Presentation folder for color samples

Abstract

Device for color samples including a presentation folder having at least two panels forming at least one panel pair, wherein the at least two panels are hinged by one or more spine. A first closed position for the at least two panels are arranged so that the at least two panels are aligned approximately parallel to one another with each panel of the at least two panels have an interior surface that faces towards the other. A second open position for the at least two panels, such that the interior surface of each panel of the at least two panels are visible and the at least two panels are aligned to one another at an angle. At least one card having at least one color sample, wherein the at least one card is positioned on the interior surface of each panel of the at least two panels, such that each card of the at least one card is arranged to partially overlap another card of the at least one card.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a presentation folder for color samples having two panels forming a panel pair, such that the panels are connected to one another by a common spine like a book.

2. Discussion of Background Information

Presentation folders for color samples are known from practice in many cases, e.g., as a part of car brochures. The colors in which the respective car can be ordered are thereby reproduced as color printed areas on the pages of the brochure, e.g., approx. 10 to 20 color samples. Further, the term “color sample” is used to label an area designed in color which is not a part of a product provided with the color. For example, in the case of the car brochure, the feature of sheet metal would not be presented as a substrate, as is the case with the product, namely the automotive body.

A “color sample” within the scope of the present proposal, may denote a sample that can be intended to reproduce only the coloring, and not the surface or material properties of the product. These known presentation folders for color samples are not published by the paint manufacturer, but by the vendor of the product provided with color, namely by the automobile manufacturer.

Furthermore, so-called color fans are known from practice which are also called color fan decks. These are long strips, each with several color samples, whereby all the strips are arranged congruently one on top of the other. At one end they are connected by a screw that serves as a hinge axis. Each card can thus be revealed by swiveling the cards lying above it.

All the cards can be fanned out into a full circle in aid of an overview of as many of the color samples as possible. The color samples lying radially further inwards, which are more closely adjacent to the screw, are thereby discernible to an increasingly smaller degree towards the inside, so that no good overview of all the color samples contained in the color fan is possible.

Due to these constraints, in practice these color fans are not used to obtain an overview of all the color samples. In particular, all the repair paint colors of a paint manufacturer are shown on the color fan and, by holding a certain card against the automotive body of a vehicle, the closest color tone can be selected to be used for a repair painting.

Furthermore, from DE 295 10 090 U1 a presentation folder is known with several panels connected to one another in a hinge-like manner, in which commercial samples, not color samples, are provided on the panels. Thus, small-sized sections from an actual product, e.g., carpet are provided for each panel of the several panels to create the presentation folder. These individual commercial samples are much thicker, compared to color samples. They are arranged separately next to one another on the individual panels and held onto the panels in a removable manner. With this known prior art, a very broad spine is arranged between two central panels and further panels are respectively arranged laterally outside the two central panels. The outermost panels are turned inwards and then the two central panels can likewise be folded towards one another and thus closed.

For example, four panels used for the above mentioned presentation folder forms two panel pairs with a comparatively narrow spine between the respectively two panels of a panel pair. In this regard, the spine provided between the two panel pairs is considerably broader. For the optimum protection of the commercial samples, respectively two panels of a panel pair are laid with their insides against one another. Since subsequently the two panel pairs thus “closed” are likewise brought into a closed arrangement, so as to view commercial samples. Further, it is necessary first to open the entire presentation folder and subsequently to open at least one of the panel pairs, so that in this arrangement, the presentation folder has a comparatively large space requirement of three or four panels.

These known presentation folders for commercial samples are not published by the manufacturer of the dyestuffs, but by the vendor of the product provided with dye, namely by a manufacturer of textiles or carpet.

A presentation device for presenting commercial samples is known from DE 200 19 409 U1, in which commercial samples, not color samples, are likewise provided on the panels. Several sample carriers are detachably connected to one another and can be individually removed from the presentation device. Each carrier can feature several panels connected to one another in a hinged manner, whereby an approximately spiral-shaped folding of the individual panels of a sample carrier is provided, as shown in FIG. 2 of DE 200 19 409 U1.

