Large capacity expandable file folder

Abstract

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

1 . A file folder, comprising: 
 a support structure including first and second walls in pivoted association for pivoting between closed and open positions, the first and second walls defining an angle therebetween, wherein when the first and second walls are in the open position, the angle is greater than 90°; and    an expandable file portion, comprising: 
 an expansion-limiting member connected to the first and second walls and configured for limiting the pivoting of the first and second walls to the open position, and  
 a plurality of divider panels disposed between the first and second walls and connected in series to the expansion-limiting member to define pockets therebetween, such that in the closed position, the pockets are collapsed, and in the open position, the pockets are expanded with the divider panels pivoted with respect to each other.  
   
   
   
       2 . The file folder of  claim 1 , wherein the expansion-limiting member comprises an expandable sidewall attached to the first and second walls and configured to expand and collapse between the open and closed positions of the first and second walls.  
   
   
       3 . The file folder of  claim 2 , wherein the expandable sidewall defines at least one side of the pockets.  
   
   
       4 . The file folder of  claim 3 , wherein the expandable sidewall comprises at least two expandable sidewalls disposed on opposite sides of the pockets.  
   
   
       5 . The file folder of  claim 2 , wherein the expandable sidewall comprises accordion pleats for expanding and collapsing.  
   
   
       6 . The file folder of  claim 2 , wherein the expandable file portion is configured to fan open in an arcuate shape.  
   
   
       7 . The file folder of  claim 6 , wherein the divider panels are connected between the two expandable sidewalls to define wedge-shaped pockets in the open position.  
   
   
       8 . The file folder of  claim 7 , wherein the expandable file portion comprises an expandable and collapsible bottom wall connected to at least one of the expansion-limiting member or the divider panels to define the bottom portion of the wedge-shaped pockets, the bottom wall further comprising first and second end portions and a intermediate portion disposed therebetween, wherein the intermediate portion is substantially free from the support structure for moving with respect thereto.  
   
   
       9 . The file folder of  claim 8 , wherein the support structure comprises a spine pivotally connected between the first and second walls and disposed facing the central portion of the bottom wall, and the bottom wall is moveable towards and away from the spine.  
   
   
       10 . The file folder of  claim 1 , wherein the divider panels define at least eight pockets between the first and second walls.  
   
   
       11 . The file folder of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second walls are substantially more rigid than the expansion-limiting member and the divider panels.  
   
   
       12 . The file folder in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one stiffener in stiffening association with the expansion-limiting member to inhibit or prevent collapse of the expansion file portion when the first and second walls are in the open position.  
   
   
       13 . The file folder in  claim 12 , wherein the stiffener is configured to inhibit or prevent radial collapse of the expansion file portion when the first and second walls are in the open position.  
   
   
       14 . The file folder in  claim 12 , wherein the stiffener is configured to inhibit or prevent axial collapse of the expansion file portion when the first and second walls are in the open position.  
   
   
       15 . The file folder in  claim 12 , wherein the stiffener comprises two spaced circumferentially-facing walls substantially aligned with the divider panels, and an axially-facing wall substantially aligned with the expansion-limiting member and connecting the circumferentially-facing walls.  
   
   
       16 . The file folder of  claim 12 , wherein the stiffener extends axially across the pockets and is generally aligned with the divider panels in the closed position.  
   
   
       17 . The file folder of  claim 1 , further comprising a spine that is substantially rigid and comprises first and second hinges connected to the first and second walls in hinged association.  
   
   
       18 . The file folder of  claim 1 , further comprising a flexible spine configured for flexing when the first and second walls are moved between the open and closed positions.  
   
   
       19 . The file folder of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a cover panel associated with one of the first or second walls and configured to extend over and across the file portion between the first and second walls when the first and second walls are in the closed position, and    a closure member configured to secure the cover panel in the closed position.    
   
   
       20 . The file folder of  claim 19 , wherein the cover panel comprises first and second cover panels, wherein the first cover panel is associated with the first wall and the second cover panel is associated with the second wall, the first and second cover panels each including a plurality of ribs operable to interlock with each other to selectively close the file folder.  
   
   
       21 . A file folder, comprising: 
 a support structure including first and second walls in pivotable association for pivoting between closed and open positions; and    an expandable file portion, comprising: 
 at least one expansion-limiting member connected to the first and second walls and configured for limiting the pivoting of the first and second walls to the open position,  
 a plurality of divider panels disposed between the first and second walls and connected in series to the expansion-limiting member to define pockets therebetween, such that in the closed position, the pockets are collapsed, and in the open position, the pockets are expanded with the divider panels pivoted with respect to each other, and  
 at least one stiffener generally aligned with the divider panels and in stiffening association with the expansion-limiting member to inhibit or prevent collapse of the expansion file portion when the first and second walls are in the open position.  
   
   
   
       22 . The file folder of  claim 21 , further comprising at least one tether connected between the stiffener and either the first or second wall, the tether operable to keep the stiffener upright when the file folder is fully opened and to aid in supporting the weight of the contents of the pockets.