US3108585A - Tabulating card file tray construction - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 29, 1963 N. P. WOOD TABULATING CARD FILE TRAY CONSTRUCTION Filed Sept. 25, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. NowlzP. Wbod BY 9AM, W%& W-

ATTQRNEYS Oct. 29, 1963 N. P. WOOD 3,108,585

TABULATING CARD FILE TRAY CONSTRUCTION Filed Sept. 23, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig.8

29 29 29 27 4s 58 INVENTOR. 23 34 5e 47 34 23 NowIzP. Wbad aW,/JZW& W

ATIORNEXS N. P. WOOD TABULATING CARD FILE TRAY CONSTRUCTION Filed Sept. 25, 1959 Oct. 29, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. Nowlz/P. Wboab BY M,W-&M

ATTORNEXS Oct. 29, 1963 N. P. WOOD TABULATING CARD FILE TRAY CONSTRUCTION Filed Sept. 23, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. NOUJLR Wood ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,108,585 TABULATENG CARD FILE TRAY CONSTRUC'HON Noah P. Wood, Canton, Ohio, assignor to Diehold, Incorporated, Canton, Ghio, a corporation of Ohio Filed Sept. 23, 1959, Ser. No. 841,866 8 Saints. (Cl. 12928) My invention relates to improvements in file tray construction for use in holding tabulating cards preferably of the type used in conjunction with modern business rnachines and on which cards various information may be stored in punched form. More specifically, my invention relates to tabulating card file tray construction, preferably of the vertical processing type, having an improved form of front end wall :and an improved form of compressor-follower member. I

For certain reasons, it is desired to provide tabulating card file trays for storing the punched tabulating cards used in conjunction with business machines in a vertical position, that is, with the larger dimension of the cards extending vertically rather than horizontally. Further, various forms of such trays have been provided prior to the present invention, none of which have been completely satisfactory.

Trays of this type are usually provided with upstanding side walls and at least one end wall with a slidable follower mounted within the tray for slidable movement toward and away from this end wall. Thus, tabul-ating cards may be positioned in the tray in vertical position resting against the end wall and the follower moved to a position securing the cards in the tray.

In most prior constructions, the end wall has been formed as a solid member and the cards directly adjacent the end wall are difficult to :grasp and remove from the tray for use in the particular business machine, since the cards are tightly abutting the end wall and there are no spaces for maintaining a grip on the cards. Thus, it is desirable to provide a form of end wall which will position the cards for easy accessibility when necessary in order to permit convenient removal of the cards from the tray.

Further, when the cards are to be stored in the tray, unless an exact predetermined number of cards are positioned therein, it is difficult to slide the follower to a position to which the cards are tightly and properly held in the tray. This problem has been solved to a certain degree by certain prior constructions using a compression type of follower which may be slid to abut the pack of cards and manipulated for moving a plate or surface thereof toward the pack of cards to tightly press the cards against the stationary end wall.

Most of these prior compressor-followers have been difficult to manipulate, however, and further have required several actuating levers thereon, one for accomplishing compressing movement and the other for releasing the follower for slidable movement toward and away from the pack of cards and the stationary end wall. It is, therefore, desirable to also provide a compressonfollower which may be sliclab-ly positioned with a maximum of efficiency and convenience, and also may be easily and conveniently moved from non-compressing to compressing position. Further, it is desirable to provide such a compressor-follower that will remain in such compressing position without danger of accidental release.

It is, therefore, a general object of the present invention to provide a tabulating card file tray construction eliminating the foregoing problems and providing the desirable features discussed above.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a tabulating card file tray construction which may include a unique form of end wall which may be manipulated to provide convenient access to the tabulating cards posi- "ice tioned in the tray, and which may also be provided with a unique form of compressopfollower having a positive and secure compressing action.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tabulating card file tray construction in which the end wall against which the tabulating cards rest may be manipulated from a vertically upstanding position to a generally V-shape position for moving the top portions of the tabulating cards next adjacent the end wall away from the end wall for easy accessibility.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a tabulating card file tray construction which may be positively locked in its V-shaped position and will not accidentally release during use and removal of the tabulating cards positioned in the tray.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a tabulat-ing card file tray construction having a compressor-follower which is manipulated by a single actuating member for selectively moving the compressor-follower longitudinally of the tray, toward and away from the end wall and tabulating cards contained therein, and for selectively moving the compressor-follower to and from a com-pressing position against tabulating cards positioned in the tray.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a tabulatin-g card file tray construction in which the single actuating member may be moved to a position releasing the compressor-follower for longitudinal movement within the tray, which actuating member is locked in this release position maintaining the compressor portion in non-compressing position during such longitudinal movement.

Also, it is an object of the present invention to provide a t-abulating card file tray construct-ion in which the actuating member may be moved from a release position in which the compressor-follower is released for longitudinal movement of the tray to a position locking the compressor-follower against longitudinal movement, and then directly into a series of positions moving the compressor portion into compressing position.

It is still a further object of the present invent-ion to provide 'a tabulating card file tray construction in which the compressor portion of the compressor-follower is maintained locked in card-compressing position and will remain in such compressing position until released therefrom.

Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a tabulatin-g card file tray construction which accomplishes all of the above objects in a simple and efficient manner and may be provided at a minimum of material and labor cost.

These and other objects are accomplished by the parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and subcombinations comprising the present invention, the nature of which is set forth in the following general statement, a preferred embodiment of which-illustrative of the best mode in which applicant has contemplated applying the principles-is set forth in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and which is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims forming a part hereof.

In general terms, the tabulating card file tray construction comprising the present invention may be stated as including a tray member having a generally horizontally and longitudinally extending bottom wall, a front end member, a side engagement member for the front end member preferably in the form of an inverted U-shaped vertically extending engagement member mounted at the front end of the tray, and a compressor-follower slidably mounted on the tray bottom wall selectively slidably movable longitudinally toward and away from the front end member. Further, the tray may preferably have generally vertically and longitudinally extending upstanding side walls extending vertically to a point spaced downwardly from the upper end of the U-shaped front end engagement member and also a generally vertically extending inverted U-shaped rear end engagement member likewise extending above the side walls a predetermined distance.

The front end member is further formed with a front end wall having an upper and lower section, with the lower section preferably being pivotally connected to the tray bottom wall by downwardly rearw'ardly extending tab means received in slot means in the tray bottom wall and with the lower section being hingedly connected to the upper section for hinged movement in a generally horizontal plane by horizontally extending hinge means. Still further, the front end wall upper section is preferably generally inverted L-shape normally extending vertically upwardly from its hinge connection to the lower section and then forwardly to a pivoted connection with the tray front end engagement member through generally horizontally extending pin means.

The pin connection of the front end wall upper section to the tray front end engagement member is through generally hook-shaped slots formed at horizontally aligned and vertically extending portions of the engagement member, with the pin connection being sl-idable in said slots carrying the upper section therewith and, therefore, moving the front end wall from a normally generally vertically extending position to a rearwardly directed V-shape position. Thus, when tabulating cards are positioned in the tray with the front end wall in its vertically extending position, the tabulating cards will abut both the upper and lower sections thereof; but with the front end wall in its rearwardly directed V-shape position, the tabulating cards will be angled rearwardly and will only abut the lower section, with the upper section extending upwardly and forwardly therefrom to the engagement member.

The compressor-follower is slidably mounted on the tray bottom wall through track means formed on the tray bottom wall longitudinally slidably engaged by the main frame member of the compressor-follower. Further, the track means formed in the bottom wall is provided with a series of longitudinally spaced generally latenally extending engagement slots which may be selectively engaged by a downwardly extending positioning dog vertically slidably mounted in the main frame member of the compressor-follower.

Also, the compressor-follower is provided with a compressor plate member which is pivotally connected to the main frame member spaced slightly upwardly from the lower end thereof, with this compressor plate member being pivotally movable between positions extending generally vertically in non-compressing position and extending angled forwardly, directed toward the tray front end member, in compressing position. Still further, the compressor-follower is provided with a vertically slidable actuating member having a generally horizontally and laterally extending actuating pin secured thereto. This actuating pin extends through laterally spaced generally vertically extending guide slots in the main frame member and laterally spaced vertically downwardly and then rearwardly downwardly angled slots formed in the compressor plate member.

Finally, the actuating member is connected with the engagement dog by a lost motion connection so that movement of the actuating member from its vertically upward position downwardly first releases the engagement dog, positioning the compressor-follower at a selected position longitudinally of the tray and front end wall, and then begins to move the compressor plate member from its normal vertically extending non-compressing position into its forwardly angled compressing position.

By way of example, an embodiment of the improved tabulating card file tray construction of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals indicate similar parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of the tabulating card file tray construction of the present invention, with tabulating cards positioned in the tray, the front end wall of the front end member in normal vertically extending position and the compressor-follower with the compressor plate member in compressing position;

FIG. 2, another side elevation of the construction of FIG. 1 with the file tray engaged angled downwardly from the front portion of a filing cabinet, the front end wall of the front end member in rearwardly directed V-shaped position and the compressor-follower with the compressor plate member in non-compressing position;

FIG. 3, a vertical sectional view, part in elevation, showing a vertical section just laterally inside the tray side wall to thereby show the front end member in vertical section with the front end wall extending generally vertically, and the compressor-follower in side elevation and in non-compressing position;

FIG. 4, a top plan view of the tabulating card file tray construction of the present invention with the front end member and compressor-follower in the positions of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5, an end elevation looking at the front end member and taken from FIG. 4;

FIG. 6, a fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation and with parts broken away, looking in the direction of the arrows 6-6 in FIG. 5, showing the front end member in rearw-ardly directed V-shaped position;

FIG. 7, a fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, looloing in the direction of the arrows 77 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8, a sectional view, part in elevation, showing the compressor-follower in end elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 8-8 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 9, a sectional view, part in elevation and with parts broken away, looking in the direction of the arrows 9-9 in FIG. 8, with the compressor-follower actuating member in its fully raised position maintaining the compressor plate member in non-compressing position and the engagement dog released from the tray bottom wall track means;

FIG. 10, a sectional view, part in elevation, similar to FIG. 9, with the compressor-follower actuating member in an intermediate lowered position in which the engagement dog is engaged with the tray bottom wall track means, but the compressor plate member has not been moved toward compressing position;

FIG. 11, a sectional view, part in elevation and with parts broken away, looking in the direction of the arrows 11-11 in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12, a fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 12-12 in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13, a fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 13-13 in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14, a fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 10, but with the compressor-follower actuating member in its lowermost position maintaining the compressor plate member in fully compressing position;

FIG. 15, a fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, similar to FIG. 12 but corresponding to the compressor plate member position shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. '16, an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 16-16 in FIG. 8 and corresponding to the positions of FIGS. 8 and 9;

FIG. 17, an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, similar to FIG. 16 but looking in the direction of the arrows 1717 in FIG. 11 and corresponding to the positions shown in FIGS. 11 and 12; and

FIG. 18, a sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 18-18 in FIG. 17.

The tabulatin-g card file tray construction comprising the improvements of the present invention is illustrated in the drawings showing the improved form of front end member in combination with the improved form of compressor-follower. It should be understood, however, that either the improved front end member or the improved compressor-follower may be advantageously used separate from each other, and such use is contemplated within the scope of the present invention.

Furthermore, the particular embodiment of the tabulating card file tray construction illustrated in the drawings is arranged for containing the tabulating cards in a vertical position, which is the most desirable. Again, it should be understood, however, that it is not intended that the principles of the present invention should be limited to such positioning of the tabulating cards, but the principles of the present invention can be readily applied to other forms of tray construction, whether in use with tabulating cards in a vertical position, in other positions, or with other filed material.

The tabulating card file tray construction of the present invention includes a tray member, generally indicated at 20 and shown in FIGS. 1 through 4. Tray member 20 is provided with a front end member, generally indicated at 21, and a compressor-follower member, generally indicated at 22, all of which may be formed of usual materials, such as steel and the like, and by usual manufacturing processes.

Tray member 20, when this tray member is in normal stored position, is provided with a generally horizontally and longitudinally extending bottom wall 23 and the laterally spaced generally vertically and longitudinally extending side walls 24. Side walls 24 define an open rearward end for the tray member and are reinforced at this rearward end by being secured to an inverted generally U-shaped rear end engagement member 25.