DE 295 10 090 U1 (as shown in DE 200 19 409 U1), shows the commercial samples detachably connected to the individual panels, i.e., detachably connected to the carrier card. As with the former prior art, the approximately spiral-shaped folding of the individual panels of a carrier card leads to a considerable space requirement. Further, a carrier card may have to be unfolded completely, i.e., so as to be fully opened, in order to be able to view certain commercial samples.

Further, the above mentioned known presentation folders for commercial samples are also not published by the dyestuffs manufacturer, but by the vendor of the product provided with the dye.

In practice, a paint manufacturer may need to present a very large number of colors to potential clients. For example, architects or designers may require an overview of, if possible, all the interior and exterior colors of a color tone system offered by the manufacturer. In this manner, one color tone system can include several hundred or even several thousand color tones, depending on the manufacturer. In such cases, due to the volume and weight, commercial samples in such numbers are not transportable by just one person or without great expenditure. Architects or designers want to be able to transport the color samples to the client, e.g., in order to be able to make comparisons to already existing colored products.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention improves a generic presentation folder, so that it renders possible for a single person to carry a mobile display containing a very large number of color samples that can be presented to one or more clients. Further, the present invention can provide for each individual sample to be simultaneously accessible for viewing to the one or more clients. Further still, any sample may be accessed as quickly as possible for the one or more clients, along with being arranged to occupy the smallest possible space requirement for the presentation folder.

The invention provides for a presentation folder having color samples with two panels forming a panel pair, such that the panels are connected to one another by a common spine like a book.

According to another feature of the invention, the panels may respectively include a plurality of cards, whereby each card can have at least a single color sample. The individual cards can be arranged on each panel, e.g., in the manner of roof tiles, wherein one section of the card may lie respectively lower, and project beyond the edge of the next higher card. Resulting in all the cards being at least partially visible at a glance, as well as all the color samples arranged to be visible at a glance, e.g., providing the cards extend to the free visible edge of the respective card.

According to another feature of the invention, it may be advantageous for each card in turn so as to feature a plurality of color samples. It is always assumed below, purely by way of example, that several color samples can be arranged on a common card. Purely by way of example, 10 color tones can be arranged on a single card, and, e.g., about 40 cards can be arranged on a panel, so that 400 color samples can be displayed on a single panel.

According to the invention, the above arrangement of the one or more panels can advantageously result in displaying and presenting a unique overview of all the colors of a color tone system. To this end, the presentation folder can be spread out with all the panels so that the insides of the panels and the cards are arranged thereon, and respectively turned towards the one or more viewer. This may be achieved through an arrangement of the panels in the form of a leporello or a concertina, thus through a zigzag arrangement, in contrast to the above-mentioned arrangement of three or four panels to be folded in a spiral-like manner.

The presentation folder can advantageously feature more than two panels so that, on the one hand, a large number of color samples can be displayed and, on the other hand, the area of each individual color sample can be comparatively large in dimension in order to render possible the most realistic possible first impression of the color effect. With the cited use as a tool for clients, e.g., architects or designers, the presentation folder can be used by clients to make a quick preliminary selection from the overview of all the color tones. Subsequently, a few large-format color samples, e.g., letter-paper size, such as DIN A 4, may be obtained in order to gain a more realistic color impression, on which the final color selection can then be made.

According to the invention, it can be advantageous to provide four or more panels, and/or an even number in each case, such as, e.g., 4, 6, 8 or 10 panels. In this manner, the outer surfaces of the panels may always form the outside of the presentation folder. So that the insides and the cards with the color samples can be arranged thereon, and are positioned in a protected manner, safe from discoloration or damage.

According to another feature of the invention, the cards can be made of paper, which is a much lighter material, than say, for example color samples made of sheet metal, e.g., as used in showrooms in the automobile industry. Further, reducing the overall weight of the plurality of cards and the plurality of color samples can provide easier handling by one person. Thus, resulting in the presentation folder being more mobile, e.g., as a portable unit, and increasing the range of applications compared with, e.g., color sample display walls. For example, the presentation folder can contain, e.g., interior and exterior colors for the design of houses or apartments.

