CA1335556C - Unit filing box - Google Patents
Unit filing boxInfo
- Publication number
- CA1335556C CA1335556C CA000604467A CA604467A CA1335556C CA 1335556 C CA1335556 C CA 1335556C CA 000604467 A CA000604467 A CA 000604467A CA 604467 A CA604467 A CA 604467A CA 1335556 C CA1335556 C CA 1335556C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- box
- projection
- side walls
- filing
- file
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
- B42F—SHEETS TEMPORARILY ATTACHED TOGETHER; FILING APPLIANCES; FILE CARDS; INDEXING
- B42F7/00—Filing appliances without fastening means
- B42F7/14—Boxes
- B42F7/145—Boxes for vertically storing documents
Landscapes
- Stackable Containers (AREA)
Abstract
A unit filing box is of generally cubic form, with bottom, back and sides, open at the front and top. The side walls extend for the full height at the front and have ribs extending at the inside of the front edges. The bottom is recessed along the outer side edges to receive the top edges of the lower file box. Projections on the top of the ribs at the front edges fit into holes in the bottom of the next higher file box. A projection can be provided on the back for hanging of the filing box on a frame if desired. Snap-on dividers can be provided. A number of file boxes can be safely stacked, with easy access to the items stored in the file boxes.
Description
This invention relates to a unit filing box, and in particular, to a unit filing box which is stackable and can also be suspended on a frame.
Various forms of filing boxes exist. A typical box is molded, by plastic injection molding, and include means for suspending the box on a frame. Boxes can hold a number of files, the files extending beyond the front of the box and above the side walls of the box. The front top corners of the side walls are normally cut off, at an inclined angle.
An inconvenience of such open front file boxes is that, even for a small starting system, a framework or skeleton must be purchased, often with a capacity many times that required, at least originally.
In the prior art, U.S. Design Patent No. 283,074 to H.
Skillius illustrates a shelf bin in which the bottom is recessed from a front wall. Canadian Patent 688,401, issued June 9, 1964, to Brilliant Products Inc., illustrates a display rack structure within which bins having a tapered front wall are utilized in a vertical frame. Canadian Patent No. 1,029,686 issued April 18, 1978, to Lundqvist, illustrates a shelving structure in which flat shelves are mounted on a supporting framework. Canadian Patents 994,714 issued August 10, 1986, and 1,002,901 issued January 4, 1977, both to Wright Line Inc., illustrate open front large bins with two or more dividers in the bins. Canadian Patent 1,171,389 issued July 24, 1984, to E-Z-Rect Metal Products Ltd. illustrates a shelving system having uprights with detachable supports for continuous shelves.
The present invention provides a unit filing box which is self-supporting and can be stacked, there being means to locate one box on another, without further support. At the same time, the file boxes are structured for suspension on a frame, if desired.
All of the above do not illustrate filing systems in which special file boxes are required to separate a plurality of files.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a unit filing box, having a bottom, side walls, and a back, being open at the top and the front; a recess or groove extending along the bottom edge of each side wall, for reception of the top edges of a lower filing box; and a rib extending up the inside of each side wall at the front edge. Aligned slots can be provided at the back and in the bottom for insertion of at least one divider.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a stackable filing box capable of supporting additional filing boxes comprising a one-piece unit having a closed bottom for supporting files or the like, open front and top portions, and closed sides and a back, said sides and said back being formed by panels extending from said open front circumferentially about said filing box, except for said open front area, and extending to said open top area and forming an upper supporting frame to receive and support an upper filing box, and nesting means extending from and associated with said side panels adapted to fit into a cooperating nesting means of said upper filing box.
In preferred embodiments, in the above arrangements, the nesting means comprises at least one projection extending upwardly from a side wall or panel and the cooperating nesting means preferably comprises an aperture or recess in the underside of the bottom which is aligned with the projection. In another preferred embodiment, the projection extending from a reinforcing rib proximate the front edge of the side panel.
~4~ 133SSS~
The product of the present invention may be made from different materials; it is preferably of a one-piece construction and made of a suitable plastic material such as are well known to those skilled in this art. The reinforcing rib and projection can be molded integrally with the box structure.
