Abstract:
A vertical file folder system is disclosed in several embodiments. The folder ( 10 ) has a plurality of pocket segments  20, 30, 32  which are joined together at their bottom by living hinges  38  which maintain the bottoms edges  16, 116, 216  spaced apart. Port  28  also allow for expansion as do slots  60 . An alternative embodiment (FIG.  9 - 10 ) show a folder which has a bottom flap  320 , side flap  322  and top flap  318  which overlie each other to create a three sided boundary for papers or other contents.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     1. Field of the Disclosure 
     The present disclosure is directed to a pocket folder having vertical access openings. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Pocket folders have been around for a long time, typically however, they have been designed for access from their longitudinal side, rather than top access, consistent with brief case and file drawer access. An alternative usage namely with backpacks, requires the folder to be more easily accessed thru its shorter (typically) top edge since a backpack has a narrower opening than a brief case. It would seem that merely shifting the opening on a known longitudinal file pocket would suffice, but the short dimension of the opening allows less area for the pocket to accommodate the same stack of papers which would be easy to accommodate in a traditional horizontal pocket folder. The shorter dimension allows less space to spread the puckering across and stresses all elements of the pocket leading to early failure. 
     Another problem with vertical filing is that the papers have a much greater tendency to fall out because the pockets do not cover as much of the paper contents as in horizontal filing. That is because if the pockets are made equally deep as in horizontal filing, then it becomes hard to remove the papers (due to their lateral span being so much shorter) and the pockets would have to include an accordion sidewall to accommodate the deeper insertion of deep pockets. Accordion sidewalls are expensive, bulky and are less effective at frictionally retaining paper. In short, vertical file pockets present challenges not found in horizontal filing and require different solutions. 
     A method of manufacture is also disclosed. 
     The present disclosure in it various embodiments overcomes these problems. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The disclosure encompasses many embodiments. One such embodiment is detailed below in summary fashion. Please understand that this summary does not encompass the entire disclosure but is provided to assist the reader in reviewing the entire disclosure and claims which also constitute part of the disclosure. 
     There is disclosed a multi-pocket file folder comprising: a first pocket having a first back portion having two sides, a first top edge and a first bottom edge; a first flap extending from the bottom edge upwardly toward said top edge but terminating distant therefrom to form a pocket therebetween; sidewalls bridging said flap and back portion on both sides; said sidewall terminating a predetermined distance from said bottom edge, thereby creating a void area between said flap and back portion adjacent said bottom edge, said void providing expansion space for papers in said pocket. The term papers are intended to mean any article receivable in the pocket. There may also be a second pocket having a second back portion having two sides, a second top edge and a second bottom edge; a second flap extending from the second bottom edge upwardly toward said second top edge but terminating distant therefrom to form a pocket therebetween; second sidewalls bridging said second flap and second back portion on both sides; said second sidewall terminating a predetermined distance from said second bottom edge, thereby creating a void area between said second flap and second back portion adjacent said second bottom edge, said void providing expansion space for papers in said second pocket, the distance between said sidewalls defining a lateral opening extent. There may also be a flexible bridging material connecting said first and second pockets at said bottom edges, said bottom edges separated from each other from contact by said material whereby expansion space is provided between said first and second pockets and optionally a cover flap having a lateral extent less that that lateral opening extent of said second pocket and extending from said first top edge and being bendable down and into said second pocket between said second flap and said second back portion; to protect papers in the folder. 
     There is also disclosed a multi-pocket file folder having a first pocket comprising a first back portion having two sides, a first top edge and a first bottom edge; a first flap extending from the bottom edge upwardly toward said top edge but terminating distant therefrom to form a pocket therebetween, said flap including proximate the bottom edge a plurality of spaced apart slots extending upwardly, thereby providing expansion space for papers in the pocket; sidewalls bridging said flap and back portion on both sides; a second pocket comprising a second back portion having two sides, a second top edge and a second bottom edge; a second flap extending from the second bottom edge upwardly toward said second top edge but terminating distant therefrom to form a pocket therebetween, said flap including proximate the bottom edge a plurality of spaced apart slots extending upwardly, thereby providing expansion space for papers in the pocket; second sidewalls bridging said second flap and second back portion on both sides; said second sidewall terminating a predetermined distance from said second bottom edge, thereby creating a void area between said second flap and second back portion adjacent said second bottom edge, said void providing expansion space for papers in said second pocket, the distance between said sidewalls defining a lateral opening extent; a flexible bridging material connecting said first and second pockets at said bottom edges; a cover flap having a lateral extent less that that lateral opening extent of said second pocket and extending from said first top edge and being bendable down and into said second pocket between said second flap and said second back portion; to protect papers in the folder. 
     The pocket folder of above may further include shear guard feature comprising a diagonal slot in said back portion distant from said pocket and adjacent an edge of the back portion said slot adapted to allow a corner of papers in the pocket to pass thru further retaining the papers and providing a shear guard against tearing a staple point in the corner of the papers. 