Furthermore, with paper there is the possibility of taking the same paper as is used, e.g., for brochures, color fan decks or other coated or printed color carriers so that, e.g., a coordinated system of paper and the fillers contained therein and the base colors and the special pigment additives can be used, as might already be available in a business for producing high-quality paper printed products so that it is possible to display the individual color samples with a particularly faithful color reproduction at comparatively low expenditure. Finally, paper is flexible and foldable, so that the individual cards on one panel can easily be opened to provide a view of the next card beneath them.

According to another feature of the instant invention, the card can be made of plastic, which provides an advantage of a lightweight card material, as well as cards that are particularly moisture-resistant.

The color samples can advantageously be embodied as printed colors. For example, “printed” colors may also include a color coat application, in which a substrate, e.g., the card made of paper or a plastic sheet is coated. The color coat application can take place with original colors on the substrate, while printing may include an attempted to reproduce the desired color tone from comparatively few basic printing inks. The color accuracy of the reproduction is therefore greater with a color coat application by coating than with a color coat application by printing. Regardless of these technically specific differences, the term printing can be used for both color coat application methods in order to distinguish the color samples thus obtained from commercial samples in which both the surface facing the viewer and designed in color as well as the substrate are embodied identically to the final product. This is known, e.g., from the field of the automobile and textile industries, in the form of paint on a sheet metal substrate or carpet pile on a so-called “foam backing.” However, the proposed presentation folder can be used to display interior and exterior colors that are arranged on a paper or plastic substrate, whereas the actual product, namely a part of the house or an apartment decor, can have a wooden, textile or stone base.

According to another feature of the invention, the presentation folder with color samples embodied as printed colors has a weight advantage over prior art presentation folder using commercial samples attached to the cards as separate elements. Thus it is known from practice, e.g., that samples can be inserted into corresponding flaps or holders provided on the card, as well as magnetic samples being held on the cards magnetically. Besides having a weight advantage, the instant invention can include color samples as printed colors, which provides for arranging of a plurality of cards on a single panel. In particular, the instant invention creates a portable or mobile presentation folder that can display a very large number of color samples, e.g. such as all the colors of a complete color tone system.

According to another feature of the invention, the cards may be arranged to overlap one another and not adhered to one another. Further, the cards can also be detachably attached to a panel having a hinge axis, so when the panel is folded open, a card located respectively underneath the panel can be viewed while the panel is being opened. Accordingly, compared to the narrow marginal strip of each card, which is always visible through the overlapping arrangement of the individual cards, from the folding open of the upper cards. The card lying underneath the panel being opened, becomes visible to a much greater extent, e.g., advantageously more than 50%. For example, the card lying underneath the panel being opened may even have a visibility of 80-90% of its entire surface, whereby a client viewing the larger visible surface can be provided with a particularly good assessment of the individual color samples.

Another advantage of the hinge axis for cards being made with paper may be the creation of a score line, e.g., a bending line or folding line, such that the hinge axis divides the card into two sections. In cross section, the card therefore has two side pieces, whereby a short side piece is connected to the panel, e.g., is adhered, and a longer side piece visibly supports the color sample for the viewer. To promote an economic production of the cards, it can be provided to arrange the color samples running over the entire width of the card, thus also on the short side piece that is attached to the panel and on which the color sample is not visible to the viewer.

Presentation folders for commercial textile samples are known from practice, in which the commercial samples are arranged in a stepped manner such that a narrow strip of each sample is likewise visible. All the commercial samples are fixed at a common hinge axis, and the individual visible strips result from different dimensions of the commercial samples. In this regard, the lowest sample is larger than the samples located above it. The thickness of the commercial samples arranged on a panel thereby results directly from the material thickness and the number of commercial samples.

