US20050253490A1 - Filing cabinet with waterproof seal - Google Patents
Filing cabinet with waterproof seal Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050253490A1 US20050253490A1 US10/843,604 US84360404A US2005253490A1 US 20050253490 A1 US20050253490 A1 US 20050253490A1 US 84360404 A US84360404 A US 84360404A US 2005253490 A1 US2005253490 A1 US 2005253490A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- drawer
- seal
- filing cabinet
- wall
- partition
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B63/00—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, specially adapted for storing books, documents, forms, or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B67/00—Chests; Dressing-tables; Medicine cabinets or the like; Cabinets characterised by the arrangement of drawers
- A47B67/04—Chests of drawers; Cabinets characterised by the arrangement of drawers
Definitions
- This invention is directed to a filing cabinet having a water proof seal.
- Filing cabinets typically include multiple drawers mounted within a cabinet frame. Each drawer typically includes a drawer head which abuts the cabinet frame when the drawer is in its closed position.
- Fireproof filing cabinets are available to protect valuable documents stored within the filing cabinet and to avoid significant losses from fire damage. Often, however, when a fire breaks out, it is necessary to extinguish the fire using water. Although many cabinets prevent fire damage to documents, water enters the cabinet and destroys the documents. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a filing cabinet which protects the contents of such cabinet against both fire and water damage.
- Past attempts to provide waterproof filing cabinets typically rely on a compression seal mounted between the cabinet frame and drawer heads to prohibit the entrance of water into the filing cabinet. To seal the drawer against the cabinet frame the seal is compressed between the cabinet frame and the drawer head. Compression of the seal requires a significant amount of inertia (i.e. the drawer must be slammed shut, similar to the closing of a car door). Each drawer typically also includes some type of latch mechanism to secure the drawer in its closed position. Because of the pressure created by the seal, the latch mechanism used must be of the type which can release under such pressure.
- the present invention provides a filing cabinet which overcomes the problems presented in the prior art and which provides additional advantages over the prior art, such advantages will become clear upon a reading of the attached specification in combination with a study of the drawings.
- a general object of the present invention is to provide a waterproof filing cabinet.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a fire resistant filing cabinet.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide a waterproof filing cabinet having drawers which can be closed without requiring a large amount of force.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide a filing cabinet which can incorporate a typical latch mechanism.
- the filing cabinet includes a frame forming at least one insulated drawer cavity and having a seal point around the perimeter of the drawer cavity.
- a drawer including a drawer head is mounted within the drawer cavity.
- a seal is mounted on the inner surface of the drawer head. When the drawer is closed, the seal point collapses the seal and prevents water from entering the drawer cavity.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filing cabinet which incorporates the features of the present invention
- FIG. 1 a is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the filing cabinet of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the top wall of the filing cabinet and a portion of a drawer, shown in a partially closed position;
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the top wall of the filing cabinet and a portion of a drawer, shown in a closed position.
- FIG. 1 A filing cabinet 20 which incorporates the features of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 .
- the filing cabinet 20 includes a frame 22 , drawer supports 24 mounted within the frame 22 , and drawers 26 mounted within the drawer supports 24 .
- the frame 22 of the filing cabinet 20 is generally rectangularly-shaped and includes a generally horizontal top wall 30 , a generally horizontal bottom wall 32 , a generally vertical left wall 34 , a generally vertical right wall 36 , a generally vertical rear wall 38 , and horizontal partitions 40 a , 40 b , 40 c .
- the frame 22 of the filing cabinet 20 is formed from metal, preferably steel and defines a frame cavity 42 .
- the top wall 30 , the bottom wall 32 , the left wall 34 , the right wall 36 , and the rear wall 38 generally define an open front 43 .
- the filing cabinet 20 shown in FIG. 1 is designed to receive four (4) drawers and therefore includes three horizontal partitions 40 a , 40 b , and 40 c .
- the filing cabinet 20 could consist of any number of partitions such that the frame would receive the desired number of drawers 26 . It is also to be understood that the frame 22 can be designed without partitions such that the frame would receive a single drawer 26 extending from the top wall 30 to the bottom wall 32 and from the left wall 34 to the right wall 36 .
- the rear wall 38 includes an inner panel 38 a and an outer panel 38 b .
- the inner and outer panels 38 a , 38 b are spaced apart from each other.
- the inner panel 38 a of the rear wall does not extend the full height or width of the outer panel 38 b.
- Insulation for example, insulation sold under the trademark, INSULITE®, by E. H. O'Neill Company, Inc., is provided between the inner and outer panels 38 a , 38 b of the rear wall 38 .
