CA1101751A - File folder assembly - Google Patents
File folder assemblyInfo
- Publication number
- CA1101751A CA1101751A CA324,531A CA324531A CA1101751A CA 1101751 A CA1101751 A CA 1101751A CA 324531 A CA324531 A CA 324531A CA 1101751 A CA1101751 A CA 1101751A
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- hanger bar
- leg
- legs
- edge
- projecting
- 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.)
- Expired
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
This invention relates to a novel reinforcing bar for a suspension file folder assembly, a novel index tab adapted therefore and a new glide insert for use therewith.
The reinforcing bar comprises an elongated bar with depending legs which embrace the top portion of the folder and has a reinforcing rib formed therein. The bottom edge of one of the legs has at least one indexing notch cut therefrom. The index tab is adapted to fit on the top of the bar and engages the reinforcing bar (and the notches) to provide a positive lock thereto, but may be adjusted easily and simply to any desired position on the bar. The tab has a top loading feature which provides a further improvement over the prior art. The bar has a glide insert at each terminal end which allows for easy and free movement of the bar along rails which support the file folders with a substantial reduction of noise and friction when the bars are moved along the rails in filing cabinets, drawers, stands or the like.
This invention relates to a novel reinforcing bar for a suspension file folder assembly, a novel index tab adapted therefore and a new glide insert for use therewith.
The reinforcing bar comprises an elongated bar with depending legs which embrace the top portion of the folder and has a reinforcing rib formed therein. The bottom edge of one of the legs has at least one indexing notch cut therefrom. The index tab is adapted to fit on the top of the bar and engages the reinforcing bar (and the notches) to provide a positive lock thereto, but may be adjusted easily and simply to any desired position on the bar. The tab has a top loading feature which provides a further improvement over the prior art. The bar has a glide insert at each terminal end which allows for easy and free movement of the bar along rails which support the file folders with a substantial reduction of noise and friction when the bars are moved along the rails in filing cabinets, drawers, stands or the like.
Description
7Sl 1 BACICGROUi~D OF THE IMVENTIOLI
Field o, ihe Invention This invention rela'ces senerally to file folder assemblies and r,oxe particularly, to a novel han~er bar and index tab therefor.
Description of the Prior Art Filing systems of the suspension type and devices therefor, have been known for a considerable time and employ a variety of devices to facilitate the handling, storaae and retrieval of material contained within the files.
These systems senerally employ a pair of spaced-apart rails (or similar structures) with a plurality of files suspended between the rails. The files, gene ally, V-shaped, have a hanger bar secured to the open ends of the files and the hanger bar projects beyond each end of t~e files and 'erminates in hook-like ends. These hook-like ends co-operate with the adjacent rail and are moveable therealong thus allowins the files to be moved freely along the rails to any desired position. For identification pur~oses, an index tab may be mounted on the hanger bar.
One of the problems ~Jith the systems of the prior art is that the index tab is not easily moveable along the hanger bar. It is important that the tab be secured to the file to prevent its accidental removal from the file and also, that it's position be ad~ustable to allow insertion of one or more ne~ ~les in any desired place, with respect to the files already in the system. It is also impor-tant that the user be able to quic};ly an~ easily change or alter the identifying indicia within the tab if desired.
~ .
(` ~30~7S~L
1 Various forms of hanger bars and index tabs have been pro osed but none of these devices have been able to combine all the desired features in an efficient and economical manner.
One exam7ple of the prior art is shown in Canadian Patent Number 764,224 granted on August 1, 1967 to Gary Industries, Inc. This patent describes a prior art assembly wherein the hanger bar includes a number of teats along its length which serve to loca~e the indexins ~ab by means o friction between a particular teat ~nd the inside surface of one of the legs of the tab. ~hat tab is located at the desired place on the hanger bar by camming one of its locking legs outward, thus permitting the tab to be movecl along 'he bar over one or more OL the projecting teats to the desired position. The prior art indexing tab has an envelope con-figuration for an indexing strip holder which permits the insertion of the indexing strip from the ends of the holder.
The hanger bar of the above patent comprises a rectangular piece of material, usually metal, which is folded in half longitudinally and the resulting inverted 7J-s'naped bar is placed over the top edges of the sides of the file folde~- The attachment of the bar to the file folder side is , accom?lished ~y a series of short crimped longitudinal ribs whereby the folder is clamped between the two legs of the bar.
The short crimped ribs extend along the bar between adjacent teats.
The above-noted patent also provides a rolled metallic bearing surface in the notches in the end terminal portions of the hanger bars to facilitate sliding of those bars and notches on the guide rails for the file folde s in a d~awer of a file cabinet.
; Another example of the 7~rio~ art devices is disclosed in British Patent ~umber 1,02B,627 granted to Twinlock Limited.
This invention utilizes identification tabs which are engageable for sliding movement on suspension rails whicn are provided ~o~s~ ::
1 at the ~op edges of the file. The ta~ however is of a complicated structure which requires si~e loading which is a drawbacl~ to this device.
A third example is shown ln Dritish Patent Nu~ber 1,103/50~ granted to T~Jinlock Limited which utilizes a tab which ~ay be snapped into place on the rails at any desired place. Spaced tongues are provided with bead-like ribs for engagement with the rail ~ut no positive lock system is provided.
SU~RY OF THE IWVENmION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome these disadvantages by providing an improved hanging file folder assembly which provicles a secure attachment of the hanger bar to the file folder and an improved top loading inZexing tab.
The present invention provide~ a reinforced hanger bar for a suspension file folder having a top edge portion wherein that ~ar cor.~prises an elongated inverted U-shaped body portion providing depending legs ~hich e~race the top portion bet~leen the~, with the depending less having formed therein, a longitudinal rib. The rib of one leg extends into the recess defined by the rib of the other leg, and the ribs of the legs coact with one another to secure the top edge portion of the folder between them. The bot~om edge of at least one depending leg has at least one indexing notch cut out therefrom.
~ ~he invention, additionally, contemplates an index - tab slidably mounted on the hanger bar, wherein the tab has spaced-apart de~ending legs fitted to the hanyer bar and receiving the hanger bar between them~ At least one of the index ta~ ~ess terminates along its lower edge in an inturned flange wnich engages against the lower edge of one of the hanger ~ar legs thereby to ~revent unin'-entional separation of the index ~tab from the hanger bar. At least 3~
.
7sl 1 one of the index tab legs has an inwardly Pr(jjecting teat, with the teat bein dimensioned to coact with the one notch of 'he bottorn edge of a hanger-bar leg whereby the index tab is held in a selected position along the length of - the hanger bar.
The index tab prefelably includes an envelope-like structure having two sides, a bottoml two ends, and an open top edge, whereby an index strip may be removably inserted into the envelope-like structure.
To this end, in one of its aspects, the invention provides a reinforcing hanger bar for a suspension file folder having a top edge portion, said bar comprising an elongated inverted U-shaped body portion providing depend-ing legs which e~'orace said top portion between them, said depending legs having formed therein a longitudinal rib, of which the rib of one leg extends into ~he recess define~ by the rib of the other leg, whereby the ribs of the legs coact with one another to secure the top edge portion of the folder ~etween them, and the bottom edge of at least one depending leg having at least one indexing notch cut out therefrom.
In another of its aspects, the invention further provides a suspension file fol~er assembly co~prising a file folder having a top edge portion, an elongated inverted U-shaped hanger bar providing depending legs which embrace `~ said top edge portion between them, each said depending leg ; having formed therein a lonsitudinal rib, wherein the rib of one leg extends into the recess defined by the rib of the other leg, w~ereby the ribs of the legs coact with~one another to secure the top edge portion of the folder between them, the bottom edge of at least one of said legs providing at least one notch, an index tab slidably mounted on said hanger bar, . : , . ' : ' ' ' ~. ' . , 11~1'7Sl 1 said in~ex tab having s~aced-apart dependin~ legs fitted to said hanger bar and receiving same therebetween, at least one of the index tab legs terminating along its lower edge in an inturned flange engaging against the lower edge of one of the hanger bar legs thereby to prevent unintentional se~aration of the index tab from the hanger bar, and at least one of said index tab legs having an inwardly projecting teat, said teat ~eing dimensioned to coact with said at least one notch of said bottom edge of said at least one hanger bar leg whereby said index tab is held in a selected position along the length of the hanger bar.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIOM OF T~E DR~WINGS
Further objects and advantages of the invention will appear fro~ the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a sus~ension file folder assembly;
Fig. 2 is a back elevation view of a section of the hanger bar showing details of the end notch and the back view of the index tab in position;
Fig. 3 is a cross-section view along line 3-3 of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a cross-section view of the hanger bar and index tab along line 4-4 of Fig. 2;
Fig. 5 is a cross-section view of the index tab;
Fig. 6 is a plan view of a runner glide insert for use wit-h the invention of the present application;
Fig. 7 is a side elevation view of the runner glide insert of Fig. 6i Fig. 8 is a plan view of a second runner glide insert;
and - . ~ .
: . - : .: .
-,Sl l Fig. 9 is a cross-section view of the runner glide insert of Fig. ~
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRE~RRED E~lBODIMENT
Referring first to figure l, there is shown a front perspective view of a suspension file asse~ly of ~he present invention. The file folder, generally indicated as 10, includes front and back walls 12, 14 respectively, which are joined at fold line 16 to ,orm a continuous folder. Other examples of file folder construction such as those utilizing expansion fold lines or gusset formations are equally applicable for use with the present invention.
A hanger bar 18 is secured to the front wall 12 and the back wall 14 at the to~ edges thereof as will be explained hereinafter. The hanger bar 18 is generally an inverted U-sha2ed metallic or plastic bar which is secured to the top edses of the file folder. A continuous strengthening - rib 20 is provided along the hanger bar 18 and at least one semi-circular notch 22 is provided alons the lower edge of the hanger bar 18 (a plurality beins shown in the drawinss).
The hanger bar 18 extends be~ond each respective side edge of file folder 10 and plastic glides 2a are installed in inverted U-sha~ed notches 26 cut out of the ends of the hanger bars 18. The glides 24 have upwardly extending portions 28 which extend through and above the top of the hanger bars 18. Glides 24 have inverted U-sha~ed recesses 30 at their respective bottoms which correspond to the notches 26.
In operation, the hanger bars 18 ride on the rails 32 of a drawer or the like and thus~ provide a hanger file folder system.
As stated hereinbefore, each of the hanger bars 18 - have a reinforcing rib 20 along their lengths. The han~er bars 18 are generally of an inverted U-shape (in side view) and each of the depending less have a longitudinal strengthening .1'75~
1rib 20 thereon. ~he rib of one leg is so constructed as to fit within the ~ecess defined by the rib of the oPposite les on the same hanger bar and these ribs coact with each other to secure the top ed~e of the file fol~er therebetween as shown in figure 3. Thus, the present invention has eliminated a time consuming and costly step of the prior art structures which required securing the hanger bar to the file folder by rivets or the like. mhe bottom edge of each of the less of the hanger bar carry at least one notch therein, the purpose of which will be e~plained hereinafter.
The index tab 34 is slidably mountab'e on the hanger bar 18. As shown in figure 2, 'che index ~ab 34 has a pair of s aced-apart dependins legs 36, 38 which are adapted to be inserted over the han~er bar 18 as shown in figures 1 and
Field o, ihe Invention This invention rela'ces senerally to file folder assemblies and r,oxe particularly, to a novel han~er bar and index tab therefor.
Description of the Prior Art Filing systems of the suspension type and devices therefor, have been known for a considerable time and employ a variety of devices to facilitate the handling, storaae and retrieval of material contained within the files.
These systems senerally employ a pair of spaced-apart rails (or similar structures) with a plurality of files suspended between the rails. The files, gene ally, V-shaped, have a hanger bar secured to the open ends of the files and the hanger bar projects beyond each end of t~e files and 'erminates in hook-like ends. These hook-like ends co-operate with the adjacent rail and are moveable therealong thus allowins the files to be moved freely along the rails to any desired position. For identification pur~oses, an index tab may be mounted on the hanger bar.
One of the problems ~Jith the systems of the prior art is that the index tab is not easily moveable along the hanger bar. It is important that the tab be secured to the file to prevent its accidental removal from the file and also, that it's position be ad~ustable to allow insertion of one or more ne~ ~les in any desired place, with respect to the files already in the system. It is also impor-tant that the user be able to quic};ly an~ easily change or alter the identifying indicia within the tab if desired.
~ .
(` ~30~7S~L
1 Various forms of hanger bars and index tabs have been pro osed but none of these devices have been able to combine all the desired features in an efficient and economical manner.
One exam7ple of the prior art is shown in Canadian Patent Number 764,224 granted on August 1, 1967 to Gary Industries, Inc. This patent describes a prior art assembly wherein the hanger bar includes a number of teats along its length which serve to loca~e the indexins ~ab by means o friction between a particular teat ~nd the inside surface of one of the legs of the tab. ~hat tab is located at the desired place on the hanger bar by camming one of its locking legs outward, thus permitting the tab to be movecl along 'he bar over one or more OL the projecting teats to the desired position. The prior art indexing tab has an envelope con-figuration for an indexing strip holder which permits the insertion of the indexing strip from the ends of the holder.
The hanger bar of the above patent comprises a rectangular piece of material, usually metal, which is folded in half longitudinally and the resulting inverted 7J-s'naped bar is placed over the top edges of the sides of the file folde~- The attachment of the bar to the file folder side is , accom?lished ~y a series of short crimped longitudinal ribs whereby the folder is clamped between the two legs of the bar.
The short crimped ribs extend along the bar between adjacent teats.
The above-noted patent also provides a rolled metallic bearing surface in the notches in the end terminal portions of the hanger bars to facilitate sliding of those bars and notches on the guide rails for the file folde s in a d~awer of a file cabinet.
; Another example of the 7~rio~ art devices is disclosed in British Patent ~umber 1,02B,627 granted to Twinlock Limited.
This invention utilizes identification tabs which are engageable for sliding movement on suspension rails whicn are provided ~o~s~ ::
1 at the ~op edges of the file. The ta~ however is of a complicated structure which requires si~e loading which is a drawbacl~ to this device.
A third example is shown ln Dritish Patent Nu~ber 1,103/50~ granted to T~Jinlock Limited which utilizes a tab which ~ay be snapped into place on the rails at any desired place. Spaced tongues are provided with bead-like ribs for engagement with the rail ~ut no positive lock system is provided.
SU~RY OF THE IWVENmION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome these disadvantages by providing an improved hanging file folder assembly which provicles a secure attachment of the hanger bar to the file folder and an improved top loading inZexing tab.
The present invention provide~ a reinforced hanger bar for a suspension file folder having a top edge portion wherein that ~ar cor.~prises an elongated inverted U-shaped body portion providing depending legs ~hich e~race the top portion bet~leen the~, with the depending less having formed therein, a longitudinal rib. The rib of one leg extends into the recess defined by the rib of the other leg, and the ribs of the legs coact with one another to secure the top edge portion of the folder between them. The bot~om edge of at least one depending leg has at least one indexing notch cut out therefrom.
~ ~he invention, additionally, contemplates an index - tab slidably mounted on the hanger bar, wherein the tab has spaced-apart de~ending legs fitted to the hanyer bar and receiving the hanger bar between them~ At least one of the index ta~ ~ess terminates along its lower edge in an inturned flange wnich engages against the lower edge of one of the hanger ~ar legs thereby to ~revent unin'-entional separation of the index ~tab from the hanger bar. At least 3~
.
7sl 1 one of the index tab legs has an inwardly Pr(jjecting teat, with the teat bein dimensioned to coact with the one notch of 'he bottorn edge of a hanger-bar leg whereby the index tab is held in a selected position along the length of - the hanger bar.
The index tab prefelably includes an envelope-like structure having two sides, a bottoml two ends, and an open top edge, whereby an index strip may be removably inserted into the envelope-like structure.
