IP Library Granted Patent US 12,377,676
Granted Patent B2
US 12,377,676 · App. 16/715,370 · Granted Aug 5, 2025

Folder folder

Inventors: Denise E. Sada (Franklin, TN); Kevin W. Witter (Fort Collins, CO)
Assignee: ACCO Brands Corporation
B42F7/02B42D1/00B42D3/12B42D9/002B42F7/025B42F7/06B42F7/065B42F11/00B42F13/0033B42F13/165B42F13/22B42F21/02B42F21/04B42F21/06B42P2241/02
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,377,676
App. No.
16/715,370
Granted
Aug 5, 2025
Kind
B2
Abstract

A bound component has a front cover attached to a spine attached to a rear cover, a binding mechanism, and a binder extension attached to either cover. The binder extension folds inwardly in its closed position and has pockets. Also disclosed is a bound component having a front cover attached to a spine attached to a rear cover, a binding mechanism and one or more pockets attached to either cover. The pocket may have one or more closure flaps and may be expandable. Also disclosed is a folder having one or more bound edges and one or more free edges, one or more folder tabs extending from one or more free edges, and a plurality of pages bound to the folder. The pages may be bound to the folder using adhesive, string, staples or other attachment mechanisms. The folder may fit within a traditional file drawer.

Claims (22)

1. A bound component comprising:

a front cover;

a back cover;

a spine connected to the back cover along a side of the back cover;

a first pocket panel connected to the spine, the first pocket panel forming a first pocket opening between the first pocket panel and the back cover;

a second pocket panel connected to the first pocket panel, wherein a second pocket opening is formed in between the first pocket panel and the second pocket panel; and

a closure flap having a first end attached to the back cover and having a securement end configured to be removably secured to an attachment point on the front cover,

wherein a portion of the first pocket opening and a portion of the second pocket opening are oriented perpendicular to a length of the spine; and

wherein the bound component further comprises one or more dividers within the first pocket opening and wherein the first pocket opening is expandable and two side edges of the first pocket panel are connected to the back cover by expandable gussets.

2. The bound component of claim 1 wherein the closure flap is secured to an outside surface of the front cover.

3. The bound component of claim 2 wherein the closure flap removably attaches to the outside surface of the front cover by a hook and loop fastener, one or more magnets, a reattachable adhesive, a bungee cord, a tie, a clasp, a button, a clip, a hook, a ring, a snap, or a zipper.

4. The bound component of claim 2 wherein the second pocket opening is formed between an external side of the first pocket panel and an internal side of the second pocket panel.

5. The bound component of claim 1 wherein the bound component is formed from one or more of a fabric, a plastic, a paper or a vinyl material.

6. A storage component comprising:

a back panel;

a front panel;

a spine connected to the back panel along a side of the back panel;

a first pocket panel connected to the spine, the first pocket panel forming a first pocket opening between the first pocket panel and the back panel;

a second pocket panel connected to the first pocket panel, wherein a second pocket opening is formed in between the first pocket panel and the second pocket panel; and

a closure flap having a first end attached to the back panel and having a securement end configured to be removably secured to an attachment point on the front panel,

wherein a portion of the first pocket opening and a portion of the second pocket opening are oriented perpendicular to a length of the spine, and

wherein the storage component further comprises one or more dividers within the first pocket opening and wherein the first pocket opening is expandable and two side edges of the first pocket panel are connected to the back panel by expandable gussets.

Assignments (5)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 25, 2024
From: SADA, DENISE E.; WITTER, KEVIN W.
To: MEADWESTVACO CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 069028/0191 →
MERGER Recorded Oct 25, 2024
From: MEAD PRODUCTS LLC
To: ACCO BRANDS CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 069028/0703 →
MERGER Recorded Oct 25, 2024
From: MONACO SPINCO INC.
To: MEAD PRODUCTS LLC
Reel/Frame 069028/0825 →
IP CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT Recorded Oct 25, 2024
From: MEADWESTVACO CORPORATION
To: MONACO SPINCO INC.
Reel/Frame 069268/0637 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Apr 1, 2021
From: ACCO BRANDS CORPORATION
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 055793/0611 →
Continuity (4)
Continuation 13377063
Provisional Application 61222611 · Jul 2, 2009
Provisional Application 61219169 · Jun 22, 2009
Related Publication 20200114678A1 · Apr 16, 2020
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