U.S. patent application number 10/798955 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-11 for storage device with a hanging file folder storage space.
Invention is credited to Carlson, John C., Gaska, Gilius A., Killinger, Timothy D., Pyle, Michael L..
Application Number | 20040222174 10/798955 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33423304 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040222174 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Killinger, Timothy D. ; et
al. |
November 11, 2004 |
Storage device with a hanging file folder storage space
Abstract
A file storage device has an exterior shell with an outer
surface and an openable panel defining part of the exterior shell.
The openable panel has a bottom edge, a forward facing surface, and
a rear facing surface. The openable panel is pivotable about its
bottom edge outward from the exterior shell between a retracted
condition at which the forward facing surface is generally flush
with the outer surface of the exterior shell and an open condition
away from the outer surface of the exterior shell. A file support
structure has a file storage area, an open top for insertion,
access to, and removal of files from the file storage area, and a
file suspension device provided to suspend files within the file
storage area. The file support structure is disposed adjacent to
the rear facing surface of the openable panel and is movable in
concert with the openable panel. The open top is accessible when
the openable panel is in the open condition. The file support
structure is disposed within the exterior shell when the openable
panel is in the retracted condition.
Inventors: |
Killinger, Timothy D.;
(Plainfield, IL) ; Gaska, Gilius A.; (Medina,
OH) ; Pyle, Michael L.; (Sugar Grove, IL) ;
Carlson, John C.; (Chicago, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARSHALL, GERSTEIN & BORUN LLP
6300 SEARS TOWER
233 S. WACKER DRIVE
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
33423304 |
Appl. No.: |
10/798955 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60453493 |
Mar 11, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/80 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 87/0276 20130101;
A45C 13/02 20130101; A45C 3/02 20130101; A47B 67/04 20130101; A45C
5/146 20130101; B42F 17/00 20130101; A47B 63/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/080 |
International
Class: |
A47G 029/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A file storage device comprising: an exterior shell having an
outer surface; an openable panel defining part of the exterior
shell, the openable panel having a bottom edge, a forward facing
surface, and a rear facing surface, the openable panel being
pivotable about the bottom edge outward from the exterior shell
between a retracted condition at which the forward facing surface
is generally flush with the outer surface of the exterior shell and
an open condition away from the outer surface of the exterior
shell; and a file support structure having a file storage area, an
open top for insertion, access to, and removal of files from the
file storage area, and a file suspension device provided to suspend
files within the file storage area, the file support structure
disposed adjacent to the rear facing surface of the openable panel
and being movable in concert with the openable panel, wherein the
open top is accessible when the openable panel is in the open
condition and wherein the file support structure is disposed within
the exterior shell when the openable panel is in the retracted
condition.
2. A file storage device according to claim 1, wherein the exterior
shell further comprises: a pair of opposed side panels; and a front
panel defined at least in part by the openable panel.
3. A file storage device according to claim 1, wherein the file
support structure further comprises: a pair of suspension surfaces
on laterally spaced apart and opposed sides of the top opening.
4. A file storage device according to claim 3, wherein the pair of
suspension surfaces are arranged to present files suspended in the
file storage area in a forwardly and downwardly cascading
arrangement.
5. A file storage device according to claim 3, wherein each of the
pair of suspension surfaces is an arched surface.
6. A file storage device according to claim 1, wherein the exterior
shell further comprises: a top panel providing a generally
horizontal support surface.
7. A file storage device according to claim 1, wherein the exterior
shell is in the form of a table when the openable panel is in the
retracted condition.
8. A file storage device according to claim 1, wherein the exterior
shell and the openable panel combine to form a configuration that
hides the file storage purpose of the storage device when the
openable panel is in the closed condition.
