Hanging File Assembly

Abstract

In a hanging file assembly having a pair of rails with generally C-shaped fastening clips disposed thereon. Locking rods in parallelism with the rails are provided with recesses, and when the fastening clips are urged into and seat in the recesses, such rails and rods form the basic structure of the hanging file assembly. A support member having cutout portions is adapted to fit into slots provided in the rods so as to add to the rigidity of the total assembly. The recesses are provided with a keyway having at least one sloping surface to insure for positive locking as between the rails and the rods.

Description

The present invention is directed to a locking arrangement particularly useful in the manufacture and assembly of a self erecting hanging file folder frame. More particularly, the instant invention is directed to a new and novel hanging file structure including a self erecting support frame suitable for use in office filing systems.

The problems associated with the manufacture and contruction of self erecting frames have centered about the integrity of the overall structure, as well as, simplicity of assembly. Different approaches for assembling a combination of separate parts which are shipped to the end user usually in knock-down condition and then in turn assembled at the point of use have been considered by the prior art. In particular, the more common approaches to frame construction have necessitated the use of different tools such as screwdrivers, plyers, wrenches, etc.

For an example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,295,697 which is directed to a lock-lever suspension file for office cabinets sometimes necessitates the use of a screwdriver and a reasonable degree of skill to construct the entire assembly, especially when the screw which holds the lever is not screwed down far enough. In addition, the widest part of the entire assembly, namely, the frame, is such, that the over-all packaging and transportation of the frame in the knock-down condition is quite cumbersome. Furthermore, the cost necessary to transport such an assembly is equally expensive.

Other approaches to the erection of such file assemblies are included in U.S. Pat. No. 2,852,028. In this arrangement, a the assembly includes parts which necessitate the use of screws and the need to apply screwdriver turning force of a substantial amount to make certain that the joints ultimately formed are secure. The frame itself serves as the widest portion of the assembly and consists of U-shaped front and back standards. Obviously, with the size as well as multiplicity of parts employed, the cost of manufacture and transportation to the consumer is high.

In addition, arrangements for the construction of frames (not necessarily for file folders) suggest other types of locking mechanisms for joint design. In most instances, however, such arrangements require a reasonably high level of mechanical aptitutde in order to construct the entire frame. Furthermore, such designs necessitate more than just several operative parts for construction of the overall assembly. For an example, U.S. Pat. No. 349,769 is directed to a folding towel rack which employs a number of upright members in conjunction with diagonal braces, all utilized to provide for a secure joint. The actual joint structure is formed by fastening upright members consisting of hooks which are fastened to the lower end of diagonal braces. Along these lines, another prior art patent which calls attention to the construction of suitable joint is U.S. Pat. No. 1,473,056. Though this arrangement provides for the assembly of a structure without the use of bolts, screws or similar devices, it does necessitate the use of frames which are made up of a rack-rail that is connected to a suitable leg by means of a swinging or pivotable link. In this particular instance, the bulk, as well as the cost of manufacture would severly limit the utility of this arrangement for use in a frame assembly suitable for a hanging file folder frame.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,522,096 which is directed to a stand suitable for tables, basins and the like and employs a joint lock which has a pin that is adapted to slip into a loose fitting notched seat and thereby form the required connection for the upright members. Unlike as with some of the other prior art, seating is not necessarily rigid nor is the seat absolutely positive. It follows that a question arises concerning the ability of this structure to withstand severe stress applied to such joints, as well as, the fact that construction of the assembly requires a series of braces for supplemental support.

Accordingly, it is the main object of the present invention to provide a hanging file folder frame free from the defects of the prior art.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a simple-to-construct and inexpensive assembly for the erection of hanging file frames.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a compact and highly efficient including a minimal number of working parts which are readily assembled.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a locking arrangement utilized in the erection of a hanging frame free from the need to employ additional tools or extensive mechanical skills in constructing same.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a self-erect hanging file folder frame assembly employing a positively locking joint for the erection of such hanging folder frame.

Still a further object of the present invention is to employ a self-erect hanging filed folder frame assembly utilizing a locking arrangement in the form of a clip and a coresponding engagable notch for positive joining of the respective upright members at such joints.

Other features which are considered characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a self-erect hanging file folder frame, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.

The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantage thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows one end of the invention in the knock-down position

FIG. 2 shows the structure of FIG. 1, in partial section, as assembled

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view along 3--3 in FIG. 1

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view along 4--4 in FIG. 2

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of part of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view in partial cross-section of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective of the rail grip clip shown in FIG. 1

According to FIG. 1, the present invention is provided with a plurality of members for assembling the inventive structure. Rail members 1 are engaged by a series of grip clips 2, which are to be described in more detail hereinafter. The clips 2 positioned on the rails 1 and are adapted to function in conjunction with a clamp locking rod 3 which is provided with suitable means for engaging the rail grip clip 2 in the closed position (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 1, the rails 1 are disposed above the clamp locking rod 3 in knock-down position. The clamp locking rod 3 is additionally provided with a receiving cutout 14 for positioning and seating cross-support bar 4. This cross-support bar 4 is provided with a notch 13 which is adapted to engage the receiving cutout 14 in the clamp locking rod 3. Once the cross-support bar 4 is fixed in the locked position, it adds strength and rigidity to the overall structure after such structure is assembled since; the cross-support bar 4 acts to form a rigid unitary structure. Thereafter, the clamp locking rod 3 is urged to move 90.degree. from the horizontal to the vertical position (either clockwise or counterclockwise) so as to cause the clamp locking rod 3 to engage the rail grip clip 2 at the notch 11. Once the rails are urged by means of the grip clip 2 to become fixedly atatached to the clamp locking rod 3 at the notch 11, the actual structure in its finished form, is available for insertion into a filing cabinet or the like. It should be understood, however, that the cross-support bar 4 can be inserted last and yet not depart from the invention.

In FIG. 2, the assembled structure illustrates how the cross-support bar 4 seats in the locked position 13 in cutout 14. The same configuration appears at the opposite end, which is suitably spaced in accordance with the appropriate lengths of rails 1, commensurate with the desired file capacity. Furthermore, the length of the clamp locking rod 3 can be varied to suit the height of hanging files to be stored.

In accordance with the FIG. 3, the rail grip clip 2 is shown with a pair of projecting surfaces surfaces 17 which are adapted to respond to compressive forces applied to such clip 2 during the assembly operation. More particularly, the forces brought to bear on the rails 1 are transmitted through the projecting surfaces 17 along the clip 2. Ultimately, the joint formed at the notch 11 contributes to provide the rigidity and positive fit to the overall structure. The notch 11 (see FIG. 5) is provided with a sloping surface 10, at an angle of about 45.degree. to the vertical, at which the projecting surfaces 17 of the grip clip 2 can enter and engage the clamp locking rod 3. The other surface 18 of notch 11 is non-sloping at such point of entry. The combination of sloping and vertical surfaces provides for a positive locking arrangement. This can best be seen in FIG. 6. The clamp locking rod 3 which has the notch 11 at one surface is also provided with a retaining area having a suitable key way 12 disposed therebelow and is adapted to positively secure the clip 2 once it is engaged in the area of key way 12. The vertical surface 18 at this notch area 11 functions as a barrier for positive locking and guidance of the clip 2. The distance 6 between the locking rod 3 and support walls 7 in the clip is demonstratively reduced to an area 9 as shown in FIG. 4 when the amount of force brought to bear during the assembly operation tends to urge the respective support walls 7 to move closer together. This reduction in the amount of open area reflects the amount of force generated in the actual locking of the clip 2 in the notch area 11 and in turn reflects the strength of the juncture of the rail 1 to the clamp locking rod 3. A suitable fastening means such as rivet 16 is provided to place the rail grip clip 2 in a proper position with respect to the clamp locking rod 3. This is vitally important to proper locking, once the clamp locking rod 3 is rotated for assembly of the entire structure.

As is clearly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, it is essential for the rail grip clip 2 to engage and positively retain the rail 1 on all surfaces of such rail, that is, all four surfaces on such rail. This positive engagement prevents any camber of the rail. The elimination of camber in turn provides for uniform distance between rails, as well as for the uniform movement and handling of files as they are insterted and moved on the rails. By contrast, conventioan arrangements up until the instant invention only tend to engage the rail at two surfaces, namely, the top and bottom. Furthermore, the aforementioned gripping characteristic of the rail grip clip 2 enables the rail to remain in a perpendicular position at all times such that the appropriate spatial relationship of the rail 1 with respect to the floor of the structure in which it is disposed, exists at all times. A space 5 as shown in FIG. 3, which exists between the rail 1 and the inside top and bottom surfaces of the rail grip clip 2 permits the movement rail 1 in the horizontal position for proper adjustment with respect to the rail grip clip 2 when in the open position. However, when in the closed position, the forces impinging upon the clip 2 at surfaces 17 as shown in FIG. 3, cause the space within the rail clip 2 to be filled in by the rail 1. This again, provides for positive fitting. The support wall 7 forming part of the rail grip clip 2 provides a basis by which the correct position of entry by the clamp locking rod 3 is assured, thus in-line retention of the same prevents side or lateral movement. The distance 8 between the support wall 7 is designed to be smaller than the width of the clamp locking rod 3. Thus, in the closed position, additional gripping action is achieved through the friction fit of the support wall 7 and the locking rod 3. All of the aforementioned aims to have positive fitting of the rail 1 and the clamp locking rod 3 through the above mentioned locking arrangement; thus, the chance of failure and movement during actual usage is greatly minimized. Retention takes place due to pressure at surfaces 17 coupled with capture of such surfaces by the key way 12, especially at the edges (see FIG. 6).

