide along an axis which lies at a right angle to the line of fold or folds separating the front portion from the back portion.

   49. A container as claimed in claim 48, wherein the means of attachment comprises a pair of oppositely extending tabs in the projecting element, the tabs adapted to engage with the edges of an elongate slot or a pair of parallel elongate slots in the lower flap or other element attached thereto.

   50. A container as claimed in claim 48, wherein the means of attachment consists of a pair of oppositely extending tabs in the lower flap or other element attached to the lower flap, the tabs adapted to engage with the edges of an elongate slot or a pair of parallel elongate slots in the projecting element.

   51. A container as claimed in claim 48, wherein the means of attachment consists of a pair of oppositely extending tabs in each the projecting element and the lower flap or other element attached to the lower flap, the tabs engaging with the edges of an elongate slot or a pair of parallel elongate slots in the respective other portion, a slot or slots not extending to any edge of the material.

   52. A container as daimed in any one of daims 49 to 51, wherein the sides of a slot or slots are not contiguous along all or part of its length.

   53. A container as claimed in any one of claims 49 to 52, wherein the oppositely extending tabs operate along the same vertical axis, the base of a smaller tab being substantially co-linear with the base of a larger tab, the tabs slidably engaging with the opposite edges of a single elongate slot.

   54. A container as daimed in claim 48, wherein the means of attachment consists of a pair of tabs configured as an "S', the tabs provided in the lower flap or other element attached to the lower flap and adapted to slidably engage with the outer edges of the projecting element.

   55. A container as claimed in daim 25, wherein means of attachment are provided whereby the lower flap and the side flap (and the upper flap, if present, and the side flap) are secured together after folding so as to facilitate the creation of portions acting as gussets, the portions acting as gussets lying about the line of folds along or parallel to the outer edges of the back portion, the presence of the gussets allowing the distance between that part of the respective flaps comprising the front of a pocket and the back portion to vary in accordance with the volume of contents from time to time.

   56. A container as claimed in daim 55, wherein a portion acting as a gusset is folded in such a manner as to lie outwardly of the front and back portions so as to be visible in plan view when the psket is only partially full.

   57. A container as claimed in claim 25 and 55, wherein the lower flap and the side flap are configured in such a way that following folding and attachment of the flaps to each other thai portion of the reverse side of the back portion of the container which underlies the point or points at u which the folds creating the flaps conjoin and/c terminate (which portion lies innermost in use) is obscured from view whether or not the container is open or dosed and whether or not there is anpu-ing in the pocket.

   58. A container as claimed in claim 55, wherein are provided one or more folds parallel to the fold separating the front portion from the back portion so as to facilitate the creation of a portion acting as a spine, the width of the spine varying in accordance with volume of contents of the container from time to time, and/or the front portion is o; approximately the same size and shape as the back portion.

   59. A container as daimed in claim 30, 48, 55 or 58, wherein the long axis of the projecting element being fixed in relation to the lower flap, the element is configured so that its lower edge sli dably and/or pivotally engages with the material at the bottom of the slot or aperture in the front portion whether or not the container is open or closed and the front portion lies along side or overlies the back portion, the bottom of the slot or aperture being so positioned in the front portion that the profile in cross section of that part of the pocket formed by the back portion and the lower flap (including a portion acting as a gusset) does not substantially vary along its length and/or any distortion due to the weight and/o. bulk of contents of the container from time to time is minimised or mitigated.

   60. A container as claimed in claim 59, wherein the projecting element is provided with a "V" shaped or other shaped cut-out along its lower edge at the point of engagement with the edge of the slot in the front portion, the material on either side of the cut-out coming into contact with the front portion when that portion is rotated about the fold or folds dividing it from the back portion, the projecting element thereby being able to pivot about the slot and move fort wardly or backwardly along its axis of sliding.

   61. A container as daimed in daim 59, wherein the projecting element is provided with a cut-out along its lower end , the means of attachment of the element to the flap being such as to secure the alignment of the element so that the upper point of the cut-out rests pon the lower point of the slot, contact between the slot and the element b rlg thereby maintained.

