U.S. patent number RE33,953 [Application Number 07/307,759] was granted by the patent office on 1992-06-09 for filing module.
Invention is credited to Kenneth A. Everts.
United States Patent |
RE33,953 |
Everts |
June 9, 1992 |
Filing module
Abstract
A filing module includes a box of relatively rigid material,
projections extending outwardly from upper portions of front and
rear panels of the box and a pair of parallel rods secured to
corresponding projections on the front and rear panels. The
parallel rods are spaced to support hanging folders and function as
carrying handles. A cover is hinged to the box by one of the rods
and can be locked for security. The filing module can be placed in
a standard file drawer or can be used independently. In one
embodiment, a second pair of parallel rods is secured between end
panels of the box to provide support for legal size hanging
folders.
Inventors: |
Everts; Kenneth A. (Westwood,
MA) |
Family
ID: |
26975913 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/307,759 |
Filed: |
February 7, 1989 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
934175 |
Nov 20, 1986 |
04717215 |
Jan 5, 1988 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
312/184;
312/185 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B
63/00 (20130101); B42F 15/0094 (20130101); D05B
29/06 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47B
63/00 (20060101); B42F 15/00 (20060101); D05B
29/00 (20060101); D05B 29/06 (20060101); A47B
063/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;312/184,183,185,186,187,188 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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1203730 |
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Oct 1965 |
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DE |
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1150459 |
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Jan 1958 |
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FR |
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1276212 |
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Oct 1961 |
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FR |
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2382343 |
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Nov 1978 |
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FR |
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2396657 |
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Mar 1979 |
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FR |
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619391 |
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Mar 1949 |
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GB |
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914081 |
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Dec 1962 |
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GB |
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2123347 |
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Feb 1984 |
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GB |
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Other References
Brochure Re W. T. Rogers, Folder Rack and Crate-A-File (4 sheets),
date unknown. .
Pendaflex Catalog A, "Speed Filing Systems" (12 sheets), 1984.
.
Oxford "McFile" Brochure (2 sheets), date unknown. .
Oxford "Decoflex" (2 sheets), date unknown. .
Oxford unidentified catalog sheets (5 Sheets), date unknown. .
Sentry "Fire-Safe Security File" (2 sheets), 1986. .
Unidentified catalog sheets (5 sheets), date unknown..
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Primary Examiner: Sakran; Victor N.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Wolf, Greenfield & Sacks
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A filing module comprising:
a box having a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel and two
end panels, upper portions of said front panel and said back panel
extending outwardly beyond each of said end panels to define
projections;
a first pair of parallel rods extending between corresponding
projections on said front panel and said back panel and spaced to
provide supports for hanging folders of a first specified size,
said projections having lower edges for resting on rails spaced for
receiving hanging folders of said first specified range; and
a cover hinged to said front panel and said rear panel by one of
said rods for pivoting movement,
said filing module being sized and shaped for a placement in a file
drawer dimensioned for receiving hanging folders of said specified
size.
2. A filing module as defined in claim 1 wherein said cover
includes a generally flat top and downwardly extending flanges
along its front and rear edges, said one of said rods passing
through holes in said flanges.
3. A filing module as defined in claim 1 wherein said end panels
terminate below the lower edges of said projections thereby
permitting said rods to be used for lifting said filing module.
4. A filing module as defined in claim 1 further including means
for locking said cover to said box.
5. A filing module as defined in claim 1 further including a second
pair of parallel rods, extending between said end panels and spaced
apart to provide supports for hanging folders of a second specified
size.
6. A filing module as defined in claim 6 wherein said first
specified size is standard size and said second specified size is
legal size.
7. A filing system comprising:
a filing cabinet;
at least one file drawer located in said filing cabinet and having
parallel rails spaced for receiving hanging folders of a first
specified size; and
a filing module comprising
a box having a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel and two
end panels, upper portions of said front panel and said back panel
extending outwardly beyond each of said end panels to define
projections;
a first pair of parallel rods extending between corresponding
projections on said front panel and said back panel and spaced to
provide supports for hanging folders of said first specified size,
said projections having lower edges for resting on said rails;
and
a cover hinged to said front panel and said rear panel by one of
said rods for pivoting movement,
said filing module being sized and shaped for placement in said
file drawer.
8. A filing system as defined in claim 7 wherein said cover
includes a generally flat top and downwardly extending flanges
along its front and rear edges, said one of said rods passing
through holes in said flanges.
9. A filing system as defined in claim 7 wherein said end panels
terminate below the lower edges of said projections thereby
permitting said rods to be used for lifting said filing module.
10. A filing system as defined in claim 7 further including means
for locking said cover to said box.
11. A filing system as defined in claim 7 further including a
second pair of parallel rods, extending between said end panels and
spaced apart to provide supports for hanging folders of a second
specified size.
12. A filing system as defined in claim 11 wherein said first
specified size is standard size and said second specified size is
legal size. .Iadd.
13. A filing module comprising:
a box having a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel and two
end panels, upper portions of said front panel and said back panel
extending outwardly beyond each of said end panels to define
projections; and
first means, coupled to said box, for supporting hanging folders of
a first specified size, said projections having lower edges for
resting on rails spaced for receiving hanging folders of said first
specified size, said filing module being sized and shaped for
placement in a file drawer dimensioned for receiving hanging
folders of said specified size. .Iaddend. .Iadd.14. A filing module
as defined in claim 13 further comprising a cover hinged to said
front panel and said rear panel for pivoting movement. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.15. A filing module as defined in claim 14 wherein said cover
includes a generally flat top and downwardly extending flanges
along its front and rear edges. .Iaddend. .Iadd.16. A filing module
as defined in claim 13 wherein said end panels terminate below the
lower edges of said projections thereby permitting said first means
for supporting to be used for lifting said filing module. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.17. A filing module as defined in claim 14 further including
means
for locking said cover to said box. .Iaddend. .Iadd.18. A filing
module as defined in claim 13 further including a second support
means, extending between said end panels and spaced to provide
supports for hanging folders of a second specified size. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.19. A filing module as defined in claim 18 wherein said first
specified size is standard size and said second specified size is
legal size. .Iaddend. .Iadd.20. A filing system comprising:
a filing cabinet;
at least one file drawer located in said filing cabinet and
dimensioned for receiving hanging folders of a first specified
size; and
a filing module comprising
a box having a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel and two
end panels, upper portions of said front panel and said back panel
extending outwardly beyond each of said end panels to define
projections;
first means, coupled to said box, for supporting for hanging
folders of a first specified size, said projections having lower
edges for resting on rails spaced for receiving hanging folders of
said first specified size, said filing module being sized and
shaped for placement in said file
drawer. .Iaddend. .Iadd.21. A filing system as defined in claim 20
wherein said filing module further comprises a cover hinged to said
front panel and said rear panel for pivoting movement. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.22. A filing system as defined in claim 21 wherein said cover
includes a generally flat top and downwardly extending flanges
along its front and rear edges. .Iaddend. .Iadd.23. A filing system
as defined in claim 20 wherein said end panels terminate below the
lower edges of said projections thereby permitting said means for
supporting to be used for lifting said filing module. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.24. A filing system as defined in claim 22 further including
means for locking said cover to said box. .Iaddend. .Iadd.25. A
filing system as defined in claim 20 further including a second
support means, extending between said end panels to provide
supports for hanging folders of a second specified size. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.26. A filing system as defined in claim 25 wherein said first
specified size is standard size and said second specified size is
legal
size. .Iaddend. .Iadd.27. A filing module comprising:
a box having a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel and two
end panels, upper portions of said front panel and said back panel
extending outwardly beyond each of said end panels to define
projections;
a first pair of parallel rods extending between corresponding
projections on said front panel and said back panel and spaced to
provide supports for hanging folders of a first specified size,
said projections having lower edges for resting on rails spaced for
receiving hanging folders of said first specified size;
said filing module being size and shaped for placement in a file
drawer dimensioned for receiving hanging folders of said first
specified size. .Iaddend. .Iadd.28. A filing system comprising:
a filing cabinet;
at least one file drawer located in said filing cabinet and having
parallel rails dimensioned for receiving hanging folders of a first
specified size; and
a filing module comprising:
a box having a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel and two
end panels, upper portions of said front panel and said back panel
extending outwardly beyond each of said end panels to define
projections;
a first pair of parallel rods extending between corresponding
projections on said front panel and said back panel and spaced to
provide supports for hanging folders of said first specified size,
said projections having lower edges for resting on said rails;
and
said filing module being sized and shaped for placement in said
file
drawer. .Iaddend. .Iadd.29. A filing module comprising:
a box having a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel and two
end panels, upper portions of said front panel and said back panel
extending outwardly beyond each of said end panels to define
projections;
a pair of parallel support means extending between corresponding
projections on said front panel and said back panel and spaced to
provide supports for hanging files of a first specified size, said
projections having lower edges for resting on rails spaced for
receiving hanging folders of said first specified size; and
said filing module being sized and shaped for placement in a file
drawer dimensioned for receiving hanging folders of said specified
size.
.Iaddend. .Iadd.30. A filing system comprising;
a filing cabinet;
at least one file drawer located in said filing cabinet and having
parallel rails spaced for receiving hanging folders of the first
specified size; and
a filing module comprising;
a box having a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel and two
end panels, upper portions of said front panel and said back panel
extending outwardly beyond each of said end panels to define
projections;
a pair of parallel support means extending between corresponding
projections on said front and said back panels and spaced to
provide supports for hanging folders of the first specified size,
said projections having lower edges for resting on said rails;
and
said filing module being sized and shaped for placement in said
file drawer. .Iaddend.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to filing modules and, more particularly, to
filing modules for storing hanging files and other objects either
in a file drawer or independently, for limiting access to materials
stored in the filing modules and for transporting and organizing
such materials.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The components of standard suspension or hanging-type filing
systems for the record-keeping of paper documents include a file
cabinet having drawers of lateral or vertical files, desk drawers,
file boxes, open shelves, file folders with open sides to hold
paper documents and hanging folders to store the file folders. The
hanging folders are suspended by hangers on a rail which is either
an integral part of the cabinet structure or part of a separate
frame insert. The folders hang above the bottom of the cabinet,
allowing them to slide along the rail so as to provide back and
forth access and to prevent the file folders contained therein from
slumping, sagging or getting lost in the housing. Hanging folders
may also be constructed as binders to house computer printouts,
special folders to hold thin documents such as microfilm or
computer disks, binders for fastening standard paper documents
together or as a box bottom to hold bulky materials such as
catalogs, magazines and notebook-type binders. The hanging folders
usually include provision for tabs and inserts to identify the
contents.
A suspension or hanging-type file system does not permit storage
and organization of hanging folders as a collective subject
grouping which can be retrieved or transferred as an integral unit.
For example, a particular project or case may have numerous related
file folders. In addition, suspension file systems do not easily
accommodate mixing of file folders with nonpaper objects (sample
items, criminal evidence and the like). Suspension file systems
also do not provide for the security and control of selected
folders or groups of folders within the same cabinet, so that
access is permitted to some files but not to others. The materials
used in the construction of hanging folders do not lend themselves
to insuring locked privacy.
Various racks and cases have been used for handling and storage of
hanging folders. File boxes having locking covers and carrying
handles are known for transporting hanging folders. Such file cases
are not adapted for storage in filing cabinets. Therefore, files
must be transferred back and forth between the file case and filing
cabinets. File racks adapted for temporarily storing hanging
folders on desk tops or in file drawers are also known. Such racks
do not provide any means for security nor are they well suited for
storing items other than hanging folders.
It is a general object of the present invention to provide improved
filing modules.
It is another object of the present invention to provide removable
filing modules for storing hanging folders and other objects in
conventional file drawers having side rails.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide filing
modules wherein groups of hanging file folders and other objects
can be stored in a file drawer in a secure manner.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide filing
modules capable of storing hanging folders of two different
sizes.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide filing
modules which permit storing of groups of related hanging folders
in a file drawer and which permit easy removal and transfer of such
groups of files.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, these and other objects and
advantages are achieved in a filing module comprising a box having
a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel and two end panels,
upper portions of the front panel and the back panel extending
outwardly beyond each of the end panels to define projections. The
filing module further comprises a first pair of parallel rods
extending between corresponding projections on the front panel and
the back panel and spaced to provide supports for hanging folders
of a first specified size, and a cover hinged to the front panel
and the rear panel by one of the rods for pivoting movement. The
filing module is sized and shaped for placement in a standard file
drawer dimensioned for receiving hanging folders of the specified
size.
In a preferred embodiment, the projections on the filing module
have lower edges sized to rest on conventional side rails for
hanging folders in the file drawer. Preferably, the end panels
terminate below the lower edges of the projections, thereby
permitting the parallel rods to be used for lifting the filing
module. The filing module can be provided with means for locking
the cover.
According to another aspect of the invention, the filing module
further includes a second pair of parallel rods extending between
the end panels and spaced apart to provide supports for hanging
folders of a second specified size. This configuration can store
either standard size hanging folders or legal size hanging
folders.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the present invention, together with
other and further objects, advantages and capabilities thereof,
reference is made to the accompanying drawings which are
incorporated herein by reference and in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a small filing module in accordance
with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the filing module of FIG. 1, partially
broken away to show storage of file folders;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the filing module taken through
the line 3--3 of FIG. 2, with the cover shown in phantom in an open
position;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the filing module taken through
the line 4--4 of FIG. 3 with a portion of a file drawer shown in
phantom;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an intermediate size filing module
in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a top plan view, partially cutaway, of a legal size
filing module in a filing drawer;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a legal size filing module in
accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a front view, partially cut away, of the legal size
filing module of FIG. 7; and
FIG. 9 is a side view of the legal size filing module shown in FIG.
7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A filing module in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-4. A rectangular box 10 is
defined by a front panel 12, a back panel 14, end panels 16, 18
joining from panel 12 and back panel 14, and a bottom panel 20. The
filing module also includes rods 22, 24 for retaining hanging
folders 26, 28 within the box 10 and a hinged cover 30. The filing
module will now be described in detail.
The panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 can be formed of any relatively rigid
material, such as plastic, cardboard or the like and may be opaque
or transparent. Individual panels joined at their edges by an
adhesive may be used, or an integrally formed box 10 may be
utilized. The relatively rigid material of the box 10 provides
security when the module is locked, protects the files against
damage, and permits storage of non-paper objects.
Front panel 12 includes projections 12a, 12b extending outwardly
from the upper portion thereof beyond end panels 16, 18,
respectively. The back panel 14 is provided with projections 14a,
14b extending outwardly from the upper portion thereof beyond end
panels 16, 18, respectively. The projections 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b are
preferably rectangular and are dimensioned and shaped to rest on
conventional hanging file rails 32, as shown in FIG. 3, when the
filing module is placed in a filing drawer 34.
The projections 12a and 14a, adjacent end panel 16, have aligned
holes in which rod 22 is secured. Similarly, projections 12b and
14b, adjacent end panel 18, have aligned holes in which rod 24 is
secured. The rods 22, 24 are parallel and are spaced to accommodate
hanging folders 26, 28 of a specified size such as standard size or
legal size. The rods 22, 24 are secured permanently in the
respective projections 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b by adhesive or any other
suitable means. In the example of FIGS. 1-4, the rod 24 is secured
by retaining knobs 29 at each end thereof. As seen in FIG. 4, the
ends of rod 22 are flush with the front panel 12 and the rear panel
14 to permit the cover 30 to be closed.
The cover 30 includes a generally flat top portion 30a and
downwardly extending flanges 30b, 30c along the front and rear
edges, respectively, of top portion 30a to form an inverted
channel. One of the rods 22 or 24 has a length greater than the
width of the box 10 so that the ends thereof pass through aligned
holes in the cover 30. Thus, the cover 30 can pivot about the rod
to which it is attached. In the example of FIG. 3, cover 30 is
pivoted about rod 24 and is shown in phantom in the open
position.
The rods 22, 24 mounted in the outwardly extending projections 12a,
12b, 14a, 14b are conveniently used as carrying handles for the
filing module. To facilitate use of the rods 22, 24 as carrying
handles, the end panels 16, 18 are terminated below the lower edges
of the projections 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b. The cut out portions insure
easy access by the hand of a person carrying the filing
modules.
The filing module is shown in file drawer 34 in FIGS. 3 and 4. The
file drawer 34 is of standard design with sides 36, 37, bottom 38,
front and rear (not shown) and rails 32, and can be located in a
front opening file cabinet or a side opening file cabinet. The
rails 32 are used in a standard file drawer to support handling
folders. The filing module of the present invention is sized and
shaped to fit within the file drawer, as clearly seen in FIGS. 3
and 4, with the projections 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b resting on the rails
32. Alternatively, in file drawers not having rails, the filing
module can rest on the bottom 38 of the file drawer. The dimension
of the filing module in the direction of rods 22, 24 is usually
much less than the depth of the file drawer 34. However, in the
case of a legal size filing module, as shown in FIG. 6 and
described hereinafter, the filing module can occupy a substantial
proportion of the file drawer.
FIG. 5 illustates an embodiment of the present invention having
larger dimensions than the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 and made of a
transparent material to permit viewing of the files or other
materials contained in the filing module. Elements designated by
the same reference numerals used in FIGS. 1-4 have the same general
construction as described hereinabove, except these elements may
have different dimensions.
A filing module in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention is shown in FIGS. 6-9. In this embodiment, the
filing module is elongated to permit storage of hanging folders of
two different sizes at different times. The filing module includes
a box 50 defined by a front panel 52, a back panel 54, end-panels
56, 58 and a bottom panel 60. A rod 62 extends between a projection
52a in front panel 52 and a projection 54a in back panel 54. A rod
64 extends between a projection 52b in front panel 52 and a
projection 54b in back panel 54. A cover 0, having a generally flat
top portion and downwardly extending flanges along its front and
rear edges, is hinged to the box 50 so as to pivot about rod 64.
The filing module is further provided with a second pair of
parallel rods 72, 74 extending between the end panels 56, 58 and
spaced apart to provide supports for hanging folders 76 of a
different size than can be supported by rods 62, 64. Typically, the
rods 72, 74 are spaced for legal size folders while the rods 62, 64
are spaced for standard size folders. However, it will be
understood that each pair of rods can be spaced to accommodate any
desired size hanging folder. Although the filing module shown in
FIGS. 6-9 can accommodate two different size folders, it can
accommodate only one size folder at a time, since the two different
sizes are stored in perpendicular directions.
The embodiment of FIGS. 6-9 is provided with means for locking the
cover in the form of a gasp 80 and padlock 82. The filing module
can be placed in a filing drawer, as best seen in FIG. 6, with the
projections 52a, 52b, 54a, 54b resting on the rails of the file
drawer. Conventional files are stored parallel to the drawer front.
Legal size files are stored perpendicular to the drawer front.
The filing modules shown and described hereinabove eliminate many
of the problems of existing hanging folder systems and have a
number of advantages in the operation of a filing system. The
filing module of the present invention functions as a housing for
hanging folders within a file cabinet and provides different sizes
for diverse grouping of materials. Because of the modular
construction, the filing module can be utilized either as an
integral storage device by itself or can be stored within the file
cabinet. In addition, the filing module can be used as a portable
work station such as on a desk where the contents are active and
require frequent transfer. The filing module permits the use of
rigid materials and a lock for security. The filing module provides
the capacity to file objects other than paper documents. Bar code
labels are easily installed on the cover or side panels of the
filing module. The file modules can be placed in a normal filing
sequence without disrupting other hanging folders in the same
drawer and can be interspersed with hanging folders. Also, the
filing module can, if desired, be used in a standard file drawer
without rails adapted for hanging folders. The large size filing
module permits the use of legal size hanging folders within a
standard size drawer. The locking option permits security of groups
of files within a file drawer, while allowing nonauthorized
personnel to have access to other files within the same drawer. The
handle arrangements permit quick and easy carrying of the filing
module. The files pertaining to a particular subject are held
together as a group in the filing module.
While there has been shown and described what is at present
considered the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it
will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes
and modifications may be made therein without departing from the
scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *