Patent Abstract:
A pocket assembly includes a major panel and a pocket panel coupled together to define a pocket between the panels. A divider is placed in the pocket to partition the pocket into two or more compartments. The divider comprises a securing element secured to at least one of the major and pocket panels.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/913,118, entitled “Pocket With Secure Dividers” filed on Apr. 20, 2007, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present invention is directed to a pocket, and more particularly, to a pocket having dividers securely received therein. 
         [0003]    Pockets may be used to store various items such as loose papers, writing utensils, or the like. Such pockets may include a divider or dividers positioned therein so that the contents of the pocket can be easily compartmentalized and organized. In addition, it may be desired to provide a secure attachment means such that the dividers are securely attached to the pocket and are not easily removed or torn. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The present disclosure in one aspect provides a pocket assembly that includes a major panel and a pocket panel coupled together to define a pocket therebetween. A divider is placed in the pocket to partition the pocket into two or more compartments. The divider comprises a securing element secured to at least one of the major and pocket panels. 
         [0005]    In one embodiment, the securing element may be a tab extending from the divider and attached to the at least one of the major and pocket panels. The pocket may be provided at its bottom with an opening while the tab may extend through the opening and may be attached to the outside surface of the at least one of the major and pocket panels. The tab may be folded flat against the outside surface of the at least one of the major and pocket panels to be attached thereto. The opening may be a slit formed along the bottom edge of the at least one of the major and pocket panels. The major and pocket panels may be pivotally secured together about the bottom edge. 
         [0006]    In another embodiment, the divider may include at least one divider panel, and the tab may be coupled to the at least one divider panel along its lower edge. The divider may include two or more divider panels. First and second ones of the two or more divider panels may be foldably connected together along their common lower edge, and the tab may be formed from the first divider panel and joined to the second divider panel along the lower edge. The first and second divider panels may be folded about the common lower edge into a face-to-face relationship such that the tab protrudes downwardly from the second divider panel. Alternatively, the two or more divider panels may be separate panels, and each of them may have the tab so that the each divider may be individually coupled to the at least one of major and pocket panels by the tab of the each divider panel. 
         [0007]    In a further embodiment, the major panel may include a set of openings formed therethrough. The openings may be positioned and aligned to allow the pocket assembly to be coupled to a binding mechanism. 
         [0008]    In a still further embodiment, the pocket panel may be generally rectangular in shape. The pocket panel may be securely coupled to the major panel along at least two secured outer edges while leaving at least one free outer edge unattached to the major panel. The assembly may further comprise a side flap coupling one of the at least two secured outer edges of the pocket panel to the major panel to allow the pocket to expand. 
         [0009]    The present disclosure in a second aspect provides a portfolio which includes a major panel and a pocket panel coupled together to define a pocket between the respective inside surfaces of the major and pocket panels. A divider is received in the pocket. The pocket panel is coupled to the major panel along its lower edge to define the bottom of the pocket. The pocket is provided at its bottom with an opening. The divider comprises a tab extending outwardly of the pocket through the opening and is attached to the outside surface of one of the major and pocket panels. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment of this aspect, the pocket panel may be foldably coupled to the major panel along the lower edge. The opening may be formed along the lower edge, and the tab may be folded about the lower edge onto the outside surface of the one of the major and pocket panels to be attached to the outside surface. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, the portfolio may further include a second major panel foldably coupled to the first major panel. A spine may be positioned between the first and second major panels. Further, a binding mechanism may be mounted to one of the spine and either one of the first and second major panels. A second pocket panel may be coupled to the second major panel to define a second pocket between the second major panel and the second pocket panel. In such an embodiment, a second divider may be received in the second pocket. The second pocket panel may be provided at the bottom thereof with an opening. The second divider may comprise a tab extending outwardly of the second pocket through the opening of the second pocket. The tab of the second divider may be attached to the outside surface of one of the second major and second pocket panels. 
         [0012]    In a further embodiment, the portfolio may further comprise a closure flap pivotally coupled to the upper edge of the first major panel. The closure flap may include a locking tongue while the pocket panel may have a tongue socket engageable with the locking tongue. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a portfolio in a closed position incorporating a pocket/divider design; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the portfolio of  FIG. 1  shown in its open position; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a side cross-section taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a side cross-section taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a top view of a blank which can be used to form the portfolio of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a top view of a blank which can be used to form the dividers shown in  FIGS. 2-4 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of the dividers of  FIG. 6 , shown in a partially folded state; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of the folded dividers of  FIG. 7  positioned above the assembled portfolio of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of the dividers and the portfolio of  FIG. 8  in an assembled condition; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of a portfolio and a single-ply divider exploded away from the portfolio; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of another portfolio utilizing a pocket and divider design; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of the portfolio of  FIG. 11  shown in an opened position with the dividers exploded away from the pocket. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0025]      FIGS. 1-4  illustrate a portfolio, generally designated  10 , including a pair of opposed major panels  12 ,  14 . The major panels  12 ,  14  are pivotally attached to each other along a central fold line  16 . In this manner, each major panel  12 ,  14  is independently pivotable about the fold line  16  such that the portfolio  10  is moveable between a closed position ( FIG. 1 ) wherein the major panels  12 ,  14  are generally parallel, aligned and face each other, and an open position ( FIG. 2 ) wherein the major panels  12 ,  14  lay generally flat and coplanar and do not face each other. 
         [0026]    If desired, a spine (not shown) may be positioned between the major panels  12 ,  14 . Further, if desired, a binding mechanism (not shown) may be mounted to the spine or to either of the major panels  12 ,  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, each of the major panels  12 ,  14  includes a set of openings  18  formed therethrough, wherein the openings  18  are positioned and aligned to allow the portfolio  10  to be coupled to a three-ring binding mechanism or the like. 
         [0027]    A generally rectangular pocket panel  20 ,  22  is attached to the inner surface of each associated major panel  12 ,  14  to define a pocket  24  therebetween. More particularly, each pocket panel  20 ,  22  may be securely coupled to the underlying major panel  12 ,  14  along two secured edges (i.e. a bottom edge  26  and an outer edge  28 ), leaving two free edges (top edge  30  and inner edge  32 ) along which the associated pocket  24  can be accessed. In the illustrated embodiment, an expandable gusset or side flap (such as an accordion-style gusset)  34  is coupled to the outer edge  28  of the pocket panel  20  to allow the associated pocket  24  to expand as desired. 
         [0028]    A set of dividers  40 ,  42  may be positioned in the pocket  24 . In the illustrated embodiment, each of the dividers  40 ,  42  is generally rectangular, having an angled corner  44  and a protruding tab  46 . In the illustrated embodiment, each divider  40 ,  42  is made of a generally transparent material although, if desired, the dividers  40 ,  42  can be made of opaque or various other materials. 
         [0029]    Each divider  40 ,  42  may have a width (i.e. in the left-to-right direction of  FIGS. 2 and 5 ) about equal to the width of the associated pocket panel  20 /major panel  12  to allow the contents of the pocket  24  to be completely divided/segregated. More particularly, in one embodiment, each divider  40 ,  42  may have a width within at least about 10% or at least about 20%, or at least about 30% of the width of the associated pocket panel  20  and/or major panel  12 . Furthermore, each divider  40 ,  42  may have a height (i.e. extending in the top-to-bottom direction of  FIGS. 2 and 5 ) close to the height of the portfolio  10 /major panels  12 ,  14  such that the dividers  40 ,  42  can extend through a stack of loose leaf papers of various heights stored in the associated pocket  24 . Thus, in one embodiment, each divider  40 ,  42  may have a height within at least about 10%, or at least about 20%, or at least about 30%, of the height of the portfolio  10  and/or associated major panel  12 . 
         [0030]    The pocket  24  defined by pocket panel  20  has a narrow opening or slit  48  formed along its bottom edge  26 , as best shown in  FIGS. 5 and 8 . At least one of the dividers  40 ,  42  includes a tab portion  50  which protrudes through the opening  48  and is folded flat against the outer surface of the pocket panel  20 . The tab  50  may then be attached to the underlying pocket panel  20  to securely couple the tab  50 /divider(s)  40 ,  42  to the portfolio  10 /pocket panel  20 . The tab  50  can be attached to portfolio  10 /pocket panel  20  by any of a wide variety of methods, such as heat welding, sonic welding, stitching, adhesives, staples, rivets or other mechanical fasteners, etc. 
         [0031]    The tab  50  may have a relatively long length (i.e. extending along the left-to-right direction of  FIG. 2 ) to ensure adequate coupling strength. More particularly, the tab  50  may extend along at least about 10%, or at least about 20% or at least about 30%, or at least about 40% of the width (i.e. extending in the left-to-right direction of  FIG. 2 ) of the associated major panel  12 , pocket panel  20  and/or divider  40 ,  42 . The opening  48  may have a length that is about equal to the length of the associated tab  50  (i.e. within about 10% of the length of the tab  50 ) such that the opening  48  closely receives the tab  50  therethrough. 
         [0032]    In this manner, the tab  50  securely retains the divider(s)  40 ,  42  to the portfolio  10 /pocket panel  20 . More particularly, the tab  50  provides an attachment structure that can be easily accessed and formed during manufacturing/assembly. Furthermore, because the tab  50  is folded about a bottom edge  26  of the pocket panel  20 , the fold  52  provides further secure attachment. For example, the fold  52  of the tab  50  may accommodate stresses if the divider(s)  40 ,  42  are attempted to be pulled upwardly out of the associated pocket  24 . 
         [0033]    In order to assemble the portfolio of  FIGS. 1-4 , in one embodiment the blank  54  of  FIG. 5  may be provided. Each pocket panel  20 ,  22  may be pivoted about the lower edge  26  of the associated major panel  12 ,  14  such that the pocket panels  20 ,  22  lay generally flat against the associated major panel  12 ,  14 . The gusseted side flap  34  and opposite side flap  58  are then pivoted inwardly until each side flap  34 ,  58  lays on top of the associated pocket panel  20 ,  22 . The side flaps  34 ,  58  are then attached to the associated pocket panel to complete the pockets  24  and provide the portfolio  10  shown in, for example,  FIG. 8 . 
         [0034]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 6 , in one embodiment a blank  60  for forming the dividers  40 ,  42  may be provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the dividers  40 ,  42  are formed from a single, unitary piece of sheet-like material  62 . A generally “U”-shaped cut  64  is formed in the blank  60  to define the tab  50  which is positioned adjacent to a central fold line  52  of the blank  60 . Next, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the blank  60  is folded about the central fold line  52  such that the tab  50  protrudes downwardly from the dividers  40 ,  42 . Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the tab  50  is formed as a single piece that is unitary with at least one divider  40 ,  42 , or with both dividers  40 ,  42 . 
         [0035]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the assembled dividers  40 ,  42  are positioned above the assembled portfolio  10  and the dividers  40 ,  42  are inserted into the associated pocket  24  such that the tab  50  protrudes through the opening  48  ( FIG. 9 ). The tab  50  is then folded upwardly and coupled to the outer surface of the pocket panel  20 , resulting in the assembly shown in  FIG. 2 . However, the tab  50  could alternately be folded in the opposite direction such that the tab  50  wraps around the outer surface of the major panel  12 . 
         [0036]    The portfolio  10  (i.e. including major panels  12 ,  14 , pocket panels  20 ,  22 , side flaps  34 ,  58 , spine, etc.), along with the dividers  40 ,  42  can be made of any of a wide variety of materials, including but not limited to plastic (such as polypropylene or vinyl), cardboard, paperboard, plastic encased cardboard, etc. In addition, the components of the portfolio  10  and dividers  40 ,  42  can be attached/assembled by any of a wide variety of methods, such as heat welding, sonic welding, stitching, adhesive, staples, rivets or other mechanical fasteners, etc. Further, while the illustrated embodiment shows only pocket panel  20  receiving the dividers  40 ,  42  therein, if desired, both pocket panels  20 ,  22  or only pocket panel  22  may receive the dividers  40 ,  42 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 10  illustrates another embodiment of the invention, wherein only a single divider  40  having a tab  50  is configured to be coupled to the portfolio. If desired, multiple of the single-ply dividers  40  of  FIG. 10  can be coupled to the portfolio  40 , wherein each divider  40  includes its own associated tab  50 . This arrangement may provide greater strength in that each divider  40  is individually coupled by its own tab  50 . However, the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  (wherein two dividers  40 ,  42  share a tab  50 ) may be advantageous that only a single blank  60  and relatively few steps are required to produce a dual divider assembly. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate another embodiment of the invention wherein the portfolio  70  includes a major panel  12 , a pocket panel  20  defining a pocket  24  therebetween, and a pair of dividers  40 ,  42  received in the pocket  24 . In this embodiment, the pocket panel  20  is relatively large, having a surface area of about equal to the surface area of the major panel  12 . The pocket panel  20  is secured to the underlying major panel  12  about bottom edge  26  and side edge  32  thereby leaving top edge  30  and inner edge  28  as free edges. A closure flap  72  is pivotally coupled to an upper edge of the major panel  12 . 
         [0039]    The closure flap  72  may include a tooth or locking element  74  that can be inserted into and through an opening or socket  76  of the pocket panel  20  to thereby secure the portfolio  70  in a closed position. However, any of a variety of closure mechanisms, such as hook-and-loop fasteners (such as VELCRO®), clasps, hooks, loops, elastic components, brackets, magnets, interengaging geometries or the like may be used to retain the closure flap  72  in a closed position. The dividers  40 ,  42 , having a configuration and assembly similar to the dividers  40 ,  42  shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  and described above, may be received in the pocket  24  and coupled to the pocket  24  by the tab  50  extending through the opening  48  of the pocket  24 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the tab  50  is folded rearwardly about the major panel  12  and attached thereto, such that the tab is generally not visible in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0040]    The pocket/divider designs of the above embodiments can be used in nearly any pocket used alone, or used in pockets in conjunction with, or integrated into, other school and office items, such as binders, notebooks, portfolios, planners, date books, insert pockets and the like. The pocket/divider design provides an assembly that can be quickly and easily manufactured, yet provides a secure attachment mechanism due to the folded and attached nature of the tab. 
         [0041]    Having described the invention in detail and by reference to the various embodiments, it should be understood that modifications and variations thereof are possible without departing from the scope of the claims of the present application. 
         [0042]    One embodiment of the present invention provides a pocket assembly including first and second generally flat, parallel panels. The first panel is coupled to the second panel at least partially along at least one edge, and is not coupled to the second panel at least partially along another edge, to define a pocket therebetween. The pocket includes an opening formed therethrough. A divider including a tab is received in the pocket such that the tab extends through the opening and is attached to the pocket to thereby attach the divider to the pocket.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8