To this end, in one of its aspects, the invention provides a reinforcing hanger bar for a suspension file folder having a top edge portion, said bar comprising an elongated inverted U-shaped body portion providing depend-ing legs which e~'orace said top portion between them, said depending legs having formed therein a longitudinal rib, of which the rib of one leg extends into ~he recess define~ by the rib of the other leg, whereby the ribs of the legs coact with one another to secure the top edge portion of the folder ~etween them, and the bottom edge of at least one depending leg having at least one indexing notch cut out therefrom.
In another of its aspects, the invention further provides a suspension file fol~er assembly co~prising a file folder having a top edge portion, an elongated inverted U-shaped hanger bar providing depending legs which embrace `~ said top edge portion between them, each said depending leg ; having formed therein a lonsitudinal rib, wherein the rib of one leg extends into the recess defined by the rib of the other leg, w~ereby the ribs of the legs coact with~one another to secure the top edge portion of the folder between them, the bottom edge of at least one of said legs providing at least one notch, an index tab slidably mounted on said hanger bar, . : , . ' : ' ' ' ~. ' . , 11~1'7Sl 1 said in~ex tab having s~aced-apart dependin~ legs fitted to said hanger bar and receiving same therebetween, at least one of the index tab legs terminating along its lower edge in an inturned flange engaging against the lower edge of one of the hanger bar legs thereby to prevent unintentional se~aration of the index tab from the hanger bar, and at least one of said index tab legs having an inwardly projecting teat, said teat ~eing dimensioned to coact with said at least one notch of said bottom edge of said at least one hanger bar leg whereby said index tab is held in a selected position along the length of the hanger bar.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIOM OF T~E DR~WINGS
Further objects and advantages of the invention will appear fro~ the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a sus~ension file folder assembly;
Fig. 2 is a back elevation view of a section of the hanger bar showing details of the end notch and the back view of the index tab in position;
Fig. 3 is a cross-section view along line 3-3 of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a cross-section view of the hanger bar and index tab along line 4-4 of Fig. 2;
Fig. 5 is a cross-section view of the index tab;
Fig. 6 is a plan view of a runner glide insert for use wit-h the invention of the present application;
Fig. 7 is a side elevation view of the runner glide insert of Fig. 6i Fig. 8 is a plan view of a second runner glide insert;
and - . ~ .
: . - : .: .
-,Sl l Fig. 9 is a cross-section view of the runner glide insert of Fig. ~
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRE~RRED E~lBODIMENT
Referring first to figure l, there is shown a front perspective view of a suspension file asse~ly of ~he present invention. The file folder, generally indicated as 10, includes front and back walls 12, 14 respectively, which are joined at fold line 16 to ,orm a continuous folder. Other examples of file folder construction such as those utilizing expansion fold lines or gusset formations are equally applicable for use with the present invention.
A hanger bar 18 is secured to the front wall 12 and the back wall 14 at the to~ edges thereof as will be explained hereinafter. The hanger bar 18 is generally an inverted U-sha2ed metallic or plastic bar which is secured to the top edses of the file folder. A continuous strengthening - rib 20 is provided along the hanger bar 18 and at least one semi-circular notch 22 is provided alons the lower edge of the hanger bar 18 (a plurality beins shown in the drawinss).
The hanger bar 18 extends be~ond each respective side edge of file folder 10 and plastic glides 2a are installed in inverted U-sha~ed notches 26 cut out of the ends of the hanger bars 18. The glides 24 have upwardly extending portions 28 which extend through and above the top of the hanger bars 18. Glides 24 have inverted U-sha~ed recesses 30 at their respective bottoms which correspond to the notches 26.
In operation, the hanger bars 18 ride on the rails 32 of a drawer or the like and thus~ provide a hanger file folder system.
As stated hereinbefore, each of the hanger bars 18 - have a reinforcing rib 20 along their lengths. The han~er bars 18 are generally of an inverted U-shape (in side view) and each of the depending less have a longitudinal strengthening .1'75~
1rib 20 thereon. ~he rib of one leg is so constructed as to fit within the ~ecess defined by the rib of the oPposite les on the same hanger bar and these ribs coact with each other to secure the top ed~e of the file fol~er therebetween as shown in figure 3. Thus, the present invention has eliminated a time consuming and costly step of the prior art structures which required securing the hanger bar to the file folder by rivets or the like. mhe bottom edge of each of the less of the hanger bar carry at least one notch therein, the purpose of which will be e~plained hereinafter.
The index tab 34 is slidably mountab'e on the hanger bar 18. As shown in figure 2, 'che index ~ab 34 has a pair of s aced-apart dependins legs 36, 38 which are adapted to be inserted over the han~er bar 18 as shown in figures 1 and
2. In a preferred embodiment, leg 36 may be further divided into a pair of spaced-apart legs 40. Les 36 carries along its lower edge, an inturned flange 42 (figures * and 5) which, as shot~m in figure 4, engages the lower edse of one of the legs of the hanger bar 18. ~his secures the tab 3a to the hanger bar 18 and prevents inadverten'c or unintentional separation of the tab 3a from the runner bar 18. In the preferred embodiment (figure 2~ which shows two legs 40,~
each leg ~0 carries the inturned flanse 42.
The opposite leg 38 of 'che tab carries a s~.1all projection or teat ~4 which projectcs in~ardly towards the hanger bar 18. As sihown in figure 2, 'chis teat a4 corresponds ~ -to the notches 22.
~'The tab 34 carries an envelope structure on its upper portion into which a label or other identifyin~ indicia is inserted. This struc~ure ~figures 4 and 5) has sides a6, bot'co~ surf~ce ~8, and two end portions 50 with an open top.
1 The struccure of the present assembly provides notable ir.lprovements over the prior art devices. The single, continuous strengthening rib 20 enables the hanger bar 18 to be secured to the file in a quick, efficien'c manner without the need for additional means to secure it to t'ne file. It is also important that only one structure of hanger bar is -necessary for use on both the front wall 12 and baclc wall 14 of the file.
The index tab 34 provicles a positive locking system, a top loading feature and its position on the hanger bar - ~ay be easily adjusted. To mount the inclex tab 34 on the hanger bar 18, the index tab 34 is placed on the top edge of the runner bar, witih leg 36 (or in the case where leg 36 is formed with two legs 40) in front of the runner bar and leg 3a behind the hanger bar 18. Downward oressure is applie~
which forces the legs apart until the tab is seated on the hanger bar 18. When the tab is seatecl, the flange 42 (figure 4) engages the lower edge of one of the legs of the hanger bar 18 thus locking the index tab on the hanger bar. The index tab is then moved alons the hanger bar 18 until 'cea'c 44 engages one of the notches 22. T1hen the teat 4~ is seated in the recess or notch 22, the tab is positively locked in this position.
When the user desires to change the location of the index tab along the runner bar, the sides D6 are gras~ed and pressure in a forward direction is a~plied 'chereto.
This forces the teat 44 to be released from the no~ch 22 and 'che index tab is then moved along the hanger bar to the new position until teat 44 locks into the next notch 22.
If the user desires to remove the index tab, irc is slid along the hanger bar 18 and off the end thereof. Thu~, this construction allo~s the inclex ta'o to be positively locked 7~1 1 into position yet it may be easily released from this loc]~ed position Lor easy adjustment. T'ae in~ex ta~ cannot be removed either accidently or in'centionally by grasping the tab and lilting u~tlards. This feature is particularly i~portant since many persons tend to remove files from drawers and the like by graspins the index tab and pulling u~wardly.
If the tabs were not locked into place, th~y would pull off the file easily.
It is also important that the tab be positively locked in a particular position yet when desired, user must be able to easily adjust this position. ~lany filing systems are based on an alphabetical listing for the files. When a new file is started, it is usually inserted into the appro-priate space between two existing files. In order to clearly see the index tabs on the files, the tabs are usually ar anged so that each tab is seen adjacent the tab for the adjacent file, that is, each 'cab is disposed along the runner bar so that when the files are all v-e~Jed from the front, the tabs appear longitudinally aligned. If a new file is started and is placed in tne system between t~o existing files, all of the tabs for the files subsequent to the new file must be moved one tab width along the runner bar to prevent direct overlapping of the index tab of the new file and the one imnediately following it. This can result in a rather long and tedius operation unless the position of the tabs can be quickly and easily adjusted. Also, if the tabs and files are prone to destruction by movement of the index tabs, new ta~s and/or files must be made up, which is both costly and time consuming.
The present invention effectively overcomes these problems by ~roviding a system wherein the position of the index tahs may be easily and ~uickly adjusted without tearing or other-wise destroying the index tab and/or ~ile.
_g _ , .
7S~
1 A further important feature of the indeY~ tab is that it is top-loading. All of the inaex tabs ~resently in use are side loading which reauires ren~oval if the identification indicia in the tab is to be changed. As shown in figure 5, the label or other indentifving indicia 66 is to~ loa~e~ into the tab 34 and a small recess 52 may be provided in the back (side) 46 of the tab 3a to allow for easy removal and insertion of the label 66. Thus, the label r.~ay be removed or inserted without the need to remove the tab from the asse~bly or the file from the drawer.
In a preferred e~bodiment of the present invention, the hanger bar 18 includes novel glide inserts on the ends thereof. As shown in figure 1 the plastic glides 2~ are shown installed in inverted U-shaped notches 26 cut out of the ends of the hanger bars 18. The glides 24 are shown to have upwardly extending portions 28 which extend through and above the tops of hanger bars 18 and the glides 24 have bottom inverted U-shaped recesses 30 conforming to the notches 26.
Figures 6 and 7 are sectional views of the plastic glide wnerein the inverted U-shaped recess 30 is shown to have its periphery 54 thickened on both sides of the ~lastic glide. At the end of the glide opposite recess 30 is pro-jecting leg 56 which terminates in foot 58. Foot 58 has twin ; opposite pointed projections 60 and those pro]ections have ; curved or tapering upper surfaces and flat lower surfaces.
In figure 2, the glide 24 is shown installed in the notched end of hanger bar 18 with the recess 30 of the glide firmly seated against notch 26 and with the foot 58 of leg 56 pro-jecting above the top edge of hanger bar 18. Hanger bar 18 is formed by longitudinally folding an elongated sheet metal member to have the sides of the hanger bar bear against folder 10 and retain the folder. Prior to folding, an - - elongated aperture 62 is cut along the fold line of the sheet 1 metal member and the length of that aperture is slightly less than the distance between the two oin~ed ~xo]ec.ions 60 of foot 58. The plastic of glide 2a has sufficient re-siliency to permit the pointed pro~ections 60 to deform and slide through the aperture 62 along the upper curved surfaces and, after passin~ through tne apertures, the projections 60 snap back and the lower straight sections of projections 60 are retained against the upper rmetal folded edge of hanger bar 18, with the pointecl projections extending heyond the ends of the aperture 62 to effec~ively retain the glide 24 between the two metal sides of the hanger bar 18 and inhibit the removal or dislodgement of the glide from the hanger bar.
