Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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FILE FOLDER
[0001] This application is a divisional of Canadian Patent Application No.
2,679,058
filed February 21, 2008 for "FILE FOLDER".
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to file folders. Some
exemplary file
folders are hanging type file folders and some are of the type referred to as
"manila" file
folders. Some of the hanging file folders have hangers with bends so that the
top of the
receptacle is substantially beneath a rail or other structure suspending the
file folder. Some of
the manila file folders, and related methods, are configured such that a tab
of the folder may
be located in a selectable position of a plurality of positions across the top
of the folder.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Hanging file folders, for use in storage units such as file
cabinets, desk
drawers, and the like ("office storage equipment"), are commonly found in
modern offices
and businesses. Such folders may be formed by a sheet of heavy material with a
central
horizontal fold which forms the folder's bottom and open sides. Folds are also
typically
provided in the file's top edges through which suspension bars or rods are
movably or
immovably fixed. The ends of these bars or rods are typically exposed and may
be notched,
enabling the file to hang on the top edges of office storage equipment, or
hang on rails within
office storage equipment, or hang on rails of a file frame inside office
storage equipment.
Such folders may have a series of spaced-apart slots adjacent the top to
receive lugs of index
tabs for labeling the contents of the folders. Exemplary index tabs may be
constructed of
flexible clear plastic and form a folded structure that includes a message
holder portion in
which a paper message-carrying insert can be placed, and a base portion which
includes two
lugs for mounting the tab into the slots of the slotted file folder.
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[0004] It is not uncommon for users to be frustrated using manila file
folders inside
hanging files. One source of this frustration is the fact that a very common
US manila file
folder size has a tab that is about 9.5 inches from central fold to the top of
the tab, which is
about the same depth as a very common US hanging file folder. Consequently,
the tabs are
largely or entirely within the file folder, and text on the tab cannot be read
without either
opening the hanging file folder or sliding the rnanila folder out far enough
to read the tab.
Another source of frustration is the fact that often the rails inside office
storage equipment,
and thus hanging file folders suspended from those rails, are located very
near to an upper
edge defining a drawer opening in the office storage equipment. Consequently,
even if
manila folders are sized taller to extend over the top of hanging file
folders, they are bent and
folded each time the drawer is opened and closed. Before long, the tabs of
such manila
folders are folded over or even detached from the folder, rendering them
useless.
SUMMARY
[0005] According to the present invention, file folders are provided having
special
hangers from which a receptacle is suspended so that the top of the receptacle
is located
substantially beneath a rail-engaging portion of the hangers (with the rail or
other structure
suspending the file folder via the hangers) and/or beneath a top of the rail
or other supporting
structure. The hangers may be have bends (e.g., physically bent or stamped
with bends in the
stamping) so that the top of the receptacle is far enough beneath the rail-
engaging portion of
the hangers and/or beneath a top of the rail or other supporting structure
that the top of the tab
of a manila folder is not moved or bent when closed in office storage
equipment (e.g., top of
the tab of a manila folder is beneath the rail-engaging portion of the hangers
and/or beneath a
top of the rail or other supporting structure and/or beneath an upper edge
defining an opening
in the office storage equipment). Further, the hangers may have bends so that
the distance
between the top of the receptacle and the tab of a manila folder inside the
hanging file folder
is sufficient such that a user may read text on the tab without pulling it
from the hanging file
folder. The hangers of the file folder may also be collapsible for use outside
the office
storage equipment. The hangers may also have a grip, or handle, for removal of
the file
folder from the office storage equipment.
[0006] Further, the present invention provides a file folder and a method
of using the
file folder such that the tab of the folder may be located in a selected
position of a plurality of
positions across the top of the folder. The file folder, which may be made
from a single piece
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of material, may be folded in multiple directions and along multiple fold
locations to produce
folders having tabs at the various locations. As such, only one type of folder
(and one type of
folder die) is required to organize a file folder system such that the
location of the tab is
different from one folder to the next. This simplifies manufacturing and
stocking and helps
prevent a common situation of running out of file folders with a tab at one
position, but still
having a number of file folders in a different location. For example, the
sheet may be cut and
a folder may be folded such that the tab may be located in any of four
different positions (i.e.,
Left, Left Center, Right Center, and Right), any of three different positions
(i.e., Left, Center,
and Right), or any of two different positions (i.e., Left and Right).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Figs. 1-4 are various views of a file folder according to an
exemplary
embodiment of the invention, wherein Fig. 1 is a partial cut away perspective
view and Fig. 4
shows the suspension bars unattached from the file folder;
[0008] Figs. 5 and 6 are top plan views of suspension bars according to
another
exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0009] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the exemplary file folder shown in
Figs. 1-4,
wherein multiple file folders are shown hanging from rails inside exemplary
office storage
equipment;
[0010] Figs. 8 and 9 are various views of the exemplary file folder shown
in Figs. 1-4,
wherein the file folder has an exemplary removable index tab;
[0011] Figs. 10-14 are various views of the exemplary removable index tab
shown in
Figs. 8 and 9;
[0012] Figs. 15 and 16 are various views of a file folder according to
another
exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein Fig. 15 is a partial cut away
perspective
view;
[0013] Figs. 17 and 18 are various views of a file folder according to
another
exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein Fig. 17 is a partial cut away
perspective
view;
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[00141 Figs. 19-21 are various views of a file folder according to another
exemplary
embodiment of the invention, wherein Fig. 19 is a partial cut away perspective
view and Fig.
21 shows a die cut of the material fonning the receptacle of the file folder;
[0015] Figs. 22 and 25 are various views of a file folder according to
another
exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein the hangers of the file folder
are attached to
the suspension bars and Fig. 22 is a partial cut away perspective view;
[00161 Figs. 26-29 are various views of a file folder according to another
exemplary
embodiment of the invention, wherein the file folder has one suspension bar;
100171 Figs. 30-33 are various views of a file folder according to another
exemplary
embodiment of the invention, wherein the hangers of the file folder are
collapsible and Figs.
30 and 33 are partial cut away perspective views;
[0018] Figs. 34-35 are partial cut away perspective views of a file folder
according to
another exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein the hangers of the file
folder are
collapsible;
[0019] Figs. 36-39 are various views of a hanging file folder according to
another
exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein the file folder has a handle,
Fig. 36 is a
partial cut away perspective view, and Fig. 39 shows the suspension bars
unattached from the
file folder;
[0020] Fig. 40 is a perspective view of the exemplary file folder shown in
Figs. 36-
39, wherein multiple file folders are shown hanging from rails inside office
storage
equipment;
[0021] Figs. 41-43 are various views of a hanging file folder according to
another
exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein the file folder has a handle
and Fig. 41 is a
partial cut away perspective view;
[00221 Figs. 44-46 are various views of a hanging file folder according to
another
exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein the file folder has a handle
and Fig. 44 is a
partial cut away perspective view;
100231 Figs. 47-50 are various views of a file folder and method of using
the file
folder according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;
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[0024] Figs. 51 and 52 are various views of a file folder and method of
using the file
folder according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0025] Figs. 53 and 54 are various views of a file folder and method of
using the file
folder according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention; and
10025A] Fig. 55 is a front elevational view of an exemplary folder showing
various
dimensions of the folder.
DESCRIPTION
[0026] The figures show various views of exemplary hanging file folders
with special
hangers permitting a manila file folder to be held within the receptacle of
the file folder in
such a manner that the tab is viewable from above inside office storage
equipment (such as an
open drawer or cabinet) and a tab of the manila folder is not bent when closed
in the office
storage equipment. The figures also show a file folder and depict a method of
using the file
folder such that the tab of the folder may be located in numerous positions
across the top of
the folder.
[0027] An exemplary hanging file folder for use in a piece of office
storage equipment
may comprise a sheet of material having a central fold, a first edge, and a
second edge,
wherein the central fold forms a bottom, a first side, and a second side of
the file folder, the
first edge defining a top of the first side of the file folder, and the second
edge defining a top
of the second side of the file folder. The exemplary file folder may include a
first suspension
bar and a second suspension bar, each suspension bar having two ends, wherein
the first
suspension bar is affixed to the first edge and the second suspension bar is
affixed to the
second edge. Each end of each suspension bar may be exposed and has a rail
supporting
portion that enables the file folder to suspend from rails inside the piece of
office storage
equipment. The exposed ends of at least one suspension bar each have a bend
such that at
least one edge of the file folder is a substantial distance beneath the rail
supporting portions of
the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar. This exemplary embodiment
may be used
with a manila folder having a height between a fold and the top of the tab of
about 9.5 inches
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(e.g., 9.5 inches +/- 1/1 6 inch). With such a manila folder inside the
exemplary hanging file
folder, with the fold Of the manila folder resting on the bottom al the file
folder when the file .
folder is suspended from rails inside- the piece of ()MCC equipment, the tab
of the manila
folder extends above at least one edge a distance sufficient to permit a user
to read text on the
tab without having to pull the manila folder from the file folder.
Additionally, in this example,
the top of the tab of the manila folder is no more than 0.1 inches above a top
portion of the
exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar. In this example, the first
edge
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may be defined by a first edge fold and the second edge may be defined by a
second edge
fold, with the first edge fold forming a first pocket along the top of the
first side and the
second edge fold forming a second pocket along the top of the second side. The
first
suspension bar may be at least partially disposed within the first pocket and
the second
suspension bar may be at least partially disposed within the second pocket.
[0028] The top
edges (e.g., top of the edge folds) may be substantially beneath a rail-
supporting portion of the suspension bar by various different suitable amounts
in different
embodiments (e.g., dimension A in Fig. 55), e.g., by: at least 0.25"; at least
0.4"; at least
0.47" or 0.48"; about 0.3" to 0.7"; about 0.4" to 0.6"; about 0.47" to 0.52";
or about 0.48".
Similarly, the top edges may be substantially beneath a top portion of the
suspension bar by
various different suitable amounts in different embodiments (e.g., dimension B
in Fig. 55),
e.g., by: at least 0.25"; at least 0.5"; at least 0.6"; about 0.4" to 0.8";
about 0.5" to 0.7"; about
0.61" to 0.63"; or about 0.62". Further, the distance between the top edges
and the top of the
tab of the 9.5" manila folder inserted into the file folder may be various
different suitable
amounts in different embodiments (e.g., dimension C in Fig. 55), e.g., at
least 0.4"; at least
0.5"; at least 0.7", about 0.6" to 0.8"; or about 0.'7". This distance may be
along the entire
length of the top edge beneath the tab or at least a portion of the entire
length. Further, the
distance the tab of the 9.5" manila folder inserted into the file folder
extends above the top of
the suspension bars may be various different suitable amounts in different
embodiments (e.g.,
dimension D in Fig. 55), e.g., no more than 0.1"; no more than 0.09"; about
0.05" to 0.1"; or
about 0.085". In certain embodiments, the tab of a manila folder inserted into
the file folder
may be slightly below the top of the suspension bar by about 0.05" to 0.1" or
be substantially
aligned with the top. Thus, the top of the file folder is low enough to read
the tab of the
manila folder.
[0029] An
exemplary file folder may include a removable tab attached to at least one
side of the file folder such that a user may read a label within the removable
tab when the file
folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment. In this
embodiment, the
tab of a manila folder inserted in the file folder extends above the at least
one edge fold a
distance sufficient to permit a user to read text on the tab without having to
pull the manila
folder from the file folder. The user may also read text on the label above
the tab of the
manila folder. Further, an exemplary file folder may have at least one pocket
that runs along
at least one entire top edge of at least one side of the file folder. For
example, a first pocket
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may run along the entire top edge of the first side of the file folder and a
second pocket may
run along the entire top edge of the second side of the file folder.
100301 An exemplary file folder may also have at least one handle
operatively
connected to the file folder and configured such that a user may carry the
file folder upright.
In some embodiments, the at least one handle is operatively connected to at
least one
suspension bar. The at least one handle may protrude through an opening in the
file folder,
for example s'uch as an edge fold, a side, or a pocket. The at least one
handle may be
integrally formed as part of the at least one suspension bar, for example
fonned from a set of
bends or rounded. An exemplary file folder may have more than one handle. For
example,
some exemplary file folders have two handles, each handle being operatively
connected to
one of the suspension bars, located at about the center of one of the
suspension bars, and
configured such that a user may carry the file folder upright. Further, in
some embodiments,
each suspension bar is stamped from a single piece of metal with the bends cut
into the
stamping.
[0031] Another exemplary file folder for use in a piece of office storage
equipment
may comprise a sheet of material having a central fold, a first edge fold, and
a second edge
fold. The central fold generally forms a bottom, a first side, and a second
side of the file
folder. The first edge fold forms a first pocket along a top edge of the first
side of the file
folder and the second edge fold forms a second pocket along a top edge of the
second side of
the file folder. The exemplary file folder also comprises four hangers,
wherein two hangers
are operatively connected to the first side and at least partially disposed
within the first
pocket and two hangers are operatively connected to the second side and at
least partially
disposed within the second pocket. In this embodiment, a hanging end of each
hanger is
movable from a collapsed position to a hanging position. The hanging end of
each hanger is
exposed when in the hanging position and has a rail supporting portion that
enables the file
folder to suspend from rails inside the piece of office storage equipment.
Further, the
hanging end of each hanger has a bend such that at least one edge fold of the
file folder is a
substantial distance beneath the rail supporting portion of the hanging end of
each hanger.
The exemplary file folder may optionally have an actuating end of at least one
hanger that is
exposed when the at least one hanger is in the collapsed position such that
the user may use
the actuating end to pivot the at least one hanger towards the hanging
position. The optional
actuating end may protrude through an opening in at least one edge fold.
Further, at least one
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hanger may be pinched within at least one pocket such that a user must apply a
force on the at
least one hanger to pivot the at least one hanger relative to the sheet of
material.