   62. A container as claimed in any one of claims 59 to 61, wherein the projecting element is so configured as to return along and outwardly of the surface of the front portion after passing ~through the slot or aperture, the projecting element either being folded across its long axis through 180 degrees at the point of pivotal engagement with the edge of the slot or aperture or being approximately 'tJ" shared and provided with a pre-set crease at the point of pivotal engagement, the crease facilitating a fold through 180 degrees when the file is open The fold lying across that "arm" of the 'U" shaped element which is attached to the lower flap and lies between lower flap and the front portion when the file is closed 63. A container as claimed in any one of claims 59 to 62, wherein the projecting element is further secured to file front portion or to the spine portion adjacent thereto at one or more points above and/or to one side of the slot or aperture, complementary means of attachment which may comprise a tab and slot device or devices being provided for the purpose.

   64. A container as claimed in claim d2 or 63, wherein the projecting element is approximately "U" shaped and is provided with optional means of attachment to the back portion so as to maintain the file in a dosed state.

   65. A container as claimed in claim 25, wherein an upper flap is provided in addition to a lower flap and a side flap so as to provide a 'E" shaped pocket.

   66. A container as claimed in claim 28, wherein the container is either of unitary construction or unitary construction save for the portion comprising the projecting element.

   67. An item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to act as a container, the piece being generally rectar llar in shape and comprising a back portion, the back portion being accor.?anied by either one or both of the following features: (1) a lower flap and a side flap, the lower and side flaps respectively extending from the lower and side edges of me back portion, a line or lines of fold being provided along the line of and or parallel to and outwardly of each of the said edges, each flap being folded inwardly so as to lie in front of the back portion in use, a pocket being they created, a further portion or portions being adapted to be capable of rotation with respect to the back portion or a flap by virtue of one portions. defining a male element and another or other portions defining a female element; (2) a front portion, the front portion being separated from the back portion by a line or lines of fold, a further portion or portions being adapted to be capable of rotation with respect to the front portion by virtue of one portion defining a male element and another or other portions defining a female element.

   68. A container as claimed in claim 67, wherein the container is in the nature of a document file for one or more sheets of paper or similar matter and/or wherein the front portion is similar in size and shape to the back portion, the front portion being able to be optionally folded in front of the back portion so that the container is dosed.

   69. A container as claimed in claim 67, wherein a plurality of radial cuts are provided in the male element, the innermost and outermost ends of the cuts being respectively of a lesser and greater diameter than the innermost (relative to the centre) edge of the annular aperture comprising the female element, the portions of material between the cuts acting as tabs capable of being positioned on either side of the female element so as to act as an interlocking mechanism.

   70. A container as claimed in claim 67, wherein the male element is comprised of a plurality of tabs the bases o which are arranged in an annular manner, the tabs adapted to slidably engage with the edge of an annular aperture comprising the female element.

   71. A container as claimed in claim 70, wherein eight radial cuts are provided in the male element, the cuts providing four tabs of similar shape and size, the tabs being equidistantly spaced from each other, the width of the base of each tab corresponding to the distance between the tabs, the bases of the tabs arranged in an annular manner.

   72. A container as claimed in claim 67, wherein the diameter of the innermost ends of the cuts in the male element are sufficiently less than the diameter of the aperture in the female element to allow the male element to move in an eccentric manner in relation to the female element 73. A container as claimed in claim 67, wherein a rotatable element is provided with one or more radial arms.

   74. A container as claimed in claim 67, wherein the male element is provided with an annular aperture so as to act as a female element to an additional male element, which additional male element is in turn optionally equipped with an annular aperture thereby to form a female element for a further male element.

   75. A container as daimed in claim 67, wherein an additional female elements is inserted between a male element and a female element, the additional element not being provided with an arm or arms but adapted to act as a washer.

   76. A container as claimed in claim 67, wherein a plurality of female elements are interlocked with a single male element.

   77. A container as claimed in claim 73, wherein an enlargement in the form of a plaque capable of bearing words or other indicia or shaped as a symbol is provided at the end of the arm or arms furthest from the centre of rotation.

   78. A container as claimed in claim 73, wherein an enlargement at the end of the arm or arms furthest from the centre of rotation is provided with means for displaying a symbol, words or other indicia on separately provided material.

   79. A container as claimed in claim 73, wherein four arms in a fixed position to each other and forming part of the same rotatable element are set at an angle of 90 degrees to each other.

   80. A container as claimed in claim 67, wherein the portion of the rotatable element furthest from the centre of rotation is captured by another portion of the container in such a way as to permit full or partial rotation.

   81. A container as claimed in any one of claims 67 or 80 , wherein a portion of the rotatable element is viewed in whole or in part through an aperture provided in another portion of the container and/or in another rotatable element.

   82. A container as claimed in any one of claims 67, 80 or 81, wherein a plurality of female elements are interlocked with a single male element, the male element being incorporated into a front portion of the container which portion comprises the fixed portion of the device, the female elements lying either on the obverse or reverse side of the front portion, the female elements being provided with annular fields of information arranged in a manner concentric to the centre of rotation.

   83. A container as daimed in claim 82, wherein the female elements lie on the reverse side of the front portion, the respective diameters of the female elements varying so that portions of each female element may be viewed through one or more apertures provided in the front portion, the female element with the smallest diameter lying next to and face to face with the reverse side of the front portion, the female element with the next smallest diameter lying next to and facing and outwardly of that with the smallest diameter, and so on according to diameter as regards any further female element or elements.

   84. A container as daimed in claim 82, wherein the female elements lie on the reverse side of the front portion, the diameter of the fields of information provided by the female elements varying so that portions of each field of information may be viewed through one or more apertures provided in the front portion, a first female element with the field of information of the largest diameter lying next to and face to face with the reverse side of the front portion, a second female element with a field of information of lesser diameter lying next to and facing and outwardly of the first female element, any further female elements being similarly positioned according to the diameter of their fields of information, the first female element being provided with one or more apertures adapted to allow a view of a portion or portions of the field of information of the second female element and of any further female elements though an aperture or apertures in the front portion, the second female element being similarly provided with one or more apertures adapted to allow a view of a portion or portions of the field of information of any further female element, and so on.

   85. A container as claimed in claim 84, wherein three female elements are provided, the first female element being provided with a field of information and twenty four apertures arranged in two circles of smaller diameter than the field of information, the circle of apertures of larger diameter corresponding with the field of information of the second female element, the circle of apertures of smaller diameter corresponding with the field of information of the third female element, the second female element being provided with a circle of twelve apertures of smaller diameter than its field of information, the circle of apertures corresponding with the field of information of the third female element.

   86. A container as claimed in any one of claims 82 to 85, wherein the fixed portion and/or the reverse sides of the female elements are provided with indicia allowing them to be set either in accordance with other data or at random, in either case in such a manner as to bring into alignment with each other portions of the fields of information and/or apertures respectively provided within the fixed portion and within the female elements.

   87. A container as claimed in claim 67 or any one of claims 80 to 86, wherein a female element is provided with a knurled or otherss7ise uneven edge to facilitate manipulation and/or identification by touch.

   88. A container as claimed in claim 67, wherein a portion capable of rotation is attached to one or more further portions capable of rotation by virtue of one portion or portions defining a male element and another or other portions defining a female element.

   89. A container as claimed in claim 88, wherein are provided manual means of manipulating a further portion into a desired position and/or agitating it.

   90. A container as claimed in daim 89, wherein the configuration is such as to impart a degree of leverage between the portion manually activated and the further portion.

   91. A container as claimed in claim 67, wherein the back portion is provided with an upper flap in addition to a lower flap and side flap.

   92. A container as claimed in claim 67 or 91, wherein means of attachment are provided whereby the lower flap and the side flap (and the upper flap, if present, and the side flap) are secured together after folding so as to facilitate the creation of portions acting 25 gussets, the portions acting as gussets lying about the line of folds along or parallel to the outer edges of the back portion, the presence of the gussets allowing the distance between that part of the respective flaps comprising the front of a pocket and the back portion to vary in accordance with the volume of contents from time to time.

   93. A container as claimed in daim 92, wherein a portion acting as a gusset is folded in such a manner as to lie outwardly of the back portion, and (if present) front portion, so as to be visible in plan view when the pocket is only partially full.

   94. A container as claimed in any one of claims 67, 72 and 91 to 93, wherein a flap comprises a fixed portion with respect to a rotatable element.

   95. A container as claimed in claim 94, wherein the means of attachment of the lower flap to the side flap are comprised of a male element in the lower flap adapted to engage with a female element in the side flap, or vice verso.

   96. A container as claimed in claim 9D ss herein the means of attachment allow eccentric movement in the lower flap relative to the side flap, the extent of eccentric movement being such that the profile in cross section of that part of the pocket formed by the back portion and the lower flap (including a portion acting as a gusset if present) does not substantially vary along its length and any distortion due to the weight and/or bulk of contents of the container from time to time is either mind noised or mitigated or capable of being remedied by manual adjustment.

   97. A container as claimed in claim 95 O- 96, wherein eight radial cuts are provided in the male element, the cuts providing four tabs approximately equidistantly spaced from each other, three tabs of similar size and shape being provided, the width and/or length of the fourth tab being somewhat greater than that of the other three tabs, the fourth tab operating at or about the "seven o'clock" point on the circumference of the aperture comprising the female element when the lower and side fiaps are attached to each other.

   98. A container as claimed in claim 95, wherein the means attachment of a lower flap and a side flap are utilised for the attachment of a further female element which may be a rotatable element and/or a means for securing a front portion and the back portion when the container is dosed.

   99. A container as claimed in claim 9E, wherein the means attachment of the further female element do not permit of an eccentric movement Or any significant eccentric movement in the further female element with respect to the male element.

   100. A container as claimed in any one of claims 91 to 99, wherein the back portion is further provided with an upper flap extending from its upper edge, the upper flap being similarly configured to the lower flap so as to provide a "U" shaped pocket, the upper flap being provided with means of attachment to the side flap as claimed in anyone of the said claims, the device or devices being arranged wholly or partly in a reflectively symmetrical manner to the corresponding device or devices associated with the lower flap.

   101. A container as claimed in claim 67, wherein the container is either of unitary construction or of unitary construction save for the portion or portions capable of rotation or eccentric movement.

   102. An item of unitary construction, the item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to act as a container, the piece being generally rectangular in shape and comprising a back portion, the back portion being accompanied by either one or both of the following features: (1) a lower flap and a side flap, the lower and side flaps respectively extending from the lower and side edges of the back portion, a line or lines of fold being provided along the line of and/or parallel to and outwardly of each of the said edges, each flap being folded inwardly so as to lie in front of the back portion in use, a pocket being thereby created, at least one flap being provided with one or more apertures defining a female element, which aperture or apertures may lie between, adjacent to or intersect a said line or lines of fold, a further portion of material being separately provided and attachable to the container by means of one or more "T" shaped or hook shaped or other shaped tabs defining a male element, the tab or tabs extending from an outer edge of the separately provided portion and adapted to be inserted into a said aperture or apertures and secured in position, the separately provided portion lying either substantially within or substantially without the container in use; (2) a front portion, the front portion being separated from the back portion by a line or lines of fold, one or more apertures defining a female element being provided between, adjacent to or intersecting a line or lines of fold lying between the front portion and the back portion; a further portion of material being separately provided and attachable to the container by means of one or more "T" shaped or hook shaped or other shaped tabs defining a male element, the tab or tabs extending from an outer edge of the separately provided portion and adapted to be inserted into a said aperture or apertures and secured in position, the separately provided portion lying either substantially within or substantially without the container in use.

   103. A container as claimed in claim 102, wherein the container is in the nature of a document file for one or more sheets of paper or similar matter and/or wherein the front portion is similar in size and shape to the back portion, the front portion being able to be optionally folded in front of the back portion so that the container is closed.

   104. A container as claimed in claim 102, wherein means of attachment are provided whereby the lower flap and the side flap (and the upper flap, if present, and the side flap) are secured together after folding so as to facilitate the creation of portions acting as gussets, the portions acting as gussets lying about the line of folds along or parallel to the outer edges of the back portion, the presence of the gussets allowing the distance between that part of the respective flaps comprising the front of a pocket and the back portion to vary in accordance with the volume of contents from time to time.

   105. A container as claimed in claim 104, wherein a portion acting as a gusset is folded in such a manner as to lie outwardly of the back portion, and (if present) front portion, so as to be visible in plan view when the pocket is only partially full.

   106. A container as claimed in claim 102, wherein are provided one or more folds parallel to the fold separating a front portion from a back portion so as to facilitate the creation of a portion acting as a spine, the width of the spine varying in accordance with volume of contents of the container from time to time, and/or the front portion is of approximately the same size and shape as the back portion.

   107. A container as claimed in claim 102, wherein the separately provided portion is provided with a pair of tabs of similar shape and size, the tabs being adapted to respectively engage with an edge of any one of a plurality of pairs of apertures of similar shape and size placed in a co-linear manner between, adjacent to or intersecting a line or lines of fold so as to provide more than one possible positions for the portion.

   108. A container as claimed in claim 102, wherein the outer edge of the separately provided portion is provided with a shoulder shaped protuberance at the each point of extension of a tab, the effect of the protuberances being to prevent or inhibit the remainder of the outer edge from corning into contact with the material immediately adjacent to the apertures.

   109. A container as claimed in claim 102, wherein an aperture or apertures are provided in the shape of a circle, ellipse, diamond, key-hole or inverted tear-drop, or provided with a notch at the lowermost point in use, the effect being to encourage a tab to take up a central position within the aperture with the lower edge of the neck of the tab resting upon the edge of the aperture at its lowest point and to prevent or inhibit accidental lateral movement of a tab within the aperture.

   110. A container as claimed in claim 102, wherein a tab is "T" shaped, the cross-member of the "T" having a dimension greater than the corresponding dimension of the respective aperture, the vertical component of the "T" (comprising the neck of the tab) being of a lesser dimension thereof, the cross-member being rolled up or folded during the process of assembly so as to allow it to pass through the aperture and then unrolled or unfolded so as to secure it in position.

   111. A container as claimed in claim 110, wherein the respective dimensions of the cross-member of the tab and the aperture are such that the tab can be passed through the aperture without being permanently deformed.

   112. A container as claimed in claim 102, wherein the separately provided portion is provided with a contact adhesive or "Velcro" (Registered Trade Mark) or other mechanical or chemical joining agency for the purpose of facilitating the attachment of other items including non-stationery items to the container.

   113. A container as claimed in claim 102, wherein the separately provided portion is adapted to act as a divider or as a pocket for documents placed within the container, the plan dimensions of the portion (exduding any tab or tabs) being of the order of those of a front portion or back portion of the container, the portion lying within or largely within the container in use.

   114. A container as claimed in claim 113, wherein a separately provided portion adapted to act as a pocket for documents placed within the container is configured so as to lay on the left hand side of the container when it is open, the tab or tabs being inserted into an aperture or apertures between, adjacent to or intersecting a line or lines of fold lying between a front portion and the back portion, folds being provided across the base(s) of the tab or tabs to enable the pocket to lie flat when the container is open.

   115. A container as claimed in claim 113, wherein a separately provided portion adapted to act as a pocket is provided with a lower flap and a side flap, which flaps may be attached together by means of a tab and slot or similar mechanism.

   116. A container as claimed in claim 102, wherein a separately provided portion, which may be elongate, is adapted to act as a display portion capable of displaying words or other indicia or being shaped as a symbol, the display portion to be externally mounted upon the container so as to lie substantially without a front portion and the back portion when the container is closed.

   117. A container as claimed in claim 116, wherein a separately provided display portion is provided with means for displaying a symbol, words or other india on further separately provided material.

