US1313150A

US1313150A - Planoqkaph co

Info

Publication number: US1313150A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1919-08-12
Anticipated expiration: 1936-08-12

Description

R. J. WOOD.

CREDIT FILE.

APPLICATION man JULY 20.

Patented Aug. 12; 1919.

7 SHEETSSHEE T 1.

R. J. WOOD.

CREDIT FILE. APPLICATION FILED JULY 20, l9l5. 1,313,150. v Patented Aug. 12,1919.

ISHEETS-SHEEI 2.

THE COLUMBIA PLANOGRAFH CO" WASHINGTON, D. 'C.

R. J. WOOD.

CREDIT FILE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 20. I915.

Pdtented Aug. 12

7SHEETSSHEET 3.

U. ||l Hu IH I U .1/ I) I m! WW!!! w" .1, mill/""11 R. J. WOOD.

CREDIT FILE.

N FILED JULY 1 ,313,150. PatentedAug.12,1919.

ISHEETS-SHEET 4.

w g w R. J. WOOD.

CREDIT FILE.

' JULY 20; 1915. 4 1 ,313,1 50. Patented Aug-12,1919.-

- ISHEETS-SHEET 5.

R. 1. W001). CREDIT FILE.

l APPLICATION FILED .IULYIO, I915- 1 ,3 1 3, 1 50. Patented Aug. 12, 1919.

h 7 EEEEEEEEEEEE 6- R. J. woou. CREDIT FILE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 20.19I5.

Patented Aug. 12, 1919.

TSHEETS-SHEET 7- mini) STATES "PATENT OFFICE.

RODNEY J. WOOD, OF DAYTON, OHIO.

CREDIT-FILE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

. Patented Aug. 12,1919.

Application filed July 20,- 1915. Serial 310. 40,827.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, RODNEY J. W000, citii zen of the United States, residing at Day-- ton, in the county of Montgomery and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Credit- Files, of which the following isa specification.

My invention relates to filing systems and apparatus and more particularly to what is known to the trade as a credit file especially adapted for the use of retailmerchants in keeping systematic records of business transactions. The object of the invention is to simplify the structure as well as the means and mode of operation of such devices whereby they will not onlybe cheapened in construction but will be more efficient in use, positive in operation, capable of being easily and rapidly operated, and unlikely to get out of repair.

A primary object of'the invention is to provide full and complete protection against the dishonesty of employees or the accidental loss of records of sales or other data by rendering the information of data contained "on sales records or other filed matter quickly in weight, pleasing in appearance, and flexi ble or elastic in character to permit the filing of sales records or other data under a few or a great many different titles or headings and to further permit the filing of a single record slip or data sheet or a great many of such slips or sheets in each account or under each heading. 7

With the above primary and other incidental objects in view, as will more fully appear in the specification, the invention consists of the features of construction, the parts and combinations thereof, and the mode of operation, or their equivalents, as hereinafter described and set forth in the claims.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of the assembled apparatus. Fig. 2 is an interior side view of the same viewed from the right in Fig. 1. Fig 3 is a. perspective view of a single file unit comprising a temporary file sectlon and a permanent file section connected one to the other to move in unison as hereinafter deporary file and the permanent :file.

scribed. In thisfigure the permanent-file sectlon has been partly broken away to show n-section the nested arrangement of the leaves or holders .andthe frame therefor.

identification card. F iggB-is :a detail-view of the locking deten't' and means for releasing' same. Figs. 7 to L6, inclusive, illustrate =modifications of the device.

Like parts are indicated by 7 similar characters of reference throughout theseveral views.

The apparatus forming the subject matter hereof comprises two' file bodies which for' convenience willbezreferred to as thetem The temporaryfile is at all timesaccessibleto the clerks and receives the sales slips for; the day at the time of the "transaction; The permanent'fi-le isnever accessible to the clerks. Tothis file the sales slips aretransferre'd from the temporary-file by: the proprietor or other authorized personat :the end of business each day. Thecorresponding members of the'two fi-le bodies are so connected'one with the other that they-will move in unison. Theconstruction-is such that when the temporaryfile is open to a certain account or headinguthe, permanent file is automatically opened to the same account or headlng. The=permanent-file is lnclosed in a. suitable locked: housing which will permit the contents of the permanent file to be observed but which prevents direct .access thereto except by an authorized person.

By this. construction the clerk Ifiay ascertain instantly the total amount due. upon any ,customers account by looking in the permanent file within the inclosing housing but a dishonest clerk is prevented from removing any part of thecustomers previous sales slips either as a favor to thecustomer or after having collected payment for the full amount due to avoid the necessity for accounting forall of the receipts and thus enablehim toretain a portion for himself.

The fact that the credit sales for past bust ness are maintained in a locked inclosure accessible only to the ;.proprieftor or .duly authorized person insures that the merchant will receivethe value of each account.

