Large capacity expandable file folder

Abstract

A large-capacity file folder that includes a support structure including first and second walls in pivoted association for pivoting between closed and open positions. The first and second walls define an angle therebetween, and when the first and second walls are in the open position, the angle is greater than 90°. The file folder also includes an expandable file portion that includes an expansion-limiting member connected to the first and second walls and configured for limiting the pivoting of the first and second walls to the open position, and a plurality of divider panels disposed between the first and second walls and connected in series to the expansion-limiting member to define pockets therebetween. In the closed position, the pockets are collapsed, and in the open position, the pockets are expanded with the divider panels pivoted with respect to each other.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/632,736, filed on Dec. 1, 2004, the entire content of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a portable, multiple pocket, large capacity expandable file folder. In particular, the invention pertains to a wide-mouth expandable file folder having a support structure that can open more than 90° with a file portion fanned open to access the contents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to provide expandable envelopes or folders that include a plurality of individual pockets or compartments for separating documents. Such envelopes or folders must be capable of being shipped or stored in a flat, collapsed state to use shipping or storage space efficiently, and then expanded to receive varying sizes and amounts of contents, such as sheets of paper. Such file folders typically include pockets defined by divider panels of the same size which tend to obscure the identifying indicia located on documents so that, in order to find pertinent documents, a user must at least partially remove documents from their pocket sections for review.

Files are known with dividers, indexing tabs and additional pockets which open from top and securely close for transport. Some cases are known for carrying papers or the like that provide access to the interior of the case without requiring that the top closure of the case be fully opened.

Some files provide a convenient system for storing and transporting different types of documents in a single wallet structure having different filing systems. U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,080 discloses a combination of a filing pouch having a foldable and enveloping flap, and an expandable filing case subdivided into a plurality of file pockets by divider sheets. The sides of the filing case are constructed with pleated, accordion folds so that as the filing case front cover is drawn away from the top of the rear filing case cover, for example at an angle of about 300 or so, the contents of the filing case between the indexed, tabbed dividers in the individual pockets are readily visible.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,516,927 discloses a case for carrying papers or the like that provides access to the interior of the case without requiring that the top closure of the case be fully opened. Additionally, the carrying case provides access to the interior at a side of the case as well as at the top of the case. The case provides access to the papers in the interior of the case such that the papers are presented at an angle thereby permitting easy inspection, selection and removal thereof. For example, a wall of the case can be opened at an angle of about 45° or so to access the contents therein.

There remains a need for a file folder that can separate documents and make effective use of available space while facilitating the identification of documents and providing easy access to them.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a file folder with a plurality of internal pockets therein. In a preferred embodiment, the file folder includes a support structure including first and second walls in pivoted association for pivoting between closed and open positions. The first and second walls define an angle therebetween, and when the first and second walls are in the open position, the angle is greater than 90°. An expandable file portion includes an expansion-limiting member connected to the first and second walls and configured for limiting the pivoting of the first and second walls to the open position, and a plurality of divider panels disposed between the first and second walls and connected in series to the expansion-limiting member to define pockets therebetween. In the closed position, the pockets are collapsed, and in the open position, the pockets are expanded with the divider panels pivoted with respect to each other.

Preferably, the expansion-limiting member includes an expandable sidewall attached to the first and second walls and configured to expand and collapse between the open and closed positions of the first and second walls. The expandable sidewall preferably defines at least one side of the pockets. The expandable sidewall also preferably include accordion pleats for expanding and collapsing. In one embodiment, the expandable file portion of the file folder is configured to fan open in an arcuate shape.

Preferably, the expandable sidewall includes at least two expandable sidewalls disposed on opposite sides of the pockets. The divider panels are preferably connected between the two expandable sidewalls to define wedge-shaped pockets in the open position. The expandable file portion also preferably includes an expandable and collapsible bottom wall connected to at least one of the expansion-limiting member or the divider panels to define the bottom portion of the wedge-shaped pockets. In one embodiment, the bottom wall includes accordion pleats for expanding and collapsing. The bottom wall can also preferably include first and second end portions and an intermediate portion disposed therebetween. Preferably, the intermediate portion is substantially free from the support structure for moving with respect thereto. In another embodiment, the support structure includes a spine pivotally connected between the first and second walls and disposed facing the intermediate portion of the bottom wall, and the bottom wall is moveable towards and away from the spine.

Preferably, the divider panels define at least eight pockets between the first and second walls. The first and second walls are also preferably substantially more rigid than the expansion-limiting member and the divider panels.

In one embodiment, the file folder further includes at least one stiffener in stiffening association with the expansion-limiting member to inhibit or prevent collapse, preferably radial or axial collapse, of the expansion file portion when the first and second walls are in the open position. Preferably, the stiffener includes two spaced circumferentially-facing walls substantially aligned with the divider panels, and an axially-facing wall substantially aligned with the expansion-limiting member and connecting the circumferentially-facing walls. The circumferentially-facing walls also preferably have a stiffness greater than the stiffness of the divider panels. In the closed position, the stiffener is preferably generally aligned with the divider panels. The file folder can also include at least one tether connected between the stiffener and either the first or second wall. The tether is preferably operable to keep the stiffener upright when the file folder is fully opened and to aid in supporting the weight of the contents of the pockets.

The file folder can also include a spine that connects the first and second walls. In one embodiment, the spine is substantially rigid and includes first and second hinges connected to the first and second walls in hinged association. In another embodiment, the spine is flexible for flexing when the first and second walls are moved between the open and closed positions.

Preferably, the file folder includes a cover panel associated with one of the first or second walls and configured to extend over and across the file portion between the first and second walls when the first and second walls are in the closed position. The file folder preferably further includes a closure member configured to secure the cover panel in the closed position. In one embodiment, the file folder includes first and second cover panels, wherein the first cover panel is associated with the first wall and the second cover panel is associated with the second wall. The first and second cover panels can each include a plurality of ribs operable to interlock with each other to selectively close the file folder.

The present invention thus provides a novel file folder with improved access to the contents therein when the file folder is in the open position, and also has a compact profile for portability when the file folder is in the closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable, wide-mouth, large capacity expandable file folder according to the present invention in a closed position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view thereof in a fully open position, resting on a flat surface;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the open file folder of FIG. 2, as viewed from the opposite side;

FIG. 4 is a side view thereof in a half-open position;

FIG. 5 is a partial cutaway perspective view of another embodiment of the file folder according to the present invention in the fully open position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portable, wide-mouth, large capacity expandable file folder according to the present invention in a closed position; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view thereof in a partially open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a left and front side perspective view of one preferred embodiment of a portable, wide-mouth, large capacity expandable file folder 10 in a closed position. The file folder 10 includes a support structure that includes a first wall 12 and associated first closure flap or cover panel 14, a spine 15 and a second wall 16 with an associated second closure flap or cover panel 18. As shown, the spine or center panel 15 is resting on a surface 19 and the first closure flap 14 is interlocked with the second closure flap 18. An expandable file section or portion 20 is positioned between the first wall 12 and second wall 16. An expandable file mechanism 21 includes a first guide 22 connected to the first wall 12, a second guide 24 connected to the second wall 16, and a central axis pin 26 rotatably connecting the first 22 and second 24 guides together. Preferably, the first and second guides are hinges connected, such as by hinge pins, in hinged association with each other. Another, preferably identical, expandable file mechanism 23 (shown in FIG. 3) is located on the opposite side of the file folder above the spine 15 and includes two guides, each connected to one of the first wall 12 and second wall 16. The functioning of the expandable file mechanisms 21 and 23 will be described in detail below. When the file folder 10 is in the closed configuration as shown in FIG. 1, it may be easily transported or stored, and any items contained therein are safely secured.

As shown in FIG. 1, the file folder 10 preferably has dimensions for carrying relatively larger-sized items, for example, papers of various standard sizes. Preferably, the file folder 10 has a length 52 at least about 8 inches and at most about 16 inches. More preferably, the length 52 is between about 10 and 12 inches. The file folder 10 also preferably has a height 56 at least about 6 inches and at most about 14 inches. More preferably, the height 56 is between about 8 and 10 inches. The spine 15 of the file folder 10 has a width 54 of at least about 1 inch and at most about 6 inches. More preferably, the width 54 in the closed position is between about 2 and 4 inches.

FIG. 2 illustrates the file folder 10 of FIG. 1 in the fully open position, resting on a surface. In this fully open position, the file folder is preferably fanned to an open arcuate shape, and the first wall 12, first closure flap 14, spine 15, second wall 16, and second closure flap 18 all lie in substantially the same plane on the surface. The opposing, generally semi-circular, expandable bellows arrangements 40 and 42 are preferably fully deployed to provide full access to all of the file pockets 30. Thus, the file folder 10 opens like a large book, similar to a “coffee-table” book, so that substantially all of the materials within the file pockets 30 are presented and easily accessible to a user. As shown, each of the file pockets has a generally wide opening and is wedge or pie-shaped. The expandable file mechanism 21 is a hinged mechanism, and when the file folder is fully opened the first guide 22 and the second guide 24 have been rotated to overlap above the spine 15. The expandable file mechanisms 21 and 23 function to support the pockets of file pocket structure 30. Preferably, the spine 15 is made of flexible material such that the spine can flex away and towards the expandable file section 20 when the first and second walls 12,16 are moved between the open and closed positions.

The sidewalls of the folder are preferably expansion-limiting members, and include first and second expandable bellows arrangements 40 and 42 that are accordion-pleated so that they can expand when the folder is open and then fold flat when the folder is closed, and form the sidewalls of each of the plurality of separate pockets 30. The expandable bellows arrangements are preferably connected to the first and second walls 12,16 and configured for limiting the pivoting of the first and second walls 12,16 to the open position. The expandable bellows arrangements 40 and 42 may be made of a durable elastic material, and include a plurality of generally pie-shaped or wedge-shaped portions that are accordion pleated in a conventional manner. Each opposing pie-shaped portion forms the sidewalls of a pocket between two divider panels 25. The expandable nature of the file 10 is provided by the arrangement of the divider panels and the pie-shaped bellows portions. A rigid central divider panel 26 is provided to provide additional support for the file structure. Preferably, the central panel 26 acts as a stiffener, and may be fabricated from thicker and/or more rigid material than the divider panels 25 for reasons which are explained below.

FIG. 2 also illustrates a pair of tethers 28 and 29 associated with the first expandable bellows arrangement 40, which are provided to support the file structure and to ensure that the first expandable bellows arrangement 40 does not absorb undue strain which may cause it to rip or tear. In an embodiment, an additional set of tethers 43 and 44 (see FIG. 3) is associated with the second expandable bellows arrangement 42. Preferably, the tethers 28 and 29 (plus 43 and 44) are associated with the center divider panel 26 to form a suspension-bridge type construction, wherein the center divider panel 26 is kept in an upright position by the tethers when the file is fully open to help support the weight of the contents of the pockets. The tether arrangements also act as a stop so that the file pockets 31 and 38 (see FIG. 3) that are located adjacent to the first wall 12 and the second wall 14, respectively, do not disgorge their contents under the force of gravity when the file folder 10 is fully opened. In particular, when the file folder 10 is being opened, the tethers prevent the first wall 12 and second wall 16 from forming an angle greater than about 180 degrees with each other.

The first closure flap 14 preferably includes a plurality of ridges or ribs 13 that are designed to interlock with a plurality of ribs 17 of the second closure flap 18 when the file is closed, as shown in FIG. 1. The staggered arrangement of the ribs permits an incremental and adjustable engagement to be made, to accommodate the thickness of the file folder 10 depending upon the quantity and thickness of items, such as documents or papers contained within the file pockets 30. In an implementation, the first and second closure flaps are made of a thermal-formed plastic such that the ribs snap together to form a definitive seal so that the user is aware that the file is securely closed. It should be understood, however, that other adjustable closure arrangements and/or devices could be used instead of interlocking ribs on the closure flaps. For example, the closure flap 14 could include a first portion of a fastening device or closure member, such as a plurality of hooks of a hook and loop fastener or a magnet of a magnetic fastener, whereas the second closure flap could include the second portion of such fastening devices or closure members. A closure flap configuration may be arranged to ensure that the file will be as flat as possible when in the closed position.

FIG. 3 is side view of the open file folder 10 of FIG. 2, as viewed from the opposite side or from the perspective of the side containing the second expandable bellows arrangement 42. The file folder 10 is fully opened and sitting on a surface 7, so that access is provided to each of the file pockets 31 to 38. Tethers 43 and 44 are fully deployed and are connected between the central divider 26 and the first and second walls 12 and 16, respectively. The tethers 43 and 44 (and 28 and 29) may be a cord made from a non-stretchable fabric, for example.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the file folder 10 of FIG. 3 in a substantially 90 degree or half-open position, wherein the pockets 35 to 38 are accessible to a user, and the pockets 31 to 34 are folded closed. In this position, the second wall 16 is substantially perpendicular to the first wall 12 and the tether 43 is supporting the central divider 26. The tether 44 is coiled or folded upon itself as shown. It should be understood that the opposite configuration, wherein file pockets 31 to 34 are accessible and pockets 35 to 38 are folded, can also be obtained. In an implementation, guides 46 and 48 of the second expandable file mechanism 23 (and the guides 22 and 24 of the first expandable file mechanism 21) include distinct mechanical stops (not shown) at the 90 degree and at 180 degree (FIG. 3) positions to provide added support for the file folder when the first and second walls are opened by a user to these positions. One skilled in the art knows how to provide such mechanical stops, and also could provide additional stops at other intermediate positions, for example between 90 degrees and 180 degrees, if desired.

FIG. 5 is a detailed, partial cutaway top perspective view of another embodiment of the file folder 10 in the fully open position. In this implementation, each pocket 32 to 34 includes an additional, reduced size or small document pocket 50 positioned on each divider panel 25 (or 26). The reduces size pockets 50 may be embossed with a ribbed pattern to enhance divider rigidity. These small pockets 50 may function as a handy accessory pouch for storing smaller items such as note cards, paper clips and the like.

FIG. 6 shows another preferred embodiment of a portable, wide-mouth, large capacity expandable file folder 60 in a closed position. The file folder 60 preferably has a support structure configured to support the expandable file section or portion 70. The support structure includes panels such as the first wall 62 and second wall 68. An expandable file portion 70 is preferably defined between the first wall 62 and the second wall 68, and includes expansion-limiting sidewalls 71 and divider panels 94. The first and second walls 62, 68 are preferably substantially more rigid than the sidewalls 71 and divider panels 94 contained therebetween. Preferably, the file folder 60 has similar dimensions as those previously disclosed for the embodiment of the file folder 10.

Preferably, the first wall 62 is pivotally associated with second wall 68 and substantially encloses pockets of a file pocket structure or file portion 100, shown in FIG. 7. More preferably, the first and second walls 62,68 are in hinged association. Walls 62,68 can pivot between an open file position 59, shown in phantom in FIG. 7, and a closed file position, shown in FIG. 6. The spine 72 is preferably substantially rigid and pivotally connects first wall and second wall 62,68. The first wall 62, second wall 68, and spine 72 are preferably connected by hinges, such as living hinges 111.

The first and second walls 62,68 define an angle 112 therebetween, and the file folder can preferably fan open to the open position such that the angle 112 between the walls is greater than 90°. First wall 62 and second wall 68 can also be attached to expansion-limiting sidewalls 90,92 that are configured for limiting the pivoting of the first and second walls to the open position.

FIG. 7 illustrates the file folder 60 of FIG. 6 in a partially open position. In the open position 59, the opposing, generally semi-circular, expandable sidewalls 90,92 are deployed in an arcuate shape to provide access to majority of the file pockets 101-108, with the pockets facing radially away from the pivoting axis 58 and open to access the contents thereof.

The sidewalls of the file folder include first and second expandable sidewalls 90,92 that preferably include accordion pleats in a bellows arrangement for collapsing and expanding. The sidewalls 90,92 also preferably include integral dividers panels 94, which partition the pockets 101-108 of the file pocket structure 100. Outer pockets are also defined between the outer-most dividers and the first and second walls 62,68, respectively. In the closed position, the pockets 101-108 collapse upon each other, and in the open position, the pockets 101-108 expand with the divider panels pivoting away from each other. The expandable sidewalls 90,92 may be made of durable elastic material, and are preferably configured to expand and collapse when the first and second walls 62,68 pivot between the open and closed positions.

The wedge-shaped pockets 101, shown in FIG. 7, preferably defined by the expandable sidewalls on either axial side and by sequential divider panels, can include accordion pleated expandable and collapsible bottom wall 99. The bottom wall 99 may be attached to the divider panels 94 or at least one of the expandable sidewalls 90,92. The bottom wall 99 preferably includes opposing end portions 114 and an intermediate portion 116 therebetween. As shown in FIG. 7, the end portions are preferably connected to or near the support structure, leaving the intermediate portion 116 substantially free from the opposing spine 72 such that the intermediate portion 116 can move with respect to the spine 72, for example away from and towards the spine 72, when the file folder 60 is pivoted from the open to closed positions.

Preferably, file folder 60 also includes at least one stiffener 76 in stiffening association with the expansion-limiting member 71 to provide for additional support and inhibit or prevent collapse of the expansion file portion 70 in the open position, as shown in FIG. 7, or closed position, as shown in FIG. 6. The stiffener 76 preferably prevents radial and axial collapse of the expansion file portion. In the closed position, the stiffener 76 is preferably generally aligned with the divider panels. As shown in FIG. 7, the stiffener 76 also defines a rigid pocket 118 defined between two sequential divider panels 94 that is relatively more rigid that the other pockets 101-108 due to the stiffener 76 comprising the axial sidewalls of the rigid pocket 118. Advantageously, the increased rigidity of the rigid pocket 118 provides added protection and security for containing relatively fragile or important items therein.

In one embodiment, the stiffener has a box-like configuration and includes two spaced circumferentially-facing walls substantially aligned with the divider panels, and an axially-facing wall substantially aligned with the expansion-limiting sidewalls and connecting the circumferentially-facing walls. Preferably, the axially-facing wall has a width that spans at least half the angular width of a pocket wall defined between two sequential dividers 110. Additionally, the circumferentially-facing walls of the stiffener preferably have a greater stiffness than that of the divider panels 94 and sidewalls 71.

The wedge-shaped pockets 101-108 are preferably configured such that the file folder has a large capacity for holding contents therein. Preferably, the capacity is at least large enough to contain papers of standard sizes, such as letter, legal, A3, and A4. Pockets 101-108 can also be larger and configured to accommodate the needs of artists, cartographers and drafts people. Other embodiments that include pockets to accommodate personal checks, business cards, currency, and receipts are possible. The number of pockets is configurable according to the desired application of the file folder. Additionally, indexing extensions 98 may be associated with each pocket such that the extensions are viewable in open file position, shown in FIG. 7.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the top closure member of file folder 60 is preferably formed from a first cover panel 66 pivotally associated with the first wall 62 and a second cover panel 64 pivotally associated with the second wall 68. Preferably, the first cover panel 66 includes a handle 80 that extends through an opening 84 in the second cover panel 64 to secure the file folder in the closed position. Additionally, the second cover panel 64 may include a first portion of a closure member, such as a button or other fixed member 88, where as the first cover panel 66 or first wall 62 may include the second portion 86 of such closure member, such as a flexible loop. As shown in FIG. 6, the button 88 is preferably fixed to the surface of the second cover panel 64 and a portion of the flexible loop 86 is fixed to the first wall 62 such that the loop 86 may be extended over the second cover panel 64 and attached around the button 88 to securely fasten the second cover panel 64 over the first cover panel 66 and to the first wall 62. Other fastening mechanisms may also be used to secure the cover panels as is known in the art. A closure flap configuration may be arranged to ensure that the file will be maintained as flat as possible when in the closed position. In other embodiments, the file folder may include a single cover panel with a closure member for covering and securing the expandable file portion in the closed position.

In the file folder embodiments illustrated in the figures, the first wall and the second wall are generally rectangularly-shaped and equal in size; however, it should be noted that the first and second walls of the file folder may be of any suitable configuration and relative size. Similarly, the divider panels are generally rectangularly-shaped and have dimensions slightly smaller than those of the first and second walls, but the dividers may also be of any suitable configuration and relative size. It is contemplated that the file folder may be dimensioned to accept documents or sheets of paper, but it could also be of larger or smaller dimensions to accept other items. In addition, a portion or all of the first and second walls may be made of a transparent or translucent material to enable a user to generally discern the contents of the file folder before opening it, or to house a colored insert or other signage therein.

The various components of the file folder may primarily be made of a cardboard material. It is contemplated, however, that certain components would be made of more durable or rigid materials. For example, the file support structure and/or divider panels may be made of materials such as light-weight plastic, urethane foam sheet stock material, durable and semi-rigid plastic material, a polymer sheet stock material, a rubber material, an elastomer material, a durable composite material and/or combinations of such materials. The expandable sidewalls maybe made of a light-weight and durable mesh or cloth material, and the guides of the expandable file mechanisms may be made of sheet steel, or other metal, or rigid composite material. The tethers may be made of a non-stretch, fabric-wrapped cord material, or of a high-strength monofilament line, or of a wire material, as appropriate. Various or all components of such a file folder may be injection molded from plastic using known techniques. In general, the materials used to form the wide-mouth file folder will be chosen to provide a light-weight but durable folder, and may depend on the size and weight of the article(s) to be placed within the folder.

The term “about,” as used herein, should generally be understood to refer to both the corresponding number and a range of numbers. Moreover, all numerical ranges herein should be understood to include each whole integer within the range.

One of skill in the art would understood that, although ten pockets (including the outer pockets defined between the outer-most dividers and the first and second walls) are shown in the configuration of FIGS. 2, 3, and 7, more or less pockets could be formed depending on such considerations as the overall size of the folder 10, 60 and its intended use. For example, the file folder includes at least two pockets and at most twenty pockets, depending on the size of the contents that the file folder is designed to contain. In addition, the file folder 10,60 and the divider panels may be formed of any desired shape, and the maximum expansion of the pockets can be adjusted by varying the dimensions of the pie-shaped portions. Consequently, although a particular embodiment has been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that various changes and modifications could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A file folder, comprising:

a support structure including first and second walls in pivoted association for pivoting between closed and open positions, the first and second walls defining an angle therebetween, wherein when the first and second walls are in the open position, the angle is greater than 90°; and

an expandable file portion, comprising: an expansion-limiting member connected to the first and second walls and configured for limiting the pivoting of the first and second walls to the open position, and a plurality of divider panels disposed between the first and second walls and connected in series to the expansion-limiting member to define pockets therebetween, such that in the closed position, the pockets are collapsed, and in the open position, the pockets are expanded with the divider panels pivoted with respect to each other.

2. The file folder of claim 1, wherein the expansion-limiting member comprises an expandable sidewall attached to the first and second walls and configured to expand and collapse between the open and closed positions of the first and second walls.

3. The file folder of claim 2, wherein the expandable sidewall defines at least one side of the pockets.

4. The file folder of claim 3, wherein the expandable sidewall comprises at least two expandable sidewalls disposed on opposite sides of the pockets.

5. The file folder of claim 2, wherein the expandable sidewall comprises accordion pleats for expanding and collapsing.

6. The file folder of claim 2, wherein the expandable file portion is configured to fan open in an arcuate shape.

7. The file folder of claim 6, wherein the divider panels are connected between the two expandable sidewalls to define wedge-shaped pockets in the open position.

8. The file folder of claim 7, wherein the expandable file portion comprises an expandable and collapsible bottom wall connected to at least one of the expansion-limiting member or the divider panels to define the bottom portion of the wedge-shaped pockets, the bottom wall further comprising first and second end portions and a intermediate portion disposed therebetween, wherein the intermediate portion is substantially free from the support structure for moving with respect thereto.

9. The file folder of claim 8, wherein the support structure comprises a spine pivotally connected between the first and second walls and disposed facing the central portion of the bottom wall, and the bottom wall is moveable towards and away from the spine.

10. The file folder of claim 1, wherein the divider panels define at least eight pockets between the first and second walls.

11. The file folder of claim 1, wherein the first and second walls are substantially more rigid than the expansion-limiting member and the divider panels.

12. The file folder in claim 1, further comprising at least one stiffener in stiffening association with the expansion-limiting member to inhibit or prevent collapse of the expansion file portion when the first and second walls are in the open position.

13. The file folder in claim 12, wherein the stiffener is configured to inhibit or prevent radial collapse of the expansion file portion when the first and second walls are in the open position.

14. The file folder in claim 12, wherein the stiffener is configured to inhibit or prevent axial collapse of the expansion file portion when the first and second walls are in the open position.

15. The file folder in claim 12, wherein the stiffener comprises two spaced circumferentially-facing walls substantially aligned with the divider panels, and an axially-facing wall substantially aligned with the expansion-limiting member and connecting the circumferentially-facing walls.

16. The file folder of claim 12, wherein the stiffener extends axially across the pockets and is generally aligned with the divider panels in the closed position.

17. The file folder of claim 1, further comprising a spine that is substantially rigid and comprises first and second hinges connected to the first and second walls in hinged association.

18. The file folder of claim 1, further comprising a flexible spine configured for flexing when the first and second walls are moved between the open and closed positions.

19. The file folder of claim 1, further comprising:

a cover panel associated with one of the first or second walls and configured to extend over and across the file portion between the first and second walls when the first and second walls are in the closed position, and

a closure member configured to secure the cover panel in the closed position.

20. The file folder of claim 19, wherein the cover panel comprises first and second cover panels, wherein the first cover panel is associated with the first wall and the second cover panel is associated with the second wall, the first and second cover panels each including a plurality of ribs operable to interlock with each other to selectively close the file folder.

21. A file folder, comprising:

a support structure including first and second walls in pivotable association for pivoting between closed and open positions; and

an expandable file portion, comprising: at least one expansion-limiting member connected to the first and second walls and configured for limiting the pivoting of the first and second walls to the open position, a plurality of divider panels disposed between the first and second walls and connected in series to the expansion-limiting member to define pockets therebetween, such that in the closed position, the pockets are collapsed, and in the open position, the pockets are expanded with the divider panels pivoted with respect to each other, and at least one stiffener generally aligned with the divider panels and in stiffening association with the expansion-limiting member to inhibit or prevent collapse of the expansion file portion when the first and second walls are in the open position.

22. The file folder of claim 21, further comprising at least one tether connected between the stiffener and either the first or second wall, the tether operable to keep the stiffener upright when the file folder is fully opened and to aid in supporting the weight of the contents of the pockets.