The side walls 24 may be turned over at their upper extremities again to add stiffness as desired, and these side walls may be formed integral with the bottom wall 23 to thereby form the entire shell of the tray member as a one-piece stamping. Further, as shown in vertical and lateral cross section in FIGS. 5 and 8, the bottom wall 23 is formed generally U-shaped extending horizontally inwardly from the lower extremities of the side walls 24, forming the downwardly opening recesses 26, and then vertically downwardly and then horizontally the remainder of the distance between the side walls to form the track well 27 within the confines of the tray member 20, as shown.

The front end member 21 includes a front end engagement member 28 which is likewise inverted generally U-shaped in configuration, similar in shape to the rear end engagement member 25, only having a slightly greater longitudinal length. Both the rear end and front end engagement members 25 and 28 extend vertically above the upper extremities of the side walls 24 a predetermined distance, and then laterally span the distance between these side walls 24 and over the bottom wall 23.

Side walls 24 abut the laterally outward surfaces of the rear end and front end engagement members 25 and 28 and are secured thereto, as shown. Thus, the rear and front end engagement members 25 and 28 extend vertically downwardly within the side walls 24 and then below the lower extremities of these side walls to form the arcuate leg portions 29 extending slightly below the bottom wall 23. Finally, the rear end and front end engagement members 25' and 28 extend laterally inwardly from the leg portions 29 within the bottom wall recesses 26, as best seen in FIGS. 5 and 8, terminating against the outer surfaces of the portions of the bottom wall forming the track well 27, previously described.

Both the front end and rear end engagement members 25 and 28 are multiple-function members, forming reinforcing members for the front wd rear portions of the tray member 20, and also leg members for the front and rear portions of the tray member. Further, the rear end engagement member 25 in combination with the bottom Wall 23' serves to support the tray member 20 in a downwardly angled position when the tray member is extended from its stored position within a filing cabinet to an accessible position extending from the filing cabinet, as shown in FIG. 2 and as will be hereinafter more fully explained. Also, the front end engagement member 28 serves to support and guide the front end wall 30, as will be hereinafter described, with both of these engagement members 25 and 28 likewise serving as handles for the tray member 20 when it is completely removed from a filing cabinet.

The front end wall 30 on the front end member 21 normally extends generally vertically at the rearward edge of the front end engagement member 28, as shown in I63. 1 and 3, and includes a lower section 31 and an upper section 32. The lower section 31 is formed for the main part from a laterally and normally vertically extending plate 33 which extends laterally between the side walls 24 with slight clearance at the side walls for longitudinal movement of plate 33 within the side walls.

Further, the lower section 31 is provided with the generally L-shaped laterally spaced longitudinally rearwardly directed foot portions 34, preferably formed integral with the plate 33. These foot portions 34 are prefera'bly received in laterally extending slots 35 formed in the bottom wall 23 in the portions of the bottom wall extending generally horizontally and forming a part of the recesses 26, as previously described. Also, the lower section 31 may be provided with the forwardly and laterally inwardly directed card holding flanges 36, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, for holding an identification card to identify the particular ta'buiating cards stored in the tray member 20.

The lower section plate 33 terminates vertically upwardly spaced below the upper extremities of the side wall 24, where it is hingedly connected to the upper section 32 through a hinge pin 37 and a spring 38. Spring 38 is arranged for normally urging the front end wall 30 to its normal vertically extending position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

The upper section 32 normally extends vertically upwardly from the lower section 31 and is inverted generally L-shaped in longitudinal cross section, having the normally generally vertically extending plate portion 39 which extends laterally between the side walls 24 and upwardly to a point spaced slightly below the upper extremities of the front end engagement member 28, and the forwardly directed normally generally horizontal leg portion 4t) which extends forwardly from the plate portion 39 within the confines of the front end engagement member 28. The upper section leg portion 40 terminates forwardly in a rolled portion 41 which encompasses a laterally extending engagement pin 42.

Engagement pin 42 extends laterally within the upper section rolled portion 41 and is slidably and pivotally engaged laterally outwardly of this rolled portion in generally hook-shaped engagement slots 43, which slots are formed at either side of the front end engagement member 28 within the vertically extending portions thereof and are substantially identical and laterally aligned. The hook-shaped engagement slots 43 include the upper generally vertically extending portions 44, which connect downwardly to the downwardly and rearwardly angled portions 45, which in turn are connected downwardly to the downwardly-forwardly-upwardly hooked portions 46.

Thus, with the foregoing construction of the front end wall 30 in combination with the front end engagement member 28, the spring 38 at the hinge pin 37, forming the hinge connection between the lower and upper sections 31 and 32, normally retains these sections in their vertically extending positions, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. When, however, a rearwardly directed force is applied to the front end wall 30 in the vicinity of the hinge pin 7 37, overcoming the resilient force of the spring 33, both the upper end of the lower section 3 1 and the lower end of the upper section 32 will be moved rearwardly within the side walls 24.

As this rearward movement takes place, the lower section 31 will pivot with reference to the bottom wall 23, due to the pivotal connection of the foot portions 34 on the lower section 31 received through the slots 35 in the bottom wall 23. Furthermore, as this rearward movement takes place, the engagement pin 42 in the upper section rolled portion 41 will move downwardly within the generally hook-shaped engagement slots 43, through the upper generally horizontally extending portions 44 into the angled portions 45, and ultimately will be engaged in the forward extremities of the hooked portions 46, so that the front end wall 30 then assumes a general- 1y V-shape, as viewed in longitudinal cross section and as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6. The engagement of the upper section engagement pin 42 in the hook portions 46 of the engagement slots 43 will retain the front end wall 30 in this V-shaped position against the forward urging of the spring 38.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 7 and 8, a generally horizontally and longitudinally extending track member 47 is secured within the bottom wall track well 27, with the track member being provided with the laterally outwardly extending and laterally spaced flanges 43 extending substantially the entire longitudinal distance of the bottom wall a predetermined distance. Furthermore, extending longitudinally and substantially laterally midway of the track member 47 is the engagement portion 49, which is likewise spaced above the bottom wall 23 preferably on the same horizontal level with the flanges 48. A series of laterally extending and longitudinally equally spaced engagement slots 50 is formed in engagement portion 49 which likewise extends substantially the entire longitudinal extent of bottom wall 23.

The compressor-follower member, generally indicated at 22, includes a main support member 51, a compressor plate member 52, a positioning dog assembly 53 and an actuating member 54. The main support member 51, as shown for instance in FIG. 18, is generally U-shaped in horizontal cross section having the rearwardly directed side flanges 55 which extend rearwardly away from the front end member 21 and front end wall 30.

