GB2421929A

GB2421929A - Hanging file with retractable hooks

Info

Publication number: GB2421929A
Application number: GB0500409A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jeremy Gardner
Original assignee: Acco UK Ltd
Current assignee: Acco UK Ltd
Priority date: 2005-01-10
Filing date: 2005-01-10
Publication date: 2006-07-12
Also published as: GB0500409D0

Abstract

A file, folder or pocket has a pair of hooks, at least one of which is moveable between a hanging position, in which the hooks 14 protrude outwardly so that the file, folder or pocket can be hung on a pair of parallel rails, and a further position, in which the hooks 14 do not protrude. A control portion 8 is connected to the hooks 14 and is moveable between two positions, so that when the control portion is in one position the hooks 14 are extended, and when it is in the other position the hooks 14 are retracted. A pair of arms 10 extends from the tab of the control portion 8. Studs 11 on the arms 10 engage with inclined slots 13 in members 12 which carry hooks 14. The hooks are extended and retracted by moving the tab in a direction perpendicular to a line joining the hooks. Members 12 are enclosed in sleeve 5 formed by folding sheet 2 along edge 3 and sealing along line 4.

Description

"A Hanging File" THIS INVENTION relates to a hanging file, and in

particular concerns a hanging file having extendible and retractable hooks, which may be used to hang the file on a pair of parallel rails.

Hanging files are widely used (for example in offices, schools and hospitals) and provide a convenient way in which paper-based or other information may be stored, organised and retrieved. In general, a hanging file is provided with a pair of hooks which extend outwardly from the file in opposite directions, and which are adapted to fit over a pair of parallel rails, so that the file hangs downwardly from the rails. The file is generally able to slide along the rails, and the order of several files hanging from a pair of rails may be easily altered, and any particular hanging file can be readily retrieved without disturbing other files hanging from the same pair of rails.

It is known to provide a hanging file having hooks which may be retracted and extended. In the extended position, the hooks protrude outwardly from the file (as described above), allowing the file to hang from a pair of parallel rails. In the retracted position, the hooks are accommodated within the file itself and allow the file to be used or transported without the risk of one of more of the hooks catching on surrounding items. With conventional hanging files of this type, each hook is carried on an end of an elongate member which is received in an elongate recess provided near a top edge of the file. A slot is provided in the top edge of the file, and a button, which is attached to the member on which the hook is carried, protrudes upwardly through the slot. It will be appreciated that by moving the button along the slot, each hook may be retracted or extended independently of the other hook.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved hanging file.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides a file, folder or pocket comprising: a pair of hooks which are provided at respective first and second locations on the file, folder or pocket, the hooks being moveable between a hanging position, in which the hooks protrude outwardly from the file, folder or pocket so that the file, folder or pocket can be hung on a pair of parallel rails, and a further position, in which the hooks substantially do not protrude outwardly from the file, folder or pocket; and a control portion which is operatively connected to the hooks and is moveable between a first position and a second position, the arrangement being such that when the control portion is in the first position the hooks are in the hanging position, and when the control portion is in the second position the hooks are in the further position.

Advantageously, the file, folder or pocket comprises an edge having first and second ends, the hooks being provided at or near the respective ends of the edge.

Preferably, to move between the first and second positions, the control portion is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to a line joining the pair of hooks to one another.

Conveniently, the hooks are carried on respective members which are constrained to move along a first axis which is substantially parallel to a line joining the pair of hooks to one another, the first and second members are each provided with a slot or groove which is inclined with respect to the first axis, and the control portion carries, or is operatively connected to, a pair of projections that are respectively received in the slots or grooves, the arrangement being such that movement of the protrusions during movement of the control portion causes the hooks to move in a direction substantially parallel with the first axis.

Alternatively, the hooks are carried on respective members which are constrained to move along a first axis which is substantially parallel to a line joining the pair of hooks to one another, the control portion is provided with, or is operatively connected to, a pair of slots or grooves which are inclined with respect to the first axis, and the first and second members are each provided with projections that are respectively received in the slots or grooves, the arrangement being such that movement of the slots or grooves during movement of the control portion causes the hooks to move in a direction substantially parallel with the first axis.

