Folder

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to receptacles and, particularly, to an envelope-type member or folder as utilized for retaining, for safekeeping, various types of documents.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a folder adapted for formation from a single blank as being die-cut from paper of all types and the like.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a folder of the character stated which is uniquely constructed so as to provide a reliable secured means for retaining same in closed condition but which may be reopened at will without damage to the structure so as to thereby render same reuseable.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a folder of the character stated which may be manufactured most economically in a variety of sizes for accommodating documents of all dimensions and which may be so constructed 2θ as to be suited for permanent storage purposes.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a folder of the type stated which may be cheaply manufactured in high volume; and which is durable in usage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank for forming a folder constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the folder blank in partially formed 30 condition, showing the side flaps in overlying relationship.

FIGI 3 is a plan view of the folder in fully formed, closed condition.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the folder in closed condition. 35

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now by reference characters to the drawings which-illustrate the preferred embodiment of the present in- ₄θ vention, A generally designates a blank as die-cut or otherwise formed from suitable sheet stock such as all grades of paper and the like and which comprises a main panel or portion 1 as of rectangular configuration. Extending from each end of said main panel 1 are end flaps 2,4 and being bendable about their line of jointure with said main panel 1 along fold lines 3, 5, respectively, which are coextensive with the end margins of said main panel 1. For purposes presently appearing end flaps 2, 4, which have a longitudinal extent slightly greater than one-half the length of main panel 1 so as to allow for a zone of jq overlap as indicated at z (FIG. 2) when in operative position. It will be seen that each of said end flaps 2, 4, along their upper margins, is contoured, as at a, so that their major portion is of reduced transverse extent for purposes presently appearing. One of said end flaps 2, 4 is provided at its normally 55 inwardly directed end portion with a suitable adhesive such as indicated at g (FIG. 1) so as to effect firm securement between flaps 2, 4 when in overlapped operative relationship as may best be seen in FIG. 2.

Blank A also incorporates a base flap 7 continuous with 60 panel 1 along a fold line 8 which is coterminus with the proximate longitudinal margin of said panel 1. Base flap 7 is also of generally rectangular configuration but having a transverse extent of less than that of panel 1 so that when same is folded into superimposed position (FIG. 3) the free edge thereof will 65 be -spaced from the opposite or other longitudinal margin of said main panel 1. With reference being made to FIG. 1, it will be seen that base flap 7, along both of its end margins, as 9,10, is coated or otherwise supplied with a strip of suitable pressure-type adhesive or like cementitious material so that when 70 said base flap 7 is in full, operative position it will overlie flaps 2, 4 and be fixed thereupon by adhesion of strips 9, 10 to the confronting portions of flaps 2,4. Said base flap will be fixed in fixed condition. It is to be especially noted, however, that between said strips 9,10, the free longitudinal margin of base 75 flap 7 is unsecured so as to cooperate with the adjacent portions of side flaps 2,4 to create a pocket as indicated at p.

Integral with main panel 1 and extending from its longitudinal margin opposite to base flap 7 is a closure flap 11, being bendable with respect to said main panel along a fold line 12 which is coterminus with the proximate longitudinal margin of said main panel 1. Closure flap 11 is of such transverse extent that its opposite or free edge will extend beyond the transverse midline of main panel 1 when said closure flap 11 is in folderclosing relationship. It will be observed that the end edges of closure flap 11 are inclined in a generally overlapping manner so that the free, longitudinal edge is of less extent than the margin integral with fold line 12. Such tapering effect will thus allow the side portions of closure flap 11 to suitably clear the adhesive strips 9,1® and thereby permit said closure flap 11 to be accommodated snugly within pocket p and thereby render the folder secure against accidental opening.

Since closure flap 11 is not caused to adhere as by adhesive and the like to any portions of the developed folder, the same may be easily withdrawn from its pocket p to permit ready access to the interior for insertion, or removal from, of documents and like instruments retained in the folder for safekeeping.

It is to be especially observed, with particular reference, that the document-retaining portion of the folder comprises the enlarged compartment indicated at c being defined by the inner face of main panel 1, and the inner inter-confronting surfaces of the overlapped side flaps 2, 4; with the upturned base flap 7 preventing any unauthorized displacement through the bottom of said compartment c.

The transverse reduction of the major portion of said flaps 2, 4 facilitate insertion of documentary material within compartment c as well as equal ease of withdrawal of the same.

In the foregoing it will thus be seen that the folder developed from blank A is extremely versatile in usage, being amenable to production in any desired size for accommodating papers, certificates, documents and the like - of all thicknesses and dimensions; and in being readily producible from a stock of varying strength, thickness and the like for meeting any peculiar requirements. Additionally, as pointed out above, the folder is adapted for long usage since it is capable of retaining its closed condition without accidental opening and yet may be opened without in any way permanently destroying or deforming any portions thereof.