     Also disclosed is a method of making a vertical file folder with a living hinge using tape. The method uses a jig or a holder which can maintain the folder portions in place while taping. The first folder portion is made by folding a longitudinal blank of material into sections: a cover flap  18  (optional) at fold line  14 , a back panel  12  at fold line  16  and side flaps  24 . The blank is preferably cut so that the flaps do not extend to the bottom fold line  16 , thereby creating apertures/voids  28 . Then the above assembled portion is put into a planar jig (a planar structure with guide walls or pins). An insert second blank is folder  112  is similarly folded to create a pocket  30  and placed in the jig end to end with the end of first folder portion and the end of the second portion proximate, but not touching, leaving a gap which will allow for the hinge. Tape is then applied overlying a portion of each of the first and second folder portions and the gap therebetween. See  FIG. 7 . The pair of portions is then flipped over and a second tape is applied in a mirror image to the first tape, but on the other side. The gap becomes a hinge of double thickness tape. Further pocket sections can also be added by simply folding the first and second pocket sections such as seen in  FIG. 1 , so that the two portions are now stacked and a third pocket portion (folded per above to create a pocket) is placed in the jig where the second portion was, is adjacent end to end but not touching, leaving a gap. Tape is applied as before and becomes a hinge as above. Additional portions can be added as desired to build a multi-pocket bottom hinged system. 
     Many other features and combinations are disclosed and claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a vertical file folder. 
         FIG. 1 a    is a close up view of the hinge section of the folder in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the folder in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a view like  FIG. 2  except that the cover flap is folded over. 
         FIG. 4  is a view like  FIG. 3  from another perspective. 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of one panel of the folder folded to create a first pocket. 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view on an insert pocket section. 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view like  FIG. 5  with different relative dimensions. 
         FIG. 8  is a view of a back panel with pocket attached to an insert pocket section by a hinge (diagonal lines). 
         FIG. 8 a    is a close up fragmentary view of a portion of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 9  is an alternate embodiment in perspective view. 
         FIG. 10  is a view like  FIG. 9  with one flap folded away. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A file folder  10  is disclosed various embodiments and will be described in detail below. A method of manufacturing same is also disclosed. 
     The embodiment in  FIG. 1  is also illustrated in an unfolded state in various other figures including  4 ,  5 ,  6 , and  7 . In the preferred embodiment, the folder  10  has a back panel  12  which has top and bottom edges  14 ,  16 . A cover flap  18  extends from the top edge  14  and is preferably an extension thereof. The preferred material throughout is paper, paperboard or other fibrous material, though plastics and other materials which are bendable and/or scoreable are also usable. Cuts  15  ( FIG. 4 ) are for retaining business cards or the like. 
     Extending from the bottom edge  16  is a pocket flap  20  which has two side wall tabs  24  (see  FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7 ). Side wall tabs  24  are folded over and affixed to the back side of panel  12 . In the preferred embodiment the tabs have score lines to create an extra fold creating a gusset to expansion space. Also in the preferred embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the tabs do not extend down to the bottom edge  16  but terminate a distance therefrom, (as shown, about 25 mm) to prove an opening in the pocket. This reduces the shear force in the lower end of the pocket which arises when the pocket is filled with materials/paper. Because the pocket panel and back panel are joined at the bottom  16 , the space available for papers diminishes. This would result in less paper space unless the convergence area extending upwardly from the bottom edge did not have an opening port  28  to relieve the pressure/strain. Port  28  reduces these forces and greater capacity in the pocket. 
     In addition to packet  20 , the preferred embodiment has additional pocket segments. In  FIG. 1 , two additional segments  30 ,  32  are shown, but there can be any reasonable number added. One such segment  30  is shown in  FIG. 7 , where the bottom edge  16  of the back panel is joined to the bottom edge  116  of segment  30  by a flexible bridging material  34  which is bonded to the surface of a bottom portion of  20  and  30  to create a flexible joint/hinge. This material  34  is preferably an adhesive tape or Tyvek® material which adheres permanently to both outer and inner surfaces at the bottom (i.e. the back portion and pocket face), and performs as a living hinge. Tape is preferably applied on both sides of the joint. In the preferred embodiment, the bottom edges  16 ,  116  are not in contact, but spaced apart to create a gusset section  36  which accommodates the expansion of the pockets when filled. The living hinge or gusset is created during assembly by laying out the pockets  20 ,  30  end to end on a flat jig but keeping them spaced apart while taping one side. This gap creates the hinge. When the folder is turned over for taping on the other side, the two pieces of tape come into direct contact in the gap region to form a double thickness tape which creates a strong hinge. The third or successive pocket segments are attached in a similar way on a jig by folding all previously joined pocket segments into a stack, putting it into a jig, placing the next pocket segment end to end in the jig but spaced apart from the stack. Then joining the stack and now pocket segment with tape, leaving a gap for the hinge, flipping the folder over and taping the other side, so that a double thickness living hinge is created in the gap. Further pocket segments can be created by repeating this process. 
     This makes it possible to add any number of additional pocket segments and also means that the hinge/joint will be double thickness in the gusset area  38 . 
     To add additional pocket segments, such as shown if  FIG. 1 , segment  30  is folded over and its bottom  116  becomes one half of a joint/hinge with the next segment  216  ( FIG. 1 a   ). The hinge is formed with tape and a gusset portion just as explained above. 
     An additional feature, diagonal cut  50  is optional applied toward an upper corner of the back portions  12 ,  112 ,  212  of pocket segment. This diagonal cut performs two functions. First, it receives a corner of paper to help keep it in the pocket. It provides shear protection for stapled papers. When papers are stapled, the shear force is focused on the staple making them easy to shear/rip. By tucking the paper corner and staple under the diagonal slot the shear point is spread over a larger area and shear forces are reduced. Making the diagonal cuts hemispherical (concave or convex) will further reduce such forces. 
       FIGS. 8 and 8   a  illustrate an additional solution to accommodating papers (i.e. items) in the pockets. The bottom edge, or adjacent the bottom edge, are a plurality of spaced apart apertures  60 . In the preferred embodiment, the apertures are elongated slots, also preferably cut diagonally thru the material. The shape of the slots may vary but the preferred arrangement is shown as being oblong with parallel sidewalls and having rounded ends (one end not visible) to reduce shearing. They may be oval or round as well as other shapes. Avoidance of sharp corners is preferable. The slots  60  are shown equally spaced along the bottom edge. They can be irregularly spaced or grouped toward the corners in higher concentration than in the middle where stresses are least. They may also be used in place of openings/ports  28  which relieve stress, by including such slots along the vertical edges (see  FIGS. 9 / 10  for an example, though on another embodiment). Thus the ports  28  may be replaced by slots  60  on the sides only, and not be used on the bottom edge. All combinations of slots and ports are possible. 
       FIGS. 9-10  illustrate another embodiment which can also be used for vertical or horizontal filing but which provides multiple pockets and flaps. 
     Folder  310  is shown as preferably symmetrical on a center fold  316  with left and right back panels  312 ,  314 . In the symmetrical embodiment (as shown) the sides differ only in that they have left or right flap  322  affixed to their respective side edges  330 ,  332 . Side flaps  322  may be perforated along their edges with slots  60  as shown, or other stress relieve means as explained herein for other embodiments. The side flaps have a diagonal edge  340  which extends from the bottom edge (obscured but shown in dotted lines) which is a straight across edge terminated just above the bottom edge  342 . The diagonal edge  340  may be a straight line to the bottom edge, or have a slight curvature at point of termination similar to the curvature  344  toward the upper edge. The upper termination of flap  322  therefore preferably follows a first angular (diagonal) path, and then a second more oblique angular path at  344  to the edge  332 . This will eliminate puckering of papers if the flap terminated at the top edge  346 . The preferred construction terminates a predetermined distance from the top edge  346 , but sufficiently high to be partially cover flap  318  thereby creating a partial retainer for the flap underneath, as shown in the figures. 
     A lower flap  320  extends from the lower edge  342  at a fold line and folds upwardly toward the upper edge. It provides a bottom pocket region and may have slots  60  as shown for expansion. Its depth is typically one third to one half of the height of the back panel  312 ,  314 . The lower flap when closed, therefore intersects and overlies side panel  372  to form two sidewalls of the pocket , the folded over folder providing the other sidewall and the top flap, which intersects and underlies side flap  372 , provides the top closure. Thus the preferred structure has the lower flap intersecting and overlying the side flat at least in part, and the side flat intersecting and overlying the top flat, at least in part to create an interlocking, overlapping three sided pocket. 
     Papers/contents of the folder can be removed in many ways such as shown in  FIG. 10  where the bottom flap is opened and then the side flap. Otherwise, the top flat can be opened and the papers withdrawn vertically. By operation of this structure, the folder has great utility, can hold thick contents but is compact and can be made from a single blank which is cut in a single step. This folder includes the method of construction which can be characterized as, creating a folder from a single planar blank, folding a portion of the blank upwardly to create a bottom pocket, folding a portion of the side inwardly to create a sidewall to the pocket, such that at least a portion of the sidewall is engaged underlies the bottom portion when folded upwardly and an (optional) top flap which is a portion of the planar sheet folded downward toward the bottom flap, the top flap extended sufficiently downwardly that it is engaged and underlies the side flap when both in their folded positions. 
     The description of the invention and its applications as set forth herein is illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Variations and modifications of the embodiments disclosed herein are possible and practical alternatives to and equivalents of the various elements of the embodiments would be understood to those of ordinary skill in the art upon study of this patent document. These and other variations and modifications of the embodiments disclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.