Printable tabbed file folder

Abstract

A blank is provided adapted for forming into a file folder. The blank comprises a planar sheet having a first surface and a second surface. The sheet has a first cover portion joined to a second cover portion along a mutual cover hinge line. The sheet is adapted for folding about the cover hinge line such that the first cover portion and second cover portion overlie each other and the folder is adapted to receive sheet material therebetween. The first cover portion includes a tab extension along one edge thereof either adjacent to the fold line or opposite thereto. The tab extension includes an inner tab portion and an outer tab portion joined together along a mutual hinge line. Folding the tab extension about the tab fold line causes the outer tab portion to overlie the inner tab portion forming a tab which extends from an edge of the first cover portion beyond the second cover portion when the second cover portion is folded to overlie the first cover portion. The inner tab portion and outer tab portion both have labelling areas on their surfaces which are adapted to have indicia printed thereon by a printing mechanism. The sheet is adapted when unfolded to be passed through a printing machine and to have labelling indicia printed on the labelling areas of both the inner tab portion and the outer tab portion. After printing, by folding the outer tab portion to overlie the inner tab portion, the outer tab portion and inner tab portion are secured together to permanently form the tab and present the printed indicia visible on both sides of the tab. The sheet carries an adhesive strip which can be activated after printing such that the adhesive strip secures the inner tab portion to the outer tab portion.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A method for customized printing of identifying indicia on a blank adapted for forming a folder, the blank comprising a substantially planar sheet having a first surface and a second surface, 
 the sheet including a tab extension forming at least a segment of an edge of the sheet,    the tab extension comprising an inner tab portion and an outer tab portion, the inner tab portion and outer tab portion joined together along a mutual tab hinge line therebetween wherein on folding the tab extension about the tab fold line in one direction the second surface of the sheet on the outer tab portion overlies the second surface of the sheet on the inner tab portion, wherein with the sheet folded about the tab fold line, the inner tab portion and the outer tab portion overlying the inner tab portion both extend beyond the remainder of the sheet,    an inner labelling area on the first surface of the sheet over the inner tab portion adapted to have indicia printed thereon by a printing mechanism,    an outer labelling area on the first surface of the sheet over the outer tab portion adapted to have labelling indicia printed thereon by a printing mechanism,    the method comprising the steps of:    passing the sheet through a printing mechanism for printing indicia on the sheet with the sheet including the tab extension and the second cover portion all substantially in the same plane thereby printing indicia both on the inner labelling area and the outer labelling area on the first surface of the sheet,    folding the tab extension about the tab fold line in said one direction to locate the second surface of the outer tab portion in overlying relation over the second surface of the inner tab portion, and    securing the inner and outer tab portions in said overlying relation.    
     
     
         2 . A method as claimed in    claim 1    wherein the indicia printed on the inner labelling area is substantially identical to the indicia printed on the exterior labelling area.  
     
     
         3 . A method as claimed in    claim 2    including in the step of passing the sheet through a printing mechanism, at the same time as printing indicia on the tab extension printing indicia on the first surface of the sheet other than on the tab extension.  
     
     
         4 . A method as claimed in claim including securing a thin, transparent protective sheeting over indicia printed on the inner labelling area or the outer labelling area.  
     
     
         5 . A method as claimed in    claim 1    wherein the inner and outer tab portions are secured in said overlying relation by use of adhesive affixing the second surface of the inner tab portion to the second surface of the outer tab portion.  
     
     
         6 . A method as claimed in    claim 1    wherein the inner and outer tab portions are secured in said overlying relation by applying one or more transparent sheet members which extends parallel the mutual tab line across the first surface of inner and outer tab portions and wraps about end edges of the inner and outer tab portions between the inner tab portion to the outer tab portion.  
     
     
         7 . A method as claimed in    claim 6    wherein said one or more transparent sheet members comprise a unitary sleeve member which encircles the inner and outer tab portion.  
     
     
         8 . A method as claimed in    claim 6    wherein said one or more transparent sheet members comprises a band of sheet material having two ends adapted to be joined together to form a sleeve member to encircle the inner and outer tab portions, 
 the band being applied by placing the band about the inner and outer tab portion to encircle the same and thereafter joining the ends of the band together to form said sleeve member.  
 
     
     
         9 . A method as claimed in    claim 6    wherein said transparent sheet members comprise sheeting with an adhesive on one side for affixing to the first surfaces of the inner and outer tab portions.  
     
     
         10 . A method as claimed in    claim 1    wherein the inner and outer tab portions are secured in said overlying relation by applying one or more sheet members having adhesive on one surface thereof to overlie first surfaces of the exterior tab portion and a portion of the second surface of the sheet adjacent portions of the second surface of the sheet that the outer tab portion overlies.  
     
     
         11 . A method as claimed in    claim 10    wherein said transparent sheet members are applied to extend over the tab hinge line and cover areas of the first surface of both the inner and outer tab portions.