GB2560715A

GB2560715A - Reconfigurable folder

Info

Publication number: GB2560715A
Application number: GB1704382.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Yun Eng Song; Rogers James
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-03-20
Filing date: 2017-03-20
Publication date: 2018-09-26
Also published as: GB201704382D0

Abstract

A folder comprises a first and second parts, leaves or pages 20, 22 and a first fold means 5. The fold means detachably attaches the first and second parts. The folder is foldable about the first fold means and, when opened, provides a first and second retaining spaces or pockets 1, 2 on the first and second parts, respectively. The second part comprises a first portion, a second portion and a second fold means 7. When the first and second parts are detached, the second part is foldable about the second fold means and, when opened, provides the second retaining space on at least the first portion.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Song Yun Eng

Clarendon Road, London, W5 1AA,

United Kingdom

James Rogers

Flat 6, 27 Mile End Road, Whitechapel, London,

E1 4TP, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Song Yun Eng James Rogers (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Snipe Chandrahasen LLP

Kingsland Road, London, E2 8AA, United Kingdom (51) INT CL:

B42D 1/06 (2006.01) B42F 7/06 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:

EP 1366928 A1 WO 2002/044036 A2

US 6164859 A US 5407231 A

US 20100247227 A1 (58) Field of Search:

INT CL B42D, B42F

Other: WPI, EPODOC, Internet (54) Title of the Invention: Reconfigurable folder Abstract Title: Reconfigurable modular folder (57) A folder comprises a first and second parts, leaves or pages 20, 22 and a first fold means 5. The fold means detachably attaches the first and second parts. The folder is foldable about the first fold means and, when opened, provides a first and second retaining spaces or pockets 1, 2 on the first and second parts, respectively. The second part comprises a first portion, a second portion and a second fold means 7. When the first and second parts are detached, the second part is foldable about the second fold means and, when opened, provides the second retaining space on at least the first portion.

Fig 1

1/2

>22 >20

Fig 1

2/2

Fie 2

Fig 3

Hgb

RECONFIGURABLE FOLDER

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a portable folder that can be used in more than one configuration.

Background

Creators of visual works often produce their work on Al, A2, A3 and A4 sized papers. Such work has to be transported for presentation. Portfolio cases may be used to transport and present such work. However, where work is in a variety of the sizes, known portfolio cases are not configured for good presentation of the work. Presentation of work is highly relevant to how it is received. It is undesirable to own multiple portfolio cases for cost and storage reasons. It is an object of the present invention to provide a folder providing flexibility in the sizes of work that can be transported and presented.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a folder comprising: a first part, a second part and a first fold means, wherein the fold means detachably attaches the first and second parts, wherein the folder is foldable about the first fold means and, when opened, provides a first retaining space and a second retaining space on the first and second parts, respectively; wherein the second part comprises a first portion, a second portion and a second fold means, wherein, when the first and second parts are detached, the second part is foldable about the second fold means and, when opened, provides the second retaining space on at least the first portion.

Optional and/or preferred features of the folder are set out in the dependent claims.

Brief Description of the Figures

For better understanding of the present invention, embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

Figure lisa view of a portfolio folder in unassembled form;

Figure 2 is a view of the assembled portfolio folder;

Figure 3 is a view of the portfolio folder when closed;

Figure 4 is a view of a second part of the portfolio folder; and

Figure 5 is a view of the second part of the portfolio folder when the folder is closed.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

Like reference numerals are used to denote like parts throughout.

In embodiments of the invention, a portfolio folder is reconfigurable to provide retaining spaces to which multiple sheet materials of different sizes can be attached. In a first configuration, the folder is configured to provide, when opened, a retaining space having a first length and first width. In a second configuration, the folder is configured to provide, when opened, a retaining space of a second length and second width. Preferably, the second length is substantially the same as first width. When closed in the first configuration the folder has a length and width of substantially half of the first length, and first width. When closed in the second configuration the folder has a length and width of substantially half of the second length, and second width.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, when assembled the folder is in the first configuration and is configured with retaining means to retain objects in retaining spaces of Al size, A2 size, A3 size, and two of A4 size. In the case of the retaining spaces of Al size and A2 size, the retaining spaces are each to retain at least one sheet material. Each sheet material may be, for example of paper, card, sheet plastic, or a map. Such sheet materials may be retained for the purpose of presentation. In the case of the retaining spaces of A3 and A4 size, each of the retaining spaces has retaining means in the form of a corresponding sized pocket, for retaining, for example pads or writing implements.

The folder has a first part in the form of a rectangular, first component 20, a second part in the form of a rectangular, second component 22, and a first fold means in the form of a first spine assembly 5. Rectangles have parallel longer and parallel shorter edges. The longer edges are herein referred to as the “longitudinal” edges. The terms “length” and “width” are to be construed in view of the shape of a rectangle.

The first component 20 comprises a first sheet material retainer 1 attached on a rectangular, first board 8. The first sheet material retainer 1 is configured to retain sheet material of A1 size. The first board 8 has first and second longitudinal edges 10a, 10b.

