Patent Publication Number: US-2011073638-A1

Title: File with multiple labeled pockets

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a file with pockets. 
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     Files commonly have been used to organize papers and groups of papers. Simple forms of files typically have a front and back cover, often made of a single piece of semi-rigid paper or plastic that is bent so that the front cover folds up against the back cover. Tabs are provided in varying locations on files. 
     Some known mechanisms to keep papers from falling out of the closed file include pockets. Pockets are generally made from additional material that is attached to the file. U.S. Pat. No. 6,453,589 for example shows a file folder with a clear paneled portion front cover, a flap retaining tab and slot, and a retaining panel for locking the folding portion of the front panel. 
     There is a need for a file with improved access to superimposed pockets, such as with improved labeling. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a file is provided having first and second cover panels pivotally connected to each other at a hinge for movement between an open and closed position. The cover panels can overlap each other in the closed position to contain papers of a predetermined size therebetween. One or more superimposed pocket panels can be disposed on an inside of the first cover panel to define overlapping pockets, and the pocket panels can be arranged and dimensioned to hold the papers so that the papers in the pockets are covered by the overlapping cover panels in the closed position. The pocket panels can have first edge portions that define openings to the pockets, and the first edge portions can be staggered with respect to one another. Each pocket panel can have a first connected portion that is connected to the first cover panel to provide a closed side of the respective pocket, and the plurality of pocket panels can include an outermost pocket panel with a second connected portion connected to the cover panel to form another closed side of at least one of the pockets. 
     A labeling member can be disposed in association with each pocket panel and can be configured for displaying identification information adjacent the respective pocket. The labeling members can be positioned to extend beyond the papers held in the overlapping pockets, for example. According to some embodiments, the labeling members can comprise pocket tabs that can extend from the pocket panels. The pocket tabs can be staggered from each other such that each of the pocket tabs is visible with the pockets closed. 
     According to various exemplary embodiments, the file can have a file tab extending from at least one of the cover panels. The pocket tabs can be a different shape and/or size than the file tab to provide a visual distinction therefrom. The file tab and pocket tabs can extend in a same direction from the closed file, and the pocket tabs can be shorter along the same direction than the file tab. In some embodiments, the pocket tabs can extend in a direction away from the hinge. Alternatively, the pocket tabs can extend in a direction generally parallel to the hinge, or the pocket tabs, or the pocket tabs can extend at least partially across the hinge on an interior of at least one of the cover panels. 
     The pocket tabs can extend across the hinge to the other of the cover panels, and can have a fold line configured so the pocket tabs will fold with the hinge when the cover panels are in the closed position. According to some embodiments, the pocket tabs can extend from a second edge portion of the pocket panels that has a different orientation than the first edge portions. 
     The first connected portions can be disposed adjacent the hinge, for example. The file can be a letter, A4, or legal-size file, for example. The labeling members can be disposed on the second cover panel adjacent the staggered edge portions of the respective pocket panels that protrude from a pocket panel overlapped thereover. The first edge portions can be staggered in a direction generally parallel to the hinge, for example. Furthermore, according to some embodiments, the pocket panels can each define a notch configured and dimensioned for receiving a finger to facilitate lifting each pocket panel to open the pocket defined thereby. 
     According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a file is provided that can have first and second cover panels pivotally connected to each other at a hinge for movement between an open and closed position. The cover panels can overlap each other in the closed position to contain papers of a predetermined size therebetween, for example. 
     A plurality of superimposed pocket panels can be disposed on an inside of the first cover panel to define overlapping pockets. The pocket panels can be arranged and dimensioned to hold the papers so that the papers in the pockets are covered by the overlapping cover panels in the closed position. The pocket panels can have first edge portions that define openings to the pockets. The first edge portions can be staggered with respect to one another in a direction generally parallel to the hinge. Each pocket panel can have a first connected portion that is connected to the first cover panel to provide a closed side of the respective pocket, and the plurality of pocket panels can include an outermost pocket panel with a second connected portion connected to the cover panel to form another closed side of at least one of the pockets. A pocket tab can be provided that extends from each of the pocket panels and is configured for displaying identification information for the respective pocket, for example. The labeling members can be positioned to extend beyond the papers held in the overlapping pockets. 
     According to some embodiments, the pocket panels can have second edge portions defining the openings oriented at an angle to the first edge portions. The pocket tabs can extend from the second edge portions and the second edge portions can be overlapping and substantially aligned. The plurality of pocket panels can include at least two inner pocket panels that are connected to the first cover panel only at the first connection portions, such that the outermost pocket panel retains the inner pocket panels between the outermost pocket panel and the first cover panel, for example. 
     According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a file is provided that can have first and second cover panels that can be pivotally connected to each other at a hinge for movement between an open and closed position. The cover panels can overlap each other in the closed position to contain papers of a predetermined size therebetween. 
     A plurality of superimposed pocket panels can be attached on an inside of the first cover panel to define overlapping pockets. Each pocket can be configured and dimensioned to hold the papers so that the papers in the pockets are covered by the overlapping cover panels in the closed position, for example. The pocket panels can have first edge portions that define openings to the pockets. The first edge portions can be staggered with respect to each other. The pocket panels can each define a notch configured and dimensioned for receiving a finger to facilitate lifting each pocket panel to open the pocket defined thereby. 
     Described herein with reference to the attached figures are various exemplary embodiments according to the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures showing illustrative embodiments of the invention, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a file according to the present invention in an open position; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view thereof holding papers in the pockets. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of a file according to the present invention in an open position with only three pockets disposed on the front cover panel. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of a file according to the present invention in an open position with labeling members extending from the pocket panels in a direction away from the hinge; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a file according to the present invention in an open position, in which the pocket panels are attached at an edge of the pocket panels to the front cover panel at the hinge; 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of still another exemplary embodiment of a file according to the present invention in an open position, with pocket tabs that extend from the pocket panels in a direction away from the hinge beyond an edge of the file; 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a filing system according to the present invention with a group of files in a closed position disposed one in front of another; 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of a file according to the present invention in an open position in which the pocket panels are rounded without a corner between the top and inner edge portions and notches are defined in the edges of the pocket panels; 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of a file according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of several types of attachment of pocket panels according to certain embodiments; and 
         FIG. 11  is a front view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , with an outermost pocket panel pulled partially open. 
     
    
    
     Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals and characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like features, elements, components or portions of the illustrated embodiments. Moreover, while the subject invention will now be described in detail with reference to the figures, it is done so in connection with the illustrative embodiments. It is intended that changes and modifications can be made to the described exemplary embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the subject invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  is a front view of an embodiment of a file according to the present invention in an open position. File  101  is shown having a first cover panel  103  and second cover panel  105  pivotally connected to each other at a hinge  107  for movement between an open and closed position. The cover panels  103 , 105  can overlap each other in the closed position to contain papers of a predetermined size. 
     The cover panels  103 , 105  are preferably substantially the same size, but alternatively can be of different sizes. Preferably, both cover panels  103 , 105  are large enough to completely cover papers contained between the cover panels  103 , 105  or in pockets in the interior of the file. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a plurality of superimposed pocket panels  111  can be connected to the first cover panel  103 , preferably on the inside  109  thereof, to define overlapping pockets  121 . The pocket panels  111  can be connected to the attached by adhering, fastening, or otherwise securing them to the cover panel  103 . They can also be connected by folding over a portion of a blank that also forms the cover panel  103  or a part thereof to form a pocket panel  111 . Each pocket  121  can be configured and dimensioned to hold the papers so that the papers are covered by the overlapping cover panels  103 , 105  in the closed position. The pocket panels  111  can have edges  119  that define openings  120  to the pockets  121 . The edges  119  include edge portions  117  that can be staggered with respect to each other. 
     As seen in  FIG. 1 , for example, edge portions  117  are staggered in height so that pockets  121  have different depths  116  from one another. Preferably, the bottom  114  of the pockets are at the same location on the cover panel  103  so that while the pockets have different depths  116 , the papers placed in the pockets can be positioned in substantially the same location with respect to the cover panel  103 . Embodiments in which the pockets have substantially the same bottom  114  location can be provided with pocket panels  111  that each extend to or near the bottom  114 , or pocket panels that are partially overlapped so that the bottoms of the panels are not all at the same height along the cover panels. This arrangement can still retain the stacked pocket openings and effectively provide a bottom for the pockets that is at a common location, such as by having the outermost pocket panel, overlapped over all the others, provide the closed bottom for the remaining pockets. Alternatively, two or more or all of the pocket panels can be attached to provide closed pocket bottoms. In an alternative embodiment, the pockets have different depths. Files according to the various embodiments can be configured with any suitable number of pockets  121 , depending on the material used and the size of the file. For example, some embodiments can have from 2 to 10 pockets, or 4 to 8 pockets. 
     The distance  118  between adjacent edges  119  of the pockets in the direction of the stagger can be regular (e.g., the same) or varied. For example, the spacing, or distance  118 , between the edges  119  can be, e.g., about ¼ inch, ½ inch, 1 inch, 1½ inches, 1¾ inches, 2 inches, 2½ inches, 3 inches or 4 inches. Alternatively, distance  118  can be, e.g., approximately 5%, 10%, 25%, etc. of the length of edge  139 ; or ⅕, ¼, ⅓, etc. of the length of edge  139 , for example. Pocket panels  111  can be attached on the inside  109  of the first cover panel  103  along, and preferably near, a bottom edge  129 , and can also be attached along and near outside edge  139  and/or inside edge  149 , which may correspond to hinge  107 , for example, or be displaced therefrom. Pocket panels  111  can be attached at two or three edges thereof, leaving one or two edge portions  117 , 169 , 179  unattached to define openings  120 . In an alternative embodiment, the bottom edge portion is one of the ones that are unattached. 
     Also as shown in  FIG. 1 , file  101  can comprise a labeling member  131  associated with each pocket panel  111  and configured for displaying identification information adjacent to the respective pocket  121 . The labeling members  131  can also be disposed on the second cover panel and aligned with edge  119  of the pocket panels  111  such that each labeling member  131  corresponds with a respective pocket  121 . 
     Labeling members  131  can comprise pocket tabs  141 , which can be dimensioned, configured, and positioned to extend from the pocket panels beyond the papers held in the overlapping pockets. The pocket tabs  141  preferably extend from open or more edge portions of the pocket panels  111  that define openings  120 , and more preferably on a side of the open edge portion that is adjacent another open edge portion to facilitate opening the pocket by pulling on the pocket tab. In this configuration, the tabs are disposed at or between open sides of the pockets, such as at corners between adjacent edge portions. Other labeling members can be provided in association with closed edge portions. 
     The pocket tabs  141  illustrated in  FIG. 1  are each predominantly rectangular in shape when viewed from the front or back, although alternative shapes can be used, such as trapezoidal, partially-circular and triangular, for example. Also, the pocket tabs  141  can have a width  115  in the direction of edge  149  that is about the same as distance  118 . Alternatively, the width  115  can be less than distance  118 , such as approximately 90%, 80%, 70%, etc., thereof. The pocket tabs  141  can be of different heights  113  from one another or be of the same height  113 . For example, the heights  113  can be about 90%, 80%, 70%, etc. of the width  115 . 
     Further as shown in  FIG. 1 , for example, file  101  can have a file tab  159  extending from the first cover panel  103  and/or the second cover panel  105 . The file tab  159  can be of a different shape and/or size than the pocket tabs  141  or other labeling members  131 . The labeling members  131 , such as the pocket tabs  141 , can be of different heights from one another and/or from the file tab  159  and can be disposed extending in the same direction as the file tab  159  with respect to hinge  107 , for example extending away from hinge  107 . In some embodiments, varied configurations and orientations of pocket tabs or other labeling members can be used to help distinguish among them. The pocket tabs  141  of this figure extend across hinge  107  and can have fold lines  151  configured so that pocket tabs  141  will fold with hinge  107  when cover panels  103 , 105  are in the closed position. According to some embodiments, the labeling members, such as pocket tabs, can have a portion extending to above edge  119  to above the top sections of the pockets  121 , or below the edge  119  of the adjacent pocket panel  111  superimposed thereon. Preferably, the labeling members  131  are aligned with a region of the pockets  121  that is not overlapped when papers are contained therein. 
     In this example, covers panels  103 , 105  are illustrated in  FIG. 1  as being predominantly rectangular in shape when viewed from the front or back. Shapes other than rectangular can be used, such as trapezoidal, partially-circular and triangular, for example. Moreover, the first cover panel  103  can be similarly or differently shaped compared to second cover panel  105 . 
     Cover panels  103 , 105  can also be of about the same or different size. For example, cover panels  103 , 105  can be sized to be, e.g., about 5%, 10%, 25%, etc. larger than the papers to be contained between the cover panels  103 , 105 . According to some embodiments, cover panels  103 , 105  can be sized to be approximately 1 inch greater in width and approximately 1 inch greater in height than the papers so as to provide for overlapping the papers by approximately ½ inch along all four edges of the cover panels  103 , 105 . Alternatively, cover panels  103 , 105  can be sized to be approximately 2 inches greater in width and approximately 1 inch greater in height than the papers so as to overlap the papers by approximately 1 inch along two opposite edges and ½ inch along the other two edges. Cover panels  103 , 105  can alternatively be sized larger to provide for overlapping the papers by more than approximately 1 inch, for example, up to approximately 2 inches, 3 inches or more. 
     First cover panel  103  can include a file tab  159  which extends away from hinge  107 . Alternatively, file tab  159  can be disposed to extend from the first cover panel  103  in a direction of the hinge or about parallel to the hinge. File tab  159  can be of various sizes and dimensions based on a number of factors including, e.g., the size of the file and respective covers. For example, in certain embodiments of the present invention, the file tab  159  can have a width  155  as small as 10% of the length of the file edge  139  from which the file tab  159  extends. Alternatively, the file tab  159  can have a width  155  of up to 50% of the length of the file edge  139  from which the file tab  159  extends, for example. According to various embodiments, width  155  can be as small as ½ inch or as large as 5 inches. It may be preferable to have larger file tabs for certain embodiments, especially for, e.g. when a file is configured with pockets  121  to hold sheets of paper larger than letter size (i.e. about 8.5 inches×11 inches), such as, e.g., legal size (i.e., about 8.5 inches×14 inches) or A4 size (i.e. about 20 centimeters×30 centimeters), for example. File tab  159  also can vary in height (i.e. the distance it protrudes from the edge  139 ). For example, the height of file tab  159  can be, e.g., about 10%, 20%, 30%, etc. of the length of file edge  129 . 
     File tab  159 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , may be, e.g., roughly trapezoidal in shape having a base width of about 2 inches, top width of about 1½ inches and a height of about ½ inch, for example. Such sized file tab  159  may preferably be used, e.g., with a file  101  dimensioned for use with letter size paper. Shapes other than trapezoidal can be used for file tab  159 , such as rectangular, partially-circular and triangular, for example. Shapes that are symbolic or representative of the contents or subject of the papers that may be contained therein can also be used. 
     File tab  159  can be located to extend from first cover panel  103  in various locations with respect to the first cover panel  103 . In addition, a plurality of file tabs  159  can be provided and disposed to extend in the same and/or different directions from one another and/or with respect to the hinge  107 . For example, one or more file tabs  159  can be disposed to extend from the second cover panel  105  as an alternative or in addition to one or more file tabs  159  being disposed to extend from the front cover panel  103 . 
     File tab  159  and pocket tabs  141  can be of similar construction, and can be made from the same sheet stock as the cover panels  103 , 105  and/or pocket panel  111 , for example. Alternatively, file tab  159 , pocket tabs  141  or other labeling members  131  can be made from separate material the cover panels  103 , 105  and/or pocket panel  111 , and affixed thereto, respectively. Further, file tab  159  and pocket tabs  141  can be configured to be marked upon, to be written upon, to receive a label, or otherwise configured for adaptation to a user&#39;s needs. 
       FIG. 2  is a front view of the exemplary embodiment of a file of  FIG. 1  showing paper  201  being held within the pockets  121 . Pockets  121  can be configured and/or dimensioned for holding various sized paper  201 . Pockets  121  can be configured and dimensioned for holding a stack of paper with a thickness of at least about ⅛ inch to 1 inch. Some of the pockets  121  also can be configured and dimensioned for holding a stack of paper with a different size or thickness from other pockets  121 . Although preferably at least one or two of the pockets  121  are configured and dimensioned to hold papers of the same size corresponding to the file size, in the example shown in  FIG. 2 , all of the pockets  121  are sized to hold the same size papers corresponding to the file size and cover panel  103 . 
       FIG. 3  is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of a file according to the present invention in an open position. This embodiment has three pockets  321  disposed on front cover panel  303 . Pocket tabs  341  extend from pocket panels  311  in a direction towards the hinge  307 . In this example, pocket tabs  341  do not extend all the way to, or past, the hinge  307 . 
       FIG. 4  is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of a file according to the present invention in an open position. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , pocket tabs  441  extend from pocket panels  411  in a direction away from the hinge  407  towards edge  439 . In this example, pocket tabs  441  do not extend all the way to edge  439 . In various other embodiments, labeling members, such as tabs  441 , can extend to near edge  439  or, alternatively, beyond edge  439  so as to protrude from the cover panel  403 . As also shown in  FIG. 4 , pocket tabs  441  are disposed to extend from the pocket panels  411  so as to be visible when papers are contained in the pockets  421 . Pocket tabs  441  also are staggered from each other so as to not cover each other and be visible when looking at the inside  409  of the cover panel  403  when the cover panels  403 , 405  are in an open position. 
     Except for the pocket tab  441  labeled as “A”, the other pocket tabs  441  are out of alignment with the top edge portions, and in the case of the pocket tab  441  labeled “B”, it is out of alignment with the area of its respective pocket panel that is exposed from the overlapping pocket panels  411  labeled “C”. Preferably, the pocket panels  411  and pocket tabs  441  or other labeling members have a visual indicator that they correspond to each other, such as by color or pattern coding, or by symbols that appear both at the exposed portion of the pocket panels and the labeling member. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the same symbol can be displayed near the top of each pocket panel  411  and on the pocket panel&#39;s corresponding labeling member  441  for clarity as to the association of the labeling members  441  with respect to the pockets  421  to which they correspond. In other embodiments, no visual link is provided between the offset pocket tabs and the exposed portions of the pocket panels. 
     In this example, pocket panels  411  are attached at edges  429 , 449 , leaving the other two edges unattached to define openings  420 . The pocket tabs  441  are preferably associated with open of the unattached edge portions so that selected pockets can be opened by lifting the appropriate pocket tab  441 . 
       FIG. 5  is a front view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a file according to the present invention in an open position. The exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5  is similar to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , although as shown in  FIG. 5 , the pocket panels  511  are attached at edge  549  to the first cover panel  503  at the hinge  507 . Pocket tabs  541  are disposed on corresponding pocket panels  511  and extend from pocket panels  511  over cover panel  505 , respectively. 
     The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6  has labeling members  631  that comprise pocket tabs  641  that extend from pocket panels  611  in a direction away from the hinge  607  beyond the file edge  639 . As illustrated, the pocket tabs  641  are staggered from one another and from the file tab  659  so that all of the pocket tabs  641  and the file tab  659  can be visible as protruding from the file edge  639  when the file covers  603 , 605  are in the closed position. Also, the pocket tabs  641  are sloped differently from the file tab  659 , to provide for easy visual distinction therefrom. Furthermore, file tab  659  can protrude a height  640  above pocket tabs  641  so as to further provide for easy visual distinction therefrom. Pocket tabs  641  have a width  642  that can be the same for all the pocket tabs  641  or vary between. The width  642  can be sized according to the distance of the spacing between adjacent pocket panel edges  619 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the width  642  can be approximately 90% of the distance between adjacent edges  619 . 
     Alternatively, the width  619  can be greater than the distance between adjacent edges  619  when relatively larger and/or overlapping pocket tabs  641  may be preferred. The width  642  alternatively can be smaller than 90% of the distance between adjacent edges  642 , such as, e.g., 80%, 70%, 60% or smaller, although between 80% and 90% may be preferable according to certain embodiments. 
     As shown in this example, in some embodiments, there can be second labeling members  661  that can comprise pocket tabs  662  that extend from a different edge portion of the pocket panels  611  and in a different direction than the other labeling members  631 . Various embodiments can have additional labeling members extending or disposed adjacent or from other or the same edge portions. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , filing system  700  can have a group of files  760 , 770 , 780  which are disposed one in front of another. The files  760 , 770 , 780  have file tabs  762 , 772 , 782 , respectively, protruding beyond file edge  739  so that the file tabs are staggered with respect to each other when the files are aligned. For example, the file  760  has file tab  762  protruding beyond file edge  739 , which are staggered with respect to each other so as to be at least partially visible when the files  760 , 770 , 780  are disposed one in front of another in alignment and viewed from the front. 
     The exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 7  provides for a user to not only be able to identify a particular file  760 , 770 , 780  from a group of files in the filing system  700  that may be desired based on information displayed on the file tabs  762 , 772 , 782 , but also can enable a user to identify certain particular pockets within a file corresponding to one of pocket tabs  761 , 771 , 781  that may be of interest based on information displayed on the pocket tabs  761 , 771 , 781 . 
       FIG. 8  is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of a file according to the present invention in an open position. The pocket panels  811  of this embodiment are rounded without a specific corner between the top and inner edge portions  816 ,  817 . Pocket panels  811  have closed edges attached near or at  829 , 839  of cover panel  803 . The curved edges  819  define openings  820  to the pockets  821 . Furthermore, edges of each pocket panel  811  define notches  849  that are configured and dimensioned to receive a user&#39;s finger, such as a thumb or index finger, to enable the user to grip and lift the pocket panels  811  to open the pockets  821 . In this embodiment, optional pocket tabs  841 , which are shown in phantom lines, can extend from the pocket panels  811  in a direction towards the hinge  807 . 
     Referring to the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , which is shown in an open position, file  900  can include a first cover panel  903 , a second cover panel  905 , and a file tab  959 . The file  900  may also include a plurality of pocket panels  911 , pocket tabs  941 , and notches  949 . 
     As shown, the first cover panel  903  can be attached to the second cover panel at a hinge  907 . Additionally, the file tab  959  can be attached to and/or extend from the first cover panel  903 . The first cover panel  903 , the second cover panel  905 , and the file tab  959  may be the same or similar to one or a plurality of the embodiments previously described and may be a combination of any and/or all of these embodiments. 
     The pocket panels  911  of the file  900  are substantially rectangular in the embodiment shown and extend from the hinge  907  to or near to the folder edge  939 . Upper edges  919  of the pocket panels  911  define openings  920  to the pockets  921 , and the edges  919  can include edge portions  917  that can be staggered with respect to each other. The pocket panels  911  can also have lower edges  991 . The pocket panels  911  can be connected to the cover panel  903 ,  905  at one or more edges thereof, leaving one or more edge portions  917 ,  969 ,  979  unattached to define openings. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 11 , the file  900  can include at least two inner pocket panels  911 A,  911 B, and an outer pocket panel  911 C. In other embodiments, any number of inner pocket panels can be provided. 
     The pockets  921  may have a bottom  914  defined by the location at which an article placed within the pocket  921  would be supported. In some embodiments, this may occur where the lower edge  991  of a respective pocket panel  911  is attached to a respective cover panel  903 ,  905 . That is, when an article is placed behind the pocket panel  911 , its downward motion will be arrested when it encounters the lower edge  991  attached to the cover panel  903 ,  905 . In other embodiments, the lower edge  991  of a pocket panel  911  can be free from the cover panels  903 ,  905  as shown in  FIG. 9 . As such, the lower edge  991  may be a free edge. In these embodiments, the bottom  914  of pocket  921 A, for example, may be where an article placed behind the pocket panel  911 A would first encounter a lower edge  991  attached to a cover panel  903 ,  905 . In this case, the article would first encounter lower edge  991 C. Accordingly, the pockets  921  may each have a depth  916  defined by the distance between the upper edge  919  and the respective pocket bottom  914 . 
     The upper edges  919  may vary in their respective distances  992  from the bottom edge  929  creating staggered edge portions  917 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the pockets  921  share the same bottom  914  and therefore each have different depths  916  due to the varying distances  992  to the upper edges  919 . Additionally, the lower edges  991  of the pocket panels  911  are such that the pocket panels  911  overlap. That is, the width of a pocket panel  911  is such that it is at least somewhat greater than the distance  993  between adjacent upper edges  919 , thereby defining an overlap distance  994 . As such, any given underlying pocket panel  911 , for example  911 A, may have a lower edge  991 A falling behind the upper edge  919 B of the adjacent overlying pocket panel  911 B. The overlap  994  may vary as shown in  FIG. 9  where the overlap  994  between pocket panels  911 A and  911 B is relatively small, while the overlap  994  between pocket panels  911 B and  911 C is relatively large. This large overlap may be seen more clearly in  FIG. 11  where the lower edge  991 B of pocket panel  911 B is shown to overlap substantially with panel  911 C. 
     The edge portion  969  of the pocket panels  911  may be attached to the cover panel  903 ,  905  at or near the hinge  907  as shown. The attachment may be a direct connection to the cover panel  903 ,  905  or an indirect connection thereto, such as via attachment to another pocket panel  911  that is attached to the cover panel  903 ,  905 . In one embodiment, the pocket panels  911  may be folded over and adhered with a coupling portion  995  as shown with respect to pocket panel  911 A in  FIG. 10 . In another embodiment, the pocket panels  911  may be adhered with a coupling portion  995 , but not folded over, as shown with respect to pocket panel  911 B in  FIG. 10 . In still other embodiments, the pocket panel  911  may extend across the hinge  907  and be adhered with a coupling portion  995  as shown with respect to pocket panel  911 C in  FIG. 10 . 
     With regard to the outermost pocket panel  911 , for example  911 C, the pocket panel  911 C may be attached to the cover panel  903 ,  905  as shown by the pulled open pocket panel  911 C in  FIG. 11 . The pocket panel  911 C may be attached in a hinged relationship including a fold line where pocket panel  911 C and cover panel  903 ,  905  are formed from the same piece of material. For example, as shown, the lower edge  919 C is continuous with the cover panel  903 ,  905 . Alternatively or additionally, the pocket panel  911 C may be adhered to the cover panel  903 ,  905 . 
     As shown, the pocket tabs  941  may be substantially rectangular and may have an upper edge substantially in alignment with the upper edge  919  of their respective pocket panels  911 . The pocket tabs  941  may be positioned along the side of the pocket panels  911  and may extend beyond the side edge  939  of the cover panel  903 ,  905 . 
     Additionally, the pocket panels  911  can have a notch  949  along their upper edge portion  917 . The notch  949  may be located as shown in  FIG. 9 , close to the tab and close to a corner of the pocket between two open sides thereof, or may be located elsewhere along the upper edge portion  917 . In an alternative embodiment, the notch  949  can be located along the side edge of the pocket panel  911 . The notch  949  may be any size or shape. In one embodiment, the notch is shaped and sized to accommodate a human finger or thumb. The notch may have a radius shape with a depth and width adapted to be grasped by a finger or thumb. In one embodiment, the notch  949  may have a width of approximately ¾″ and a depth of approximately ¼″. 
     In use, a user may place articles (e.g., paper, brochures, references, and the like) behind one or more of the plurality of pocket panels  911 . The file tab  959  may be labeled to indicate the nature of the contents of the file  900 . The pocket tabs  941  may be labeled to indicate the nature of the contents behind a particular pocket panel  911 . The file  900  may be filed and the file tab  959  may be used to locate and retrieve the file  900 . The pocket tabs  941  may be used to quickly access the contents behind a particular pocket panel  911 . The pocket tabs  941  may extend beyond the side edge  939  of the file  900  and as such may remain visible for this quick accessibility. A user may grasp a given pocket tab  941  and pull up on the tab  941  to lift the pocket panel  911  and expose the contents behind that panel  911 . It is noted here that the overlap  994  may cause pocket panels  911  positioned outward from the pocket panel  911  being grasped to lift away as well. Additionally, the user may engage the notch  949  with one or a plurality of fingers. In one embodiment, the user may engage the notch  949  with their thumb, thereby freeing up their remaining fingers for leafing or looking through the contents in the file. 
     One having ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that there are numerous sizes and shapes of paper for which there can be a need or desire to retain in a file or filing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; including a number of standard sizes of paper. Additionally, one having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that although the preferred embodiments illustrated herein are of a bi-fold type of file without any additional flaps that would help retain the papers, additional panels and/or retaining elements can be added, and the file can be configured as, e.g., a tri-fold, quad-fold, or other type of file. 
     As used herein, the terms “top,” “bottom,” and/or other terms indicative of direction are used herein for convenience and to depict relational positions and/or directions between the parts of the embodiments. It will be appreciated that the embodiments disclosed can also be oriented in other positions. 
     In addition, the term “about” should generally be understood to refer to both the corresponding number and a range of numbers. In addition, all numerical ranges herein should be understood to include each whole integer within the range. While illustrative embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein, it will be appreciated that numerous modifications and other embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art. For example, the features for the various embodiments can be used in other embodiments. Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments that come within the spirit and scope of the present invention.