A preferred embodiment of this inventive glide is shown in figures 8 and 9 wllerein the leg 56 of figure 6 i5 shown to comprise two half legs 62. The installation of the glide of fi~ure 8 is sno~:Jn in the end section of a hanser in figure 2. The space between half-legs 62 permit the half-legs to move together more easily when the two half-feet are being pressed through the aperture 62 of the upper leg of the hanger bar 18 so that the pointed projections 60 can pass through the aperture 62 with the application of less force than is required to project the foot ~8 through the aperture.
The resiliency of the half-legs 62 cause ~hem to spring bac]c to their original positions and the bottom straight edges of projections 60 bear against the upper e~.ge of the folded hanger bar beyond the ends of the apertures and thus retain the glide in the same manner as mentioned.
At 64 in figure 2 is shown a further preferred embodiment of the installed inventive device wherein a spot crimp in the two sides of the metal hanger bar is shown to be located exactly between the two ihalf-legs 62. This spot crimp serves to force the half-legs 62 apart and thus . .
.
11~31751 1 make more ~ositive the extension of poinced projections 60 be~ond the ends of aper.ure 62.
The spot crimp 6~ can be prefor.~.ed in the two sides of the metal plate to he fokled to form hanger bar 18, in ~Jhich case the spot crimps match together and take effect when the sides of the hanger bar are crimped along 20 over the card-board.folder 10.
Alternately, the spot crimp can be formed by a separate pressing or crimping step taken after the glide has been inserted through the aperture and between the two folded sides of the hanger bar. Further, this spot crimping step can be taken simultaneously with 'che crimping step taken to fasten the folder 10 bet~een the two sides of the hanger bar 18, and thus effectively spread the half~legs 62 to force the legs a~ainst the ends of the aperture 62 and project the projections 60 beyond those aperture ends.
It is understood that the foregoing disclosure relates '.o descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention, and tha~ numerous modifica$ions or alterations ~.ay be made without depar'cinG from t~e true s~irit and scope of the invention as set fort~ in 'che appended clair.~s.
each leg ~0 carries the inturned flanse 42.
The opposite leg 38 of 'che tab carries a s~.1all projection or teat ~4 which projectcs in~ardly towards the hanger bar 18. As sihown in figure 2, 'chis teat a4 corresponds ~ -to the notches 22.
~'The tab 34 carries an envelope structure on its upper portion into which a label or other identifyin~ indicia is inserted. This struc~ure ~figures 4 and 5) has sides a6, bot'co~ surf~ce ~8, and two end portions 50 with an open top.
1 The struccure of the present assembly provides notable ir.lprovements over the prior art devices. The single, continuous strengthening rib 20 enables the hanger bar 18 to be secured to the file in a quick, efficien'c manner without the need for additional means to secure it to t'ne file. It is also important that only one structure of hanger bar is -necessary for use on both the front wall 12 and baclc wall 14 of the file.
The index tab 34 provicles a positive locking system, a top loading feature and its position on the hanger bar - ~ay be easily adjusted. To mount the inclex tab 34 on the hanger bar 18, the index tab 34 is placed on the top edge of the runner bar, witih leg 36 (or in the case where leg 36 is formed with two legs 40) in front of the runner bar and leg 3a behind the hanger bar 18. Downward oressure is applie~
which forces the legs apart until the tab is seated on the hanger bar 18. When the tab is seatecl, the flange 42 (figure 4) engages the lower edge of one of the legs of the hanger bar 18 thus locking the index tab on the hanger bar. The index tab is then moved alons the hanger bar 18 until 'cea'c 44 engages one of the notches 22. T1hen the teat 4~ is seated in the recess or notch 22, the tab is positively locked in this position.
When the user desires to change the location of the index tab along the runner bar, the sides D6 are gras~ed and pressure in a forward direction is a~plied 'chereto.
This forces the teat 44 to be released from the no~ch 22 and 'che index tab is then moved along the hanger bar to the new position until teat 44 locks into the next notch 22.
If the user desires to remove the index tab, irc is slid along the hanger bar 18 and off the end thereof. Thu~, this construction allo~s the inclex ta'o to be positively locked 7~1 1 into position yet it may be easily released from this loc]~ed position Lor easy adjustment. T'ae in~ex ta~ cannot be removed either accidently or in'centionally by grasping the tab and lilting u~tlards. This feature is particularly i~portant since many persons tend to remove files from drawers and the like by graspins the index tab and pulling u~wardly.
If the tabs were not locked into place, th~y would pull off the file easily.
It is also important that the tab be positively locked in a particular position yet when desired, user must be able to easily adjust this position. ~lany filing systems are based on an alphabetical listing for the files. When a new file is started, it is usually inserted into the appro-priate space between two existing files. In order to clearly see the index tabs on the files, the tabs are usually ar anged so that each tab is seen adjacent the tab for the adjacent file, that is, each 'cab is disposed along the runner bar so that when the files are all v-e~Jed from the front, the tabs appear longitudinally aligned. If a new file is started and is placed in tne system between t~o existing files, all of the tabs for the files subsequent to the new file must be moved one tab width along the runner bar to prevent direct overlapping of the index tab of the new file and the one imnediately following it. This can result in a rather long and tedius operation unless the position of the tabs can be quickly and easily adjusted. Also, if the tabs and files are prone to destruction by movement of the index tabs, new ta~s and/or files must be made up, which is both costly and time consuming.
The present invention effectively overcomes these problems by ~roviding a system wherein the position of the index tahs may be easily and ~uickly adjusted without tearing or other-wise destroying the index tab and/or ~ile.
_g _ , .
7S~
1 A further important feature of the indeY~ tab is that it is top-loading. All of the inaex tabs ~resently in use are side loading which reauires ren~oval if the identification indicia in the tab is to be changed. As shown in figure 5, the label or other indentifving indicia 66 is to~ loa~e~ into the tab 34 and a small recess 52 may be provided in the back (side) 46 of the tab 3a to allow for easy removal and insertion of the label 66. Thus, the label r.~ay be removed or inserted without the need to remove the tab from the asse~bly or the file from the drawer.
In a preferred e~bodiment of the present invention, the hanger bar 18 includes novel glide inserts on the ends thereof. As shown in figure 1 the plastic glides 2~ are shown installed in inverted U-shaped notches 26 cut out of the ends of the hanger bars 18. The glides 24 are shown to have upwardly extending portions 28 which extend through and above the tops of hanger bars 18 and the glides 24 have bottom inverted U-shaped recesses 30 conforming to the notches 26.
Figures 6 and 7 are sectional views of the plastic glide wnerein the inverted U-shaped recess 30 is shown to have its periphery 54 thickened on both sides of the ~lastic glide. At the end of the glide opposite recess 30 is pro-jecting leg 56 which terminates in foot 58. Foot 58 has twin ; opposite pointed projections 60 and those pro]ections have ; curved or tapering upper surfaces and flat lower surfaces.
In figure 2, the glide 24 is shown installed in the notched end of hanger bar 18 with the recess 30 of the glide firmly seated against notch 26 and with the foot 58 of leg 56 pro-jecting above the top edge of hanger bar 18. Hanger bar 18 is formed by longitudinally folding an elongated sheet metal member to have the sides of the hanger bar bear against folder 10 and retain the folder. Prior to folding, an - - elongated aperture 62 is cut along the fold line of the sheet 1 metal member and the length of that aperture is slightly less than the distance between the two oin~ed ~xo]ec.ions 60 of foot 58. The plastic of glide 2a has sufficient re-siliency to permit the pointed pro~ections 60 to deform and slide through the aperture 62 along the upper curved surfaces and, after passin~ through tne apertures, the projections 60 snap back and the lower straight sections of projections 60 are retained against the upper rmetal folded edge of hanger bar 18, with the pointecl projections extending heyond the ends of the aperture 62 to effec~ively retain the glide 24 between the two metal sides of the hanger bar 18 and inhibit the removal or dislodgement of the glide from the hanger bar.
A preferred embodiment of this inventive glide is shown in figures 8 and 9 wllerein the leg 56 of figure 6 i5 shown to comprise two half legs 62. The installation of the glide of fi~ure 8 is sno~:Jn in the end section of a hanser in figure 2. The space between half-legs 62 permit the half-legs to move together more easily when the two half-feet are being pressed through the aperture 62 of the upper leg of the hanger bar 18 so that the pointed projections 60 can pass through the aperture 62 with the application of less force than is required to project the foot ~8 through the aperture.
The resiliency of the half-legs 62 cause ~hem to spring bac]c to their original positions and the bottom straight edges of projections 60 bear against the upper e~.ge of the folded hanger bar beyond the ends of the apertures and thus retain the glide in the same manner as mentioned.
At 64 in figure 2 is shown a further preferred embodiment of the installed inventive device wherein a spot crimp in the two sides of the metal hanger bar is shown to be located exactly between the two ihalf-legs 62. This spot crimp serves to force the half-legs 62 apart and thus . .
.
11~31751 1 make more ~ositive the extension of poinced projections 60 be~ond the ends of aper.ure 62.
The spot crimp 6~ can be prefor.~.ed in the two sides of the metal plate to he fokled to form hanger bar 18, in ~Jhich case the spot crimps match together and take effect when the sides of the hanger bar are crimped along 20 over the card-board.folder 10.
Alternately, the spot crimp can be formed by a separate pressing or crimping step taken after the glide has been inserted through the aperture and between the two folded sides of the hanger bar. Further, this spot crimping step can be taken simultaneously with 'che crimping step taken to fasten the folder 10 bet~een the two sides of the hanger bar 18, and thus effectively spread the half~legs 62 to force the legs a~ainst the ends of the aperture 62 and project the projections 60 beyond those aperture ends.
It is understood that the foregoing disclosure relates '.o descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention, and tha~ numerous modifica$ions or alterations ~.ay be made without depar'cinG from t~e true s~irit and scope of the invention as set fort~ in 'che appended clair.~s.
Claims (11)
1. A reinforcing hanger bar for a suspension file folder having a top edge portion, said bar comprising an elongated inverted U-shaped body portion providing depending legs which embrace said top portion between them, said depending legs having formed therein a longitudinal rib, of which the rib of one leg extends into the recess defined by the rib of the other leg, whereby the ribs of the legs coact with one another to secure the top edge portion of the folder between them, and the bottom edge of at least one depending leg having at least one indexing notch cut out therefrom.
2. A hanger bar as claimed in claim 1 further character-ized by an index tab slidably mounted on said hanger bar, said tab having spaced-apart depending legs fitted to said hanger bar and receiving same therebetween, at least one of the index tab legs terminating along its lower edge in an inturned flange engaging against the lower edge of one of the hanger bar legs thereby to prevent unintentional separation of the index tab from the hanger bar, and at least one of said index tab legs having an inwardly projecting teat, said teat being dimensioned to coact with said at least one notch of said bottom edge of said at least one hanger bar leg whereby said index tab is held in a selected position along the length of the hanger bar.