Further, the main support member 51 is mounted in a generally vertical but slightly forward tilted position within the tray member by being supported through a rearwardly directed flange 56 secured to the top generally horizontal surface of the track engagement member 57. The track engagement member 57 has suflicient longitudinal length for providing stability of the main support member 51 on the track member 47 and is provided with the laterally oppositely disposed longitudinally extending side flanges 58 which extend laterally around and beneath the flanges 48 on track member 47, as shown for instance in FIG. 11, so that the track engagement member 57 telescopes over and is engaged with the track member 47 for longitudinal slidable movement thereon.

Furthermore, it is preferable to form a downwardly extending supporting dimple 59 in the top horizontal surface of the track engagement member 57 at each of the corners thereof and overlying the flanges 43 of the track member 47, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, to thereby support the top horizontally extending portion of the track engagement member 57 spaced slightly above the top horizontal surface of track member 47 and resting on these supporting dimples 59. This not only provides an even support of the track engagement member 57 on the track member 47 but, more important, elirnintaes binding during slidable movement between these members and provides for maximum ease of such sliding movement in view of the minimum surface contact.

The main supporting member 51 extends upwardly to a point preferably slightly above the upper extremities of the side walls 24 and is spaced laterally inwardly therefrom, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 11, with the side flanges thereof having laterally aligned and generally vertically extending guide slots formed therethrough, as shown for instance in FIGS. 9, 10 and 18. Guide slots 60 are formed in the main supporting member side flanges 55 spaced slightly downwardly from the upper extremities of this supporting member 51 and at a predetermined location with relation to the compressor plate member 52 and actuating member 54.

The compressor plate member 52 is also generally U- shaped in horizontal cross section and is positioned telescoped over the main support member 51, with this compressor plate member being provided with the front plate portion 61 and the rearwardly directed side flanges 62, shown for instance in FIGS. 12 and 18. Further, the compressor plate member 52 is pivotally connected to the main support plate 51, spaced slightly above the lower extremities of each of these members, by the pivot pin 63, which pin is received through the side flanges 55 of the main support member 51 and the side flanges 62 of the compressor plate member 52.

Thus, the compressor plate member 52 is pivotally mounted on the main support 51 for pivotal movement between a position in which the front plate portion 61 extends substantially parallel to the corresponding portion of the main support member 51, as shown in FIGS. 2, 9, 10 and 12, and a position in which the front plate portion 61 is angled forwardly with respect to the corresponding portion of the main support member 51, as shown in FIGS. 1, 14 and 15. The first such position or the parallel position is termed the non-compressing position, and the second or forwardly tilted position is termed the compressing position.

The compressor plate member 52 preferably extends above the upper extremities of the main support member 51 to a point spaced slightly below the upper extremities of the rear and front end engagement members 25 and 23, andlaterally aligned actuating slots 64 are formed through the side flanges 62 of member 52, with the upper extremities of these slots 64 being latermly aligned with the upper extremities of the guide slots 60 in the main support member 51, as shown for instance in FIGS. 9 and 10. The actuating slots 64 are formed at their upper extremities with the straight generally vertically extending portions 65 which extend vertically downwardly a predetermined distance into the somewhat arcuate downwardly rearwardly angled portions 66.

As previously discussed, the vertically extending portions 65 of the actuating slots 64, when the compressor plate member 52 is in non-compressing position, are laterally aligned with the upper extremity portions of the guide slots 60 in the compressor plate member 52. Further, the forward surfaces 67 of the downwardly rearwardly angled portions of these actuating slots, that is, the surfaces nearest the front end member 21, are formed notched or toothed, as shown for instance in FIGS. 9, 10, 14 and 15.

The actuating member 54 is also generally U-shaped in horizontal cross section and is telescoped within the main support member 51, being provided with the laterally and generally vertically extending face portion 68 and the rearwardly directed flanges 69. This actuating member 54 extends vertically only approximately oneha-lf the vertical extent of the compressor plate member 52 and at its upper extremity is formed with a rearwardly directed gripping flange '70. Flange 70 is normally positioned extending rearwardly at approximately the upper extremity of the compressor plate member 52 and this constitutes the maximum upward position of the actuating member 54.

The face portion 68 of the actuating member 54 is formed with the laterally spaced rearwardly extending tabs 71 through which is mounted the laterally and gen- 9 erally horizontally extending actuating pin 72, as shown in FIG. 11. Pin '72 extends through the tabs 71 and the side flanges 69 of the actuating member 54, support ing this pin immovable with respect to the actuating member 54 and extending laterally thereof. Further, pin 72 extends laterally outwardly through the guide slots 60 in the main support member 51 and the actuating slots 64 in the compressor plate member 52, tying the main support member 51, the compressor plate member 52 and the actuating member 54 together for controlled movement of the actuating member 54 within the main support member 51 and the compressor plate member 52 outward of the main support member 51.

Vertically spaced pairs of laterally spaced positioning dimples 73 are formed in the actuating member 54 extending rearwardly, and corresponding sets of positioning dimples 74 are formed in the main support member 51, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 15 through 18, with the positioning dimples 73 in the actuating member 54 being aligned and telescoped within the positioning dimples 74 in the main support member 51 when the actuating member 54 is in its uppermost position, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the purpose of which will be hereinafter explained. Further, to accommodate the telescopic engagement of the positioning dimples 73 and 74 and disengagement thereof during vertical movement of actuating member 54 with reference to the main support member 51, the guide slots 60 in the main support member 51 are formed with a longitudinal width a predetermined amount larger than the longitudinal dimensions of the actuating pin 72, Whereas relatively close clearances are maintained between this pin and the vertically extending portions 65 of actuating slots 64 in the compressor plate member 52, as will also be hereinafter explained.

The positioning dog assembly 53 is best seen in FIGS. 4, 8, 9, 11, 12 and 15 and includes a housing portion 75 formed generally U-shaped in horizontal cross section and opening forwardly and in both vertical directions. The housing portion 75 is provided with the laterally extending flanges 76 through which this housing portion is secured to the back surface of the main support member 51 at the lower extremity of this main support member as shown.