Advantageously, the file, folder or pocket is provided with at least one recess, the hooks being substantially received in the at least one recess when the hooks are in the further position.

Preferably, two recesses are provided, each hook being substantially received in one of the recesses when the hooks are in the further position.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a mechanism for a file, folder or pocket, the mechanism comprising: a pair of hooks which are moveable between a hanging position in which, when the mechanism is installed appropriately in a file, folder or pocket, the hooks protrude outwardly from the file, folder or pocket so that the file, folder or pocket can be hung on a pair of parallel rails, and a further position, in which the hooks substantially do not protrude outwardly from the file, folder or pocket; and a control portion which is operatively connected to the hooks and is moveable between a first position and a second position, the arrangement being such that, when the control portion is in the first position, the hooks are in the hanging position, and when the control portion is in the second position the hooks are in the further position.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a file, folder or pocket comprising: a pair of hooks, at least one of which is moveable between a hanging position, in which the one hook protrudes outwardly from the file, folder or pocket so that the file, folder or pocket can be hung on a pair of parallel rails, and a further position, in which the one hook substantially does not protrude outwardly from the file, folder or pocket; and a control portion which is operatively connected to the one hook and is moveable, in a direction substantially perpendicular to a line joining the hooks, between a first position and a second position, the arrangement being such that when the control portion is in the first position the one hook is in the hanging position, and when the control portion is in the second position the one hook is in the further position.

Conveniently, the one hook is carried on a member which is constrained to move along a first axis which is substantially parallel to a line joining the pair of hooks to one another, the members is provided with a slot or groove which is inclined with respect to the first axis, and the control portion carries, or is operatively connected to, a projection that is received in the slot or groove, the arrangement being such that movement of the protrusion during movement of the control portion causes the one hook to move in a direction substantially parallel with the first axis.

Alternatively, the one hook is carried on a member which is constrained to move along a first axis which is substantially parallel to a line joining the pair of hooks to one another, the control portion is provided with, or is operatively connected to, a slot or groove which is inclined with respect to the first axis, and the member is provided with a projection that is received in the slot or groove, the arrangement being such that movement of the slot or groove during movement of the control portion causes the one hook to move in a direction substantially parallel with the first axis.

Advantageously, the control portion is operatively connected to both hooks of the pair of hooks.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a mechanism for a file, folder or pocket, the mechanism comprising: at least one hook which is moveable between a hanging position in which, when the mechanism is installed appropriately in a file, folder or pocket, the one hook protrudes outwardly from the file, folder or pocket so that the file, folder or pocket can be hung on a pair of parallel rails, and a further position, in which the one hook substantially does not protrude outwardly from the file, folder or pocket; and a control portion which is operatively connected to the one hook and is moveable, in a direction substantially perpendicular to a line joining the one hook and another hook which may be used, along with the one hook, to hang the file on a pair of parallel rails, between a first position and a second position, the arrangement being such that when the control portion is in the first position the one hook is in the hanging position, and when the control portion is in the second position the one hook is in the further position.

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a part of a file embodying the present invention in a first configuration; and Figure 2 shows the file of figure 1 in a second configuration.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, an upper portion of a hanging file 1 embodying the present invention is shown. The file 1 generally comprises two parallel sheets 2 of a sturdy, planar material such as plastic or stiff cardboard.

The sheets 2 are arranged generally adjacent one another, and are sealed together along one edge 3 thereof. Typically, the sheets are of rectangular shape, having longer edges and shorter edges, and the sheets 2 are sealed together along longer edges thereof. Alternatively, the sheets 2 may comprise a single sheet which is folded on itself to form the edge 3. The edge 3 comprises a top edge of the file 1, i.e. that edge which is uppermost when the file 1 is in the hanging configuration. A skilled person will understand that the sheets 2 will also be joined at a lower edge thereof, to provide a pocket in which sheets of paper etc. can be stored when the file 1 is hung from a pair of rails.

The sheets 2 are further sealed to one another along a sealing line 4 which is parallel with the top edge 3 but displaced a short distance therefrom.

It will therefore be understood that the regions of the sheets 2 between the top edge 3 and the sealing line 4 form an enclosed elongate sleeve 5 running the length of the top edge 3 and having open ends 6.

A gap is provided in the join between the two sheets 2 along the top edge 3, the gap 7 being provided around the middle of the length of the top edge 3. A control portion in the form of a substantially planar tab 8 is positioned so that a lower portion 9a of the tab 8 is accommodated in the sleeve 5, and an upper gripping portion 9b of the tab 8 protrudes through the gap 7 so that the gripping portion 9b of the tab 8 may be gripped by a user.

Two arms 10 protrude from the lower portion 9 of the tab 8. Each of the arms 10 protrudes in a direction substantially parallel with the length of the top edge 3, and each of the arms 10 is substantially planar, the plane of each arm 10 being substantially parallel with that of the tab 8. In preferred embodiments of the invention the arms 10 may be formed integrally with the tab 8.

Each of the arms 10 is provided with a protrusion at or near the distal end thereof, the protrusions each comprising a stud 11 which projects from the arms 10 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane thereof.

A pair of hook-carrying members 12 are also provided within the sleeve 5. Each of the members 12 is substantially planar, and is disposed in the sleeve 5 so that the plane of the member 12 is substantially parallel with that of the tab 8. One member 12 is provided on either side of the tab 8. Each member 12 is substantially rectangular in shape, and has a upper edge 12a (which lies closest to the top edge 3 of the file 1), a lower edge 12b (which lies furthest from the top edge 3 of the file 1), an inner edge 12c (which lies closest to the tab 8) and an outer edge 12d (which lies furthest from the tab 8).

Each of the members 12 is provided with an aperture in the form of an elongate slot 13. Each of the slots 13 extends from a position close to the junction of the upper edge 12a and the inner edge 12b of the member 12, and extends away from this junction at an angle of approximately 45 to the upper edge 12a of the member 12, terminating at a position near the lower edge 12b of the member 12. The studs 11 provided on the arms 10 of the tab 8 each pass through one of the slots 13, and in preferred embodiments of the invention an end of each stud 11 is provided with a lip or flange which makes the end of the stud 11 wider than the width of the slot 13, and hence prevents the stud 11 from being removed from the slot 13.

Near the outer edge 12d of each member 12, a hook 14 is formed. The hook 14 is formed by the shape of the member 12 in the region of the junction between the lower edge 12b and the outer edge 12d thereof, and this region is formed so that a downward-facing recess is provided, which is of suitable dimensions to receive one of the parallel rails of a hanging filing system. A skilled person will readily appreciate that there are many different forms of hook which may be used.

In Figure 1, the file 1 is shown is shown with the hooks 14 in a retracted position. In this position, the tab 8 is positioned so that the lower portion 9 thereof lies close to the sealing line 4 of the file 1, and in this position the studs 11 pass through the slots 13 in the members 12 at positions near the lower edges 12b of the members 12. The hooks 14 of the members 12 are accommodated entirely within the sleeve 5, and do not protrude from the file 1 through the open ends 6 of the sleeves 5.

Figure 2 shows the hooks 14 in an extended position. In this position, the tab 8 is moved away from the sealing line 4 of the file 1, so that upper edges of the arms 10 abut or lie near the top edge 3 of the file 1. In this position, the studs 11 carried on the arms 10 pass through the slots 13 in the members 12 at locations at or near the junction between the upper edge 1 2a and the inner edge 12c of each member 12.

It will be appreciated that, in this configuration, the studs 12 pass through the slots 13 of the members 12 in positions which are closer to the inner edge 1 2c of each member than in the retracted position depicted in Figure 1. In order for this to be possible, the members 12 must lie further away from the tab 8 than in the retracted position. In the extended position, the hooks 14 of the members 12 protrude outwardly from the file 1 through the open ends 6 of the sleeves 5, and it will therefore be understood that, when the hooks 14 are in the extended position, the hooks 14 may be used to suspend the file from a pair of parallel rails.

In order to move the hooks 14 from the retracted position to the extended position, a user simply grips the gripping portion 9b of the tab 8 and pulls the tab 8 directly away from the top edge 3 of the file 1. The studs 11 carried on the arms 10 of the tab 8 move upwardly within the sleeve 5 to locations close to the top edge 3 of the file 1, and in doing so force the members 12 outwardly due to the inclination of the slots 3 provided in the members 12.

In order to move the hooks 14 from the extended position back to the retracted position, a user simply grips the gripping portion 9b of the tab 8 and pushes the gripping portion 9b of the tab 8 towards the top edge 3 of the file 1.

The studs 11 carried by the arms 10 of the tab 8 then move down''ardly within the sleeve 5 to positions near the sealing line 4 of the file 1, and in doing so move the members 12 inwardly as the studs 11 travel along the length of the slots 13 provided in the members 12.

A skilled person will readily understand the above invention provides an efficient and robust mechanism for extending or retracting both hooks 14 simultaneously by operating a simple tab which is provided on an easily accessible edge 3 of the file 1.

The present invention is not limited to the mechanism described above, and any mechanism in which a single control portion is operated to extend or retract both hooks simultaneously may be employed in conjunction with the present invention.

For instance, inclined slots may be provided on the arms 10 of the tab 8, with studs being provided on the members 12 which carry the hooks 14, and a skilled person will readily appreciate how this may be achieved. Indeed, the arms or members may be provided with grooves or channels, rather than slots, along which a protrusion may be guided during use.

It is also envisaged that the control portion may be moved in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the file 1, or parallel with the edge of the file 1, or indeed may be rotated about an axis in order to extend or retract the hooks 14.

In each case, a skilled person will understand how this may be achieved.

In the above description, the two sheets 2 of the file 1 are joined together to form the top edge 3 of the file 1, and the file 1 is therefore sealed at both the top and bottom edges thereof. However, in embodiments of the present invention the file 1 may be open at the top edge 3 thereof, so that paper or other items held within the file 1 may readily be accessed from a top side thereof while the file is in the hanging configuration. In this case, the file 1 will have two top edges at the top sides of the two sheets 2 which form the sides of the file 1. In these embodiments, at least one of the top edges 3 of the sheets 2 is provided with a mechanism as described above.

In the above-described embodiments, the hooks are accommodated within the file when in the retracted position. However, this need not be the case, and the hooks may, for example, lie alongside the file, or rotate to extend upwardly from the file (i.e. at right angles to the directions in which they extend when in the hanging position) when retracted. It is important, however, that the hooks substantially do not protrude from the file in directions parallel with a line joining the hooks.

The present invention provides an efficient and robust maimer in which the hooks of the hanging file may be easily extended and retracted, and this will be found useful by anyone who employs a hanging filing system, but wishes to use or transport the hanging files without the hooks catching on surrounding items.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A file, folder or pocket comprising: a pair of hooks which are

provided at respective first and second locations on the file, folder or pocket, the hooks being moveable between a hanging position, in which the hooks protrude outwardly from the file, folder or pocket so that the file, folder or pocket can be hung on a pair of parallel rails, and a further position, in which the hooks substantially do not protrude outwardly from the file, folder or pocket; and a control portion which is operatively connected to the hooks and is moveable between a first position and a second position, the arrangement being such that when the control portion is in the first position the hooks are in the hanging position, and when the control portion is in the second position the hooks are in the further position.
2. A file, folder or pocket according to Claim 1 wherein the file, folder or pocket comprises an edge having first and second ends, the hooks being provided at or near the respective ends of the edge.
3. A file according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein, to move between the first and second positions, the control portion is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to a line joining the pair of hooks to one another.
4. A file according to Claim 3 wherein: the hooks are carried on respective members which are constrained to move along a first axis which is substantially parallel to a line joining the pair of hooks to one another; the first and second members are each provided with a slot or groove which is inclined with respect to the first axis; and the control portion carries, or is operatively connected to, a pair of projections that are respectively received in the slots or grooves, the arrangement being such that movement of the protrusions during movement of the control portion causes the hooks to move in a direction substantially parallel with the first axis.
5. A file according to Claim 3 wherein: the hooks are carried on respective members which are constrained to move along a first axis which is substantially parallel to a line joining the pair of hooks to one another; the control portion is provided with, or is operatively connected to, a pair of slots or grooves which are inclined with respect to the first axis; and the first and second members are each provided with projections that are respectively received in the slots or grooves, the arrangement being such that movement of the slots or grooves during movement of the control portion causes the hooks to move in a direction substantially parallel with the first axis.
6. A file, folder or pocket according to any preceding claim, wherein the file, folder or pocket is provided with at least one recess, the hooks being substantially received in the at least one recess when the hooks are in the further position.
7. A file, folder or pocket according to Claim 6, wherein two recesses are provided, each hook being substantially received in one of the recesses when the hooks are in the further position.
8. A mechanism for a file, folder or pocket, the mechanism comprising: a pair of hooks which are moveable between a hanging position in which, when the mechanism is installed appropriately in a file, folder or pocket, the hooks protrude outwardly from the file, folder or pocket so that the file, folder or pocket can be hung on a pair of parallel rails, and a further position, in which the hooks substantially do not protrude outwardly from the file, folder or pocket; and a control portion which is operatively connected to the hooks and is moveable between a first position and a second position, the arrangement being such that, when the control portion is in the first position, the hooks are in the hanging position, and when the control portion is in the second position the hooks are in the further position.
9. A file, folder or pocket comprising: a pair of hooks, at least one of which is moveable between a hanging position, in which the one hook protrudes outwardly from the file, folder or pocket so that the file, folder or pocket can be hung on a pair of parallel rails, and a further position, in which the one hook substantially does not protrude outwardly from the file, folder or pocket; and a control portion which is operatively connected to the one hook and is moveable, in a direction substantially perpendicular to a line joining the hooks, between a first position and a second position, the arrangement being such that when the control portion is in the first position the one hook is in the hanging position, and when the control portion is in the second position the one hook is in the further position.
10. A file, folder or pocket according to Claim 9, wherein: the one hook is carried on a member which is constrained to move along a first axis which is substantially parallel to a line joining the pair of hooks to one another; the members is provided with a slot or groove which is inclined with respect to the first axis; and the control portion carries, or is operatively connected to, a projection that is received in the slot or groove, the arrangement being such that movement of the protrusion during movement of the control portion causes the one hook to move in a direction substantially parallel with the first axis.
11. A file according to Claim 9, wherein: the one hook is carried on a member which is constrained to move along a first axis which is substantially parallel to a line joining the pair of hooks to one another; the control portion is provided with, or is operatively connected to, a slot or groove which is inclined with respect to the first axis; and the member is provided with a projection that is received in the slot or groove, the arrangement being such that movement of the slot or groove during movement of the control portion causes the one hook to move in a direction substantially parallel with the first axis.
12. A file, folder or pocket according to any one of Claims 9 to 11, wherein the control portion is operatively connected to both hooks of the pair of hooks.

13. A mechanism for a file, folder or pocket, the mechanism comprising: at least one hook which is moveable between a hanging position in which, when the mechanism is installed appropriately in a file, folder or pocket, the one hook protrudes outwardly from the file, folder or pocket so that the file, folder or pocket can be hung on a pair of parallel rails, and a further position, in which the one hook substantially does not protrude outwardly from the file, folder or pocket; and a control portion which is operatively connected to the one hook and is moveable, in a direction substantially perpendicular to a line joining the one hook and another hook which may be used, along with the one hook, to hang the file on a pair of parallel rails, between a first position and a second position, the arrangement being such that when the control portion is in the first position the one hook is in the hanging position, and when the control portion is in the second position the one hook is in the further position.
13. A file, folder or pocket substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
14. A mechanism substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
15. Any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein.