Supports: racks – Knockdown
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-13
2001-08-28
Stodola, Daniel P. (Department: 3634)
Supports: racks
Knockdown
C211S046000, C248S175000, C312S187000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06279762
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to storage systems, and more specifically relates to a knockdown frame storage system having a universal frame, different inserts for the frame to allow storage of different items, and different support structures for supporting the frame.
Traditional office furniture and accessories provide for hidden storage of files, such as in drawers and in other semi-hidden locations. In traditional furniture, the devices providing the storage are typically permanently attached or otherwise constructed for a specific location or use, such that they are not easily reconfigurable to meet changing office needs or preferences. Sometimes the traditional office furniture can be disassembled and reassembled in different configurations, but this requires a skilled maintenance person, tools, and substantial time. Further, once reconfigured, the files are still not positioned for easy access or efficiency.
A storage system is desired that is low cost, flexible, and able to deal with high volumes of paper, yet that provides high visual and physical accessibility, and that is easily reconfigurable by a user to meet constantly changing needs and for maximum efficiency. Preferably, such a system would allow access to groups of files so that they can be quickly retrieved and taken as a group to meetings at locations removed from the workstation. Such a system preferably would emphasize visual access, organization, rearrangeability and customizability for maximum worker control.
Accordingly, a storage system is desired solving the aforementioned problems and having the aforementioned advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention, a storage system is provided for supporting items in a hanging folder. The storage system includes a unitary frame defining a planar geometric shape with sides, with at least two of the sides having an up flange adapted to support opposite edges of the hanging folder, and with the geometric shape further including corners with an attachment feature. Legs are provided that are configured to releasably engage the attachment feature and support the unitary frame above a support surface in a freestanding arrangement. The legs have a length long enough to support the unitary frame above the support surface so that the folders will not touch the support surface but instead will hang within the unitary frame.
In another aspect of the present invention, a storage system includes a unitary frame defining a geometric shape with sides, with at least two of the sides having up flanges adapted to support hanging inserts. A plurality of hanging inserts is shaped to fit into and hang from the unitary frame. Each hanging insert has a pair of attachment members adapted to engage the up flanges. The plurality of hanging inserts includes a hanging folder with a folded stiff material forming a thin pocket for papers, a sling including a strip of flexible material that drapes between the at least two sides when placed in the unitary frame, and a box-shaped holder with four sides in the bottom configured to form a contained arrangement within the unitary frame.
In another aspect of the present invention, a storage system includes a unitary frame having a first up flange adapted to support hanging folders. A first insert has a container member configured to sit within the universal frame. The first insert further has a first attachment member configured to engage and rest on the first up flange. The first attachment member has a second up flange configured to replicate the first up flange. A plurality of second inserts each have a second attachment member configured to engage and selectively rest on either one of the first up flange and the second up flange. The container member of the first insert is configured to contain and hold the plurality of second inserts together and is removable from the unitary frame so that the plurality of second inserts can be taken as a unit to a location separate from the unitary frame.
In another aspect of the present invention, a storage system includes a perimeter frame having a first flange adapted to engage and support hanging folders. A first insert has a container member configured to set within the perimeter frame and further has a first attachment member configured to engage and rest on the first flange. The first attachment member also has a second flange. A plurality of second inserts is provided, each having a second attachment member configured to engage and selectively rest on the second flange. The container member of the first insert is configured to contain and hold the plurality of second inserts together and is removable from the perimeter frame so that the plurality of the second inserts can be taken as a unit to a location separate from the perimeter frame. The second inserts are also removable for individual use.
In yet another aspect, a freestanding storage system includes a perimeter frame made of polymeric material having sides with up flanges adapted to support hanging folders and with bottom-accessible recesses. A plurality of bent-wire legs is configured to snap-attach into the recesses of adjacent sides to support the universal frame. The legs include bottom foot sections shaped to stably engage a support surface.
These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims and appended drawings.
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Buchalter Mark A.
Laske Lawrence L.
Simons, Jr. George J.
Tappel Jim
Harris Erica B.
Price Heneveld Cooper DeWitt & Litton
Steelcase Development Corporation
Stodola Daniel P.
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