U.S. patent application number 12/312445 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-17 for device for file storage.
Invention is credited to Gavin William McGhee.
Application Number | 20110062093 12/312445 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43031568 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110062093 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McGhee; Gavin William |
March 17, 2011 |
DEVICE FOR FILE STORAGE
Abstract
A file storage device, including a base member, and a plurality
of dividing members detachably attached to the base member in a
substantially parallel configuration, adjacent dividing members
defining storage areas therebetween. The storage areas have widths,
so that removal or addition of at least one dividing member allows
for variation of the storage area widths.
Inventors: |
McGhee; Gavin William;
(Melbourne. Victoria, AU) |
Family ID: |
43031568 |
Appl. No.: |
12/312445 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
May 1, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU2009/000545 |
371 Date: |
August 25, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/50 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 65/15 20141201;
A47B 63/00 20130101; A47B 63/06 20130101; A47B 43/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/50 |
International
Class: |
A47B 81/00 20060101
A47B081/00 |
Claims
1. A file storage device, including: a base member; and a plurality
of dividing members detachably attached to the base member in a
substantially parallel configuration, adjacent dividing members
defining storage areas therebetween, each storage area having a
width, wherein removal or addition of at least one dividing member
allows for variation of the width.
2. A file storage device according to claim 1, wherein each
dividing member is adapted to be moved from an operating position,
which is substantially upright with respect to the base member, to
a position which is substantially flat with respect to the base
member, and wherein each dividing member is adapted to be moved
from the substantially flat position to the operating position.
3. A file storage device according to claim 1, wherein each
dividing member includes two dividing member engagement sections
disposed at either side of the dividing member, and the base member
includes two base member engagement sections disposed at either
side of the base member for engaging each dividing member, and
wherein the dividing member engagement sections of a given dividing
member are adapted to engage with base member engagement sections
which are oppositely facing, such that the dividing member is
detachably attached to the base member.
4. A file storage device according to claim 3, wherein the dividing
member engagement sections are outwardly protruding from the
dividing member and the base member engagement sections are
inwardly facing towards a center of the base member.
5. A file storage device according to claim 3, wherein the dividing
member engagement sections are inwardly protruding to a center of
the dividing member and the base member engagement sections are
outwardly facing from the base member.
6. A file storage device according to claim 3, wherein the dividing
member engagement sections are offset from a plane of the dividing
member, such that the dividing member, when detachably attached to
the base member, provides substantial resistance to a force
directed substantially towards the plane.
7. A file storage device according to claim 3, wherein each
dividing member engagement section includes a substantially
"V"-shaped protrusion and each base member engagement section is
formed as an elongate slot, such that the dividing member
engagement section is engaged with the base member engagement
section by inserting the substantially "V"-shaped protrusion into
the elongate slot of the base member engagement section.
8. A file storage device according to claim 3, wherein each
dividing member further includes a straight engagement protrusion
disposed at each side of the dividing member, and wherein the base
member further includes substantially round engagement apertures,
such that the straight engagement protrusions engage with the
substantially round engagement apertures and the straight
engagement protrusions form an axis about which the dividing member
can be rotated to and from the operating position and the
substantially flat position.
9. A file storage device according to claim 8, wherein each
dividing member engagement section includes a substantially
"V"-shaped protrusion and each base member engagement section is
formed as an elongate slot, such that the dividing member
engagement section is engaged with the base member engagement
section by inserting the substantially "V"-shaped protrusion into
the elongate slot of the base member engagement section, and
wherein the straight engagement protrusion is formed with each
dividing member engagement section, such that the dividing member
engagement section is substantially "N"-shaped, and wherein each
base member engagement section includes a substantially round
engagement aperture for engaging the straight engagement
protrusion.
10. A file storage device according to claim 9, wherein each of the
straight engagement protrusions protrude further than the
substantially "V"-shaped protrusions, such that each straight
engagement protrusion, disposed on either side of each dividing
member, is adapted to be engaged with a substantially round
engagement aperture when each substantially "V"-shaped protrusion,
disposed on either side of each dividing member, is disengaged from
an elongate engagement slot.
11. A file storage device according to claim 1, wherein each
dividing member is formed from a single length of resiliently
flexible wire-like material.
12. A file storage device according to claim 11, wherein the
wire-like material includes two pairs of bends, such that each of
the pairs of bends forms a shoulder disposed on either side of a
different one of the plurality of dividing members.
13. A file storage device according to claim 1, wherein each of the
plurality of dividing members includes two gripping sections each
disposed on a side of the dividing member.
14. A file storage device according to claim 13, wherein the
gripping sections are adapted to be gripped each by an opposing
digit.
15. A file storage device according to claim 1, wherein the base
member further includes side rails adapted to support outer edge
sections of a file stored by the file storage device.
16. A file storage device according to claim 3, wherein the base
member further includes side rails adapted to support outer edge
sections of a file stored by the file storage device, and wherein
the base member engagement sections are disposed along the side
rails.
17. A file storage device according to claim 10, wherein the base
member further includes side rails adapted to support outer edge
sections of a file stored by the file storage device, wherein the
base member engagement sections are disposed along the side rails,
and wherein, when the substantially "V"-shaped protrusion is
disengaged from an elongate engagement slot and the straight
engagement protrusion is engaged with a substantially round
engagement aperture, and when each of the plurality of dividing
members is being rotated to an operating position from a
substantially flat position, the substantially "N"-shaped dividing
member engagement section thereof is configured such that the
substantially "V"-shaped protrusion contacts the side rail and is
forced inwardly with respect to the side rail.
18. A file storage device according to claim 17, wherein each of
the plurality of dividing members is configured such that, when the
substantially "V"-shaped protrusion is forced inwardly with respect
to the side rail, the dividing member provides an outward bias with
respect to the side rail such that, when the substantially
"V"-shaped protrusion is located over the elongate engagement slot,
the substantially "V"-shaped protrusion is biased to engage with
the elongate engagement slot.
19. A file storage device according to claim 1, wherein the base
member further includes a center rail adapted to support a central
edge section of a file stored by the file storage device.
20. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is related to devices for storing
files and is particularly useful for storing files which have
various widths.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Previously, there have been file storage devices of the type
that are used on shelves or in drawers for storing files in an
upright manner. Such storage devices comprise upright rigid
members, which are fixed in position. Files may be stored in
between the fixed upright members, which provides a way of storing
files more efficiently.
[0003] One example of a previous file storage device is formed of
plastic coated stiff wire, where upright stiff wire members of the
device are connected to a stiff wire base. The upright stiff wire
members may be welded, or otherwise permanently fixed, to the stiff
wire base. A plurality of parallel disposed upright wire members
form fixed spaces therebetween in which a file or multiple files
may be stored.
[0004] A disadvantage with this type of file storage device is that
the storage areas defined between the parallel upright stiff wire
members are of fixed widths. This leads to a problem where it is
desired to store a file which is wider than the fixed widths
defined between the upright stiff wire members.
[0005] Another disadvantage of the previous file storage device is
that, with the upright members being fixed in an upright position,
the device is bulky and difficult to pack and store for
transportation. Furthermore, the bulky nature of the previous file
storage device results in a need for large packaging to contain the
device for sale or transportation. Larger packaging may be more
inconvenient and expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, larger
packaging may consume more material in its manufacture, which may
be considered as unsound practice in respect of the
environment.
[0006] Accordingly, it would be an advantage to provide a file
storage device which overcomes or substantially ameliorates at
least one problem of previous file storage devices.
[0007] Furthermore, it would be an advantage to provide a file
storage device which provides storage of files of various widths,
including providing storage for files of large widths that may not
be able to be stored in previous file storage device having fixed
width storage.
[0008] Yet a further advantage would be to provide a file storage
device which can be more easily packaged and stored. It would also
be advantageous to provide a file storage device which is cheaper
and more convenient to package for sale and/or transportation.
[0009] There would also be an advantage in being able to provide a
file storage device which is cheap to manufacture with regard to
materials, tooling and labor costs. Accordingly, it would be an
advantage to provide a file storage device with as few parts as
possible while providing at least one of the previously mentioned
advantages.
[0010] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not,
and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form or
suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general
knowledge in Australia.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention attempts to overcome at least one of
the problems of the prior art by providing a file storage device,
including a base member, a plurality of dividing members detachably
attached to the base member in a substantially parallel
configuration, adjacent dividing members defining storage areas
therebetween, the storage areas having preselected widths, wherein
removal or addition of at least one dividing member allows for
variation of said preselected widths.