- the top wall 30 , the bottom wall 32 , the left wall 34 , and the right wall 36 are each formed from an inner panel and an outer panel.
- the top wall 30 includes an inner panel 30 a and an outer panel 30 b .
- the bottom wall 32 includes an inner panel (not shown) and an outer panel 32 b .
- the left wall 34 includes an inner panel 34 a and an outer panel 34 b .
- the right wall 36 includes an inner panel 36 a and an outer panel 36 b.
- Each inner panel of the top, bottom, left and right and walls 30 , 32 , 34 , 36 extends from the inner panel 38 a of the rear wall 38 .
- the inner panel 38 a of the rear wall 38 and the inner panels of the top wall 30 , the bottom wall 32 , the left wall 34 and the right wall 36 are integrally formed to provide a single-piece, seamless inner frame. Because no seams are provided, gaps through which air and water might penetrate the inner frame are eliminated.
- Each outer panel of the top, bottom, left and right walls 30 , 32 , 34 , 36 extends from the outer panel 38 b of the rear wall 38 .
- the outer panel 38 b of the rear wall 38 and the outer panels of the top wall 30 , the bottom wall 32 , the left wall 34 and the right wall 36 are integrally formed to provide a single-piece, seamless outer frame. Because no seams are provided, gaps through which air and water might penetrate the outer frame are eliminated.
- the inner panel 38 a of the rear wall 38 does not extend the full height or width of the outer panel 38 b , the inner panel 30 a of the top wall 30 is spaced from the outer panel 30 b of the top wall 30 , the inner panel of the bottom wall 32 is spaced from the outer panel 32 b of the bottom wall 32 , the inner panel 34 a of the left wall 34 is spaced from the outer panel 34 b of the left wall 34 , and the inner panel 36 a of the right wall 36 is spaced from the outer panel 36 b of the right wall 36 .
- the integrally formed, seamless inner frame is nested within the integrally-formed, seamless outer frame.
- each inner and outer panel opposite the rear wall a joint is provided between the inner and outer panels of each wall 30 , 32 , 34 , 36 which is described in detail herein with respect to the top wall 30 . It is to be understood that the joint of the bottom wall 32 , left wall 34 , and right wall 36 are identically formed except that the joint is generally vertically orientated on the left wall 34 and the right wall 36 and generally horizontally orientated on the top wall 30 and the bottom wall 32 .
- FIG. 2 A portion of the top wall 30 is shown in FIG. 2 .
- the outer panel 30 b of the top wall 30 includes a first portion 44 a , a second portion 44 b , a third portion 44 c , a fourth portion 44 d , and a fifth portion 44 e .
- the first portion 44 a of the outer panel 30 b extends perpendicularly from the outer panel 38 b of the rear wall 38 .
- the second portion 44 b of the outer panel 30 b extends downwardly and perpendicularly from the first portion 44 a .
- the third portion 44 c of the outer panel 30 b extends rearwardly from the second portion 44 b and is perpendicular thereto.
- the fourth portion 44 d extends downwardly from the third portion 44 c and is perpendicular thereto.
- the fifth portion 44 e extends forward from the fourth portion 44 d and is perpendicular thereto.
- the fifth portion 44 e terminates in a free end.
- the third portion 44 c , the fourth portion 44 d , and the fifth portion 44 e define a groove 46 .
- the inner panel 30 a of the top wall 30 extends from the inner panel 38 a of the rear wall 38 at a position which is beneath the fifth portion 44 e of the outer panel 30 b .
- a hook-shaped end 48 of the inner panel 30 a extends around the free end of the fifth portion 44 e of the outer panel 30 b of the top wall 30 to form an elongated seal point 50 which extends horizontally from the inner panel 34 a of the left wall 34 to the inner panel 36 a of the right wall 36 .
- Insulation 52 for example, insulation sold under the trademark INSULITE®, is provided between the inner panel 30 a and the outer panel 30 b of top wall 30 to provide fire resistance.
- the horizontal partitions 40 a , 40 b , 40 c are mounted within the frame cavity 42 so as to define drawer cavities 56 a , 56 b , 56 c , 56 d .
- Each horizontal partition 40 a , 40 b , 40 c extends from the inner panel 38 a of the rear wall 38 to the front edges of the left and right walls 34 , 36 and from the inner panel 34 a of the left wall 34 to the inner panel 36 a of the right wall 36 .
- Each horizontal partition 40 a , 40 b , 40 c includes an upper panel 58 , a lower panel 60 , and a forwardly projecting front edge 62 .
- the front edge 62 is formed so as to provide an elongated upper seal point 64 and an elongated lower seal point 66 .
- Insulation for example, insulation sold under the trademark INSULITE®, is provided between the upper and lower panels 58 , 60 of each horizontal partition 40 a , 40 b , 40 c .
- An aperture (not shown) is provided through upper and lower panels 58 , 60 of each horizontal partition 40 a , 40 b , 40 c for receiving a latch as will be described herein. Each aperture is spaced from the front edge of the horizontal partitions 40 a , 40 b , 40 c.
- a first drawer cavity 56 a is defined by the inner panel 30 a of the top wall 30 , the inner panel 34 a of the left wall 34 , the inner panel 36 a of the right wall 36 , the upper panel 58 of the partition 40 a and the inner panel 38 a of the rear wall 38 .
- the seal point 50 of the top wall 30 along with the seal points of the left and right walls 34 , 36 and the upper seal point 64 of partition 40 a define the perimeter of the opening of the drawer cavity 56 a .
- a second drawer cavity 56 b is defined by the lower panel 60 of the partition 40 a , the inner panel 34 a of the left wall 34 , the inner panel 36 a of the right wall 36 , the upper panel 58 of the partition 40 b and the inner panel 38 a of the rear wall 38 .
- a third drawer cavity 56 c is defined by the lower panel 60 of the partition 40 b , the inner panel of the left wall 34 , the inner panel 36 a of the right wall 36 , the upper panel 58 of the partition 40 c and the inner panel 38 a of the rear wall 38 .
- a fourth drawer cavity 56 d is defined by the lower panel 60 of the partition 40 c , the inner panel 34 a of the left wall 34 , the inner panel 36 a of the right wall 36 , the inner panel 32 a of the bottom wall 32 and the inner panel 38 a of the rear wall 38 .
- a pair of drawer supports 24 are provided within each drawer cavity 56 a , 56 b , 56 c , 56 d .
- the drawer supports 24 extend from the front edges of the left and right walls 34 , 36 toward the rear wall 38 .
- a drawer 26 is mounted within each drawer cavity 56 a , 56 b , 56 c , 56 d through the use of the drawer supports 24 .
- Each drawer 26 includes a base 70 , a left wall 72 at a left end of the base 70 , a right wall 74 at the opposite end of the base 70 , a rear wall 76 at the rear end of the base 70 .
- the drawer head 78 is perpendicular to the base 70 and to the left and right side walls 72 , 74 .
- each drawer 26 defines an open top.
- Each drawer 26 includes a latch mechanism 80 attached to the drawer head 78 .
- the drawer head 78 of one of the middle drawers is not shown in FIG. 1 so as to show the latch mechanism 80 .
- the latch mechanism 80 includes a plunger 82 which can be raised an lowered by grasping a latch handle 84 provided on the outer surface of each drawer head 78 .
- the plunger 82 extends into the aperture through the partition 40 to retain the drawer 26 in a closed position.
- the plunger 82 is raised above the upper panel 58 of the horizontal partition 40 and the drawer 26 can be pulled open.
- each drawer head 78 includes a top side 86 , a bottom side 88 , a left side 90 , and a right side 92 .
- each drawer head 78 also includes an inner panel 94 and an outer panel 96 .
- the panels 94 , 96 are spaced apart and insulation 97 is provided between the panels 94 , 96 to protect the cabinet contents from fire.
- the top side 86 , the bottom side 88 , the left side 90 and the right side 92 of each drawer head 78 includes a rearwardly extending projection 98 and a groove 100 .
- the projection 98 is formed from a first portion 98 a , a second portion 98 b and a third portion 98 c
- the first portion 98 a extends rearwardly and perpendicularly from the outer panel 96 of the drawer head 78 .
- the second portion 98 b extends perpendicularly from the first portion 98 a .
- the third portion 98 c extends forwardly and parallel to the first portion 98 a .
- the groove 100 also extends around the perimeter of the drawer head 78 and thus provides a top portion, a bottom portion, a left side portion and a right side portion.
- the groove 100 is defined by the third portion 98 c of the projection 98 , a base 104 which extends perpendicularly to the third portion 98 c and a rear extension 105 which extends rearwardly from the base 104 and is generally perpendicular to the base 104 .
- a seal 102 is provided at the base 104 of the groove 100 .
- the seal 102 includes a base portion 102 a and an arcuate portion 102 b .
- the base portion 102 a includes an inner surface 103 and an outer surface 105 which abuts the base portion 104 of the groove 100 .
- the seal 102 is mounted to the base portion 104 of the groove 100 by suitable means.
- the arcuate portion 102 b includes an inner surface 107 and an outer surface 109 .
- the seal 102 is formed from a silicon material having a low durometer.