Still further, the housing portion 75 is provided with the downward and rearwardly extending L-shaped fastening leg 77 which abuts and is secured to the top horizontal surface of the track engagement member 57 spaced rearwardly of therearward extremity of the flange 56 on the main support member 51. The vertically upward opening of the housing portion 75 is closed by the laterally extending cover portion 78, which cover portion is preferably formed generally L-shaped in vertical cross section, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, and is received laterally through slots 79. Cover portion 78 is secured extending through slots 79 by the downwardly angled tab 80, with this unique construction being for purposes of convenient assembly, as will be hereinafter explained.

A laterally extending slot 81 is formed substantially laterally midway downwardly through the track engagement member 51, generally vertically aligned with the longitudinally extending space between the main support member flange 56 and the housing portion fastening leg 77, as shown for instance in cross section in FIG. 12. Also, the cover portion '78, generally horizontally closing the upward opening of the housing portion 75, terminates forwardly, spaced from the main support member 51, to thereby form the laterally extending slot 82 opening downwardly into the housing portion 75 forwardly of the cover portion 78' and rearwardly of the main support member 51.

Still further, a downwardly opening slot 83 is formed in the actuating member 54 substantially laterally midway of this actuating member and spaced laterally inwardly from the actuating member side flanges 69, with both the slot 83 and the vertical opening through the housing portion 75 of the positioning dog assembly 53 having substantially the same lateral width. Finally, the slot 83 has a predetermined vertical height for a purpose to be hereinafter described and is closed at the lower extremities of the actuating member 54 by the actuating bar 84, preferably secured to the rear surface of the actuating member 54 and spanning the lateral distance across the slot 83.

The positioning dog 85 extends generally vertically, preferably being formed of a specifically configured strip having for the most part a lateral width slightly less than the lateral width of the actuating member slot 83 and the vertical opening formed through the housing portion 75 of the positioning dog assembly 53. Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, this positioning dog 85 is formed with a generally horizontally rearwardly extending control portion 86 at its upper extremity, a generally vertically extending connecting portion 87, a generally horizontally and rearwardly extending spring seat portion 88, another generally vertically downwardly extending connecting port-ion 89, and terminates downwardly in an engagement dog 90. The control portion 86, connecting portion 87, spring seat portion 88 and connecting portion 89 are of uniform lateral width, as before stated, slightly less than the lateral width of the actuating member slot 83 and the vertical opening through the positioning dog assembly housing portion 75, whereas the engagement dog 99 has a much less lateral width, as shown in FIG. 11.

In assembled position, the control portion 86 of this positioning dog 85 is engaged rearwardly through the actuating member slot 83 overlying the actuating bar 84 and engageable therewith during operation, as will be hereinafter described. The control portion 86 is connected to the connecting portion 87, which connecting portion extends vertically downwardly against the rear surface of the main support member 51 and between this rear surface and the forward surface of the actuating bar 84.

Connecting portion 87 extends downwardly from the lower extremities of the actuating member 54 and into the vertical opening in the housing portion 75 through the slot 82 rearward of the main support member 51 and forward of the cover portion 78, with this connecting portion terminating vertically downwardly intermediate the vertical height of the cover portion 78, as shown. The spring seat portion 88 is connected to the connecting portion 87 extending rearwardly substantially the entire longitudinal width of the housing portion 75 and is connected to the connecting portion 89 which extends substantially vertically downwardly from this spring seat portion 88 normally to the lower extremities of the housing portion 75 and slidably abutting this housing portion. Finally, the engagement dog 98 is connected to the lower extremities of the connecting portion 89 and normally extends through the slot 81 formed in the track engagement member 57 for selective engagement in one of the engagement slots 58 in the track member 47.

A compression spring 91 is positioned between the cover portion 78 and the positioning dog spring seat portion 88 within the vertical opening of the housing portion 75, with this compression spring normally urging the positioning dog 85 downwardly tending to urge the engagement dog 98 into engagement with one of the track member engagement slots 50. The previously described construction of the cover portion 78 is to permit the assembly of the positioning dog 85 extending vertically downwardly through the housing portion 75 prior to the assembly of this cover portion 78; and after the positioning dog 85 is so assembled, the compression spring 91 may be positioned in place and the cover portion 78 then received through the slot '78, with the tab then being 1 1 bent downward to retain the cover portion 78 in its proper assembled position.

As is apparent from the foregoing description, the posi tioning dog 85 is guided for vertical slidable movement both with the actuating member 54 and independent thereof by the positioning of this positioning dog 85, first, between the actuating member actuating bar 84 and the main support member 51, then by the slot 82 between the main support member 51 and the cover portion 78, and then by the dimensioning of the spring seat portion 88 maintaining the conecting portion 87 against the rearward surface of the main support member 51 and the connecting portion 89 against the forward surface of the housing portion 75. Further, as can be seen in FIG. 12, the connecting portion 89 of this positioning dog 85 ex tends vertically downwardly between the housing portion 75 and the pivot pin 63, which pin extends laterally through the housing portion 75 and pivotally mounts the compressor plate member 52 on the main support member 51, as previously described.

The actuating member 54 and positioning dog 85 are dimensioned such that when the actuating member 54 is in its uppermost vertical position, as shown in FIG. 9 and as will be further explained in detail, the actuating bar 84 has engaged the positioning dog control portion 86 and moved the positioning dog vertically upwardly to compress the spring 91 and withdraw the engagement dog 90 at the lower extremity of the positioning dog from engagement with the track member 47. Further, as the actuating member 54 is moved vertically downwardly from its uppermost position, the actuating bar 84 first permits the compression spring 91 to move the positioning dog 85 vertically downwardly so that the engagement dog 90 of this positioning dog may engage in one of the engagement slots 50 of the track member 47, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

Thereafter, continued downward movement of the actuating member 54 does not affect the positioning dog 85, since the actuating bar 84 of actuating member 54 is moving downwardly away from the positioning dog control portion 86, and the actuating member slot 83 permits the downward movement of the actuating member 54 to its lowermost position, as shown in FIG. 15. Thus, a lost motion connection is provided between the actuating member 54 and positioning dog 85, whereby the actuating member 54 only controls movement of the positioning dog 85 in the uppermost portions of movement of the actuating member, with this lost motion connection permitting the actuating member to move vertically during the major portions of its vertical movement without interference from the positioning dog 85.

