Patent Publication Number: US-9902190-B2

Title: Expanding folder

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The technology described herein relates generally to the storage and organization of documents in devices such as folders, organizers, pocketbooks, cases, and the like, for holding a multiplicity of items in an organized manner. More specifically, this technology relates to an organizer apparatus and portable filing system having expandable folder files to hold papers and documents in an organized manner. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Folders and binders are known to store and organize loose leaf papers and the like. Many attempts have been made in the background prior art to improve upon a basic folder concept and storage means for papers and the like. There remain many shortcomings and deficiencies with those known devices in the background art. 
     Related patents known in the art include the following: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,682, issued to Domotor et al. on Jun. 6, 2006, discloses a padfolio with compartmentalized interior. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,578,706, issued to Thompson on Jun. 17, 2003, discloses a folding portfolio organizer. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,673, issued to Adams on Jun. 4, 1991, discloses a carrying case for personal items. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,092, issued to Heard-Willmon on Nov. 16, 1999, discloses a folding organizer. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,909,234, issued to Maistrellis on Mar. 22, 2011, discloses a compact storage device for receipts, coupons, and other small paper documents. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,837,368, issued to Chang on Jan. 4, 2005, discloses compact disc container. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,279, issued to Lee et al. on Sep. 7, 1999, discloses a storage system. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,509, issued to Su on May 20, 1997, discloses an accordion-like file. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,724 issued to Ho on Sep. 9, 1997, discloses a compartmentalized file folder apparatus. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,607,122, issued to Ong on Aug. 19, 2003, discloses combined detachable filing wallet devices. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,672,439, issued to Platte, III on Jan. 6, 2004, discloses a paper tote/organizer. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,086, issued to Ho on Jan. 14, 1997, discloses a document holder with an extensible-retractable bag. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,296,112, issued to Pettey on Oct. 2, 2001, discloses a compact disc folder booklet. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,083, issued to Huang on Jul. 16, 2002, discloses an accordion laser disc protective folder. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,699,165, issued to Moeller et al. on Apr. 20, 2010, discloses a multipurpose organizer system and folder with planner and/or writing surface and storage compartments. 
     U.S. Pat. No. D513,279, issued to Hough et al. on Dec. 27, 2005, discloses the ornamental design for a folio filer. 
     U.S. Pat. No. D521,072, issued to Hough et al. on May 16, 2006, discloses the ornamental design for a folio filer. 
     U.S. Pat. No. D529,963, issued to Hough et al. on Oct. 10, 2006, discloses the ornamental design for a folio filer. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,779, issued to Moor et al. on Aug. 13, 2002, discloses a binder with expandable pocket. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,666, issued to Yu on May 12, 1998, discloses an expandable file. 
     U.S. Pat. No. D448,799, issued to Moor on Oct. 2, 2001, discloses the ornamental design for a folder. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 1,794,560, issued to Styll on Mar. 3, 1931, discloses a correspondence folder. 
     The foregoing patents and other information reflect the state of the art of which the inventor is aware and are tendered with a view toward discharging the inventor&#39;s acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information that may be pertinent to the patentability of the technology described herein. It is respectfully stipulated, however, that the foregoing patents and other information do not teach or render obvious, singly or when considered in combination, the inventor&#39;s claimed invention. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described herein provides an organizer apparatus and portable filing system having expandable folder files to hold papers and documents in an organized manner. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides an organizer apparatus. The organizer apparatus includes: a generally planar, rectangular front cover; a generally planar, rectangular back cover; a spine whereby the front cover and back cover are coupled one to another at an edge of each to form a folder configured to open and close and to securely store and organize a plurality of loose papers; and at least one expandable file having a plurality of individual, expandable pockets disposed within the organizer apparatus on an inside surface of one or more of the front cover and the back cover. 
     The organizer apparatus also can include: a first expandable file having a plurality of individual, vertical, expandable pockets disposed within the organizer apparatus on an inside surface of the front cover; and a second expandable file having a plurality of individual, vertical, expandable pockets disposed within the organizer apparatus on an inside surface of the back cover. 
     The organizer apparatus further can include an insertable writing tablet disposed within the organizer apparatus opposite the at least one expandable file. 
     The organizer apparatus also can include a ring binder closure mechanism disposed upon an inside edge of the spine of the organizer apparatus and configured to hold loose leaf paper. 
     In at least one embodiment, the at least one expandable file having a plurality of individual, expandable pockets disposed within the organizer apparatus on an inside surface of one or more of the front cover and the back cover comprises diagonal pockets, diagonal relative to the spine. 
     In at least one embodiment, the at least one expandable file having a plurality of individual, expandable pockets disposed within the organizer apparatus on an inside surface of one or more of the front cover and the back cover comprises pockets of varied heights. 
     In at least one embodiment, the at least one expandable file having a plurality of individual, expandable pockets disposed within the organizer apparatus on an inside surface of one or more of the front cover and the back cover comprises an accordion-type file having a plurality of dividers forming the expandable pockets. 
     The organizer apparatus further can include a closure device configured to secure the front cover and the back cover one to another to secure the organizer is a closed position. 
     The organizer apparatus also can include: a closure device disposed upon the outside front cover and configured to secure the front cover and the back cover one to another to secure the organizer in a closed position; and a tether coupled to the back cover at a first end and configured to couple to a receiver disposed upon an outside surface of the front cover. 
     The organizer apparatus further can include: a first closure device disposed upon the outside front cover and configured to secure the front cover and the back cover one to another to secure the organizer in a closed position; a second closure device disposed upon the inside front cover and configured to secure the front cover and the back cover one to another to secure the organizer in a reverse closed position; and a tether coupled to the back cover at a first end and configured to couple to one of a first receiver disposed upon an outside surface of the front cover and a second receiver disposed upon an inside surface of the front cover. 
     In at least one embodiment, the at least one expandable file having a plurality of individual, expandable pockets disposed within the organizer apparatus on an inside surface of one or more of the front cover and the back cover is translucent. 
     In at least one embodiment, the at least one expandable file having a plurality of individual, expandable pockets disposed within the organizer apparatus on an inside surface of one or more of the front cover and the back cover is expandable to such a degree that contents stored within are viewable without removal. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides an organizer apparatus. This organizer apparatus includes: a first closure device disposed upon an outside front cover and configured to secure the front cover and the back cover one to another to secure the organizer in a closed position; a second closure device disposed upon an inside front cover and configured to secure the front cover and the back cover one to another to secure the organizer in a reverse closed position; a spine whereby the front cover and back cover are coupled one to another at an edge of each to form a folder configured to open and close and to securely store and organize a plurality of loose papers; and a tether coupled to the back cover at a first end and configured to couple to one of a first receiver disposed upon an outside surface of the front cover and a second receiver disposed upon an inside surface of the front cover. 
     The organizer apparatus also can include at least one expandable file having a plurality of individual, expandable pockets disposed within the organizer apparatus on an inside surface of one or more of the front cover and the back cover. The expandable file is translucent in at least one embodiment. 
     In at least one embodiment, the at least one expandable file having a plurality of individual, expandable pockets disposed within the organizer apparatus on an inside surface of one or more of the front cover and the back cover comprises diagonal pockets, diagonal relative to the spine. 
     In at least one embodiment, the at least one expandable file having a plurality of individual, expandable pockets disposed within the organizer apparatus on an inside surface of one or more of the front cover and the back cover comprises pockets of varied heights. 
     In at least one embodiment, the at least one expandable file having a plurality of individual, expandable pockets disposed within the organizer apparatus on an inside surface of one or more of the front cover and the back cover comprises an accordion-type file having a plurality of dividers forming the expandable pockets. 
     In yet another exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a portable filing system. The portable filing system includes: a generally planar, rectangular front cover; a generally planar, rectangular back cover; a spine whereby the front cover and back cover are coupled one to another at an edge of each to form a folder configured to open and close and to securely store and organize a plurality of loose papers; a first expandable file having a plurality of individual, expandable pockets disposed within the organizer apparatus on an inside surface of the front cover; a second expandable file having a plurality of individual, expandable pockets disposed within the organizer apparatus on an inside surface of the back cover; a first closure device disposed upon the outside front cover and configured to secure the front cover and the back cover one to another to secure the organizer in a closed position; a second closure device disposed upon the inside front cover and configured to secure the front cover and the back cover one to another to secure the organizer in a reverse closed position; and a tether coupled to the back cover at a first end and configured to couple to one of a first receiver disposed upon an outside surface of the front cover and a second receiver disposed upon an inside surface of the front cover. 
     In at least one embodiment, the first and second expandable files having a plurality of individual, expandable pockets disposed within the organizer apparatus on an inside surface of one or more of the front cover and the back cover are translucent. 
     In at least one embodiment, the first and second expandable files having a plurality of individual, expandable pockets disposed within the organizer apparatus on an inside surface of one or more of the front cover and the back cover are viewable without removal. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the technology in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the technology that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the technology in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The technology described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technology described herein. 
     Further objects and advantages of the technology described herein will be apparent from the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The technology described herein is illustrated with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote like device components and/or method steps, respectively, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an expanding folder, illustrating, in particular, the folder in a closed and secured position, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the expanding folder depicted in  FIG. 1 , illustrating, in particular, the removal of the attachment means, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the expanding folder depicted in  FIG. 1 , illustrating, in particular, the folder in an open position and a multiplicity of internal expanding pockets, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the expanding folder depicted in  FIG. 1 , illustrating, in particular, the folder in a reversed closed position, having the pocket external to the folder, and the folder secured in this position, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of the expanding folder depicted in  FIG. 4 , illustrating, in particular, the removal of the attachment means, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of the multiplicity of internal expanding pockets, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the multiplicity of internal expanding pockets, shown with the expanding folder in a reverse closed position, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the multiplicity of internal expanding pockets, shown with the expanding folder in an open position, and shown expanded with the multiple layers of the pockets and inserted papers at each layer, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of an expanding folder, illustrating, in particular, expanding pockets at varied heights, and expanding pockets at diagonals, according to alternative embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of an expanding folder, illustrating, in particular, expanding pockets opened to a side, and an inserted tablet, according to alternative embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of an expanding folder, illustrating, in particular, expanding pockets opened upwardly, and a ring binder with inserted hole-punched paper, according to alternative embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Before describing the disclosed embodiments of this technology in detail, it is to be understood that the technology is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown here since the technology described is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described herein provides an organizer apparatus and portable filing system having expandable folder files to hold papers and documents in an organized manner. The organizer apparatus is used for organization purposes. The organizer apparatus is adapted to hold loose papers or documents together for organization and protection. The organizer apparatus can be manufactured from various materials. By way of example, paper, card stock, plastic, polypropylene, and the like can be used in various embodiments. In alternative embodiments, the organizer apparatus includes an elastic closure and a zipper closure. Additionally, it yet another embodiment, hook-and-loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, are used for closure. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a front perspective view of an organizer apparatus, or expanding folder,  10  is shown. The organizer  10  includes a generally planar, rectangular front cover  12 . The organizer  10  includes a generally planar, rectangular back cover  14 . 
     The organizer  10  includes a spine  20  whereby the front cover  12  and back cover  14  are coupled one to another at an edge of each to form a folder. The organizer  10  in the form of a folder is configured to open and close and to securely store and organize a plurality of loose papers or other items. 
     The organizer  10  includes a closure device  16  configured to secure the front cover and the back cover one to another to secure the organizer  10  is a closed position. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the closure device  16  is disposed upon the outside front cover  12  and configured to secure the front cover  12  and the back cover  14  one to another to secure the organizer  10  in a closed position. 
     The organizer  10  includes a tether  18  coupled to the back cover  14  at a first end and configured to couple to a closure device  16  disposed upon an outside surface of the front cover  12 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the organizer is shown in a closed manner with the tether  18  coupled to the closure device  16  on the outside surface of the front cover  12 . The location of the closure device  16  can vary on the outside surface of the front cover  12 , and any other organizer surface upon which it is placed. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a front perspective view of an organizer apparatus, or expanding folder,  10  is shown, illustrating, in particular, the removal of the attachment tether  18 . As the tether  18  is untethered by an operator from the closure device  16 , the front cover  12  may be lifted away from the back cover  14  relative to the spine  20 , to which the front cover  12  and back cover  14  are pivotably coupled. In at least one embodiment, the tether  18  is an elastic band. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a front perspective view of the organizer  10  depicted in  FIG. 1 , illustrating, in particular, the organizer  10  in an open position. The spine  20  is more clearly depicted. The spine  20  is configured to couple the front cover  12  and back cover  14  one to another at an edge of each to form a folder. In a preferred embodiment, the spine  20  is flexible and bendable. The flexible and bendable spine  20  allows for the reverse closed position (as depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ), for example. 
     The organizer  10  includes at least one expandable file  24 ,  26  having a multiplicity of individual, vertical, expandable pockets disposed within the organizer apparatus  10  on an inside surface of one or more of the front cover  12  and the back cover  14 . As depicted in  FIG. 3 , the organizer apparatus  10  includes a first expandable file  24  having a plurality of individual, vertical, expandable pockets disposed within the organizer apparatus  10  on an inside surface of the front cover  12  and a second expandable file  26  having a plurality of individual, vertical, expandable pockets disposed within the organizer apparatus  10  on an inside surface of the back cover  14 . 