- the durometer of the seal 102 is approximately 40 Shore A.
- the seal 102 is formed from material designed to withstand high temperatures.
- the height of the seal 102 represented by h, is preferably 0.440 inches.
- the width of the seal 102 is preferably 0.25 inches.
- the thickness of the base portion 102 a is preferably 0.025 inches.
- the thickness of the arcuate portion 102 b is preferably 0.035 inches.
- the seal 102 When the drawer 26 is open, the seal 102 is fully extended and is generally D-shaped. As shown in FIG. 2 , when the drawer 26 is moved toward the closed position, the rearwardly extending projection 98 of the drawer head 78 extends within the groove 46 of the frame 22 of the cabinet 20 . As the user continues to close the drawer 26 , the seal point 50 contacts the outer surface 109 of the arcuate portion 102 b of the seal 102 and causes the seal 102 to collapse. As shown in FIG. 1 a and FIG. 3 , when the drawer 26 is fully closed, the seal 102 is in a generally B-shaped formation. In the fully closed position, a gap 111 is provided between the seal point 50 and the base 104 of the groove 100 .
- the width of the gap 111 is 0.060 inches.
- the inner surface 107 of the arcuate portion 102 b of the seal 102 contacts the inner surface 103 of the base portion 102 a of the seal 102 .
- the thickness of the collapsed seal 102 is also 0.060 inches. Because the gap 111 between the base 104 of the groove 100 of the drawer head 78 and the seal point 50 is also 0.060 inches, when the drawer 26 is closed, the seal 102 is not compressed upon closure of the drawer 26 . Rather, the seal 102 is simply collapsed.
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Abstract
A waterproof, fire resistant filing cabinet is provided. The cabinet includes a frame defining insulated drawer cavities. A seal point projects forwardly from the cabinet frame. A drawer is mounted in each drawer cavity and has a drawer head. A seal is provided between the seal point and the drawer head. When the drawer is closed, the seal collapses to prevent water from entering the drawer cavity but is not compressed.
Description
- This invention is directed to a filing cabinet having a water proof seal.
- Filing cabinets typically include multiple drawers mounted within a cabinet frame. Each drawer typically includes a drawer head which abuts the cabinet frame when the drawer is in its closed position. Fireproof filing cabinets are available to protect valuable documents stored within the filing cabinet and to avoid significant losses from fire damage. Often, however, when a fire breaks out, it is necessary to extinguish the fire using water. Although many cabinets prevent fire damage to documents, water enters the cabinet and destroys the documents. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a filing cabinet which protects the contents of such cabinet against both fire and water damage.
- Past attempts to provide waterproof filing cabinets typically rely on a compression seal mounted between the cabinet frame and drawer heads to prohibit the entrance of water into the filing cabinet. To seal the drawer against the cabinet frame the seal is compressed between the cabinet frame and the drawer head. Compression of the seal requires a significant amount of inertia (i.e. the drawer must be slammed shut, similar to the closing of a car door). Each drawer typically also includes some type of latch mechanism to secure the drawer in its closed position. Because of the pressure created by the seal, the latch mechanism used must be of the type which can release under such pressure.
- The present invention provides a filing cabinet which overcomes the problems presented in the prior art and which provides additional advantages over the prior art, such advantages will become clear upon a reading of the attached specification in combination with a study of the drawings.
- A general object of the present invention is to provide a waterproof filing cabinet.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a fire resistant filing cabinet.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide a waterproof filing cabinet having drawers which can be closed without requiring a large amount of force.
- A further object of the present invention is to provide a filing cabinet which can incorporate a typical latch mechanism.
- Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing, a fire resistant, waterproof filing cabinet is provided. The filing cabinet includes a frame forming at least one insulated drawer cavity and having a seal point around the perimeter of the drawer cavity. A drawer including a drawer head is mounted within the drawer cavity. A seal is mounted on the inner surface of the drawer head. When the drawer is closed, the seal point collapses the seal and prevents water from entering the drawer cavity.
- The organization and manner of the structure and operation of the invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify like elements in which:
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filing cabinet which incorporates the features of the present invention; -
FIG. 1 a is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the filing cabinet ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the top wall of the filing cabinet and a portion of a drawer, shown in a partially closed position; and -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the top wall of the filing cabinet and a portion of a drawer, shown in a closed position. - While the invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and herein will be described in detail, a specific embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that as illustrated and described herein.
- A
filing cabinet 20 which incorporates the features of the present invention is shown inFIG. 1 . Thefiling cabinet 20 includes aframe 22, drawer supports 24 mounted within theframe 22, anddrawers 26 mounted within the drawer supports 24. - The
frame 22 of thefiling cabinet 20 is generally rectangularly-shaped and includes a generallyhorizontal top wall 30, a generallyhorizontal bottom wall 32, a generally verticalleft wall 34, a generally verticalright wall 36, a generally verticalrear wall 38, andhorizontal partitions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c. Theframe 22 of thefiling cabinet 20 is formed from metal, preferably steel and defines aframe cavity 42. Thetop wall 30, thebottom wall 32, theleft wall 34, theright wall 36, and therear wall 38 generally define anopen front 43. Thefiling cabinet 20 shown inFIG. 1 is designed to receive four (4) drawers and therefore includes threehorizontal partitions 40 a, 40 b, and 40 c. It is to be understood, however, that thefiling cabinet 20 could consist of any number of partitions such that the frame would receive the desired number ofdrawers 26. It is also to be understood that theframe 22 can be designed without partitions such that the frame would receive asingle drawer 26 extending from thetop wall 30 to thebottom wall 32 and from theleft wall 34 to theright wall 36. - The
rear wall 38 includes aninner panel 38 a and anouter panel 38 b. The inner andouter panels inner panel 38 a of the rear wall does not extend the full height or width of theouter panel 38 b. Insulation, for example, insulation sold under the trademark, INSULITE®, by E. H. O'Neill Company, Inc., is provided between the inner andouter panels rear wall 38. - The
top wall 30, thebottom wall 32, theleft wall 34, and theright wall 36 are each formed from an inner panel and an outer panel. Thetop wall 30 includes aninner panel 30 a and anouter panel 30 b. Thebottom wall 32 includes an inner panel (not shown) and an outer panel 32 b. Theleft wall 34 includes aninner panel 34 a and an outer panel 34 b. Theright wall 36 includes aninner panel 36 a and an outer panel 36 b. - Each inner panel of the top, bottom, left and right and
walls inner panel 38 a of therear wall 38. Preferably, theinner panel 38 a of therear wall 38 and the inner panels of thetop wall 30, thebottom wall 32, theleft wall 34 and theright wall 36 are integrally formed to provide a single-piece, seamless inner frame. Because no seams are provided, gaps through which air and water might penetrate the inner frame are eliminated. - Each outer panel of the top, bottom, left and
right walls outer panel 38 b of therear wall 38. Preferably, theouter panel 38 b of therear wall 38 and the outer panels of thetop wall 30, thebottom wall 32, theleft wall 34 and theright wall 36 are integrally formed to provide a single-piece, seamless outer frame. Because no seams are provided, gaps through which air and water might penetrate the outer frame are eliminated. - Because the
inner panel 38 a of therear wall 38 does not extend the full height or width of theouter panel 38 b, theinner panel 30 a of thetop wall 30 is spaced from theouter panel 30 b of thetop wall 30, the inner panel of thebottom wall 32 is spaced from the outer panel 32 b of thebottom wall 32, theinner panel 34 a of theleft wall 34 is spaced from the outer panel 34 b of theleft wall 34, and theinner panel 36 a of theright wall 36 is spaced from the outer panel 36 b of theright wall 36. Thus, the integrally formed, seamless inner frame is nested within the integrally-formed, seamless outer frame. - At the ends of each inner and outer panel opposite the rear wall, a joint is provided between the inner and outer panels of each
wall top wall 30. It is to be understood that the joint of thebottom wall 32,left wall 34, andright wall 36 are identically formed except that the joint is generally vertically orientated on theleft wall 34 and theright wall 36 and generally horizontally orientated on thetop wall 30 and thebottom wall 32. - A portion of the
top wall 30 is shown inFIG. 2 . As shown inFIG. 2 , theouter panel 30 b of thetop wall 30 includes a first portion 44 a, a second portion 44 b, athird portion 44 c, a fourth portion 44 d, and afifth portion 44 e. The first portion 44 a of theouter panel 30 b extends perpendicularly from theouter panel 38 b of therear wall 38. The second portion 44 b of theouter panel 30 b extends downwardly and perpendicularly from the first portion 44 a. Thethird portion 44 c of theouter panel 30 b extends rearwardly from the second portion 44 b and is perpendicular thereto. The fourth portion 44 d extends downwardly from thethird portion 44 c and is perpendicular thereto. Thefifth portion 44 e extends forward from the fourth portion 44 d and is perpendicular thereto. Thefifth portion 44 e terminates in a free end. Thethird portion 44 c, the fourth portion 44 d, and thefifth portion 44 e define agroove 46. Theinner panel 30 a of thetop wall 30 extends from theinner panel 38 a of therear wall 38 at a position which is beneath thefifth portion 44 e of theouter panel 30 b. A hook-shaped end 48 of theinner panel 30 a extends around the free end of thefifth portion 44 e of theouter panel 30 b of thetop wall 30 to form anelongated seal point 50 which extends horizontally from theinner panel 34 a of theleft wall 34 to theinner panel 36 a of theright wall 36.Insulation 52, for example, insulation sold under the trademark INSULITE®, is provided between theinner panel 30 a and theouter panel 30 b oftop wall 30 to provide fire resistance. - The