[0032] Referring now to the drawings, Figs. 1-7 show an exemplary hanging
file
folder 10 having a receptacle 12 suspended by a pair of bent hangers 14, 16,
according to an
embodiment of the invention. A top edge 18 of the receptacle 12 is
substantially beneath
(e.g., about a half-inch beneath) a rail-supporting portion 20 of the hangers
14, 16 and/or
substantially beneath (e.g., about a 5/8-inch beneath) a top portion 22 of
hangers 14, 16. As
shown in Figs. 1 and 7, the bent hangers 14, 16 permit a manila file folder 30
to be held
within the receptacle 12 of the file folder 10 in such a manner that a tab 32
of the manila
folder 30 is viewable from above inside office storage equipment 62 and the
tab 32 of the
manila folder 30 is not bent when closed in the office storage equipment. The
hangers 14, 16
may be considered as being "bent" with respect to the top edge 18 of the
receptacle because
there is an angle a between the hangers and the top edge 18. The bends may be
formed by
any number of acceptable ways, e.g., physically bending a piece of material
forming the
hanger, or molding a bend into a molded piece, or by stamping a piece of
material with the
bends already in place. The bends may be sharp bends, or gently curving bends,
or other
bends, or combinations thereof. Figure 7 shows a plurality of the exemplary
file folders 10
together in an exemplary piece of office equipment with manila folders
therein. The tabs of
the manila folders are clearly visible above the top edges of the receptacles,
yet the tabs of the
manila folders do not extend very far above the top of the hangers.
[0033] The receptacle 12 shown in Figs. 1-7 is formed by a sheet of heavy
material 40
with a central horizontal fold 42, which forms the bottom 44 and open sides
46, 48 of the
receptacle 12. The material 40 may have a plurality of crease lines. The
material 40 may be
heavy paper or card stock, plastic, fabric or other suitable flexible
material, and may be
coated with any suitable file folder coating. The inaterial 40 may also be
formed from a
plurality of layers of different materials. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the top
parts 64a, 64b of
the material 40 are folded inwardly and over suspension bars 50a, 50b to form
inward flaps
thereby forming pockets for the suspension bars. As shown, the flaps form one
pocket for
each suspension bar. However, in certain emboditnents, the top parts may form
multiple
flaps and multiple pockets for each suspension bar. The top parts 64a, 64b may
also have
predetermined creased fold lines that enable folding the ends over the
suspension bars 50a,
50b during manufacture of the hanging file folders. The inside of the flaps of
material 40
may be glued by an adhesive swath to opposing inside surfaces of the folder 10
thereby
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bonding the flaps to the material 40 and forming the pockets. The inside of
the flaps may,
however, attach to opposing inside surfaces of the folder 10 by any suitable
means known in
the art, such as for example with one or more fasteners. Further, in certain
embodiments
(e.g., with and without pockets), the suspension bar may be attached to the
sheet of material
forming the receptacle by any suitable means known in the art, such as with
one or more
fasteners, and/or adhesive.
[0034] The hangers 14, 16 shown in Figs. 1-7 are integrally formed as
parts of a
suspension bar 50 having bends 52. However, in other embodiments disclosed
herein, the
hangers are separated (i.e., not connected to each other) or individually
attached to a
suspension bar. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, the exemplary
suspension bar 50 is
planar and stamped from a piece of stock forming a plurality of suspension
bars 50a-50k. As
shown in Fig. 6, the cut-out forming the suspension bar 50 has a pair of bends
52, with the
bends forming hangers 14, 16. The hangers 14, 16 are thus at the exposed ends
of suspension
bar 50. The hangers in this exemplary implementation have a notch or recess,
or rail
supporting portion 20, formed to receive a rail 60 or other suspending
structure of office
storage equipment 62. In other embodiments, the suspension bar may be formed
from a
single piece of metal and the bends are formed from physically bending the
metal piece.
[0035] The top edge 18 of the receptacle 12 shown in Figs. 1-7 may be
substantially
beneath the rail-supporting portion 20 of the hangers 14, 16 by various
different suitable
amounts in different embodiments, e.g., by: at least 0.25"; at least 0.4"; at
least 0.47" or
0.48"; about 0.3" to 0.7"; about 0.47" to 0.52"; or about 0.48". The top edge
18 of the
receptacle 12 may be substantially beneath a top portion 22 of the hangers 14,
16 by various
different suitable amounts in different embodiments, e.g., by: at least 0.25";
at least 0.5"; at
least 0.6"; about 0.4" to 0.8"; about 0.61" to 0.63"; or about 0.62". Further,
the angle a
between the hangers 14, 16 and the top edge 18 may be any of several suitable
angles, e.g.:
90 to 135 degrees; 115 to 125 degrees; or 120 degrees.
[0036] The distance between the top edge 18 of the receptacle 12 and the
top of the
tab 32 of the manila folder 30 inserted into the file folder 10 may be any of
various different
suitable lengths in different embodiments, e.g.: at least 0.4"; at least 0.5";
or about 0.7". This
distance may be along the entire length of the top edge 18 beneath the tab 32
or at least a
portion of the entire length. Further, the tab 32 of the manila folder 30
inserted into the file
folder 10 may extends slightly above the top of the hangers 14, 16 by various
different
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suitable amounts in different embodiments, e.g., by:: no more than 0.1"; no
more than 0.09";
about 0.05" to 0.1"; or about 0.085". In other exemplary embodiments, the tab
of a manila
folder inserted into the file folder may be slightly below the top of the
hangers by about 0.05"
to 0.1" or be substantially aligned with the top. Thus, the top 18 of the
receptacle 12 is low
enough to read the tab 32 of the manila folder 30.
[0037] Figs. 8-14 show an exemplary tab 66 for use with the exemplary
hanging file
folder 10 depicted in Figs. 1-7 for labeling the contents of the folder. The
exemplary index
tab 66 shown is removable and may be located in various positions along the
top edge 18 of
the receptacle 12. Because the top edge of the exemplary hanging folder 10 is
significantly
lower than conventional hanging file folders, the exemplary tab 66 is taller
than typical tabs,
which permits the tab 66 to be read above the tabs of manila folders and read
above ordinary
hanging file folders. As stated, the top parts 64a, 64b of the material 40 are
folded inwardly
and over suspension bars 50a, 50b to form inward flaps thereby forming pockets
for the
suspension bars. These flaps may comprise a plurality of equally spaced apart
vertical slots
68 for receiving insertable resilient locating arms 70 of the index tab 66.
Exemplary index
tabs 66 may be constructed of flexible clear plastic and form a folded
stmcture that includes a
message holder portion 74 in which a paper message-carrying insert can be
placed, and a base
portion 72 which includes two locating arms 70, or lugs, for mounting the tab
into the slots
68 of the slotted file folder 10. As shown in Fig. 9, the base portion 72 of
the index tab 66 is
configured such that the message holder portion 72 of the tab may be read by a
user when a
manila folder is inserted into the file folder 10 and the user may read text
on the tab 32 of the
manila folder without having to pull the manila folder from the file folder.
[0038] Figs. 15 and 16 show an exemplary hanging file folder 100 having a
receptacle
112 suspended by a pair of bent hangers 114, 116, according to another
exemplary
embodiment of the invention. The file folder 100 is very similar to the file
folder 10 depicted
in Figs. 1-7. However, the top edges 118 of the receptacle 112 and the
suspension bars 150a,
150b have a central bend 180 (as compared to the horizontal suspension bar in
the
embodiment of Figs. 1-7). The bend 180 reduces the amount of material 140
required for the
receptacle 112 and allows the user more room to access a manila folder 130
inserted in the
file folder 100. The top parts 164a, 164b of the material 140 are folded
inwardly and over
suspension bars 150a, 150b to form inward flaps thereby forming pockets for
the suspension
bars. As shown, the flaps form two pockets for each suspension bar. Further,
the angle
between the hangers 114, 116 and the top edge 118 is greater than 90 degrees;
but less than
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180 degrees. The bends in the hangers 114, 116 may be shaped, sized, and
configured as any
of the various combinations and permutations of sizes discussed in the earlier
embodiments,
e.g., the embodiment of Figures 1-7.
100391 Figs. 17 and 18 show an exemplary hanging file folder 200 having a
receptacle
212 suspended by a pair of bent hangers 214, 216, according to another
exemplary
embodiment of the invention. The file folder 200 is very similar to the file
folder 100
depicted in Figs. 15-16. However, the top edges 218 of the receptacle 212 and
the suspension
bars 250a, 250b have multiple bends rather than a single, central bend. The
bends 280a, 280b
in the top edges 118 of the receptacle 212 reduce the amount of material 240
required for the
receptacle 212 and allow the user more room to access a manila folder 230
inserted in the file
folder 200. The bends 286a, 286b in the suspension bars 250a, 250b also allow
more room
for the user to remove a manila folder 230. Further, the bends 286a, 286b in
the suspension
bars 250a, 250b of file folder 200 are not aligned with the bends 280a, 280b
in the top edges
218 of the receptacle 212 leaving a portion of each suspension bar visible or
uncovered by the
material 240 of the receptacle. However, in certain embodiments, the material
of the
receptacle may fully cover each suspension bar. The top parts 264a, 264b of
the material 240
are folded inwardly and over suspension bars 250a, 250b to form inward flaps
thereby
forming pockets for the suspension bars. As shown, the flaps form two pockets
for each
suspension bar. Further, similar to file folder 100, the angle between the
hangers 214, 216
and the top edge 218 is greater than 90 degrees, but less than 180 degrees.
The bends in the
hangers 214, 216 may be shaped, sized, and configured as any of the various
combinations
and permutations of sizes discussed in the earlier embodiments, e.g., the
embodiment of
Figures 1-7.
[0040] Figs. 19-21 show an exemplary hanging file folder 300 having a
receptacle
312 suspended by a pair of bent hangers 314, 316, according to another
exemplary
embodiment of the invention. The file folder 300 is very similar to the file
folder 10 depicted
in Figs. 1-7. However, the open sides 346, 348 of the receptacle 312 have a
trapezoidal
shape, unlike the rectangular shape of the open sides 46, 48 of file folder
10. The trapezoidal
shape reduces the amount of material 340 required for the receptacle 312.
Further, as shown
in Fig. 21, folders having trapezoidal shaped sides may be arranged during
cutting such that
little or no material is wasted when the folders are cut from a single die cut
380. Further, due
to their shape, more trapezoidal shaped file folders may be produced from a
single die cut
than the traditional rectangular shaped folders. The bends in the hangers 314,
316 may be
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shaped, sized, and configured as any of the various combinations and
permutations of sizes
discussed in the earlier embodiments, e.g., the embodiment of Figures 1-7.
[0041] Figs. 22-25 show an exemplary hanging file folder 400 having a
receptacle
412 suspended by a pair of bent hangers 414, 416, according to another
exemplary
embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the bent hangers 414, 416 are
separate
from and attached to the end of the suspension bars 450a, 450b. As shown, the
bent hangers
414, 416 are made of plastic and pressed on or overmolded onto the end of the
suspension
bars 450a, 450b. The bent hangers 414, 416 may be attached to the suspension
bar 450a,
450b by any suitable means known in the art, such as with a fastener or
adhesive. The bent
hangers 414, 416 may also be made from any suitable material known in the art,
such as
metal. Further, the bent hangers may be removable and/or interchangeable with
hangers of
various sizes and shapes. As shown, the angle between the top edge 418 of the
receptacle
412 and the bent hangers 414, 416 is about 90 degrees. However, this angle may
be about 90
to 135 degrees or more. The bends in the hangers 414, 416 may be shaped,
sized, and
configured as any of the various combinations and permutations of sizes
discussed in the
earlier embodiments, e.g., the embodiment of Figures 1-7.
[0042] Figs. 26-29 show an exemplary hanging file folder 500 having a
receptacle
512 suspended by bent hangers 514, 516, according to another exemplary
embodiment of the
invention. In this embodiment, the receptacle 512 has a front wall 520, a rear
wall, two sides
522, 524, and a bottom 544. As shown, the receptacle 512 is suspended by only
one
suspension bar, although more than one suspension bar may be used. The top
part 564 of the
rear wall is folded inwardly and over the suspension bar to form an inward
flap thereby
forming a pocket for the suspension bar. The sides 522, 524 and the bottom 544
of the
receptacle 512 have at least one fold such that the receptacle may collapse
and expand. The
bends in the hangers 514, 516 may be shaped, sized, and configured as any of
the various
combinations and permutations of sizes discussed in the earlier embodiments,
e.g., the
embodiment of Figures 1-7.
[0043] Conventional hanging folders without bent hangers, and the inventive
hanging
file folders discussed above, and other hanging file folders may each be
modified to include
collapsible hanger ends. Collapsible hanger ends allow a user to convert the
hanging file
folder for use as a non-hanging folder, such as a standard manila folder.
Thus, the user may
more easily store the hanging file folder, for example in a briefcase, without
the hanging ends
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catching or preventing the file folder from fitting. The hanger ends may
collapse into pockets
of the receptacle. Further, any number of the hanger ends on a hanging file
folder may be
collapsible. The mechanism that allows the hanger ends to collapse may be any
suitable
mechanism known in the art, such as for example a slide, hinge, rivet, screw,
or some other
similar fastener. The hanger ends may also have a biasing device, such as a
spring, that
biases the ends into the upright or hanging position or the collapsed
position.
[0044] Figs. 30-33 show an exemplary hanging file folder 600 having a
receptacle
612 suspended by a pair of collapsible bent hangers 614, 616. As shown in
Figs. 30-32, the
collapsible hangers 614, 616 are in the upright or hanging position such that
the file folder
600 may be stored in office storage equipment. The ends 640 of the receptacle
612 are folded
inwardly and over the hangers 614, 616 to form inward flaps thereby forming
pockets for the
hangers. The hangers 614, 616 are attached to the receptacle 612 by a
fastener, such as a
rivet 680. The rivet 680 extends through the pocket and allows the hangers
614, 616 to pivot
relative to the receptacle 612. However, the hangers 614, 616 may be attached
to the
receptacle 612 by any suitable means that allows the hangers to pivot relative
to the
receptacle, such as with a pin or some other fastener. The bends in the
hangers 614, 616 may
be shaped, sized, and configured as any of the various combinations and
permutations of
sizes discussed in the earlier embodiinents, e.g., the embodiment of Figures 1-
7.
Accordingly, the top edges (e.g., top of the edge folds) may be substantially
beneath a rail-
supporting portion of the hangers by various different suitable amounts in
different
embodiments, e.g., by: at least 0.25"; at least 0.4"; at least 0.47" or 0.48";
about 0.3" to 0.7";
about 0.4" to 0.6"; about 0.47" to 0.52"; or about 0.48". Similarly, the top
edges may be
substantially beneath a top portion of the hangers by various different
suitable amounts in
different embodiments, e.g., by: at least 0.25"; at least 0.5"; at least 0.6";
about 0.4" to 0.8";
= about 0.5" to 0.7"; about 0.61" to 0.63"; or about 0.62". Further, the
distance between the top
edges and the top of the tab of the 9.5" manila folder inserted into the file
folder may be
various different suitable amounts in different embodiments, e.g., at least
0.4"; at least 0.5";
at least 0.7", about 0.6" to 0.8"; or about 0.7". This distance may be along
the entire length
of the top edge beneath the tab or at least a portion of the entire length.
Further, the distance
the tab of the 9.5" manila folder inserted into the file folder extends above
the top of the
hangers may be various different suitable amounts in different embodiments,
e.g., no more
than 0.1"; no more than 0.09"; about 0.05" to 0.1"; or about 0.085". In
certain embodiments,
the tab of a manila folder inserted into the file folder may be slightly below
the top of the
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hangers by about 0.05" to 0.1" or be substantially aligned with the top. Thus,
the top of the
file folder is low enough to read the tab of the manila folder.
[0045] As shown by arrow A in Fig. 31, pressing down on a first end 624 of
the
hangers 614, 616 allows the hangers to pivot and collapse into the pocket of
the receptacle
612. In the collapsed position, optionally a second end 626 of the hanger 614,
616 protrudes
through an opening, such as a slit 682 located along the pocket fold, or top
edge 618 of the
file folder 600. As shown by arrow B in Fig. 33, the second end 626 of the
hanger 614, 616
may be pushed inward, pivoting the hanger and allowing the first end 624 to
protrude out of
the pocket. The user may then move the first end 624 of the hanger 614, 616
into the upright
or hanging position. It should be noted that, in certain embodiments, the
pocket may be
configured so that the hanger is pinched within the pocket and a force may be
required to
move the hanger from the upright and/or collapsed position.
[0046] In other embodiments (not shown), there is no portion (like second
end 626 of
the collapsible hanger) protruding through an opening in the receptacle. In
these
embodiments, the user may use his or her finger to pivot the first or hanging
end of the
hanger into the hanging or upright position.
[0047] Figs. 34 and 35 show an exemplary hanging file folder 700 having a
receptacle
712 suspended by a pair of collapsible hangers 714, 716. File folder 700 is
very similar to
file folder 600 depicted in Figures 30-33. However, the first, or hanging, end
724 of the
hanger 714, 716 of file folder 700 is straight. By contrast, the first end 624
of the hanger 614,
616 of file folder 600 is bent.
[0048] Conventional hanging folders without bent hangers, and the inventive
hanging
file folders discussed above, and other hanging file folders may each be
modified to include a
handle or grip, e.g., integral with or affixed to the suspension bar, or
integral with or affixed
to a top portion of the material forming the receptacle. Such a handle or grip
may be on one
side (front side or back side) or both sides (both front and back sides) of
the file folder,
perhaps near the middle of the folder, and may be used, for example, to easily
remove the file
folder from office storage equipment, and/or to permit one to use one's
fingers to "walk"
from file to file while searching for a file. The top of the handle may be
positioned, for
example, at about the height of the top of the hangers, or at about the height
of a manila
folder therein, or higher than either, or at some other predetermined height
above the top of
the folder.
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[0049] Figs. 36-40 show an exemplary hanging file folder 800 having a
receptacle
812 suspended by a pair of bent hangers 814, 816. The file folder 800 also has
two grips
852a, 852b, or handles, formed as part of the suspension bars 850a, 850b. The
grip portion
852a, 852b of the suspension bars 850a, 850b extend above the top edge 818 of
the file folder
800 so the user may more easily access the grips 852a, 852b. The grips 852a,
852b allows
the user to easily sort through hanging file folders in office storage
equipment 862 and pull
out the desired folder (see Fig. 40). The bends in the hangers 814, 816 may be
shaped, sized,
and configured as any of the various combinations and permutations of sizes
discussed in the
earlier embodiments, e.g., the embodiment of Figures 1-7.
[0050] As show in Fig. 39, in this exemplary embodiment, the grips 852a,
852b are
formed towards the middle of the suspension bars 850a, 850b of the hanging
file folder 800.
As shown, the grips 852a, 852b are integrally fonned as part of the suspension
bars 850a,
850b by a set of bends. More specifically, in this exemplary implementation,
the suspension
bars 850a, 850b are planar and stamped from a piece of stock and have multiple
bends in the
cut-out forming the suspension bars, with the bends forming hangers 814, 816
and the grips
852a, 852b. As shown, the top of the hangers 814, 816 and the grips 852a, 852b
of the
exemplary file folder 800 extend about 0.6 inch from the top 818 of the
receptacle 812.
[0051] The receptacle 812 may be heavy paper or card stock, plastic, fabric
or other
suitable flexible material. As best shown in Figs. 38 and 39, the ends 840 of
the receptacle
812 are folded inwardly and over suspension bars 850a, 850b to form inward
flaps thereby
forming pockets for the suspension bars. The receptacle 812 also has a hole
860, or cut out,
to allow access to the grips 852a, 852b when the ends 840 of the receptacle
812 are folded
over the suspension bars 850a, 850b during manufacture of hanging file
folders.
[0052] The grip portion of the suspension bar may take various shapes. For
example,
Figs. 41-43 show an exemplary hanging file folder 900 having a receptacle 912
suspended by
a pair of bent hangers 914, 916 and a grips 952a, 952b, or handles, formed as
part of the
suspension bars 950a, 950b. The grip portions 952a, 952b of the suspension
bars 950a, 950b
are rounded and integrally formed as part of the suspension bars. A grip may
also be separate
and attached to the suspension bar or the top of the material forming the
receptacle, by any
suitable means known in the art, such as with a fastener or adhesive. For
example, Figs. 44-
46 show an exemplary hanging file folder 1000 having a receptacle 1012
suspended by a pair
of bent hangers 1014, 1016 and grips 1052a, 1052b, or handles, attached to the
suspension
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bars 1050a, 1050b. As shown, the grips 1052a, 1052b snap on to an exposed
portion of the
suspension bars 1050a, 1050b. The separate grip may be made from any suitable
material
known in the art, such as metal or plastic. Further, the grip may be located
at virtually any
location along the suspension bar. A grip may also be formed from the material
forming the
receptacle, for example as a portion of the ends of the receptacle that are
folded inwardly and
over the hangers to form inward flaps. The bends in the hangers 914, 916 and
the hangers
1014, 1016 may be shaped, sized, and configured as any of the various
combinations and
permutations of sizes discussed in the earlier embodiments, e.g., the
embodiment of Figures
1-7.
[0053] The present application is also directed toward so-called "manila"
file folders,
which typically consist of a single sheet of material that may have a tab pre-
stamped in a
preselected location. The folders in the present application comprise a single
sheet of
material with a tab at each end; the sheet is configured to be capable of
being folded so that a
tab is located at a selected location from a number of possible locations
across the top of the
folder, e.g., one location of any of four locations, one of any of three
locations, or one of any
of two locations. The possible locations may be evenly spaced across the top
of the file
folder.
[0054] An exemplary sheet for a folder may comprise a sheet of material
having a top
surface, a bottom surface, first and second ends, two longitudinal edges, and
first and second
tabs. The sheet of material may be foldable along a central fold line into a
file folder having
one of the tabs extending at one of four locations opposite the central fold,
with the tab
extending from a top of the folder while the central fold is oriented at a
bottom of the folder.
The first tab is generally disposed along the first end of the sheet while the
second tab is
disposed along a second end of the sheet. While the central fold is at a first
fold location, the
first tab is located at one of first and fourth locations opposite the central
fold, and capable of
extending at either the first location or the fourth location, depending on
which direction the
sheet is folded. While the central fold is at a second fold location, the
second tab is located at
one of second and third locations opposite the central fold, and capable of
extending at either
the second location or the third location, depending on which direction the
sheet is folded.
[0055] An exemplary method of folding a sheet of material into a folder may
comprise the steps of providing a sheet of material having a top surface, a
bottom surface,
first and second ends, two longitudinal edges, a first tab extending from the
first end, and a
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second tab extending from the second end. The sheet of material is foldable
along a central
fold line into a file folder having one of the tabs extending at one of four
locations opposite
the central fold, with the tab extending from a top of the folder while the
central fold is
oriented at a bottom of the folder. The user selects a desired location among
the four
locations to position an extending tab. The user also identifies a fold line
for a central fold
that results in one of the tabs extending from at least the desired location
of the four locations.
Further, the user identifies a fold direction that results in one of the tabs
extending from at
least the desired location of the four locations. The user folds the sheet at
the identified fold
line in the identified direction to position the tab to extend from the
desired location.
[0056] Another exemplary sheet for a folder may comprise a sheet of
material having
a top surface, a bottom surface, first and second ends, two longitudinal
edges, and first and
second tabs. The sheet of material is foldable along a central fold line into
a file folder
having one of the tabs extending at one of three locations opposite the
central fold, with the
tab extending from a top of the folder while the central fold is oriented at a
bottom of the
folder. The first tab is generally disposed along the first end of the sheet
while the second tab
is disposed along a second end of the sheet. While the central fold is at a
first fold location,
the first tab is located at one of first and third locations opposite the
central fold, and capable
of extending at either the first location or the third location, depending on
which direction the
sheet is folded. While the central fold is at a second fold location, the
second tab is located at
the second location opposite the central fold.
[0057] Another exemplary method of folding a sheet of material into a
folder may
comprise the steps of providing a sheet of material having a top surface, a
bottom surface,
first and second ends, two longitudinal edges, a first tab extending from the
first end, and a
second tab extending from the second end. The sheet of material is foldable
along a central
fold line into a file folder having one of the tabs extending at one of three
locations opposite
the central fold, with the tab extending from a top of the folder while the
central fold is
oriented at a bottom of the folder. The user selects a desired location among
the three
locations to position an extending tab. The user then identifies a fold line
for a central fold
that results in one of the tabs extending from at least the desired location
of the three
locations. Further, the user identifies a fold direction that results in one
of the tabs extending
from at least the desired location of the three locations. The user folds the
sheet at the
identified fold line in the identified direction to position the tab to extend
from the desired
location.
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[0058] Figs. 47-50 depict an exemplary file folder 1100 of this type and
methods of
folding and using the file folder such that a tab of the folder may be located
in any position of
a plurality of positions across the top of the folder (i.e., extend at one of
a plurality of
locations opposite a central fold). The file folder 1100, which is made from a
single piece of
material and from a single die cut, may be folded in multiple directions and
along a central
fold to produce folders having tabs at four different positions or locations
opposite the central
fold. In certain embodiments, file folders with more or less tab positions may
be created
from a single file folder. Further, the file folder may be any type of file
folder, for example a
hanging file folder or a manila folder.
[0059] For example, as shown in Figs. 48-50, unfolded file folder 1100 may
be folded
such that one of two tabs 1190, 1192 is located in any of four different
positions along the top
of the folder. As depicted, the tab position may be selected from a plurality
of tab positions,
i.e., from left to right, starting with tab position 1 and ending with tab
position 4. A folder
having any of tab positions 1-4 may be created from the unfolded file folder
1100. A file
folder with tab position 1 may be created by folding surface 1120 towards
surface 1110 and
along fold 1140. A file folder with tab position 2 may be created by folding
surface 1120
away from surface 1110 and along fold 1130. A file folder with tab position 3
may be
created by folding surface 1120 towards surface 1110 and along fold 1130 and
then flipping
the file folder over. Finally, a file folder with tab position 4 may be
created by folding
surface 1120 away from surface 1110 and along fold 1140 and then flipping the
file folder
over. As best shown in Fig. 50, file folders with tab position 1-4 may be
placed in a hanging
file folder 1180. By alternating the tab position from one file folder to the
next, the user is
able to view the tab of the file folder without moving the folders in front of
it. Thus, one may
provide four of the exemplary folder 1100 (identical and cut from the same
die), and create
four different folders - one with a tab at position 1, one with a tab at
position 2, one with a tab
at position 3, and one with a tab at position 4.
[0060] Similarly, as shown in Figs. 51 and 52, unfolded file folder 1200
may be
folded such that one of two tabs 1290, 1292 is located in three different
positions along the
top of the folder. A file folder with tab position 1 may be created by folding
surface 1220
towards surface 1210 and along fold 1240. A file folder with tab position 2
may be created
by folding surface 1220 away from surface 1210 and along fold 1230. A file
folder with a
tab position 3 may be created by folding surface 1220 away from surface 1210
and along fold
1240 and then flipping the file folder over.
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[0061] Further, as shown in Figs. 53 and 54, unfolded file folder 1300 may
be folded
such that one of two tabs 1390, 1392 is located in two different positions
along the top of the
folder. A file folder with tab position 1 may be created by folding surface
1320 towards
surface 1310 and along fold 1340. A file folder with tab position 2 may be
created by folding
surface 1320 away from surface 1310 and along fold 1340, then flipping the
folder over.
[0062] Any or all of the file folders depicted in Figs. 48-54 and/or
described above
may be included as a part of a kit. The kit may include a plurality of (e.g.,
at least 25, or at
least 50, or at least 100) identical unfolded file folders, and instructions
on how to produce
folders with the tab in any position of a plurality of positions. Further, any
or all of the file
folders depicted in Figs. 48-54 and/or described above may be produced using
the method of
folding the unfolded folder in multiple directions and along one or more folds
to produce
folders having tabs at any position of a plurality of positions. Additionally,
any or all of the
file folders depicted in Figs. 48-54 and/or described above may be produced
with instructions
affixed thereto, e.g., printed thereon, for folding that particular sheet into
its respective
configurations, e.g., locating the tab at a selected one of four locations, or
locating the tab at a
selected one of three locations, or locating the tab at a selected one of two
locations. Finally,
any or all of the file folders depicted in Figs. 48-54 and/or described above
may be arranged
in office storage equipment using the method of alternating the tab position
from one file
folder to the next.
[0063] In addition to the benefits described above, many of the particular
embodiments herein have additional benefits as well. For example, the hanging
file folders
permitting the tabs to be viewed because of hangers or suspension bars with
bends forming
an angled portion (e.g., folders 10, 100, 200, 500, 600, 800, 900, and 1000)
are easier to
insert into office storage equipment than ordinary hanging file folders. It is
believed that this
is because the files have a lower center of gravity and because the angled
portions taper
toward the center, which allows the angled portions to act as a self-centering
guide as the file
folder is inserted into the office equipment. The angled portions guide the
file folder onto the
rails as it is inserted into the office equipment. It has also been found that
some these
embodiments are easier to open than ordinary hanging file folders. Also, in
addition to
permitting file folders to be carried, the handles also greatly facilitate
sorting through files,
because a user may use his or her fingers to "walk" from handle to handle to
handle, quickly
sorting through files and lifting desired files. Additionally, some of the
handles in particular
(e.g., the central handles that have a central opening, such as those with
hollow, central
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handles, e.g., in folders 800, 900, and 1000) can be used as an additional
support for hanging
the files, e.g., a user can hang one or more files from their handles by
placing their handle on
a peg or hook or other protrusion (the folder is thus hanging from its center
at the top). Thus,
one may use the handles to quickly sort through the files, remove one, hang
the folder via its
hollow handle from a peg on a peg-board, continue sorting through the files
walking from
handle to handle, remove another file and hang it via its hollow handle with
the first file on
the peg, and so on. Of course, instead of, or in addition to, the single,
central hangers, one
may modify the folder to have a plurality of hangers, e.g., equally spaced
from the center, to
permit the folders to hang from a plurality of hangers.
[0064] While several embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and
described in considerable detail, the present invention is not to be
considered limited to the
precise constructions disclosed. Various adaptations, modifications and uses
of the invention
may occur to those skilled in the arts to which the invention relates. For
example, although
the various embodiments shown are US letter sized file folders, the teachings
hereof apply
equally well to US legal, A4, foolscap, and other sizes. As another example,
any one or more
of the features of any of the exemplary embodiments herein may be used in
connection with
any of the other exemplary embodiments herein. It is the intention to cover
all such
adaptations, modifications and uses.
[0065] Exemplary embodiments of the invention include, but are not limited
to:
1. A file folder for use in a piece of office storage equipment,
comprising:
a sheet of material having a central fold, a first edge fold, and a second
edge fold,
wherein the central fold forms a bottom, a first side, and a second side of
the file folder, the
first edge fold forms a first pocket along a top edge of the first side of the
file folder, and the
second edge fold forms a second pocket along a top edge of the second side of
the file folder;
a first suspension bar and a second suspension bar, each suspension bar having
two
ends, wherein the first suspension bar is at least partially disposed within
the first pocket and
the second suspension bar is at least partially disposed within the second
pocket;
wherein each end of each suspension bar is exposed and has a rail supporting
portion
that enables the file folder to suspend from rails inside the piece of office
storage equipment;
and
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wherein the exposed ends of at least one suspension bar each have a bend such
that at
least one edge fold of the file folder is a substantial distance beneath the
rail supporting
portions of the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar.
2. The file folder of embodiment 1, wherein the exposed ends of the at
least one
suspension bar have a bend such that a tab of a conventional manila folder
having a fold
resting on the bottom of the file folder when the file folder is suspended
from rails inside the
piece of office equipment is not bent when the piece of office equipment is
closed.
3. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein the exposed ends of at least one suspension bar are cut with a bend
such that at least
one edge fold of the file folder is a substantial distance beneath the rail
supporting portions of
the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar.
4. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein a tab of a conventional manila folder having a fold resting on the
bottom of the file
folder when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office
equipment
extends above at least one edge fold a distance sufficient to permit a user to
read text on the
tab without having to pull the manila folder from the file folder.
5. A file folder according to any one etnbodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar have a bend such
that a tab of a
manila folder having a height between a fold and a top of the tab of about 9.5
inches (e.g., 9.5
inches +/- 1/16 inch) with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder
when the file folder
is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment is not bent when
the piece of
office equipment is closed.
6. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein a tab of a manila folder having a height between a fold and the top of
the tab of about
9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder when the
file folder is
suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment extends above at
least one edge
fold a distance sufficient to permit a user to read text on the tab without
having to pull the
manila folder from the file folder.
7. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein there is a distance of about 0.7 inches between the at least one edge
fold and a top of
a tab of a manila folder having a height between a fold and the top of the tab
of about 9.5
inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder when the file
folder is suspended
from rails inside the piece of office equipment.
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8. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein there is a distance of at least 0.4 inches between the at least one
edge fold and a top
of a tab of a manila folder having a height between a fold and the top of the
tab of about 9.5
inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder when the file
folder is suspended
from rails inside the piece of office equipment.
9. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein there is a distance of at least 0.5 inches between the at least one
edge fold and a top
of a tab of a manila folder having a height between a fold and the top of the
tab of about 9.5
inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder when the file
folder is suspended
from rails inside the piece of office equipment.
10. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein there is a distance of at least 0.4 inches between the at least one
edge fold and a top
of a tab of a manila folder, along the entire length of the at least one edge
fold beneath the
tab, having a height between a fold and the top of the tab of about 9.5 inches
with the fold
resting on the bottom of the file folder when the file folder is suspended
from rails inside the
piece of office equipment.
11. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein there is a distance of at least 0.5 inches between the at least one
edge fold and a top
of a tab of a manila folder, along the entire length of the at least one edge
fold beneath the
tab, having a height between a fold and the top of the tab of about 9.5 inches
with the fold
resting on the bottom of the file folder when the file folder is suspended
from rails inside the
piece of office equipment.
12. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar have a bend such
that the at least
one edge fold of the file folder is beneath the rail supporting portion of the
exposed ends of
the at least one suspension bar by at least 0.25 inches.
13. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar have a bend such
that the at least
one edge fold of the file folder is beneath the rail supporting portion of the
exposed ends of
the at least one suspension bar by at least 0.4 inches.
14. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar have a bend such
that the at least
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one edge fold of the file folder is beneath the rail supporting portion of the
exposed ends of
the at least one suspension bar by at least 0.47 inches.
15. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar have a bend such
that the at least
one edge fold of the file folder is beneath the rail supporting portion of the
exposed ends of
the at least one suspension bar by about 0.3 to 0.7 inches.
16. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar have a bend such
that the at least
one edge fold of the file folder is beneath the rail supporting portion of the
exposed ends of
the at least one suspension bar by about 0.47 to 0.52 inches.
17. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar have a bend such
that the at least
one edge fold of the file folder is beneath a top portion of the exposed ends
of the at least one
suspension bar by at least 0.25 inches.
18. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar have a bend such
that the at least
one edge fold of the file folder is beneath a top portion of the exposed ends
of the at least one
suspension bar by at least 0.5 inches.
19. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar have a bend such
that the at least
one edge fold of the file folder is beneath a top portion of the exposed ends
of the at least one
suspension bar by at least 0.6 inches.
20. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar have a bend such
that the at least
one edge fold of the file folder is beneath a top portion of the exposed ends
of the at least one
suspension bar by about 0.4 to 0.8 inches.
21. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar have a bend such
that the at least
one edge fold of the file folder is beneath a top portion of the exposed ends
of the at least one
suspension bar by about 0.61 to 0.63 inches.
22. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar have a bend such
that a top of a
tab of a conventional manila folder having a fold resting on the bottom of the
file folder when
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the file folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment
is above a top
portion of the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar by about 0.05
to 0.1 inches.
23. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar have a bend such
that a top of a
tab of a manila folder having a height between a fold and the top of the tab
of about 9.5
inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder when the file
folder is suspended
from rails inside the piece of office equipment is above a top portion of the
exposed ends of
the at least one suspension bar by about 0.05 to 0.1 inches.
24. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar have a bend such
that a top of a
tab of a manila folder having a height between a fold and the top of the tab
of about 9.5
inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder when the file
folder is suspended
from rails inside the piece of office equipment is above a top portion of the
exposed ends of
the at least one suspension bar by no more than 0.1 inches.
25. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar have a bend such
that a top of a
tab of a manila folder having a height between a fold and the top of the tab
of about 9.5
inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder when the file
folder is suspended
from rails inside the piece of office equipment is above a top portion of the
exposed ends of
the at least one suspension bar by no more than 0.09 inches.
26. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar have a bend such
that a top of a
tab of a manila folder having a height between a fold and the top of the tab
of about 9.5
inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder when the file
folder is suspended
from rails inside the piece of office equipment is above a top portion of the
exposed ends of
the at least one suspension bar by about 0.085 inches.
27. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar have a bend such
that a top of a
tab of a conventional manila folder having a fold resting on the bottom of the
file folder when
the file folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment
is beneath a top
portion- of the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar by about 0.05
to 0.1 inches.
28. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar have a bend such
that a top of a
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tab of a manila folder having a height between a fold and the top of the tab
of about 9.5
inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder when the file
folder is suspended
from rails inside the piece of office equipment is beneath a top portion of
the exposed ends of
the at least one suspension bar by about 0.05 to 0.1 inches.
29. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar have a bend such
that a top of a
tab of a conventional manila folder having a fold resting on the bottom of the
file folder when
the file folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment
is substantially
aligned with a top portion of the exposed ends of the at least one suspension
bar.
30. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar have a bend such
that a top of a
tab of a manila folder having a height between a fold and the top of the tab
of about 9.5
inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder when the file
folder is suspended
from rails inside the piece of office equipment is substantially aligned with
a top portion of
the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar.
31. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar have a bend such
that an angle
between the rail supporting portions of the exposed ends and the at least one
edge fold is
about 90 to 135 degrees.
32. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar have a bend such
that an angle
between the rail supporting portions of the exposed ends and the at least one
edge fold is
about 115 to 125 degrees.
33. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein the exposed ends of the at least one suspension bar have a bend such
that an angle
between the rail supporting portions of the exposed ends and the at least one
edge fold is
about 120 degrees.
34. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments
further comprising a removable tab attached to at least one side such that a
label within the
removable tab may be read by a user when the file folder is suspended from
rails inside the
piece of office equipment with a conventional manila folder resting on the
bottom of the file
folder and the tab of the manila folder extends above the at least one edge
fold a distance
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sufficient to permit a user to read text on the tab without having to pull the
manila folder from
the file folder.
35. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments
further comprising a removable tab attached to at least one side such that a
label within the
removable tab may be read by a user when the file folder is suspended from
rails inside the
piece of office equipment with a conventional manila folder resting on the
bottom of the file
folder and the tab of the manila folder extends above the at least one edge
fold a distance
sufficient to permit a user to read text on the tab without having to pull the
manila folder from
the file folder and the user may read text on the removable tab above the tab
of the manila
folder.
36. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein the first pocket runs along the entire top edge of the first side of
the file folder and
the second pocket runs along the entire top edge of the second side of the
file folder.
37. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein at least one pocket runs along at least one entire top edge of at
least one side of the
file folder.
38. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments
further comprising at least one handle operatively connected to the file
folder and configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright.
39. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments
further comprising at least one handle operatively connected to at least one
suspension bar
and configured such that a user may carry the file folder upright.
40. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments
further comprising at least one handle configured such that a user may carry
the file folder
upright, wherein the at least one handle is integrally formed as part of at
least one suspension
bar.
41. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments
further comprising at least one handle configured such that a user may carry
the file folder
upright, wherein the at least one handle is formed from a set of bends in the
at least one
suspension bar.
42. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments
further comprising at least one handle configured such that a user may carry
the file folder
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upright, wherein the at least one handle is rounded and formed as part of at
least one
suspension bar.
43. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments
further comprising at least one handle configured such that a user may carry
the file folder
upright, wherein the at least one handle protrudes through an opening in at
least one of an
edge fold, a side, and a pocket.
44. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments
further comprising at least one handle configured such that a user may carry
the file folder
upright, wherein the at least one handle is formed from the sheet of material.
45. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments
further comprising at least one handle configured such that a user may carry
the file folder
upright, wherein the at least one handle attaches to at least one suspension
bar.
46. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments
further comprising at least one handle configured such that a user may carry
the file folder
upright, wherein the at least one handle attaches to the sheet of material.
47. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments
further comprising two handles configured such that a user may carry the file
folder upright,
wherein each handle is operatively connected to one of the suspension bars and
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright.
48. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments
further comprising two handles configured such that a user may carry the file
folder upright,
wherein each handle is operatively connected to one of the sides and
configured such that a
user may carry the file folder upright.
49. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments
further comprising at least one handle configured such that a user may carry
the file folder
upright, wherein the at least one handle is located at about the center of at
least one
suspension bar and configured such that a user may carry the file folder
upright.
50. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments
further comprising two handles configured such that a user may carry the file
folder upright,
wherein each handle is located at about the center of one of the suspension
bars and
configured such that a user may carry the file folder upright.
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51. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein each suspension bar is stamped from a single piece of metal with the
bends cut into
the stamping.
52. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein each suspension bar is formed from a single piece of metal and the
bends are formed
by physically bending the metal piece.
53. A file folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding
embodiments,
wherein each side of the file folder is trapezoidal and the sheet of material
is formed from a
paper die cut.
54. A file folder for use in a piece of office storage equipment,
comprising:
a sheet of material having a central fold, a first edge fold, and a second
edge fold,
wherein the central fold fonns a bottom, a first side, and a second side of
the file folder, the
first edge fold forms a first pocket along a top edge of the first side of the
file folder, and the
second edge fold forms a second pocket along a top edge of the second side of
the file folder;
a first suspension bar and a second suspension bar, each suspension bar having
two
ends, wherein the first suspension bar is at least partially disposed within
the first pocket and
the second suspension bar is at least partially disposed within the second
pocket;
wherein a hanger is attached to each end of each suspension bar, each hanger
having a
rail supporting portion that enables the file folder to suspend from rails
inside the piece of
office storage equipment; and
wherein the hangers attached to the ends of at least one suspension bar are
configured
such that at least one edge fold of the file folder is substantially beneath
the rail supporting
portions of the hangers attached to the ends of the at least one suspension
bar.
55. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the angle between the hangers
attached to the
ends of the at least one suspension bar and the at least one edge fold is
about 90 degrees.
56. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein each hanger is removable and made
from
plastic.
57. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein each hanger is made from a plastic
material that
is over-molded onto a respective end of a suspension bar.
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58. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hangers attached to the ends of
the at least
one suspension bar have a bend such that a tab of a conventional inanila
folder having a fold
resting on the bottom of the file folder when the file folder is suspended
from rails inside the
piece of office equipment is not bent when the piece of office equipment is
closed.
59. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hangers attached to the ends of
at least one
suspension bar are cut with a bend such that at least one edge fold of the
file folder is a
substantial distance beneath the rail supporting portions of the hangers
attached to the ends of
the at least one suspension bar.
60. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
iminediately preceding embodiment, wherein a tab of a conventional manila
folder having a
fold resting on the bottom of the file folder when the file folder is
suspended from rails inside
the piece of office equipment extends above at least one edge fold a distance
sufficient to
permit a user to read text on the tab without having to pull the manila folder
from the file
folder.
61. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hangers attached to the ends of
the at least
one suspension bar have a bend such that a tab of a manila folder having a
height between a
fold and a top of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the
bottom of the file
folder when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office
equipment is not
bent when the piece of office equipment is closed.
62. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein a tab of a manila folder having a
height
between a fold and the top of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold
resting on the bottom
of the file folder when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the
piece of office
equipment extends above at least one edge fold a distance sufficient to permit
a user to read
text on the tab without having to pull the manila folder from the file folder.
63. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein there is a distance of about 0.7
inches between
the at least one edge fold and a top of a tab of a manila folder having a
height between a fold
and the top of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom
of the file folder
when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office
equipment.
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64. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein there is a distance of at least 0.4
inches between
the at least one edge fold and a top of a tab of a manila folder having a
height between a fold
and the top of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom
of the file folder
when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office
equipment.
65. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein there is a distance of at least 0.5
inches between
the at least one edge fold and a top of a tab of a manila folder having a
height between a fold
and the top of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom
of the file folder
when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office
equipment.
66. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein there is a distance of at least 0.4
inches between
the at least one edge fold and a top of a tab of a manila folder, along the
entire length of the at
least one edge fold beneath the tab, having a height between a fold and the
top of the tab of
about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder when
the file folder is
suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment.
67. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein there is a distance of at least 0.5
inches between
the at least one edge fold and a top of a tab of a manila folder, along the
entire length of the at
least one edge fold beneath the tab, having a height between a fold and the
top of the tab of
about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder when
the file folder is
suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment.
68. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the bangers attached to the ends of
the at least
one suspension bar have a bend such that the at least one edge fold of the
file folder is
beneath the rail supporting portion of the hangers attached to the ends of the
at least one
suspension bar by at least 0.25 inches.
69. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hangers attached to the ends of
the at least
one suspension bar have a bend such that the at least one edge fold of the
file folder is
beneath the rail supporting portion of the hangers attached to the ends of the
at least one
suspension bar by at least 0.4 inches.
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70. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hangers attached to the ends of
the at least
one suspension bar have a bend such that the at least one edge fold of the
file folder is
beneath the rail supporting portion of the hangers attached to the ends of the
at least one
suspension bar by at least 0.47 inches.
71. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hangers attached to the ends of
the at least
one suspension bar have a bend such that the at least one edge fold of the
file folder is
beneath the rail supporting portion of the hangers attached to the ends of the
at least one
suspension bar by about 0.3 to 0.7 inches.
72. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hangers attached to the ends of
the at least
one suspension bar have a bend such that the at least one edge fold of the
file folder is
beneath the rail supporting portion of the hangers attached to the ends of the
at least one
suspension bar by about 0.47 to 0.52 inches.
73. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hangers attached to the ends of
the at least
one suspension bar have a bend such that the at least one edge fold of the
file folder is
beneath a top portion of the hangers attached to the ends of the at least one
suspension bar by
at least 0.25 inches.
74. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hangers attached to the ends of
the at least
one suspension bar have a bend such that the at least one edge fold of the
file folder is
beneath a top portion of the hangers attached to the ends of the at least one
suspension bar by
at least 0.5 inches.
75. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hangers attached to the ends of
the at least
one suspension bar have a bend such that the at least one edge fold of the
file folder is
beneath a top portion of the hangers attached to the ends of the at least one
suspension bar by
at least 0.6 inches.
76. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hangers attached to the ends of
the at least
one suspension bar have a bend such that the at least one edge fold of the
file folder is
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beneath a top portion of the hangers attached to the ends of the at least one
suspension bar by
about 0.4 to 0.8 inches. =
77. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hangers attached to the ends of
the at least
one suspension bar have a bend such that the at least one edge fold of the
file folder is
beneath a top portion of the hangers attached to the ends of the at least one
suspension bar by
about 0.61 to 0.63 inches.
78. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hangers attached to the ends of
the at least
one suspension bar have a bend such that a top of a tab of a conventional
manila folder
having a fold resting on the bottom of the file folder when the file folder is
suspended from
rails inside the piece of office equipment is above a top portion of the
hangers attached to the
ends of the at least one suspension bar by about 0.05 to 0.1 inches.
79. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hangers attached to the ends of
the at least
one suspension bar have a bend such that a top of a tab of a manila folder
having a height
between a fold and the top of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold
resting on the bottom
of the file folder when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the
piece of office
equipment is above a top portion of the hangers attached to the ends of the at
least one
suspension bar by about 0.05 to 0.1 inches.
80. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hangers attached to the ends of
the at least
one suspension bar have a bend such that a top of a tab of a manila folder
having a height
between a fold and the top of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold
resting on the bottom
of the file folder when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the
piece of office
equipment is above a top portion of the hangers attached to the ends of the at
least one
suspension bar by no more than 0.1 inches.
81. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hangers attached to the ends of
the at least
one suspension bar have a bend such that a top of a tab of a manila folder
having a height
between a fold and the top of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold
resting on the bottom
of the file folder when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the
piece of office
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equipment is above a top portion of the hangers attached to the ends of the at
least one
suspension bar by no more than 0.09 inches.
82. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hangers attached to the ends of
the at least
one suspension bar have a bend such that a top of a tab of a manila folder
having a height
between a fold and the top of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold
resting on the bottom
of the file folder when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the
piece of office
equipment is above a top portion of the hangers attached to the ends of the at
least one
suspension bar by about 0.085 inches.
83. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hangers attached to the ends of
the at least
one suspension bar have a bend such that a top of a tab of a conventional
manila folder
having a fold resting on the bottom of the file folder when the file folder is
suspended from
rails inside the piece of office equipment is beneath a top portion of the
hangers attached to
the ends of the at least one suspension bar by about 0.05 to 0.1 inches.
84. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hangers attached to the ends of
the at least
one suspension bar have a bend such that a top of a tab of a manila folder
having a height
between a fold and the top of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold
resting on the bottom
of the file folder when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the
piece of office
equipment is beneath a top portion of the hangers attached to the ends of the
at least one
suspension bar by about 0.05 to 0.1 inches.
85. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hangers attached to the ends of
the at least
one suspension bar have a bend such that a top of a tab of a conventional
manila folder
having a fold resting on the bottom of the file folder when the file folder is
suspended from
rails inside the piece of office equipment is substantially aligned with a top
portion of the
hangers attached to the ends of the at least one suspension bar.
86. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hangers attached to the ends of
the at least
one suspension bar have a bend such that a top of a tab of a manila folder
having a height
between a fold and the top of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold
resting on the bottom
of the file folder when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the
piece of office
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equipment is substantially aligned with a top portion of the hangers attached
to the ends of
the at least one suspension bar.
87. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hangers attached to the ends of
the at least
one suspension bar have a bend such that an angle between the rail supporting
portions of the
hangers attached to the ends and the at least one edge fold is about 90 to 135
degrees.
88. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hangers attached to the ends of
the at least
one suspension bar have a bend such that an angle between the rail supporting
portions of the
hangers attached to the ends and the at least one edge fold is about 115 to
125 degrees.
89. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the bangers attached to the ends of
the at least
one suspension bar have a bend such that an angle between the rail supporting
portions of the
hangers attached to the ends and the at least one edge fold is about 120
degrees.
90. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment further comprising a removable tab attached
to at least
one side such that a label within the removable tab may be read by a user when
the file folder
is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment with a
conventional manila folder
resting on the bottom of the file folder and the tab of the manila folder
extends above the at
least one edge fold a distance sufficient to permit a user to read text on the
tab without having
to pull the manila folder from the file folder.
91. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment further comprising a removable tab attached
to at least
one side such that a label within the removable tab may be read by a user when
the file folder
is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment with a
conventional manila folder
resting on the bottom of the file folder and the tab of the manila folder
extends above the at
least one edge fold a distance sufficient to permit a user to read text on the
tab without having
to pull the manila folder from the file folder and the user may read text on
the removable tab
above the tab of the manila folder.
92. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the first pocket runs along the
entire top edge of
the first side of the file folder and the second pocket mns along the entire
top edge of the
second side of the file folder.
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93. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein at least one pocket runs along at
least one entire
top edge of at least one side of the file folder.
94. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
operatively
connected to the file folder and configured such that a user may carry the
file folder upright.
95. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
operatively
connected to at least one suspension bar and configured such that a user may
carry the file
folder upright.
96. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured such
that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one handle
is integrally
formed as part of at least one suspension bar.
97. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured such
that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one handle
is formed from a
set of bends in the at least one suspension bar.
98. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured such
that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one handle
is rounded and
formed as part of at least one suspension bar.
99. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured such
that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one handle
protrudes through
an opening in at least one of an edge fold, a side, and a pocket.
100. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured such
that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one handle
is formed from
the sheet of material.
101. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured such
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that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one handle
attaches to at
least one suspension bar.
102. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured such
that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one handle
attaches to the
sheet of material.
103. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment further comprising two handles configured
such that a
user may carry the file folder upright, wherein each handle is operatively
connected to one of
the suspension bars and configured such that a user may carry the file folder
upright.
104. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment further comprising two handles configured
such that a
user may carry the file folder upright, wherein each handle is operatively
connected to one of
the sides and configured such that a user may carry the file folder upright.
105. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured such
that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one handle
is located at about
the center of at least one suspension bar and configured such that a user may
carry the file
folder upright.
106. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment further comprising two handles configured
such that a
user may carry the file folder upright, wherein each handle is located at
about the center of
one of the suspension bars and configured such that a user may carry the file
folder upright.
107. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein each suspension bar is stamped from
a single
piece of metal with any bends cut into the stamping.
108. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein each suspension bar is formed from a
single
piece of metal and any bends are formed by physically bending the metal piece.
109. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 54 through
the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein each side of the file folder is
trapezoidal and
the sheet of material is formed from a paper die cut.
110. A file folder for use in a piece of office storage equipment, comprising:
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a receptacle having a front wall, a rear wall, two sides, and a bottom,
wherein the rear
wall has a top edge;
a suspension bar having two ends, wherein the suspension bar is affixed to the
top
edge of the rear wall;
wherein each end of the suspension bar is exposed and has a rail supporting
portion
that enables the receptacle to suspend from rails inside the piece of office
storage equipment;
and
wherein the exposed ends of the suspension bar are configured such that the
edge fold
of the rear wall is substantially beneath the rail supporting portions of the
exposed ends of the
suspension bar.
111. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the rear wall has an edge fold
forming a
pocket along the top edge and the suspension bar is at least partially
disposed within the
pocket.
112. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the exposed ends of the
suspension bar have
a bend such that a tab of a conventional manila folder having a fold resting
on the bottom of
the receptacle when the receptacle is suspended from rails inside the piece of
office
equipment is not bent when the piece of office equipment is closed.
113. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the exposed ends of at least one
suspension
bar are cut with a bend such that the top edge of the rear wall is a
substantial distance beneath
the rail supporting portions of the exposed ends of the suspension bar.
114. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding emboditnent, wherein a tab of a conventional manila
folder having
a fold resting on the bottom of the receptacle when the receptacle is
suspended from rails
inside the piece of office equipment extends above the top edge of the rear
wall a distance
sufficient to permit a user to read text on the tab without having to pull the
manila folder from
the receptacle.
115. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the exposed ends of the
suspension bar have
a bend such that a tab of a manila folder having a height between a fold and a
top of the tab of
about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the receptacle when
the receptacle is
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suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment is not bent when the
piece of office
equipment is closed.
116. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein a tab of a manila folder having
a height
between a fold and the top of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold
resting on the bottom
of the receptacle when the receptacle is suspended from rails inside the piece
of office
equipment extends above the top edge of the rear wall a distance sufficient to
permit a user to
read text on the tab without having to pull the manila folder from the
receptacle.
117. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein there is a distance of about 0.7
inches
between the top edge of the rear wall and a top of a tab of a manila folder
having a height
between a fold and the top of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold
resting on the bottom
of the receptacle when the receptacle is suspended from rails inside the piece
of office
equipment.
118. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein there is a distance of at least
0.4 inches
between the top edge of the rear wall and a top of a tab of a manila folder
having a height
between a fold and the top of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold
resting on the bottom
of the receptacle when the receptacle is suspended from rails inside the piece
of office
equipment.
119. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein there is a distance of at least
0.5 inches
between the top edge of the rear wall and a top of a tab of a manila folder
having a height
between a fold and the top of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold
resting on the bottom
of the receptacle when the receptacle is suspended from rails inside the piece
of office
equipment.
120. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein there is a distance of at least
0.4 inches
between the top edge of the rear wall and a top of a tab of a manila folder,
along the entire
length of the top edge of the rear wall beneath the tab, having a height
between a fold and the
top of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the
receptacle when
the receptacle is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment.
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121. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein there is a distance of at least
0.5 inches
between the top edge of the rear wall and a top of a tab of a manila folder,
along the entire
length of the top edge of the rear wall beneath the tab, having a height
between a fold and the
top of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the
receptacle when
the receptacle is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment.
122. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the exposed ends of the
suspension bar have
a bend such that the top edge of the rear wall of the file folder is beneath
the rail supporting
portion of the exposed ends of the suspension bar by at least 0.25 inches.
123. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the exposed ends of the
suspension bar have
a bend such that the top edge of the rear wall of the file folder is beneath
the rail supporting
portion of the exposed ends of the suspension bar by at least 0.4 inches.
124. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the exposed ends of the
suspension bar have
a bend such that the top edge of the rear wall of the file folder is beneath
the rail supporting
portion of the exposed ends of the suspension bar by at least 0.47 inches.
125. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the exposed ends of the
suspension bar have
a bend such that the top edge of the rear wall of the file folder is beneath
the rail supporting
portion of the exposed ends of the suspension bar by about 0.3 to 0.7 inches.
126. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the exposed ends of the
suspension bar have
a bend such that the top edge of the rear wall of the file folder is beneath
the rail supporting
portion of the exposed ends of the suspension bar by about 0.47 to 0.52
inches.
127. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the exposed ends of the
suspension bar have
a bend such that the top edge of the rear wall of the file folder is beneath a
top portion of the
exposed ends of the suspension bar by at least 0.25 inches.
128. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the exposed ends of the
suspension bar have
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a bend such that the top edge of the rear wall of the file folder is beneath a
top portion of the
exposed ends of the suspension bar by at least 0.5 inches.
129. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the exposed ends of the
suspension bar have
a bend such that the top edge of the rear wall of the file folder is beneath a
top portion of the
exposed ends of the suspension bar by at least 0.6 inches.
130. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the exposed ends of the
suspension bar have
a bend such that the top edge of the rear wall of the file folder is beneath a
top portion of the
exposed ends of the suspension bar by about 0.4 to 0.8 inches.
131. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the exposed ends of the
suspension bar have
a bend such that the top edge of the rear wall of the file folder is beneath a
top portion of the
exposed ends of the suspension bar by about 0.61 to 0.63 inches.
132. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the exposed ends of the
suspension bar have
a bend such that a top of a tab of a conventional manila folder having a fold
resting on the
bottom of the receptacle when the receptacle is suspended from rails inside
the piece of office
equipment is above a top portion of the exposed ends of the suspension bar by
about 0.05 to
0.1 inches.
133. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the exposed ends of the
suspension bar have
a bend such that a top of a tab of a manila folder having a height between a
fold and the top
of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the
receptacle when the
receptacle is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment is
above a top portion
of the exposed ends of the suspension bar by about 0.05 to 0.1 inches.
134. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the exposed ends of the
suspension bar have
a bend such that a top of a tab of a manila folder having a height between a
fold and the top
of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottotn of the
receptacle when the
receptacle is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment is
above a top portion
of the exposed ends of the suspension bar by no more than 0.1 inches.
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135. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the inunediately preceding embodiment, wherein the exposed ends of the
suspension bar have
a bend such that a top of a tab of a manila folder having a height between a
fold and the top
of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the
receptacle when the
receptacle is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment is
above a top portion
of the exposed ends of the suspension bar by no more than 0.09 inches.
136. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the exposed ends of the
suspension bar have
a bend such that a top of a tab of a manila folder having a height between a
fold and the top
of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the
receptacle when the
receptacle is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment is
above a top portion
of the exposed ends of the suspension bar by about 0.085 inches.
137. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the exposed ends of the
suspension bar have
a bend such that a top of a tab of a conventional manila folder having a fold
resting on the
bottom of the receptacle when the receptacle is suspended from rails inside
the piece of office
equipment is beneath a top portion of the exposed ends of the suspension bar
by about 0.05 to
0.1 inches.
138. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the exposed ends of the
suspension bar have
a bend such that a top of a tab of a manila folder having a height between a
fold and the top
of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the
receptacle when the
receptacle is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment is
beneath a top
portion of the exposed ends of the suspension bar by about 0.05 to 0.1 inches.
139. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the exposed ends of the
suspension bar have
a bend such that a top of a tab of a conventional manila folder having a fold
resting on the
bottom of the receptacle when the receptacle is suspended from rails inside
the piece of office
equipment is substantially aligned with a top portion of the exposed ends of
the suspension
bar.
140. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the exposed ends of the
suspension bar have
a bend such that a top of a tab of a manila folder having a height between a
fold and the top
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of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the
receptacle when the
receptacle is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment is
substantially aligned
with a top portion of the exposed ends of the suspension bar.
141. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the exposed ends of the
suspension bar have
a bend such that an angle between the rail supporting portions of the exposed
ends and the
top edge of the rear wall is about 90 to 135 degrees.
142. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the exposed ends of the
suspension bar have
a bend such that an angle between the rail supporting portions of the exposed
ends and the
top edge of the rear wall is about 115 to 125 degrees.
143. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the exposed ends of the
suspension bar have
a bend such that an angle between the rail supporting portions of the exposed
ends and the
top edge of the rear wall is about 120 degrees.
144. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising a removable tab
attached to at
least one wall such that a label within the removable tab may be read by a
user when the
receptacle is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment with a
conventional
manila folder resting on the bottom of the receptacle and the tab of the
manila folder extends
above the top edge of the rear wall a distance sufficient to permit a user to
read text on the tab
without having to pull the manila folder from the receptacle.
145. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising a removable tab
attached to at
least one wall such that a label within the removable tab may be read by a
user when the
receptacle is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment with a
conventional
manila folder resting on the bottom of the receptacle and the tab of the
manila folder extends
above the top edge of the rear wall a distance sufficient to pemiit a user to
read text on the tab
without having to pull the manila folder from the receptacle and the user may
read text on the
removable tab above the tab of the manila folder.
=
146. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein at least one pocket runs along
the entire top
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147. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
operatively
connected to the file folder and configured such that a user may carry the
file folder upright.
148. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
operatively
connected to the suspension bar and configured such that a user may carry the
file folder
upright.
149. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle is integrally
formed as part of the suspension bar.
150. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle is formed
from a set of bends in the suspension bar.
151. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle is rounded
and formed as part of the suspension bar.
152. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
= the inunediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one
handle configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle protrudes
through an opening in at least one of an edge fold, the rear wall, and a
pocket.
153. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle is formed
from the receptacle.
154. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle attaches to
the suspension bar.
155. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
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such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle attaches to
the receptacle.
156. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising two handles configured
such that
a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein at least one handle is
operatively connected
to the suspension bar and configured such that a user may carry the file
folder upright.
157. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising two handles configured
such that
a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein at least one handle is
operatively connected
to the receptacle and configured such that a user may carry the file folder
upright.
158. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle is located at
about the center of the suspension bar and configured such that a user may
carry the file
folder upright.
159. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle is located at
about the center of one of the top edge of the rear wall and configured such
that a user may
carry the file folder upright.
160. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the suspension bar is stamped
from a single
piece of metal with the bends cut into the stamping.
161. A file folder according to any one einbodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the suspension bar is formed
from a single
piece of metal and the bends are formed by physically bending the metal piece,
162. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 110 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein each wall of the receptacle is
trapezoidal.
163. A file folder for use in a piece of office storage equipment, comprising:
a sheet of material having a central fold, a first edge fold, and a second
edge fold,
wherein the central fold forms a bottom, a first side, and a second side of
the file folder, the
first edge fold forms a first pocket along a top edge of the first side of the
file folder, and the
second edge fold forms a second pocket along a top edge of the second side of
the file folder;
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four hangers, wherein two hangers are operatively connected to the first side
and at
least partially disposed within the first pocket and two hangers are
operatively connected to
the second side and at least partially disposed within the second pocket;
wherein a hanging end of each hanger is movable from a collapsed position to a
hanging position;
wherein the hanging end of each hanger is exposed when in the hanging position
and
has a rail supporting portion that enables the file folder to suspend from
rails inside the piece
of office storage equipment;
wherein the hanging end of each hanger has a bend such that at least one edge
fold of
the file folder is a substantial distance beneath the rail supporting portion
of the hanging end
of each hanger.
164. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein an actuating end of at least one
hanger is
exposed when the at least one hanger is in the collapsed position such that
the user may use
the actuating end to pivot the at least one hanger towards the hanging
position.
165. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein an actuating end protrudes
through an
opening in at least one edge fold.
166. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein at least one hanger is pinched
within at least
one pocket such that a user must apply a force on the at least one hanger to
pivot the at least
one hanger relative to the sheet of material.
167. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that a tab of a conventional manila folder having a fold resting on the
bottom of the file
folder when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office
equipment is not
bent when the piece of office equipment is closed.
168. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
is cut with a
bend such that at least one edge fold of the file folder is a substantial
distance beneath the rail
supporting portions of the hanging end of each hanger.
169. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein a tab of a conventional manila
folder having
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a fold resting on the bottom of the file folder when the file folder is
suspended from rails
inside the piece of office equipment extends above at least one edge fold a
distance sufficient
to permit a user to read text on the tab without having to pull the manila
folder from the file
folder.
170. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that a tab of a manila folder having a height between a fold and a top of
the tab of about
9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder when the
file folder is
suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment is not bent when the
piece of office
equipment is closed.
171. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the inunediately preceding embodiment, wherein a tab of a manila folder having
a height
between a fold and the top of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold
resting on the bottom
of the file folder when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the
piece of office
equipment extends above at least one edge fold a distance sufficient to permit
a user to read
text on the tab without having to pull the manila folder from the file folder.
172. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein there is a distance of about 0.7
inches
between the at least one edge fold and a top of a tab of a manila folder
having a height
between a fold and the top of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold
resting on the bottom
of the file folder when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the
piece of office
equipment.
173. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein there is a distance of at least
0.4 inches
between the at least one edge fold and a top of a tab of a manila folder
having a height
between a fold and the top of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold
resting on the bottom
of the file folder when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the
piece of office
equipment.
174. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein there is a distance of at least
0.5 inches
between the at least one edge fold and a top of a tab of a manila folder
having a height
between a fold and the top of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold
resting on the bottom
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of the file folder when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the
piece of office
equipment.
175. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein there is a distance of at least
0.4 inches
between the at least one edge fold and a top of a tab of a manila folder,
along the entire length
of the at least one edge fold beneath the tab, having a height between a fold
and the top of the
tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder
when the file
folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment.
176. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein there is a distance of at least
0.5 inches
between the at least one edge fold and a top of a tab of a manila folder,
along the entire length
of the at least one edge fold beneath the tab, having a height between a fold
and the top of the
tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder
when the file
folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment.
177. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that the at least one edge fold of the file folder is beneath the rail
supporting portion of
the hanging end of each hanger by at least 0.25 inches.
178. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that the at least one edge fold of the file folder is beneath the rail
supporting portion of
the hanging end of each hanger by at least 0.4 inches.
179. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that the at least one edge fold of the file folder is beneath the rail
supporting portion of
the hanging end of each hanger by at least 0.47 inches.
180. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that the at least one edge fold of the file folder is beneath the rail
supporting portion of
the hanging end of each hanger by about 0.3 to 0.7 inches.
181. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
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such that the at least one edge fold of the file folder is beneath the rail
supporting portion of
the hanging end of each hanger by about 0.47 to 0.52 inches.
182. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that the at least one edge fold of the file folder is beneath a top
portion of the hanging
end of each hanger by at least 0.25 inches.
183. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that the at least one edge fold of the file folder is beneath a top
portion of the hanging
end of each hanger by at least 0.5 inches.
184. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that the at least one edge fold of the file folder is beneath a top
portion of the hanging
end of each hanger by at least 0.6 inches.
185. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the imtnediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that the at least one edge fold of the file folder is beneath a top
portion of the hanging
end of each hanger by about 0.4 to 0.8 inches.
186. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that the at least one edge fold of the file folder is beneath a top
portion of the hanging
end of each hanger by about 0.61 to 0.63 inches.
187. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that a top of a tab of a conventional manila folder having a fold resting
on the bottom of
the file folder when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the piece
of office
equipment is above a top portion of the hanging end of each hanger by about
0.05 to 0.1
inches.
188. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that a top of a tab of a manila folder having a height between a fold and
the top of the
tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder
when the file
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folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment is above a
top portion of
the hanging end of each hanger by about 0.05 to 0.1 inches.
189. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the inu-nediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that a top of a tab of a manila folder having a height between a fold and
the top of the
tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder
when the file
folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment is above a
top portion of
the hanging end of each hanger by no more than 0.1 inches.
190. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that a top of a tab of a manila folder having a height between a fold and
the top of the
tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder
when the file
folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment is above a
top portion of
the hanging end of each hanger by no more than 0.09 inches.
191. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that a top of a tab of a manila folder having a height between a fold and
the top of the
tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder
when the file
folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment is above a
top portion of
the hanging end of each hanger by about 0.085 inches.
192. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that a top of a tab of a conventional manila folder having a fold resting
on the bottom of
the file folder when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the piece
of office
equipment is beneath a top portion of the hanging end of each hanger by about
0.05 to 0.1
inches.
193. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that a top of a tab of a manila folder having a height between a fold and
the top of the
tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder
when the file
folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment is beneath
a top portion of
the hanging end of each hanger by about 0.05 to 0.1 inches.
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194. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that a top of a tab of a conventional manila folder having a fold resting
on the bottom of
the file folder when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the piece
of office
equipment is substantially aligned with a top portion of the hanging end of
each hanger.
195. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that a top of a tab of a manila folder having a height between a fold and
the top of the
tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder
when the file
folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment is
substantially aligned
with a top portion of the hanging end of each hanger.
196. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the inunediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that an angle between the rail supporting portions of the hanging end of
each hanger and
the at least one edge fold is about 90 to 135 degrees.
197. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that an angle between the rail supporting portions of the hanging end of
each hanger and
the at least one edge fold is about 115 to 125 degrees.
198. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that an angle between the rail supporting portions of the hanging end of
each hanger and
the at least one edge fold is about 120 degrees.
199. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising a removable tab
attached to at
least one side such that a label within the removable tab may be read by a
user when the file
folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment with a
conventional manila
folder resting on the bottom of the file folder and the tab of the manila
folder extends above
the at least one edge fold a distance sufficient to permit a user to read text
on the tab without
having to pull the manila folder from the file folder.
200. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising a removable tab
attached to at
least one side such that a label within the removable tab may be read by a
user when the file
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folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment with a
conventional manila
folder resting on the bottom of the file folder and the tab of the manila
folder extends above
the at least one edge fold a distance sufficient to permit a user to read text
on the tab without
having to pull the manila folder from the file folder and the user may read
text on the
removable tab above the tab of the manila folder.
201. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the first pocket runs along the
entire top
edge of the first side of the file folder and the second pocket runs along the
entire top edge of
the second side of the file folder.
202. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein at least one pocket runs along
at least one
entire top edge of at least one side of the file folder.
203. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
operatively
connected to the file folder and configured such that a user may carry the
file folder upright.
204. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
operatively
connected to at least one suspension bar and configured such that a user may
carry the file
folder upright.
205. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle is integrally
formed as part of at least one suspension bar.
206. A file folder according to any one embodiment of etnbodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle is formed
from a set of bends in at least one suspension bar.
207. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle is rounded
and formed as part of at least one suspension bar.
208. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
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such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle protrudes
through an opening in at least one of an edge fold, a side, and a pocket.
209. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle is formed
from the sheet of material.
210. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle attaches to
at least one suspension bar.
211. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle attaches to
the sheet of material.
212. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising two handles configured
such that
a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein each handle is operatively
connected to a
suspension bar and configured such that a user may carry the file folder
upright.
213. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising two handles configured
such that
a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein each handle is operatively
connected to one
of the sides and configured such that a user may carry the file folder
upright.
214. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle is located at
about the center of at least one suspension bar and configured such that a
user may carry the
file folder upright.
215. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising two handles configured
such that
a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein each handle is located at
about the center of
a suspension bar and configured such that a user may carry the file folder
upright.
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216. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein each hanger is stamped from a
single piece
of metal with the bends cut into the stamping.
217. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein each hanger is formed from a
single piece
of metal and the bends are formed by physically bending the metal piece.
218. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 163 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein each side of the file folder is
trapezoidal
and the sheet of material is formed from a paper die cut.
219. A file folder for use in a piece of office storage equipment, comprising:
a sheet of material having a central fold, a first edge fold, and a second
edge fold,
wherein the central fold forms a bottom, a first side, and a second side of
the file folder, the
first edge fold forms a first pocket along a top edge of the first side of the
file folder, and the
second edge fold forms a second pocket along a top edge of the second side of
the file folder;
four hangers, wherein two hangers are operatively connected to the first side
and at
least partially disposed within the first pocket and two hangers are
operatively connected to
the second side and at least partially disposed within the second pocket;
wherein a hanging end of each hanger is movable from a collapsed position to
an
extended position; and
wherein the hanging end of each hanger is exposed when in the extended
position and
has a rail supporting portion that enables the file folder to suspend from
rails inside the piece
of office storage equipment.
220. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 219 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein an actuating end of at least one
hanger is
exposed when the at least one hanger is in the collapsed position such that
the user may use
the actuating end to pivot the at least one hanger towards the hanging
position.
221. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 219 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein an actuating end protrudes
through an
opening in at least one edge fold.
222. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 219 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein at least one hanger is pinched
within at least
one pocket such that a user must apply a force on the at least one hanger to
pivot the at least
one hanger relative to the sheet of material.
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223. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 219 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising a removable tab
attached to at
least one side such that a label within the removable tab may be read by a
user when the file
folder is suspended frorn rails inside the piece of office equipment with a
conventional manila
folder resting on the bottom of the file folder and the tab of the manila
folder extends above
the at least one edge fold a distance sufficient to permit a user to read text
on the tab without
having to pull the manila folder from the file folder.
224. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 219 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising a removable tab
attached to at
least one side such that a label within the removable tab may be read by a
user when the file
folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment with a
conventional manila
folder resting on the bottom of the file folder and the tab of the manila
folder extends above
the at least one edge fold a distance sufficient to permit a user to read text
on the tab without
having to pull the manila folder from the file folder and the user may read
text on the
removable tab above the tab of the manila folder.
225. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 219 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the first pocket runs along the
entire top
edge of the first side of the file folder and the second pocket runs along the
entire top edge of
the second side of the file folder.
226. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 219 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein at least one pocket runs along
at least one
entire top edge of at least one side of the file folder.
227. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 219 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
operatively
connected to the file folder and configured such that a user may carry the
file folder upright.
228. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 219 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
operatively
connected to at least one suspension bar and configured such that a user may
carry the file
folder upright.
229. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 219 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle is integrally
formed as part of at least one suspension bar.
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230. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 219 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle is formed
from a set of bends in at least one suspension bar.
231. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 219 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle is rounded
and formed as part of at least one suspension bar.
232. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 219 through
the inunediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle protrudes
through an opening in at least one of an edge fold, a side, and a pocket.
233. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 219 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle is formed
from the sheet of material.
234. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 219 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle attaches to
at least one suspension bar.
235. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 219 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle attaches to
the sheet of material.
236. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 219 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising two handles configured
such that
a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein each handle is operatively
connected to a
suspension bar and configured such that a user may carry the file folder
upright.
237. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 219 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising two handles configured
such that
a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein each handle is operatively
connected to one
of the sides and configured such that a user may carry the file folder
upright.
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238. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 219 through
the inunediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle is located at
about the center of at least one suspension bar and configured such that a
user may carry the
file folder upright.
239. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 219 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising two handles configured
such that
a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein each handle is located at
about the center of
a suspension bar and configured such that a user may carry the file folder
upright.
240. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 219 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein each hanger is stamped from a
single piece
of metal and any bends are cut into the stamping.
241. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 219 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein each hanger is formed from a
single piece
of metal and any bends are formed by physically bending the metal piece.
242. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 219 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein each side of the file folder is
trapezoidal
and the sheet of material is formed from a paper die cut.
243. A file folder for use in a piece of office storage equiptnent,
comprising:
a sheet of material having a central fold, a first edge fold, and a second
edge fold,
wherein the central fold forms a bottom, a first side, and a second side of
the file folder, the
first edge fold forms afirst pocket along a top edge of the first side of the
file folder, and the
second edge fold forms a second pocket along a top edge of the second side of
the file folder;
four hangers, wherein two hangers are operatively connected to the first side
and at
least partially disposed within the first pocket and two hangers are
operatively connected to
the second side and at least partially disposed within the second pocket; and
wherein the hanging end of each hanger is exposed and has a rail supporting
portion
that enables the file folder to suspend from rails inside the piece of office
storage equipment.
244. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 243 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising a removable tab
attached to at
least one side such that a label within the removable tab may be read by a
user when the file
folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment with a
conventional manila
folder resting on the bottom of the file folder and the tab of the manila
folder extends above
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the at least one edge fold a distance sufficient to permit a user to read text
on the tab without
having to pull the manila folder from the file folder.
245. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 243 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising a removable tab
attached to at
least one side such that a label within the removable tab may be read by a
user when the file
folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment with a
conventional manila
folder resting on the bottom of the file folder and the tab of the manila
folder extends above
the at least one edge fold a distance sufficient to permit a user to read text
on the tab without
having to pull the manila folder from the file folder and the user may read
text on the
removable tab above the tab of the manila folder.
246. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 243 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the first pocket runs along the
entire top
edge of the first side of the file folder and the second pocket runs along the
entire top edge of
the second side of the file folder.
247. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 243 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein at least one pocket runs along
at least one
entire top edge of at least one side of the file folder.
248. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 243 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
operatively
connected to the file folder and configured such that a user may carry the
file folder upright.
249. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 243 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
operatively
connected to at least one suspension bar and configured such that a user may
carry the file
folder upright.
250. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 243 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle is integrally
formed as part of at least one suspension bar.
251. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 243 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle is formed
from a set of bends in at least one suspension bar.
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252. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 243 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle is rounded
and formed as part of at least one suspension bar.
253. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 243 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle protrudes
through an opening in at least one of an edge fold, a side, and a pocket.
254. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 243 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle is formed
from the sheet of material.
255. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 243 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle attaches to
at least one suspension bar.
256. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 243 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle attaches to
the sheet of material.
257. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 243 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising two handles configured
such that
a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein each handle is operatively
connected to a
suspension bar and configured such that a user may carry the file folder
upright.
258. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 243 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising two handles configured
such that
a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein each handle is operatively
connected to one
of the sides and configured such that a user may carry the file folder
upright.
259. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 243 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle is located at
about the center of at least one suspension bar and configured such that a
user may carry the
file folder upright.
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260. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 243 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising two handles configured
such that
a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein each handle is located at
about the center of
a suspension bar and configured such that a user may carry the file folder
upright.
261. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 243 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein each hanger is stamped from a
single piece
of metal and any bends are cut into the stamping.
262. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 243 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein each hanger is formed from a
single piece
of metal and any bends are formed by physically bending the metal piece.
263. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 243 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein each side of the file folder is
trapezoidal
and the sheet of material is fonned from a paper die cut.
264. A file folder for use in a piece of office storage equipment, comprising:
a sheet of material having a central fold, a first edge fold, and a second
edge fold,
wherein the central fold forms a bottom, a first side, and a second side of
the file folder, the
first edge fold forms a first pocket along a top edge of the first side of the
file folder, and the
second edge fold forms a second pocket along a top edge of the second side of
the file folder;
four hangers, wherein two hangers are operatively connected to the first side
and at
least partially disposed within the first pocket and two hangers are
operatively connected to
the second side and at least partially disposed within the second pocket;
wherein the hanging end of each hanger is exposed and has a rail supporting
portion
that enables the file folder to suspend from rails inside the piece of office
storage equipment;
and
wherein the hanging end of each hanger has a bend such that at least one edge
fold of
the file folder is a substantial distance beneath the rail supporting portion
of the hanging end
of each hanger.
265. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that a tab of a conventional manila folder having a fold resting on the
bottom of the file
folder when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office
equipment is not
bent when the piece of office equipment is closed.
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266. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
is cut with a
bend such that at least one edge fold of the file folder is a substantial
distance beneath the rail
supporting portions of the hanging end of each hanger.
267. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein a tab of a conventional manila
folder having
a fold resting on the bottom of the file folder when the file folder is
suspended from rails
inside the piece of office equipment extends above at least one edge fold a
distance sufficient
to permit a user to read text on the tab without having to pull the manila
folder from the file
folder.
268. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that a tab of a manila folder having a height between a fold and a top of
the tab of about
9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder when the
file folder is
suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment is not bent when the
piece of office
equipment is closed.
269. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein a tab of a manila folder having
a height
between a fold and the top of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold
resting on the bottom
of the file folder when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the
piece of office
equipment extends above at least one edge fold a distance sufficient to permit
a user to read
text on the tab without having to pull the manila folder from the file folder.
270. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein there is a distance of about 0.7
inches
between the at least one edge fold and a top of a tab of a manila folder
having a height
between a fold and the top of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold
resting on the bottom
of the file folder when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the
piece of office
equipment.
271. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein there is a distance of at least
0.4 inches
between the at least one edge fold and a top of a tab of a manila folder
having a height
between a fold and the top of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold
resting on the bottom
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of the file folder when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the
piece of office
equipment.
272. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein there is a distance of at least
0.5 inches
between the at least one edge fold and a top of a tab of a manila folder
having a height
between a fold and the top of the tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold
resting on the bottom
of the file folder when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the
piece of office
equipment.
273. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein there is a distance of at least
0.4 inches
between the at least one edge fold and a top of a tab of a manila folder,
along the entire length
of the at least one edge fold beneath the tab, having a height between a fold
and the top of the
tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder
when the file
folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment.
274. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein there is a distance of at least
0.5 inches
between the at least one edge fold and a top of a tab of a manila folder,
along the entire length
of the at least one edge fold beneath the tab, having a height between a fold
and the top of the
tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder
when the file
folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment.
275. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that the at least one edge fold of the file folder is beneath the rail
supporting portion of
the hanging end of each hanger by at least 0.25 inches.
276. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that the at least one edge fold of the file folder is beneath the rail
supporting portion of
the hanging end of each hanger by at least 0.4 inches.
277. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that the at least one edge fold of the file folder is beneath the rail
supporting portion of
the hanging end of each hanger by at least 0.47 inches.
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278. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that the at least one edge fold of the file folder is beneath the rail
supporting portion of
the hanging end of each hanger by about 0.3 to 0.7 inches.
279. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that the at least one edge fold of the file folder is beneath the rail
supporting portion of
the hanging end of each hanger by about 0.47 to 0.52 inches.
280. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that the at least one edge fold of the file folder is beneath a top
portion of the hanging
end of each hanger by at least 0.25 inches.
281. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that the at least one edge fold of the file folder is beneath a top
portion of the hanging
end of each hanger by at least 0.5 inches.
282. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the irmnediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that the at least one edge fold of the file folder is beneath a top
portion of the hanging
end of each hanger by at least 0.6 inches.
283. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that the at least one edge fold of the file folder is beneath a top
portion of the hanging
end of each hanger by about 0.4 to 0.8 inches.
284. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that the at least one edge fold of the file folder is beneath a top
portion of the hanging
end of each hanger by about 0.61 to 0.63 inches.
285. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that a top of a tab of a conventional manila folder having a fold resting
on the bottom of
the file folder when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the piece
of office
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equipment is above a top portion of the hanging end of each hanger by about
0.05 to 0.1
inches.
286. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that a top of a tab of a manila folder having a height between a fold and
the top of the
tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder
when the file
folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment is above a
top portion of
the hanging end of each hanger by about 0.05 to 0.1 inches.
287. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that a top of a tab of a manila folder having a height between a fold and
the top of the
tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder
when the file
folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment is above a
top portion of
the hanging end of each hanger by no more than 0.1 inches.
288. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the irrunediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that a top of a tab of a manila folder having a height between a fold and
the top of the
tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder
when the file
folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment is above a
top portion of
the hanging end of each hanger by no more than 0.09 inches.
289. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that a top of a tab of a manila folder having a height between a fold and
the top of the
tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder
when the file
folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment is above a
top portion of
the hanging end of each hanger by about 0.085 inches.
290. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that a top of a tab of a conventional manila folder having a fold resting
on the bottom of
the file folder when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the piece
of office
equipment is beneath a top portion of the hanging end of each hanger by about
0.05 to 0.1
inches.
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291. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that a top of a tab of a manila folder having a height between a fold and
the top of the
tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder
when the file
folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment is beneath
a top portion of
the hanging end of each hanger by about 0.05 to 0.1 inches.
292. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that a top of a tab of a conventional manila folder having a fold resting
on the bottom of
the file folder when the file folder is suspended from rails inside the piece
of office
equipment is substantially aligned with a top portion of the hanging end of
each hanger.
293. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that a top of a tab of a manila folder having a height between a fold and
the top of the
tab of about 9.5 inches with the fold resting on the bottom of the file folder
when the file
folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment is
substantially aligned
with a top portion of the hanging end of each hanger.
294. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that an angle between the rail supporting portions of the hanging end of
each hanger and
the at least one edge fold is about 90 to 135 degrees.
295. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that an angle between the rail supporting portions of the hanging end of
each hanger and
the at least one edge fold is about 115 to 125 degrees.
296. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the hanging end of each hanger
has a bend
such that an angle between the rail supporting portions of the hanging end of
each hanger and
the at least one edge fold is about 120 degrees.
297. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising a removable tab
attached to at
least one side such that a label within the removable tab may be read by a
user when the file
folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment with a
conventional manila
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folder resting on the bottom of the file folder and the tab of the manila
folder extends above
the at least one edge fold a distance sufficient to permit a user to read text
on the tab without
having to pull the manila folder from the file folder.
298. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising a removable tab
attached to at
least one side such that a label within the removable tab may be read by a
user when the file
folder is suspended from rails inside the piece of office equipment with a
conventional inanila
folder resting on the bottom of the file folder and the tab of the manila
folder extends above
the at least one edge fold a distance sufficient to permit a user to read text
on the tab without
having to pull the manila folder from the file folder and the user may read
text on the
removable tab above the tab of the manila folder.
299. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the first pocket runs along the
entire top
edge of the first side of the file folder and the second pocket runs along the
entire top edge of
the second side of the file folder.
300. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein at least one pocket runs along
at least one
entire top edge of at least one side of the file folder.
301. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
operatively
connected to the file folder and configured such that a user may carry the
file folder upright.
302. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
operatively
connected to at least one suspension bar and configured such that a user may
carry the file
folder upright.
303. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle is integrally
formed as part of at least one suspension bar.
304. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle is formed
from a set of bends in at least one suspension bar.
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305. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle is rounded
and formed as part of at least one suspension bar.
306. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle protrudes
through an opening in at least one of *an edge fold, a side, and a pocket.
307. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle is formed
from the sheet of material.
308. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle attaches to
at least one suspension bar.
309. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle attaches to
the sheet of material.
310. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising two handles configured
such that
a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein each handle is operatively
connected to a
suspension bar and configured such that a user may carry the file folder
upright.
311. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising two handles configured
such that
a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein each handle is operatively
connected to one
of the sides and configured such that a user may carry the file folder
upright.
312. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment further comprising at least one handle
configured
such that a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein the at least one
handle is located at
about the center of at least one suspension bar and configured such that a
user may carry the
file folder upright.
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313. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the inunediately preceding embodiment further comprising two handles
configured such that
a user may carry the file folder upright, wherein each handle is located at
about the center of
a suspension bar and configured such that a user may carry the file folder
upright.
314. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein each hanger is stamped from a
single piece
of metal with the bends cut into the stamping.
315. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein each hanger is formed from a
single piece
of metal and the bends are formed by physically bending the metal piece.
316. A file folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 264 through
the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein each side of the file folder is
trapezoidal
and the sheet of tnaterial is formed from a paper die cut.
317. A file folder for use in a piece of office storage equipment,
cotnprising:
a sheet of material having two ends and two edges; and
four hangers, wherein two hangers are operatively coupled to each end of the
sheet of
material.
318. A folder for use in a piece of office storage equipment, comprising:
a sheet of material having a top surface, a bottom surface, two ends, two
longitudinal
edges, two fold lines, and two tabs;
wherein a first tab is disposed along a first end and a second tab is disposed
along a
second end;
wherein the first tab is located within 3.5 inches from a first longitudinal
edge and the
second tab is located between about 2 and 6 inches from the first longitudinal
edge;
wherein the distance from a top of the first tab to a top of the second tab
defines a
longitudinal length of the sheet;
wherein a first fold line is located between the first end and a midpoint of
the
longitudinal length of the sheet and a=second fold line is located between the
midpoint of the
longitudinal length of the sheet and the second end; and
wherein a first portion of the top surface is located between the first end
and the first
fold line and a second portion of the top surface is located between the
second fold line and
the second end.
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319. A folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 318 through the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the first tab is located within 3.1
inches from a
first longitudinal edge and the second tab is located betwen 2.5 and 5.7
inches from the first
longitudinal edge.
320. A method of folding the sheet of material to produce four configurations
of the
folder, each configuration having a different location of at least one tab and
allowing a user to
read text on the at least one tab without having to pull the folder from a
piece of office
equipment, comprising the steps of:
folding the second portion of the top surface toward the first portion of the
top surface
along the second fold line to produce a first configuration of the folder,
wherein the user may
read text on a top surface of the first tab without having to pull the folder
from the piece of
office equipment;
folding the second portion of the top surface away from the first portion of
the top
surface along the first fold line to produce a second configuration of the
folder, wherein the
user may read text on a bottom surface of the second tab without having to
pull the folder
from the piece of office equipment;
folding the second portion of the top surface toward the first portion of the
top surface
along the first fold line to produce a third configuration of the folder,
wherein the user may
read text on a top surface of the second tab without having to pull the folder
from the piece of
office equipment; and
folding the second portion of the top surface away from the first portion of
the top
surface along the second fold line to produce a fourth configuration of the
folder, wherein the
user may read text on a bottom surface of the first tab without having to pull
the folder from
the piece of office equipment.
321. A folder for use in a piece of office storage equipment, comprising:
a sheet of material having a top surface, a bottom surface, two ends, two
longitudinal
edges, two fold lines, and two tabs;
wherein a first tab is disposed along a first end and a second tab is disposed
along a
second end;
wherein the first tab is located within 4.5 inches from a first longitudinal
edge and the
second tab is located between about 3 and 8 inches from the first longitudinal
edge;
wherein the distance from a top of the first tab to a top of the second tab
defines a
longitudinal length of the sheet;
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wherein a first fold line is located between the first end and a midpoint of
the
longitudinal length of the sheet and a second fold line is located between the
midpoint of the
longitudinal length of the sheet and the second end; and
wherein a first portion of the top surface is located between the first end
and the first
fold line and a second portion of the top surface is located between the
second fold line and
the second end.
322. A folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 321 through the
immediately preceding embodiment, wherein the first tab is located within 4.4
inches from a
first longitudinal edge and the second tab is located between 3.8 and 7.8
inches from the first
longitudinal edge.
323. A method of folding the sheet of material to produce three configurations
of
the folder, each configuration having a different location of at least one tab
and allowing a
user to read text on the at least one tab without having to pull the folder
from a piece of office
equipment, comprising the steps of:
folding the second portion of the top surface toward the first portion of the
top surface
along the second fold line to produce a first configuration of the folder,
wherein the user may
read text on a top surface of the first tab without having to pull the folder
from the piece of
office equipment;
folding the second portion of the top surface away from the first portion of
the top
surface along the first fold line to produce a second configuration of the
folder, wherein the
user may read text on a bottom surface of the second tab without having to
pull the folder
from the piece of office equipment; and
folding the second portion of the top surface away from the first portion of
the top
surface along the second fold line to produce a third configuration of the
folder, wherein the
user may read text on a bottom surface of the first tab without having to pull
the folder from
the piece of office equipment.
324. A method according to any one embodiment of embodiment 323 through the
immediately preceding embodiment further comprising the step of folding the
second portion
of the top surface toward the first portion of the top surface along the first
fold line to produce
a second configuration of the folder, wherein the user may read text on a top
surface of the
second tab without having to pull the folder from the piece of office
equipment.
325. A folder for use in a piece of office storage equipment, comprising:
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a sheet of material having a top surface, a bottom surface, two ends, two
longitudinal
edges, one fold line, and two tabs;
wherein a first tab is disposed along a first end and a second tab is disposed
along a
second end;
wherein the first tab is located within 5.8 inches from a first longitudinal
edge and the
second tab is located at least 5.6 inches from the first longitudinal edge;
wherein the distance from a top of the first tab to a top of the second tab
defines a
longitudinal length of the sheet;
wherein the fold line is located between a midpoint of the longitudinal length
of the
sheet and the second end; and
wherein a first portion of the top surface is located between the first end
and the fold
line and a second portion of the top surface is located between the fold line
and the second
end.
326. A method of folding the sheet of material to produce two configurations
of the
folder, each configuration having a different location of at least one tab and
allowing a user to
read text on the at least one tab without having to pull the folder from a
piece of office
equipment, comprising the steps of:
folding the second portion of the top surface toward the first portion of the
top surface
along the fold line to produce a first configuration of the folder, wherein
the user may read
text on a top surface of the first tab without having to pull the folder from
the piece of office
equipment; and
folding the second portion of the top surface away from the first portion of
the top
surface along the fold line to produce a second configuration of the folder,
wherein the user
may read text on a bottom surface of the first tab without having to pull the
folder from the
piece of office equipment.
32'7. A kit of folders, comprising:
at least two folders according to any one or more of the preceding
embodiments; arid
folding instructions.
328. A sheet for a folder, comprising:
a sheet of material having a top surface, a bottom surface, first and second
ends, two
longitudinal edges, and first and second tabs, the sheet of material foldable
along a central
fold line into a file folder having one of the tabs extending at one of four
locations opposite
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the central fold, with the tab extending from a top of the folder while the
central fold is
oriented at a bottom of the folder;
wherein the first tab is disposed along the first end of the sheet and the
second tab is
disposed along a second end of the sheet;
wherein, while the central fold is at a first fold location, the first tab is
located at one
of first and fourth locations opposite the central fold, and capable of
extending at either the
first location or the fourth location, depending on which direction the sheet
is folded; and
wherein, while the central fold is at a second fold location, the second tab
is located at
one of second and third locations opposite the central fold, and capable of
extending at either
the second location or the third location, depending on which direction the
sheet is folded.
329. The sheet for a folder according to embodiment 328, wherein, while the
central fold
is at the first fold location, the first tab is located at the first location
opposite the central fold,
and extends at the first location, when the sheet is folded in a direction
that results in the top
surface being folded against itself
330. The sheet for a folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 328
through the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein, while the central fold
is at the first
fold location, the first tab is located at the fourth location opposite the
central fold, and
extends at the fourth location, when the sheet is folded in a direction that
results in the bottom
surface being folded against itself.
331. The sheet for a folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 328
through the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein, while the central fold
is at the
second fold location, the second tab is located at the second location
opposite the central fold,
and extends at the second location, when the sheet is folded in a direction
that results in the
top surface being folded against itself
332. The sheet for a folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 328
through the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein, while the central fold
is at the
second fold location, the second tab is located at the third location opposite
the central fold,
and extends at the third location, when the sheet is folded in a direction
that results in the
bottom surface being folded against itself
333. A sheet for a folder, comprising:
a sheet of material having a top surface, a bottom surface, first and second
ends, two
longitudinal edges, and first and second tabs, the sheet of material foldable
along a central
fold line into a file folder having one of the tabs extending at one of three
locations opposite
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the central fold, with the tab extending from a top of the folder while the
central fold is
oriented at a bottom of the folder;
wherein the first tab is disposed along the first end of the sheet and the
second tab is
disposed along a second end of the sheet;
wherein, while the central fold is at a first fold location, the first tab is
located at one
of first and third locations opposite the central fold, and capable of
extending at either the
first location or the third location, depending on which direction the sheet
is folded; and
wherein, while the central fold is at a second fold location, the second tab
is located at
the second location opposite the central fold.
334. The sheet for a folder according to embodiment 333, wherein, while the
central fold
is at the first fold location, the first tab is located at the first location
opposite the central fold,
and extends at the first location, when the sheet is folded in a direction
that results in the top
surface being folded against itself.
335. The sheet for a folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 333
through the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein, while the central fold
is at the first
fold location, the first tab is located at the third location opposite the
central fold, and extends
at the third location, when the sheet is folded in a direction that results in
the bottom surface
being folded against itself.
336. The sheet for a folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 333
through the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein, while the central fold
is at the
second fold location, the second tab is located at the second location
opposite the central fold,
and extends at the second location, when the sheet is folded in a direction
that results in the
bottom surface being folded against itself.
337. The sheet for a folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 333
through the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein, while the central fold
is at the
second fold location, the second tab is located at the second location
opposite the central fold,
and extends at the second location, when the sheet is folded in a direction
that results in the
top surface being folded against itself.
338. A method of folding a sheet of material into a folder, comprising:
providing a sheet of material having a top surface, a bottom surface, first
and second
ends, two longitudinal edges, a first tab extending from the first end, and a
second tab
extcnding from the second end, the sheet of material foldable along a central
fold line into a
file folder having one of the tabs extending at one of four locations opposite
the central fold,
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WO 2008/103808 PCT/US2008/054549
with the tab extending from a top of the folder while the central fold is
oriented at a bottom of
the folder;
selecting a desired location among the four locations to position an extending
tab;
identifying a fold line for a central fold that results in one of the tabs
extending from
at least the desired location of the four locations;
identifying a fold direction that results in one of the tabs extending froin
at least the
desired location of the four locations;
folding the sheet at the identified fold line in the identified direction to
position the
tab to extend from the desired location.
339. A method of folding a sheet of material into a folder, comprising:
providing a sheet of material having a top surface, a bottom surface, first
and second
ends, two longitudinal edges, a first tab extending from the first end, and a
second tab
extending from the second end, the sheet of material foldable along a central
fold line into a
file folder having one of the tabs extending at one of three locations
opposite the central fold,
with the tab extending from a top of the folder while the central fold is
oriented at a bottom of
the folder;
selecting a desired location among the three locations to position an
extending tab;
identifying a fold line for a central fold that results in one of the tabs
extending from
at least the desired location of the three locations;
identifying a fold direction that results in one of the tabs extending from at
least the
desired location of the three locations;
folding the sheet at the identified fold line in the identified direction to
position the
tab to extend from the desired location.
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CA 02901099 2017-01-13
340. The sheet for a folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 318
through the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein longitudinal edges are
parallel and
the central fold is perpendicular to the longitudinal edges.
341. The sheet for a folder according to any one embodiment of embodiment 318
through the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein an overall length of the
sheet is a
length measured parallel to the longitudinal edges from tab to tab; first and
second fold
locations are displaced from a virtual fold line precisely in the middle of
the overall length.
342. A folder according to any one embodiment of the preceding embodiments,
wherein the sheet of material is formed from a plurality of layers of
different materials.
343. A file folder according to any one of the preceding embodiments having at
least one edge fold forming at least one pocket and further having at least
one suspension
bar/hanger at least partially disposed in the pocket, wherein instead of one
or more of the
pockets formed by one or more of the edge folds, the sheet has at least one
edge, and wherein
one or more of the suspension bars/hangers are affixed to or otherwise
operatively connected
to the at least one edge, and the relative distances are with respect to the
at least one edge the
edge fold (e.g., embodiment 1 ).
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