Supports: racks – Special article – Paper or textile sheet type
Utility Patent
1998-12-03
2001-01-02
Stodola, Daniel P. (Department: 3634)
Supports: racks
Special article
Paper or textile sheet type
C211S182000, C403S217000
Utility Patent
active
06168031
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides an improved apparatus for supporting hanging file folders. Hanging file folders are well known in the art. Various structures have been used to support hanging file folders in a drawer or other workspace. For example, in Jones et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,126, side rails (
63
,
65
) are connected to U-shaped end frame members having slotted ends (
67
a, b, c, d
) with corner caps (
69
a, b, c, d
) and cross braced by rigid elements in the file folders (
23
). In Albery, U.S. Pat. No. 4,457,657, support rails (
64
,
66
), cross braces (
68
,
70
), and legs (
72
) are connected to corner units (
34
), which consist of folding planar elements connected with a flexible web. Both of these configurations are designed to rest inside a drawer. In Goedkin et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,887,873, a pair of hanging rails (
14
a, b
) is attached to the front and back walls of a drawer (
11
a
).
These prior designs are disadvantageous because they are not adaptable to many different configurations using the same basic parts. These prior designs also lack an easy to use clip-on divider in such a modular system.
The present invention overcomes this disadvantage because it employs identical cornerpieces, support members of uniform size and shape, clip-on dividers, and optional attachment to the drawer or workspace. The modular nature of the design facilitates the use of the product in ready to assemble furniture and in aftermarket applications with only a minimal number of different parts, or SKU's (Stock Keeping Units).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A hanging file support apparatus has a modular cornerpiece and circular support rods of identical cross section. The rods are fitted into the cornerpieces to form a rectangular top for receiving hanging file folders. A pair of clip-on dividers with a rod extending between them may be attached to the top. The top may be attached to the top edge or inside of a drawer or other workspace through holes in the cornerpieces. The top may also be supported by vertical support rods that are received by the cornerpieces. The vertical rods may be mounted into holes in the top of a drawer, shelf or other workspace. Alternatively, the rods may be mounted into a base comprised of cornerpieces and rods.
These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following description of the preferred embodiments when considered with the drawings.
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patent: 5743412 (1998-04-01), Noble
Fulterer USA, Inc.
Novosad Jennifer E.
Rhodes & Mason PLLC
Stodola Daniel P.
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