The apparatus thus protects every credit sales record against accidental loss or intentional abstraction and obviates the necessity of transferring the record of credit sales to a ledger or other permanent account book. The proprietor is by this means enabled to instantly ascertain the condition of his business by observing the permanent file for the totals of amounts due from various credit customers and by observing the temporary file for the business done during the day. To ascertain the present day business it is not necessary with this apparatus to examine each and every credit account but the temporary file automatically indicates those credit customers waited upon and in whose accounts additional credit transactions have been made during the day. The merchant is therefore saved the time and labor of examining accounts in which no transaction has been recorded and his examination is confined entirely to accounts active during the day. It not only enables the merchant to ascertain quickly and easily the total amount of credit business transacted but it also saves time and labor in taking off the balance of these credit sales at the end of the day. Thus, if only twenty five of a total of one hundred credit customers have had credit transactions during the day the merchant takes his balance from only twenty five accounts and is not compelled to examine the remaining seventyfive inactive accounts. The file is in normally locked condition and when so locked the contents of the file are masked or covcred thereby preventing a customer or other unauthorized person from surreptitiously examining the credit accounts of other customers or removing from the file credit slips of their own account, thereby reducing the actual amount payable to the merchant. In order to further discourage unauthorized opening of the file an alarm is provided which indicates to any one within hearing the fact that the file has been released, and separate registers are provided for each clerk to indicate the number of times the file has been opened, and an additional counter indicates the number of times the permanent file has been opened. The file is designed to afford ease and rapidity of operation and to this end it affords a constantly Visible index of the customers accounts rendering it unnecessary to refer to a separate index. Being of comparatively small size and light in weight it is easily moved from one place to another. The sales slips being inclosed within a metallic casing or housing are not only protected against loss or abstraction but are also protected against loss by fire.

Referring to the drawings, 1 is the housing or case divided by a transverse partition 2 into two compartments 3 and 4. The housing 1 is preferably, though not necessarily, constructed of metal and is provided with a locked closure 5 for the compartment 3. The compartment 3 is adapted to contain the permanent file, the contents of which may be observed through a glass panel 6 in the closure 5. In order to provide additional illumination within the compartment the side panels 6 of the housing may likewise be formed of glass, if so desired. The closure 5 is provided with a slot or contracted opening 7 at its forward edge registering with a pocket 8 formed upon the inner side of the partition 2 through which may be deposited C. O. D. slips or record slips or data sheets other than credit slips.

The compartment 4 at the forward end of the housing is adapted to contain the tem porary file and is open at its front and top to permit easy access thereto. The units or sections and cover or mask are normally latched or temporarily locked to prevent tampering with the contents. These are easily and quickly released by keys or buttons hereinafter described.

The closure 5 is preferably hinged and is normally locked by any suitable rorm of locking means such as is indicated at 9. An operation counter 10 is provided by which is indicated the number of times the closure 5 is opened.

The temporary and permanent files comprise an equal number of swinging sections or frames each having thereon a plurality of retaining devices or holders for the sales slips. The corresponding sections or units of each file are connected one to the other to operate in unison. The swinging sections or units 11 of the temporary file unit are preferably mounted in stepped or spaced relation each succeeding frame or section being pivoted in a plane higher than the preceding section whereby the sections or frames are made to overlap, as clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Each of these frames or sec tions comprise a fiat plate 12 hinged or pivoted upon transverse trunnions 13. Attached to the face of each unit 12 are a plurality of overlapping leaves or holders l t, one for each account carried by the unit. These leaves or holders are attached to the plate 12 at one edge only and are capable of being flexed outward against the tension of the material. Beneath the overlapping leaves or holders 1 1 there is provided a projecting shelf or ledge 15. The construction is such that the sales slips or data sheets may be thrust behind any one of the series of leaves or holders where it will be held by the tension of the leaf with its lower edge resting upon the shelf or ledge 15.

Inasmuch as it is intended that the sales slips or data sheets shall be transferred from the temporary file to the permanent file at the end of each business period, it is not necessary that these holders shall be of great capacity. A capacity of a few sales slips or sheets'will be *found sufficient for ordinary conditions of use.

In usingthe device a leaf or holder is allotted to each credit customer and the customers name is preferably attached at the upper edge of the exposed portion of the leaf. This may be done by pasting or gluing slips of paper or cards to the'face of the leaf or the leaf may be provided with a panel in which a card or piece of paper containing a name may beengaged. In Fig. 5 there is shown in detail a simple construction for retaining the name card or identification tag in place. In this construction the leaf is perforated to form a rectangular panel,.the materialremoved being bent rearward and thence upon itself in a direction parallel with the plane of the leaf-to form two oppositely disposed u-shaped bights 16 in which the edges of the card 'orindentification tag may be engaged.

A mask or cover 17 comprising a flat plate is pivotally mounted at the front of the housing and is adapted to cover the initial unit or section of the'temporary file series. The cover 17 and the temporary file units 11 may be oscillated about their pivotal connections, as indicated in Fig. 2. Each unit in the file is independent of every other unit of the same file. The construction is such, however, that the oscillation of any unit of the series necessarily causes the oscillation of all the units inadvance of'that selected, while those to the rearthereofremain at rest. Inasmuch as each unitextends slightly above the preceding unit the name cards or identification tags'carried by the consecutive units will be exposed, as

shown in Fig. 1, therebyforming a convenient index by which any particular account may be quickly located.

The permanent file units located within the compartment 3 comprise a plurality of units or sections 19 to which are attached a plurality of overlapping leaves 20 between which the sales slipstransferred from the temporary file are engaged in the manner before described. Inasmuchas the permanent file contained in the compartment 3 receives the sales slips representing more or less extended business periods, the capacity of the holders or retaining devices for sales slips must be greater than those of the temporary file. Each permanent file unit comprises a main frame or housing-21 having a dependent flange 22 at its top edge form ing a stop for the leaves 20. At one end it is provided with a fixed plate 23 against which the terminal leaf 20 of theseries bears. To afford greater capacity the leaves or holders 20 are offset, as indicated at 24. The wing portion of the leaf at the inner side of the offset 24 is attached to -the back ofthe the same order.

respective sections or units. -ment is suchthat the first un1t or section of Like the leaves of the holders of the temporary file units, those of the permanent file units are also provided with name cardsor identification tags. The accounts of the temporary and permanent files are arranged in corresponding relation. That is, each particularcredit 'customers account is found in the identically same position .in both the temporary and permanent files. The first unit or section of the permanent file contains the same accounts or headings as the first unit or-section of the temporary file and these accounts or headings are arranged in Likewise the accounts and order of arrangement thereof upon the second unit or section of the temporary file are identical with those upon the second section:

of the :permanent file. The corresponding sections or units of the temporary and permanent files .are connected one to the other by intermediate connecting links 26 pivotally connected at opposite ends with their The arrangethe temporary file is so connected with the first unit of the permanent file, the second unit of the temporary file with the second unit of the permanent file, etc. There is provided for the permanent file a cover plate or mask 27 pivotally connected at 28 and connected with-the mask or cover plate .17 of the temporary file by a connecting link 29. These links 26 and 29 extend through suitable openings inthe partition 2 and serve to oscillate the units or sections of thepermanent file in unison with the oscillation of the corresponding units or sections of the temporary file. It is to be understood that the temporary file contained in compartment 4 of the housing is at all times accessible to the clerk while the compartment 3 is maintained locked thereby rendering the per-.

manent file inaccessible except by the operation of the temporary file as described.

To insure that both the temporary and permanent files are closed after each operation, springs 30 are attached to the opposite sides of the mask or cover 27 of the perma nent file. The mask is operated in the opening movement against the tension of the springs 30 which ten d to return the mask .or cover 27 andwith 1t alloperated sections or units to normal position upon their release. The mask or cover 27, being connected as before described with the cover or mask 17 of the temporary file, said covers or masks operate in unison. The units or sections of the temporary file, being likewise under control of the cover or mask 17 during the closing movement and further connected with the corresponding units or sections of the permanent file, the units of both files are returned to normal position in unison.

To prevent tampering with the contents of the tile by unauthorized persons and to prevent the surreptitious examination of accounts by customers or others, there is provided a latch or look adapted to hold the file members in closed position. This latch or look comprises a pivoted arm 31 attached to the lower front portion of the partition 2, the upper end of which extends through a suitable keeper 32 and is adapted to engage a lug or shoulder 33 upon the link 29 connecting the covers or

masks

17 and 27. The construction is such that so long as the up-- per end of the detent arm 31 is in engagement with the shoulder 33 the

covers

17 and 27 cannot be drawn forward. Therefore the several file units are held in normal or closed position.

To disengage the detent and release the file unit, there is provided upon the exterior of the main housing a depressible button or key 3% having a stem 35 engaging a lip or flange 36 upon the detent arm 31. In the drawings there have been shown three of these buttons or depressible keys lettered respectively A, B, and C, any one of which is adapted to cause the disengagement of the detent arm from the shoulder 38 to release the file units. In the present construction a separate depressible button or key is provided for each clerk, viz: one for clerk A, another for clerk B, and a third for clerk C.

In order to record the number of times each clerk has manipulated the file there is provided adjacent to each of these buttons a counter 37, the actuating shaft of which is provided with a' bifurcated arm 38 engag ing a stud or pin 39 upon the stem 35 of the corresponding button or key. The construction is such that at each depression of the key or button the corresponding counter will be caused to add one to the total shown upon such counter or vregister. In order that a particular clerk key or button may not be employed (luring his absence each key or button is provided with an independent lock 39 by which any or all of the keys may be locked against operation.

It is obvious that in lieu of the separate keys each of which is adapted to independently operate the detent, the said keys or buttons may be associated with combination look mechanism whereby the keys must be operated in a predetermined order or in certain con'ibinations in order to release the file units. Such particular lock mechanism, while desirable, is not essential to the suc cessful operation of the file and forms no part of the present invention other than as hereinafter set forth in the claims.