The second component 22 comprises rectangular first and second sections and a second spine assembly 7. The second component 22 has first and second longitudinal edges 11a, lib.

The first section comprises a rectangular, second sheet material retainer 2 attached on a rectangular, stiff second board 12. The second sheet material retainer 2 is configured to retain sheet material of A3 size. The second section comprises retaining means in the form of a plurality of pockets 3, 4 attached on a rectangular, stiff third board 9, intended to hold sketchbooks pads, papers, et cetera. The pocket 3 is A3 sized and the pockets 4 are A4 sized. These pockets are arranged in a formation to substantially match in size the A2 sheet material that may be held on the first section. In variant embodiments, the second section may provide, instead of pockets, retaining spaces on which A4 and A3 sized sheet materials may be retained and displayed, and sheet material retainers may be provided to retain such sheet materials.

Each of the first and second sections has a respective first longitudinal edge, that is attached to the second spine assembly 7, and a second longitudinal edge 13, 14, respectively.

The first and second sections also have respective parallel shorter edges, two of which form the first longitudinal edge 1 la of the second component 22.

The first spine assembly 5 attaches the first and second components 20, 22 together at the first longitudinal edge 10a, 1 la of each using first fasteners that enable attachment and release. The first fasteners may be in the form of clamping means attaching to the first, second and third rigid boards 8, 9, 12 at the first longitudinal edges 11a, lib. Alternatively, mutually mating first fasteners may be included in the first, second and third rigid boards 8, 9, 12 and in the first spine assembly 5. Alternatively, the first spine assembly 5 may be configured to releasably attach the first and second components together by other means, for example using a lengthwise zipper or a magnet arrangement.

Similarly, the second spine assembly 5 is configured to attach the first and second sections together along the first longitudinal edge of each using second fasteners that enable attachment and release. The second fasteners may be in the form of clamps for attaching to the second and third rigid boards 9, 12 at the longitudinal edges. Alternatively, second fasteners may be included in the second and third rigid boards 9, 12 to fasten to fasteners in the second spine assembly 5. Alternatively, the second spine assembly 7 may be configured to releasably attach the first and second components together by other means, for example using a lengthwise zipper or a magnet arrangement.

The folder includes third fasteners 6a to fasten the folder closed when in its first configuration. Such third fasteners are located to hold the second longitudinal edges 10b, lib of the first and second components 20, 22 together. The third fasteners may be in the form of a strap or magnets or clips, for example. Third fasteners 6b may also be provided to hold transverse edges together.

The sheet material retainers 1, 2 are each in the form of a flaps 15, 16 extending around the periphery of where the sheet material to be displayed is located. The flaps 15, 16 can be folded over the peripheral edges of, in the case of the first component 20, an Al sheet material, and, in the case of the first section, an A2 sheet material, to keep the respective sheet material in place. The flaps can be flexed to allow release of retained sheet material. Many sheets can be stored in the first and second retaining spaces 1, 2 by the sheet material retainers. Top sheets can be easily removed during presentation of material.

The sheet material retainers may be provided using alternative means. For example, a transparent sheet may be attached to the respective underlying board. An opening may be provided so that sheet material can be located under the transparent sheets and removed therefrom.

Similarly, the folder includes fourth fasteners (not shown) to fasten the folder closed when the folder is in its second configuration with the first component 20 detached. Such fourth fasteners are located to hold the second longitudinal edges 13, 14 of the first and second sections together.

In a preferred embodiment, the third fasteners can be used to fasten the second part folded when the folder is in the second configuration. In this case, the third fasteners and the fourth fasteners are the same.

Each of the first, second and third boards 8, 9, 12 have a sheet aluminium layer core, although other materials may be used instead. The outer and inner are preferably wrapped in a canvas or other aesthetically attractive material.

When the folder is used in the first configuration, the folder can be folded closed and fastened in a closed position with the first fasteners 6a and optionally fasteners 6b. This may be convenient for storage and transportation. The folder can be unfolded about the first spine assembly 5 to be flat and to be of approximately twice Al dimensions. In this first configuration, sheet materials retained on the first and second parts are visible.

The user may detach the first part from the second part, by unfastening the first fasteners of the first spine assembly 5. Thus, the folder is in the second configuration. The second part can then be used as an independent portfolio folder. This is useful when a folder for display of Al sheet materials is not needed, since a smaller folder is easier to carry. Also, if only a retaining space of A2 size is required, the second configuration is preferable.

While on the second section pockets are provided, in variant embodiments the second section may instead be provided with sheet material retainers for display of A3 and A4 sheets.

The layout of retaining spaces in which sheet materials are displayed and of pockets can be modified considerably.

Al, A2, A3 and A4 are sizes in the ISO paper size system. Al is of dimensions 841mm by 594mm. A2 is of dimensions 594mm by 420mm. A3 is of dimensions 420mm by 297mm. A4 is of dimensions 297mm x 210mm. In this system, the ratio of a length to a width of a sheet is the square root of two (1.4142:1). Embodiments of the invention are not limited for use with sizes in the ISO paper size system. Other sizes having the above-mentioned ratio of length to width may be used. In other embodiments, the sizes may not be of that ratio.

Thus, embodiments of the invention do not have to be configured to retain a sheet material of Al size and A2 size, and to have pockets of A3 and A4 sizes, as indicated in the figures. Instead, each of the first component 20 , first section and second section can be configured with sheet material retainers to retain other sizes and/or shapes of sheet materials in a non-overlapping manner for display. Such sheet material retainers may also hold two or more pieces of sheet material overlying. For example, the first component 20 may be configured to retain two sheets of A2 size or eight sheets of A4 size, and/or the second section may be configured to retain four sheets of A4 size. The first component 20, first section and second section can also be configured to retain smaller sheets, for example of A5 size. Further retaining means in the form of pockets may also be included. Each of the first component 20, and the first and second section may be configured as a patchwork of pockets and retaining spaces for display.

Preferably a bag is provided in which the folder, when closed and in the first configuration, can be located. In the second configuration, without the first component, the fold, when closed, can also be located in the same bag, which folds in half.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that various modifications are possible to the embodiments. For example, the second spine assembly 8 may be configured to enable detachment and reattachment of the first and second sections. In this case, a further spine assembly may also be provided to enable folding between pieces of the first and/or second sections.

In the above described embodiment, the second component folds. In a variant embodiment, the first component may be configured to fold like the second component. In this case, the first component may have separate one or more sheet retainers on each side of an additional spine assembly.

The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature or step described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or steps or combinations of features and/or steps are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or steps or combinations of features and/or steps solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the present invention may consist of any such individual feature or step or combination of features and/or steps. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A folder, comprising:

a first part, a second part and a first fold means, wherein the fold means detachably attaches the first and second parts, wherein the folder is foldable about the first fold means and, when opened, provides a first retaining space and a second retaining space on the first and second parts, respectively;

wherein the second part comprises a first portion, a second portion and a second fold means, wherein, when the first and second parts are detached, the second part is foldable about the second fold means and, when opened, provides the second retaining space on at least the first portion.

2. The folder of claim 1, wherein the first part is configured to retain at least one first sheet material on the first retaining space, wherein the second part is configured to retain at least one second sheet material on the second retaining space.

3. The folder of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first part has a longitudinal edge and the second part has a longitudinal edge, wherein the first fold means detachably attaches the first and second parts together along the longitudinal edges.

4. The folder of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion has a longitudinal edge and the second portion has a longitudinal edge, wherein the second fold means attaches the first and second portions together along the longitudinal edges.

5. The folder of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a length of each of the first and second portions is substantially the same as a width of the first part.

6. The folder of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a width of each of the first and second portions is substantially the same as half of the length of the first part.

7. The folder of any one of claims 2, and 3 to 6 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the first part comprises a first rigid piece and first retaining means, wherein the first retaining means is mounted on the first rigid piece for retaining the at least one first sheet material.

8. The folder of any one of claim 7, wherein the first retaining means is configured to retain a plurality of overlying first sheet materials.

9. The folder of claim 8, wherein the first retaining means is configured to enable a top one of the first sheet materials to be removed while the one or more others thereof are retained.

10. The folder of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second portions each comprise a second rigid piece and the first portion comprises at least one second retaining means mounted on the respective second rigid piece.

11. The folder of any one of claim 10, wherein the second retaining means is configured to retain a plurality of overlying second sheet materials.

12. The folder of claim 11, wherein the second retaining means is configured to enable a top one of the second sheet materials to be removed while the one or more others thereof are retained.

13. The folder of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the second retaining means comprises at least one pocket.

14. The folder of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the second retaining space is also provided on the second portion.

15. The folder of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the second portion comprises at least one third retaining means mounted on the respective second rigid piece.

16. The folder of claim 14 when dependent on claim 15, wherein the third retaining means comprises at least one pocket.

17. The folder of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising first fastening means, wherein, when the folder is folded about the first fold means, the first fastening means is configured to releasably attach the first part and the second part together to maintain the folder folded.

18. The folder of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising second fastening means, wherein, when the first and second parts are separated and the second part is folded about the second fold means, the second fastening means is configured to releasably attach the first portion and the second portion together to maintain the second part folded.

19. The folder of claim 18 when dependent on claim 17, wherein the first and second fastening means are the same.

20. The folder of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second parts are substantially rectangular.

21. The folder of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second portion has a first pocket of A3 size and a pair of second pockets of A4 size, wherein the first pocket and the pair of second pockets are arranged to cover a space of substantially A2 size.

22. The folder of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first retaining space is for display of Al sheet material.

23. The fold of any one of the preceding claims wherein the second retaining space is for display of A2 sheet material.

24. The folder of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first fold means comprises, for detachably attaching the first and second parts, one of:

a zipper;

magnetic attachment means;

25. The folder of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second fold means comprises, for detachably attaching the first and second portions, one of:

a zipper;

magnetic attachment means.

26. An assembly comprising the folder of any one of the preceding claims, and a case configured to enclose the folder.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1704382.9 Examiner: Mr Christopher Saul