horizontal partitions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c are mounted within theframe cavity 42 so as to definedrawer cavities horizontal partition 40 a, 40 b, 40 c extends from theinner panel 38 a of therear wall 38 to the front edges of the left andright walls inner panel 34 a of theleft wall 34 to theinner panel 36 a of theright wall 36. Eachhorizontal partition 40 a, 40 b, 40 c includes anupper panel 58, alower panel 60, and a forwardly projecting front edge 62. The front edge 62 is formed so as to provide an elongatedupper seal point 64 and an elongated lower seal point 66. Insulation, for example, insulation sold under the trademark INSULITE®, is provided between the upper andlower panels horizontal partition 40 a, 40 b, 40 c. An aperture (not shown) is provided through upper andlower panels horizontal partition 40 a, 40 b, 40 c for receiving a latch as will be described herein. Each aperture is spaced from the front edge of thehorizontal partitions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c. - A
first drawer cavity 56 a is defined by theinner panel 30 a of thetop wall 30, theinner panel 34 a of theleft wall 34, theinner panel 36 a of theright wall 36, theupper panel 58 of thepartition 40 a and theinner panel 38 a of therear wall 38. Theseal point 50 of thetop wall 30 along with the seal points of the left andright walls upper seal point 64 ofpartition 40 a define the perimeter of the opening of thedrawer cavity 56 a. A second drawer cavity 56 b is defined by thelower panel 60 of thepartition 40 a, theinner panel 34 a of theleft wall 34, theinner panel 36 a of theright wall 36, theupper panel 58 of the partition 40 b and theinner panel 38 a of therear wall 38. A third drawer cavity 56 c is defined by thelower panel 60 of the partition 40 b, the inner panel of theleft wall 34, theinner panel 36 a of theright wall 36, theupper panel 58 of the partition 40 c and theinner panel 38 a of therear wall 38. Afourth drawer cavity 56 d is defined by thelower panel 60 of the partition 40 c, theinner panel 34 a of theleft wall 34, theinner panel 36 a of theright wall 36, the inner panel 32 a of thebottom wall 32 and theinner panel 38 a of therear wall 38. - A pair of drawer supports 24 are provided within each
drawer cavity right walls rear wall 38. - A
drawer 26 is mounted within eachdrawer cavity drawer 26 includes abase 70, aleft wall 72 at a left end of thebase 70, aright wall 74 at the opposite end of thebase 70, a rear wall 76 at the rear end of thebase 70. Thedrawer head 78 is perpendicular to thebase 70 and to the left andright side walls drawer 26 defines an open top. Eachdrawer 26 includes alatch mechanism 80 attached to thedrawer head 78. Thedrawer head 78 of one of the middle drawers is not shown inFIG. 1 so as to show thelatch mechanism 80. Thelatch mechanism 80 includes aplunger 82 which can be raised an lowered by grasping alatch handle 84 provided on the outer surface of eachdrawer head 78. Theplunger 82 extends into the aperture through the partition 40 to retain thedrawer 26 in a closed position. When the user grasps thelatch handle 84, theplunger 82 is raised above theupper panel 58 of the horizontal partition 40 and thedrawer 26 can be pulled open. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , eachdrawer head 78 includes atop side 86, abottom side 88, a left side 90, and aright side 92. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 , eachdrawer head 78 also includes aninner panel 94 and anouter panel 96. Thepanels insulation 97 is provided between thepanels top side 86, thebottom side 88, the left side 90 and theright side 92 of eachdrawer head 78 includes arearwardly extending projection 98 and a groove 100. Theprojection 98 is formed from afirst portion 98 a, a second portion 98 b and a third portion 98 c Thefirst portion 98 a extends rearwardly and perpendicularly from theouter panel 96 of thedrawer head 78. The second portion 98 b extends perpendicularly from thefirst portion 98 a. The third portion 98 c extends forwardly and parallel to thefirst portion 98 a. The groove 100 also extends around the perimeter of thedrawer head 78 and thus provides a top portion, a bottom portion, a left side portion and a right side portion. The groove 100 is defined by the third portion 98 c of theprojection 98, a base 104 which extends perpendicularly to the third portion 98 c and arear extension 105 which extends rearwardly from thebase 104 and is generally perpendicular to thebase 104. Aseal 102 is provided at thebase 104 of the groove 100. - The
