GB2217263A - Document storage - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular system for the storage of documents comprises; a drawer-case (1) externally configured so as to be engagable with other like drawer-cases to form an interlocked array; and a drawer (2) slidable therein, the drawer being provided with document retention means (e.g. rings (11)). The document retainers may be slidable on tracks (10), and provision may be made for the storage of other articles (e.g. pens etc at (13) and a floppy disc at (12)). <IMAGE>

Description

A BINDER UNIT The present invention relates to a binder unit for stationery articles.

Ring binders for receiving holed stationery articles are well known, and usually consist of two or more binder posts, usually in the form of ring-shaped members, each member consisting of two parts hinged with respect to each other, thus permitting holed articles to be threaded onto, and removed from, the binder posts. The binder posts are typically arranged in a book-shaped cover such that the stationery articles contained therein are protected.

Such ring binders are often stored on book shelves which may be remote from the desk or other place where they are required. When in use, ring binders occupy a substantial area which can be inconvenient, especially on a cramped desk-top.

According to the present invention there is provided a stationery binder, comprising a container adapted in use to interlock with similar adjacent containers, and a tray adapted in use to slide within the container to form a drawer, wherein the tray is provided with at least one binder post for binding stationery articles.

A stationery binder according to the invention has the advantage that it can be stacked with similar units to store several sets of stationery articles, while requiring comparatively little area on which to stand. In a preferred embodiment, the binder post or posts are adapted to be secured at alternative locations on the tray, allowing alternative stationery articles to be bound, for example, the binder posts may be mounted on a support rail upon which they are able to slide.

According to the invention, the tray is removable from the container, allowing the stationery articles therein to be transported to a desired location.

In one embodiment, the base of the tray has at least one depression for receiving stationery articles, for example computer discs or writing implements. The tray can also be adapted to receive interchangeable inserts, having at least one depression for receiving stationery articles.

Interlocking of adjacent containers may be achieved in á variety of ways. For example, the upper part of the container may be provided with a peripheral wall adapated in use to receive the base of an adjacent container. In addition, each container may have a rearwardly projecting lug and a corresponding recess such that, in use, the lug is adapted to be received in the recess of an adjacent container.

In a preferred embodiment, the lug is formed on the base of the container, and the recess in a corresponding position in the peripheral wall of the upper part.

Preferably, both the container and the drawer are made of plastics material.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of the two components of a binder unit in accordance with the invention, and Figure 2 shows a rear perspective view of a container in accordance with the invention.

The binder unit illustrated in the drawings comprises a container 1, and a tray 2, which is removably received in the container 1.

The container 1 has a base part 3 and an upper part 4. The width of the base part 3 is less than the width of the upper part 4, to facilitate stacking with similar units. During such stacking the base part 3 stands within a peripheral wall 5 of a second unit. A rearwardly projecting lug 6 is formed on the base part 3, and is received in a corresponding recess 7 formed in the inner face of the peripheral wall 5 in order to secure the container 1 on top of a similar container.

In the embodiment illustrated, the container 1 has feet 8 attached to base part 3, which are preferably of rubber material in order to prevent slipping of the container 1 on a surface or when stacked upon a similar container.

A handle 9 is formed in the front part of tray 2 to facilitate removal from the container 1. A rail structure 10 located to one side of the tray 2 supports two binder posts 11 which are adapted to slide along the rail 10 and to be locked in any desired position. The binder posts 11 are each in the form of two posts, hinged to form a closed ring in order to receive holed articles in a generally known manner. The base of the tray 2 has depressions 12, 13 for a floppy disc, and writing implements, respectively.

When in use, holed articles such as paper (removably held on the binder posts 11) rest on the tray 2. The tray 2 slides removably inside the container 1, so that the handle 9 is flush with the front face of the container 1.

It will of course be appreciated that the device described above represents only one particular embodiment, and that many variations and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. A stationery binder, comprising a container adapted in use to interlock with a similar adjacent container, and a tray adapted in use to slide within the said container to form a drawer, wherein the tray is provided with at least one binder post for binding stationery articles.

2. A binder as claimed in Claim 1, comprising at least two binder posts, and wherein the binder posts are adapted to be secured at alternative locations on the tray to enable binding of alternative stationery articles.

3. A binder as claimed in Claim 2, comprising a support rail for the binder posts, and wherein the binder posts are adapted to slide along the support rail.

4. A binder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tray is removable from the container.

5. A binder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the tray has at least one depression to receive articles.

6. A binder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which also comprises an insert for the tray, the insert having at least one depression for receiving articles.

7. A binder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said tray and said container are made of plastics material.

8. A binder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper part of the container is provided with a peripheral wall adapated in use to receive the base of an adjacent container.

9. A binder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container includes a rearwardly projecting lug, and a corresponding recess, such that, in use, the lug is adapted to be received in the recess of an adjacent container.

10. A binder substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.