GB2500173A

GB2500173A - Foldable storage file containing a plurality of wallets attached to the file at opposing ends

Info

Publication number: GB2500173A
Application number: GB201203598A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lindi Jean Lawrenson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-03-01
Filing date: 2012-03-01
Publication date: 2013-09-18
Also published as: GB201203598D0

Abstract

A foldable storage file (1) comprising a planar spine panel between two planar cover panels 7. At least two sets 4, 5 of a plurality of wallets 10 fixed to the inside of each cover panels. The wallets attached to either the left side 8, 9 of both cover panels or the right side of both cover panels. The wallets creating two triangular shapes which when the file is folded creates the rectangle or square outer shape of the file. The storage file may be closable with a fourth side, with a way of fastening to the other cover panel 6 e.g. by the use of a magnetic closure. The storage file is preferable made of rigid material such as hard card or cardboard. The wallets may be transparent and closable e.g. with a zip.

Description

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Bulk Storage File Background

Many households have problems with storing a bulk quantity of items, usually due to a lack of space. This means that a person will often opt for the more expensive option of smaller quantities rather than the cheaper bulk quantity. Items being referred to are endless, but examples include:

• Art and craft supplies such as foam shapes, paper, pom poms, pipe cleaners, feathers

• Sewing items such as cotton reels

• Gardening items such as seed packets

The problems with storage of these bulk purchasing products is:

1> Storing bulk items takes up space

2> Finding the right container to suit the shape and ultimate, final shape of all the items stored together is difficult

3> Storing a number of different bulk items takes up space and if one needs a few of the items at the same time, it is then a hassle (time consuming and an effort) to have to retrieve a number of different containers and open them; and then at the end of the activity, to have to close the containers and put all the different containers away in storage.

Statement of Invention

A file consisting of zipped wallets holding different items in each wallet. The items can be retrieved with the file open or closed. When the file is opened, it creates a stand so that the items are more visible and more easily retrievable.

Advantages of invention

• A number of different, bulk items are stored in one container, that being a file.

• The wallets ensure that items do not become disorganized and each type of item has its own storage place and will not mix with other items.

• The shape of the file, square or rectangular, means that the file is easily stored. A number of files can be stored easily alongside one another or stacked on top of one another.

• The shape of the file is maximized for storage space and a large amount of items can be stored in a relatively small space (compared to if the items were stored in separate containers).

• The file opens up into a stand so that all of the items stored are easily retrieved. A number of different items can be retrieved by only opening up one storage container, in this case, opening the file.

• The file is a storage facility but also creates an ergonomic working structure when the file is opened up: the file can be placed alongside the activity being done, items are within arms reach while doing an activity and items are easily accessible.

Introduction to drawings

Storing and making use of art and craft items will be used as an example of how this Bulk Storage File can be utilized effectively. It will now be described by

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referring to the accompanying drawings. The drawings refer to a rectangular shaped file.

Figure 1: The file (1] closed, showing the wallets (2] with their zips (3] exposed at the top end. The lip (6) that closes and secures the wallets is also shown.

Figure 2: Top view of the file, showing the triangular shape created by the two sets of wallets. Set one is number (4). Set two is number (5).

Figure3: The file opened up into its standing position. The set one and set two wallets now open out slightly to aid the standing of the file. A lip (6) closes the file and attaches to the opposite end of the file (7) by means of attachment material. Art and craft items (10) are shown inside the transparent wallets.

Detailed description

The file

1. The shape: The shape of the file is symmetrical and is either a square or a rectangular shape. This means that a number of these files can be stored, stacked next to one another or on top of one another. The shape also means that maximum storage of wallets is obtained due to the two triangular shapes of the set of wallets (see below). The file opens up into a standing position and the square or rectangular shape allows it can open up into this stand (figure 3).

2. Material: The file needs to be made of relatively sturdy material such as a hard card, so that it can perform its function in the standing position. It also needs to be able to handle wear and tear.

3. Closure of file: the file can be closed by a number of different means and different attachment materials. In the example shown, a lip (6) from the one width side folds over to join the opposite width side (see figure 1).

The wallets

1> General: The wallets are the holding containers for the items. It is preferable if the wallets are transparent as then the items can be easily seen. It is also preferable to have a form of zip (number 3, figure 1) on the wallets, as a way of closure. This means it is easy to access the items, merely by opening up the zip. Other types of wallets/ pockets could also be used.

2> Different sets: There are two sets of wallets in this example, although more could be created if, for example, one wanted to double up the size of the file. Each set of wallets (labeled 4 and 5 in figure 2 and 3) attaches to the file. Set one attaches at number 8, figure 3 and set two attaches at number 9, figure 3.

3> A set of wallets, when they are all attached together at one end and store items, results in forming a triangular shape (the triangular shape can be viewed from above, see figure 2). Therefore, when the two triangular sets of wallets meet one another, they create a rectangular shape (figure 2).

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Opening and closing the file

The file closes by a lip on the one width side that attaches to the opposite width side of the file. When the file is closed it forms a square or rectangular shape. When opening the file, the lip detaches and the file opens up into a standing position (figure 3). When in its standing position, the four different sides of the file are all slightly angled to give it stability and the ability to stand independently (without the need for a separate stand). The wallets naturally fall out a bit when the file is opened. This also assists in the file standing independently.

Retrieving items

Because the top of the file has no lid, items can be retrieved when the file is in its closed or open position. It is easier to retrieve items in the file when it is in its open position- and one can flick through the wallets until getting to the needed items/ wallet.

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Claims

1. A storage file comprising an outer having an inside and an outside, the outer being foldable along two parallel lines, the two parallel lines defining two

5 planar cover panels and a planar spine panel between the cover panels, each cover panel having a left side and a right side, and a plurality of wallets fixed to the inside of each of the cover panels, the wallets being fixed to the inside of the cover panels at one end of the cover panel, the fixing of the wallets being either at the left side of both cover panels or at the right side of both 10 cover panels.

2. A storage file as claimed in claim 1, in which the wallets are closable.

3. A storage file as claimed in claim 2, in which the wallets are closed by a zip 15 fastener.

4. A storage file as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the outer includes a further spine panel adjacent to one side of one of the cover panels.

CO

1 20 5. A storage file as claimed in claim 4, in which a fastening is provided for

CO fastening the further spine panel to the side of the cover panel to which the

Q further spine panel is not already attached.

q 6. A storage file as claimed in claim 5, in which the fastening is a magnetic

25 fastening.

7. A storage file as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the outer is made from a substantially rigid material.

30 8. A storage file as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the wallets are transparent.

9. A storage file substantially as described herein, with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.

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