JP2009519850A - Articles for storing and organizing materials - Google Patents

Abstract

  The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an article for storing and organizing materials. One method includes (1) providing first and second panels that are substantially similar in shape defined by the periphery, wherein each panel is an inner and outer surface that forms the front and back sides. A step of preparing first and second panels, (2) a step of cutting an opening in the first panel, and (3) first so that the inner surfaces of both panels are close to each other. And (4) applying a repositionable adhesive on at least a portion of the outer surface of the second panel.

Description

(Cross-reference of related applications)
This application is a partial continuation of US patent application serial number 11 / 275,205 (filed December 19, 2005), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

(Field of Invention)
The present invention relates to articles, enclosures, and pockets useful for storing and organizing documents and other materials.

  Despite the prosperity of electronic technology, today's consumers still have paper documents that need to be managed. Illustrative paper documents include, but are not limited to, receipts for purchased merchandise, bills for utilities such as telephone and utility bills, coupons, event tickets, shopping lists, and the like. At work, employees may have various documents that need to be managed, such as documents that need to be filed, such as incoming and outgoing letters, left by colleagues. This includes, but is not limited to, memorandums and in transition documents. In general, when documents are organized upon receipt, most consumers and workers spend less time than organizing or finding documents when needed later.

  Document organizing tools such as envelopes with flaps may be difficult to use because when the flaps seal the envelopes, they tend to tear off as they are used repeatedly. Envelopes can be easily misplaced or lost in a pile of paperwork or in a drawer.

  Although various organizing tools are available for purchase, alternative solutions and tools are needed.

  In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an article for storing and organizing materials. The method includes the steps of (1) providing first and second panels that are substantially similar in shape defined by the periphery, wherein each panel has inner and outer surfaces that are front and back; And a step of preparing a second panel, (2) a step of cutting an opening in the first panel to create a free lip, and (3) an inner surface of the first panel is a second surface Adhering the first panel and the second panel along their perimeters so as to be proximate to the inner surface of the panel; and (4) over at least a portion of the outer surface of the second panel. Applying a repositionable adhesive.

  In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an article for storing and organizing materials. The method comprises (1) preparing a sheet of material having joined first and second panels, wherein the first panel is a second peripheral mirror image of the second panel. Providing a sheet of material having joined first and second panels, each having a perimeter, and each panel having inner and outer faces that are front and back; (2) a first perimeter Folding the sheet so that the second panel is aligned with the second periphery and the inner surface of the first panel is close to the inner surface of the second panel; and (3) an opening in the first panel Cutting the portion, (4) attaching the first and second panels along their periphery, and (5) applying an adhesive on at least a portion of the outer surface of the second panel. Including the step of.

  In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an article for storing and organizing materials. The method comprises (1) preparing a sheet of material having joined first and second panels, wherein the first panel is a second peripheral mirror image of the second panel. Of materials having joined first and second panels, wherein each panel further includes a flap extending from the perimeter of each panel, and each panel has inner and outer surfaces that face each other. Preparing a sheet; (2) cutting a portion of the first panel to create a free edge; (3) aligning the periphery of the first panel with the periphery of the second panel; and Folding the sheet so that the inner surface of the first panel is close to the inner surface of the second panel; and (4) around and along the outer surface of the second panel. , Folding and attaching the flap, and (5) the outer surface of the second panel And a step of applying a repositionable adhesive on at least a portion.

  In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to an article for storing and organizing materials. The article has (1) (a) first and second panels that are substantially similar in shape defined by the periphery, and wherein the panels have inner and outer surfaces that face each other. The panels are joined along their perimeters such that the inner surface of one panel is proximate to the inner surface of the second panel; (b) disposed within the first panel And (c) a main pocket including an adhesive disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the second panel; and (2) at least deposited on the main pocket An additional pocket, wherein the additional pocket includes a third panel having inner and outer surfaces that are front and back, the third panel being smaller in size than the first and second panels, and the third The panel of the inner side of the third panel So they are close to the outer surface of the first panel, is disposed in said first panel, comprising at least one additional pocket.

  The articles of the present invention are particularly used for organizing documents such as receipts, invoices, tickets, letters, magazines, lists, and office products such as writing utensils, paper clips and repositionable note papers. Is suitable. The article can further include indicia or graphics that give rise to artistic expressions, have aesthetic appeal, and / or have functional utility. In use, the consumer typically removes the liner (if present) from the article, attaches it to a wall or a posting surface such as a refrigerator door, and organizes and stores the documents as they are received. . The article can be posted on a vertical surface (such as a wall) or on a horizontal surface such as a holder or binder. New articles can be posted for different durations, such as a new week or a new month. The article can also be used for a designated project or a designated event. For example, at the time of income tax return, such goods can be used for the tax year, as well as various pockets for different categories of documents, such as withholding slips, stock trading, dividend income, It can be used for childcare expenditure, medical expenditure, housing interest payment, etc.

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of an article 10 useful for organizing and storing materials in one aspect. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of the article of FIG. The article includes opposing front and rear panels 12 and 14 and has a longitudinal axis (not shown) located generally along the length of the article. The front panel includes an inner surface 12a and an outer surface 12b that are front and back. Similarly, the rear panel includes an inner surface 14a and an outer surface 14b that form the front and back surfaces. Opening 20 is disposed in the front panel, and having a long axis L ₂₀ which is the longest dimension across the opening. Neglecting the opening, both panels have a generally similar shape defined by the periphery of the panel.

  The front and rear panels are joined along the upper periphery forming the upper seam 22a, along the lower periphery forming the lower seam 22b, and along the side periphery forming the side seams 22c and 22d. Yes. The seam can be formed by any suitable attachment means, such as by adhesive 17. Other attachment means can also be used, as will be described in detail below. The choice of attachment means will depend on the materials used to assemble the front and back panels. The attachment means should ensure that the two panels are joined together. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the opening is located entirely within the front panel away from the upper seam. However, the opening can also begin from the upper seam, from the lower seam, or from the side seam, if desired.

Front panel has a long axis L ₁₀ located substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the article. The long axis defines the longest dimension of the front panel. The front panel may further include a minor axis that defines the shortest dimension across the panel. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the minor axis is located perpendicular to the major axis and substantially parallel to the upper seam 22a. In this particular embodiment, the major axis L ₂₀ of the opening is shorter than the major axis L ₁₀ of the front panel and shorter than the minor axis of the front panel.

  Optionally, the front panel may further include a release coating 13 disposed on a portion or substantially the entire outer surface of the front panel. The release coating used should be compatible with the materials used for the front and back panels. In one embodiment, the release coating is of a composition that allows the consumer to write or draw on the panel. Drawing techniques may include, but are not limited to, the use of any digital printer. Suitable release coatings include those based on linear alkane derivatives, polydialkylsiloxane derivatives, or fluorocarbon derivatives. One exemplary release coating is described in US Pat. No. 5,032,460 (Kanter et al.). Yet another representative release coating is disclosed throughout US Pat. No. 6,251,512 (Gustafson et al.), Including column 5 starting at line 18 up to line 52, etc. And in various embodiments such as embodiments RC1-RC4.

  The opening, front panel, and rear panel can be any shape, such as a simple geometric shape or an irregular shape. The term “simple geometry” generally includes polygons (including but not limited to rectangles, squares, and trapezoids) and ovals (including but not limited to circles and ellipses). Means. The term “irregular shape” generally means a bounded shape, which may include a combination of straight lines and curves. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front and back panels are rectangular and the openings are generally oval. Other shapes are shown in the various embodiments described below.

  The article 10 further includes an adhesive 16 disposed on the outer surface 14b of the back panel 14. In one embodiment, the article further includes a liner 18 that protects the adhesive. FIG. 2 shows a liner placed directly on top of the adhesive, further illustrating in phantom that there can be more than one liner. In this particular embodiment, the liner is in the form of a flap that is attached to the outer surface of the rear panel in proximity to the adhesive. When the article is in the posting mode, the liner may be placed approximately collinear with the outer surface of the back panel so as not to cover the adhesive. When the consumer no longer wants to post the article, the consumer can fold the flap over the adhesive area to store or store the article without exposing the adhesive. The adhesive can be on a portion of the article or can cover substantially the entire outer surface of the back panel. One advantage of having the adhesive on a portion of the article in a form such as, but not limited to, a stripe is that the article can be easily attached to and removed from a posting surface such as a wall. Although FIG. 2 shows the adhesive in the form of a single stripe away from the upper seam 22a, multiple stripes can be used in a variety of different orientations. In another embodiment, the adhesive can be coated in the form of separate portions, such as discrete islands.

  FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of another embodiment, where the article 30 is along the upper periphery forming the upper seam 42a, along the lower periphery forming the lower seam 42b, and the side seams 42c and 42d. The front panel 32 is joined to the rear panel 34 along the perimeter of the side forming the. An opening 40 is disposed in the front panel. Two striped liners 38 protect the adhesive stripe (not shown). The article also includes a gusset 44 that allows expansion when more content is stored therein. In this particular embodiment, ignoring the opening, the front and back panels are substantially similar in shape and are both rectangular. The opening has an irregular shape.

  The article of FIG. 3 further includes a label 41, shown partially peeled, having first and second surfaces 41a and 41b that are front and back, respectively. The first side of the label includes a repositionable adhesive. The second side of the label can be written and / or drawn. In use, when the consumer desires to seal the opening, the consumer can peel the label and place it over the opening. Because the adhesive can be repositioned, the user can reopen and reseal the opening when needed. In addition, the adhesive used for the openings can be configured to be tacky at the periphery of the label but substantially non-tacky at the center of the label, resulting in a document in the article. Will not accidentally stick to the exposed adhesive. Illustrative adhesives are disclosed in US Patent Publication No. US 2005/0170174 and PCT International Publication No. WO 2005/077772, both of which are assigned to the same assignee as this patent. Another representative configuration includes a horizontal stripe repositionable adhesive near the periphery of the label, and the portion of the label that will cover the opening includes a label that is substantially free of adhesive. It is.

FIG. 4 shows a front plan view of another embodiment, where the article 50 has a plurality of pockets. The article has a front panel 52 in the form of a circle. The front panel is joined to the rear panel (not shown) at the outer seam 62 along the circumference. The article further includes an internal seam 66 that bisects the front panel, where the internal seam attaches the front and back panels to create two substantially equal pockets 51 and 53, each with its own opening. 60 and 61. The internal seam joins the panels so that the inner surface of the front panel is close to the inner surface of the rear panel. In this embodiment, the pocket is partially enclosed because the internal seam does not completely bisect the front panel. In this embodiment, the opening has an irregular shape. Article 50 has a major axis that matches the diameter of the circle. Each pocket also has a major axis that is shorter than the diameter of the circle and a minor axis shown as L ₅₁ . In this particular embodiment, the major axis of the opening is shorter than the major and minor axes of the pocket.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment, where the article 70 includes a plurality of pockets. Article 70 includes a front panel 72 joined to a back panel 74 at an upper periphery forming an upper seam 76a, at a lower periphery forming a lower seam 76b, and at a side periphery forming a side seam 76c. Although only one reference number 76c is shown in FIG. 5, those skilled in the art will appreciate that side seams are present on both the left and right hand sides of the article. In this embodiment, the front and back panels are substantially square.

  The article further includes internal seams 84 and 86 disposed substantially orthogonal to each other. The inner seam attaches the front and back panels to create four substantially equal pockets 71, 73, 75, and 77, each pocket having its own opening 80, 81, 82, And 83 respectively. The pocket is completely enclosed because the internal seam bisects the total length and width of the front and rear panels. The opening is self-sealing using mechanical means such as zippers, hook and loop fasteners, or polymer-based zip-lock fasteners commonly used in Ziploc® bags Is possible. If desired, the inner seam may be perforated. By tearing along the perforations, consumers can create multiple articles with a smaller footprint for storage or other uses.

  With continued reference to FIG. 5, the opening 80 is irregularly shaped. The opening 81 is shown schematically as a zipper and is substantially in the closed position. Opening 82 is shown partially in the open position. Opening 83 is shown in a fully open position. This embodiment further includes a gusset 87 disposed between the front and rear panels and continuously joining the front and rear panels at the side seam 76c. The pocket at the time can be enlarged. Although side gussets are shown, it is within the scope of the present invention to use gussets on the top and bottom perimeter of the article. Two stripes of adhesive (not shown) along with a liner 88 are provided on the outer surface of the back panel to allow attachment to the desired substrate.

