Smead Manufacturing Company

Duane Christensen

Steven Charles Black

Michael B Lasky

David J Gilbertson

Harold Peter Lindelof

David J Fasbender

Dennis Bowen

Tim Blegen

Eric R Aaldenberg

Robert E Hawes, Jr

James J Lynch

Lee A Boy

Theodore V Kachel

Jonathan B Rivlin

John Heffernan

Cheryl Dellacroce-Steinberg

Setsuo Kanamoto

Darryll Dodson

Dennis Gary Clark

An integral tab system for a 2-D or 3-D tab for a folder, and a method of making same is disclosed. The integral 2-D (flat) tab () is provided in the hanging folder itself without the need for additional tabs being affixed. The 3-D tab version () is created by an extension which is folded onto itself so that one edge surface is at an angle relative to the panels of the file folder allowing it to be read from the side. These tabs may also be supplied in a detachable form.

Integrated tab hanging file system

A stair-step, expandable file folder is disclosed, in which each pocket in the folder has the same depth, rather than the back pockets being deeper than the front pockets. The folder includes a series of dividers that form the front and back sides of the pockets of the folder. The top edges of the dividers have increasing height, from the front to the back of the folder. The dividers are folded to form the bottoms of the pockets, with the folded portions also increasing in height from the front to the back of the folder. Each divider extends downward to form the back face of a pocket, is folded forward to form the bottom face of the pocket, and is folded downward to extend toward the bottom edge of the folder. The troughs in an expandable gusset support the sides of the dividers. Above the fold portion, the divider laterally extends into one trough. Below the fold portion, the divider laterally extends into the adjacent trough toward the front of the folder.

Stair step portfolio file

Pocket folders for holding documents and method of manufacture are shown in various embodiments. In one embodiment, a single unitary blank is cut and folded into a double slot folder without the need to glue pieces together. The blank is cut to have adjacent panels and an extension panel cut so that they are folded one panel atop the other to form a unitary pocket folder with two pockets. In a second embodiment, a two pocket folder is formed likewise with three adjacent panels as in the first embodiment, but the extension panel is then wrapped with a back panel to create a second pocket which can be folded outwardly.

Multiple pocket folders and method of manufacture

File folder with multiple pockets

A folder provides easy access to its contents, is lockable, and keeps its locking mechanism out of the way when not in use. The folder has fold lines partway down on the front and back faces, so that the user has easy access to the folder contents. There is a gusset on the bottom edge and on the side edges from the bottom to the fold lines. The folder has an elastic member that is configured to act as a locking mechanism. In the locked position, the elastic member extends over the top edge of the folder, thereby preventing the front and back faces from being folded down and additionally preventing the folder's contents from escaping along the top edge. In the unlocked position, the elastic member extends over the side edges of the folder, and the user may optionally fold down the front and/or back faces and may access the contents through the top edge of the folder. The user can easily move the elastic member from a side edge to the top edge and back, to lock and unlock the folder. In both locked and unlocked positions, the elastic member lies flush along the exterior of the folder and does not dangle freely.

Secure folder with double binder

An integral tab 2-D or 3-D tab for a folder, and a method of making same is disclosed. The integral 2-D (flat) tabis provided near the apex of the folder by cutting free/lose a portion of the existing flap materialof the hanging folder itself without the need for additional tabs or material being affixed. The cut creates the tab without additional material required. The 3-D tabversion is created adding a triangular portionwhich is folded onto itself so that one edge surface is at an angle relative to the panels of the file folder allowing it to be read from the side and top. A perforated version allows for user selectable tab and a plurality of placements across the common edge allows the user to select the tab position.

Integrated tab file system

A stair-step, expandable file folder is disclosed, in which each pocket in the folder has the same depth, rather than the back pockets being deeper than the front pockets. The folder is formed from a group of attached dividers. Each divider in the group is generally planar and includes two horizontal folds near a bottom edge of the divider. The divider area above the folds forms a wall of a pocket. The divider area between the folds extends to an adjacent divider and forms the bottom of the pocket. The divider area below the folds is attached to the adjacent divider. The adjacent divider forms an opposing wall of the pocket. When the group of dividers is compressed front-to-back, the dividers all have the same lateral footprint. When the group is expanded front-to-back, the dividers translate vertically, so that the tops of the dividers are all visible simultaneously from the front of the folder. During manufacturing, the group of dividers may be tilted front-to-back to ensure that the bottoms of the pockets remain in contact with their respective tooling elements.

Method for manufacturing stair step portfolio file

A folder system with an accordion spine, and a method of making same is disclosed. The folder may have a plurality of insert elementseither at manufacture or by a stub system which are bound into the spine at the valleysof the web which forms the spine. The web is made of outer zig-zag web, with the inner webjoining adjacent insert elements and the outer web, to create a strong spine of web and inserts.

Strengthened folder with inserted elements and system for element interchangeability

An expandable folder is provided which includes a front panel member, a rear panel member, and an expandable gusset which connects the panel members and forms the bottom and sides of the folder. Reinforcing means are provided upon critical or highly stressed locations to enhance the durability and useful life of the folder. Various types of reinforcement are provided about and, preferably, over the top of the gusset. The end portions of the gussets along the sides and, where applicable, the bottom, preferably have a width which is at least twice the width of the gusset folds. The outer surfaces of the inner front and rear panel members are also reinforced to strengthen the folder at least in the areas where the gusset is attached, and, for best results, on the entire outer surfaces of the panels.

Reinforced expandable folders

A paper handling device comprises a flexible, substantially U-shaped handle portion having first and second side members, the first and second side members terminating at first and second ends respectively; first and second arms are respectively disposed at the first and second ends and each directed substantially away from the handle portion; first and second tines depend transversely from the first and second arms respectively, the first and second tines extending in a generally parallel relation and normally spaced apart from each other by a distance greater than the spacing between pre-punched holes in the paper. Compressing the handle portion reduces the distance between the tines so as to allow the tines to be inserted into the respective holes in the paper.

Growing community of inventors

Hastings, MN, United States of America

Duane Christensen