9. A file storage device comprising: an exterior shell having an
outer surface; an openable panel defining part of the exterior
shell, the openable panel having a bottom edge, a forward facing
surface, and a rear facing surface, the openable panel being
pivotable about the bottom edge outward from the exterior shell
between a retracted condition and an open condition, the openable
panel being generally flush with the outer surface of the exterior
shell in the retracted condition, and the openable panel being
positioned away from the outer surface of the exterior shell in the
open condition; and a file support structure having a file storage
area, an open top for insertion, access to, and removal of files
from the file storage area, and a file suspension device provided
to suspend files within the file storage area, the file support
structure disposed adjacent to the rear facing surface of the
openable panel and being movable in concert with the openable
panel, wherein the file support structure is arranged to present
files suspended in the file storage area in a forwardly and
downwardly cascading arrangement.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0002] The present invention relates generally to file
organization, and more particularly to a hanging file organizer
with a storage space that can be pivoted between a retracted,
hidden position and an open, accessible position.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] There are many known file organizer and storage products on
the market that can store hanging file folders. These existing
products typically include desks, file drawer systems, file
cabinets, and the like. Such organizer and storage products often
include drawers with horizontally and longitudinally disposed
wires, grooves, or the like which are adapted to support and
suspend hanging file folders in a lateral orientation.
[0005] In order to view an informational tab on such hanging file
folders, the informational tabs are often laterally staggered
relative to adjacent files to provide a semi-direct view to the
informational tab. Additionally, these types of organizers and
storage products are dedicated for file storage. The appearance of
such products is typically clearly indicitative that the product or
device is for storing files.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent upon reading the following description in
conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 shows one example in perspective view of a storage
device constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the storage device of FIG. 1 and
with its storage area in a closed or retracted condition.
[0009] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the storage device
depicted in FIG. 1 and with its storage area in an open
condition.
[0010] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the storage device
depicted in FIG. 2 and with its storage area in an open
condition.
[0011] FIG. 5 shows an enlarged partial cross section of a portion
of the exterior shell of the storage device of FIG. 1 and with the
storage in the open condition.
[0012] FIG. 6 shows one example of a file spacing mechanism that
can be optionally employed in the storage device shown in FIG.
1.
[0013] FIG. 7 another example of a file spacing mechanism that can
be optionally employed in the storage device shown in FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates one example of a pivot or hinge structure
that can be employed in the storage device shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0015] The file organizer and/or storage product is described
herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.
The disclosed product solves or improves upon problems and
deficiencies with known, existing file organizer and storage
products.
[0016] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a
perspective view of one example of a storage device 10 constructed
in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The
storage device 10 in this example has an exterior shell 12 with an
outer surface. As discussed herein, the exterior shell 10 and its
outer surface 12 can be configured to provide an outwardly pleasing
aesthetic appearance. The shell can also be configured to provide
an appearance that masks or hides the file folder storage
capability of the device 10.
[0017] Further, the materials utilized to fabricate portions of the
exterior shell can vary considerably and yet fall within the spirit
and scope of the present invention. For example, the exterior shell
12 can be fabricated from wood, plastic, metal, combinations of
these materials. For example, various parts of the shell can
include layers of these materials such that the exterior finish
appears to be one fabricated from one material, although a
different underlying base material is used. In one example, a wood
material can be utilized to fabricate portions of the exterior
shell, or an exterior wood veneer can be added to an alternative,
cheaper base material for an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
[0018] In the disclosed example, the exterior shell 12 includes an
openable front panel 16 that defines a part of the exterior shell.
The disclosed exterior shell 12 also includes a pair of generally
vertically oriented and laterally spaced apart side panels 18 and
20. Each side panel 18 and 20 has a forward facing edge 22. The
openable panel 16 is disposed generally between the forward facing
edges of the side panels 18 and 20. In this example, the openable
panel 16, when in the closed condition shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
defines a front panel of the device 10. In another example, the
openable panel 16 can define only a portion of a front panel of the
exterior shell, or can form a portion or all of a different panel
of a storage device.
[0019] In this example, the storage device 10 also has an upward
facing top panel 24 that defines a top support surface of the
storage device. As shown, the top panel 24 is surrounded or
partially bounded by a back stop 26 and a pair of opposed and
spaced apart side stops 28. The back stop 26 and side stops 28 that
extend vertically upward from three side edges of the top panel 24.
In this example, the side stops 28 are extensions of the side
panels 18 and 20, but need not be so. In another example, the side
stops 28 may not be present at all. Similarly, the back stop 26, if
present, can be part of a back panel (not shown) or can be a
separate or stand alone structure extending upward from a back edge
of the top panel 24.
[0020] Although not shown, a wide variation in the shape, size,
contour, and the like, of exterior shell 12 can be utilized and yet
fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The
disclosed example employs generally flat, planar, rectangular
panels 16, 18, 20, and 24 to form the shell 12. In another example,
a hood or cover (not shown) can be disposed over the top panel 24
and spaced upwardly therefrom. The hood can be supported by the
back stop 26 and side stops 28 to provide a covered storage area
over the top panel 24. However, these panels, the exterior shell
12, and/or its outer surface need not be planar or rectangular.
Instead, the exterior shell can take on different shapes and
configurations with varying contours without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0021] In the disclosed example, the side panels 18 and 20 are
rectangular and arranged with a vertically oriented elongate
dimension. The top panel is also rectangular and has a larger width
than its depth. The openable panel 16 in this example is generally
a square rectangular configuration, although it can be any size as
desired to accommodate a particular storage device application.
[0022] As a further alternative, the storage device 10 can include
a plurality of optional wheels 30, which are shown in phantom in
FIG. 4. The wheels can extend downwardly from a bottom surface or
panel (not shown) of the shell, or from corners of the bottom edges
32 of the side panels 18 and 20. The wheels 30 are optional, but
can be provided in order to permit moving the storage device 10 by
easily rolling it along a support surface.
[0023] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the openable panel 16 can be
pivoted to an open condition to access a storage area or
compartment 40. In this example, the storage area 40 is a hanging
file storage area that becomes exposed when the openable panel is
moved to its open condition. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the
openable panel 16 is in its closed condition, the storage area 40
is hidden within an interior (not shown) of the exterior shell 12
of the device 10. Generally, the storage 40 is positioned behind
the openable panel 16 and moves in concert with the openable panel
in this example.
[0024] In the disclosed example, the openable panel 16 has a bottom
edge 42 and a forward facing surface 44. The surface 44 is
configured and arranged to define a part of the exterior shell 12
of the device 10 in this example. The openable panel 16 also has a
rear facing surface 46 directed toward a storage interior (not
shown) that is defined within the confines of the exterior shell
12.
[0025] The openable panel 16 is pivotable about its bottom edge 42
relative to the exterior shell 12 of the device 10 in order to
access or retract the storage area 40. The openable panel 16 can be
pivoted between the retracted condition as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2
and the opened condition as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In the
retracted condition, the forward facing surface 44 is generally
flushed with the outer surface of the shell 12 in this example. In
this manner, the storage device 10 can be constructed to mask or
hide the storage area 40 within the shell interior. The device 10
can be configured so as to not appear to house a file storage area
or hanging file folders within its interior, but instead to appear
as another type of furniture or storage product. When in the open
condition, the openable panel 16 has a top edge 48 that is
positioned forward and away from the exterior shell 12 of the
device 10. In this open condition, the openable panel 16 provides
access to the storage area 40.
[0026] A file suspension device 50 is provided within the storage
area to suspend hanging file folders therein. In this example, the
suspension device includes a pair of laterally spaced apart support
structures 50 positioned to support hanging file folders in the
storage area 40. The file folders are generally depicted as folders
52 in FIG. 3. In the disclosed example, the file support structures
50 are a pair of laterally spaced apart, opposed, and curved
suspension surfaces 54. The surfaces 54 extend rearwardly from the
rear facing surface 46 of the openable panel 16. The axis of the
suspension surfaces 54 in this example are curved convexly upward
so that they are arched upwardly.
[0027] The upward curve creates a cascading affect for the folders
52 suspended thereon. The suspension surfaces 54 are arranged such
that, when the openable panel 16 is in the open position, the
storage area 40 and the stored files 52 are exposed. The suspension
surfaces 54 are at a slightly lower elevation nearer the rear
facing surfaces 46 of the openable panel and increase in elevation
moving further away from the rear facing surface. However, because
the suspension surfaces are also upwardly curved or arched, the
degree of elevation of the suspension surface becomes reduced
approaching the exterior shell 12. The suspension surfaces 54 are
also angled or tilted forward as illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0028] The combination of the arch, the curvature degree, and the
degree of tilt can be designed to produce the cascading affect. The
cascading files will thus be arranged so that the elevation of the
top edge of the files 52 is lower toward the openable panel 16 and
higher toward the shell 12. This presents the information tabs 53
on the top edges of the file folders 52 in an easily readable
manner, regardless of the lateral positioning of the tabs.
[0029] The curvature of the suspension surfaces 54 in this example
also can assist in providing a smooth gliding action when opening
the openable panel 16. Both the radius of the curvature and the
position of the surfaces 54 relative to the swing arc can be
manipulated to achieve the desired pivot motion of the storage area
40. These characteristics can also be selected to create the
desired file folder position and cascade pattern in the open
condition. Rollers, bearings, or other friction reducing features
can be added between the suspension surfaces 54 or other bearing
surfaces and contact points on the exterior shell 12. Such friction
reducing elements can assist the movement between the open and
retracted condition.
[0030] One or more stops 56, as shown in FIG. 5, can be employed to
hold the storage area 40 and openable panel 16 in the open
condition. In one example, such a stop 56 can be provided at a rear
end of each suspension surface 54. The exterior shell 12 in this
example includes a front opening 58 through which the storage
compartment or area 40 can pass. The opening 58 becomes covered
when the openable panel 16 is in the closed condition. The opening
58 also permits the file folders 52 and the storage area 40 to
extend forward from the interior of the shell 12 when in the open
condition. An upper edge 60 of the front opening 58 can be
positioned relative to the stops 56 such that they bear against an
interior surface 62 of the shell 12 adjacent the front opening 58
to prevent further withdrawal of the storage area 40.
[0031] A pair of opposed wedge-shaped panels 70 can extend
rearwardly from the rear facing 46 of the openable panel 16 and be
connected to and depend from the suspension surfaces 54. These
panels 70 can be provided and positioned to retain files and file
materials within the storage area 40. These panels 70, if provided,
define side or enclosure panels for the storage area 40 and confine
the file folders 52 therebetween. Though not shown, a rear panel
and a bottom edge, end, or panel can also be provided to form a
fully enclosed compartment in the storage area 40. However, the
storage area has at least a top opening or access opening into the
storage area or compartment.
[0032] The file suspension device 50 and suspension surfaces 54 can
be varied or can differ from the disclosed embodiment. A file
suspension device of virtually any type can be employed in the
storage area 40 without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention. However, in one example, the file suspension
device can be adapted to provide the cascading feature, though with
a different than the support structures 50 and suspension surfaces
54 disclosed herein.
[0033] As is known in the art, a typical hanging file folder (not
shown in detail herein) includes a pair of panels folded upon one
another with an interconnected bottom edge and a pair of distal
free edges at the top. A support bar typically extends through an
opening along each top edge of each panel. Each end of each support
bar terminates at a hook configured to cooperate with a suspension
part or surface to support the hanging folder. Thus, each folder 52
will typically have four laterally extending hooks. These hooks
typically rest on and bear against a portion of a suspension
device, such as the suspension surfaces 54 in this example. Each of
the suspension surfaces 54 can employ a vertically extending rib,
though not shown herein, that extends along an inner edge of the
surface in an axial direction. The hooks of folders 52 can then
ride along these ribs to support the folders as known in the
art.
[0034] In other examples, the suspension surfaces 54 or other such
file suspension device can employ discrete and positive file
positioning structures so that at least the top edges of the
hanging file folders are spaced apart and held in such spacing. As
shown in FIG. 6 in top view, a serpentine surface configuration can
be employed on, formed in, or attached to the suspension surfaces
54 of this example. Peaks 82 of the serpentine feature define
valleys 84 therebetween. The support bars or other portions of the
top edges of the file folders 52 can rest between the peaks 82 in
the valleys 84. The length of the support bar or width dimension of
the file folder 52, along with the depth and lateral spacing of
corresponding valleys 84 can retain the file folders in the
selected position.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 7 in side view, each suspension surface 54
need not be a smooth surface but can instead employ a saw-toothed
or stepped spacing mechanism 90 either on, formed in, or attached
to the panels 70 and/or surfaces 54. The saw-tooth or step
mechanism 90 can be constructed and arranged such that a file
folder support bar or other structure rests on a support surface
part 92 of the saw-tooth or stepped mechanism 90. The folder
support bar can then bear forwardly against a stop part 94 of the
configuration. Gravity will tend to draw the file folder against
the stop part 94 of the mechanism as a result of the orientation of
the surfaces 54. The stop parts 94 will hold the file folder in
place in order to achieve the desired file folder spacing.
[0036] As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the
art, these and other of the optional features can vary considerably
and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the present inventions.
Though not shown in detail herein, the openable panel 16 at its
bottom edge 42 pivots forward from the shell 12 of the device 10.
The pivot or hinged arrangement can be achieved in any suitable
manner. One such example is shown in FIG. 8. A simple pin 100 can
extend laterally outward from each side of the openable panel 16.
The pins 100 can be located near or at the lower ends of the wedge
shaped side panels 70 of the storage area 40. The pins 100 can be
retained in complimentary pivot openings or bores 102. These bores
102 can be provided in the exterior shell 12, such as in the side
edge surfaces of the front opening 58. Certainly, more elaborate or
alternative pivoting or hinge structures can be employed without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0037] Also as shown in FIGS. 1-4, a means can be employed to
facilitate easy manipulation of the storage area 40 for opening and
closing same. In this example, a simple handle or knob 110 is
provided extending forwardly from the openable panel 16 near the
top edge 48. Other handle, knob, or other such devices can also be
employed as desired.
[0038] According to one aspect of the present invention, the
disclosed storage device 10 can be employed in order to reduce
clutter, store files, and the like. The product can be configured
so that it hides both the materials stored therein and its very
purpose and function as a file storage device. When the openable
panel 16 is in the closed condition, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
storage device 10 can be constructed to appear as a non-storage
product such as a piece of furniture, i.e., a table, a cabinet, or
the like. The device 10 may appear as some type of storage device,
but not one that is adapted for storing hanging file folders. Thus,
the device may have a more aesthetically pleasing appearance than a
simple file drawer or file cabinet, and yet perform the same
function.
[0039] In another aspect of the present invention, the storage
device 10 can employ a file cascading feature as described above.
With the files cascaded, the identification or informational tabs
53 of the file folders 52 are vertically cascaded and offset for
easy readability by a user. Each file is positioned vertically
higher than the next most forward file and vertically lower than
the next most rearward file. Thus, the informational tabs 53 of the
file folders 2 need not be laterally offset in order for them to be
read. The tabs 53 can be easily read regardless of lateral position
where the cascading feature is employed.
[0040] The disclosed storage product can be used on a desktop, a
floor, a shelf, or stacked with other like or dissimilar products.
The consumer will have easy access to the contents by merely
tilting the storage area 40 forward. The product can be readily
stackable and be constructed from tough, lightweight, and durable
materials. The storage area can be made of plastic or any other
desired material and the shell can be made from wood or other
desirable material.
[0041] The disclosed storage device has one compartment that
provides file and other general storage. The compartment can be
easily opened or closed. When closed, the visible surface to the
consumer may have a multitude of functions, other than a mere
decorative finish if desired. For example, the front surface 44 of
the openable panel 16 can include a writing surface, a white board,
a picture frame, a cork board, or the like. The product hides the
files but maintains easy access and also creates a good perception
of being tidy and well organized. The product offers easy access
and easy file tab readability. The product can include, but is not
limited to, a cascading file storage means, a tilting bin that
enables the consumer to better read the file labels or contents
easily, and a decorative appearance meant to hide the true function
of the storage device.
[0042] Although certain file storage devices have been described
herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure,
the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the
contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of
the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible
equivalents.
* * * * *