US3602563A

US3602563A - Swing top rotary file

Info

Publication number: US3602563A
Application number: US860244A
Authority: US
Inventors: Albert Karper
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1969-09-23
Filing date: 1969-09-23
Publication date: 1971-08-31
Anticipated expiration: 1988-08-31

Abstract

This disclosure is directed to improvements in a semirotary card file having an open top housing and a pivotally connected and readily detachable swing or semirotary closure whereby the closure is arranged to swing or rotate between open and closed positions about movable pivots which enables the closure to be selectively positioned in various selected opened positions or settings. Card holding means are associated with the closure for maintaining the cards, adapted to be filed in position on the closure in either the open or closed position. Means may also be provided for rotatably supporting either the housing or the detachable closure on a pedestal.

Description

United States Patent [72] Inventor Albert Karper 5700 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, Fla.

33l40 [2 1] Appl. No. 860,244 [22] Filed Sept. 23, 1969 [45] Patented Aug. 31, 1971 [54] SWING TOP ROTARY FILE 29 Claims, 22 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. CL... 312/189 [51] Int. Cl A4711 63/00- [50] Field of Search 312/189 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 254,399 2/1982 Smith 312/189 2,761,750 9/1956 Neilsen 312/189 3,253,871 10/1967 Karper Primary ExaminerPatriCk D. Lawson Attorney-Irving Seidman ABSTRACT: This disclosure is directed to improvements in a semirotary card file having an open top housing and a pivotally connected and readily detachable swing or semirotary closure whereby the closure is arranged to swing or rotate between open and closed positions about movable pivots which enables the closure to be selectively positioned in various selected opened positions or settings. Card holding means are associated with the closure for maintaining the cards,

adapted to be filed in position on the closure in either the open or closed position. Means may also be provided for rotatably supporting either the housing or the detachable closure on a pedestal.

PATENTED A1183] IS?! 3,602,563

sum 1 0F 6 INVENTOR.

ALBERT KARPER JL/QQ ATTORNEY PATENTEU AUBSI l9?! SHEET 2 [1F 6 INVENTOR. KARPER ALBERT ATTORNEY PATENTEU M1831 I971 SHEET 3 OF 6 INVENTOR. ALBERT KARPER BY J/W f ma I ATTORNEY PATENTEU AUGSI um SHEEI 5 OF 6 FIG. [3A

INVENTOR. ALBERT KARPER BY 2s 1 Z ATTORNEY p 7A B FIG. 8C 7 SHEET 8 BF 6 PATENTED was] I971 FIG INVENTOR A L BE RT KA RPE R BY V4 MM ATTORNEY SWING TOP ROTARY FILE PROBLEM AND PRIOR ART This invention is directed to improvements in swing top or semirotary files of the type disclosed in my US. Letters Patent 3,253,87l. As disclosed therein the swing closure was rotatably joumaled to the housing about fixed pivots. For this reason an operator could not selectively position the swing top that defined the card tray or holder relative to the housing. Consequently balancing of the card holder or closure and/or the ease of viewing and/or handling of the cards resulted in some inconvenience.

OBJECTS It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved swing top file in which the closure is pivotally journaled to the file housing about movable pivots so as to selectively position the closure relative to the housing in the opened position.

Another object is to provide a swing top file with a rotary base adapted to selectively rotatably support either the housing or the detached swing top.

Another object is to provide improved means on the closure to releasable hold a series of cards thereon in either open or closed positions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The foregoing objects and other features and advantages are attained by a card file comprising an open top housing and a complementary swing top closure pivotally mounted for movement between an open and closed position. The pivots for the closure are disposed in an elongated slot or recess for selectively positioning the pivoted closure relative to the housing in the open position. Means are provided on the closure for retaining the cards or material adapted to be stored in the file in position therein in either the open or closed position. In a contemplated embodiment a pedestal means is operatively associated with the file for rotatably supporting the file on a supporting surface.

FEATURES A feature of this invention resides in the provision of a swing top file in which the swing top can be selectively positioned in a number of different settings in the opened position thereof.

Another feature resides in the provision of rotatably supporting either the file or the swing top in a suitable supporting surface.

Another feature resides in the provision of improved means for holding the cards in position on the swing top. Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in view of the drawings and specifications in which:

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevation view of a swing top file shown in the closed inoperativeposition.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view similar to that of FIG. 1 but illustrating the file in an open settingposition.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view similar to that of FIGS. I and 2 but illustrating the swing top in another open setting position.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the open top housing portion of the card file of FIG. 1-3, having portions thereof shown in section.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the open top housing portron.

FIG. 5 is a right end elevation view of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a detailed inside plan view of the swing top cover of FIG. 1-3.

FIG. 7 is a sectional side elevation view taken along line 7 7 on FIG. 6, illustrating the cards therein.

FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective ;view of the swing top.

FIG. 78 illustrates a modified swing top.

FIG. 8 is a sectional end view taken along line 88 on FIG. 7, with the cards omitted.

FIG. 8A illustrates a partial perspective view of another modified swing top construction.

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the swing top modifica tion of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a partial perspective view of another modification of a swing top cover.

FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional view of the modification of FIG. 8C.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the card holding means connected to the swing top of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side elevation view of a modified form of the invention in which the file is rotary mounted on a pedestal support.

FIG. 10A illustrates a modification of the swing cover adapted for rotational mounting on a pedestal support.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of still another modified form of the invention illustrated in the closed position.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the form of the invention il lustrated in FIG. 11, but showing the swing top in the open position.

FIG. 13 is a detail showing the form of a card adapted to be used in conjunction with the file.

FIG. 13A is a diagrammatic illustration of the rotary mounted card file showing the swing top in the operative, unstowed position.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 9 there is illustrated an improved swing top or rotary top file 20 embodying the present invention. The file 20 comprises an open top housing 21 having a bottom wall 22 and integrally connected opposed sidewalls 23-23 and interconnecting end walls 24-24A. In the illustrated embodiment the end walls 24-24A are shown as inclining upwardly and outwardly with end wall 24A extending upwardly a distance greater than end wall 24. Accordingly, as seen in FIGS. 1-3, the upper edge 23A of the respective sidewalls 23 -23 incline upwardly in the direction from front to rear.

Operatively associated with the open top housing 21 is a swing top closure 25 which is adapted to form the cover and card holder for the open top housing 21. As best seen in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 6 to 9, the swing top closure 25 comprises a wall portion 26 which in the closed or inoperative position defines the top or cover for the file 20. As seen in FIGS. 6 and 7 the front and

rear portion

26A, 26B of the swing top closure 25 inclines upwardly and outwardly when disposed in the open position, or downwardly and outwardly when disposed in the closed inoperative position. The top wall and the respective inclined end portions are bounded by a marginal or top sidewall portion 27-27. Connected to one end 268 of the swing top is a flange to define a handle portion 28 for facilitating the operation or actuation of the swing top 25. Projecting outwardly to one side of the marginal or top sidewall portions 27 of the swing top 25 are opposed pivot pins 29-29 which are arranged to be slidably received in a longitudinally extending recess or slot 30 formed in the respective upper edge portions of the respective housing sidewalls 23. To facilitate the positioning of the swing top 25 onto the housing 21, a generally vertical entrance slot 30A is disposed in communication with the horizontal slot 30. Thus, when the pins 29 are disposed in alignment with slots 30A, the cover or top 25 can be readily moved or positioned in the housing 21. As shown, the vertical slot 30A is positioned slightly to one side of the end portion of the slot 30, as best seen in FIG. 4. With the description hereinbefore stated, and as seen in FIGS. 1 to 3, the swing top 25 can be rendered readily detachably connected to the housing 21 simply by introducingor removing the pins 29form slot 30 by aligning the pin with slots 30A.

File holding means 32 are operatively associated with the swing top 25. The file holding means 32 comprises a track member 33. In the illustrated embodiment the track member 33 is definedby a U-shaped configuration having generallyarcuately shaped

arms

33A, 33B and an interconnecting bight portion 33C. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 the track 33 is hingedly connected to one end 26A of the swing top 25. This is attained by a hinge plate 35 which is suitably secured to the swing top 25 by a fastener 36. The free end 35A of the hinge plate is adapted to hingedly secure the bight portion of the file track to the swing top 25.

The free ends of the

file track arms

33B, 33A are adapted to be received in a track seat 37 formed integral in the end 268 of the swing top 25. The track seat 37 is defined by a groove integrally formed in the swingtop for receiving the free end portions of the file track 33. Latch means in the form of a bar 38 are pivotally connected by a screw or pin 38A adjacent the integrally formed seat so as to permit a locking bar 38 to be swung in locking engagement over the free end of the file track arm disposed in the respective track seat. With the locking latches or bars 38 illustrated in FIG. 6 by the solid line showing the free ends of the file track are secured in place. By rotating the respective latches or bars 38 substantially 90 to the position indicated in the dotted line, the free ends of the file track can be lifted from their respective track seats 37. It will be apparent that the free ends of the file track when unlatched can be readily pivoted about its hinged end to facilitate the removal, insertion and/or correlating of the filing material thereon, e.g., information cards, file folders and the like.

FIG. 13 illustrates a typical information file article adapted to be secured in position by the file track. As shown, the information file matter comprises a sheet of material, e.g., a card of suitable size 39. The card 39 is formed with a pair of T-shaped slots 40 which open along the bottom edge of the card. The cards 39 can be detachably maintained in position by extending the

respective arm portions

33A, 33B of the file track 33 through the enlarged portion 40A of the T-shaped slot 40. In

this manner it will be apparent that the cards or file information 39 can be readily retained onto the cover in either the open or closed position thereof. It will be understood that suitable indexing means may also be provided for separating the information material or cards 39 as particular classifications and/or subjects may be required.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 it will be noted that a central portion 26C of the closure top 25 is recessed inwardly to define a concave-convex wall portion. Referring to FIG. 7, it will be noted, that the concave-convex portion 26C of the top 25 provides an arcuate section which will cause the cards 39 disposed along the track 33 to be fanned in the operative or open position to provide greater visibility of the information contained thereon.

In operation, as seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the swing top 25 is pivotally secured to the body or housing portion 21 by having the projecting pivot pins 29 accommodated within the elongated slot 30. To effect operation of the file 20 described, an operator need only to rotate the swing top 25 in the direction of arrow A, i.e., in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. I, substantially 180. In doing so the swing top can also be longitudinally moved so as to displace the pivot pins anywhere along the length of slot 30. Thus the top 25 in the opened position can be longitudinally shiftable along the length of slot 30. In one position swing cover 25 can be brought to rest, on the forward end wall 24 of the housing, whereby all of the cards disposed along the track 33 are rendered readily visible and/or accessible to the operator. If desired, the swing top in the open position may be located anywhere along the length of slot 30 and defines a tray which can be inclined at a plurality of different angles greater, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. When the swing top 25 is rotated about the pivot pin 29 to an open position with the pins in the inmost position, the intermediate portion of the card file top 25 is supported on end wall 24. With the swing top opened. it can be longitudinally displaced to locate the pivot pins 29 at any desired position along the sidewall.

In a modified form of the invention the filemay be rotatably supported on a supporting surface. With reference to FIG. 10, this can be readily attained by providing the housing 41 with means 42 formed in the bottom thereof for accommodating a pivot 43 projecting upwardly from a pedestal or base 44. A bearing disc 45 having a central aperture 46 adapted to receive the projecting pin 43 is positioned on the pedestal base 44. The means 42 formed on the housing 41 may be a socket of boss having a bore for receiving the pin 43. It is to be understood that means 42 may be integrally formed or be otherwise connected to the bottom wall of the housing 41.

With the construction described with reference to FIG. 10, it will be apparent that the housing 41 can be freely rotated about the pedestal pin 43 to any angular relationship with respect to pedestal 44. In all other respects the file 41 of FIG. 10 is similar to that hereinbefore described.

If desired the swing top 47 which defines the card tray of file 41 or file 20 may also be arranged so as to be rotatably supported on a pedestal of the type illustrated in FIG. 10. To attain this the outer surface of the top wall 47 of the swing top 48 is provided with a suitable boss or socket 49 having a bore therein for receiving the pin 43 of the pedestal means 44. Accordingly, in such a modification the swing top 48 can be readily removed from its respective housing 50 and rotatably supported on the pin of a similar type pedestal 44. The socket or boss 49 formed in the top wall 47 receives the pin 43 of the pedestal 44. See FIG. 10A.

If desired, gusset-type leg member 51 which is shown in phantom lines on FIGS. 4 or 5 may be alternately formed on one end of the housing.

FlGs. 11 and 12 illustrate still another modified form of the invention. In the file of this form of the invention the housing 61 is formed substantially similar to that hereinbefore described with reference to FIG. 1 and the swing top 62 is similarly constructed with the exception that one end 63 of the swing top 62 is hingedly connected to the top wall portion 62A thereof about a hinge 63A. An actuating lever or handle 64 is secured to the hinged front end of the housing. It will be noted that the swing top 62 is provided with a pivot hole or boss 65 for accommodating a pivot 43 of a pedestal means 44. Thus the file is provided with the swing top cover that defines the card tray which may be selectively positioned in a number of different settings in the open position thereof, either on the body of the

housing

21, 41 or 61. Also the arrangement is such that either the housing and/or its top may be rotatably supported on a suitable rotating pedestal means whereby it can be rotated in a horizontal plane to a desired angular position. The construction of both the respective housings and its swing top are such that each can be readily formed of molded plastic and/or suitable molded material. Consequently the component parts of the file comprise relatively simple structures which can be readily fabricated and assembled, and which component parts when assembled have functional stability.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a modified construction of the swing top 25' which may be utilized with the

housing

21 or 61 of the card files herein described. As shown, in FIG. 8A and 8B, the swing top closure 25' is similarly constructed as hereinbefore described with the exception that the swing top 25' is provided with a plurality of longitudinally exteriding ribs 27A to define therebetween a groove 27B that extends longitudinally and parallel to the opposed sidewalls 27. In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 8A and 83, two such longitudinally extending grooves 278 are illustrated as running along each of the opposed sidewalls 27-2 7. Adapted to be removably received within the respective grooves 278 is an angular insert 65. Each angular insert 65 is provided with a vertical leg 65A adapted to be received between the rib formations defining the longitudinally extending groove 27B and a horizontal leg 658. The vertical leg 65A extends slightly above the associated rib 27A so the opposed inserts define a channelway 66 to form a guideway for the cards adapted to be retained within the file. The inserts 65 may be disposed so as to accommodate various width of cards. For example a card having a width of Cl can be accommodated between the vertical legs of the innermost inserts 65. A card having a width of C2 may be accommodated between the vertical legs of the outer pair of inserts 65. It will be understood however that to accommodate a card width C2, it will be necessary to remove the inner pair of inserts. A card having a width of C3 can be accommodated within the swing top between the end walls 27-27. However, to accommodate card width C3, the two pair of inserts 65 must be removed. Accordingly, with the construction of the swing top 25' illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the swing top can be readily adapted to accommodate varying width cards. In all other respects the swing top 25' of FIGS. 8A and 8B is similar to that hereinbefore described with respect to FIGS. 6 to 9 or 10A.

FIGS. 8C and 8D illustrate another embodiment of a swing top cover contemplated by this invention. The swing top cover 25" of FIGS. 8C and 8C is similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 8A and 83 with the exception that the longitudinally extendings ribs 27A defining the insert grooves 28 terminate at a point below the bottom B of the swing top. Consequently the respective inserts 75 are constructed so that the vertical "leg portion thereof, 75A has its upper edge located Various width cards C1, C2 and C3 can thus be readily accommodated within the swing top 25" so that the bottom edge portions thereof are firmly supported either by the bottom wall B and/or the horizontal flanges 75B of the respective inserts depending upon the respective widths C1, C2 or C3.

The inserts 75 can be readily removed'from their respective retaining grooves 278 if desired. In all other respects the swing top construction of FIGS. 8C and 8D is similar to that hereinbefore described with respect to FIGS. 6-9.

As seen in FIGS. 7A and 13A the swing top construction is such that the cards therein can be fanned so as toprovide full viewing of the information located on any of the respective cards. Also the arrangement is such that the respective swing top may be adjustably positioned in several various open posisaid recess being defined as a longitudinally extending slot along which said pivot pin can slide for selectively positioning the swing closure member in the opened position thereof.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2 and including means for releasably connecting said pivot pins in said slot whereby said closure can be readily removed form said housing member.

4. The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein said slotted recess extends along the upper end of the opposed sidewall of said housing member.

5. Improvements in a semirotary file comprising:

an open top housing member and a swing top closure member for said housing member,

means for pivotally connecting said closure member to said housing member whereby said closure member can be swung between opened and closed positions,

' and means for effecting longitudinal displacement of said pivot means whereby said closure member can be selectively positioned in the opened position thereof relative to said housing member,

said housing member includes a pair of oppositely disposed sidewalls and opposed end walls interconnected between said sidewalls,

andsaid closure member having a wall portion defining the top of the file in the closed positions and a cradle for the file cards adapted to be disposed therein in the opened position,

holding means connected to said closure member for holding a file card in position thereon in either the opened or closed position thereof.

6. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein said holding means includes a track extending between the ends of said clotions to afford maximum ease of operation in viewing of the information contained on the respective cards supported on the swing top.

While the present invention has been described and disclosed with several embodiments thereof it will be appreciated and understood that variations and modifications may be direction of said axis whereby said closure member can be selectively and longitudinally positioned in the opened position thereof relative to said housing member.

2. improvements in a semirotary file comprising:

means for pivotally connecting said closure member to said housing member whereby said closure member can be swung between opened and closed positions, v

and means for effecting longitudinal displacement of said pivot means whereby said closure member can be selectively positioned in the opened position thereof relative to said housing member,

said pivotal connecting means includes:

opposed pivot pins connected to one of said members intermediate the ends thereon, and a complemental recess formed along the sides of the 7 member for accommodating said pivot pins,

sure member.

7. The invention as defined in claim 6 wherein said track includes a U-shaped member, having longitudinally extending arms and a connecting bight portion,

means for hinging said bight portion to one end of said closure member,

and means fordetachably connecting the respective free 'ends of said arms to the other end of said closure member.

8. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein the pivot pins are disposed intermediate the ends of said one member so as to be .disposed closer to one end of said member than the other end of said one member.

9. The invention as defined in claim 7 wherein said latter means includes va latching member pivotally mounted to said closure member for latching the respective free ends of said arms.

10. The invention as defined an claim 5 wherein said end walls of said housing member being inclined upwardly and outwardly; and said closure member wall portion having opposed end portions that incline downwardly and outwardly in the closed position. a

l l. Improvements in a semirotary file comprising:

and means for effecting longitudinal displacement of said pivot means whereby said closure membercan be selectively positioned in the opened position thereof relative to said housing member,

and a pedestal means for rotatably supporting said housing member.

12. The invention as defined in claim 11 wherein said pedestal means includes a plate member, and means for rotatably connecting said housing to said plate. 13. The invention as defined in claim 12 wherein said latter means includes a projecting pin connected to said plate member and a complementary socket adapted to receive said pin formed in the bottom of said housing member..

14. The invention as defined in claim 13 and including a rotary bearing disk interposed between said pedestal plate and the bottom of said housing to facilitate relative rotation between said plate and said housing.

15. The invention as defined in claim 14 wherein said housing is rendered readily detachably connected to said pedestal.

16. The invention as defined is claim 15 wherein said closure member includes means whereby it can be rotatably journaled on said pedestal.

17. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein the inner surface of said closure member is curvilinear to fan the cards adapted to be filed therein in the opened position.

18. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said slot is inclined upwardly and rearwardly along the sides of the housing member.

19. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein said wall portion of the closure member includes a hingedly connected end portion.

20. The invention as defined in claim 1 and including means supported on said closure member for holding a filing card thereon in either position of said closure member.

21. The invention as defined in claim 1 and including a plurality of card holding means supported on said closure member for holding a series of filing cards therein disposed in side-by-side relationship in either position of said closure member.

22. A semirotary file comprising 7 an open top housing having a pair of oppositely disposed sidewalls and opposed end walls interconnected between said sidewalls,

said sidewalls having their respective upper edges extending generally upwardly and rearwardly so that one end of the housing member is higher than the other,

a swing top closure pivotally mounted between the sidewalls of said housing,

said closure including a wall portion defining the top of said file in the closed position, and said wall portion including downwardly and outwardly inclined end portions end oppositely disposed marginal portions, pivoting means for pivotally connecting said closure between the sidewalls of said housing whereby said closure can be swung between open and closed positions,

means for effecting longitudinal displacement of said pivot means whereby said closure can be selectively positioned in the open position,

and means for holding a series of cards on said closure in either the closed or open position.

23. The invention as defined in claim 22 wherein said pivoting means includes opposed pivot pins projecting outward of said closure and said means for effecting displacement of said pivot means includes opposed complemental slotted recesses adapted to be formed in the sidewalls of said housing to receive said pins,

and said holding means including a track extending between the ends of said closure,

said track including a U-shaped member having arcuately shaped longitudinally extending arm portions,

means for hingedly connecting said arms at one end to said closure, and

means of detachably latching the other end of said arms to said closure.

24. The invention as defined in claim 23 and including means for rotatably supporting said housing,

said latter means including a pedestal plate,

a pivot pin connected to said pedestal plate,

a rotary bearing plate journaled about said pin,

and said housing having a socket formed on the bottom thereof for receiving said pivot pin whereby said housing may rotate relative to said pedestal plate.

25. Improvements in a semirotary file comprising:

an open top housing member and a swing top closure member for said housing member, means for pivotally connecting said closure member to said housing member whereby said closure member can be swung between opened and closed positions,

wherein said swing top closure member comprises a bottom wall portion and connected opposed sidewalls to define a cradle for the cards adapted to be contained therein,

adjustable means disposed in spaced relationship to said sidewall for accommodating cards of varying widths.

26. The invention as defined in claim 25 wherein said adjusting means include means defining a groove extending longitudinally of said closure adjacent 'each sidewall,

and insert means adapted to be removably disposed in said opposed grooves.

27. The invention as defined in claim 26 wherein said insert comprises an angled member having a vertical arm and a horizontal arm,

said vertical arm being adapted to be inserted into said grooves, and

said horizontal arm extending above the groove forming a guide for determining the card width adapted to be disposed in said cradle.

28. The invention as defined in claim 27 wherein a plurality of grooves are disposed adjacent each of said sidewalls.

29. The invention as defined in claim 27 wherein said vertical arm extends beyond the upper end of said grooves whereby the opposed vertical arm position of said insert determines the width of the card adapted to be received in said cradle.

Claims

1. Improvements in a semirotary file comprising: an open top housing member, said housing member having an elongated axis and a swing top closure member for said housing member, means for pivotally connecting said closure member to said housing member whereby said closure member can be swung between opened and closed positions, and means for effecting longitudinal displacement of said pivot means longitudinally of said housing member in the direction of said axis whereby said closure member can be selectively and longitudinally positioned in the opened position thereof relative to said housing member.

2. Improvements in a semirotary file comprising: an open top housing member and a swing top closure member for said housing member, means for pivotally connecting said closure member to said housing member whereby said closure member can be swung between opened and closed positions, and means for effecting longitudinal displacement of said pivot means whereby said closure member can be selectively positioned in the opened position thereof relative to said housing member, said pivotal connecting means includes: opposed pivot pins connected to one of said members intermediate the ends thereon, and a complemental recess formed along the sides of the member for accommodating said pivot pins, said recess being defined as a longitudinally extending slot along which said pivot pin can slide for selectively positioning the swing closure member in the opened position thereof.

5. Improvements in a semirotary file comprising: an open top housing member and a swing top closure member for said housing member, means for pivotally connecting said closure member to said housing member whereby said closure member can be swung between opened and closed positions, and means for effecting longitudinal displacement of said pivot means whereby said closure member can be selectively positioned in the opened position thereof relative to said housing member, said housing member includes a pair of oppositely disposed sidewalls and opposed end walls interconnected between said sidewalls, and said closure member having a wall portion defining the top of the file in the closed positions and a cradle for the file cards adapted to be disposed therein in the opened position, holding means connected to said closure member for holding a file card in position thereon in either the opened or closed position thereof.

6. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein said holding means includes a track extending between the ends of said closure member.

7. The invention as defined in claim 6 wherein said track includes a U-shaped member, having longitudinally extending arms and a connecting bight portion, means for hinging said bight portion to one end of said closure member, and means for detachably connecting the respective free ends of said arms to the other end of said closure member.

8. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein the pivot pins are disposed intermediate the ends of said one member so as to be disposed closer to one end of said member than the other end of said one member.

9. The invention as defined in claim 7 wherein said latter means includes a latching member pivotally mounted to said closure member for latching the respective free ends of said arms.

10. The invention as defined an claim 5 wherein said end walls of said housing member being inclined upwardly and outwardly; and said closure member wall portion having opposed end portions that incline downwardly and outwardly in the closed position.

11. Improvements in a semirotary file comprising: an open top housing member and a swing top closure member for said housing member, means for pivotally connecting said closure member to said housing member whereby said closure member can be swung between opened and closed positions, and means for effecting longitudinal displacement of said pivot means whereby said closure member can be selectively positioned in the opened position thereof relative to said housing member, and a pedestal means for rotatably supporting said housing member.

12. The invention as defined in claim 11 wherein said pedestal means includes a plate member, and means for rotatably connecting said housing to said plate.

13. The invention as defined in claim 12 wherein said latter means includes a projecting pin connected to said plate member and a complementary socket adapted to receive said pin formed in the bottom of said housing member.

22. A semirotary file comprising an open top housing having a pair of oppositely disposed sidewalls and opposed end walls interconnected between said sidewalls, said sidewalls having their respective upper edges extending generally upwardly and rearwardly so that one end of the housing member is higher than the other, a swing top closure pivotally mounted between the sidewalls of said housing, said closure including a wall portion defining the top of said file in the closed position, and said wall portion including downwardly and outwardly inclined end portions and oppositely disposed marginal portions, pivoting means for pivotally connecting said closure between the sidewalls of said housing whereby said closure can be swung between open and closed positions, means for effecting longitudinal displacement of said pivot means whereby said closure can be selectively positioned in the open position, and means for holding a series of cards on said closure in either the closed or open position.

23. The invention as defined in claim 22 wherein said pivoting means includes opposed pivot pins projecting outward of said closure and said means for effecting displacement of said pivot means includes opposed complemental slotted recesses adapted to be formed in the sidewalls of said housing to receive said pins, and said holding means including a track extending between the ends of said closure, said track including a U-shaped member having arcuately shaped longitudinally extending arm portions, means for hingedly connecting said arms at one end to said closure, and means of detachably latChing the other end of said arms to said closure.

24. The invention as defined in claim 23 and including means for rotatably supporting said housing, said latter means including a pedestal plate, a pivot pin connected to said pedestal plate, a rotary bearing plate journaled about said pin, and said housing having a socket formed on the bottom thereof for receiving said pivot pin whereby said housing may rotate relative to said pedestal plate.

25. Improvements in a semirotary file comprising: an open top housing member and a swing top closure member for said housing member, means for pivotally connecting said closure member to said housing member whereby said closure member can be swung between opened and closed positions, and means for effecting longitudinal displacement of said pivot means whereby said closure member can be selectively positioned in the opened position thereof relative to said housing member, wherein said swing top closure member comprises a bottom wall portion and connected opposed sidewalls to define a cradle for the cards adapted to be contained therein, adjustable means disposed in spaced relationship to said sidewall for accommodating cards of varying widths.

26. The invention as defined in claim 25 wherein said adjusting means include means defining a groove extending longitudinally of said closure adjacent each sidewall, and insert means adapted to be removably disposed in said opposed grooves.

27. The invention as defined in claim 26 wherein said insert comprises an angled member having a vertical arm and a horizontal arm, said vertical arm being adapted to be inserted into said grooves, and said horizontal arm extending above the groove forming a guide for determining the card width adapted to be disposed in said cradle.