seal 102 includes a base portion 102 a and an arcuate portion 102 b. The base portion 102 a includes an inner surface 103 and anouter surface 105 which abuts thebase portion 104 of the groove 100. Theseal 102 is mounted to thebase portion 104 of the groove 100 by suitable means. The arcuate portion 102 b includes aninner surface 107 and an outer surface 109. Preferably, theseal 102 is formed from a silicon material having a low durometer. Preferably the durometer of theseal 102 is approximately 40 Shore A. Theseal 102 is formed from material designed to withstand high temperatures. The height of theseal 102, represented by h, is preferably 0.440 inches. The width of theseal 102, represented by w, is preferably 0.25 inches. The thickness of the base portion 102 a, represented by t1, is preferably 0.025 inches. The thickness of the arcuate portion 102 b, represented by t2, is preferably 0.035 inches. - When the
drawer 26 is open, theseal 102 is fully extended and is generally D-shaped. As shown inFIG. 2 , when thedrawer 26 is moved toward the closed position, therearwardly extending projection 98 of thedrawer head 78 extends within thegroove 46 of theframe 22 of thecabinet 20. As the user continues to close thedrawer 26, theseal point 50 contacts the outer surface 109 of the arcuate portion 102 b of theseal 102 and causes theseal 102 to collapse. As shown inFIG. 1 a andFIG. 3 , when thedrawer 26 is fully closed, theseal 102 is in a generally B-shaped formation. In the fully closed position, a gap 111 is provided between theseal point 50 and thebase 104 of the groove 100. The width of the gap 111, represented by t3, is 0.060 inches. In its collapsed formation, theinner surface 107 of the arcuate portion 102 b of theseal 102 contacts the inner surface 103 of the base portion 102 a of theseal 102. Thus, the thickness of thecollapsed seal 102, proximate theseal point 50, is also 0.060 inches. Because the gap 111 between the base 104 of the groove 100 of thedrawer head 78 and theseal point 50 is also 0.060 inches, when thedrawer 26 is closed, theseal 102 is not compressed upon closure of thedrawer 26. Rather, theseal 102 is simply collapsed. As a result, a water and air tight engagement is provided between thedrawer head 78 and theframe 22 of thecabinet 20 without requiring pressure between thedrawer head 78 and theframe 22 of thecabinet 20. Because compression of theseal 102 is not required, thedrawer 26 does not need to be “slammed” shut in order to fully close thedrawer 26. Thus, when thedrawer 26 is shut, theplunger 82 of thelatch mechanism 80 falls within the aperture through the horizontal partition 40 and no pressure is provided between theplunger 82 of thedrawer head 78 and the partition 40 of theframe 22. Because pressure is not provided between thedrawer head 78 and theframe 22, thelatch mechanism 80 can be easily operated. It is to be noted, upon closure of eachdrawer 26 thedrawer cavity 56 within which thedrawer 26 is mounted is sealed. Thus, in the event one drawer remains open, a water and air tight seal is provided for the remaining drawers which are closed. - While a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and described, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Claims (22)
1. A waterproof filing cabinet comprising:
a frame including a plurality of walls defining a drawer cavity and a drawer opening, said walls which form the drawer opening including a seal point;
a drawer mounted within said drawer cavity, said drawer including a drawer head;
a collapsible seal positioned between said seal point and said drawer head; and
wherein when said drawer is in an open position, said seal is in an extended formation, and when said drawer is in a closed position, said seal point causes said seal to collapse without compression.
2. A filing cabinet as defined in claim 1 , wherein each of said walls includes an inner panel and an outer panel and insulation is provided between said inner panels and said outer panels.
3. A filing cabinet as defined in claim 2 , wherein a portion of said inner panel is formed around a portion of said outer panel to form said seal point.
4. A filing cabinet as defined in claim 2 , wherein said inner panels of said walls are integrally formed.
5. A filing cabinet as defined in claim 2 , wherein said outer panels of said walls are integrally formed.
6. A filing cabinet as defined in claim 1 , wherein said seal is D-shaped in said extended formation.
7. A filing cabinet as defined in claim 1 , wherein said seal is B-shaped when collapsed.
8. A filing cabinet as defined in claim 1 , wherein said seal is D-shaped in said extended formation and said seal is B-shaped when collapsed.
9. A filing cabinet as defined in claim 1 , wherein said drawer head includes a rearwardly extending projection and a groove, said seal being mounted within said groove, and said seal point of said frame extending into said groove when the drawer is in said closed position.
