US3643858A

US3643858A - Folding compartmented file

Info

Publication number: US3643858A
Application number: US18557A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jonas Deckys
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1970-03-11
Filing date: 1970-03-11
Publication date: 1972-02-22
Anticipated expiration: 1989-02-22

Abstract

A three compartment file folded from a single blank. The blank, and file folded therefrom, includes a plurality of panels and flaps, along with foldlines and expanding folds. The assembled file incorporates an expanding closure flap to overlie the three compartments and a locking flap to lock the closure flap closed.

Description

United States Patent Deckys Feb. 22, 1972 [54] FOLDING COMPARTMENTED FILE [72] Inventor: Jonas Deckys, 19155 66th Pl. N.E., Seattle, Wash. 98155 [22] Filed: Mar. 11, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 18,557

[52] US. Cl ..229/72, 229/75, 229/76 [58] Field of Search ..229/72, 75, DIG. 3, DIG. 4, 229/76; 150/30, 32, 1.6

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,131,135 3/1915 Hudson ..229/72X 3,414,185 12/1968 Young ..229/75 1,552,642 9/1925 Parks ....229/75 X 3,180,555 4/1965 Barrett ..229/41 A Primary Examiner-Joseph R. Leclair Assistant ExaminerStephen P. Garbe Att0rney-Clarence A. O'Brien and Harvey B. Jacobson 1 1 ABSTRACT A three compartment file folded from a single blank. The blank, and file folded therefrom, includes a plurality of panels and flaps, along with foldlines and expanding folds. The assembled file incorporates an expanding closure flap to overlie the three compartments and a locking flap to lock the closure flap closed.

10 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PATENTED FEB 2 2 I972 SHEET 1 0F 3 r ZO Jonas Deckys I N VIZ N TOR 9mm WWW Em PATENTEDFEB22 I972 3.643 858 SHEET 3 OF 3 V Jonas Deckys IN VIJNTOR.

FOLDING COMPARTMENTED FILE The instant invention is generally concerned with a compartmented file, and more particularly relates to a uniquely formed three compartment file constructed from a single specifically configured and foldable blank.

Various objects of the instant invention reside in the provision of a three compartment file incorporating positive lock means, in the nature of interlocking cover and lock flaps, separate and easily accessible expanding compartments, and a configuration enabling an economical construction of the file from a one-piece blank, preferably of a lightweight cardboard or like material.

Further objects of the invention reside in the provision of a compartmented portable file which is inexpensive and easily constructed, requiring no elaborate machinery and utilizing only four preapplied glue areas, the file, notwithstanding the inexpensive and easily formed nature thereof, being of a relatively durable, long lasting nature capable of quite adequately protecting materials filed or stored therein.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the file of the instant invention in an opened position for the reception of material;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the file as the flaps are being closed thereon;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the closed file;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is another view of the closed file wherein the file has been expanded, through the expansible folds, for the accommodation ofa substantial amount of material;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an open file spread so as to more clearly bring forth the construction detail thereof; and

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the flat one piece blank from which the file is formed.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, reference numeral 10 is used to designate the file comprising the instant invention. The file l0 incorporates three separate storage compartments l2, l4 and 16 and is constructed from a onepiece flat blank 18, normally ofa cardboard material.

Noting both the assembled file 10 and the blank 18 from which it is formed, it will be seen that the construction involved includes equal size rectangular front and

rear panels

20 and 22 interconnected by a double central fold 24 defined by three parallel fold lines 26, this double center fold 24 constituting the bottom of the file 10.

Located laterally of the combined center fold separated front and

back panels

20 and 22 are a pair of side panels 28, each integrally formed with the adjacent front and

back panels

20 and 22 and separated therefrom by a single fold defined by spaced parallel fold lines 32. As will be noted, the side panels 28 extend substantially the full combined length of the

panels

20 and 22. Each side panel 28 includes a centrally located transverse double fold 34, defined by three fold lines 36, forming a relatively narrower continuation of the double center fold 24 and being separated therefrom by a slit 38 formed in the adjoining fold line 32 at the point of intersection between the side panel fold 36 and the side panel separating fold 30. Each side panel 28 additionally includes a pair of diagonal fold lines 40 extending from the outer corners 42 thereof inwardly to the opposed ends of the centrally located slit 38, the fold lines 36 and 40 dividing each side panel 28 into two central generally triangular sections 44 and two end generally triangular sections 46.

Each side panel 28 is, in the file 10, extended substantially perpendicularly from the bottom forming double center fold 24 with the diagonal fold lines 40 folded inwardly so as to position the inner faces of the center sections 44 in facing relation and the outer face of each center section 44 in facing relation to the outer face of the adjoining outer section 46. Upon a folding of the side panels 28 in this manner, it will be appreciated that the front and

back panels

20 and 22 are also upwardly folded above the double center fold 24.

Each side panel 28 is of a depth whereby, upon being folded in the above described manner, the angled portion defined adjacent each of the outer corners 42 overlaps, to a considerable degree, the corresponding portion on the opposite panel 28. This overlapped relationship will possibly be best appreciated from FIG. 6. These overlapped portions are then adhesively affixed to each other so as to retain the folded blank 18 in the file forming configuration. Noting FIGS. 6 and 7, it will be seen that the adhesively secured areas consist of the outer corner portions of the two outer sections 46 on one side panel 28 and the outer corner portions of the two center sections 44 on the other side panel 28, which portions constitute the overlapped portions as indicated in FIG. 6. Reference numeral 48 generally designates the adhesive areas and, if deemed desirable, the adhesive can be preapplied to the blank 18 and include a covering of release paper or be of such a nature as to only adhere to like areas.

When assembled in this manner, it will be appreciated that the inner faces of the aligned opposed side panel outer sec tions 46 form the two

end compartments

12 and 16, while the inner faces of the aligned opposed side panel center sections 44 define the enlarged central compartment 14. The folds 30, which generally parallel the double center folds 34 in the formed file 10, allow, in conjunction with the double center folds 34, a selective expansion of the several compartments, the movement of the double center folds 34 being accommodated by the transverse slits 38 provided between the side panel double folds 34 and the bottom forming double fold 24. The expansion of the various compartments also of course results in an expansion of the bottom forming center double fold 24 whereby an adjustment in the internal carrying capacity of the file 10 can be effected.

Referring now to FIG. 1, it will be noted that the compartment defining partitions or walls, formed from the folded and overlapped side panel sections, each includes an elongated central recess 50 therein for facilitating a grasping and removal of papers or the like from the individual compartments. These recesses 50 are formed by inwardly offsetting the peripheral edges of each side panel 28 adjacent each of the outer corners 42 as indicated by reference numeral 52 with these recessed or inwardly offset edge portions defining, in the folded file, the centrally located recess 50, while the unrecessed portions of the peripheral side panel edges define the upper edges of the compartment defining partition walls. In order to provide for a proper alignment of the recesses 50, it will be noted that the unrecessed side peripheral edge portions of each side panel 28 are each of a length approximately onehalf that of the unrecessed outer edge portion of the side panel 28.

The closing and locking of the file 10 is effected by means of cooperating cover and lock flaps or

panels

54 and 56 respectively integrally engaged with and extending outwardly from the front and

back panels

20 and 22. Both of these

flaps

54 and 56 extend along the full length of the respective sides of the

panels

20 and 22. The cover flap 54 is provided with an expanding double fold 58 immediately adjacent the front panel 20 defined by three fold lines 60. In addition, the cover flap 54 is provided with a centrally located full length fold line 62 which divides the flap 54 into an inner section 64 and an outer section 66.

Noting FIGS. 2 and 4 in particular, the cover flap 54 is folded about the fold line 62 so as to generally overlie the

sections

66 and 64 and define an upwardly or outwardly directed elongated pocket 68. This pocket 68 is inserted in the rearmost compartment 12, the cover flap 54 selectively folding about the fold lines 60 in accordance with the particular thickness of the file 10, which allow for a selective expansion of the cover flap 54 so as to accommodate the variations in the thickness of the file 10. It is contemplated that the opposed end edges of the flap 54 be centrally relieved adjacent the opposed ends of the fold line 62 so as to provide for a slightly reduced length to the flap 54 along the lower edge of the pocket 68, such being the edge initially introduced in the rear compartment 12. In this manner, the cover flap can easily be inserted into the rearmost pocket. In addition, to accommodate the folding of the cover flap, it will be noted that small recesses or notches 70 are provided at the inner corners defined between the end edges of the cover flap 54 and the adjoining side edges of the side panels 28.

The outer section 66 of the cover flap 54, being ofa greater width than the inner section 64, projects slightly above the top edges of the compartment dividing partitions and lies against or is adapted to lie against the inner unfolded section 72 of the lock flap 56 which forms a smooth unfolded continuation of the back panel 22 Outwardly of the inner section 72, the lock flap 56 includes both a central section 74 and an outer section 76, defined by a pair of laterally spaced full length fold lines 78. Both of the

sections

74 and 76 are adapted to fold about the inner fold line 78 and be received within the seated pocket 68 so as to cover the outer section 66 of the cover flap 54 and prevent an outward drawing of the section forming pocket 68 from the back compartment until a prior removal of the

lock flap sections

74 and 76. The outer fold line 78 functions primarily as a means for facilitating the inward turning or folding of the lock flap into engagement within the cover flap pocket 68. Finally, it will be noted that a centrally located tab 80 is integrally formed with the outer lock flap section 76 and is inwardly directed, being cut from the adjacent center section 74. This tab 80, upon a folding of the

lock flap sections

74 and 76 about the inner fold line 78 so as to be received within the cover flap pocket 68, projects upwardly out of the pocket and provides a conveniently grasping means for withdrawing the pocket received lock flap sections. it is contemplated that the central lock flap section 74 be of a width so as to position the outer fold line 78, and hence the secured end of the tab 80, at substantially the level of the upper edge of the compartment dividing partition walls.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that a highly unique compartmental file defining construction has been set forth wherein a single specifically configured blank is selectively foldable so as to produce an adhesively secured file incorporating three compartments and complementary cover and lock flaps therefor. The file, upon being assembled from the blank, is selectively expandable and contractable so as to conform to the thickness of the contents and provide a compact container for such contents. The actual interlocking of the various sections or portions of the blank so as to define the compartmented file involves, in addition to the basic folding of the blank, only the application of adhesive or the like securing means at two points, the two points of overlap between the sections of the opposed side panels. lncidently, in order to provide for a substantially equal height between the front and back panels and the intermediate partitions, the lateral height of the side panels 28 is equal to that of the front and rear panels and 22.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A compartmented file defining construction comprising front and back rectangular panels having outer edges, adjacent inner edges, and aligned side edges, a foldable interconnection along and between the adjacent inner edges of the front and back panels, a pair of side panels having inner and outer edges and opposed side edges, edge fold means foldably connecting the inner edges of the side panels to the opposed aligned side edges of the front and back panels, each side panel having transverse fold means thereacross between the inner and outer edges thereof in alignment with the foldable interconnection between the front and back panels, each side panel having a pair of outer corners and diagonal fold means extending from said corners to approximately the inner edge end of the transverse fold means for forming two central side panel sections to the opposite sides of the transverse fold means and two outer side panel sections outward of the diagonal fold means, each side panel outer section and the adjoining central section being inwardly foldable as a unit between the adjacent front and back panels and the transverse fold means, means engageable between the opposed side section and central section units on the opposite side panels to form partition walls and divide the space between the front and back panels into three compartments, the foldable interconnection between the front and back panels, the edge fold means, and the transverse fold means being in the nature of expandible folds, each defined by a plurality of laterally spaced fold lines, a cover flap integrally formed with and along the outer edge of the front panel and projecting outwardly therefrom, said cover flap having an expansible fold defined therealong adjacent the outer edge of said front panel, and a longitudinal fold line defined along said cover flap between the cover flap expansible fold and the outer edge of the cover flap for enabling a folding of the cover flap in a manner so as to define an upwardly opening pocket receivable within the formed compartment adjacent the back panel with the cover flap overlying the remaining two compartments.

2. The construction of claim 1, including a lock flap integrally formed with and along the outer edge of the back panel and projecting outwardly therefrom, said lock flap having a fold line defined longitudinally thereacross so as to define an outer lock flap section inwardly foldable about the lock flap fold line, said lock flap outer section being receivable within the upwardly opening pocket defined by the compartment receivable folded cover flap for a locking of the folded cover flap within the corresponding compartment.

3. The construction of claim 2, wherein the side and outer edges of the side panels combine to form the upper edges along the partition walls, each side edge of each side panel combining with approximately one-half of the outer edge of the corresponding panel to define approximately one-half of the upper edge ofone of the partition walls.

4. The construction of claim 3, wherein the side panel side and outer edges, adjacent each outer corner, are inwardly offset for approximately the same length, these inwardly offset edge portions defining central recesses in the formed partition walls.

5. The construction of claim 4, wherein the outer section of the lock flap includes an integral centrally located gripping tab projecting from the lock flap fold line away from the lock flap outer section.

6. A compartmented file defining construction comprising front and back rectangular panels having outer edges, adjacent inner edges, and aligned side edges, a foldable interconnection along and between the adjacent inner edges of the front and back panels, a pair of side panels having inner and outer edges and opposed side edges, edge fold means foldably connecting the inner edges of the side panels to the opposed aligned side edges of the front and back panels, each side panel having transverse fold means thereacross between the inner and outer edges thereof in alignment with the foldable interconnection between the front and back panels, each side panel having a pair of outer corners and diagonal fold means extending from said corners to approximately the inner edge end of the transverse fold means for forming two central side panel sections to the opposite sides of the transverse fold means and two outer side panel sections outward of the diagonal fold means, each side panel outer section and the adjoining central section being inwardly foldable as a unit between the adjacent front and back panels and the transverse fold means, means engageable between the opposed side section and central section units on the opposite side panels to form partition walls and divide the space between the front and back panels into three compartments, the side and outer edges of the side panels combining to form the upper edges along the partition walls, each side edge of each side panel combining with approximately one-half of the outer edge of the corresponding panel to define approximately one-half of the upper edge of one of the partition walls, the side panel, side and outer edges, adjacent each outer corner, being inwardly offset for approximately the same length, these inwardly offset edge portions defining central recesses in the formed partition walls.

7. A compartmented file defining construction comprising front and back rectangular panels having outer edges, adjacent inner edges, and aligned side edges, a foldable interconnection along and between the adjacent inner edges of the front and back panels, a pair of side panels having inner and outer edges and opposed side edges, edge fold means foldably connecting the inner edges of the side panels to the opposed aligned side edges of the front and back panels, each side panel having transverse fold mean thereacross between the inner and outer edges thereof in alignment with the foldable interconnection between the front and back panels, each side panel having a pair of outer corners and diagonal fold means extending from said corners to approximately the inner edge end of the transverse fold means for forming two central side panel sections to the opposite sides of the transverse fold means and two outer side panel sections outward of the diagonal fold means, each side panel outer section and the adjoining central section being inwardly foldable as a unit between the adjacent front and back panels and the transverse fold means, means engageable between the opposed side section and central section units on the opposite side panels to form partition walls and divide the space between the front and back panels into three compartments, a cover flap integrally formed with and along the outer edge of the front panel and projecting outwardly therefrom, said cover flap having a fold defined therealong adjacent the outer edge of said front panel, and a longitudinal fold line defined along said cover flap between the cover flap fold and the outer edge of the cover flap for enabling a folding of the cover flap in a manner so as to define an upwardly opening pocket receivable within the formed compartment adjacent the back panel with the cover flap overlying the remaining two compartments, a lock flap integrally formed with and along the outer edge of the back panel and projecting outwardly therefrom, said lock flap having a fold line defined longitudinally thereacross so as to define an outer lock flap section inwardly foldable about the lock flap fold line, said lock flap outer section being receivable within the upwardly opening pocket defined by the compartment receivable folded cover flap for a locking of the folded cover flap within the corresponding compartment 8. The construction of claim 7, wherein the outer section of the lock flap includes an integral centrally located gripping tab projecting from the lock flap fold line away from the lock flap outer section.

9. A three compartment folding file formed from a single blank, said file comprising rectangular front and back panels integrally and foldably connected along the lower edges thereof, a pair of side panels integrally and foldably interconnected with the opposed side edges of the front and back panels and extending therebetween, each side panel having two inwardly folded portions, the inwardly folded portions of each side panel engaging the corresponding inwardly folded portions of the other side panel between the front and back panels, and means interconnecting the engaged inwardly folded side panel portions so as to define a pair of compartment defining partition walls, said partition walls defining, in conjunction with the front and back panels, three compartments, a full length cover flap integral with the front panel along the upper edge thereof, said cover flap being selectively extensible over the compartments and foldable into the compartment immediately adjacent the back panel, said cover flap defining, in the compartment adjacent the back panel, an upwardly opening pocket, and a lock fla integral with and along the upper edge of the back panel, sai lock ap having a folda ble outer section selectively introducible into the upwardly opening compartment received pocket defined by the cover flap for retention of the cover flap within the compartment.

10. A one-piece blank foldable into a three compartmented file, said blank comprising a generally rectangular sheet, first fold means extending transversely across said sheet and dividing said sheet into approximately two equal halves, second fold means extending across said sheet transversely of the first fold means and at two laterally spaced points so as to define a central area and two side areas, each side area having a pair of outer corners, third fold means extending diagonally from each outer corner inwardly to approximately the point of intersection between the first fold means and the adjacent second fold means, said center area including opposed edges at right angles to said side areas and in outwardly spaced parallel relation to said first fold means, and full length flaps secured to and projecting outwardly from said center area opposed edges, each flap including fold means thereacross parallel to said first fold means, each side area having a pair of adhesive areas thereon adjacent the outer corners thereof, the adhesive areas on one side area being to one side of the third fold means, and on the other side area being to the other side of the third fold means, each side area including opposed side edges and an outer edge, said side area edges being inwardly offset adjacent the corners of the side areas.

Claims

3. The construction of claim 2, wherein the side and outer edges of the side panels combine to form the upper edges along the partition walls, each side edge of each side panel combining with approximately one-half of the outer edge of the corResponding panel to define approximately one-half of the upper edge of one of the partition walls.

7. A compartmented file defining construction comprising front and back rectangular panels having outer edges, adjacent inner edges, and aligned side edges, a foldable interconnection along and between the adjacent inner edges of the front and back panels, a pair of side panels having inner and outer edges and opposed side edges, edge fold means foldably connecting the inner edges of the side panels to the opposed aligned side edges of the front and back panels, each side panel having transverse fold mean thereacross between the inner and outer edges thereof in alignment with the foldable interconnection between the front and back panels, each side panel having a pair of outer corners and diagonal fold means extending from said corners to approximately the inner edge end of the transverse fold means for forming two central side panel sections to the opposite sides of the transverse fold means and two outer side panel sections outward of the diagonal fold means, each side panel outer section and the adjoining central section being inwardly foldable as a unit between the adjacent front and back panels and the transverse fold means, means engageable between the opposed side section and central section units on the opposite side panels to form partition walls and divide the space between the front and back panels into three compartments, a cover flap integrally formed with and along the outer edge of the front panel and projecting outwardly therefrom, said cover flap having a fold defined therealong adjacent the outer edge of said front panel, and a longitudinal fold line Defined along said cover flap between the cover flap fold and the outer edge of the cover flap for enabling a folding of the cover flap in a manner so as to define an upwardly opening pocket receivable within the formed compartment adjacent the back panel with the cover flap overlying the remaining two compartments, a lock flap integrally formed with and along the outer edge of the back panel and projecting outwardly therefrom, said lock flap having a fold line defined longitudinally thereacross so as to define an outer lock flap section inwardly foldable about the lock flap fold line, said lock flap outer section being receivable within the upwardly opening pocket defined by the compartment receivable folded cover flap for a locking of the folded cover flap within the corresponding compartment.

8. The construction of claim 7, wherein the outer section of the lock flap includes an integral centrally located gripping tab projecting from the lock flap fold line away from the lock flap outer section.

9. A three compartment folding file formed from a single blank, said file comprising rectangular front and back panels integrally and foldably connected along the lower edges thereof, a pair of side panels integrally and foldably interconnected with the opposed side edges of the front and back panels and extending therebetween, each side panel having two inwardly folded portions, the inwardly folded portions of each side panel engaging the corresponding inwardly folded portions of the other side panel between the front and back panels, and means interconnecting the engaged inwardly folded side panel portions so as to define a pair of compartment defining partition walls, said partition walls defining, in conjunction with the front and back panels, three compartments, a full length cover flap integral with the front panel along the upper edge thereof, said cover flap being selectively extensible over the compartments and foldable into the compartment immediately adjacent the back panel, said cover flap defining, in the compartment adjacent the back panel, an upwardly opening pocket, and a lock flap integral with and along the upper edge of the back panel, said lock flap having a foldable outer section selectively introducible into the upwardly opening compartment received pocket defined by the cover flap for retention of the cover flap within the compartment.