[0012] Further benefits and advantages with respect to the present
invention become apparent in the following description of
alternative embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] An embodiment of the invention will now be described which
should not be considered as limiting any of the statements in the
previous section. The embodiment will be described with reference
to the following figures in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a storage
device showing dividing members in operating positions;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a detail of FIG. 1, showing
dividing members detachably attached to the base;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of FIG. 1 illustrating the
dividing members being in folded down positions;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a detailed view from FIG. 3 illustrating the
dividing members being detachably attached to the base member when
in folded down positions;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a side view of FIG. 3;
[0019] FIG. 6 is an end view of FIG. 1 illustrating a dividing
member in an operating position;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a plan view of FIG. 1 where the dividing members
are in operating positions;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a side view of FIG. 3 where the dividing members
are in operating positions;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a similar view to FIG. 8 showing a configuration
of the file storage device wherein some dividing members have been
removed thus allowing variation of widths of the storage areas for
storing the files;
[0023] FIG. 10 (including FIG. 10a, FIG. 10b, FIG. 10c, FIG. 10d
and FIG. 10e) shows a series of pairs of views in an operation to
rotate a dividing member into an operating position. Each pair of
views includes a perspective view, shown on the left hand side of
FIG. 10, and an end view, shown on the right hand side of FIG. 10;
and,
[0024] FIG. 11 is an end view of an alternative embodiment of a
dividing member illustrated being operated by hand.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment of the file storage
device 100 with a base member 2 and a plurality of dividing members
4 in a substantially parallel configuration. In this embodiment
there are twelve (12) dividing members illustrated, each being
detachably attached to the base member 2 of the file storage device
100. The dividing members 4 are shown in operating positions, where
each of the dividing members 4 is substantially upright with
respect to the base member 2.
[0026] Adjacent dividing members 4 define storage areas 1
therebetween. Each of the storage areas 1 is of a preselected width
which is suitable for storing a range of files of varying widths.
FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment in which a storage area between
adjacent dividing members 4a and 4b is of width A. The centre-most
storage area 1a between adjacent diving members 4f and 4g is of
width B, being wider than width A.
[0027] Each dividing member 4 includes two dividing member
engagement sections 6, one disposed at each side of the diving
member 4.
[0028] Also shown in FIG. 1 the base member 2 includes two side
rails 3. Each side rail 3 includes an upper panel 11; an inwardly
facing side panel 9, which is facing towards the centre of the file
storage device 100 relative to the side rail 3; and an outwardly
facing side panel 15. Each side rail 3 includes a plurality of base
member engagement sections 13 disposed along the inwardly facing
side panels 9.
[0029] A dividing member 4 is detachably attached to the base
member 2 by engaging each of the dividing member engagement
sections 6, disposed at each side of the dividing member 4, with
corresponding base member engagement sections 13. The corresponding
base member engagement sections 13 are oppositely facing with
respect to the centre of the file storage device 100.
[0030] In the illustrated embodiments, the base member engagement
sections 13 for each of the dividing member engagement sections 6
of a given dividing member 4 are disposed to be oppositely facing
each other. However, it is envisaged that, for example, the base
member engagement sections 13 could be disposed on the outwardly
facing side panels 15 of the side rails 3, with the dividing member
engagement sections 6 disposed so as to slot into the outwardly
facing base member engagement sections 13.
[0031] In a further alternative embodiment, each of the outwardly
facing side panels 15 may be configured so as to minimize a risk
for damaging a surface on which the file storage device 100 is
placed.
[0032] In one optional configuration, a portion of each of the
outwardly facing side panels 15 is bent along the length of the
outwardly facing side panel, so as to form an outwardly facing
substantially right-angled protrusion. In this configuration, the
edge of the outwardly facing side panel 15 is directed parallel to
the surface, thereby minimizing risk of damage to the surface.
[0033] In another optional configuration, a portion of each of the
outwardly facing side panels 15 is bent along the length of the
outwardly facing side panel, so as to be substantially "doubled
over". In this configuration the edge of the outwardly facing side
panel 15 is directed away from the surface, thereby minimizing risk
of damage to the surface.
[0034] In another alternative embodiment, each of the outwardly
facing side panels 15 may include a plastic protection strip. This
strip may have a U-shaped cross-section and may be configured to
fit snugly to the edge of each of the outwardly facing side panels
15. In this embodiment, the plastic strip will be in contact with
the surface on which the file storage device 100 is placed, rather
than the edges of the outwardly facing side panels 15.
[0035] A plurality of cut out holes 7 are illustrated in the base
member 2 of the files storage device 100 in FIG. 1. The cut out
holes 7 may provide a pleasing appearance to the file storage
device 100, but may also be useful for reducing the weight of the
device. Also using cut out holes 7 may reduce the overall amount of
material needed to construct the file storage device and could, if
appropriately configured, provide handles for transporting the
storage device.
[0036] A further advantage of the cut out holes 7 is that they may
be used where it is desired to affix the file storage device 100 to
a surface, for example, with hooks, or the like, which may attach
through the cut out holes 7.
[0037] In this embodiment the dividing members are formed from a
stiff, but flexible, metal wire-like material, although it is
envisaged that the dividing members may be made from other
materials. Furthermore, where the dividing member is formed from a
wire-like material, it may be formed into different shapes from the
example shape shown in FIG. 1.
[0038] It has been found that, by forming the dividing members 4
from a stiff, but flexible, metal wire-like material and forming
the base member 2 from a metal plate material, the file storage
device has a robust nature. This provides an advantage over
alternative embodiments and other types of files storage device,
which may use less robust materials for the dividing members and
the base member, as the file storage device should have a longer
operating life.
[0039] In a further optional embodiment, the wire-like dividing
members 4 may include a plastic coating on at least a portion of
each dividing member, which may afford some protection to files in
the file storage device 100.
[0040] Alternatively, a dividing member may include a panel and
engagement sections for detachably attaching the dividing member to
the base member. It is envisaged that the dividing members may be
formed from any material and in any shape such that they are able
to store files in accordance with the invention.
[0041] In an example use of this embodiment of the file storage
device 100, dividing member 4b has been fully disengaged from the
base member 2 and is thus detached and removed, which allows for a
variation in preselected widths and results in a wider storage area
of width C between remaining adjacent dividing members 4a and
4c.
[0042] In another example operation of this embodiment of the file
storage device 100, dividing members 4b, 4c, 4d and 4e may be
detached from the base member 2 by being fully disengaged and
removed. Adjacent diving members, in this example, are 4a and 4f,
which define a storage area 1 of selected width D. If a dividing
member 4 is detachably attached by being fully engaged with the
base member 2 in the position illustrated by dividing member 4c,
the storage area having selected width D is now divided into two
storage areas having selected widths C and E. When diving member 4c
is in this position, now-adjacent dividing members 4a and 4c define
a storage area 1 of selected width C, and now-adjacent dividing
members 4c and 4f define a storage area 1 of selected width E.
[0043] The storage areas 1 may have a range of various preselected
widths, when the file storage device 100 is fully assembled with
all detachably attached dividing members 4 fully engaged with the
base member 2 of the file storage device 100.
[0044] In an example use, the file storage device 100 may store
files, such as manila folder type files. A manila folder is placed
in the files storage device 100 in a chosen storage area 1 with its
spine facing in a downward direction. Two sections of the spine of
the folder are supported by an upper panel 11 of each of the side
rails 3.
[0045] Additional manila folders may be stored in the same storage
area 1, or, if the storage area 1 is full, the additional manila
folders may be stored in another chosen storage area 1. Further,
and in accordance with the invention, if a storage area 1 is full
and the user wishes to store more manila folders in a same storage
area 1, the user may remove one or more of the dividing members 4
in order to create a larger storage area 1 for the folders.
[0046] Other types of files and folders, for example, ring binder
type files, may be stored in the file storage device 100. A ring
binder type file may be placed in the file storage device 100
resting on its spine. Alternatively, it may be desired to store a
ring binder type file in the file storage device 100 in an upright
position. In this way, if the file storage device is being used on
a shelf, then it is possible to readily view the spine of the ring
binder type file while it is being stored in the device 100. This
may be desirable where a spine of a ring binder type folder has
identification markings.
[0047] It should be understood that, when files are stored in the
file storage device 100, parts of the file may rest on both, one or
neither of the side rails 3.
[0048] Also illustrated in FIG. 1 is an optional centre rail 5 for
supporting files, which are stored in the file storage device. The
centre rail 5 may support a central section of a file, which is
placed in a storage area 1 between adjacent dividing members 4. The
centre rail 5 may substantially ameliorate the problem of a file
sagging when stored in the file storage device 100, where outer
sections of the file are supported by the upper panels 11 of each
of the side rails 3.
[0049] Additionally, providing a centre rail 5 may increase the
strength and/or rigidity of the base member 2.
[0050] FIG. 2 illustrates a detail of the file storage device 100,
showing a corner of the base member 2 and a part of each of three
dividing members 4. Each dividing member 4 is shown with one
dividing member engagement section 6 disposed on a side of the
dividing member 4. One dividing member 4 is shown detached from the
base member 2, while two (2) other dividing members 4 are shown
detachably attached to the base member 2.
[0051] The side rail 3 includes an inwardly facing side panel 9,
along which are disposed three (3) base member engagement sections
13. The base member engagement sections 13 are shown, in this
embodiment, including an elongate engagement slot 8 and a round
engagement aperture 10 adjacent the elongate engagement slot 8. The
round engagement apertures 10 are of substantially circular
shape.
[0052] As can be readily seen on the dividing member 4, which has
been illustrated detached from the base member 2, a substantially
"N"-shaped dividing member engagement section 6 is disposed on the
side of the dividing member 4. The "N"-shaped dividing member
engagement section 6 includes a bent engagement protrusion 14 and a
straight engagement protrusion 12.
[0053] A dividing member 4 is detachably attached to the base
member 2 in a full engagement operation as follows. A bent
engagement protrusion 14 slots into a first elongate engagement
slot 8. In this embodiment, and substantially simultaneously, a
straight engagement protrusion 12 slots into a first round
engagement aperture 10.
[0054] The engagement operation also occurs at the other side of
the dividing member 4 where a bent engagement protrusion 14, at
that other side of the dividing member 4, slots into an elongate
engagement slot 8, which is oppositely facing the first elongate
slot 8 and a straight engagement protrusion 12, also at that other
side of the dividing member 4, slots into a round engagement
aperture 10, which is oppositely facing the first round engagement
aperture 10.
[0055] It should be noted that providing a substantially "N"-shaped
dividing member engagement section 6 with a straight engagement
protrusion 12 is an optional feature. Also, it is optional to
provide a base member engagement section 13 with a round engagement
aperture 10.
[0056] A dividing member 4 may be suitably detachably attached to
the base member 2 providing, on each side of the dividing member 4,
a dividing member engagement section 6 including only a bent
engagement protrusion 14, which slots into a base member engagement
section 13 including an elongate engagement slot 8. In such an
embodiment, the dividing member engagement section 6 may be formed
in a substantially "V"-shaped configuration.
[0057] As can be readily seen, and as shown in other figures,
providing round engagement apertures 10 and straight engagement
protrusions 12 enables a substantially "N"-shaped dividing member
engagement section 6 to be partially detached from the base member
engagement section 13, thus allowing the dividing member 4 to be
folded down to a position which is substantially parallel to the
base member 2.
[0058] It will be further understood that dividing member
attachment sections 6 and base member engagement sections 13 may
have a variety of shapes and configurations, which are in
accordance with the invention so as to provide a means of
detachably attaching a dividing member 4 by engagement with the
base member 2. For example, an elongate slot may be formed in the
dividing member engagement sections 6, with a corresponding bent
engagement protrusion formed in the base member engagement sections
13.
[0059] In this embodiment the dividing member engagement section 6
is offset from the plane of the dividing member 4. The offset
placement of the dividing member engagement section 6 provides a
more robust resistance to a rotational force or other force against
the dividing member 6. The rotational force or other force may be
produced by files adjacent the dividing member 6 when the file
storage device 100 is being used.
[0060] A dividing member 4 may be disengaged from the base member 2
by sliding the bent engagement protrusion 14 and the straight
engagement protrusion 12, respectively, out from a corresponding
elongate engagement slot 8 and a corresponding round engagement
aperture 10. Of course, this operation should occur at both sides
of the dividing member 4 for the dividing member 4 to become fully
disengaged from the base member 2.
[0061] It should also be appreciated that the dividing members 4
require some flexibility in order to be detachably attached to the
base member 2, or to be partially disengaged from the base member
2.
[0062] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the file storage device 100,
wherein each of the dividing members has been folded down from an
operating position to a folded down position which is substantially
flat with respect to the base member 2. In this embodiment, each of
the substantially "N"-shaped dividing member engagement sections 6,
disposed on either side of a dividing member 4, is partially
disengaged from a base member engagement section 13 of the base
member 2.
[0063] FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view FIG. 3 showing a corner
of the file storage device 100.
[0064] A folding down operation may occur as follows. On either
side of a dividing member 4, an "N"-shaped dividing member
engagement sections 6 is partially disengaged from a base member
engagement section 13 when a bent engagement protrusion 14 is
removed from an elongate engagement slot 8, but a straight
engagement protrusion 12 remains slotted into a round engagement
aperture 10. This partial disengagement enables the dividing member
to be rotated around an axis formed by straight engagement
protrusions 12 on either side of a dividing member 4, so that the
dividing member 4 may fold down to a folded down position.
[0065] It should be noted that the straight engagement protrusion
12 protrudes further than the bent engagement protrusion 14. This
further protrusion allows the straight engagement protrusion 12 to
remain slotted into a round engagement aperture 10 while the
adjacent bent engagement protrusion 14 is disengaged from the
adjacent elongate engagement slot 8, such that the dividing member
4 is partially disengaged from the base member 2 and the dividing
member can rotate about the axis formed by straight engagement
protrusions 12 on either side of a dividing member 4.
[0066] A folding up operation is substantially similar to a folding
down operation in reverse. The folding up operation may occur by
rotating the dividing member 4, around the axis formed by the
straight engagement protrusions 12, to an operating position which
is substantially upright with respect to the base member 2 wherein,
on either side of the dividing member 4, a bent engagement
protrusion 14 is slotted in to an elongate engagement slot 8.
[0067] It will be appreciated that, in the embodiments shown, the
dividing members 4 are formed from stiff, but flexible, metal
wire-like material and are formed in one piece. The one piece
dividing members 4 have substantially "N"-shaped dividing member
engagement sections 6. It has been found that providing a dividing
member 4 formed of a stiff but flexible material, such as metal
wire-like material, along with "N"-shaped dividing member
engagement sections 6 disposed on either side of the dividing
member 4, allows for easy partial disengagement of the dividing
member from the base member 2, when it is desired to fold down the
dividing member 4 into a folded down position.
[0068] FIG. 5 shows the file storage device 100 with the dividing
members 4 in folded down positions such that the dividing members 4
are substantially flat with respect to the base member 2. This may
provide an advantage for storing and packaging of the file storage
device especially for transport and display of the storage device
for sale.
[0069] It should be noted that in FIG. 5 at least some of the
dividing members 4 are shown as being slightly angled in an upward
direction while in a folded down position, which is substantially
flat with respect to the base member 2. When packaging the file
storage device 100, the slightly upwardly angled dividing members 4
may be further compressed, due to the flexibility of the material
from which the dividing members 4 are formed. This should allow the
file storage device 100 to be packed in a flatter configuration and
in a smaller volume box.
[0070] FIG. 6 shows an end view of the file storage device 100 with
dividing members 4 in operating positions and in which dividing
member engagement sections 6 are disposed on either side of an end
most shown dividing member 4. The dividing member engagement
sections 6 are slotted into base member engagement sections 13, the
base member engagement sections are oppositely facing each other
and disposed in the inwardly facing side panels 9 of the side rails
3 on either side of the base member 2.
[0071] Also shown in FIG. 6, the dividing member 4 includes an
approximately right-angled bend 19 and another approximately
right-angled bend 17 at each side of the dividing member 4. Bends
17 and 19 produce an upper section 18 of the dividing member 4,
along with shoulder sections 21 on either side of the dividing
member 4.
[0072] Further, FIG. 6 shows slightly inwardly sloping straight
sections 30 on either side of the dividing member 4, disposed
between approximately right-angled bend 19 and approximately
right-angled bend 22. Straight sections 30 join with the dividing
member engagement sections 6 on each side of the dividing member
4.
[0073] Providing a dividing member with such a "stepped"
configuration, including an upper section 18, may produce a
dividing member with a greater resistance to a force produced by a
file, or a number of files, resting against the dividing member
4.
[0074] Furthermore, providing a narrowed upper section 18 for the
dividing member 4 may allow for easier manual operation of the
dividing member 4 when fully engaging the dividing member 4 with
the base member 2 in an engaging operation so that the dividing
member 4 is detachably attached to the base member 2; when fully
disengaging a dividing member 4 from the base member 2 in a
disengagement operation so that the dividing member 4 is detached
from the base member 2 for removal; when operating the file storage
device 100 to fold down the dividing member 4 into a folded down
position; and, when folding up the dividing member 4 to an
operating position which is substantially upright with respect to
the base member 2.
[0075] A top section 20 is provided on the dividing member 4, which
may be alternatively used as a handle section when operating the
dividing member 4.
[0076] FIG. 7 shows a plan view of the file storage device 100 with
dividing members 4 in an upright position. Also shown is a cut-away
view of the side rails 3. The dividing member engagement sections 6
can be more readily seen slotted in to the base member engagement
sections 13.
[0077] FIG. 8 shows a side view of the file storage device 100. The
storage areas 1 and 1a are shown, respectively, with preselected
widths A and B.
[0078] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the file storage device 100 in
use storing a plurality of files 16 of varying widths. In this
configuration, selected dividing members have been removed from the
base member 2 to provide storage areas of preselected widths 1.
Storage area 1b has a preselected width F and is storing a wide
file 16a. Storage area 1c has a preselected width G and is storing
two (2) wide files 16b. Storage area 1d has a preselected width H
and is storing a plurality of files 16c of varying widths. Storage
area 1e has a preselected width I and is storing a plurality of
thinner files 16d with similar widths. Storage area 1f has a
preselected width J and is storing two (2) thin files 16e of
different widths.
[0079] The series of FIGS. 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d and 10e, each include
a pair of views, being a perspective view (left hand side) and an
end view (right hand side). The FIGS. 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d and 10e
illustrate details of a folding up operation. The views show the
relative position of the dividing member engagement section 6 with
respect to the base member engagement section 13 in the side rail 3
of the base member 2. Further, the pair of views in FIG. 10 show a
series of positions of the dividing member 4 in relation to the
base member 2 when the dividing member 4, which is initially
partially engaged with the base member 2, is being rotated around
an axis formed by straight engagement protrusions 12 on either side
of the dividing member 4, so that the dividing member 4 may be
placed in an operating position and fully engaged with the base
member 2.
[0080] FIG. 10a shows a of a dividing member 4, which is partially
engaged with the base member 2. FIG. 10a illustrates a dividing
member 4 in a folded down position so that it is in a substantially
flat position.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 10a, each dividing member engagement
section 6 includes a rotatable straight engagement protrusion 12
and a bent engagement protrusion 14. The bent engagement protrusion
14 is formed from straight sections 23 and 24 which are connected
at bend 28. Straight sections 23 and 24 are disposed relative to
each other at an angle 27.
[0082] The straight engagement protrusion 12 is joined to the bent
engagement protrusion 14 via bent section 25. Bent section 25 is
formed between straight section 24 and straight engagement
protrusion 12. Straight section 24 and straight engagement
protrusion 12 form an angle 26 relative to each other.
[0083] As can be further seen in FIG. 10a the dividing member
engagement section 6 is partially engaged with the base member
engagement section 13, wherein the straight engagement protrusion
12 is slotted into round engagement aperture 10 and the bent
engagement protrusion 14 is not slotted into the elongate
engagement slot 8. With the dividing member 4 folded down to a
substantially flat position, the straight section 24 is positioned
above the upper panel 11 of the side rail 3. In this position,
straight section 24 does not touch the edge 29 of the side rail 3,
which is formed between the upper panel 11 and the inwardly facing
side panel 9 of the side rail 3.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 10b, a second position is shown during the
folding up operation wherein the dividing member 4 is rotated
further towards an operating position.
[0085] In FIG. 10b, straight section 24 comes into contact with the
edge 29 of the side rail 3. The angle 26 formed at bent section 25
provides that the point of contact between straight section 24 and
edge 29, is offset from the axis formed by straight engagement
protrusions 12 on either side of the dividing member 4. The
preselected angle 26 and offset produce a flexing of the dividing
member 4 when the dividing member 4 is rotated towards an operating
position and the straight section 24 is further forced against the
edge 29. Furthermore, along with the flexing, the dividing member
engagement section 6 moves inwardly towards the centre of the file
storage device 100, with respect to the side rail 3.
[0086] Along with the inward movement of the dividing member
engagement section 6, the straight engagement protrusion 12 slides
through the round engagement aperture 10, such that the straight
engagement protrusion 12 also moves inwardly towards the centre of
the file storage device 100, with respect to the side rail 3.
[0087] However, as can be seen in the series of FIGS. 10a, 10b,
10c, 10d and 10e, the straight engagement protrusion 12 does not
become disengaged from the round engagement aperture 10 during the
engagement operation wherein the dividing member 4 is rotated to an
upright position and the bent engagement section 14 becomes engaged
with the elongate engagement slot 8.
[0088] Further relative placement of the dividing member 4 with
respect to the base member 2 is shown in FIG. 10c. The dividing
member is rotated to be further towards an operating position than
shown in FIG. 10b. At this point in the folding up operation, the
dividing member 4 is further flexed such that dividing member
engagement section 6 moves inwardly and such that bent section 28
comes into contact with an upper part of the inwardly facing side
panel 9 of the side rail 3, which is at or near the edge 29 of the
side rail 3.
[0089] As can also be seen in FIG. 10c, perhaps better illustrated
in the end view (on the right hand side of FIG. 10c), the straight
engagement protrusion 12 has moved further inwardly when compared
with the position shown in the end view of FIG. 10b (right hand
side of the FIG. 10b).
[0090] FIG. 10d includes a perspective view (left hand side) and an
end view (right hand side) of yet another stage in the folding up
operation to rotate the dividing member 4 to an operating position.
In these views bent section 28 of the bent engagement protrusion 14
is in contact with the inwardly facing side panel 9 of the side
rail 3. At this stage of the folding up operation the dividing
member 4 is almost in an operating position, being that it is
almost fully upright.
[0091] In FIG. 10d the position of the dividing member 4 in
relation to the base member 2 provides that dividing member
engagement section 6, along with the straight engagement protrusion
12, positioned inwardly of the side rail 3 due to the inward
flexing of a portion of the dividing member 4. The inward flexing
of the dividing member 4, which is resiliently flexible, also
produces a bias of the bent engagement protrusion 14 against the
inwardly facing side panel 9. There is, therefore, an outwardly
directed force at the point where the bent section 28 contacts the
inwardly facing side panel 9.
[0092] FIG. 10e includes perspective and end views of the dividing
member 4 fully engaged with the base member 2. The dividing member
4 has been rotated around the axis formed by the oppositely facing
straight engagement protrusions 10 and when the dividing member 4
is sufficiently upright such that the bent section 28 is positioned
over the elongate engagement slot 8, the bent engagement protrusion
14 slides into the elongate engagement slot 8.
[0093] The bent engagement protrusion 14 should slide into (and
"lock" into) the elongate engagement slot 8 due to the outwardly
directed force produced by the inward flexing of a portion of the
dividing member 4. Sometimes, however, the force may not be
sufficient and the bent engagement protrusion may require manual
assistance to be positioned into (and "locked" into) the elongate
engagement slot 8.
[0094] It should be noted that angles 26 and 27, located
respectively at bent sections 25 and 28 of the dividing member
engagement section 6, do not substantially change in size during
the folding up operation to rotate the dividing member 4 towards an
operating position. Similarly, angles 26 and 27 do not
substantially change in a folding down operation whereby the
dividing member 4 is folded down to a substantially flat position
with respect to the base member 2.
[0095] It should also be noted that the configuration and sizing of
the preselected angles 26 and 27 contributes to the ease of
operating the dividing members 4 to selectively either partially or
fully engage with or to selectively either partially or fully
disengage from the base member 2. Particularly, the choice of
angles 26 and 27, configuration of the base member engagement
section 13 and configuration of the dividing member engagement
section 6 provides for easier folding up operation when rotating
the dividing members 4 from a substantially flat position into an
operating position, thereby moving them from being partially
engaged with the base member 2, to being fully engaged with the
base member. In one embodiment angles 26 and 27 are both
approximately 45.degree..
[0096] FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of a dividing member
4 including indentations 31, which are disposed on either side in
an upper portion of the dividing member 4. The indentations 31 may
be useful for easier manual operation and can be gripped on one
side with an index finger 32 and the other side with a thumb 33, as
shown in FIG. 11. The thumb 33 and index finger 32 may be moved
towards each other, resulting in an inward flexing of the dividing
member 4. This may, in turn, assist with selectively either
partially or fully engaging (or to selectively either partially or
fully disengaging) the dividing member 4 with (or from) the base
member 2. The indentations 31 may also be useful for an easier
gripping of the dividing member 4.
[0097] The file storage device 100 may be used for storing files 16
of differing sizes, as described. However, it will be appreciated
that the file storage device 100 may also be used for storing a
range of different articles. Further, the file storage device may
be formed in different sizes to be used for storing objects
substantially larger or substantially smaller than files.
[0098] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the file storage
device 100 may be manufactured more simply, for example, in
embodiments where the dividing members 4 are formed from one piece
of material, such as stiff, but flexible metal wire and the base
member 2 is formed from one piece of sheet metal. In such an
embodiment, the tooling for manufacture of the file storage device
can be simpler and thus manufacture may be less expensive.
[0099] The invention is susceptible to variations, modifications
and/or additions other than those specifically described, and it is
to be understood that the invention includes all such variations,
modifications and/or additions, which fall within the scope of the
following claims.
[0100] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow,
unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and
variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood
to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of
integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or
step or group of integers or steps.
* * * * *