10. A filing cabinet as defined in claim 9 , wherein said groove includes a base and said seal abuts said base of said groove.
11. A filing cabinet as defined in claim 10 , wherein said seal is D-shaped in said extended formation and said seal is B-shaped when collapsed.
12. A filing cabinet as defined in claim 1 , wherein the durometer of said seal is approximately 40 shore A.
13. A filing cabinet as defined in claim 12 , wherein said seal is D-shaped in said extended formation and said seal is B-shaped when collapsed.
14. A filing cabinet as defined in claim 1 , further including a partition mounted within said frame, said partition having a seal point, said partition defining drawer cavities on either side of said partition.
15. A filing cabinet as defined in claim 14 , wherein said partition includes an upper panel and a lower panel, and wherein insulation is provided between said upper and lower panels.
16. A filing cabinet as defined in claim 15 , wherein said seal point is defined by said upper and lower panels.
17. A filing cabinet as defined in claim 15 , wherein said partition includes an upper seal point and a lower seal point.
18. A waterproof filing cabinet comprising:
a frame including a top wall, a bottom wall, a left wall, a right wall and a rear wall defining a drawer cavity, each of said walls including inner and outer panels, a drawer opening defined by said top, bottom, left and right walls, and wherein a portion of each said inner panel is formed around a portion of each said outer panel to form a seal point around said drawer opening;
a drawer mounted within said drawer cavity, said drawer including a drawer head, said drawer head including a rearwardly extending projection and a groove;
a collapsible seal mounted within said groove and positioned between said seal point and said drawer head; and
wherein when said drawer is in an open position, said seal is in an extended formation, and when said drawer is in a closed position, said seal point causes said seal to collapse without compression.
19. A filing cabinet as defined in claim 18 , wherein said seal is D-shaped in said extended formation and said seal is B-shaped when collapsed.
20. A filing cabinet as defined in claim 18 , wherein said inner panels of said walls are integrally formed and said outer panels of said walls are integrally formed.
21. A filing cabinet as defined in claim 18 , further including insulation between said inner and outer panels of said top wall, said bottom wall, said left wall, said right wall and said rear wall.
22. A filing cabinet as defined in claim 18 , further including a partition mounted within said frame, said partition having a seal point and defining drawer cavities on either side of said partition.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/843,604 US20050253490A1 (en) | 2004-05-11 | 2004-05-11 | Filing cabinet with waterproof seal |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/843,604 US20050253490A1 (en) | 2004-05-11 | 2004-05-11 | Filing cabinet with waterproof seal |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050253490A1 true US20050253490A1 (en) | 2005-11-17 |
Family
ID=35308763
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/843,604 Abandoned US20050253490A1 (en) | 2004-05-11 | 2004-05-11 | Filing cabinet with waterproof seal |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20050253490A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US9188814B2 (en) | 2012-12-10 | 2015-11-17 | Samsung Display Co., Ltd. | Display device and method of manufacturing the same |
CN105114624A (en) * | 2015-08-18 | 2015-12-02 | 宁波八益实业有限公司 | Automatic telescopic sealing device for compact shelves |
US9482903B2 (en) | 2012-09-04 | 2016-11-01 | Samsung Display Co., Ltd. | Display device having a moisture barrier layer and method of manufacturing the same |
US20190133317A1 (en) * | 2017-11-07 | 2019-05-09 | Taneshia Pawelczak | Secret storage dresser |
CN113243679A (en) * | 2021-05-21 | 2021-08-13 | 徐莉 | Equipment is deposited in paper file orderliness of embedding in intelligent desk |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US9482903B2 (en) | 2012-09-04 | 2016-11-01 | Samsung Display Co., Ltd. | Display device having a moisture barrier layer and method of manufacturing the same |
US10416500B2 (en) | 2012-09-04 | 2019-09-17 | Samsung Display Co., Ltd. | Display device having a moisture barrier layer and method of manufacturing the same |
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CN105114624A (en) * | 2015-08-18 | 2015-12-02 | 宁波八益实业有限公司 | Automatic telescopic sealing device for compact shelves |
US20190133317A1 (en) * | 2017-11-07 | 2019-05-09 | Taneshia Pawelczak | Secret storage dresser |
CN113243679A (en) * | 2021-05-21 | 2021-08-13 | 徐莉 | Equipment is deposited in paper file orderliness of embedding in intelligent desk |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SCHWAB CORPORATION, INDIANA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:EHRLICH, DONALD J.;REEL/FRAME:014898/0821 Effective date: 20040504 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- AFTER EXAMINER'S ANSWER OR BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION |