Folder with card-receiving recess
View Patent ↗A file with a card-receiving recess is disclosed. The file comprises a first panel comprising a first layer and a backing layer, that contains an opening extending from the first layer to the backing layer, and a second panel hingedly associated with the first panel. The backing layer is configured to support a displayed sheet element in a position such that it is visible through the opening of the first layer, and the displayed sheet element is at least partially received within the thickness of the first surface and the backing layer. The backing layer contains an adhesive disposed thereon within the opening for securing the displayed sheet element to the backing.
1. A file, comprising:
a first panel, which comprises:
a first layer having first and second surfaces and a thickness therebetween, the first layer defining an opening having sides and extending from the first surface to the second surface and configured and dimensioned for receiving and displaying a displayed sheet element inserted therein,
a second layer disposed behind the opening and behind the first layer in an area of overlap that surrounds and is adjacent to a group of the opening sides, the second layer being configured to support the displayed sheet element in a display position visible through the opening, wherein the displayed sheet element in the display position is received at least partially between the first surface and the second layer, wherein the first and second layers are affixed to each other in all portions of the area of overlap that are adjacent the opening sides, and
an adhesive disposed on the second layer within the opening for securing the displayed sheet element to the second layer in the display position, and
a second panel connected to and overlaid with the first panel.
2. The file of claim 1 , wherein the second panel is hinged to the first panel such that in a closed position the second panel is overlaid on the first panel.
3. The file of claim 1 , wherein the file comprises a folder.
4. The file of claim 1 , wherein the first and second layers are configured and associated such that the displayed sheet element in the display position is received in the opening within the thickness of the first layer.
5. The file of claim 4 , wherein the first and second layers are configured and associated such that the displayed sheet element in the display position is substantially flush with the front panel.
6. The file of claim 4 , wherein the first and second layers are configured and associated such that the displayed sheet element in the display position is substantially flush with the first surface of the first layer.
7. The file of claim 4 , wherein the opening extends to an edge of the first layer such that an edge of the displayed sheet element is laterally exposed when in the display position.
8. The file of claim 1 , wherein the file is a portfolio.
9. The file of claim 1 , wherein the displayed sheet element is a business card.
10. The file of claim 9 , wherein the opening is configured to closely correspond to the dimensions of the business card, such that when the business card is in the display position, the business card is completely visible through the opening and is disposed substantially completely within a boundary of the first panel.
11. The file of claim 10 , wherein the opening is configured to receive the business card inserted from the outside towards the second layer.
12. The file of claim 9 , further comprising the business card adhered to the second layer in the display position.
13. The file of claim 1 , wherein the opening extends to at least one edge of the first panel.
14. The file of claim 13 , further comprising a hinge that pivotally associates the first and second panels, wherein the opening extends to only a side edge of the first panel opposite the hinge.
15. The file of claim 1 , further comprising a protective strip removably disposed on the adhesive for protecting the adhesive prior to attaching the displayed sheet element.
16. The file of claim 1 , wherein the first layer is an outer layer of the first panel that is visible from the outside of the file with the first panel overlaid with the second panel, wherein the outer layer faces in a direction away from the second panel when the first panel is overlaid with the second panel.
17. The file of claim 16 , wherein the first panel is an outer panel of the file.
18. The file of claim 1 , said group of opening sides includes at least three edges of the opening.
19. The file of claim 18 , wherein the second layer is affixed to the first layer so that the second layer is fixed relative to the first layer.
20. The file of claim 18 , wherein the second layer has a surface area that is significantly less than a surface area of the first layer.
21. A file, comprising:
a first panel, which comprises:
a first layer having first and second surfaces and a thickness therebetween, the first layer defining an opening having sides and extending from the first surface to the second surface and configured and dimensioned for receiving and displaying a displayed sheet element inserted therein,
a second layer having a surface area substantially less than a surface area of the first layer and disposed behind the opening and behind the first layer in an area of overlap that surrounds and is adjacent to a group of the opening sides, the second layer being configured to support the displayed sheet element in a display position visible through the opening, wherein the displayed sheet element in the display position is received at least partially between the first surface and the second layer, wherein the first and second layers are affixed to each other in substantially all portions of the area of overlap that are adjacent the opening sides, and
an adhesive disposed on the second layer within the opening for securing the displayed sheet element to the second layer in the display position, and
a second panel connected to and overlaid with the first panel.
22. The file of claim 21 , wherein the second layer includes a portion that extends from a lateral edge of the first layer to an area adjacent to an edge of the opening that is opposite the lateral edge of the first layer.
23. The file of claim 22 , wherein a length of the portion of the second layer from the lateral edge of the first layer to the area adjacent to the edge of the opening that is opposite the lateral edge of the first layer is less than approximately half a width of the file defined as a length from the lateral edge of the first layer to a hinge that pivotally associates the first and second panels.
24. The file of claim 1 , wherein the first and second layers are affixed to each other in the area of overlap adjacent to all of said selected opening sides such that movement between the first and second layers at said plurality of opening sides is substantially prevented.
25. The file of claim 1 , wherein the first and second layers are affixed along substantially the entire area of overlap.
26. The file of claim 1 , wherein the first panel further comprises an intermediate layer affixed to the first and second layers in the area of overlap adjacent to said plurality of opening sides.
27. The file of claim 10 , wherein the opening is configured to be slightly larger than a business card.
28. The file of claim 10 , wherein the opening has business card dimensions.
29. The file of claim 10 , wherein the opening is approximately 3 ½ inches by 2 inches.
30. The file of claim 10 , wherein the opening is within about 1/16 of an inch greater than, and no smaller than 3 ½ inches by 2 inches.