The operation of the device is follows: Assuming that clerk A is about to make a credit sale to the customer Jacobs, the clerk will press his release button marked A at the left of the cabinet which will oscillate the detent arm 31 out of engagement with the stop or shoulder 33 upon the link 29 connecting the

masks

17 and 27 and at the same time will oscillate the operating lever 38 of the corresponding counter to add one upon the register corresponding to the key or button operated. Having thus unlocked the temporary file, he will open the said file at the proper point as indicated by the position of the name of the customer in the index formed by the projection of the identification tags of each unit beyond the margin of the preceding unit. In the present instance he will draw forward the mask 17 and first two units of the series to eX pose the account holder or leaf previously assigned to the customer Jacobs. The forward movement of the mask 17 and initial file units of the temporary file cause a like movement of the mask 27 and corresponding file units of the permanent file contained within the compartment 3 beneath the locked transparent cover. The corresponding holder or leaf assigned to customer Jacobs in the permanent file is thus exposed and the clerk by looking through the transparent cover of the compartment 3 ascertains from the footing of the uppermost sales slip in the permanent file that the total of customer J acobss credit purchases to date is eight dollars and ninety-eight cents. The clerk then carries this total eight dollars and ninety-eight cents forward onto the current sales slip preparatory to entering thereon the customers present purchases.

The present purchases entered upon the sales slip are added to the previous footing and the sales slip is then inserted in the proper holder or leaf of the temporary file. Likewise when customer James makes additional purchases the clerk, opening the file in the manner before described, ascertains by looking through the transparent cover of the compartment 3 that the total of customer J amess purchases to date is three dollars and four cents. He enters this sum, three dollars and four cents, at the top of the sales slip and adds thereto the items of his purchase, which as shown in Fig. 1 amount to thirty seven cents, making a total of three dollars and forty-one cents which footing .he enters upon the sales slip and places this slip in the proper holder or leaf of the temporary file. If a customer appears during the absence of the proprietor and wishes to pay his account, the clerk'b'y opening the file to the proper placemay as certain from the footing shown through the transparent top of the permanent'file the total of such customersindebtedness. For instance, he might ascertain that customer J oy is indebted to the amount of ten dollars and forty-five cents. If"c-ustomeifJoy"paid five dollars on this account the clerk ,would make out a credit slip for'th'e five dollars, showing the balance due of 'fi've dollars and forty-five cents which credit slip he would place in the temporary file in the usual man-- ner. He cannot, however, gain access to the permanent file to remove therefroin'any of J oys sales slips. He must account for the five dollars collected for if he should fail to do so and fail to place the credit slip in the temporary file the customerJoy, learning that he is still charged with the full amount, would present his receipt and insist upon proper credit being given. If the clerk should place the credit slip in the temporary file but fail to account for the money the proprietor would necessarily discover'the discrepancy in taking ofithe'balance" for the business of the day. The cash received on credit accounts must always equal thec'r'e'dit slips found in the temporary file. The use of the locked permanent file prevents the clerk from abstracting sales slips from the account of customer Joy to the amount of five dollars which would leave the customers account in proper balance, thus enabling the clerk to retain the amount received on account for his own use." At theend of the business for the'day the proprietor or other authorized person, by examining the sales slips inthe credit file, may ascertain the total of the business for that day. Referring to Fig. 1, it will be seen that this can be readily done as the file instantly shows that transactions were made in the credit accounts of customers Horn, Hays, Jacobs, James, Koors and Kist and also as clearly shows that no transactions occurred in the accounts of customers Hand, Joy, Cain and Kemp. Therefore the proprietor will disregard the last mentioned accounts and will confine his attention entirely to those accounts in which sales slips have been entered in the temporary file. Having ascertained the total of the credit business transacted during-the day and that the cash on hand from payments on credit accounts balances with credit slips which may be placed in the temporary file during the day, the proprietor will then unlock the cover of the permanent file and transfer each credit slip from the temporary file to the-corresponding holder or leaf of the permanent file, thus leaving the temporary file empty at the beginning of each business period. The proprietor may at any time ascertain the total of outstanding accounts by observing the footings ofthe various accountsthrough the transparent cover of the permanent file and adding thereto the ness period represented by the sales slips in the temporary file. Under ordinary circumstances the temporaryfile holders or leaves will contain 'but a single sales slip or at most a very few sales slips concerning several transactions during a single business period. Such sales slips, when few in numher, are less likely to become lost or misplaced than when. large numbers of sales slips are open for removal or examination by any person who may desireto do so. In the'pres'ent construction all sales slips ex cept those for current transactions are maintained in the locked compartment which amount of transactions of-the present busiprovides absoluteprotection against the dishonesty of employees and against accidental loss or displacement of the slips. While these sales slips may be removed only by the proprietor or other authorized person, the total of the previous sales 'is instantly ascertainable by" any clerk" who may be authorized to receive money .on *accountor for the purpose of carrying such footing forward to current'sales slips. By preventingthe removal of the sales slips representing' previousflpurchases from the file the incentive for dishonesty is removed as the clerk must necessarily account to the proprietor for any credits shown by creditslips in the temporary file and must account to the customer for failure to make such credit entry as will reduce the total of the past account which he is prevented flO1TlIGCl11C ing by'removal of sales slips.

While the construction shown in Figfl has been found to'be a convenient, economical and efiicient arrangement, itis obvious that the several parts may be differently arranged in relation one with the other. For example, the temporary and permanent files may be arranged either one above the other or side by side with the temporary file on either side of the permanent file. Likewise, in lieu of pivoting the file units for oscillatory or swinging movement, the file units .may be connected one to the other for slidthe corresponding units of both series. The units -11 comprising the permanent file are contained within the locked transparent closure or housing 13 and are oscillated by the oscillation of the temporary file units 4:0, the movement of which is transmitted to the corresponding permanent file units through the common shaft 52.

In Fig. 8 there is shown a modification in which the temporary units or carriers l-i are supported upon oscillatory arms connected to and moving in unison with the permanent file units or carriers 46 contained within the transparent inclosure or housing 17. The construction is such that the permanent units or carriers 46 within the housing are oscillated to and from nor mal position by the oscillation of the corresponding temporary carriers or units ist, the movement of which is transmitted through the oscillatory arms 45.

In Fig. 9 there is shown a structure differing somewhat in appearance but embodying the same elementary features before described. In this construction the carriers or units are arranged in horizontal position and separated into two stacks as and 49. The stack 48 comprises the temporary units or carriers which are arranged to slide horizontally into and from normal position within the stack in a manner similar to the movement of a desk or table drawer. The permanent file units or carriers 51 contained in the stack a9 are connected with the corresponding units 50 of the temporary series by intermediate links or rods 52. The stacks 18 and 49 of units or carriers are separated one from the other and a transparent locked housing or inclosure 53 is interposed therebetween. The construction and arrangement is such that the withdrawal of any unit or carrier 50 from the stack 18 will cause the withdrawal of the corresponding units or carriers 51 from the stack 49 into a position to be observed within the housing or inclosure 53-.

In Fig. 10 there is shown a construction having the general appearance of that disclosed in Fig. 1 and heretofore described. However, in lieu of the oscillatory units or carriers of the primary construction, the temporary units 5% and permanent units or carriers 55 of the present construction are adapted to slide to and fro and the corresponding units of the respective files are connected one to the other by intermediate links or rods 56. The construction is such that upon drawing forward any unit or carrier 5% of the temporary file the corresponding unit or carrier of the permanent file will likewise be drawn forward. The units or carriers are thus given a rec-iprocatory movement to and from normal position in lieu of the oscillatory movement before described.

In Fig. 11 there is shown a further modification in which the leaves or holders for the sales slips or data sheets are carried uponrollers or

drums

57 and 58 mounted upon a common shaft. The drum 57 com.- prises the temporary file while the drum 58 which is inclosed within a transparent locked housing or inclosure 59 constitutes the permanent file. By the rotation of the drum 57 to bring the desired account to position to be seen the drum 58 within the housing is likewise rotated. These

drums

57 and 58 may be extended to any desired length and thereby made to carry any desired number of accounts or separate classifications. Likewise the drums may be made with any number of sides thereby providing additional series of holders.

In Fig. 1 there is shown a modification of the construction shown in Fig. 11 in which the

drums

57 and 58 are arranged in parallel relation and are rotated in unison by means of a belt or chain 60 engaging sprocket wheels or pulleys 61 upon the shafts of the respective drums. In this construction, as in Fig. 11, the drum 58 constituting the permanent file is inclosed within a transparent locked housing 59.

In Fig. 13 is shown a construction which may be substituted for the

drums

57 and 58 in either of the constructions shown in Figs. 11 and 12. In this modification the main shaft 62 is provided with disks or collars 63 rotating therewith in which are pivoted at 64: the units or carriers 65. The carriers or units 65 are each provided with a spring 66 which tends to oscillate the carrier or unit 65 about its pivotal connection 6% from the position shown in solid lines to that shown in dotted lines at the left in said figure. The shaft 62 is rotated by manual effort to bring the desired unit or carrier into position to be seen. The rotation of the shaft presents the carriers or units successively against astop or detent 67 by which the units or carriers are arrested while the shaft 62 and disk 63 continue to rotate, thereby turning the unit or carrier 65 about its pivotal connection 64 and placing the spring 66 under tension. As the shaft 62 and disk 63 continue to rotate the forward unit 65 will be withdrawn from beneath the stop or dete'nt 67 whereupon the spring 66 will operate to turn the unit or carrier downward to the position indicated by dotted lines, thereby exposing the next succeeding unit or carrier. Each unit or carrier is limited in its oscillatory movement under the influence of the spring 66 by its engagement with the shaft or trunnion of the next succeeding unit or carrier as shown about the lower portion of said figure.

In Fig. 14 there is shown a construction somewhat similar to that shown in Fig. 1 in which, however, the carriers or units 68 oscillate upon vertical axes. The units or carriers 68 comprising the permanent file are inclosed within a transparent locked housing 69 and are connected by links 70 with corresponding units or. carriers 71 constituting the temporary file.

WVhile the overlapping spring leaf holders heretofore described in connection with'Fig. 1 are preferable, it is obvious that other forms of holders such as resilient wire loops 7 8, Figs. 1a and 15, may be employed in lieu thereof. Likewise in lieu of the overlapping arrangement of the sales slips or data sheets the said sheets or slips may be spaced one from the other upon the carriers or holders, as shown in these figures.

In Fig. 15 there is shown a transparent locked housing or inclosure 7 4 having therein a. plurality of oscillatory carriers or units 75 each provided with a handle 76 projecting through an arcuate slot in the housing by which said units or carriers may be oscillated from a vertical or upright to hori zontal or reclining position. In lieu of the temporary file of like construction, there is shown in this figure a simple and well known form of stick file 77 upon whichthe sales slips or data sheets may be temporarily placed and from which they may be transferred to the permanent file comprising the oscill. tory units or carriers 75.

While in each of the constructions heretofore referred to a'single' housing or inclosure is provided for the plurality of units or carriers constituting the permanent file, it is obvious that each of these file units or carriers may be provided with a separate cover or inclosure such as the cover leaf 78 of transparent material shown in Fig. 16.

It is obvious that this filingdevice, particularly when constructed similar to the forms shown in Figs. l, 7, 9 and 10 may be mounted as a drawer in a desk or cabinet to slide :to and fro or it may be an independent structure as shown in the drawings. It is desirable but not essentialthat a cash drawer to receive the amounts paid on account beprovided in conjunction with the file devices herein disclosed.

While this invention has been described particularly in connection with a credit sales transaction, it is to be understood that it is not limited to such use but may be applied to other purposes than the protection of credit accounts such as library records, stock invoices and similar purposes. It is furthermore to be understood that it is not limited to the filing of credit sales slips but for some classes of business it may be desirable to employ instead of a sales slip a card on which is entered the customers ledger ac- .count which is carried in the permanent file upon which amounts may be entered from slips placed in the permanent file. By such use of ledger cards the transfer would be made in writing in lieu of the physical transfer of the slips from the temporary to the permanent file. This system would enable the clerk to examine the'entire ledger account of the customer without being able to remove said card or make erasures or changes thereon.

Referring to Fig' 2, there is shown upon themask 27 an arm 79 adapted to trip a spring actuated hammer 80 causing it to engage the bell 81 to sound an alarm whenever the file is opened. T he arm 79 also closes an electrical contact 82 to complete a circuit from the battery 83 or other source of electrical energy through the lines 8 1 to a lamp 85 which may be located in any convenient position to illuminate the permanent file units.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportion, detail construction, or arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to certain structural features, it is to be understood that the means and construction herein described comprise but one mode of putting the invention into effect and the invention is therefore claimed broadly within any of its possible forms or modifications within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim: V

1. In a filing device as described, a plurality of movable file units separated into two series, connections between the corresponding units of the separate series whereby said units willcmo've in unison and a protective inclcsure for one of said series of file units, the other series of-file units being free for access. V

2. In an appliance of the character described, the combination of two groups of movable units or carriers of like number, the said groups being adapted to removably support corresponding sets of data sheet, and connecting means between correspond ing units or carriers of the two groups whereby the movement of any one of the units or carriers of one group produces movement of the corresponding unit or carrier of the opposite group so that the corresponding data sheets of the two sets are simultaneously exposed, and a protective housing inclosing the units or carriers of one group which permits the observation of the data sheets carried thereby but prevents the removal, transposition or insertion of data sheets into the units or carriers of such group while the other group of units or carriers is open and exposed for ready access.

3. In a filing device as described, a plurality of movable file units separated into two series, a housing inclosing one series of units, and means for simultaneously operating corresponding units of both series.

at. In a filing device, a housing separated into two compartments, a transparent clo sure for one of the compartments, a series of movable file units in each of the compartments and interconnections between the corresponding units of the separate series whereby the operation of a file unit of one series will cause a simultaneous movement of the corresponding unit of the other series.

5. In a filing device as described, a plurality of movable filing units arranged in pairs, interconnections between the members of each pair whereby they will move in unison, and means for normally rendering one member of each pair of units inaccessible, the other member of each pair of units being always accessible, for the purpose described.

6. In a filing device, two series of file units comprising a temporary and a permanent file adapted to contain separated portions of the same accounts or data classifications the corresponding units of the respective series being fixed in relation one with the other, and a normally locked housing inclosing the permanent file preventing access thereto while permitting the observation of the contents of said file.

7. In a filing device, a series of temporary file members, and a series of permanent file members, corresponding units of the respective series being arranged in constant relation one with the other, and means for normally preventing the removal of the contents of the permanent file members while permitting observation thereof.

8. In a filing device, two series of movable file units the members of which are mounted for like movement and interconnections between the corresponding file units whereby the operation of a file unit of one series will cause the simultaneous movement of the corresponding unit of the other series through a similar path of travel.

9. In a filing device, two series of file units comprising a temporary and a permanent file adapted to carry separated portions of the same accounts or data classifications arranged therein in corresponding order, interconnecting means between the corresponding units of the temporary and permanent files, whereby the exposure of the contents of a unit of one file will effect the simultaneous exposure of the contents of the corresponding unit of the other file, and means for normally preventing the removal of or additions to the contents of the units of the permanent file.

10. In a filing device, a normally accessible temporary movable file, and a normally inaccessible permanent movable file to which the contents of the temporary file are transferred, and means for operating said files in unison.

11. In a filing device, a normally accessible temporary movable file, and a normally inaccessible permanent movable file to which the contents of the temporary file are transferred, and interconnecting means to operate the permanent file by the operation of the temporary file.

12. In a filing device, a normally accessible temporary file, and a permanent file adapted to contain separated portions of the same account or data classification, a normally locked housing having an observation space therein inclosing the permanent file, and interconnecting means whereby the contents of the respective files may be eX- hibited in unison.

13. In a filing device as described, duplicate file units movable in parallel relation one to the other and interconnecting means for operating one file unit by the operation of its duplicate.

ll. In a filing device, duplicate file bodies one of which is normally accessible and the other of which is normally inaccessible for removal and insertion of data sheets, each adapted to carry separated portions of the same accounts or data classifications, and means for operating the file bodies in unison to simultaneously display both portions of the same accounts or classifications carried by the separate file bodies.

15. In a filing cabinet, a main frame, a plurality of swinging units mounted therein for oscillatory movement about horizontal axes, and a plurality of overlapping flexible leaves arranged in a horizontal series carried by each unit and attached thereto adjacent to the underlying edges of the leaves between which data sheets may be inserted with their -vertical marginal portions exposed.

16. In a filing device as described, a plurality of file units separated into two series, connections between the corresponding units of the separate series, whereby the movement of one of said units controls the movement of the corresponding unit of the other series, and a protective inclosure for one of said series of file units, the other series of file units being free for access.

17. In a filing cabinet, a plurality of units mounted therein for oscillatory movement about horizontal axes, a plurality of over-- lapping leaves arranged in horizontal seties carried by each unit between which data sheets may be inserted With their vertical marginal portions exposed.

.18. In a file as described, a plurality of movable units, a plurality of data sheet holders arranged in horizontal series carried by each unit, a plurality ofidentification tags carried by each unit, one identification tag being associated with each holder, each unit being normally extended beyond the margin of the preceding unit to display the identification tags carried there by when the said units are in closed relation.

19. In a file as described, a plurality of in-v dependently movable units, a l plurality of vertically disposed overlapping leaves carried by each unit between which data sheets may be inserted, an identification tag for each data sheet holder, the units being normally arranged in overlapping relation whereby the identification tags of each unit will-benormally displayed 20. In a filing device as described, a plu rality of oscillatory units separated into two series, and operative connections between 1 correspondlng units of the separate serles ing the initial unit of the series, and a retracting spring actuating the mask to returnthe operated units to normal. V

23. In a filing device two separate file members in which are normally concealed separated portlons of. the same account or' data classification, and means forautomati cally exhibiting the contents of one file member upon the exhibition of the contents of the other file member whereby the separated portions of the same account or data classi-- fication will be simultaneously displayed.

24. In a filing device as described, twofile units, a movablemask for each unit, and interconnections between the masks whereby said masks will be movedin unison.

25. In a filing device as described, two file units, a movable mask for each unit, and

means for simultaneously withdrawingboth masks to expose the units concealed thereby.

26. In a filing deviceas described, two file units, a movable mask for each unit, and an intermediate connection whereby one mask will be operated by the operation of the other.

27. In a filing device, twoseries of oscillatory file units, each series of units carry-- ing a plurality of accounts or data classifications arranged in corresponding order, one series constituting a temporary file and the other a permanent file, intermediate connections' between corresponding units of the separate series whereby said units will be operated in unison, and means for normally preventing the abstraction of data sheets from the units of the permanent file but adaptedto permit the observation of said data sheets within the said file, substantially as specified. V

28. In a filing device, a locked housing, a plurality of. normally inaccessible movable file units within the housing, a plug rality o-foverlappingleaves arranged in horizontal series carried by each unit between which data sheets may be inserted with the vertical marginal portionsthereof ex posed, an observation space in said housing through which'the exposed vertical marginal portionsof the data sheets may be observed,

and means extending tozthe exterior ofthe. 7

housing for presentingthe file units to. view.