In contrast to these known commercial textile samples, the color samples can advantageously be arranged much flatter, in that the individual cards can be arranged on the panel staggered with respect to one another. The cards can thereby all have approximately the same dimensions, which simplifies the production of the cards. If, as described above, it is provided for the hinge axis to divide the card into two sections, whereby the short side piece is connected to the panel, the short side pieces of adjacent cards can be attached to the panel closely adjacent to one another or even touching one another in order to accommodate as many cards as possible on one panel.

According to another feature of the invention, the individual cards can feature several color samples along the hinge axis, so as to provide the individual color samples that can be arranged consecutively along the hinge axis. If it is assumed, e.g., that there is a comparatively small number of dark shades, the gradation of these lightness values for a specific color can take place on one and the same card. The plurality of color nuances can be provided on the individual cards so that a gradual transition of the individual color nuances is discernible along a specific line which extends over several cards. Moreover, the different lightness gradations of the above mentioned color nuance can then be visible on each card. Overall, even with a different distribution of the color or lightness values mentioned above, the arrangement of the several color samples along the hinge axis of a card provides for a clear display of a plurality of color samples. Such that, the plurality of color samples can be arranged in the smallest possible space which renders possible more color samples to be display than when using one whole card per sample.

Further, the hinge axis along which the cards can be folded, can run parallel to the spine of the presentation folder. Thus, resulting in the individual cards to be folded open or turned, as is known from leafing through a book. Moreover, the instant invention provides the user with a simple, ergonomically favorable and familiar handling method while using the presentation folder.

In order to retain this page-turning effect familiar from a book, the hinge axes of the cards of two adjacent panels respectively on the same side of the panel, e.g., respectively on the left, are arranged so that the cards on all the panels can be folded open, as similar to when leafing through a book.

According to another feature of the invention, the hinge axes of the cards of two adjacent panels can be arranged symmetrically to the spine, which can be provided between these two panels. In this manner, it can be rendered possible that when the two panels are closed, e.g., when the two panels are pivoted from their opened viewing position into their closed position, the individual cards are neatly folded onto the panel without getting caught on one another or otherwise obstructing one another. Thus, an optimal protection of the individual cards and the individual color samples may be ensured, even with the likelihood of careless handling of the presentation folder.

For example, if the hinge axes are respectively arranged closely adjacent to the spine, this type of gentle placing of the cards against one another is facilitated during closing. Further, since the cards adjacent to the spine will be the first to have contact with one another during the closing movement. The contact pressure of the cards will continue from the spine to the opposite edge of the panel, the further the two panels are closed. Also, with the free end of the cards being remote from the spine having the arrangement of the card hinge axes towards the spine, the cards can move easily under the contact pressure. Further, the cards can be aligned abutting flat against one another without meeting an obstructive resistance, since the movement of the cards will take place away from their hinge axis towards the free end of the cards.

Advantageously, the aspect of closure can be provided to hold the two closed panels in their closed arrangement and prevent an inadvertent opening of the presentation folder. In this manner, the cards and thus the color samples are optimally protected. Moreover, if several panels are provided, the handling of the entire presentation folder in its closed state is simplified, thus, e.g., the transport of the presentation folder is simplified, since the presentation folder cannot open inadvertently and unintentionally.

In particular, with the concertina-like or leporello-like zigzag folding of several panels, it provides the above mentioned an aspect of closing (e.g., two panels abutting against one another to interact with one another, such as in a snap-button fastener), or as a hook closure with a fleecy part and a hooked part (colloquially also called a so-called “hook and loop fastener” or “Velcro”), or the like. This prevents several panels from opening inadvertently and thus making the handling of the presentation folder more difficult.

According to another feature of the invention, the contrast or neutral strips can advantageously be assigned to the individual color samples, and the strips can be arranged on the border of the respective color sample. Further, it possible to assign a specific color code to each color sample, so that the viewer can clearly identify each color sample without having to write the particular color code in the color sample itself. Also, defacing the color sample, e.g. writing the particular code on the color sample, could detract from the effect or recognizability of the color sample. Further, the above mentioned positioning of the color code on the strip eliminates the need to write the color code on the reverse of the card where the color code would not be directly visible until the card was turned over. Secondly, the contrast or neutral strips can improve the quality of the viewing possibility that ensure a clear delineation of the individual color samples from one another, so as to ensure the color tone can be clearly and distinctly discernible. The contrast or neutral strips can preferably be embodied in pure white or as a gray value.

