WO2002028663A2

WO2002028663A2 - Folder having multiple pockets

Info

Publication number: WO2002028663A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/031307
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sumir Kapur; Michael Albertini; Stephan Peter James Pfanner; Joshua Paul Goldfarb; Shaun Fynn
Original assignee: Acco Brands, Inc.
Priority date: 2000-10-04
Filing date: 2001-10-04
Publication date: 2002-04-11
Also published as: AU2002211480A1; WO2002028663A3; WO2002028663A8

Abstract

A folder (1) includes an outer layer (2) comprising first (15) and second (20) outer panels pivotally connected together and having an interior side facing an interior of the folder when the folder is closed, an inner layer extending over at least a portion of the interior side of the outer layer and defining an intermediate region between the inner and outer layers, and an intermediate layer disposed in the intermediate region in a first portion of the interior region (65), but not extending into a second portion of the intermediate region, wherein the second portion is disposed adjacent the first portion such that a pocket is defined between the outer and inner layers in the second portion.

Description

FOLDER HAVING MULTIPLE POCKETS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to folders having a cover layer and having an inner layer attached thereto to provide interior pockets for retaining sheets of paper.

BACKGROUND

Document binders, such as U.S. Patent No. 5,876,143 to Ong, have been provided with non-fusible, flat, stiff, core elements encapsulated between two cover sheets to create a title sheet pocket.

U.S. Patent No. 5,951,190 discloses a binder cover made from a single die-cut sheet of material, having a front leaf, a back leaf, and a first pair of pockets one on each leaf, which openings are in opposite directions when the cover is laid flat open.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a folder. The folder preferably has an outer layer with first and second outer panels pivotally connected together and having an interior side facing an interior of the folder when the folder is closed. An inner layer preferably extends over at least a portion of the interior side of the outer layer and defines an intermediate region between the inner and outer layers. An intermediate layer is preferably disposed in the intermediate region in a first portion of the interior region, but not extending into a second portion of the intermediate region. The second portion of the preferred embodiment is disposed adjacent the first portion such that a pocket is defined between the outer and inner layers in the second portion.

In the preferred embodiment, an opening is defined by at least one of the inner and outer layers and is configured to provide access to the pocket from the outside of the pocket for receiving an object. This opening is defined preferably located adjacent an edge of the folder, and can be defined through one of the layers, such as the outer layer.

The inner layer of this embodiment comprises first and second inner panels pivotally connected together. The first and second inner panels extend over at least a portion of the interior side over the first and second outer panels. The outer layer comprises an outer spine pivotally connected between the first and second outer panels. The inner layer comprises an inner spine pivotally connected between the first and second inner panels and over the interior side of the outer spine. The second portion of the intermediate region is disposed between the inner and outer spines. The opening of this embodiment is defined through the outer spine to provide access to the pocket from outside the pocket for inserting an object therein.

A portion of the outer layer of this embodiment disposed over the pocket is sufficiently translucent to allow viewing therethrough of an object in the pocket. The intermediate layer has an intermediate thickness for increasing a space between the outer and inner layers in the second portion.

Preferably, the outer layer has first and second outer panels pivotally connected together along at least one outer hinge, and the inner layer has first and second inner panels pivotally connected together along at least one inner hinge. The first inner panel preferably extends over a first interior portion of the first outer panel, and the second inner panel extends over a second interior portion of the second outer panel. In the preferred configuration, at least one inner hinge is disposed adjacent with the at least one outer hinge for pivoting therewith, and the first and second outer panels are secured to the first and second inner panels by a secured portion disposed substantially adjacent the hinges. A stress relieving portion is preferably associated with at least one of the interior and outer layers and disposed between the secured portion and the hinge of said at least one layer. This stress relieving portion is configured to relieve stress produced in the first and second panels of said at least one layer upon pivoting of the hinges of the folder.

In the preferred embodiment, the secured portion includes a plurality of secured portions disposed substantially adjacent the hinges. The stress relieving portion comprises a plurality of stress relieving portions with at least one stress relieving portion disposed between each of at least some of the plurality of secured portions and the hinge of the at least one layer. The stress relieving portion extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the hinge of the at least one layer. The stress relieving portion may also comprise a slit and can be associated with the inner layer.

A tab extends from a first panel of the preferred binder and is of unitary construction therewith and includes a first fastener portion. A second panel includes a second fastener portion of unitary construction therewith and that is releasably engageable with the first fastener portion in a fastened association for retaining the panels in a closed position. Preferably, at least one of the first and second fastener portions defines an opening and the other comprises a tongue that is received in the opening in the fastened association, and the tongue is of unitary construction with the tab. The tab preferably comprises at least one hinge extending thereacross and configured to increase conformability of the tab about the cover in the fastened association, and the preferred material of the cover layer is a plastic or polymer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE FIGURES Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a binder constructed according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an inside view thereof in an open position; Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of a top portion thereof; Fig. 4 is an enlarged top view thereof; Fig. 5 is an enlarged top view of a binder constructed according to the present invention showing another embodiment of a stress relieving portion according to the invention;

Fig. 6 is a side view of the binder of Fig. 1; and Fig. 7 is a partial cutaway view of the binder of Fig. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring initially to Figs. 1-2, a preferred embodiment of a sheet holder of the invention is a folder 1, which preferably includes a binding mechanism 352 to form a binder. The folder preferably includes a cover with an outer layer 2, an inner layer 5, and an intermediate layer 10. The layers of the folder 1 comprise front and back panels and a spine. The outer layer preferably comprises first and second outer panels 15,20 pivotally connected together by at least one outer hinge. Preferably, the outer hinge includes first and second outer hinges 25, 30 and an outer spine 35 disposed between the first and second outer panels and pivotally connected thereto by the first and second outer hinges 25, 30. The outer layer is preferably formed from a unitary sheet of material, although the outer layer may also be formed of two or more discrete panels secured together. The inner layer comprises first and second inner panels 40, 45 pivotally connected by at least one inner hinge. Preferably, the inner hinge includes first and second inner hinges 55,60 and the inner cover includes an inner spine 50 disposed between the first and second inner panels and pivotally connected thereto by the inner hinges 55, 60. The inner layer preferably extends over an interior portion 65 and the outer layer. Preferably, the first inner panel extends over an interior portion of the first outer panel, the second inner panel extends over an interior portion of the second outer panel and the inner spine extends over an interior portion of the outer spine.

The intermediate layer is disposed between the outer and inner layers in a first portion 70 of the interior portion of the folder. For example, Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a folder wherein the intermediate layer comprises first and second intermediate panels 75, 80 disposed between the first outer and inner panels and between the second outer and inner panels, respectively. The intermediate panels of this embodiment are separate from each other but, alternatively, can be connected and of unitary construction of a single contiguous sheet of material extending between portions of the first outer and inner panels and between portions of the second outer and inner panels.

In this embodiment, intermediate layer does not extend into a second portion 85 of the folder such that a pocket 90 is defined in between the outer and inner layers. Although intermediate layer does not extend into the pocket, adjacent portions 95 of the intermediate layer increase and maintain space 100 between the outer and inner layers such that an object such as a sheet of paper 102 or label may be inserted into the pocket. Preferably, at least a portion of the cover layer or inner layer is sufficiently transparent to allow a user to view the item in the pocket.

In order to provide access to the pocket, the second portion may extend to an opening to the pocket 104 of the cover or of the outer or inner layer such that a pocket opening is defined where the second portion adjoins the opening to the pocket. The opening to the pocket preferably comprises a peripheral edge of the folder, for example, an upper peripheral edge of one of the cover panels and the corresponding inner panel. Therefore, an object can be inserted at the peripheral edge into the pocket of this embodiment between the outer and inner panels. Because the pocket and opening are unitary with the structural layers of the folder, they are less likely to be damaged during use than discrete structures secured to the structural layers. Typically, the size or extent of the pocket, which is sufficient to hold objects such a label or other papers, is defined by the adjacent portions of the intermediate layer, which retain the inserted object within the pocket. Although it is not necessary to further define the extent of the pocket or secure an object within the pocket, the adjacent portions of the intermediate layer may be secured to at least one of the outer and inner layers. Alternatively, portions of the inner and outer layers adjacent the pocket may be secured together to maintain an object within a predetermined region of the pocket. In an alternative embodiment, the opening to the pocket extends through one of the layers to provide access through the layer, such as the inner layer, instead or in addition to by an opening that is the space between the layers. The opening of this alternative embodiment preferably includes a slit or elongated opening.

In a second embodiment of a pocket shown in Fig. 6, an opening to the pocket 110 is spaced apart from the peripheral edge of the folder. In this configuration the opening to the pocket is defined by, for example, a slit 115 or aperture in one of the cover or inner layers to provide access to the pocket between the outer and inner covers. The opening to the pocket or opening has any width, length, and orientation preferably suitable to facilitate the removal and insertion of objects in the pocket. The pocket 90 or other pockets, which are disposed in the second portion and in the spine, may alternatively be disposed between any portion of the outer and inner covers. Typically, however, the intermediate layer is absent from between at least a portion of the outer and inner spine to define a pocket therebetween and the opening to the pocket is defined in the outer spine, as shown in Fig. 6. Thus, the opemng to the pocket provides access to the pocket through the outer spine. Portions 357 of the outer and inner spine are secured together adjacent pocket 90 to facilitate keeping contents properly positioned therein. Although the intermediate layer does not extend into the pocket, as shown in Fig. 4, adjacent portions 95 of the intermediate layer can extend adjacent to the first and second outer and inner hinges to increase the space between the outer and inner spines.

As shown in Figs. 6, the opening of this embodiment is defined by unsecured peripheral edges of a flap 125 configured to facilitate insertion, retention and removal items in the pocket. Flap 125 is preferably pivotally connected to the outer spine by a hinge 135. Depressing the flap toward the inner spine reversibly enlarges the size of the opening facilitating the insertion and removal of the item. Additionally, in the depressed position, the flap extends toward the inner spine, which helps guide the item into the pocket. The tab is formed of a material which is sufficiently resilient to allow the tab to return to the relaxed position once it is no longer depressed. In a relaxed position, the peripheral edges of the flap preferably lie beneath the exterior surface of the outer spine reducing the chance that the flap will catch on another object damaging the flap or causing it to open.

Fig. 6 shows that the spine may also include a second opening 120 which is spaced apart from first opening to provide a second source of access to the pocket. For example, the second opening could be used by a user to facilitate the positioning or removal of an object in the pocket.

The outer and inner hinges allow first and second outer and inner panels to pivot with respect to one another between a closed state and an opened state of the folder. In the closed state, peripheral edges of the first and second outer panels are brought into a substantially opposed position, as seen in Fig. 1. In the opened state shown in Fig. 2, the outer panels are pivoted apart to provide access to the interior of the folder.

Each of the hinges is preferably a single hinge such as a living hinge or a piano-type hinge and can either be unitarily formed with the corresponding panels or can be constructed of separate elements that are attached to the corresponding panels. Alternatively, other hinges, such as a plurality of discrete hinges, are suitable for use with the present invention. Preferably, however, the cover layer and the inner layer are each constructed from a contiguous sheet of material. In this embodiment, the hinges are formed from folds or scored lines that are made along respective edges of the panels.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the first and second intermediate layers 75, 80 disposed between the first inner and outer panels and second inner and outer panels, respectively, define first and second pockets 300, 305 on the interior portion of each of the first and second outer covers. Thus, first pockets 300 are defined between each of first and second intermediate layers 75, 80 and the first and second outer panels 15, 20, respectively, and a second pocket 305 is defined between each of the first and second intermediate layers 75, 80 and the first and second inner panels 40, 45. In order to form sides of the pockets, the front cover, the front inner layer and the front intermediate layer are secured along opposed top and bottom peripheral portions. Such securement can be accomplished by any conventional means including staples, adhesives, ultrasonic welds, or heat. Preferably, the layers are heat sealed along areas 350. On the other hand, pocket openings 310 are defined by unsecured outer edge portions of the first and second inner layers and the first and second intermediate layers. Although the outer edges are not permanently secured, the pocket openings may be provided a releasable closure to temporarily secure the openings to provide retention of papers therein.

The unsecured portions of the outer edges may extend any distance along the interior of the front and back covers from a length just long enough to insert sheets of paper up to a length comprising substantially^' the entire distance the between the top and bottom edges of the front and back covers, as shown in Fig. 2. The unsecured edges may be arcuate as shown in Fig. 2, or straight. The pocket openings, however, are preferably oriented so that paper sheets can be inserted or removed along a line, which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of inner spine 50. Compared to pocket openings oriented at a substantially transverse angles to the spine, a preferred orientation as shown in Fig. provides enhanced securement of items stored in the pockets. Finally, each of the cover pockets may be divided into a plurality of smaller pockets by securing one or more additional portions of the cover layer and the inner layer together. Preferably the pocket openings are aligned either parallel to or normal to the hinges or axis of the spine.

The inner layer and the intermediate layers preferably extend over only a portion of respective inner surfaces of the front and back covers so that the pocket openings are spaced inward from peripheral edges of the cover layer. However, the depth of the pocket, defined by a distance from the edge of the inner spine to the opening of the pocket, may be of any size sufficient to secure items such as sheets of paper in the pockets and to provide secure attachment of the inner or intermediate layers to the outer layer. The pockets are preferably sized to accommodate the same size sheets as bound by the binder mechanism. Preferably, the intermediate layers extend over a larger portion of the cover layer than does the inner layer so that the first pockets are deeper than the second pockets, as seen in Fig. 2. To reduce stress during pivoting of the hinges of the folder on portions of the outer and inner layers that are secured together. Such stresses may separate the secured portions and are particularly problematic in the inner layer and where the secured portions are disposed adjacent the hinges. Therefore, in order to relieve stress created by pivoting the hinges of the folder, at least one of the inner or outer layers may include a stress relieving portion disposed between the secured portion and the hinge of the at least one layer. Preferably, the strain relieving portions are disposed laterally to portions of the outer and inner spine that are fixed together, such as by a fastener or rivet 354 associated with the binding mechanism 352. Preferably, rivet 352 extends through the inner and outer layers fixing them laterally with respect to one another.

Fig. 3 shows a stress relieving portion comprising a slit 400 disposed adjacent and parallel to the hinges of the inner layer. The slit keeps the pivoting of the inner and outer layers from undesirably separating secured portions of the outer and inner layers adjacent the hinge and weakening the attachment with the layers. Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of a stress relieving portion comprising a fold or ridge 405. When the folder is pivoted, the slight excess of material forming the fold or ridge relaxes to relieve and accommodate stresses. The other features of the binder of Fig. 5 are preferably substantially similar to those of the first embodiment. Figs. 3 and 5 show that a preferred stress relieving portion extending parallel with at least one of the inner or outer hinges. For example, the stress relieving portion preferably extends parallel and adjacent to a longitudinal axis of the hinge of the at least one layer, as shown in Fig. 3. Alternatively, the stress relieving portion may extend coaxially with the inner or outer hinges, as shown in Fig. 5. Preferably, the inner layer comprises the stress relieving portion.

The inner and outer layers are preferably secured together at a plurality of positions, for example, along upper and lower peripheral edges of the inner and outer layers and generally adjacent the inner and outer hinges. Therefore, the secured positions may be disposed substantially adjacent the hinges. Where a plurality of secured portions are provided, at least one stress relieving portion is disposed between each of at least some of the plurality of secured portions and the hinge of the at least one layer.

To releasably secure the folder in the closed position, one of the covers, preferably the back cover, includes an integral tab 140 having a tongue 145, which is configured to engage a complementary opening 150 in the front cover, as seen in Fig. 1. The tab preferably extends from a central portion 155 of the outer edge of the back cover and preferably has several folds 160 or hinges to facilitate bending the tab around toward the opposing cover and opening. Alternatively, the tab can be located elsewhere on folder 1, such as on the front cover or on the top or bottom portions of folder 1. As best seen in Fig. 2 the opening is arcuate and is disposed adjacent a central portion of the outer edge of the front cover. The ratio of the length of the tab to the distance from the outer spine to the outer edge of the folder 1 is preferably from about 1/6 to about 54, such as from about 1/4 to about 1/3.

In the closed position, with the tongue and opening engaged, a sufficient distance is provided between opposed outer edges of the front and back covers to accommodate a plurality of items or papers therebetween.

A secured portion of the tongue defines a base 175 adjoining the tab. Preferably, unsecured peripheral edge 165 of the tongue is defined by an arcuate slit 170, which may have more than one radius of curvature. The arcuate slit preferably includes lateral ends, which face along the tab back toward the cover to which the tab is connected. The arcuate slit preferably includes rounded ends to reduce localized stress to improve the durability and life of the folder 1. This configuration prevents shear forces undesirably extending the lateral ends of the slit through a tearing action on the tab during use.

The tab, which is preferably unitary with at least one structural layer of the cover, is stronger and less likely to be torn from the cover layer than a tab formed of a separate piece of material and attached to a cover using, for example, staples or adhesive. Similarly, the engaging tongue and opemng are less likely to wear out from use or be unexpectedly separated from the tab or cover than, for example, a fastener formed, for example, of hook and loop materials. The tab is preferably configured to allow user to readily engage the present tongue and opening using one hand. The tab can extend from an inner layer, an intermediate layer or, preferably, an outer layer of the cover.

Suitable materials for the folder layers include paper, cardboard, and plastics either opaque, translucent, transparent, or a combination thereof. The covers may be white black or colored. Preferably, the folder is formed of polypropylene because most writing on paper stored therein will not transfer to the polypropylene. Preferably, the cover layer, the inner layer, and the front and back intermediate layers each comprise a contiguous sheet of material. The folder preferably include structures that enable it accommodate a fastener.

Suitable structures to accommodate the fastener include, for example, a plurality of apertures in the spine and inner spine to allow the insertion of rivets therethrough to facilitate attachment of the fastener. Preferred fastener mechanisms include three-ring binder type mechanisms suited for releasably securing sheets of paper. The front and back covers of the folder are sized to accommodate the size of the papers to be fastened therein. A preferred embodiment of the present folder includes a notch or cutout provided in an upper peripheral portion of the spine, which is accessible to a user's finger even when the folder is securely stored so that the peripheral edges of the spine would be inaccessible in the absence of a cutout. The inner spine may also include a corresponding notch. In a preferred embodiment, the notches are formed from arcuate depression deep enough to accommodate a user's finger, such as about 0.6 to 2.5 cm deep. The cutout or depression may extend through both the outer and inner layers of the spine. When a folder is stored in a space that only narrowly accommodates the height of the folder, peripheral edges of the folder are readily graspable by the depression facilitating retrieval of the folder by a user. The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments and/or examples described herein, which are intended as single illustrations of individual aspects of the invention, and functionally equivalent methods and components are within the scope of the invention. Indeed, various modifications of the invention, in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

THE CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A folder, comprising: an outer layer comprising first and second outer panels pivotally connected together and having an interior side facing an interior of the folder when the folder is closed; an inner layer extending over at least a portion of the interior side of the outer layer and defining an intermediate region between the inner and outer layers; and an intermediate layer disposed in the intermediate region in a first portion of the interior region, but not extending into a second portion of the intermediate region, wherein the second portion is disposed adjacent the first portion such that a pocket is defined between the outer and inner layers in the second portion.

2. The folder of claim 1, wherein an opening is defined by at least one of the inner and outer layers and the opening is configured to provide access to the pocket from the outside of the pocket for receiving an object.

3. The folder of claim 2, wherein the opening is defined adjacent an edge of the folder.

4. The folder of claim 2, wherein the opening is defined through one of the layers.

5. The folder of claim 4, wherein the opening is defined through the outer layer.

6. The folder of claim 1, wherein the inner layer comprises first and second inner panels pivotally connected together, and wherein the first and second inner panels extend over at least a portion of the interior side over the first and second outer panels.

7. The folder of claim 1 wherein: the outer layer comprises an outer spine pivotally connected between the first and second outer panels; the inner layer comprises an inner spine pivotally connected between'the first and second inner panels and over the interior side of the outer spine; and the second portion of the intermediate region is disposed between the inner and outer spines.

8. The folder of claim 7, wherein the opening is defined through the outer spine to provide access to the pocket from outside the pocket for inserting an object therein.

9. The folder of claim 1 wherein a portion of the outer layer disposed over the pocket is sufficiently translucent to allow viewing therethrough, of an object in the pocket.

10. The folder of claim 1, wherem the intermediate layer has an intermediate thickness for increasing a space between the outer and inner layers in the second portion.

11. A folder, comprising: an outer layer comprising first and second outer panels pivotally connected together along at least one outer hinge; an inner layer comprising first and second inner panels pivotally connected together along at least one inner hinge, the first inner panel extending over a first interior portion of the first outer panel, and the second inner panel extending over a second interior portion of the second outer panel, wherein the at least one inner hinge is disposed adjacent with the at least one outer hinge for pivoting therewith, and wherein the first and second outer panels are secured to the first and second inner panels by a secured portion disposed substantially adjacent the hinges; and a stress relieving portion associated with at least one of the interior and outer layers and disposed between the secured portion and the hinge of said at least one layer, wherein the stress relieving portion is configured to relieve stress produced in the first and second panels of said at least one layer upon pivoting of the hinges of the folder:

12. The folder of claim 11 wherein the secured portion includes a plurality of secured portions disposed substantially adjacent the hinges; and wherein the stress relieving portion comprises a plurality of stress relieving portions with at least one stress relieving portion disposed between each of at least some of the plurality of secured portions and the hinge of the at least one layer.

13. The folder of claim 11 , wherein the stress relieving portion extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the hinge of the at least one layer.

14. The folder of claim 11, wherein the stress relieving portion comprises a slit.

15. The folder of claim 11, wherein the inner layer comprises said at least one layer.

16. A binder, comprising: a cover comprising first and second panels pivotally connected together by at least one hinge; a tab extending from the first panel and of unitary construction therewith and including a first fastener portion; and wherein the second outer panel includes a second fastener portion of unitary construction therewith and that is releasably engageable with the first fastener portion in a fastened association for retaining the panels in a closed position.

17. The folder of claim 16, wherein at least one of the first and second fastener portions defines an opening and the other comprises a tongue that is received in the opening in the fastened association.

18. The folder of claim 17, wherein the tongue is of unitary construction with the tab.

19. The folder of claim 16, wherein the tab comprises at least one hinge extending thereacross and configured to increase conformability of the tab about the cover in the fastened association.

20. The folder of claim 16, wherein the cover layer is formed of a plastic or polymer.