IP Library Granted Patent US 8,104,669
Granted Patent B2
US 8,104,669 · App. 12/034,403 · Granted Jan 31, 2012

Strengthened folder with inserted elements and system for element interchangeability

Assignee: Smead Manufacturing Company
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,104,669
App. No.
12/034,403
Granted
Jan 31, 2012
Kind
B2
Abstract

A folder system with an accordion spine 16 , and a method of making same is disclosed. The folder may have a plurality of insert elements 52, 60 either at manufacture or by a stub system which are bound into the spine at the valleys 32 of the web which forms the spine. The web is made of outer zig-zag web 40 , with the inner web 42, 44, 46 joining adjacent insert elements and the outer web, to create a strong spine of web and inserts.

Claims (26)

1. A file folder, comprising:

a) a first panel having a common edge and an inner facing wall;

b) a second panel having a common edge and a inner facing wall;

c) a first exterior web having a plurality of adjacent accordion peaks and valleys joining said panels proximate said common edge, to create a spine between said panels;

d) at least one insert panel having a common edge and two sides, said insert element being affixed at said common edge to said spine at least one of said valleys;

e) a second interior flexible web extending from and affixed to said one side of said insert panel and overlying said exterior web and all peaks and valleys between said insert panel and an inner facing wall of an adjacent panel

f) a third interior flexible web extending from and affixed to the other side of said insert element and then overlying said exterior web and any peaks and valleys between said insert panel and the adjacent panel

whereby said insert panel is securely bonded to said second web and the spine proximate the bottom of said valleys.

2. The file folder of claim 1 further including a second insert panel in located in another valley of said spine, and wherein said second web material is affixed at one end to the first insert panel and at the other end at the second insert panel with the remainder of the web between said ends being affixed to the first web material.

3. The folder of claim 2 further including a second web extending from said first panel to one side of said stub, and a third web extending from a different panel to the other side of said stub element and at least a portion of said first and second webs being in bonded contact with said first web.

4. The folder of claim 2 including a plurality of stub members, and wherein said insert panels include a plurality of insert member styles whereby the user may define a folder with different combinations of styles by inserting panels of user's choice.

5. The folder of claim 4 wherein the insert panels include pockets and boards.

6. The folder of claim 4 wherein the insert panels are selected from a group consisting of binders, folios, clip boards, pockets.

7. The folder of claim 2 wherein said adhesion region includes releasable and re-usable adhesive, so that the user may swap insert panels at will.

8. The folder of claim 2 wherein said insert panel includes a plurality of user selectable elements from the group of at least planar elements, pocket elements.

9. The folder of claim 1 wherein said at least one insert element is a stub element of dimension smaller than said first or second panels.

10. A file folder, comprising:

a) a first panel having a common edge;

b) a second panel having a common edge;

c) a first exterior web having a plurality of adjacent accordion peaks and valleys joining said panels proximate said common edge, to create a spine between said panels;

d) at least one insert element having a common edge and two sides, said insert element being affixed at said common edge to said spine at least one of said valleys;

e) a second interior flexible web extending from and affixed to said one side of said insert element and then to at least a portion of said first web along at least one valley wall,

f) a third interior flexible web extending from and affixed to the other side of said insert element and then to at least a portion of said first web along at least one valley wall,

whereby said insert element is securely bonded to said second web and the spine proximate the bottom of one of said valleys;

g) a second insert panel in located in another valley of said spine, and wherein said second web material is affixed at one end to the first insert panel and at the other end at the second insert panel, with the remainder of the web between said ends being affixed to the first web material and;

wherein said adhesion region includes releasable and re-usable adhesive, so that the user may swap insert panels at will.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Apr 2, 2008
From: CHRISTENSEN, DUANE; LASKY, MICHAEL
To: SMEAD MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Reel/Frame 020746/0544 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20080197175A1 · Aug 21, 2008