FIG. 6 shows a front plan view of another embodiment, where the article 100 includes a plurality of pockets of different dimensions. The article 100 was continuously joined to a rear panel (not shown) at the upper periphery forming the upper seam 102a, at the lower periphery forming the lower seam 102b, and at the side periphery forming the side seam 102c, A front panel 102 is included. The front and rear panels are substantially rectangular. The article comprises inner seams 126 and 128 arranged substantially orthogonal to each other, an inner seam 132 arranged orthogonal to the inner seam 128, and an inner part arranged orthogonal to the inner seam 132. A seam 130 is further included. The inner seam forms fully enclosed pockets 101, 106, 112, 116, and 122, each having its own opening 104, 108, 114, 118, and 124. As shown, the openings are of varying dimensions and accommodate documents of different dimensions. The article 100 includes a long axis _{L 100.} Each opening in each pocket includes a major axis having a dimension that is shorter than the major axis L _{100 of the} article. Taking the pocket 101 for illustration, it has a major axis L ₁₀₁ and a minor axis W ₁₀₁ . Opening 104 is shorter than the length axis _{L 100} of the article, and shorter than the long axis _{L 101} of the pocket, and a minor axis _{W 101} or more pockets, a long axis _{L 104.} Documents such as letters 110 or receipts 120 can be stored and organized in the pocket. In this particular embodiment, the general calendar 103 can be made part of the article to provide consumers with additional solutions and convenience when the article is used. The article further includes a securing means 140, and if desired, the consumer can fold the article to reduce its footprint to allow easy transportation.

  7a-7c show perspective views of the embodiment of FIG. 6 in transition to the folded configuration. In FIG. 7a, the article 100 is in a substantially open state and has been divided into two substantially equal halves. In FIG. 7b, the article 100 is folded and almost closed. In FIG. 7c, the article 100 is in a fully closed state and the securing means 140 is folded over the outer surface of the rear panel. One means useful for securing the article is a hook and loop combination where the hook or loop portion is located on the portion 140 and the mating hook or loop is located on the outer surface of the back panel. Is done. Other means useful for securing include the use of other mechanical fasteners such as repositionable adhesives, zippers or ribbons, yarns, threads, which tie the two halves of the article together.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment showing a stack of articles forming a pad 90. For ease of understanding, only the top two articles of the first article 91 and the subsequent second article 96 are shown in detail. The first article 91 is continuously joined to the rear panel 94 at the upper periphery forming the upper seam 92a, at the lower periphery forming the lower seam 92b, and at the side periphery forming the side seam 92c. A panel 92 is included. The first article includes an opening 93. Both the front and rear panels and the opening are simple geometric shapes, rectangular and oval respectively. The first article further includes an adhesive 95 disposed on the back panel and near the upper seam. The second article 96 also includes a front panel 98 that is continuously joined to a rear panel (not shown) at the top, bottom, and side perimeters forming top, bottom, and side seams, respectively. The second article further includes an opening 97. The article pad 90 is formed such that the back panel 94 having the adhesive 95 of the first article 91 is in direct contact with the front panel 98 of the second article 96. In such an embodiment, it is preferred that the front panel of the article further comprises a release agent so that the adhesive of one article is cleanly and relatively easily peeled from the next article. FIG. 8 shows first and second articles that are substantially similar in shape, i.e., both rectangular and have oval openings, but different shaped articles with different shaped openings. It is also within the scope of the present invention. For example, when the first article is a rectangle of a certain dimension, the second article can have a different dimension, even if it is a rectangle, or can have a completely different shape.

  FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment, wherein the pad 150 includes a plurality of alternately stacked articles, with the adhesive being stacked at alternating ends rather than at one end of the pad. Yes. Such a stacking arrangement is commonly referred to as a “Z” stacking. As can be seen, the first article 160 with the adhesive 166 is stacked at the first end of the pad, while the second article 170 with the adhesive 176 is at the opposite end of the pad. Stacked on.

  If desired, at least one of the front and back panels can include graphics or other indicia for creating an article with artistic expression or functional utility, or for aesthetic purposes. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the front panel can include a hieroglyph that forms a face with an eye-forming opening to attract young consumers. As shown in FIG. 6, a calendar or “to do” list can be drawn on the front panel, or individual pockets can be labeled to identify the contents in the pockets. As an example, labels such as “Receipt”, “Payment Invoice”, “Ticket”, etc. on individual pockets to help organize various documents that consumers want to keep for a period of time Can also be pasted.

  Various materials can be used as the front and back panels. In one embodiment, the front and back panels are of the same material or are of substantially similar material. In another embodiment, the front and back panels are of different materials. Suitable materials for the front and back panels include, but are not limited to, paper, plastic, canvas, nonwovens, fabrics, and metallic films. Combinations of these materials can be used. In one embodiment, a portion of the front and / or back panel may be provided with a window that is transparent to allow the consumer to view the contents inside the article. Exemplary materials useful for the panels include writable matte articles disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,251,512 (Gustafson et al.).

  Color codes can be added on the front and / or part of the back panel of the article to help consumers visually organize the article. For example, different colors can be used for different days of the week or for different types of documents stored in the article. The article of the present invention may further include a tab that can be adhesively or mechanically attached anywhere along the periphery of the article. Such a tab may be useful when the consumer intends to store or store the item in a filing system.

  The front and back panels are joined together using various methods along the perimeter. The method chosen depends on the type of material used. The joining of the front and back panels need not be continuous through the periphery of the panel. Suitable methods include, but are not limited to, adhesive means, mechanical fastening means, ultrasonic welding means, laminating means, and sewing means. Combinations of these methods can also be used. For example, the adhesive means is very versatile and can be used when the front and back panels are of the same material or are of different materials. Examples of the bonding means include, but are not limited to, a tape such as a double-sided tape, a liquid adhesive such as glue, and a solid adhesive such as glue stick. Ultrasonic welding means are more suitable for plastics and nonwovens. Ultrasonic welding means typically create local spot welds on the front and back panels, so that the panels are joined together, but continuous joining along the entire periphery. is not. Sewing means are more particularly suitable for canvas and fabric. If the exemplary mechanical fastening means is a hook and loop combination, it is possible to place the hook on one panel and the loop on the other panel. Laminating means generally refers to attaching the front and back panels using heat and / or pressure. Lamination means are particularly suitable for nonwoven fabrics, particularly when the nonwoven fibers contain multiple different polymer constituents and one of the constituents exhibits adhesive properties at high temperatures and pressures.

  Adhesive is placed on the outer surface of the rear panel. Any permanent or repositionable adhesive can be used in the present invention. Various repositionable adhesives can be used. Suitable repositionable adhesives are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,691,140 (Silver); 3,857,731 (Merrill et al.); 4,166,152. (Baker et al.); 4,495,318 (Howard); 5,045,569 (Delgado); 5,073,457 (Blackwell ( Blackwell)) and 5,571,617 (Cooprider et al.), 5,663,241 (Takamatsu et al.); 5,714,237 (Cooprider et al.). U.S. Reissue Patent No. 37,563 (Cooprider et al.); And 5,756,625 (Crandall et al.) And 5,824,748 (Kesti). ) Et al. That. Repositionable adhesives, solvent-based, can be a water-based or can be a hot melt adhesive without solvent.

  The adhesive can be coated on the outer surface of the back panel in any shape. For example, the back panel can include an outer surface that is adhesively coated or partially coated with adhesive. Suitable partially coated shapes include, but are not limited to, adhesive stripes, adhesive separation islands, or adhesive patches. The type of shape of the adhesive coating will depend on the type of adhesive used, the dimensions of the article of the present invention, and to some extent the posting surface.

  A liner is used to protect the repositionable adhesive until it is applied. The liner can be any paper or plastic sheet that is securely attached to a repositionable adhesive during storage. The liner peels cleanly and easily from the repositionable adhesive. The liner may be treated with a release coating to achieve the desired release performance. Suitable silicone release liners can be purchased from Loparex, Inc. of Willowbrook, IL.

  The article of the present invention can be manufactured by various methods. In one illustrative method, the front and back panels are provided with a front panel optionally coated with a release agent and having pre-cut openings. If desired, graphics and indicia are preprinted on the outer surface of the front panel to add artistic or functional expression or aesthetic utility. On the outer surface of the back panel, an adhesive is coated on the back panel. Optionally, a liner is laminated to the adhesive. The front and back panels are joined continuously along the periphery of the panel to form the article of the present invention.

  In the case of a pad, the enclosure is manufactured in much the same way as the individual articles described in the previous paragraph. A liner is used for the last enclosure in the pad. In one embodiment, the liner covers substantially the entire outer surface of the rear panel.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates one exemplary method of manufacturing the article 230. The method includes providing a first panel 212, which in this particular embodiment is an upper edge 222a, an opposing lower edge 222b, a first side edge 222c, and a second. Side edge 222d has a generally square geometry defined by a perimeter that defines the boundary. As used herein, the terms “upper” and “lower” indicate relative positions. The first panel includes a precut opening 210. Opening has an irregular shape, one edge is, a substantially parallel to the upper edge 222a, in future interval distance d _1. The first panel has an outer surface 212b and inner and outer surfaces (not shown). The method further includes providing a second panel 214, which has an inner surface 214b and has a shape substantially similar to the first panel. Similar to the first panel, the second panel has a perimeter bounded by an upper edge 224a, an opposing lower edge 224b, and first and second side edges 224c and 224d, respectively. The second panel further includes means for attaching the first and second panels together, such as adhesive means, mechanical means, ultrasonic welding means, lamination means, sewing means, and combinations thereof. is there. In this embodiment, an adhesive 226 is used as a means for attaching the two panels. The adhesive is in the form of a strip arranged along the periphery. Strip disposed around the upper edge 224a has a dimension _{d 2.} In one embodiment, d ₁ is substantially equal to d ₂ such that the portion between the opening 210 and the upper edge 222a of the front panel is fixed.

  The means for attachment can be on either the first or second panel, or it can be a fusion of the first and second panels, as in the case of ultrasonic welding. . Adhesive means may include, for example, pressure sensitive adhesives or hot melt adhesives, and may be in the form of permanent adhesives, transfer tapes, double sided tapes, repositionable adhesives, and the like. Mechanical means may include, for example, a hook and loop attachment system. The sewing means is particularly suitable when the first and second panels are canvas or other fabrics. Although FIG. 10 shows adhesive 226 continuously disposed along the periphery, in other embodiments, discontinuous means are preferred. For example, in the case of ultrasonic welding means, it is typical for ultrasonic energy to spot weld the first and second panels together, so the attachment of the two panels may not be continuous along the entire periphery. . The panel mounting means used will be suitable for use in the present invention so long as it forms a pocket for holding documents and other materials.

  The method includes attaching the first and second panels together along the periphery so that the side edges 222c and 222d of the first panel coincide with the side edges 224c and 224d of the second panel. Is included. Similarly, the upper and lower edges 222a and 222b of the first panel coincide with the upper and lower edges 224a and 224b of the second panel, respectively. The two panels are attached so that the inner surfaces of both panels are close to each other.

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates another illustrative method of manufacturing the article 260. The method includes providing a sheet material 240 having first and second panels 242 and 244 joined at an imaginary line 246. The two panels are substantially equal in size and have approximately the same shape defined by their perimeter. The first panel has inner and outer surfaces 242a and 242b that are front and back surfaces, respectively. Similarly, the second panel has front and back inner and outer surfaces 244a and 244b, respectively. The first panel further includes a pre-cut opening 262. Opening has an irregular shape, one edge is, a substantially parallel to the upper edge 243a, in spacing apart therefrom a distance d _3. The first panel has a first periphery connected by first and second edges 243c and 243d that face the upper edge 243a. Similarly, the second panel has a second periphery connected by first and second side edges 245c and 245d that face the upper edge 245a. The second panel further includes means for attaching both panels together, generally shown as adhesive 248. The adhesive is in the form of stripes arranged generally along the periphery at the upper edge 245a and the side edges 245c and 245d. In one embodiment, the adhesive stripes in the vicinity of the upper edge 245a has a dimension d _4, which is approximately equal to d _3. Thus, when two panels are attached, generally part indicated by d ₃ of the first panel is fixed. The means listed with reference to FIG. 10 can be used in this embodiment. The method phantoms the sheet material so that the perimeters of the first and second panels are coincident and the inner surface 242a of the first panel is placed proximate to the inner surface 244a of the second panel. A step of folding along 246 generally. The article shares a common edge at 246, which serves as the lower edge of both panels.

  The cutting step can be performed at any time along the process. For example, the first panel can be pre-cut, cut before the folding process, or cut after the first and second panels are attached. The cutting method used should be compatible with the material used for the panel. For example, a suitable method for paper, plastic, canvas, or other fabric materials is die cutting.

  FIG. 12 schematically illustrates another illustrative method of manufacturing the article 300. The method includes providing a sheet material 280 having first and second panels 282 and 284 joined at phantom line 286. The periphery of the first panel is connected by first and second edges 283c and 283d facing the upper edge 283a. Similarly, the periphery of the second panel is connected by first and second side edges 285c and 285d facing the upper edge 285a. The first panel has inner and outer faces 282a and 282b that are front and back. Similarly, the second panel has inner and outer faces 284a and 284b. The first panel further includes means for attaching both panels together, generally shown as a flap 288. The flap is disposed around the edges 283a, 283c, and 283d, and has first and second surfaces 288a and 288b that are front and back, respectively. The means listed with reference to FIG. 10 can be used on the flap. In this case, particularly suitable means for attachment include adhesive and mechanical means, which can be applied to the flap. The method includes aligning the sheet material so that the periphery of the first and second panels are generally aligned so that the inner surface 282a of the first panel is positioned proximate to the inner surface 284a of the second panel. The method further includes a step of folding the imaginary line 286 substantially along. The flap is then wrapped and attached to the second panel such that the first side 288a with adhesive is in direct contact with the outer surface 284b. The method further includes cutting the first panel as shown generally as line 290 to create a free edge 304, which is then attached to the inner surface 284a of the second panel to open the opening. 302 is created.

  Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, when the article is assembled, the outer surfaces 212b, 242b, and 282b of the first panel are easier to use for the user. The method further includes applying a repositionable adhesive on the outer surfaces 214b, 244b, and 284b of the second panel. If desired, a liner can be added to protect the repositionable adhesive. Alternatively, a pad of an article is manufactured by stacking one article on top of the other so that the repositionable adhesive of one article contacts the outer surface of the first panel of the next article. be able to.

  FIG. 13 schematically illustrates another illustrative method of manufacturing an article having a plurality of pockets but minimizing the total footprint of the article. The method includes a first panel having front and back inner (not shown) and outer surfaces 312b and having a shape defined by at least the periphery of the upper edge 313a and the side edges 313c and 313d. 312 is prepared. The method includes a second panel having front and back outer (not shown) and inner surfaces 314a, and having a shape defined by at least the periphery of the upper edge 315a and the side edges 315c and 315d. A step of preparing 314 is included. The first and second panels are substantially similar in size and shape. The method includes cutting an opening 318 in the first panel. The first and second panels are attached together along the periphery so that the inner surfaces are close to each other. The method further includes providing a third panel 320. The third panel is smaller than the first and second panels, but is the same width or side edge 323c and 323d as the first panel width or side edge 313c and 313d distance. Have a distance. The third panel has side edges 313c, 323c and 313d, 323d coincident with the lower edge (not numbered for ease of understanding), and the third panel and the first panel Attached to the first panel so as to form a second enclosure (ie, additional pocket) created by the outer surface. The third panel includes a second opening 328. Also shown in FIG. 13 is a fourth panel 340 that is attached to the third panel 320 to create a second additional pocket. Although the various panels in this particular embodiment have approximately the same width, the present invention can be implemented with panels of different dimensions and shapes. For example, generally square first and second panels can be used with a circular third panel, and the next panel can be further shaped.

  FIG. 14 shows the various panels of FIG. 3 assembled to article 350, with article 350 having a main pocket 352 having an outer surface 312b of the first panel. The main pocket has a first opening 354. A first additional pocket 355 having a second opening 356 is attached to the main pocket, and a second additional pocket 358 having a third opening 360 is attached to the first additional pocket. Yes.

  The invention can be further described with reference to the drawings.

  The drawings are conceptual and are not drawn to scale and are intended for illustrative purposes only.

1 is a front plan view of one embodiment of an article according to the present invention for storing and organizing materials. FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2. The perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front plan view of another embodiment of the present invention showing two pockets partially enclosed. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention showing four pockets fully enclosed. FIG. 6 is a front plan view of another embodiment of the present invention showing a plurality of pockets of different dimensions. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 in various folding stages. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 in various folding stages. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 in various folding stages. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention showing a pad of an article according to the present invention for storing and organizing materials. FIG. 6 is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention showing a Z-stack pad of an article. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary method of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another method that is illustrative of the invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another method that is illustrative of the invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another method that is illustrative of the invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment illustrating the present invention with a plurality of pockets stacked.

Claims (16)

A method of manufacturing an article for storing and organizing materials, the method comprising:
Providing first and second panels that are substantially similar in shape defined by the periphery;
Here, each panel has inner and outer surfaces forming the front and back, the step of cutting the opening in the first panel,
Attaching the first panel and the second panel along their perimeters such that the inner surface of the first panel is proximate to the inner surface of the second panel;
Applying a repositionable adhesive on at least a portion of the outer surface of the second panel;
Including methods. A method of manufacturing an article for storing and organizing materials, the method comprising:
Providing a sheet of material having joined first and second panels;
Here, the first panel has a first periphery that is a mirror image of the second periphery of the second panel, and each panel has inner and outer surfaces that are front and back.
Cutting the opening into the first panel;
Folding the sheet such that the first perimeter is aligned with the second perimeter and the inner surface of the first panel is proximate to the inner surface of the second panel;
Attaching the first and second panels along their perimeters;
Applying an adhesive over at least a portion of the outer surface of the second panel;
Including methods. A method of manufacturing an article for storing and organizing materials, the method comprising:
Providing a sheet of material having joined first and second panels;
Wherein the first panel has a first perimeter that is a mirror image of the second perimeter of the second panel, each panel having inner and outer surfaces that are front and back, and the first panel is Further including a flap extending from the periphery,
Cutting a portion of the first panel to create a free lip;
The sheet is aligned such that the periphery of the first panel is aligned with the periphery of the second panel, and the inner surface of the first panel is proximate to the inner surface of the second panel. Folding process,
Folding and attaching the flap around the outer surface and along the periphery of the second panel;
Applying a repositionable adhesive on at least a portion of the outer surface of the second panel;
Including methods.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second panels are selected from the group consisting of paper, plastic, canvas, nonwoven fabric, fabric, metallic film, and combinations thereof.   The first and second panels are joined together by means selected from the group consisting of gluing means, mechanical means, ultrasonic welding means, laminating means, sewing means, and combinations thereof. The method described in 1.   The method of claim 1, further comprising at least one step selected from the group consisting of applying a drawing receptive coating and applying a release coating on the outer surface of the first panel. . A step of providing a third panel having inner and outer surfaces that are front and back and having a smaller dimension than the first and second panels;
Cutting the opening into the third panel;
Attaching the third panel to the first panel such that the inner surface of the third panel is close to the outer surface of the first panel;
The method according to claim 1, further comprising:   The method of claim 1, further comprising attaching a liner to the repositionable adhesive.   The method further includes stacking the articles such that the repositionable adhesive of one article contacts the outer surface of the first panel of subsequent articles to form a pad of the article. Item 4. The method according to Items 1 to 3.   The method of claims 1 and 2, wherein the second panel includes means for attaching the first and second panels, and wherein the means for attaching is disposed along the periphery of the second panel.   The method of claim 10, wherein the method of attaching comprises a strip of adhesive selected from the group consisting of a pressure sensitive adhesive and a hot melt adhesive.   The method of claim 3, further comprising attaching the free edge to the inner surface of the second panel. An article for storing and organizing materials,
(I) first and second panels that are substantially similar in shape defined by the periphery;
Here, each panel has front and back inner and outer surfaces, and the panels are arranged around them so that the inner surface of the first panel is close to the inner surface of the second panel. Joined together,
(Ii) an opening disposed in the first panel;
(Iii) an adhesive disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the second panel;
Including main pockets, and
At least one additional pocket attached on the main pocket;
Here, the additional pocket includes a third panel having inner and outer surfaces that are front and back, the third panel is smaller in size than the first and second panels, and the third panel includes: An article comprising: the third panel disposed on the first panel such that the inner surface of the third panel is proximate to the outer surface of the first panel.   The article of claim 13, wherein the first, second, and third panels are selected from the group consisting of paper, plastic, canvas, non-woven fabric, fabric, metallic film, and combinations thereof.   The first, second and third panels are joined together by means selected from the group consisting of gluing means, mechanical means, ultrasonic welding means, laminating means, sewing means, and combinations thereof; The article of claim 13.   The article of claim 13, wherein at least one of the panels further comprises at least one of a drawing receptive coating and a release coating on the outer surface of the panel.

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