29. In afiling device, a series of normally concealed file compartments, a movable mask for the said file compartments, means for rendering the contents of the file compart ments inaccessible, and. means for moving the mask to expose the contents otthe file.

to view while maintaining them -inaccessible. 30. In a filing device a normally accessible file member, a normally inaccessible file member and intermediate operating means for exhibiting the -contents of theinaccessible .fileupon. the exhibitionof the contents of the accessible-file. V J

.- 81. In a filing device,:a series of file compartment's, and a. transparent cover there-. for through which the contents of the com partments maybe observed but adapted to prevent the removal of said contents, a second 'serles of file compartments correlated with the first mentioned series, and

means for simultaneously displaying the con-.1

tents of complementary compartments 32. In a filing device two series of correlated file members, means for rendering the contents of the file members of one series in-.

accessible for removal or addition, and

means for simultaneously displaying the con-' respective series. 1 v

33. In a filing device as described, a plurality of movable carriers, a locked housing tents of. complementary file members of the inclosing thev carriersuand havingan obser-' vation' space therein tliroughl which the cori-= tents of the carriers may beobserv'ed, and an independent operating member for -each-car.- rier extending to the exterior of the housing and moving through paths of. travel similar tothe paths of travel of the correlated carriers for moving the carriers sub stantially as specified.

3%; In a filing device a main frame, a support mounted therein for oscillatory movement about a horizontal axis, a plurality of overlapping leaves carried by SBJCl support, said leaves being arranged in a horizontal series with each succeeding leaf extending laterally beyond the preceding leaf of the series thereby forming a succession of pockets or receivers for data sheets open on their lateral or vertical sides, where- I by the vertical marginal portions of the data inserted therein will be exposed to nected to and moving in unison with the os-' cillatory arms, said units being separated into two series, and a locked housing having an observation space through which the contents of the units may be observed'inclosing one series of units, the. construction being such that the oscillation of an arm will simultaneously oscillate corresponding units of both series. Y

37. Ina filing device, a plurality of filing units arranged in substantially upright position and separated into two series and each capable of a lateral movement, intermediate connections between the corresponding units of the respective series whereby said corresponding units "will move in unison and meansfor preventing the removal of the contents of the units of one series.

38. Ina file device a housing, a plurality of swinging file units pivoted therein upon horizontal axes to swing forwardly and rearwardly, said swinging units being normally positioned in echelon, whereby the top or free edge of each unit will be exposed beyond the edge of the preceding unit, a plurality of containers for data sheets arranged in a horizontal series upon each of said swinging units, the data. sheet contain ers of each succeeding unit being concealed by the preceding unit of the series and identification means pertaining to each container carried upon the exposed portions of the swinging units whereby the containers and contents thereof are normally concealed from view while the identification means pertaining to such containers is normally displayed when said plurality of file units are in their closed relation.

89. In a filing device as described, a plurality of movable filing units arranged in pairs, inter-connections between the members of each pair, whereby the movement of one unit of a pair will control the movement of the other unit of the same pair, and means for normally rendering one member of each pair of units inaccessible, the other member of each pair of Lmits being always accessible for the purpose described.

40. In a filing device, two series of mov able file units, members of which are mounted for like movements, and inter-connections between corresponding file units of the respective series whereby the operation of each file unit of one series will control the movement of the corresponding unit of the other series.

41. In a filing device, two series of file units comprising a temporary and a permanent file adapted to carry separated portions of the same accounts or data classifications arranged therein, in a corresponding order, interconnecting means between the corresponding units of the temporary and permanent files, whereby the exposure of the contents of a unit of one file will control the exposure of the contents of the corresponding unit of the other file, and means for normally preventing the removal of, or additions to the contents of the unit of the permanent file.

42. In a filing device, a normally accessible, temporary movable file, and a normally inaccessible, permanent, movable file to which the contents of the temporary file are transferred, and interconnecting means to control the operation of the permanent file by the operation of the temporary file.

l3. In a filing device as described, duplicate file units movable in parallel relation one to the other and interconnecting means for controlling the operation of one file unit by the operation of its duplicate.

44:. In a filing device, duplicate file bodies onefof which is normally accessible and the otherof which is normally inaccessible for removal and insertion of data sheets, each adapted to carry separated portions of the same accounts or data classifications, and means for operating the file bodies to display both portions of the same accounts or classifications carried by the separate file bodies.

45. In a filing device as described, a plurality of oscillatory units separated into two series, and operative connections between corresponding units of the separate series whereby said corresponding units will be oscillated to display corresponding accounts or data classification.

46. In a filing device as described, two file units, a movable mask for each unit, and means for controlling the movement of one of saidmasks by the operation of the other mask.

47. In a filing device, a series of file compartments, and a transparent cover therefor through which the contents of the compartment may be observed, but adapted to prevent the removal of said contents, a second series of file compartments correlated with the first mentioned series, and means for displaying the contents of the complementary compartments.

48. In a filing device, a plurality of oscillatory arms, a plurality of file units connected to and moving in unison with the oscillatory arms, said units being separated into two series, and a locked housing having an observation space through which the contents of the units may be observed disclosing one series of units, the construction being such that the oscillation of an arm will oscillate corresponding units of both series.

49. In a filing device, tWo series of file units comprising a temporary and permanent file, and a normally locked housing inclosing the permanent file and preventing access thereto, and means permitting the observation of the contents of said file controlled by the operation of the temporary file.

In testimony'whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 17th day of July, A. D. 1915.

RODNEY J. WOOD.

Witnesses:

ALFRED MoORAY, CARRIE M. BECKER.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the "Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. 0.