GB2151552A - Storage and filing container for computer discs - Google Patents

Abstract

A container (10) for storage an filing of magnetic disks includes a generally tray-like bottom portion (12), and a pivotally connected cover portion (22) movable between closed and open positions. The container further includes a plurality of internal dividers (34) for indexing and organizing the contents of the container, the dividers being pivotally supported and retained within the bottom portion of the container by means including a pair of support rails (44). The rails (44) are separately formed and fitted into the bottom portion of the container and have triangular apertures (50) to receive projections (40) on the dividers (34) to provide for selective pivotal support of the internal dividers. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Storage and filing container for flat objects The present invention relates generally to arrangements for storing and filing generally flat objects such as magnetic computer disks, and more particularly to a storage and filing container for magnetic disks which is configured for economical manufacture, and convenient and efficient disk storage and filing.

The widespread use of computers has created a demand for efficient and convenient filing systems for information-carrying magnetic computer disks (sometimes referred to as ''floppy'' disks, or diskettes). Because the use of many computer systems requires regular (and sometimes frequent) replacement of magnetic disks in the so-called disk drive of a system, efficiency demands that a storage and filing system for the magnetic disks be very convenient to use. At the same time, it is very important that the magnetic disks themselves be protected against damage and debris which could result in the inability to retrieve the information stored on the disk (bearing in mind that disks of this nature are each capable of carrying very substantial amounts of information and data).

In order to promote convenient filing of magnetic disks, a number of different "desktop" filing containers have been marketed which are suited for positioning on a work area near a computer terminal or the like.

Containers of this description are frequently designed in a "flip-top" configuration, with a lower tray-like portion, and a pivotally connected cover portion movable between open and closed positions. Movable internal divider members are usually provided for indexing and organizing the disks in such containers.

While this basic configuration for a disk filing container has been known for a number of years, there has existed substantial room for improvement in order to promote economical manufacture, convenient use, and proper protection of the magnetic disks. For example, it is desirable that the internal dividers of such a container be supported for pivotal movement, yet be readily repositionable as may be required. In this regard, it is important that a construction for pivotally supporting internal dividers in a container lend itself to economical manufacture, especially manufacture by plastic injection moulding techniques, since manufacture from plastic material permits a filing container to be durable, lightweight, reasonably inexpensive, and attractive in appearance.

According to the present invention, a container for filing and storing generally flat objects comprises: a bottom portion having a bottom wall, a pair of laterally spaced sidewalls extending generally upwardly from said bottom wall, and spaced front and rear walls extending generally upwardly from said bottom wall and extending laterally between said sidewalls; a cover portion for enclosing the contents of said bottom portion; means respectively pivotally connecting said sidewalls of said bottom portion to said cover portion whereby said cover portion is relatively pivotal from a closed position wherein the contents of said container are enclosed, to an open position for gaining access to the contents of said container; divider means adapted to fit generally within said bottom portion and extend generally between said sidewalls; means for pivotally supporting said divider means within said bottom portion comprising a pair of support rail means adapted for positioning on said bottom wall at respective opposite lateral edge portions thereof for pivotally supporting said divider means, each said rail means defining a support surface positionable in spaced relation above said bottom wall for supporting said objects in said container in spaced relation above said bottom wall; and locking means for connecting said support rail means to said bottom wall to retain said support rail means in said bottom portion for pivotally supporting said divider means.

A storage and filing container embodying the present invention can be designed to meet the above design objectives since it can be configured for economical manufacture, for convenience of use and for the protection of the information-carrying magnetic disks stored therein.

The container is preferably sized for convenient placement on a desk-top or like work surface, and may include a flip-open cover portion which can be easily opened and closed. In a preferred form, the rear wall of the bottom portion slopes generally rearwardly from the bottom wall, thus permitting the internal dividers of the container and magnetic disks stored therein to be likewise positioned in a generally rearwardly sloping orientation.

The cover portion is preferably fabricated from transparent material for convenient inspection of the contents of the container, and preferably includes a pair of laterally spaced sidewalls between which extends a generally continuous and curved top/front wall. The container may include a pair of pivot pins for respectively pivotally connecting the sidewalls of the bottom portion to the sidewalls of the cover portion, thus permitting the cover portion to be relatively pivotal from a closed position wherein the contents of the container are enclosed, to an open position for gaining access to the contents of the container.

While the internal divider means may be of a variety of different configurations, they preferably include upstanding tap portions at their upper ends for convenient filing and indexing of disks in the container, and cutout portions for minimizing the material required for their manufacture.

Preferably, each support rail defines a plurality of spaced pivot openings which are each preferably of an upwardly divergent configuration for supporting the internal dividers of the container for limited pivotal movement. Each internal divider may define a pair of pivot projections generally at the bottom of respective opposite lateral edges thereof, with the pivot projections of each divider being adapted to be respectively received within laterally aligned ones of the pivot openings of the two support rails. While the support arrangement is preferably configured to firmly and positively retain the internal dividers in position in the container bottom portion, the preferred semi-rigid nature of the dividers permits them to be readily flexed for positioning each divider as desired in the support rails.

Notably, the support rails preferably comprise separate components for economy of manufacture, with the support rails being configured for very convenient and essentially permanent connection to the bottom wall of the container bottom portion. To this end, the container may include a locking means for connecting the support rails to the bottom wall and in a preferred construction the locking means comprises locking projection means which depend from a downwardly facing surface of the support rails, and locking recesses defined by the bottom wall which are adapted to respectively receive and retain the locking projections. For further economy of manufacture, the locking recesses may be defined by foot portions of the bottom wall of relatively increased thickness, thus minimizing the amount of material required for formation of the bottom portion of the container.In order to facilitate convenient and secure coacting engagement of the locking projections with the locking recesses, bosses may be provided in operative association with each of the support rails for urging the projections and recesses into respective coacting engagement.

In the illustrated embodiment, these bosses are respectively provided on a rearwardly facing surface of each of the support rails for engagement and coaction with the generally upstanding rear wall of the container bottom portion.

The invention may be carried into practice in various ways but one filing and storage container for magnetic computer disks and embodying the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the magnetic disk storage and filing container with the container illustrated in a closed condition; Figure 2 is a further perspective view of the disk filing and storage container, shown here in an open condition; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the storage and filing container taken generally along line 3-3 of Fig. 1; Figure 4 is a further cross-sectional view of the storage and filing container taken generally along line 4-4 of Fig. 3; Figure 5 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating assembly of the storage and filing container;; Figure 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary crosssectional view taken generally along line 6-6 of Fig. 4; and Figure 7 is an enlarged. fragmentary front elevational view, partially cutaway, illustrating the storage and filing container with the addition of a key lock mechanism.

Referring now to the drawings, therein is illustraited a container 10 for storing and filing magnetic disks or like generally flat objects Container 10 is preferably fabricated from plastic material for economy and durability.

The container 10 can be appropriately sized for holding magnetic disks of the various standardized sizes. As best illustrated in Fig.

4, the magnetic disks, designated M, typically each comprises a rectangular sleeve which carries the circular disk D itself, with a sleeve cutout C provided for access to the information-bearing surface of the disk.

The container 10 includes a tray-like bottom portion, generally designated 12, of unitary one-piece construction Bottom portion 12 includes a bottom wall 14, and a pair of laterally spaced, generally upwardly extending sidewalls 16. The bottom portion further includes spaced front and rear walls 18 and 20 which extend generally upwardly from bottom walls 14, and extend laterally between respective edge portions of sidewalls 16. As best shown in Fig. 3, rear wall 20 preferably slopes generally rearwardly of bottom wall 14.

with front wall 18 being substantially shorter than rear wall 20 to promote convenient inspection and review of the contents of the container from the front thereof.

Container 10 further includes a unitary, one-piece cover portion 22, which in the illustrated embodiment is shown as formed from transparent material. Cover portion 22 includes a pair of laterally spaced sidewalls 24, and a generally continuous and curved top/front wall 26 which extends between the sidewalls 24. A pair of pivot pins 28, preferably comprising flanged pins, respectively pivotally connect the sidewalls 16 of bottom portion 12 to the sidewalls 24 of cover portion 22 so that the cover portion is relatively pivotal about a generally horizontal axis between a closed position wherein the contents of the container are enclosed (see Fig. 1), and an open position for gaining access to the contents of the container (see Fig. 2). Each of pivot pins 28 preferably comprises a twopiece self-locking arrangement which, once fitted through the respective sidewalls 16 and 24, is locked into position. Cover portion 22 is preferably provided with a forwardly projecting handle portion 29 at the forward edge thereof to facilitate convenient opening and closing of the container 10.