3. A hanger bar as claimed in claim 2 wherein said index tab comprises an envelope-like structure having two sides, a bottom, two ends, and an open top edge.
4. A suspension file folder assembly comprising a file folder having a top edge portion, an elongated inverted U-shaped hanger bar providing depending legs which embrace said top edge portion between them, each said depending leg having formed therein a longitudinal rib, wherein the rib of one leg extends into the recess defined by the rib of the other leg, whereby the ribs of the legs coact with one another to secure the top edge portion of the folder between them, the bottom edge of at least one of said legs providing at least one notch, an index tab slidably mounted on said hanger bar, said index tab having spaced-apart depending legs fitted to said hanger bar and receiving same therebetween, at least one of the index tab legs terminating along its lower edge in an inturned flange engaging against the lower edge of one of the hanger bar legs thereby to prevent unintentional separation of the index tab from the hanger bar, and at least one of said index tab legs having an inwardly projecting teat, said teat being dimensioned to coact with said at least one notch of said bottom edge of said at least one hanger bar leg whereby said index tab is held in a selected position along the length of the hanger bar.
5. A hanger bar as claimed in claim 1 wherein said hanger bar is of a length greater than the width of the file folder to provide projecting terminal portions, a notch formed on the free edges of the hanger bar legs one in each terminal portion, an aperture in each said notch at the top of said U-shaped body portion, and an insert in each of said apertures, said inserts projecting through said aperture and projecting below the bottom edge of said notch.
6. An assembly as claimed in claim 4 wherein said hanger bar is of a length greater than the width of the file folder to provide projecting terminal portions, a notch formed on the free edges of the hanger bar less one in each terminal portion, an aperture in each said notch at the top of said U-shaped body portion, and an insert in each of said apertures, said inserts projecting through said aperture and projecting below the bottom edge of said notch.
7. A hanger bar as claimed in claim 3 wherein said hanger bar is of a length greater than the width of the file folder to provide projecting terminal portions, a notch formed on the free edges of the hanger bar legs one in each terminal portion, an aperture in each said notch at the top of said U-shaped body portion, and an insert in each of said apertures, said inserts projecting through said aperture and projecting below the bottom edge of said notch.
8. A hanger bar as claimed in claim 5 wherein said insert comprises a plate-like disc having a generally inverted U-shape, said inverted U-shaped disc having an upper base portion and two downwardly projecting leg portions, the edges of said disc having thickening ridges around both sides of said disc and around the periphery of said U-shape, a leg projecting upwardly from substantially the center of said upper base portion, said upwardly projecting leg terminating in a crown with said crown having pointed projections at each side of said leg, and said pointed projections having bottom edges parallel to said base portion.
9. A hanger bar as claimed in claim 8 wherein said upwardly projecting leg of said insert comprises two spaced-apart half-legs, each half-leg having an inside edge and an outside edge and terminating in a half-crown, each half-crown having as an inside edge an extension of the inside edge of
9. A hanger bar as claimed in claim 8 wherein said upwardly projecting leg of said insert comprises two spaced-apart half-legs, each half-leg having an inside edge and an outside edge and terminating in a half-crown, each half-crown having as an inside edge an extension of the inside edge of
Claim 9 continued ......
said leg, and each half-crown having as an outside edge a pointed projection, said pointed projection having a bottom edge parallel to said base portion.
said leg, and each half-crown having as an outside edge a pointed projection, said pointed projection having a bottom edge parallel to said base portion.
10. A suspension file folder assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein said insert comprises a plate-like disc having a generally inverted U-shape, said inverted U-shaped disc having an upper base portion and two downwardly projecting leg portions, the edges of said disc having thickening ridges around both sides of said disc and around the periphery of said U-shaped a leg projecting upwardly from substantially the center of said upper base portion, said upwardly projecting leg terminating in a crown with said crown having pointed projections at each side of said leg, and said pointed pro-jections having bottom edges parallel to said base portion.
11. A suspension file folder assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein said upwardly projecting leg of said insert comprises two spaced-apart half-legs, each half-leg having an inside edge and an outside edge and terminating in a half-crown, each half-crown having as an inside edge an extension of the inside edge of said leg, and each half-crown having as an outside edge a pointed projection, said pointed projection having a bottom edge parallel to said base portion.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA324,531A CA1101751A (en) | 1979-03-30 | 1979-03-30 | File folder assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA324,531A CA1101751A (en) | 1979-03-30 | 1979-03-30 | File folder assembly |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1101751A true CA1101751A (en) | 1981-05-26 |
Family
ID=4113874
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA324,531A Expired CA1101751A (en) | 1979-03-30 | 1979-03-30 | File folder assembly |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1101751A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4676016A (en) * | 1985-11-07 | 1987-06-30 | Phillips Harold B | Hanger for a wall covering |
| US4882864A (en) * | 1986-11-19 | 1989-11-28 | Locwyn Limited | Document suspension apparatus |
-
1979
- 1979-03-30 CA CA324,531A patent/CA1101751A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4676016A (en) * | 1985-11-07 | 1987-06-30 | Phillips Harold B | Hanger for a wall covering |
| US4882864A (en) * | 1986-11-19 | 1989-11-28 | Locwyn Limited | Document suspension apparatus |
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| MKEX | Expiry |