The rail grip clip 2 together with the clamp locking rod 3 are the essential structural members in the self-erect assembly of the hanging support frame of the instant invention.

For purposes of packaging the entire assembly, a minimum amount of space is required. Unlike conventional frames which employ U-shaped end members and a bar running across the top, the instant invention contemplates an end frame which comes in several variety of sizes, with all being a function of the length of the rail and the width of the cross bar which provides the necessary support.

Furthermore, the present invention contemplates a clamp locking rod 3 that can be made in a variety of lengths by simple conventional cut-off tools. Though the length of the clamp locking rod 3 is important to assure a correct and positive fit, variation in length will not affect the manufacturing operation of the component parts of the invention including the rod 3. The clamp locking rod 3 configuration at the point of entry for the clip 2 is so constructed to receive any two parallel planes, with the result, that the projecting surfaces 17 of the clip 2 are able to mate in the notch 11. Due to the angle of opening of 11 and the diameter of the key way hole 12, the two parallel planes of the clip 2 rotate about the inner surface of the keyway 12. The notch 11 is adapted to allow the free passage of the parallel planes of projecting surfaces 17 in a squeezed or indented position. Also, the angle of entry at the notch 11 enables the lower projecting surface 17 of the clip to move in an upward position to thus gradually decrease the distance between the two projecting surfaces 17 of the clip until the upper of projections surface 17 contacts the upper and vertical portion of the notch 11 along point 18. At the completion of 90.degree. of rotation, the projecting surfaces 17 (due to the spring nature of the material) exerts a pressure along the walls of key way 12.

It is to be noted that, though the present invention is thus described in detail the present invention is not be limited thereby, since it is of course possible to make various modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A hanging file assembly comprising a plurality of juxtapositioned horizontally disposed cooperative members positionable to form a secure upright structure including: rail means; locking rod means; unitary locking means in communication with said rail means and said locking rod means; said locking rod means having channel means defined by wall surfaces adapted to engage said unitary locking means; said unitary locking means being an integrally formed structure having a first portion disposed about said rail means and a second portion contiguous with said first portion, being offset therefrom by projection means extending from said first portion; said second portion being pivotally connected to said locking rod means, whereby rotation of said locking rod means into a vertical position causes engagement between said projection means and said wall surfaces within said channel means, forming a secure joint between between said locking rod means and said rail means; and cross support bar means adapted to engage slot means provided in said locking rod means.

2. A hanging file assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said first portion being generally C-shaped; said projection means being offset from said first portion in a plane normal thereto; said second portion being flange means extending from the ends of said projection means in a plane parallel to said first portion.

3. A hanging file assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein: said flange means are disposed in offset relation with respect to said first portion for a distance equal to the width of said projection means.

4. A hanging file assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein: said projection means and said flange means form a plurality of contact surfaces whereby, the distance between adjacent wall surfaces defined by said first portion and said flange means is less than the width of said locking rod means.

5. A hanging file assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said second portion includes a pair of oppositely directed extending surfaces disposed in a plane parallel to said first portion having connecting means for pivotally affixing said locking rod means to said first portion, whereby rotation of said locking rod means into the vertical portion urges said projection means to cooperatively seat within said channel means, thereby causing said rail means and said locking rod means to be positively affixed with respect to one another in response to forces transmitted by said locking rod means and said projection means.

6. A hanging file assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said projection means includes a pair of integrally formed parallel members, said first portion being resilient to thereby enable said parallel members to pass into and seat within said channel means.

7. A hanging file assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said rail means being disposed in parallel abutting relation with respect to said locking rod means and offset by a distance sufficient to permit rotation of said locking rod means about a pivot point defined by said unitary locking means on said locking rod means.

8. A hanging file assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said unitary locking means comprises a generally "C" shaped resilient member provided with space to seat said rail means; a pair of oppositely oriented flange members contiguous therewith and extending from said projection means, thereby providing a plurality of contact surfaces for engaging said rail means and said locking rail means in an area defined by respective contact surfaces of inner and outer end portions of said resilient member, said projection means and said flange members.

9. A hanging file assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said channel means are defined by a keyway passage formed in said locking rod means having first and second non-parallel entrance wall surfaces contiguous therewith and merging into a circular recess, enabling the passage of said projection means for seating within said circular recess.

10. A hanging file assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein: said first wall surface is defined by an acute angle with respect to the horizontal.

11. A hanging file assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein: said second wall surface is inclined at 45.degree. with respect to the horizontal.