Several features of bottom portion 12 and cover portion 22 should be noted since they promote durable and convenient use of container 10. For added rigidity and strength, each of sidewalls 16 and rear wall 20 of bottom portion 12 are configured to include an outwardly turned flange at their upper edge portions. It will also be noted that cover portion 22 is configured to define a stop edge 30 at the terminal portion of continuous top/ front wall 26. As best shown in Figs. 3 and 6, stop edge 30 is configured to positively engage rear wall 20 of bottom portion 12 in the open position of the cover portion so that the cover portion is maintained in slightly spaced relation above a surface upon which the container 10 is positioned.By this construction, the container 10 can be positioned near the rear of a desk or table top with the cover portion 22 supported in its fully opened position even though the cover portion may extend beyond the rearward edge of the desk or table. Additionally, the illustrated relative positioning of pivot pins 28 is such that cover portion 22 can be moved to its fully opened position in a space which is only slightly greater than the space required for the closed container 10, thus desirably providing "spacesavings" in the work areas (note Fig. 3).

In order to facilitate convenient filing and indexing of magnetic disks stored within container 10, the container includes a plurality of internal dividers 34, each preferably fabricated from semi-rigid plastic material and configured to exhibit resilient flexibility. Each internal divider 34 includes an upstanding tab portion 36 for convenient filing of magnetic disks in the container, and cutout portions 38 to minimize the amount of material required for formation of each divider. Each divider 34 further defines a pair of laterally extending pivot projections 40 disposed at respectively opposite lower lateral edges of each of the dividers. Pivot projections 40 provide for pivo tal support of dividers 34 within bottom portion 12 as will be further described.

As will be recognized by those familiar with plastic injection moulding techniques, the formation of bottom portion12 with appropriate means for pivotally supporting and retaining internal dividers 34 can require relatively expensive and complicated moulding devices.

Therefore, in keeping with the desired goal of economical manufacture, the container 10 includes a pair of separate, unitary support rails 44 for pivotally supporting internal dividers 34. Support rails 44 are adapted to be positioned on respective lateral edge portions of bottom wall 14 of container bottom portion 12, with the container specifically configured to promote convenient and secure connection of the support rails 44 to the bottom wall 14.

Each of support rails 44 includes a lower, generally horizontal support wall 46 which is adapted to abut and rest upon bottom wall 14 of container portion 12. Each of the support rails 44 further includes a generally upstanding wall 48, which preferably extends upwardly from support wall 46 and then generally outwardly toward a respective sidewall 16 of bottom portion 12. As will be recognized, each of support rails 44 is thus generally configured as a channel-like member opening toward a respective one of sidewalls 16.

The upstanding wall 48 of each support rail 44 defines a plurality of spaced pivot openings 50, with each opening 50 preferably shaped to have an upwardly divergent configuration in the nature of an inverted triangle.

Each pivot opening 50 is adapted to receive a pivot projection 40 of one of internal dividers 34, with the pivot projections 40 of any one of the dividers 34 being movable within laterally aligned ones of the pivot openings 50 of the support rails 44 for pivotal support of the divider. Repositioning of the internal dividers can be easily effected by merely flexing the dividers so as to disengage pivot projections 40 from laterally aligned ones of pivot openings 50, and re-inserting the projections 40 into other aligned ones of the pivot openings.

As will be recognized, the illustrated configuration for the pivot openings 50 desirably acts to limit the pivotal movement of each divider 34, thus maintaining both the dividers 34 and magnetic disks M within the container in a generally upstanding disposition as the dividers and disks are pivoted or "flipped" during use of the container. This desirably provides protection for the magnetic disks to ensure the integrity of the information carried thereby. Notably, further protection of the magnetic disks is provided by the configuration of lower support walls 46 of the support rails 44. As best shown in Fig. 4, the support walls 46 each provide an upwardly facing support surface upon which magnetic disks M in the container rest. By this arrangement, each sleeved disk is maintained in spaced relation above bottom wall 14 of container bottom portion 12.This configuration avoids any potential damage to the disk itself which could otherwise result by inadvertent impact of the portion of the disk sleeve near the circumference of the disk with the bottom wall 14.