     Each expandable files  24 ,  26 , having a multiplicity of individual, vertical, expandable pockets, further includes tabs  28 , in at least one embodiment. The tabs  28  allow a user to easily select each pocket with the overall folder file system. The expandable files  24 ,  26  and the tabs  28  are upwardly or vertically facing as depicted in  FIG. 3 . However, in at least one alternative embodiment, the direction of the expandable files  24 ,  26  is horizontal rather than vertical, as depicted in  FIG. 10  for example. The tabs  28  can be placed in varied locations. Additionally, the tabs  28  are translucent and insertable in at least one embodiment, such that an insert or label is inserted to identify what is held in a particular pocket. 
     In at least one embodiment, the expandable files  24 ,  26  having a plurality of individual, expandable pockets disposed within the organizer apparatus  10  on an inside surface of one or more of the front cover  12  and the back cover  14  comprises an accordion-type file having a plurality of dividers forming the expandable pockets. 
     In at least one embodiment, the organizer  10  includes a second closure device  22 . The second closure device  22  is disposed upon the inside front cover  12  and configured to secure the front cover  12  and the back cover  14  one to another to secure the organizer  10  in a reverse closed position. The location of the second closure device  22  can vary on the inside surface of the front cover  12 , and any other organizer surface upon which it is placed. 
     Stored within the expandable files  24 ,  26  are loose papers  30  and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the expandable files  24 ,  26  are translucent such that the folder owner may read the contents of papers  30  without removing them from the expandable files  24 ,  26 . Furthermore, given the height of the pockets (as depicted for example in  FIG. 8 ), as user may thumb through the pages and view the contents of the pocket without removing the contents from the pocket  24 . As depicted in  FIG. 8 , the pockets are about three quarters the height of the papers shown. This provides the protection of the pockets while also allowing additional visibility and the ability to thumb through the pages without removing them if desired. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a front perspective view of the organizer apparatus  10  depicted in  FIG. 1 , is shown illustrating, in particular, the folder in a reversed closed position. An operator of the organizer  10  may open the organizer fully and the fold it back upon itself to close in a reverse closed position as depicted in  FIG. 4 . In this form the organizer  10  allows the owner to see materials stored within both expandable files  24 ,  26  without opening the folder. 
     The second closure device  22  is disposed upon the inside front cover  12  and configured to secure the front cover  12  and the back cover  14  one to another with tether  18  to secure the organizer  10  in a reverse closed position. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a front perspective view of the organizer apparatus  10  depicted in  FIG. 4  is shown, illustrating, in particular, the removal of the attachment means. As depicted, tether  18  is removed from the second closure device  22 . As such, the organizer apparatus  10  can be opened to a fully opened position (as depicted in  FIG. 3 ) or closed to a fully closed position as depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a front perspective view of the multiplicity of internal expanding pockets,  24 ,  26  of the organizer apparatus  10  is shown. The expanding pockets,  24 ,  26  are expandable as needed as various papers and the like are stored within them. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a perspective view of the multiplicity of internal expanding pockets  24 ,  26  of the organizer apparatus  10  is shown in a reverse closed position. As shown in the front cover  12  and back cover  14  are back-to-back in a reverse position, bowed backwardly from the spine  20 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a perspective view of the multiplicity of internal expanding pockets  24 ,  26  is shown with the expanding folder  24  in an open position. The expanding folder  24  in an open position is shown fanned open away from front cover  12  and adjacent to the spine  20  and containing a multiplicity of papers, or the like. As depicted the expanding folder  24  is shown expanded with the multiple layers of pockets and inserted papers at each layer. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a front perspective view of the organizer apparatus  10  is shown, illustrating, in particular, expanding pockets at varied heights, and expanding pockets at diagonals. As depicted on the front cover  12  side, the expanding pockets  24  shows pockets at varied heights, such a pocket height one  32 , pocket height two  34 , and pocket height three  36 . Additionally, the expanding pockets can be in their thickness and number of overall pages contained within. As depicted on the back cover side  14 , the expanding pockets  26  are implemented in diagonals. These expanding pockets  26  at diagonals can be implemented at the same height or at varied heights. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a front perspective view of the organizer apparatus  10  is shown, illustrating, in particular, expanding pockets opened to a side, and an inserted tablet. The inserted tablet  38  is shown on the back cover  14  side on the right side of the spine  20 . The side  12 ,  14  upon which the inserted tablet  38  and the expanding pockets  24  can vary in alternative embodiments. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , a front perspective view of the organizer apparatus  10  is shown. The organizer apparatus  10  is shown illustrating, in particular, expanding pockets  24  opened upwardly, and a ring binder assembly with inserted hole-punched paper. The binder mechanism base  42  has a multiplicity of rings  44  that close upon hole-punched loose-leaf paper  40 . The side  12 ,  14  upon which the ring binder assembly and the expanding pockets  24  can vary in alternative embodiments. 
     Although this technology has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the invention and are intended to be covered by the following claims.