Folder for use with presentations having variably configurable pocket arrangement

Abstract

The present invention relates to a folder suitable for use with presentations that is capable of being provided with variable pocket configurations that are produced from separate sheet or laminates or combinations thereof that are imprintable, such as through non-impact printing means. The sheets, laminates or combinations are used in creating personalized pockets on demand for use with presentation folders, document containment devices and other items for which personalized and / or an auxiliary pocket may be useful. The laminates that are used in the creation of pockets for the present invention are created from a first sheet having patterns coated thereon, including patterns of adhesive and release which is then attached to a second or base sheet to protect the adhesive coated portions of the substrate. The patterns of release and adhesive enable the application of the pocket portion to a blank suitable for use in forming a presentation folder or other structure or item for which a pocket may be useful or beneficial. The sheets, laminates and the like may be provided in multiple configurations through the use of die cuts, scores and the like so as to enable the creation of variable pocket configurations, including juxtaposed pockets.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] None. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a folder suitable for use with the making or delivery of presentations that is capable of being provided with variable pocket configurations that are produced from separate sheet or laminates or combinations thereof that are imprintable, such as through non-impact printing means. The sheets, laminates or combinations are used in creating personalized pockets on demand for use with presentation folders, document containment devices and other items for which personalized and / or an auxiliary pocket may be useful. The laminates that are used in the creation of pockets for the present invention are created from a first sheet having patterns coated thereon, including patterns of adhesive and release which is then attached to a second or base sheet to protect the adhesive coated portions of the substrate. The patterns of release and adhesive enable the application of the poc...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019] In a yet still further embodiment of the present invention, method for preparing a folder in accordance with the present invention and includes the steps of, initially supplying at least one blank having a size and configuration suitable for use as a pres

Problems solved by technology

Such constructions normally require the manufacturer to purchase expensive and complicated folding equipment in order to process and fold the pocket portion, see for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,439,436 and 6,063,226.

One of the difficulties with such stock folder products is that the user of such products must order the folders in large lots or amounts, or must select from a generic stock inventory that may only have a pre-determined number of colors or finish options.

If a presenter or distributor would prefer to have at least limited information printed on the folder, such as the name of the company or presenter or to have certain colors or finishes that represent the company, such as to emphasize the trade dress, then the user is stuck with the unfortunate option of having to order such products in large quantities typically greater than 50 and more often in the hundreds as the set up for the production or manufacture of folders is complex and orders in the hundreds of units is normally required by the manufacturer due to the complexity associated with such set up of equipment.

This dilemma has thwarted the growth of the folder industry and prevented the use of this tool from expanding its communication potential to users of the product as an advertising vehicle.

The foregoing prior art products also suffer from the fact that they are normally provided only in a few relatively standard configurations, choices of only one or two products having only one or two pockets.

In addition, attendees may also wish to include materials collected at the event such as notes, brochures or other collateral material and are faced with stuffing the material into already tight spaces or simply dropping them internally from the folder which can lead to the materials being lost as they are not secured by a pocket.

The ability to add additional pockets or the ability to position pockets in different areas of the folder is simply not an option or if it is it may be an expensive option requiring the manufacturer to purchase additional equipment, rework existing equipment or obtain further tooling in order to produce what may only be a single order.

The difficulty with current stock folder offerings is that the purchaser must also select from a number of pre-arranged configurations.

Thus, a standard configuration may not lend itself to an advertising or marketing message that has a particular “map” or arrangement that requires different pieces to appear in different areas.

Another problem faced by users of such stock folders is that they have virtually no personalized or individualized information.

As one might imagine, this limits the amount of personalization that can be provided and also requires that the information be aligned with the windows in the folder assembly so that it is visible.

In addition, to the steps of folding the blank and the equipment required to achieve those tasks, in order to manufacture such a product one needs to add additional die cutting stations and then is faced with the challenge of inserting the personalized sheet of information.

In preparing for a meeting, even a small meeting, having to insert 10 sheets into 10 different folders can be time consuming, particularly if one is rushed in trying to get to the meeting.

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