GB2393423A

GB2393423A - Suspension file of plastics material

Info

Publication number: GB2393423A
Application number: GB0307576A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin John Founds
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-09-28
Filing date: 2003-04-02
Publication date: 2004-03-31
Anticipated expiration: 2023-04-02
Also published as: GB0222561D0; GB2393423B; GB0307576D0

Abstract

A suspension file (1) comprises a generally 'U'-shaped pocket (2) of flexible, or semi-flexible, synthetic plastics material having a bulbous lower portion or base (4), and with the two upper edges (5) of the pocket (2) welded into tubular sleeves (6), with each sleeve housing a support rod (8) of length exceeding its associated sleeve (6) whereby ends (9) of the rod (8) project beyond each end of each sleeve (6), with each projecting end (9) being notched (10) to engage a support rail of a drawer of a filing cabinet.

Description

Title of the Invention 2393423

Suspension file Field of the Invention

5 This invention relates to a suspension file adapted for mounting in multiple numbers across parallel, spaced-apart support rails of a drawer of a filing cabinet.

Background of the Invention

Conventional suspension files comprise a 'U'-shaped pocket of card, manilla, 10 plastics or a mix of such materials, with upper edges of the pocket attached to a metallic strip having a notch adjacent each end for location on an adjacent support rail.

In use, suspension files are frequently overloaded, with inserted paperwork exceeding both the capacity of the pocket and the load bearing capability of the strips, resulting in usually permanent damage and/or deformation to both components.

Object of the Invention A basic object of the invention is the provision of an improved, and heavy duty, suspension file.

20 Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a suspension file comprising a generally 'U'-shaped pocket of flexible, or semi-flexible, synthetic plastics material having a bulbous lower portion, and with the two upper edges of the pocket welded into tubular sleeves, with each sleeve housing a support rod of length exceeding its

associated sleeve whereby ends of the rod project beyond each end of the sleeve, with each projecting end being notched to engage a support rail of a drawer of a filing cabinet. 5 Advantages of the Invention The bulbous shape in the lower section of each body file provides a wider base than a conventional suspension file, allowing loading of more material without the sleeve "shrinking" in overall height, while the support rods can be so formed and/or dimensioned as to be incapable of deformation by weight of the contents of the 10 suspension file alone, thus ensuring maintenance of the shape and integrity of the suspension file, whilst the use of oval rods provides for increased load bearing capacity.

Preferred or Optional Features of the Invention Each sleeve is formed from a plastics laminate.

15 Each sleeve is provided with webbing additives for enhanced strength and tear resistibility. Each sleeve extends the full length of each upper edge of its pocket.

Each sleeve has inner projections adapted to engage an inserted rod to retain a rod in its sleeve, whilst permitting rod-to-sleeve movement as and when required.

20 The rods are of solid material.

The rods are tubular.

The rods are of synthetic plastics material.

The rods are of steel.

The rods are of an aluminium alloy.

The rods are a combination of metal and plastics eg a metal inner rod, surrounded by a plastics sheath.

The rods are non-circular.

The rods are oval, with the major axis adapted to be located vertically.

5 The rods slightly exceed the length of each sleeve, so as to enable each end of the rod to project from each end of the sleeve.

Each rod has an indentation or recess adjacent its end, adapted to engage a portion of a support rail of a filing cabinet drawer with restrained lateral movement, but with provision for sliding movement along the rails.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a suspension file in accordance with the 15 invention; and Figure 2 is a perspective view of a support rod for the file of Figure 1.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

A suspension file 1 comprises a 'U'-shaped pocket 2 of flexible synthetic plastics 20 material, being a one piece sheet defining two side panels 3 and an interconnecting bulbous lower portion or base 4. The panels 3 have upper edges 5 welded into tubular sleeves 6 extending the full length of each side panel 3. Beneath each tubular sleeve 6 is a length 7 of reinforcing webbing which may also be secured by welding.

A solid steel rod 8 is of oval section with the major axis vertically located, and of

length slightly exceeding the length of the sleeves 6, so that ends 9 opposite of each rod 8 project beyond each end of each sleeve 6. The ends 9 are provided with an underside notch 10 to engage a support rail of a drawer of a filing cabinet. Each sleeve 6 has inner projections or fingers (not shown) adapted to engage the periphery of its rod 5 8 to assist in retaining a rod 8 within its sleeve 6.

Claims

1. A suspension file comprising a generally 'U'-shaped pocket of flexible, or semi flexible, synthetic plastics material having a bulbous lower portion, and with the two upper edges of the pocket welded into tubular sleeves, with each sleeve s housing a support rod of length exceeding its associated sleeve whereby ends of the rod project beyond each end of the sleeve, with each projecting end being notched to engage a support rail of a drawer of a filing cabinet.

2. A file as claimed in Claim 1, wherein each sleeve is formed from a plastics

10 laminate.

3. A file as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein each sleeve is provided with webbing additives for enhanced strength and tear resistibility.

15

4. A file as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each sleeve extends the full length of each upper edge of its pocket.

5. A file as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each sleeve has inner projections adapted to engage an inserted rod to retain a rod in its sleeve, whilst 20 permitting rod-to-sleeve movement as and when required.

6. A file as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the rods are of solid material.

7. A file as claimed in Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein the rods are tubular.

8. A file as claimed in any one of Claims 5 to 7, wherein the rods are of synthetic plastics material.

9. A file as claimed in any one of Claims 5 to 7, wherein the rods are of steel.

10. A file as claimed in any one of Claims 5 to 7, wherein the rods are of an aluminium alloy.

11. A file as claimed in any one of Claims 5 to 7, wherein the rods are a combination 10 of metal and plastics eg a metal inner rod, surrounded by a plastics sheath.

12. A file as claimed in Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein the rods are noncircular.

13. A file as claimed in Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein the rods are oval, with the major l 5 axis adapted to be located vertically.

14. A file as claimed in any one of Claims 5 to 13, wherein the rods slightly exceed the length of each sleeve, so as to enable each end of the rod to project from each end of the sleeve.

15. A file as claimed in any one of Claims 5 to 14, wherein each rod has an indentation or recess adjacent its end, adapted to engage a portion of a support rail of a filing cabinet drawer with restrained lateral movement, but with provision for sliding movement along the rails.

16. A suspension file substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawing.