U.S. patent application number 10/738672 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-23 for imprintable laminate to create pokets for presentation folders and method of preparing such folders.
Invention is credited to Maier, Michael C., Russell, William R..
Application Number | 20050133576 10/738672 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34677429 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050133576 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Maier, Michael C. ; et
al. |
June 23, 2005 |
Imprintable laminate to create pokets for presentation folders and
method of preparing such folders
Abstract
The present invention relates to a laminate that is imprintable,
such as through non-impact printing means, for use in creating
personalized pockets on demand for use with presentation folders,
document containment devices and other items for which an auxiliary
pocket may be useful. The pocket of the present invention is formed
from a first sheet having patterns coated thereon, including
patterns of adhesive and release which is then attached to a second
or release 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.
Inventors: |
Maier, Michael C.;
(Carthage, MO) ; Russell, William R.; (Pittsburg,
KS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WARD KRAFT, INC.
P.O. BOX 938
FORT SCOTT
KS
66701
US
|
Family ID: |
34677429 |
Appl. No.: |
10/738672 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
229/67.1 ;
229/72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B42P 2241/22 20130101;
B42C 7/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/067.1 ;
229/072 |
International
Class: |
B65D 027/00 |
Claims
1. A laminate for use in creating a pocket for a presentation
folder, comprising; a first sheet having a first dimension and
having first and second faces and first and second transversely
extending side edges and first and second longitudinally extending
end edges, one of said first and second faces capable of receiving
printing, another of said first and second faces receiving at least
one pattern of adhesive; a second sheet having a second dimension
substantially equal to said first dimension and having first and
second faces and first and second transversely extending side edges
and first and second longitudinally extending end edges, said
second sheet having a coating of release material in at least an
area covered by said pattern of adhesive, and said second sheet
releasably connected to said first sheet; said pattern of adhesive
having first and second areas of adhesive disposed substantially
adjacent each of said first and second longitudinally extending
side edges and each of said first and second areas of adhesive
extending inwardly of said side edges, said pattern of adhesive
further having a strip of adhesive that extends substantially
perpendicularly to said first and second areas of adhesive, said
strip having first and second ends and first and second segments of
adhesive extending substantially perpendicularly from each of said
ends; and said first sheet having a first set of die cuts with said
first die cuts being adjacent each of said first and second areas
of adhesive and at least a second die cut disposed perpendicularly
to said first set of die cuts such that said die cuts and said
pattern of adhesive define at least first and second pocket
areas.
2. A laminate as recited in claim 1, wherein said strip of adhesive
is disposed within an area created by said strip of adhesive.
3. A laminate as recited in claim 1, wherein said first and second
segments extend in opposite directions from one another.
4. A laminate as recited in claim 4, wherein said first and second
segments of adhesive are disposed on one end of said strip of
adhesive.
5. A laminate as recited in claim 4, wherein said first and second
segments of adhesive are disposed on opposite ends of said strip of
adhesive.
6. A laminate as recited in claim 1, wherein said first and second
segments are disposed substantially adjacent said first and second
areas of adhesive.
7. A laminate as recited in claim 1, wherein said first and second
areas of adhesive form detachable label segments.
8. A laminate as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of the
first and second faces is provided with personalized printing.
9. A laminate as recited in claim 1, wherein said each of said
pocket areas are sized and configured to receive a standard sheet
of paper in a portrait arrangement.
10. A laminate as recited in claim 1, wherein said first and second
areas are removable label sections.
11. A laminate as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of said
first and second pocket areas is provided with slits, cuts or
openings to hold supplemental items.
12. A laminate as recited in claim 11, wherein said supplemental
items are selected from a group including business cards, discs,
diskettes, tags, labels and combinations thereof.
