U.S. patent number 3,853,227 [Application Number 05/306,832] was granted by the patent office on 1974-12-10 for hanging file assembly.
Invention is credited to George H. Filipowski.
United States Patent |
3,853,227 |
Filipowski |
December 10, 1974 |
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.
Inventors: |
Filipowski; George H. (New
York, NY) |
Family
ID: |
23187062 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/306,832 |
Filed: |
November 15, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/162; 211/184;
211/195; 312/184; 403/247; 403/353; 526/217 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B
2/22 (20130101); F16B 7/048 (20130101); F16B
7/22 (20130101); B42F 15/0094 (20130101); Y10T
403/7015 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
B42F
15/00 (20060101); B42f 015/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;211/11,45,46,113,162,178,184,168,169,170 ;403/353,230,247,84
;5/110,111,147,148,2C,201 ;248/165 ;312/184 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Frazier; Roy D.
Assistant Examiner: Gibdon, Jr.; Robert W.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Smolowitz; Martin
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.
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.
* * * * *