   118. A container as claimed in claim 102 or 113, wherein a separately provided portion adapted to act 2s a divider is provided with an extension from an edge comprising a visual index, the said extension adapted to identify the nature of the matter placed to one side of the separately provided portion.

   119. A container as claimed in claim 118, wherein a separately provided portion adapted to act as a divider is provided with an extension able to act as a visual index from either its upper edge or side edge or both.

   120. A container as claimed in claim 118 or 119, wherein a plurality of separately provided portions adapted to act as dividers are each provided with extensions adapted to act as a combined index, the extensions configured so that their surfaces, or that Dirt of their surfaces acting as a visual index, do not overlap.

   121. A container as claimed in any one or claims 118 to 120, wherein an extension adapted to act as an index is provided with an irregular edge or with an individually shaped aperture so as to be readily distinguishable without the addition of further graphics rrom other extensions to other dividers comprising the same index.

   122. A container as claimed in claim 118. wherein one or more extensions adapted to act as an index are not integral with the separately provided portion or portions but provided with comlementary means of attachment thereto.

   123. A container as claimed in claim 102 or 122, wherein the container is of unitary construction save for a separately provided portion and any extension adapted to act as an index thereto.

   124. An item comprising a piece of flexible material adapted to act as a container, the piece being generally rectanguiar in shape and comprising a back portion, the back portion being accompanied by one or more of the following features: (1) a lower flap and a side flap, the lower and side flaps respectively extending from the lower and side edges of the back portion, a line or lines of fold being provided along the line of and/or parallel to and outwardly of each of the said edges, each flap being folded inwardly so as to lie in front of the back portion in use, a pocket being thereby created, a separately provided display portion adapted to convey information incorporating means of attachment to the back portion or a flap, the means of attachment comprising a pair of oppositely extending tabs incorporated into either the separately provided display portion or the back portion or flap, the tabs being inserted through an elongate slot (or each through a respective one of a pair of elongate slots) incorporated into the respective other portion so as to slidably engage therewith.

   (2) a front portion, the front portion being separated from the back portion by a line or lines of fold, a separately provided display portion adapted to convey information incorporating means of attachment to the front portion or back portion, the means of attachment comprising a pair of oppositely extending tabs incorporated into either the separately provided display portion or the front or back portion, the tabs being inserted through an elongate slot (or each through a respective one of a pair of elongate slots) incorporated into the respective other portion so as to slidably engage therewith.

   (3) a portion adapted to act a divider for the contents or a part of the contents of the container, the divider lling either within a pocket as described in (1) above or between the back portion and a front portion as described in (2) above, a separately provided display portion adapted to convey information incorporating means of attachment to the divider, the means of attachment comprising a pair of oppositely extending tabs incorporated into either the separately provided display portion or the divider, the tabs being inserted through an elongate slot (or each through a respective one of a pair of elongate slots) incorporated into the respective other portion so as to slidably engage therewith.

   125. A container as claimed in claim 124, wherein the container is in the nature of a document file for one or more sheets of paper or similar matter and/or wherein the front portion is similar in size and shape to the back portion, the front portion being able to be optionally folded in front of the back portion so that the container is dosed.

   126. A container as claimed in claim 124, wherein the separately provided display portion is shaped so as to be capable of bearing words or other indicia or to act as a symbol.

   127. A container as claimed in daim 124, wherein the separately provided display portion is provided with means for displaying a symbol, words or other indicia on separately provided material.

   128. A container as claimed in claim 124, wherein a slot or slots do not extend to any edge of the material.

   129. A container as claimed in claim 124, wherein a slot or slots is perforate along all or part of its length, or in which the sides of the slot or slots are connected at intervals, the perforations or connecting portions being capable of being readily torn open by the user to facilitate positioning of the respective oppositely extending tabs within the slot or slots.

   130. A container as claimed in claim 124, wherein the sides of a slot or slots are not contiguous along all or part of its length.

   131. A container as claimed in claim 124, wherein notches or cuts are incorporated into a slot or slots or indicia are provided for the purpose of fadlitating the positioning of the respective oppositely extending tabs within the slot or slots.

   132. A container as claimed in claim 124, wherein an additional tab-like element is incorporated into the separately provided display portion which does not perform the functions of an oppositely extending tab, the tab-like element being capable of being gripped between finger and thumb so as facilitate manipulation of the display portion into a desired position.

   133. A container as claimed in claim 124, wherein the size of any tab is not less than 18 mm across its base and 18 mm in height and/or is of such an order as to be capable of being easily gripped between finger and thumb 134. A container as claimed in claim 124, wherein the oppositely extending tabs operate along the same vertical axis, their bases largely contiguous with each other, the base of a smaller tab being substantially co-linear with the base of a larger tab, the tabs slidably engaging with the opposite edges of a single elongate slot.

   135. A container as claimed in claim 124, wherein the slot or slots are incorporated into the separately provided display portion and the oppositely extending tabs into the respective other portion.

   136. A container as claimed in claim 124, wherein the oppositely extending tabs are incorporated into the separately provided display portion and the slot or slots into the respective other pOrtiOn.

   137. A container as claimed in claim 124, wherein both a slot (or slots) and the oppositely extended tabs are incorporated into each the separately provided display portion and the respective other portion.

   138. A container as claimed in claim 124, wherein a portion is provided with two pairs of oppositely extending tabs engaging with the edges of a single slot or a pair of slots in the respective other portion.

   139. A container as claimed in claim 124, wherein the slot or slots are provided along and parallel to an edge of a back portion, flap, front portion or divider, a part of the separately provided display portion lying beyond that edge in any one of a plurality of positions which positions may or may not overlap.

   140. A container as claimed in claim 139, wherein the slot or slots are provided along an outer edge which is parallel to the line of fold dividing the front portion from the back portion.

   141. A container as claimed in claim 124, wherein the slot or slots are provided at an angle of 90 degrees to an edge of a back portion, flap, front portion or divider, the extent of the projection of the separately provided display portion beyond the edge depending upon the position of the tabs within the slot or slots and being optionally variable.

   A A container as claimed in claim 141, wherein a plurality of slots or pairs of slots are provided at an angle of 90 degrees to an edge so as to permit a separately provided display portion to project beyond the edge at more than one point or a plurality of display portions to project beyond the edge at different points.

   143. A container as claimed in claim 124, wherein one or more separately provided display portions are adapted to be attached to one or more dividers, the means of attachment being such as to allow a display portion or portions to project beyond the edge of divider or dividers in the manner of a visual index.

   144. A container as claimed in claim 124, wherein one or more separately provided display portions are adapted to be attached to one or more dividers along an upper edge or edges, the dividers being adapted to be placed within a pocket or between the back and front portions, the means of attachment being such as to allow a display portion or portions to optionally project beyond the upper edge of the front and/or back portions.

   145. A container as claimed in claim 124, wherein a plurality of dividers and a corresponding number of display portions are provided, the means of attachment of a display portion to a divider being such as to ensure that no one display portion overlaps or substantially overlaps another.

   146. A container as claimed in claim 144 or 145, wherein a separately provided portion adapted to act as a divider is further provided with an integral extension able to act as a visual index from its side edge.

   147. A container as claimed in any one of claims 144 to 146, wherein an extension or display portion adapted to act as a visual index is provided with an irregular edge or with an individually shaped aperture so as to be readily distinguishable without the addition of further graphics from other extensions to other dividers comprising the same index.

   148. A container as claimed in claim 147 wherein a separately provided portion adapted to act as a divider is provided with both an integral extension from its side edge and a display portion adapted to project beyond the upper edge, bot 150. A container as herein described which is formed from a single sheet of flexible material not larger than 450 mm by 640 mm.

   151. A container as herein described in which the complementary means of attachment of one portion to another are integral with the respective portions in which they are provided, no glue, staples or other extraneous joining agency being employed.

   152. A container as herein described in which the edges are partially indicated by printed means and/or partially die-cut so as to be capable of being readily modified prior to cutting out by manual means.

   153. A container as herein described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings and stated to be in accordance with this invention 154. Container constructions as claimed in more than one of the foregoing claims.