Suspended file folders

Abstract

The suspended file folder is made entirely from thermoplastic material. The assembly uses a thermoplastic sheet folded along at least one score line to define a folder. The folder has integral suspension portions extending laterally from upper side edges, having generally U-shaped downwardly-opening notches therein to accommodate the suspension rails. Two thermoplastic support bars are permanently fused one to each wall of the folder along the upper edges thereof to provide the required degree of strength and rigidity. The support bars have generally U-shaped downwardly-opening notches therein, corresponding to and aligned with the notches in the suspension portions of the folders. The support bars preferably are provided with ribs to enhance rigidity and strength. Preferably, there are two of the score lines at the bottom of the folder, so that the folder is somewhat U-shaped rather than V-shaped. Additional score lines may be provided as well if desired, particularly to accommodate thicker files or more papers. The folders are preferably formed by co-extruding the sheets together with the support bars, in a continuous web. The folders are then completed by die-cutting to separate the folders from each other, and to simultaneously cut away a strip of material to leave behind the folder shape including the suspension portions and U-shaped notches. The invention thus includes a method of manufacturing the file folder assembly, as well as the folder assembly itself.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.