The complete operation of the compressor-follower member 22 is shown progressively in FIGS. 9 through 18. FIGS. 9 and 16 show the compressor plate member 52 in non-compressing position with the positioning dog 85 in disengaged position, FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 17 and 18 show the compressor plate member 52 in non-compress ing position with the positioning dog 85 in engaged position, and FIGS. 14 and show the compressor plate member 52 in compressing position with the positioning dog 85 in engaged position.

As shown in the drawings, the vertical movement of the actuating member 54 is defined by the movement of the actuating pin 72 in the generally vertically extending guide slots 60; and when the actuating member 54 is moved to its extreme upward position, as shown in FIG. 9, the actuating pin 72 is at the upper extremity of the main support member guide slots 60 and is also at the upper extremities of the compressor plate member actuating slots 64. Thus, the actuating pin 72 is in the vertically extending portion 65 of the compressor plate member actuating slots 64 retaining the front plate portion 61 of the compressor plate member 52 substantially parallel to the corresponding portion of the main support member 51.

Furthermore, as previously described, this uppermost position of the actuating member 54 causes the engagement dog 90 of'the positioning dog to be retained up wardly disengaged from the track member 47 through the upward urging of the actuating member actuating bar 84 against the positioning dog control portion 86 retaining the compression spring 91 in a compressed position, again as shown in FIG. 9. Finally, with the actuating member 54 in its uppermost position, the actuating member positioning dimples 73 are aligned with and engaged with the main support member positioning dimples 74, as shown in FIG. 16, retaining the positioning dog 85 disengaged from the track member 47 so that the compressor-follower member 22 is freely longitudinally slidable along the track member to any desired longitudinal position.

When the compressor-follower member 22 has been positioned at the desired longitudinal location within the tray member 20, a downward force is exerted on the actuating member 54 disengaging the actuating member positioning dimples 73 from the main support member positioning dimples 74 and moving the actuating member vertically downwardly within the main support member guide slots 60 and also Within the compressor plate member actuating slots 64 until the actuating pin 72 has reached the lower extremities of the vertically extending portions 65 in actuating slots 64, as shown in FIGS. 10 through 13, 17 and 18. In this position, the actuating bar 84 of the actuating member 54 has moved downwardly to release the positioning dog 85 and permit the compression spring 91 to urge this positioning dog downwardly, engaging the positioning dog engagement dog in one of the track member engagement slots 50, thereby retaining the compressor-follower member 22 immovable longitudinally within the tray member 20 but with the compressor plate member 52 still in its non-compressing position.

Finally, as the actuating member 54 is moved further downwardly, moving the actuating pin 72 further downwardly within the main support member guide slots 60, the compressor plate member 52, due to the downwardly rearwardly angled portion 66 of the compressor plate member actuating slots 64, begins to angle forwardly in a compressing position, pivoting around the pivot pin 63 and with reference to the main support member 51. This movement of the compressor plate member 52 is, of course, for compressing tabulating cards tightly within the tray member 20 and against the front end member 21; and this compressing action is resisted by the tabulating cards, thereby tending to return the compressor plate member 52 toward its non-compressing position.

This rearwartd urging by the tabulating cards against the compressor plate member 52 urges the notched or toothed forward surfaces 67 of the downwardly rearwardly angled portions 66 in the actuating slots 64 to engage the actuating pin 72, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, so that movement of the actuating pin 72 upwardly within these downwardly rearwardly angled portions 66 of the actuating slots 64 is resisted and the actuating member 54 may, therefore, be released and will remain in this position retaining the compressor plate member 52 in its particular compressing position. The release of the compressor plate member 52 for returning it to non-compressing position is accomplished merely by exerting a force upwardly on the actuating member 54 sufiicient to disengage the actuating pin 72 from the notched or toothed forward surfaces 67 on the downwardly rearwardly angled portions 66 of the actuating slots 64, with the release of the compressorfollower member 22 for free longitudinal movement within the tray member 20 being just the reverse of that previously discussed, that is, the extreme upward positioning of the actuating member 54.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is preferred to provide the tray member 20 with both the unique form of front end member 21, as described, and the unique form of compressor-follower member 22, as previously described.

Further, it is preferred to provide the tray member 20 with a rear end engagement member 25 and mount the tray member for storage in filing cabinets, generally of the type shown in FIG. 2 at 92, having the tray opening 93 provided with the downwardly and preferably rearwardly extending engagement flange 94.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 1, in normal stored position the tabulating cards 95 are retained securely within the tray member 20. In this position, the compressor-follower member 22 has been moved longitudinally forwardly of the tray member to abut the cards 95 while the compressor plate member 52 is in compressing position, and the front end wall 30 of the front end member 21 is in generally vertically extending posit-ion with the lower and upper sections 31 and 32 of front end wall 30 substantially vertically aligned.

The actuating member 54 of the compressor-follower member .22 is then moved vertically downwardly to first engage the positioning dog 85 of the positioning dog as sembly 53 with the track member 47, retaining the compressor-follower member immovable longitudinally of the tray member 20, and then further downwardly to move the compressor plate member 52 to its forwardly angled compressing position, as shown in FIG. 1. This compresses the tabulating cards 95 between the front end member 21 and compressor-follower member 22, retaining them securely in the tray member 20.

When it is desired to gain access to certain of the tabulating cards 95, the tray member 20 is moved outwardly of the filing cabinet 92 to the position shown in FIG. 2, that is, with the tray member angling downwardly with respect to the filing cabinet and having the rear end engagement member 25 engaged with the engagement flange 94 of the cabinet. The actuating member is then moved vertically upwardly to move the compressor plate member 52 to its non-compressing position and also to release the positioning dog *85 from the track member 47, so that the compressor-follower member 22 may be moved slightly longitudinally rearwardly away from the tabulating cards 95.

This results in the tabulating cards 95 resting loosely in angled positions against the front end members 21, with the front end wall 30 thereof still extending in its generally vertically extending position. Then by applying a rearward directed force to the front end wall 30 in the general vicinity of the hinge pin 37, such as by a person inserting the fingers of one hand within the front end engagement member 28 and against the front end wall 30, this front end wall is moved to its generally V-shaped position, as shown in FIG. 2, thereby moving the tabulating cards 95 to a more upstanding position and moving the upper portions of these tabulating cards away from the upper section 32 of the front end wall 30. This, therefore, provides convenient access to the tabulating cards 95 even at the forwardmost portion of the tray member 20, so that these cands can be removed, if desired, and used in conjunction with the business machines.

Thus, according to the principles of the present invention, a front end member 21 is provided having a front end wall 30 which may be positioned in a generally vertically extending position during normal storage but which may be manipulated to a V-shape, moving the filed material, such as the tabulating cards 95, away from the upper section 32 thereof to provide easy access to these cards even at the front portion of the tray member 20. Furthermore, this front end wall 30 is retained in its V-shaped position by the engagement pin 42 cooperating with the generally hook-shaped engagement slots 43 in the front end engagement member 28.

Still further, an improved compressor-follower member 22 is provided having a single actuating member 54 movable from a first disengaged position to a second engaged position for engaging the positioning dog 85 in engagement with the track member 47 on the bottom wall 23 of 1% tray member 20 and then for movement of the actuating member 54 to a third position, forcing the compressor plate member 52 from nonacompressing to compressing position. Thus, the compressor-follower member 22 may be completely manipulated by one hand and with a maximum of efficiency.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding, but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom, because such words are used for descriptive purposes herein, and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the embodiment of the improved construction illustrated and described herein is by way of example, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the exact details of the construction shown.

Having now described the invention, the construction, operation and use of a preferred embodiment thereof, and the advantageous new and useful results obtained thereby; the new and useful construction and reasonable mechanical equivalents thereof obvious to those skilled in the art are set forth in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. File tray construction including a longitudinally extending tray, a compressor-follower mounted for longitudinal slidable movement in the tray, releasable positioning means operably connected between the tray and compressor-follower movable between normal engaged position engaged between the tray and compressor-follower for normally retaining the compressor-follower in a selected longitudinal position and a released position free of engagement between the tray and compressorfollower for longitudinal slidable movement of the compressor-follower in the tray, the compressor-follower having an upstanding main support formed thereon, a compressor plate pivotally connected to the main support for pivotal movement between a generally vertically extending upstanding non-compressing position and an upwardlyforwardly angled compressing position, actuating means generally vertically slidably connected to the main support for vertical slidable movement between a first and second position and between a second and third position, slot means operably connecting the actuating means and positioning means providing positive connection for movement of the positioning means from engaged to released positions upon movement of the actuating means vertically from second to first positions and providing free vertical slidable movement between the actuating means and positioning means when the actuating means is moved between second and third positions, means independent of the actuating means operably connected to the positioning means for retaining the positioning means in engaged position during movement of the actuating means between second and third positions, and slot means operably connecting the actuating means and compressor plate providing vertical slidable movement of the actuating means relative to the compressor plate while positively retaining the compressor plate in non-compressing position during movement of the actuating means between first and second positions and providing connection for positive pivotal movement of the compressor plate between noncompressing and compressing positions upon vertical movement of the actuating means between second and third positions.

2. File tray construction as defined in claim 1 in which selectively releasable holding means is operably connected between the actuating means and main support releasably resisting slidable movement of the actuating means from first toward second positions for releasably holding the actuating means in said first position and thereby re.- leasably retaining the positioning means in released position to permit free longitudinal slidable movement of the compressor-follower in the tray.

3. File tray construction as defined in claim 1 in which the slot means operably connecting the actuating means and positioning means includes a generally vertically extending slot formed in the actuating means and having a lower extremity closed by a portion of the actuating means, an upper portion of the positioning means engaged vertically slidably in the actuating means slot and engageable with the actuating means portion closing the slot lower extremity, the positioning means upper portion being engaged with the actuating means portion during vertical slidable movement of the actuating means from second to first positions for positively moving the positioning means from engaged to released positions, and the positioning means upper portion sliding in the actuating means slot during movement of the actuating means vertically slidably between second and third positions to thereby provide slidable movement between the actuating means and positioning means during movement of the actuating means between second and third positions while the positioning means remains engaged between the tray and compressor-follower.

4. File tray construction including a longitudinally extending tray, a compressor-follower mounted for longitudinal slidable movement in the tray, releasable positioning means operably connected between the tray and compressor-follower movable between normal engaged position engaged between the tray and compressor-follower normally retaining the compressor-follower in a selected longitudinal position and a released position free of engagement between the tray and compressor-follower for longitudinal slidable movement of the compressorfollower in the tray member, the compressor-follower having a generally vertically extending main support formed thereon, flange means formed on the main support extending generally vertically-longitudinally, a compressor plate pivotally connected to the main support for pivotal movement between a generally vertically extending upstanding non-compressing position and an upwardly-forwardly angled compressing position, generally vertically-longitudinally extending flange means on the compressor plate, straight vertically extending guide slot means formed in the main support flange means, actuating slot means having an upper straight vertically extending portion and a lower downwardly-rearwardly angled portion formed in the compressor plate flange means, the main support guide slot means being aligned with the upper straight vertically extending portion of the compressor plate actuating slot means when the compressor plate is in non-compressing position and being aligned with parts of the lower downwardly-rearwardly angled portion of the compressor plate actuating slot means when the compressor plate is in compressing position, a vertically slidable actuating member having a portion slidably received through the guide slot means of the main support flange means and through the actuating slot means of the compressor plate flange means mounting the actuating member vertically slidably movable between a first upper position and a second intermediate position and between said second intermediate position and a third lower position, the actuating member portion moving in an upper part of the main support guide slot means and in the upper straight vertically extending portion of the compressor plate actuating slot means when the actuating member is moved vertically between said first upper position and said second intermediate position positively retaining the compressor plate in generally vertically extending non-compressing position, the actuating member portion moving a lower part of the main support guide slot means and in the lower downwardly-rearwardly angled portion of the compressor plate actuating slot means when the actuating member is moved vertically between said second intermediate position and said third lower position positively moving the compressor plate pivotally between vertically extending non-compressing position to and from upwardly-forwardly angled compressing position, slot means operably connecting the actuating member and positioning means providing positive connection for movement of the positioning means from engaged to released positions upon vertical movement of the actuating member from said second intermediate position to said first released position and providing free vertical slidable movement between the actuating member and positioning means when the actuating member is moved between said second intermediate position and said third lower position, and means independent of the actuating member operably connected to the positioning means .for retaining the positioning means in engaged position during vertical movement of the actuating member between said second intermediate position and said third lower position.