13. A presentation folder and pocket combination, comprising; a
blank sized and configured to create a presentation folder; a
pocket prepared from a laminate, said laminate comprising; a first
sheet having a first dimension and having first and second faces
and first and second transversely extending side edges and first
and second longitudinally extending end edges, one of said first
and second faces capable of receiving printing, another of said
first and second faces receiving at least one pattern of adhesive;
a second sheet having a second dimension substantially equal to
said first dimension and having first and second faces and first
and second transversely extending side edges and first and second
longitudinally extending end edges, said second sheet having a
coating of release material in at least an area covered by said
pattern of adhesive, and said second sheet releasably connected to
said first sheet; said pattern of adhesive having first and second
areas of adhesive disposed substantially adjacent each of said
first and second longitudinally extending side edges and each of
said first and second areas of adhesive extending inwardly of said
side edges, said pattern of adhesive further having a strip of
adhesive that extends substantially perpendicularly to said first
and second areas of adhesive, said strip having first and second
ends and first and second segments of adhesive extending
substantially perpendicularly from each of said ends; said first
sheet having a first set of die cuts with said first die cuts being
adjacent each of said first and second areas of adhesive and at
least a second die cut disposed perpendicularly to said first set
of die cuts such that said die cuts and said pattern of adhesive
define at least first and second pocket areas; and wherein at least
one of said first and second pocket areas are applied to said blank
to form a presentation folder with a pocket.
14. A presentation folder and pocket combination as recited in
claim 13, wherein said laminate and said blank are provided with
printing.
15. A presentation folder and pocket combination as recited in
claim 14, wherein said printing on said blank and said laminate are
complimentary to one another.
16. A presentation folder and pocket combination as recited in
claim 13, wherein said each of said pocket areas are sized and
configured to receive a standard sheet of paper in a portrait
arrangement.
17. A presentation folder and pocket combination as recited in
claim 13, wherein said first and second segments of adhesive are
disposed on one end of said strip of adhesive and said first and
second segments extend in opposite directions from one another.
18. A presentation folder and pocket combination as recited in
claim 13, wherein said first and second segments of adhesive are
disposed on opposite ends of said strip of adhesive and said first
and second segments extend in opposite directions from one
another.
19. A presentation folder and pocket combination as recited in
claim 13, wherein said first and second areas form removable label
portions.
20. A laminate as recited in claim 19, wherein at least one of said
first and second pocket areas is provided with slits, cuts or
openings to hold supplemental items.
21. A laminate as recited in claim 20, wherein said supplemental
items are selected from a group including business cards, discs,
diskettes, tags, labels and combinations thereof.
22. A method of making a presentation folder, comprising the steps
of: providing a blank of material having a first size and
configuration; supplying a laminate having a series of die cuts and
patterns of adhesive and release, said laminate having one or more
removable pocket areas; removing one or more of said pocket areas;
and applying one or more of said pocket areas to said blank to
create pockets on said blank so as to form a presentation
folder.
23. A method as recited in claim 22, wherein a further step of
printing the blank of material is conducted after the step of
providing the blank of material.
24. A method as recited in claim 22, including a further step of
printing the laminate after the step of supplying the laminate.
25. A method as recited in claim 22, wherein said each of said
pocket areas are sized and configured to receive a standard sheet
of paper in a portrait arrangement.
26. An auxiliary pocket for a document retention device,
comprising; a first sheet having a first dimension and having first
and second faces and first and second transversely extending side
edges and first and second longitudinally extending end edges, one
of said first and second faces capable of receiving printing,
another of said first and second faces receiving at least one
pattern of adhesive; a second sheet having a second dimension
substantially equal to said first dimension and having first and
second faces and first and second transversely extending side edges
and first and second longitudinally extending end edges, said
second sheet having a coating of release material in at least an
area covered by said pattern of adhesive, and said second sheet
releasably connected to said first sheet; said pattern of adhesive
having first and second areas of adhesive disposed substantially
adjacent each of said first and second longitudinally extending
side edges and each of said first and second areas of adhesive
extending inwardly of said side edges, said pattern of adhesive
further having a strip of adhesive that extends substantially
perpendicularly to said first and second areas of adhesive, said
strip having first and second ends and first and second segments of
adhesive extending substantially perpendicularly from each of said
ends; and said first sheet having a first set of die cuts with said
first die cuts being adjacent each of said first and second areas
of adhesive and at least a second die cut disposed perpendicularly
to said first set of die cuts such that said die cuts and said
pattern of adhesive define at least first and second pocket areas
that can be applied to a document retention device.
27. An auxiliary pocket as recited in claim 26, wherein said first
and second segments of adhesive are disposed on one end of said
strip of adhesive and said first and second segments extend in
opposite directions from one another.
28. An auxiliary pocket as recited in claim 26, wherein said first
and second segments of adhesive are disposed on opposite ends of
said strip of adhesive and said first and second segments extend in
opposite directions from one another.
29. An auxiliary pocket as recited in claim 26, wherein said
document retention device is selected from a group including
portfolios, notebooks, binders, clipboards, sleeves, folders,
envelopes, accordion folders and combinations thereof.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] None.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a laminate that is
imprintable, such as through non-impact printing means, for use in
creating personalized pockets on demand for use with presentation
folders, document containment devices and other items for which an
auxiliary pocket may be useful. The pocket of the present invention
is formed from a first sheet having patterns coated thereon,
including patterns of adhesive and release which is then attached
to a second or release 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.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Stock folders are generally well known today and are
provided in a variety of colors and typically in several standard
formats. Such stock products are created from a blank of material
to which at least one and usually two pockets are provided on the
inner face of the blank. The pockets are generally formed from the
same sheet or blank and are then folded over onto the blank and
sealed to the blank to create the pockets. The blank is then
folded, usually centrally, to form two relatively equal sides.
[0004] Such folders are used in a number of applications ranging
from academic, such as in a elementary, middle school, high school
or collegiate environment to education purposes including seminars
and technical symposiums. In addition, folders have also been used
in the past to hand out information on products and services in the
hopes of inducing purchases or sales of such products or
services.
[0005] These prior art folders are provided in a broad spectrum of
colors and can even have different finishes such as glossy or a
metallic appearance in order to supplement the product of topic
offering. In addition, such prior art products may also be provided
with textural or tactile features so as to resemble grains in
leather or wood, again all in an effort to produce or tailor the
communication vehicle to the audience or presenter to garner more
attention for the products or services being offered.
[0006] Examples of such prior art folders include U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,870,223, 4,109,850, 4,301,962, 4,731,142, 4,989,777 and
5,836,507. Each of these prior art constructions are constructed
from a single blank of material. That is, the portion making up the
folder which comprises the pocket, are part of the same blank. The
portion which becomes the pocket is then folded onto the folder
portion to create the pocket portion. 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.
[0007] One of the difficulties with such stock folder products is
that the user of such products must order the folders in large
lots, 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 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.
[0008] Attempts at personalization or individualization have
sometimes been elaborate, such as that illustrated by U.S. Pat. No.
5,882,038 in which a personalized sheet is printed and then
inserted so that the personalized information is then visible
through die cut windows in the blank. 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 therefore, 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.
[0009] The foregoing prior art products also suffer from the fact
that they are provided only in a few relatively standard
configurations, choices of only one or two products having only one
or two pockets. This may require the presenter to over stuff the
pockets provided with the folder or alternatively to have to
distribute multiple folders in order to achieve the communication
that is intended, that is in order to discuss multiple products or
services multiple folders need to be provided to the attendees of
the meeting. 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.
[0010] Another problem faced by users of such stock folders is that
they have virtually no personalized or individualized information.
For example, in a typical introductory business meeting between two
entities, the attendees may include an executive, members of sales
and marketing and production personnel. Distributing the exact same
information to each attendee may result in the information simply
being deposited into the attendee's files, instead of the
presenter's intent of delivering a specific message to each
participant. Any personalized or individualized information is then
limited to the sheets that are included inside the folders and
those specific to a particular attendee may be buried deep within
myriad of pages of information provided to the attendees.
[0011] Publications, patents and patent applications are referred
to throughout this disclosure. All references cited herein are
hereby incorporated by reference.
[0012] What is needed therefore is a product that can be produced
in a convenient manner that overcomes the foregoing drawbacks. In
addition, what is needed is a product that can be customized and
tailored to the individual needs of a customer or presenter and one
which enables the customer or presenter to convey personalized or
individualized messages so as to increase the impact of the
delivered materials. Moreover, the ability to provide any number of
individual pockets would assist in the direct marketing effort to
each of the attendees.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The embodiments of the present invention described below are
not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the
precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description.
Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others
skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and
practices of the present invention.
[0014] The present invention is directed to an imprintable sheet
having pre-determined pocket configurations. The sheet can be
processed through a laser or other non-impact printer to produce
pockets "on-demand." More particularly, the present invention
pertains to a laminated sheet configuration having a cooperating
arrangement of adhesive and release patterns to form one or more
pockets that can be imprinted with variable or personalized
information and then removed for attachment to a presentation
folder, either one which comes from a pre-existing configuration,
so that the user now has an extra pocket that can be applied to a
blank of material which can be used as a presentation folder. In
other embodiments, the pocket configuration of the present
invention can be applied to a pre-existing document retention
device so as to provide additional, supplemental or auxiliary
pockets for the device.
[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention a laminate for
use in creating a pocket for a presentation folder is described and
includes a first sheet that has a first dimension with first and
second faces. The sheet of material has first and second
transversely extending side edges and first and second
longitudinally extending end edges with one of the first and second
faces being capable of receiving printing, and the other of the
first and second faces receiving at least one pattern of
adhesive.
[0016] In this embodiment, a second sheet is provided and has a
second dimension that is substantially equal to the first
dimension. The second sheet also has first and second faces and
first and second transversely extending side edges and first and
second longitudinally extending end edges. The second sheet is
provided with a coating of release material in at least an area
covered by the pattern of adhesive that is applied to the first
sheet so that the second sheet is releasably connected to the first
sheet.
[0017] In the presently described embodiment, the pattern of
adhesive has first and second areas of adhesive disposed
substantially adjacent each of the first and second longitudinally
extending side edges. Each of the first and second areas of
adhesive extends inwardly of the side edges. The pattern of
adhesive used in the present invention also includes a strip of
adhesive that extends substantially perpendicularly to the first
and second areas of adhesive that is forming something similar to a
capital letter "H" or in alternate embodiments a capital letter
"L".
[0018] The strip of the first sheet has first and second ends and
first and second segments of adhesive that extend substantially
perpendicularly from each of the ends. The first sheet also has a
first set of die cuts with the first die cuts being adjacent each
of the first and second areas of adhesive and at least a second die
cut that is disposed perpendicularly to the first set of die cuts
such that the die cuts along with the pattern of adhesive define at
least first and second pocket areas that are used in the formation
of a presentation folder.
[0019] In a still further embodiment of the present invention, a
combination presentation folder and pocket arrangement is provided
and includes, a blank of material that is suitable for use in
creating a presentation folder as well as a laminate that is
prepared from the construction discussed in the previous
embodiment. The pocket areas that are created from the laminate,
are then applied to the blank of material so as to create a
presentation folders having one or more pockets for receiving
information relating to a topic, subject matter or goods and
services that are being promoted.
[0020] In a yet still further embodiment of the present invention,
a method for making a presentation folder is described and includes
the steps of, initially providing a blank of material having a
first size and configuration. Next, a laminate is supplied with the
laminate having a series of die cuts and patterns of adhesive and
release. The laminate has one or more predetermined removable
pocket areas. One or more of the pocket areas is then removed and
applied to the blank to create pockets on the blank so as to form a
presentation folder.
[0021] In a still further embodiment of the present invention, the
laminate may be used in the formation of an auxiliary pocket that
can be attached to a document retention device. In addition, the
laminate of the present invention can be used to create either left
and right hand oriented pockets or the laminate can create pockets
having only one orientation, either both left or right.
[0022] Other steps that may be utilized in connection with the
foregoing method embodiment include the step of printing on the
blank and/or laminate prior to the steps of assembling the blank
with the pocket areas to create the presentation folder.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] These, as well as other objects and advantages of this
invention, will be more completely understood and appreciated by
referring to the following more detailed description of the
presently preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, of which:
[0024] FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective of the first sheet, rear
face of the present invention showing the patterns of adhesive and
die cuts used in making the pocket areas of the laminated
construction;
[0025] FIG. 1A provides a front perspective of the first sheet,
rear face of the present invention showing an alternative pattern
of adhesive and die cuts used in making the pocket areas of the
laminated constructions;
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates the front face of the first sheet of the
laminate and shows the portions used in creating the pocket areas
and removable label areas;
[0027] FIG. 3 shows a partial cutaway of the laminate of the
present invention illustrating the sheets used in making the
construction as well as the areas of adhesive and showing one area
being wider than the other due to the additional segment of
adhesive that extends perpendicularly from the strip;
[0028] FIG. 4 provides a front perspective of the pockets created
from the laminate of the present invention being applied to a blank
so as to form a presentation folder;
[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present
invention in which the pockets created from the laminate are
applied to a document retention device, here a notebook and thus
provide the user with auxiliary or supplemental pockets in which to
hold other items; and
[0030] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the method of using and
assembling a presentation folder using the pockets created from the
laminate of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] The present invention is now illustrated in greater detail
by way of the following detailed description, but it should be
understood that the present invention is not to be construed as
being limited thereto.
[0032] Unexpectedly, it has been found that there is not a simple,
efficient manner in which to create personalized presentation
folders which can be produced in either small quantities, such as
by a manufacturer of printed products or by a small office or home
office ("SOHO") for presenting products or services or an
independent user, such as a student in preparation for a report for
school.
[0033] As used herein, the term "adhesive" includes, but is not
limited to strips, patterns, segments, shapes, spots, continuous
arrangements, discontinuous arrangements and combinations thereof.
The type of adhesive that may be used includes but is not limited
to repositionable, removable, permanent, remoistentable, hot melt,
pressure seal (cohesive), cold glues and combinations and mixtures
thereof. The present invention may also include adhesive strips
that are provided in the form of transfer tapes, pressure sensitive
tapes and the like which usually will have a removable release
liner, which when removed will expose and/or activate the adhesive
that can be used to form a sealing arrangement.
[0034] The term "document containment device" as used herein
includes portfolios, notebooks, binders, clipboards, sleeves,
folders, envelopes, accordion folders and the like.
[0035] The printing or imaging can be provided on one or both faces
of the sheet or laminate. The information to be provided is
generally personalized or individualized so that each attendee of a
business meeting can receive a specially tailored message. For
example, a normal introductory business meeting, the attendees from
the target company (company that is being targeted for the sale of
goods or services) may have an executive present, members of the
sales and marketing team as well as production personnel in
attendance to consider the information being provided. The
presenter ideally wants to deliver a unique message to each person
or group in the audience and is only offered a short period of time
to accomplish this task, and usually devotes most of the period to
"walking through" a visual presentation. However, through the use
of the present invention, the presenter can deliver personalized or
individualized information to each group while still focusing on
delivering the information to the group. For example, information
for sales and marketing may relate to increased sales and
commissions or sales strategies for selling the product. Production
personnel may receive information relating to efficient
manufacturing techniques and other products for which the services
may be used with as well as contact numbers for support and other
technical data. The executive may only receive summary or overview
information and financial numbers relating to the impact of the
divisional bottom line. Thus each person is provided with a unique
package of information that is tailored to his or her specific
talents thereby potentially increasing the chances of success of
the presentation. It should be understood that in addition to
personalized or individualized information, the sheet or laminate
of the present invention may also include static, fixed or
regularly repeating information (such as information printed on
each folder to be presented).
[0036] Each panel of the presentation folder or folder page will in
one exemplary embodiment have a width of approximately 9 inches and
a length of about 12 inches. Together, two panels are generally
required to create a presentation folder with the overall
dimensions running about twelve inches by eighteen inches. The
pockets formed from the present invention will have a height of
around 4" to 41/4" and a width of up to 9 inches.
[0037] The foregoing dimensions are used when preparing a standard
configuration presentation folder. That is, each panel of the blank
runs about 12" high and about 9" wide with the pocket having a
length of about 9" and a height of around 4". Obviously, other
dimensions are possible and would simply require the repositioning
of the adhesive areas, lines of weakness, etc. on the sheet or the
use of different sized sheets of material. The pocket of the
presently described embodiment is sized and configured so that it
can receive and retain a standard size sheet of paper in a portrait
arrangement (81/2" side placed in the pocket which has a width of
approximately 9").
[0038] Turning now to FIG. 1, the first sheet 10 of the laminate of
the present invention is shown. The sheet for the presently
described embodiment has dimensions of roughly a standard sheet of
paper, or 8{fraction (1/2)}" by 11". The sheet 10 may be of any
suitable material that will be sufficient for processing through a
laser or non-impact printer and will withstand the insertion of at
least one sheet or other material after the sheet is formed into a
pocket and attached for use as a presentation folder. Thus, the
sheet can range from twenty pound (20#) bond paper to one hundred
pound (100#) tag stock. Other materials may also be suitable for
the present invention including synthetic films, metalized foils,
and the like.
[0039] The first sheet 10 has a first face 12 and a second face 12*
(shown in FIG. 2). The first sheet 10 has first and second
transversely extending end edges 111 and 13, respectively, and
first and second longitudinally extending side edges 15 and 17,
respectively. Coated on the first face (or rear face) 12 of the
sheet 10, are first and second areas of adhesive 14 and 16,
respectively. The first and second areas of adhesive 14 and 16 are
disposed substantially adjacent to the first and second
longitudinally extending side edges 15 and 17. The first and second
areas of adhesive extend inwardly from the side edges 15 and 17 a
distance of approximately one inch. The first and second areas of
adhesive 15 and 17 will serve as removable labels that can be used
to personalize, decorate, etc. the presentation folder, document
retention device or other purpose to which labels are generally
known and used for.
[0040] The pattern of adhesive that is applied to the first face 12
of the first sheet 10 also includes a strip of adhesive 18 which
runs substantially perpendicularly to the first and second areas of
adhesive 14 and 16. That is, the strip of adhesive 18 forms
generally the shape of a capital "H" with the first and second
areas of adhesive 14 and 16 and is approximately {fraction (1/2)}"
wide. The strip of adhesive 18 has first and second ends 20 and 22
from which adhesive segments 26 and 28 run perpendicularly to the
strip 18 of adhesive. The strip of adhesive 18 will serve as the
base portion of a pocket and will secure the pocket to the blank or
other substrate or material.
[0041] The adhesive segments 26 and 28 are disposed on a single end
20 and extend in opposite directions. That is, segment 26 is
adjacent adhesive area 16 and runs from adhesive strip 18 toward
transversely extending end edge 13. Whereas segment 28 is adjacent
adhesive area 16 and extends from strip 18 toward transversely
extending end edge 11. The adhesive segments 26 and 28 will form
the side, sealed walls of the pockets when the pockets are applied
to a substrate. The orientation of the strips is different so that
left and right hand pockets A and B can be created. It should be
understood however, that it is within the scope of this invention
that the segments 26 and 28 could be on opposite ends of strip 18,
so that pockets having a single orientation, either right or left
open sides could be formed.
[0042] The sheet 10 is also provided with a first set of die cuts
30 and 30* which will extend completely through the first sheet 10
but will not penetrate the second sheet which will make up the
laminate as is readily understood by those with skill in the art.
The die cuts 30 and 30* define the end edge of the adhesive areas
14 and 16. The adhesive areas 14 and 16 are thus defined by the
longitudinally extending side edges 15 and 17 and die cuts 30 and
30*.
[0043] The sheet 10 is also provided with a second die cut 32 that
runs substantially perpendicularly to die cuts 30 and 30*. Die cut
32 separates the areas that become the pockets into first and
second pocket areas. Die cut 32 is desirably centrally disposed
within the area defined by strip 18. Thus, separating the pocket
sections A and B from the sheet 10 will provide a strip of adhesive
of about 1/4" along the bottom edge of the material that will form
the pocket as will be described later.
[0044] FIG. 1A shows an alternate configuration of the present
invention in which segment 26 is on an opposite end edge 20 from
that of segment 28 which runs perpendicularly from end edge 22. In
this embodiment, pockets A and B will have identical open end edges
so that a plurality of pockets can be created having the same
orientation as provided in FIG. 5 discussed herein.
[0045] In addition, FIG. 1A also provides for a preformed
arrangements of slits 25 and 27 which are used to hold auxiliary
items such as discs, diskettes, business cards, labels, tags,
coupons, passes and the like.
[0046] Reference is now directed to FIG. 2, where the second face
(front face) 12* of sheet 10. The face 12* is capable of receiving
imaging, printing, graphics and the like, that is the face 12* is
receptive to toner or ink such as provided from a laser printer or
ink jet printer. Alternatively, if needed, the surface of face 12*
can be treated so as to increase receptivity or anchorage of the
toner or ink.
[0047] The face 12* shows the first and second pocket portions A
and B as well as the removable label portions C and D (also
designated by reference numerals 14 and 16) that can be used in
labeling, identification or any other use suitable for labels. FIG.
2 also provides a further outline of the areas of the pocket
portions A and B and the portions of the adhesive strip 18 and
segments 26 and 28 that will serve to secure the pocket portions A
and B to a substrate. It should be understood, that only one pocket
may be removed and used and the other can be saved for use at a
later time or may not be used at all.
[0048] As indicated above, FIG. 3 is a partial cut away taken along
line X shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 shows first sheet 10 removably
adhered to second sheet 10* through use of the adhesive patterns
and a release coating 14* applied to the second sheet 10*. The
release coating 14* may be silicone or other material that will
impart sufficient release properties so that the adhesive coated
first sheet 10 can easily be peeled away. The release coating may
be applied in a pattern corresponding to the areas of the adhesive
pattern on the first sheet 10 or alternatively, the entire sheet
may be release coated. The partial cut away is depicted to show the
first and second areas of adhesive 14 and 16 as well as the segment
28 of adhesive that will form the sealed end edge of the pocket
portion when the pocket portion is secured to a substrate.
[0049] FIG. 4 highlights the use of the invention in creating a
presentation folder. The presentation folder is generally referred
to by reference to numeral 100 and is typically constructed from a
blank of material having dimensions of twelve inches by 18 inches
with each panel having dimensions of roughly nine inches wide by
twelve inches high. As is provided in FIG. 4, pocket portions A and
B have been applied to the blank of material. Each of the pocket
portions A and B are held to the blank though a portion of the
adhesive strip 18, roughly equal portions of about 1/4" and by
adhesive segments 28 and 26, respectively and shown in phantom by
the FIGURE. The side edges 28* and 26* opposite that of the
adhesive segments 28 and 26 is open. Thus, the open pocket area of
each of the pockets is roughly 83/4" wide by about 4 inches high,
which is sufficiently large enough to accommodate a sheet of paper
in a portrait arrangement when inserted into the pocket of the
presentation folder.
[0050] FIG. 4 also illustrates the use of the removable label
portions C and D as shown in FIG. 2. Here removable label portion
110 has been provided on the interior of the blank that forms the
presentation folder. Obviously, the labels may be positioned
anywhere on the blank or even on the pockets. In addition, the
present invention may include additional die cuts in the label
areas so that different sized labels can be created for labeling
the substrate or material containing the pocket portion.
[0051] FIG. 4 also provides areas where a presenter can place
additional collateral materials such as through the use of slits or
cuts 25 and 27 which can hold business cards, discs, diskettes,
coupons, passes, tags, labels, etc.
[0052] Printing, imaging or graphics can also be provided on the
blank and shown by reference to numerals 120 and 130. Printing can
also be provided on the pocket portions A and B and is referenced
by numerals 125 and 135. The printing on the pockets and blanks can
correspond to one another so as to be complimentary in conveying a
personalized message, or the printing may be static or fixed or may
be a combination of static and personalized information.
[0053] Attention is now directed to FIG. 5 of the present
specification in which the pocket portions A and B, this time
created from a laminate in which the orientations of the pockets
are the same (both pocket portions have a left or a right open end)
as provided in FIG. 1A. The pocket portions in this embodiment are
simply created by moving one of segment 26 or 28 to the opposite
end edge 20 or 22 of strip 18 so that the segments 26 or 28 still
extend in opposite directions and then at opposite end edges as can
be readily understood by reference to FIGS. 1, 1A and 2 of the
instant specification.
[0054] In this FIG. 5, a document retention device 200, as defined
above, is provided with pocket portions A and B to create auxiliary
storage for the document retention device 200, for example a three
ring binder. Pocket B could hold diskettes, folded notes and other
items other than a full size sheet of paper. Pocket A could be used
to hold full sized sheets of paper. The pockets A and B are again
held in position through the use of adhesive 18 and 28 and 26
respectively. Additional pockets can of course be added, such as at
pocket AA. The sheet to which the pocket may be applied can be
provided with slits or cuts to hold supplemental items for the
presentation.
[0055] FIG. 6 provides a block diagram of an exemplary method of
using the present invention and making presentation folders.
Initially, a blank is supplied from a source at step 300. Then the
blank may be imaged or printed at step 310. The information used in
rendering the printing or imaging may be collected from a remote
source and transmitted over a global communications network or over
a local area network or other suitable means. Alternatively, the
information to be printed can be provided on site, such as in a
small office environment.
[0056] Next, a laminate constructed in accordance with the present
invention is supplied at step 320. The laminate may or may not be
printed at step 330. The printing of the laminate as well as the
blank may be accomplished with personalized information, static or
fixed data or a combination of the two. Alternatively, one may
carry personalized information and the other may carry static
information. Printing is accomplished through the use of non-impact
printers such as ink jet, laser printers and the like.
[0057] The pocket areas of the laminate are removed at step 340 and
positioned on the blank or other substrate at step 350. Depending
on the configuration of the laminate, the blank may receive both
left and right oriented pockets or pockets having the same
orientation (both opening to the left or to the right).
[0058] One of the most important things with respect to new product
innovations is the need to effectively market and communicate the
new product to potential customers and end users of the product.
Such marketing typically includes the creation of marketing
collateral associated with the features of the present method and
system and its benefits and uses. These unique products produced by
the system and in accordance with the method of the present
invention are sold in connection with that marketing collateral and
then distributing the end product to potential end users and
customers or transferring the technology to others for
incorporation in their respective products. Customers can include
distributors of such products as well as office supply stores,
retail and warehouse outlets, manufacturers of such presentation
folders which themselves may not be end users, but may repackage
and resell the products to end users or third parties.
[0059] Marketing collateral as used herein includes the use of
scripted or prepared material that are distributed through audio
and visual communication mediums, over a global communication
network, through printed mediums such as newspapers, trade
publications, magazines, fliers, handouts and the like.
[0060] It will thus be seen according to the present invention a
highly advantageous laminate for creating presentation pocket
folders and a method of using same has been provided. While the
invention has been described in connection with what is presently
considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the
invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, that
many modifications and equivalent arrangements may be made thereof
within the scope of the invention, which scope is to be accorded
the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to
encompass all equivalent structures and products.
[0061] The inventors hereby state their intent to rely on the
Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair
scope of their invention as it pertains to any apparatus, system,
method or article not materially departing from but outside the
literal scope of the invention as set out in the following
claims.
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