Expanding folder

Abstract

An expanding folder is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, an 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.

Claims

1. An organizer apparatus comprising: a generally planar, rectangular front cover; a generally planar, rectangular back cover; a spine whereby the front cover and back cover are hingedly coupled one to another at an edge of each to form a folder configured to open, the covers pivoting outwardly from the spine at each cover edge, and close, the covers pivoting inwardly to the spine at each cover edge, 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, each of the plurality of expandable pockets coupled on three of four rectangular edges to the expandable file configured to permit inserts only from a single open side; wherein the plurality of expandable pockets is configured to extend away from the inside surface from all four of the rectangular edges; 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.

2. The organizer apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one expandable file further comprises: 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.

3. The organizer apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an insertable writing tablet disposed within the organizer apparatus opposite the at least one expandable file.

4. The organizer apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a ring binder closure mechanism disposed upon an inside edge of the spine of the organizer apparatus and configured to hold loose leaf paper.

5. The organizer apparatus of claim 1, wherein 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.

6. The organizer apparatus of claim 1, wherein 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.

7. The organizer apparatus of claim 1, wherein 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.

8. The organizer apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a closure device configured to secure the front cover and the back cover one to another to secure the organizer is a closed position.

9. The organizer apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: 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.

10. The organizer apparatus of claim 1, wherein 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.

11. The organizer apparatus of claim 1, wherein 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.

12. An organizer apparatus comprising: 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, wherein the front cover and the back cover are coupled front-to-front in the 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, wherein the front cover and the back cover are coupled back-to-back in the reverse closed position; a spine whereby the front cover and back cover are hingedly coupled one to another at an edge of each to form a folder configured to open, the covers pivoting outwardly from the spine at each cover edge, and close, the covers pivoting inwardly to the spine at each cover edge, and to securely store and organize a plurality of loose papers; and an elastic band 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.

13. The organizer apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: 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.

14. The organizer apparatus of claim 13, wherein 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.

15. The organizer apparatus of claim 13, wherein 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.

16. The organizer apparatus of claim 13, wherein 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.

17. A portable filing system comprising: a generally planar, rectangular front cover; a generally planar, rectangular back cover; a spine whereby the front cover and back cover are hingedly coupled one to another at an edge of each to form a folder configured to open, the covers pivoting outwardly from the spine at each cover edge, and close, the covers pivoting inwardly to the spine at each cover edge, and to securely store and organize a plurality of loose papers; and a first expandable file having a plurality of individual, expandable pockets disposed within the organizer apparatus on an inside surface of the front cover, each of the plurality of expandable pockets coupled on three of four rectangular edges to the expandable file configured to permit inserts only from a single open side; a second expandable file having a plurality of individual, expandable pockets disposed within the organizer apparatus on an inside surface of the back cover, each of the plurality of expandable pockets coupled on three of four rectangular edges to the expandable file configured to permit inserts only from a single open side; wherein the plurality of expandable pockets in both the first expandable file and the second expandable file are configured to extend away from the inside surface from all four of the rectangular edges; 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.

18. The portable filing system of claim 17, wherein 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.

19. The portable filing system of claim 17, wherein 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.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) 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:

(2) 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;

(3) 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;

(4) 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;

(5) 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;

(6) 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;

(7) FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the multiplicity of internal expanding pockets, according to an embodiment of the invention;

(8) 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;

(9) 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;

(10) 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;

(11) 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

(12) 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

(13) 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.

(14) 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.

(15) 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.

(16) 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.

(17) 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.

(18) 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.

(19) 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.

(20) 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.

(21) 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.

(22) 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.

(23) 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.

(24) 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.

(25) 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.

(26) 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.

(27) 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.

(28) 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.

(29) 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.

(30) 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.

(31) 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.

(32) 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.

(33) 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.

(34) 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.

(35) 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.