In order to retain support rails 44 within bottom portion 12 in an essentially permanent fashion, a locking arrangement is provided for connecting and affixing the support rails to bottom wall 14. Specifically, each of support rails 24 includes a pair of locking projections 52 which depend from the downwardly facing surface of each support rail defined by lower support wall 46. Each of locking projections 52 is adapted to be respectively received and retained within locking recesses 54 defined by bottom wall 14. As best shown in Fig. 6, each locking projection 52 defines a lip portion adapted for locking coacting engagement with a lip portion defined by a respective one of the locking recesses 54.Thus, each support rail 44 is readily positionable for connection to bottom wall 14 by merely moving the support rail downwardly within bottom portion 12 until the locking projections 52 thereof are received and retained within their respective locking recesses 54 by mutually coacting engagement (see Fig. 5).

In further keeping with the desired economy of manufacture of the present container, locking recesses 54 are preferably provided in bottom wall 14 in a manner which minimizes the amount of material required for formation of bottom portion 12 of the container. Specifically, each locking recess 54 is defined by a foot portion 56 of bottom wall 14 which is of relatively increased thickness. In this manner, locking recesses 54 can be appropriately configured for secure retention of locking projections 52 therein, while at the same time the overall thickness of bottom wall 14 can be held to a minimum. As will be noted, this overall arrangement is such that each foot portion 56 provides support of container 10 at respective corners of bottom portion 12, thus maintaining the bottom wall 14 in spaced relation above a surface upon which the container is positioned.Each foot portion 56 is preferably provided with a foot pad 58 which may be of suitable elastomeric material, with foot pads of this nature typically including a pressure-sensitive adhesive for promoting convenient application to each foot portion 56. The elastomeric nature of such foot pads provides a high frictional grip with the surface upon which the container 10 is positioned, whereby the container resists undesired slid- ing or displacement on the surface.

As noted, support rails 44 are preferably configured for essentially permanent connection to bottom wall 14, with connection of the support rails to the bottom wall being conveniently effected by either the manufacturer or the user of the container. To this end, a pair of positioning bosses 60 are preferably provided on a rearwardly facing wall 62 of each support rail 44, with each boss 60 adapted for engagement with the rear wall 20 of bottom portion 12 for urging locking projections 52 and locking recesses 54 into coacting engagement with each other.As best shown in Fig. 6, wall 62 of each support rail 44 is preferably configured for disposition in generally parallel relation to rear wall 20 of bottom portion 12, with the generally rearwardly sloping nature of each of walls 20 and 62 permitting bosses 60 to firmly seat against and engage the rear wall 20 as the support rails 44 are moved downwardly into bottom portion 12 for engagement of projections 52 with recesses 54. While bosses 60 have been illustrated as generally transversely extending projections disposed on the walls 62 of support rails 44, it will be recognized that alternate equivalent arrangements of positioning bosses operatively associated with the support rails can be employed for facilitating and effecting the desired coacting engagement of locking projections 52 and locking recesses 54.

With particular reference to Figs. 3. 5, and 7, it will be observed that front wall 18 of bottom portion 12 is preferably provided at its upper edge with a generally upwardly facing flange portion 66. Flange portion 66 defines a generally downwardly opening hand-grip recess 68, thus permitting the container 10 to be easily and firmly grasped. An outwardly extending stop flange 70 is preferably provided at this generally forwardly-most portion of the bottom portion 12. with stop flange 70 providing a positive stop for engagement by cover portion 22 in the closed position of the cover portion.This positively-acting stop flange 70 desirably prevents movement of cover portion past its fully closed position, which might otherwise occur due to the resilience of the preferred plastic construction of the container such as during shipment or stacking of a plurality of containers.

A further desirable feature of the container 10 is the provision of a frangible membrane 72 of relatively reduced thickness in the upwardly facing flange portion 66. The frangible membrane 72 is preferably disposed in flush relation to the upper surface of flange portion 66, and thus is likely to go undetected when the container 10 does not include a lock mechanism. However, since some users of such filing and storage containers require the presence of a lock mechanism for preventing unauthorized access to the contents of a container, the frangible nature of membrane 72 permits the membrane to be "punched out" or otherwise conveniently removed should the container be equipped with a key lock mechanism such as 76, as illustrated in Fig. 7. A key lock mechanism of this nature typically includes a lock bar 78 which can be selectively moved by use of the appropriate key in the tumbler lock of the mechanism. When this feature is desired, the lock mechanism 76 can be appropriately mounted in cover portion 22, and membrane 72 removed so as to provide a lock bar opening 74 defined by flange portion 66, thus facilitating selective engagement of the locking device with flange portion 66 to lock cover portion 22 in its closed position.