One feature of the present invention is that the sides of the box do not taper as in prior art proposals;
preferably the sides are full panels so that a continuous supporting frame is formed around the top of the filing box except for the open front. The size of the filing box will vary depending on the intended use for different sizes of files as will be understood by those skilled in the art. As opposed to bins, the filing boxes of the present invention are intended to be used with a limited number of files; if desired, at least one divider can be provided to separate files within the filing box.
The invention will be readily understood by the following description of an embodiment, by way of example, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a unit file box in accordance with the present invention;
~5~ 13~5~S6 Figure 2 is a side view of the box of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a top plan view of the box of Figure l;
Figure 4 is a front view of the box of Figure l;
Figure 5 is a side perspective view of a divider, as illustrated in position in Figure 1.
o As illustrated in the drawings, a unit file box, indicated generally at 10, has a bottom 11, a back 12, and side walls 13. It is open at the top and at the front. The bottom may be ribbed, as indicated at 14. A recess or groove lS extends along the bottom of each side wall 13. The top edge 16 of a side wall of a lower box will fit into the recesses or grooves 15 for stacking of file boxes.
- At the front edge of each side wall 13 is a vertical reinforcing rib 17. The rib extends up the front edge and provides stiffening of the side wall. The rib finishes a short distance from the top edge 16 of the side wall and a short projection 18 extends up from the top end of the rib.
Near the top edge of the back 12 is formed a hook-shaped projection 20. The recess 21 of the projection 20 faces downward, and provides means for hanging a file box on a framework, if desired. Alternatively~ the projection 20 can extend over a laterally extending member, not actually hanging on the member, but being located by it. Such an arrangement can be used, for example, when a number of file boxes are stacked. A
transverse locating member near the top of the stack can provide improved stability.
When file boxes are stacked, the boxes fit one on -35 another and are positioned relative to each other, by two means.
The top edges 16 of the side walls 13 fit in the recesses or grooves 15, providing sideways located, and the projections 18 fit into holes in the bottom of the next higher box, giving fore and aft locations. The bottom 11 of the box is normally recessed on its bottom surface, as indicated in dotted outline at 23 in Figure 4. In a modification, alternative to, or in addition to the projections 18 on the ribs 17, projections can be provided on the top edges of the side walls, fitting into holes in the bottom of the next higher file box.
Figure 5 illustrates a divider 25 which can be used to subdivide the interior of the box file, as shown in Figure 1.
A plurality of slots 26 are formed in the back 12 and a further plurality of slots 27 are formed in the bottom 11, the slots 26 and 27 being aligned. Into the slots fit one or more dividers 25. Each divider, which is of thin, plate-like material, has a projection 28 at one end and another 13355s6 projection 29 at the other. The projections 28 and 29 project from end surfaces 30 which are at right angles to each other. In use, one of the projections is inserted into the appropriate slot then the other projection snapped into 5 another slot, by flexing the divider. Thus, the projection 28 inserted into one of slots 26 and then the projection 29 is snapped in the corresponding slot 27. The surfaces 30 rest on the back and the bottom.
In the example illustrated in Figure l, the slots for three dividers are provided. More or less dividers can be provided for. The divider can be of metal or plastic material, and can be transparent if of plastic material.
The actual shape of the divider can vary.
The box file is of cubic form, with the side walls 15 extending for the full height at the front, rather than cut away at an angle, as is normal. Further, the height of the side walls, from the interior surface of the bottom ll, is slightly more than the height of, for example, a file when in the file box, so that files can easily be put in, and removed, when file boxes are stacked. A typical size for a box file is about 12 inches deep, about 12 inches wide, and about 11 inches high. Quite large flat objects can be put into a file box.
Thus, there is provided a file box which can be stacked, is stable when stacked several boxes high, can be hung on existing frames if desired, and readily subdivided.
As stated, the bottom 14 can be ribbed to increase the stiffness of the bottom 11.
Various forms of filing boxes exist. A typical box is molded, by plastic injection molding, and include means for suspending the box on a frame. Boxes can hold a number of files, the files extending beyond the front of the box and above the side walls of the box. The front top corners of the side walls are normally cut off, at an inclined angle.
An inconvenience of such open front file boxes is that, even for a small starting system, a framework or skeleton must be purchased, often with a capacity many times that required, at least originally.
In the prior art, U.S. Design Patent No. 283,074 to H.
Skillius illustrates a shelf bin in which the bottom is recessed from a front wall. Canadian Patent 688,401, issued June 9, 1964, to Brilliant Products Inc., illustrates a display rack structure within which bins having a tapered front wall are utilized in a vertical frame. Canadian Patent No. 1,029,686 issued April 18, 1978, to Lundqvist, illustrates a shelving structure in which flat shelves are mounted on a supporting framework. Canadian Patents 994,714 issued August 10, 1986, and 1,002,901 issued January 4, 1977, both to Wright Line Inc., illustrate open front large bins with two or more dividers in the bins. Canadian Patent 1,171,389 issued July 24, 1984, to E-Z-Rect Metal Products Ltd. illustrates a shelving system having uprights with detachable supports for continuous shelves.
The present invention provides a unit filing box which is self-supporting and can be stacked, there being means to locate one box on another, without further support. At the same time, the file boxes are structured for suspension on a frame, if desired.
All of the above do not illustrate filing systems in which special file boxes are required to separate a plurality of files.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a unit filing box, having a bottom, side walls, and a back, being open at the top and the front; a recess or groove extending along the bottom edge of each side wall, for reception of the top edges of a lower filing box; and a rib extending up the inside of each side wall at the front edge. Aligned slots can be provided at the back and in the bottom for insertion of at least one divider.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a stackable filing box capable of supporting additional filing boxes comprising a one-piece unit having a closed bottom for supporting files or the like, open front and top portions, and closed sides and a back, said sides and said back being formed by panels extending from said open front circumferentially about said filing box, except for said open front area, and extending to said open top area and forming an upper supporting frame to receive and support an upper filing box, and nesting means extending from and associated with said side panels adapted to fit into a cooperating nesting means of said upper filing box.
In preferred embodiments, in the above arrangements, the nesting means comprises at least one projection extending upwardly from a side wall or panel and the cooperating nesting means preferably comprises an aperture or recess in the underside of the bottom which is aligned with the projection. In another preferred embodiment, the projection extending from a reinforcing rib proximate the front edge of the side panel.
~4~ 133SSS~
The product of the present invention may be made from different materials; it is preferably of a one-piece construction and made of a suitable plastic material such as are well known to those skilled in this art. The reinforcing rib and projection can be molded integrally with the box structure.
One feature of the present invention is that the sides of the box do not taper as in prior art proposals;
preferably the sides are full panels so that a continuous supporting frame is formed around the top of the filing box except for the open front. The size of the filing box will vary depending on the intended use for different sizes of files as will be understood by those skilled in the art. As opposed to bins, the filing boxes of the present invention are intended to be used with a limited number of files; if desired, at least one divider can be provided to separate files within the filing box.
The invention will be readily understood by the following description of an embodiment, by way of example, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a unit file box in accordance with the present invention;
~5~ 13~5~S6 Figure 2 is a side view of the box of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a top plan view of the box of Figure l;
Figure 4 is a front view of the box of Figure l;
Figure 5 is a side perspective view of a divider, as illustrated in position in Figure 1.
o As illustrated in the drawings, a unit file box, indicated generally at 10, has a bottom 11, a back 12, and side walls 13. It is open at the top and at the front. The bottom may be ribbed, as indicated at 14. A recess or groove lS extends along the bottom of each side wall 13. The top edge 16 of a side wall of a lower box will fit into the recesses or grooves 15 for stacking of file boxes.
- At the front edge of each side wall 13 is a vertical reinforcing rib 17. The rib extends up the front edge and provides stiffening of the side wall. The rib finishes a short distance from the top edge 16 of the side wall and a short projection 18 extends up from the top end of the rib.
Near the top edge of the back 12 is formed a hook-shaped projection 20. The recess 21 of the projection 20 faces downward, and provides means for hanging a file box on a framework, if desired. Alternatively~ the projection 20 can extend over a laterally extending member, not actually hanging on the member, but being located by it. Such an arrangement can be used, for example, when a number of file boxes are stacked. A
transverse locating member near the top of the stack can provide improved stability.
When file boxes are stacked, the boxes fit one on -35 another and are positioned relative to each other, by two means.
The top edges 16 of the side walls 13 fit in the recesses or grooves 15, providing sideways located, and the projections 18 fit into holes in the bottom of the next higher box, giving fore and aft locations. The bottom 11 of the box is normally recessed on its bottom surface, as indicated in dotted outline at 23 in Figure 4. In a modification, alternative to, or in addition to the projections 18 on the ribs 17, projections can be provided on the top edges of the side walls, fitting into holes in the bottom of the next higher file box.
Figure 5 illustrates a divider 25 which can be used to subdivide the interior of the box file, as shown in Figure 1.
A plurality of slots 26 are formed in the back 12 and a further plurality of slots 27 are formed in the bottom 11, the slots 26 and 27 being aligned. Into the slots fit one or more dividers 25. Each divider, which is of thin, plate-like material, has a projection 28 at one end and another 13355s6 projection 29 at the other. The projections 28 and 29 project from end surfaces 30 which are at right angles to each other. In use, one of the projections is inserted into the appropriate slot then the other projection snapped into 5 another slot, by flexing the divider. Thus, the projection 28 inserted into one of slots 26 and then the projection 29 is snapped in the corresponding slot 27. The surfaces 30 rest on the back and the bottom.
In the example illustrated in Figure l, the slots for three dividers are provided. More or less dividers can be provided for. The divider can be of metal or plastic material, and can be transparent if of plastic material.
The actual shape of the divider can vary.
The box file is of cubic form, with the side walls 15 extending for the full height at the front, rather than cut away at an angle, as is normal. Further, the height of the side walls, from the interior surface of the bottom ll, is slightly more than the height of, for example, a file when in the file box, so that files can easily be put in, and removed, when file boxes are stacked. A typical size for a box file is about 12 inches deep, about 12 inches wide, and about 11 inches high. Quite large flat objects can be put into a file box.
Thus, there is provided a file box which can be stacked, is stable when stacked several boxes high, can be hung on existing frames if desired, and readily subdivided.
As stated, the bottom 14 can be ribbed to increase the stiffness of the bottom 11.
Claims (7)
1. A stackable unit filing box having a bottom, side walls, and a back, said unit being open at the top and the front;
a recess extending along the outside bottom edge of each side wall, for reception of the top edges of the side walls of a lower filing box; said top edge being shaped to fit into said recess;
a reinforcing rib extending up the full height of the inside of each side wall proximate a front edge and adapted to mate with corresponding ribs on upper and lower filing boxes on stacking thereof and, on stacking there being at least one mating projection and aperture between units.
a recess extending along the outside bottom edge of each side wall, for reception of the top edges of the side walls of a lower filing box; said top edge being shaped to fit into said recess;
a reinforcing rib extending up the full height of the inside of each side wall proximate a front edge and adapted to mate with corresponding ribs on upper and lower filing boxes on stacking thereof and, on stacking there being at least one mating projection and aperture between units.
2. A box as claimed in Claim 1, including a projection extending upwards from each reinforcing rib at each side wall and a hole in each side of the underside of the bottom aligned with each projection.
3. A box as claimed in Claim 1, said bottom having a plurality of raised ribs on the upper side thereof, said ribs being parallel to said side walls.
4. A box as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3, including a hook-shaped projection on the outside of said back extending the full width of said back, said hook-shaped projection facing downward for supporting engagement over a frame member.
5. A box as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3, including at least one slot in said bottom and in said back, said slots being aligned for reception of at least one divider which divides substantially the full depth of the box.
6. A box as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3, including a plurality of slots in said bottom and in said back, said slots being aligned and in receipt of a plurality of vertical dividers.
7. A box as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said side walls have projections on their top edge which fit into holes in the bottom of the next higher file box on stacking.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000604467A CA1335556C (en) | 1989-06-29 | 1989-06-29 | Unit filing box |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000604467A CA1335556C (en) | 1989-06-29 | 1989-06-29 | Unit filing box |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1335556C true CA1335556C (en) | 1995-05-16 |
Family
ID=4140286
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000604467A Expired - Fee Related CA1335556C (en) | 1989-06-29 | 1989-06-29 | Unit filing box |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1335556C (en) |
-
1989
- 1989-06-29 CA CA000604467A patent/CA1335556C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20080516 |