Patents by Inventor Duane Christensen
Duane Christensen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20170225501Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2017Publication date: August 10, 2017Inventors: Duane Christensen, Michael Lasky
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Patent number: 9586432Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: Smead Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Steven Charles Black, Duane Christensen, David Fasbender
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Patent number: 9469148Abstract: A stair-step, expandable file folder is disclosed, in which each pocket in the folder has the same depth, rather than the back pockets being deeper than the front pockets. The folder includes a series of dividers that form the front and back sides of the pockets of the folder. The top edges of the dividers have increasing height, from the front to the back of the folder. The dividers are folded to form the bottoms of the pockets, with the folded portions also increasing in height from the front to the back of the folder. Each divider extends downward to form the back face of a pocket, is folded forward to form the bottom face of the pocket, and is folded downward to extend toward the bottom edge of the folder. The troughs in an expandable gusset support the sides of the dividers. Above the fold portion, the divider laterally extends into one trough. Below the fold portion, the divider laterally extends into the adjacent trough toward the front of the folder.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2015Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: Smead Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Duane Christensen, Tim Blegen, Dennis Bowen, Harold Lindelof
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Patent number: 9296247Abstract: Pocket folders for holding documents and method of manufacture are shown in various embodiments. In one embodiment, a single unitary blank is cut and folded into a double slot folder without the need to glue pieces together. The blank is cut to have adjacent panels and an extension panel cut so that they are folded one panel atop the other to form a unitary pocket folder with two pockets. In a second embodiment, a two pocket folder is formed likewise with three adjacent panels as in the first embodiment, but the extension panel is then wrapped with a back panel to create a second pocket which can be folded outwardly.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Smead Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Duane Christensen, David J. Gilbertson
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Patent number: 9272565Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2013Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Smead Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Steven Charles Black, Duane Christensen, David Fasbender
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Publication number: 20160023497Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2015Publication date: January 28, 2016Inventors: Steven Charles Black, Duane Christensen, David Fasbender
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Publication number: 20140252074Abstract: Pocket folders for holding documents and method of manufacture are shown in various embodiments. In one embodiment, a single unitary blank is cut and folded into a double slot folder without the need to glue pieces together. The blank is cut to have adjacent panels and an extension panel cut so that they are folded one panel atop the other to form a unitary pocket folder with two pockets. In a second embodiment, a two pocket folder is formed likewise with three adjacent panels as in the first embodiment, but the extension panel is then wrapped with a back panel to create a second pocket which can be folded outwardly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: SMEAD MANUFACTURING COMPANYInventors: Duane Christensen, David J. Gilbertson
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Publication number: 20140151441Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2013Publication date: June 5, 2014Inventors: Steven Charles Black, Duane Christensen, David Fasbender
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Publication number: 20140128236Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2014Publication date: May 8, 2014Inventors: Duane Christensen, Michael Lasky
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Patent number: 8596516Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2009Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Smead Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Darryll Dodson, Duane Christensen
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Patent number: 8550330Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Smead Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Steven Charles Black, Duane Christensen, David Fasbender
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Patent number: 8540138Abstract: A stair-step, expandable file folder is disclosed, in which each pocket in the folder has the same depth, rather than the back pockets being deeper than the front pockets. The folder includes a series of dividers that form the front and back sides of the pockets of the folder. The top edges of the dividers have increasing height, from the front to the back of the folder. The dividers are folded to form the bottoms of the pockets, with the folded portions also increasing in height from the front to the back of the folder. Each divider extends downward to form the back face of a pocket, is folded forward to form the bottom face of the pocket, and is folded downward to extend toward the bottom edge of the folder. The troughs in an expandable gusset support the sides of the dividers. Above the fold portion, the divider laterally extends into one trough. Below the fold portion, the divider laterally extends into the adjacent trough toward the front of the folder.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2010Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Smead Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Duane Christensen, Tim Blegen, Dennis Bowen, Harold Peter Lindelof
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Patent number: 8534534Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Smead Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Duane Christensen, Michael B. Lasky
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Patent number: 8425387Abstract: A stair-step, expandable file folder is disclosed, in which each pocket in the folder has the same depth, rather than the back pockets being deeper than the front pockets. The folder is formed from a group of attached dividers. Each divider in the group is generally planar and includes two horizontal folds near a bottom edge of the divider. The divider area above the folds forms a wall of a pocket. The divider area between the folds extends to an adjacent divider and forms the bottom of the pocket. The divider area below the folds is attached to the adjacent divider. The adjacent divider forms an opposing wall of the pocket. When the group of dividers is compressed front-to-back, the dividers all have the same lateral footprint. When the group is expanded front-to-back, the dividers translate vertically, so that the tops of the dividers are all visible simultaneously from the front of the folder.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2010Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Smead Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Duane Christensen, Tim Blegen, Dennis Bowen, Harold Peter Lindelof
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Publication number: 20120125985Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2012Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: Smead Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Duane Christensen, Michael Lasky
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Patent number: 8104669Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Smead Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Duane Christensen, Michael Lasky
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Publication number: 20110290866Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: Smead Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Darryll Dodson, Duane Christensen
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Publication number: 20110079636Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Inventors: Duane Christensen, Michael B. Lasky
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Patent number: D734390Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2013Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: Smead Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Duane Christensen, David J. Gilbertson
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Patent number: D744587Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2015Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: Smead Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Duane Christensen, David J. Gilbertson