5. File tray construction as defined in claim 4 in which the slot means operably connecting the actuating member and positioning means includes a generally vertically extending slot formed in the actuating member and having a lower extremity closed by a portion of the actuating member, an upper portion of the position means engaged vertically slidably in the actuating member slot and engageable with the actuating member portion closing the slot lower extremity, the positioning means upper portion being engaged with the actuating member portion during vertical slidable movement of the actuating member from said second intermediate position to said first upper position for positively moving the positioning means upwardly from engaged to released positions, and the positioning means upper portion sliding vertically in the actuating member slot during movement of the actuating member vertically slidably between said second intermediate position and said third lower position to thereby provide vertical slidable movement between the actuating member and positioning means during movement of the actuating member between said second and third positions while the positioning means remains engaged between the tray and compressor-follower.

6. File tray construction as defined in claim 4 in which selectively releasable holding means is operably connected between the actuating member and main support releasably resisting vertical slidable movement of the actuating member from said first upper position toward said second intermediate position for releasably holding the actuating member in said first position and thereby releasably retaining the positioning means in released position to permit free longitudinal slidable movement of the compressor-follower in the tray.

7. File tray construction as defined in claim 4 in which the lower downwardly-rearwardly angled portion of the compressor plate actuating slot means is formed with a series of spaced notch means for releasably retaining the actuating member portion at a selected location in said slot lower downwardly-rearwardly angled portion to thereby releasably retain the compressor plate in a selected upwardly-forwardly angled compressing position.

8. File tray construction as defined in claim 4 in which selectively releasable holding means is operably connected between the actuating member and main support releasably resisting vertical slidable movement of the actuating member from said first upper position toward said second intermediate position for releasably holding the actuating member in said first position and thereby releasably retaining the positioning means in released position to permit free longitudinal slidable movement of the compressor-follower in the tray; and in which the lower downwardly-rearwardly angled portion of the compressor plate actuating slot means is formed with a series of spaced notch means for releasably retaining the actuating member portion at a selected location in said slot lower downwardly-rearwardly angled portion to thereby releasably retain the compressor plate in a selected upwardly-forwardly angled compressing position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 863,462 Spiro Aug. 13, 1907 (Other references on following page) UNITED STATES PATENTS FORETGN PATENTS 1,381,491 Ohnstrand June 14, 1921 521,921 Great Britain June 4, 1940 1,881,476 Gideon Oct. 11, 1932 525,885 Belgium Feb. 15, 1954 2,134,122 Haskin Oct. 25, 1936 1,158,600 France Jan. 27, 1958 2,159,415 Wolters May 23, 1939 5 594,868 Great Britain Mar. 22, 1960 2,225,385 Harriman Dec. 17', 1940 2,463,117 Lotter Mar. 1, 1949 HER EFERE CES 2,664,898 Lear 5, 1954 Wright Catalog No. 19, April 1955, received in Patent 2,733,719 Lear 7, 1956 Office March 26, 1956; Wright Line, Inc, 100 Exchange 2,759,430 Parent 1956 10 Street, Worcester 8, Mass.; page 16.

2,887,115 Ruddell May 19, 1959

Claims (1)

1. FILE TRAY CONSTRUCTION INCLUDING A LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING TRAY, A COMPRESSOR-FOLLOWER MOUNTED FOR LONGITUDINAL SLIDABLE MOVEMENT IN THE TRAY, RELEASABLE POSITIONING MEANS OPERABLY CONNECTED BETWEEN THE TRAY AND COMPRESSOR-FOLLOWER MOVABLE BETWEEN NORMAL ENGAGED POSITION ENGAGED BETWEEN THE TRAY AND COMPRESSOR-FOLLOWER FOR NORMALLY RETAINING THE COMPRESSOR-FOLLOWER IN A SELECTED LONGITUDINAL POSITION AND A RELEASED POSITION FREE OF ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN THE TRAY AND COMPRESSORFOLLOWER FOR LONGITUDINAL SLIDABLE MOVEMENT OF THE COMPRESSOR-FOLLOWER IN THE TRAY, THE COMPRESSOR-FOLLOWER HAVING AN UPSTANDING MAIN SUPPORT FORMED THEREON, A COMPRESSOR PLATE PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO THE MAIN SUPPORT FOR PIVOTAL MOVEMENT BETWEEN A GENERALLY VERTICALLY EXTENDING UPSTANDING NON-COMPRESSING POSITION AND AN UPWARDLYFORWARDLY ANGLED COMPRESSING POSITION, ACTUATING MEANS GENERALLY VERTICALLY SLIDABLY CONNECTED TO THE MAIN SUPPORT FOR VERTICAL SLIDABLE MOVEMENT BETWEEN A FIRST AND SECOND POSITION AND BETWEEN A SECOND AND THIRD POSITION, SLOT MEANS OPERABLY CONNECTION FOR CTUATING MEANS AND POSITIONING MEANS PROVIDING POSITIVE CONNECTINON FOR MOVEMENT OF THE POSITIONING MEANS FROM ENGAGED TO RELEASED POSITIONS UPON MOVEMENT OF THE ACTUATING MEANS VERTICALLY FROM SECOND TO FIRST POSITIONS AND PROVIDING FREE VERTICAL SLIDABLE MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE ACTUATING MEANS AND POSITIONING MEANS WHEN THE ACTUATING MEANS IS MOVED BETWEEN SECOND AND THIRD POSITIONS, MEANS INDEPENDENT OF THE ACTUATING MEANS OPERABLY CONNECTED TO THE POSITIONING MEANS FOR RETAINING THE POSITIONING MEANS IN ENGAGED POSITION DURING MOVEMENT OF THE ACTUATING MEANS BETWEEN SECOND AND THIRD POSITIONS, AND SLOT MEANS OPERABLY CONNECTING THE ACTUATING MEANS AND COMPRESSOR PLATE PROVIDING VERTICAL SLIDABLE MOVEMENT OF THE ACTUATTING MEANS RELATIVE TO THE COMPRESSOR PLATE WHILE POSITIVELY RETAINING THE COMPRESSOR PLATE IN NON-COMPRESSING POSITION DURING MOVEMENT OF THE ACTUATING MEANS BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND POSITIONS AND PROVIDING CONNECTION FOR POSITIVE PIVOTAL MOVEMENT OF THE COMPRESSOR PLATE BETWEEN NONCOMPRESSING AND COMPRESSING POSITIONS UPON VERTICAL MOVEMENT OF THE ACTUATING MEANS BETWEEN SECOND AND THIRD POSITIONS.

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