Supports: cabinet structure – Knockdown or setup type – Connecting panels
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-03
2001-02-27
Wilkens, Janet M. (Department: 3636)
Supports: cabinet structure
Knockdown or setup type
Connecting panels
C312S348100, C312S111000, C312S108000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06193340
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to file storage containers. More specifically, the invention relates to snap-together file storage containers.
BACKGROUND
Typical prior art file cabinets are metal file cabinets that are assembled with the use of fasteners and tools by the manufacturer. The assembled file cabinet is then shipped to a store where it is sold and typically delivered to the purchaser in its assembled condition.
It is known to construct file storage containers of plastic and other materials. It is also known to sell file storage containers in panel form that are intended to be snapped together by the end user.
SUMMARY
One problem that has been identified with known file cabinets is that the file cabinets are assembled by the manufacturer. Thus, an assembled file cabinet is stored by the manufacturer, shipped to the retail store, stored by the retailer or displayed on the sales floor, and delivered to the customer. Assembled file cabinets tend to be bulky, and, because shipping and storage costs are often associated with the amount of space occupied by the item, may be expensive to ship and store. Also, because assembled file cabinets are relatively bulky items, they may be difficult to maneuver around in a store or warehouse without bumping into other items and causing damage to the file cabinet and/or the other items.
It is known to provide a plastic file storage container consisting of a plurality of panels that are snapped together by the end user of the container. However, these known file storage containers typically do not include the functional benefits of a file cabinet. For example, it is very difficult to manufacture plastic panels having the proper rollers and guides to create a plastic, snap-together file cabinet having a drawer slidably received within a cabinet. Consequently, known plastic snap-together file storage containers typically do not include a slidable drawer.
It would be advantageous to manufacture, store, and ship a file cabinet or other file storage container in a disassembled condition where the various panels from which the file cabinet is constructed are stacked and contained in a shipping box. Significant shipping and storage savings may arise from providing a disassembled file cabinet in a box due to the relatively small space occupied by the disassembled file cabinet. The box would also substantially protect the panels from dents and scratches while the box is being moved.
The present invention provides a file container unit comprising a cabinet defining a cavity, and a drawer slidably received within the cavity. The cabinet is assemblable without the use of tools. Preferably, the drawer is also assemblable without the use of tools, and both the drawer and the cabinet are constructed of a plurality of plastic molded panels. Preferably, the panels are interconnected with tongues inserted into slots, and the panels may be disconnected from each other without the use of tools and without damage to the panels. Preferably, the drawer includes a pair of rollers that are movable within guides to assist sliding the drawer into and out of the cavity.
The invention also provides a modular file storage system that may be fitted with accessories for the storage of items other than files. A number of file container units may be stacked, one on top of the other, to create a file cabinet having a plurality of drawers. Slots and tabs in the tops and bottoms of each unit cooperate to interconnect with the adjacent units. An accessory, such as utility drawer or storage bin, may be interconnected with the top of the uppermost file storage unit for additional storage capacity.
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Kildow Jeffrey M.
Schenker David A.
Geographics, Inc.
Michael & Best & Friedrich LLP
Wilkens Janet M.
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