Abstract: A hanging pocket folder for use with support rails is disclosed. The disclosure includes a method and structure for preventing the side walls thereof from being damaged when the folder is withdrawn from a rail support system. Prior art systems did not recognize the problem of snagging sidewalls withdrawal. The present disclosure provides for side walls which preferably exceed the height of the lower edge of the support rails and thus never snag on withdrawal despite the fact that the accordion sidewall may easily be deformed from use. A further embodiment discloses an elastic sidewall and integral tabs.

Abstract: An integral tab 2-D or 3-D tab for a folder, and a method of making same is disclosed. The integral 2-D (flat) tab 300 is provided near the apex of the folder by cutting free/lose a portion of the existing flap material 14 of the hanging folder itself without the need for additional tabs or material being affixed. The cut creates the tab without additional material required. The 3-D tab 300 version is created adding a triangular portion 301 which is folded onto itself so that one edge surface is at an angle relative to the panels of the file folder allowing it to be read from the side and top. A perforated version allows for user selectable tab and a plurality of placements across the common edge allows the user to select the tab position.

Abstract: A folder provides easy access to its contents, is lockable, and keeps its locking mechanism out of the way when not in use. The folder has fold lines partway down on the front and back faces, so that the user has easy access to the folder contents. There is a gusset on the bottom edge and on the side edges from the bottom to the fold lines. The folder has an elastic member that is configured to act as a locking mechanism. In the locked position, the elastic member extends over the top edge of the folder, thereby preventing the front and back faces from being folded down and additionally preventing the folder's contents from escaping along the top edge. In the unlocked position, the elastic member extends over the side edges of the folder, and the user may optionally fold down the front and/or back faces and may access the contents through the top edge of the folder. The user can easily move the elastic member from a side edge to the top edge and back, to lock and unlock the folder.

Abstract: A multi-layer file folder is disclosed, in which a laminate is bonded to the exterior of a thick, supporting manila interior element. By means of lamination, combinations of materials can be used which would otherwise be impossible or impractical. The index tab, as viewed from the front of the folder, is the color of the interior element, typically manila, and provides for a high-contrast writing surface on the index tab.

Abstract: A hanging pocket folder for use with support rails is disclosed. The disclosure includes a method and structure for preventing the side walls thereof from being damaged when the folder is withdrawn from a rail support system. Prior art systems did not recognize the problem of snagging sidewalls with withdrawal. The present disclosure provides for side walls which preferably exceed the height of the lower edge of the support rails and thus never snag on withdrawal despite the fact that the accordion sidewall may easily be deformed from use. A further embodiment discloses an elastic sidewall and integral tabs.

Abstract: A folder system with an accordion spine 16, and a method of making same is disclosed. The folder may have a plurality of insert elements 52, 60 either at manufacture or by a stub system which are bound into the spine at the valleys 32 of the web which forms the spine. The web is made of outer zig-zag web 40, with the inner web 42, 44, 46 joining adjacent insert elements and the outer web, to create a strong spine of web and inserts.

Abstract: A multi-layer file folder is disclosed, in which a laminate is bonded to the exterior of a thick, supporting manila interior element. By means of lamination, combinations of materials can be used which would otherwise be impossible or impractical. The index tab, as viewed from the front of the folder, is the color of the interior element, typically manila, and provides for a high-contrast writing surface on the index tab.

Abstract: An integral tab 2-D or 3-D tab for a folder, and a method of making same is disclosed. The integral 2-D (flat) tab 300 is provided near the apex of the folder by cutting free/lose a portion of the existing flap material 14 of the hanging folder itself without the need for additional tabs or material being affixed. The cut creates the tab without additional material required. The 3-D tab 300 version is created adding a triangular portion 301 which is folded onto itself so that one edge surface is at an angle relative to the panels of the file folder allowing it to be read from the side and top. A perforated version allows for user selectable tab and a plurality of placements across the common edge allows the user to select the tab position.

Abstract: An integral tab system for a 2-D or 3-D tab for a folder, and a method of making same is disclosed. The integral 2-D (flat) tab (20) is provided in the hanging folder itself without the need for additional tabs being affixed. The 3-D tab version (120) is created by an extension which is folded onto itself so that one edge surface is at an angle relative to the panels of the file folder allowing it to be read from the side. These tabs may also be supplied in a detachable form.

Abstract: A multi-layer file folder is disclosed, in which a laminate is bonded to the exterior of a thick, supporting manila interior element. By means of lamination, combinations of materials can be used which would otherwise be impossible or impractical. The index tab, as viewed from the front of the folder, is the color of the interior element, typically manila, and provides for a high-contrast writing surface on the index tab.

Abstract: An expandable folder is provided which includes a front panel member, a rear panel member, and an expandable gusset which connects the panel members and forms the bottom and sides of the folder. Reinforcing means are provided upon critical or highly stressed locations to enhance the durability and useful life of the folder. Various types of reinforcement are provided about and, preferably, over the top of the gusset. The end portions of the gussets along the sides and, where applicable, the bottom, preferably have a width which is at least twice the width of the gusset folds. The outer surfaces of the inner front and rear panel members are also reinforced to strengthen the folder at least in the areas where the gusset is attached, and, for best results, on the entire outer surfaces of the panels.

Abstract: A paper handling device comprises a flexible, substantially U-shaped handle portion having first and second side members, the first and second side members terminating at first and second ends respectively; first and second arms are respectively disposed at the first and second ends and each directed substantially away from the handle portion; first and second tines depend transversely from the first and second arms respectively, the first and second tines extending in a generally parallel relation and normally spaced apart from each other by a distance greater than the spacing between pre-punched holes in the paper. Compressing the handle portion reduces the distance between the tines so as to allow the tines to be inserted into the respective holes in the paper.

Abstract: An expandable folder is provided which includes a front panel member, a rear panel member, and an expandable gusset which connects the panel members and forms the bottom and sides of the folder. Reinforcing means are provided upon critical or highly stressed locations to enhance the durability and useful life of the folder. Various types of reinforcement are provided about and, preferably, over the top of the gusset. The end portions of the gussets along the sides and, where applicable, the bottom, preferably have a width which is at least twice the width of the gusset folds. The outer surfaces of the inner front and rear panel members are also reinforced to strengthen the folder at least in the areas where the gusset is attached, and, for best results, on the entire outer surfaces of the panels.