This feature enhances the versatility of the construction since it can be readily equipped with a lock mechanism as required. In this regard, the preferred self-locking nature of pivot pins 28 further deters unauthorized access to the contents of the container.

Thus, there has been described a storage and filing container for magnetic disks which promotes economical manufacture and efficient and convenient use, while desirably affording protection to the magnetic disks stored therein. It will be noted that the separately-formed nature of the support rails 44 for pivotal support of internal dividers 34 promotes interchangeability of the support rails. For example, a single container unit may be provided with two or more different sets of support rails to permit selective use of the container with magnetic disks of different sizes, or to permit the container to be adapted for storing programmed computer game cartridges or the like. Regardless of the specific use, the preferred plastic construction of the container facilitates its economical fabrication and assures its durability.

Claims (14)

1. A container for filling and storing generally flat objects comprising: a bottom portion having a bottom wall, a pair of laterally spaced sidewalls extending generally upwardly from said bottom wall, and spaced front and rear walls extending generally upwardly from said bottom wall and extending laterally between said sidewalls; a cover portion for enclosing the contents of said bottom portion; means respectively pivotally connecting said sidewalls of said bottom portion to said cover portion whereby said cover portion is relatively pivotal from a closed position wherein the contents of said container are enclosed, to an open position for gaining access to the contents of said container; divider means adapted to fit generally within said bottom portion and extend generally between said sidewalls;; means for pivotally supporting said divider means within said bottom portion comprising a pair of support rail means adapted for positioning on said bottom wall at respective opposite lateral edge portions thereof for pivotally supporting said divider means, each said rail means defining a support surface positionable in spaced relation above said bottom wall for supporting said objects in said container in spaced relation above said bottom wall; and locking means for connecting said support rail means to said bottom wall to retain said support rail means in said bottom portion for pivotally supporting said divider means.

2. A filing and storage container as claimed in Claim 1 in which said locking means comprises locking projection means depending from a downwardly facing surface of each of said support rail means, and locking recess means defined by said bottom wall adapted to receive and retain said locking projection means.

3. A filing and storage container as claimed in Claim 2 in which said locking recess means are defined by portions of said bottom wall of relatively increased thickness to minimize the material required for formation of said bottom portion.

4. A filing and storage container as claimed in Claim 3 in which the said portions of the bottom wall constitute foot portions providing for support of the container on a surface.

5. A filing and storage container as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 3 or Claim 4 which includes boss means operatively associated with each of said support rail means for urging said locking projection means and said locking recess means into coacting engagement with each other.

6. A filing and storage container as claimed in Claim 5 in which said boss means are disposed on each of said support rail means and are adapted for engagement with one of the generally upstanding walls of said bottom portion.

7. A filing and storage container as claimed in Claim 6 in which the boss means are disposed on a rearwardly facing surface of each of the support rails, the boss means being adapted to engage the rear wall of the bottom portion.

8. A storage and filing container as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 7 in which said divider means comprises a plurality of laterally extending dividers, each said divider defining pivot means generally at the bottom of the opposite lateral edges thereof, each said support rail means defining a plurality of spaced apart openings each adapted to receive a respective one of said pivot means of one of said dividers so that laterally aligned ones of said openings in said pair of support rail means are adapted to pivotally support one of said dividers.

9. A storage and filing container as claimed in Claim 8 in which the pivot means are constituted by laterally extending pivot projections and each of the pivot openings has a generally upwardly divergent configuration for coacting with said pivot projections to limit the pivotal movement of the dividers.

10. A storage and filing container as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 9 in which said cover portion defines stop means adapted to engage said bottom portion in said open position of said cover portion whereby in said open position said cover portion is maintained in a disposition spaced above a surface upon which said container is positioned.

11. A filing and storage container as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 10 in which said front wall of said bottom portion includes a generally upwardly facing flange portion at the upper edge thereof, said flange portion including frangible means adapted to be removed from said flange portion to facilitate selective engagement of a locking device on said cover portion with said flange portion to lock said cover portion in said closed position.

12. A filing and storage container as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 11 in which the rear wall of the bottom portion slopes generally rearwardly from said bottom wall.

13. A filing and storage container substantially as described herein with reference to Figs. 1 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.

14. A filing and storage container as claimed in Claim 13 modified substantially as described herein with reference to Fig. 7 of the accompanying drawings.