According to another feature of the invention, the above referenced aspect of closure can be embodied as magnets, whereby corresponding magnets can be provided in two adjacent panels. Further, the magnetic force of the magnets can be determined such that when the panels are opened, the panels do not close automatically. Further, when the panels are closed, the two closed panels can remain reliably closed. The use of magnets has the advantage that the handling of the presentation folder is simplified, since the aspect of closure does not need to be specially operated to close the presentation folder. Furthermore, the magnets can be easily integrated into the panels, e.g., if the panels are made of a strong plastic or cardboard material, so that no obstructive projections are projecting outwards, and a smooth-surface embodiment of the presentation folder on its outer surfaces is possible. The above mentioned structural attributes of the instant invention can provide ruggedness and sturdiness of the presentation folder, since it cannot catch on obstacles with corresponding outer projections and be damaged.

According to another feature of the invention, the dimensions of the presentation folder can be arranged to promote easy handling and transportability. For example, the dimensions of the presentation folder can be in the range of approx. DIN A 5 to approx. DIN A 0. Further, the format of the presentation folder can be, e.g., approximately as large as either letter paper or a file, so as to physically fit into a briefcase or a trunk of a car to be transported from one location to another location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is further described in the detailed description which follows, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, and wherein:

FIG. 1 A perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a presentation folder with two partially opened panels, according to the instant invention;

FIG. 2 The presentation folder of FIG. 1 with six partially opened panels, according to the instant invention;

FIG. 3 A plan view of a second exemplary embodiment of a presentation folder with two fully opened panels, according to the instant invention;

FIG. 4 A plan view similar to FIG. 3, but of a third exemplary embodiment, according to the instant invention; and

FIG. 5 A plan view similar to FIG. 3 or 4, but of a fourth exemplary embodiment, according to the instant invention.

DETAILED DESCRITION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a presentation folder 1 having several panels 2, which includes a plurality of cards 3. While, the remaining Figures (FIGS. 2-5) show the plurality of cards 3 diagrammatically on the left panel 2.

FIG. 2 shows the panels 2 arranged in a zigzag manner similar to a leporello or concertina. In this way, the two panels respectively form a panel pair 4, whereby the insides can be directed towards one another and the cards 3 are arranged on these insides of the panels 2.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show the presentation folders 1 partially opened. FIG. 1 shows the left panel pair 4 opened approximately 90° or somewhat more, while the two right panel pairs 4 are shown almost closed and/or partially opened. On the other hand, FIG. 2 shows the two right panel pairs 4 being partially opened (as similarly shown in FIG. 1), but also show the two right panel pairs 4 being opened further than in FIG. 1.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, approximately forty cards 3 are provided on a panel 2. In order to be able to accommodate the plurality of cards 3 between two panels 2 of a panel pair 4 in the closed state of the panel pair 4, if namely the two panels 2 of the panel pair are aligned approximately parallel to one another, the two panels are connected to one another via a comparatively wide spine 5, whereby the two panels 2, as is known with a book, connect to the spine 5 in a hinged manner. Two adjacent panel pairs 4 can be connected to one another via a considerably narrower spine 6, so that all six panels 2 of the presentation folder 1 are connected to one another and can be handled together.

In a fully opened state, these six panels 2 of the presentation folder 1 may lie in one plane connecting to one another respectively at approximately 180°. While with the angled arrangement of the individual panels 2 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), show that different light and shade conditions can prevail for the cards 3 of the different panels 2. For Example, in the fully opened, flat extended condition of the presentation folder 1, the viewer can view all the cards 3 under the same light conditions.

With the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, ten color samples 7 are shown on each card 3. The cards may be made of paper or a strong cardboard, such that despite the very large number of printed color samples 7, the entire presentation folder 1 can easily be handled in a mobile manner and, e.g., can be carried by a single person. With ten color samples 7 provided per card 3 and with approx. 40 cards provided per panel 2, thus with approx. 400 colors in all can be displayed per panel 2. Moreover, the presentation folder 1 can provide the feature of possibly displaying approximately 2,400 colors, so that all the colors of a complete comprehensive color tone system can be presented by the presentation folder 1. Further, all the color samples 7 provided in the presentation folder 1 can simultaneously be oriented towards the viewer, since all the insides of the panels 2 bearing the color samples 7 can be oriented towards the viewer.

Further, the presentation folder 1 provides the advantage of allowing access to the variety of color samples 7, while being presented in a small space requirement. To this end, as indicated in FIG. 1, only a certain panel pair 4 can namely be opened, while other panel pairs 4 remain closed. In particular, only the panel pair 4 with the desired color sample is opened while the presentation folder 1 is placed on a table, such that the area desired to be viewed or opened, may correspond to the area of a single opened panel pair 4.

The individual cards 3 of the presentation folder 1 can be attached to the panel 2 along a hinge line 8, so that the individual cards 3 can be opened like pages of a book and pivoted about the hinge line 8.

The individual cards 3 are arranged overlapping one another in the manner of roof tiles, whereby the color samples 7 run on the cards 3 respectively up to their exposed uncovered edge. Through this it is possible to see all the color samples 7 which are arranged on the cards 3 of a panel 2 at the same time. Since the color samples 7 run as strips over the entire width of the card 3, is it possible to view a larger area of the individual color sample 7 only with the respectively uppermost card 3. Through the possibility of opening the cards 3 along their respective hinge line 8, the color samples 7 lying lower and partially covered can also be viewed in a larger area in that the card 3 lying respectively above it and all the cards 3 lying still further above it can be opened.

FIG. 1 shows the hinge line 8 for the card 3 arranged to the far left and lying in the uppermost region as arrows. It is possible that all the cards 3 have the same width, so that the cards 3 can be attached to the panel 2 and staggered with respect to one another. Further, a corresponding number of hinge lines 8 can likewise be staggered with respect to one another, whereby each card 3 has its own hinge line 8. Through this staggered arrangement of the cards 3, the thickness of the card stack provided on a panel 2 can be kept as small as possible.

FIG. 1 shows a detail section of the cards 3 embodied respectively in an approximately L-shaped or V-shaped manner in cross section, with a long side piece 10 that bears the visible color samples 7, and with a short side piece 11. The short side piece 11 may respectively adhered to the panel 2. A folding line between the two side pieces 10 and 11 can form the hinge axis 8 of the respective card 3 about which the long side piece 10 can be pivoted.

According to another feature of the invention, the hinge line 8 and the corresponding hinge-like pivoted mobility of the card 3 with respect to the panel 2, makes it possible to fold open the card 4 with respect to the panel 2. Further, the flexibility of the card allows for the card 3 not to be folded in an L-shaped or V-shaped manner, but allows the card 3 to adhere to the panel 2 by lying flat against it. In such a case the flexibility of the card material makes it possible to fold open and bend the card 3 along its adhered edge even without a prefabricated bending or folding line.

According to another feature of the invention, FIG. 1 shows the color coat application on the cards 3 provided only on their long side piece 10. However, deviating from this, the color sample 7 can be embodied in a simple manner in terms of production technology as a continuous strip which also extends over the short side piece 11.

According to another feature of the invention, two or more cards 3, or if necessary, all the cards 3 of a panel 2 can have different widths. Wherein, the uppermost card 3 can be embodied as the narrowest and the lowest card 3 can be embodied as the widest, such that these several cards 3 can be pivoted about a single, common hinge line 8.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show the cards of a panel pair 4 arranged symmetrically to the spine 5. With the left panel pair 4 shown in these two exemplary embodiments, the cards 3 are connected to the panel 2 respectively by their edge that is remote from the spine 5 and the hinge line 8.

FIG. 3 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a presentation folder, in which eight, not ten, color samples 7 are provided per card 3. Also with this exemplary embodiment, there are just under 40 cards, of which 3 cards are provided per panel 2.

In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, in this exemplary embodiment the cards 3 of a panel pair 4 are not arranged symmetrically to the spine 5 on the two panels 2. But, in this exemplary embodiment all the cards are attached with an “opening left position,” i.e., the hinge lines 8 of the cards 3 are respectively arranged on the left on both panels 2.

FIG. 4 shows the third exemplary embodiment of a presentation folder 1, in which the cards 3 of a panel pair 4 are respectively attached on the right to the panel 2.

FIG. 5 shows the fourth exemplary embodiment of a presentation folder 1, such that the cards 3 of a panel pair 4 are arranged symmetrically to the spine 5. However, in contrast to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the cards 3 do not have their hinge lines 8 on the edge of the cards 3 remote from the spine 5. Instead the cards 3 are hinged, on the edge of the cards 3 close to the spine 5, so that when panel pair 4 is closed, the individual cards 3 easily lie closely against one another and can thereby move slightly, whereby this movement can take place unimpeded.

FIGS. 3 through 5 show respectively the right edge of the panel pair 4 as a broken line in order to indicate that the entire presentation folder 1 has more than one panel pair 4 and, e.g., like the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, can comprise three panel pairs 4. However, any number of panel pairs 4 can also be provided, e.g., two or four panel pairs 4. Moreover, even with a larger number of panels 2, the leporello-like or concertina-like arrangement of the individual panels makes it possible to view all the color samples 7 at the same time. Especially, since no color samples 7 are arranged on a “reverse” of the presentation folder 1 or of one of the panels 2.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a partial view of the panel 2 and some cards 3 arranged behind them show magnets 9 and the material of the respective panels 2. The differing polarity of the individual magnets 9 is shown by + and − signs, such that when the two panels are in the open position the magnets will not automatically close the panels. However, when the two panels are in the closed position, e.g., arranged parallel to one another and/or closely adjacent to one another, the respectively one + and one − magnet are closely adjacent, so that the panels 2 remain held in their closed position by the magnetic force.

If the same arrangement of magnets is also provided for an adjacent panel pair 4, different magnets can also be attach to one another from one to the next panel pair 4. Wherein, in the closed arrangement of the entire presentation folder 1, a magnetic connection can be achieved not only within a panel pair 4, but also between two adjacent panel pairs 4. Thus, a reliably closed arrangement of the entire presentation folder 1 is retained until it is deliberately opened.

Still referring to FIG. 5, the closure effect of the magnets 9 or other closure type devices can be maximized by arranging the above mentioned devices (magnets 9 and/or type devices) as far as possible from the hinge about which the two panels 2 are to be held in a closed position. The magnets 9 therefore hold closed the two panels 2 of the panel pair 4 shown. However, the magnets 9 with comparatively small closure forces also helps to keep a closed position, for the panel shown on the right of the panel pair 4 with a further panel 2 abutting to the right (not shown). Further, panel 2 connects via a narrow spine 6 (also not shown) to the panel 2 which is viewed on the right in FIG. 5.

Further, it is possible other closure type devices can be used with one or all of the presentation folders presented above, or another embodiment of the presentation folder 1. Moreover, the other closure type devices may be positioned on a panel near the spine 5, and thus further removed from a spine 6 (not shown) so as to provide a closure effect. Further, other closure type devices may be used with a comparable panel 2 shown on the right of FIG. 5, in order to provide optimal support for the panel (no longer shown) abutting to the right, of which panel 2 bears a corresponding closure effect at the appropriate place. Thus, the closure type device may be positioned further removed from the spine and preferably arranged in the half of the panel, removed from the spine 6.

According to another feature of the invention, magnets or other closure type devices connected to the panels 2 can be provided where adjacent panel pairs 4 abut against one another. Since there is a direct contact of the panels 2, other closure type devices other than the magnets 9 can also be used, e.g., elements magnetically corresponding to one another, such as snap-button fasteners or a hook fastener. For example, the two outer panels 2 of a presentation folder 1 can thereby be free of closure type devices or they can feature closure type devices corresponding to one another, such as a fastening encompassing the presentation folder 1. In this regard, the entire presentation folder 1 can be reliably held closed and the color samples are protected, e.g., during transport.

Claims

1-19. (canceled)

20. A presentation folder for color samples, comprising:

at least two panels forming at least one panel pair, wherein the at least two panels are hingedly coupled by a spine to move from a first closed position to a second opened position, wherein in the first closed position the at least two panels are aligned approximately parallel to one another, and interior surfaces of the at least two panels face towards the other, and in the second open position, the interior surfaces of the at least two panels are visible and the at least two panels are aligned to one another at an angle; and

cards composed of color samples are positioned on the interior surface of the at least two panels, and the cards are arranged to partially overlap one another.

21. A device in accordance with claim 20, wherein the at least two panels are aligned to one another at an angle of at least 90° or more.

22. A device in accordance with claim 20, wherein the at least one color sample of the at least one card includes one of a plurality of colors and all colors of a color tone system.

23. A device in accordance with claim 20, wherein the presentation folder includes more than two panels.

24. A device in accordance with claim 23, wherein a number of the more than two panels is one of an even number and at least four panels.

25. A device in accordance with claim 20, wherein the cards are made of one of paper and plastic.

26. A device in accordance with claim 20, wherein the cards arranged on a the at least two panels are one of approximately the same size and are arranged staggered with respect to one another.

27. A device in accordance with claim 20, wherein the cards are one of approximately L-shaped and approximately V-shaped in cross section with at least one side piece that visibly shows the at least one color.

28. A device in accordance with claim 20, wherein the cards are one of approximately L-shaped and approximately V-shaped in cross section having at least one long side piece that visibly shows the at least one color and/or at least one short side is detachably attached to at least one panel of the at least two panels.

29. A device in accordance with claim 27, wherein a folding line arranged between the at least one long side and the at least one short side forms at least one hinge axis about which the at least one long side pivots.

30. A device in accordance with claim 20, wherein the color samples are printed color samples.

31. A device in accordance with claim 20, wherein at least one of the cards is pivotally detachably attached about at least one hinge axis to a panel of the at least two panels, such that when the at least one card is folded open, another card, which is positioned beneath the at least one card, becomes at least partially visible.

32. A device in accordance with claim 31, wherein the another card is positioned beneath the at least one card and partially visible to an extent of one of 50% or more and 80% to 90%.

33. A device in accordance with claim 20, wherein two or more the color samples are arranged along at least one hinge axis, whereby a plurality of the cards are pivotally detachably attached about the at least one hinge axis.

34. A device in accordance with claim 33, wherein the at least one hinge axis runs parallel to the one or more spine.

35. A device in accordance with claim 34, wherein the at least one hinge axis comprises hinge axes positioned respectively on a same side of the at least two panels arranged adjacent one another.

36. A device in accordance with claim 34, wherein the at least one hinge axis comprises hinge axes symmetrically arranged to the spine arranged between the at least two panels.

37. A device in accordance with claim 20, wherein a closure device ensures the at least two panels remain in the first closed position.

38. A device in accordance with claim 37, wherein the closure device comprises at least two magnets.

39. A device in accordance with claim 38, wherein at least one magnet of the at least two magnets is arranged in each panel of the at least two panels to provide a detachable closure effect for the first closed position of the at least two panels, and a magnetic effect of which is determined to allow the at least two panels to remain in the second open position of the at least two panels.

40. A device in accordance with claim 20, wherein at least one further panel of the at least one panel pair is detachably attached to at least one side of the at least panel pair, and that a narrow spine of the one or more spine is provided between the panel pair and the further panel, such that the narrow spine is narrower than the one or more spine arranged between the at least two panels of the at least one panel pair.

41. A device in accordance with claim 40, wherein a closure device ensures the at least two panels remain in the first closed position, such that the closure device is positioned in an approximately half of the at least two panels remote from the narrow spine.