GB2516982A

GB2516982A - Improved modular filing system

Info

Publication number: GB2516982A
Application number: GB1314383.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Bevan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-08-10
Filing date: 2013-08-10
Publication date: 2015-02-11
Also published as: GB201314383D0

Abstract

A modular container for storing magazines, files, directories or similar in an upright position comprises panels which connect to form the container. The container comprises base panel 3, side panels 1, and back panel 2. The connecting means may comprise tongues 4, 7 which locate in complementary slots 5, 6. In a preferred embodiment some tongues are L-shaped such that connecting two panels requires movement in one direction to insert a tongue 4 of one panel into the slot 5 of another panel, and movement in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to lock the tongue in the slot (see fig. 3). The side panels 1 preferably have slots 5 which receive L-shaped tongues 4 of the back panel and base panel, and the base panel 3 preferably includes a tongue 7 which is inserted through a slot 6 in the back panel and bent out of plane to lock it in place (see fig. 4). Assembled containers may connect together to form larger structures, and the width of each container may be varied, e.g. by using differently sized base panels. The absence of a front panel allows items to be easily slid into the container.

Description

I

$ Title Improved modular filing system

Background

The present invention generally relates to a modular storage system for lever arch files, magazines, directories and the like, in a vertical r upright position. It is suitable for placing on a shelf or desktop. It comprises of separate, planar, interlocking or otherwise connected panels which can be assembled to make any desired number of modular file compartments.

Most lever arch filing systems consist of fixed groups of file compartments. These have the disadvantages of being bulky to store and transport. Furthermore, the number of file compartments is fixed and may not be an appropriate fit for any particular length of shelf or desktop, This invention can provide any desired number of file compartments to fit any length of shelf or desktop.

Another filing system, for single files or the like, is not modular and is constructed from cardboard, or similar materials, and while comprising planar panels forming a base, two sides and a back connected together, the system also relies on the provision of a small front wall to add rigidity to the assembly.

This front wall is connected to the base and the two side walls and, while it has the advantage of providing the inherent rigidity to the filing system, it has the disadvantage that it prevents a file from simply being placed in the system, that is, a user will have to ensure that a file is raised over the small front wall in order to place the file in the single file.

This invention can be assembled quickly and simply. The planar panels may be connected together to form a rigid structure using a variety of conventional methods. In the preferred embodiment described herein, sheet metal planar panels connect together by slotting together. Protruding tongues on one panel are inserted into slots in an adjacent panel in one direction and then slid in a direction at ninety degrees to the former to lock them together. The resulting structure is rigid and designed to store the files upright, as opposed to being laid flat on a fray.

Other modular filing systems may include one or more components that are not planar. As such they cannot be packed completely flat. The present invention overcomes this problem by comprising of entirely planar parts that can be packed completely flat. The faciliw to be flat-packed' allows the components to be easily and cost-effectively stored and transported.

Statement of the Invention

The present modular Filing System provides for storing files in an upright position that incorporates the above advantages.

Specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a filing system of variable size.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a choice of widths of the back and base planar panels to produce file compartments of varying widths.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a modular filing system that is simple to assemble.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a modular filing system assembled exclusively from planar parts.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a modular filing system whereby the planar parts may be connected together using any conventional teclmology.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a modular filing system whereby in the prefcrred embodiment the planar parts consist of two sides, a back and a base.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a modular filing system whereby in the preferred embodiment the planar parts may be connected together using a system of tongues and slots.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a modular filing system whereby the component planar parts may be laid flat for transport and storage.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a modular filing system whereby, in use, a file may be slid in or out of the file in a horizontal direction without any restriction that is evident in such filing systems provided with small front walls.

Advantages The present invention has the advantage that it is a modular system that can be assembled to comprise any desired number of file compartments in order to use storage space efficiently.

The present invention has the advantage that the individual file compartments can be of varying widths to suit different requirements.

The present invention has the advantage it is a modular filing system that can store files and the like in an upright position.

The present invention has the advantage that all the component parts are planar and can be packed completely flat for storage and transport.

The present invention has the advantage that it is simple to assemble.

Preferably, the component planar panels are made from sheet steel for rigidity and robustness.

Preferably, the side panels have a patterned profile to enhance their cosmetic appeal.

Preferably, the panels may be covered with a durable, coloured coating to add to its cosmetic appeal.

Introduction to drawings

The just-summarised invention will now be described in detail in conjunction with the drawings of which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example, assembled construction illustrating a two-compartment version of the preferred embodiment.

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the separated planar panels of a two-compartment version, illustrating the side 1, back 2 and base 3 planar panels, the tongues 4 and slots 5 & 6 of the preferred embodiment.

Figure 3 shows the principle adopted for connecting the planar panels together in the preferred embodiment. It illustrates the three stages in connecting any two of the planar panels, Fig 3a shows a tongue 4 placed next to its opposing slot 5; Fig 3b shows the tongue having been inserted into the slot; Fig 3c shows the tongue having slid into its final position to lock the two planar panels together.

Figure 4 shows the tongue of the base panel 7 protruding through the slot 6 in the back panel 2 in the preferred embodiment. It also shows the two tabs S at the sides of the tongue having been bent downwards to prevent the base panel from being removed and thereby locking all the planar panels in place.

Detailed description of preferred embodiment

The following description is provided to enable a person to assemble and make use of the invention. The invention may be manufactured in any suitable rigid material. In the preferred embodiment the invention is made of a sheet steel planar panels.

Figure 1 illustrates an example of an assembled version of the invention, comprising of two compartments. Any number of compartments may be assembled together. The first compartment consists of two side panels 1, a back panel 2 and a base panel 3. Each subsequent compartment consists only of an additional single side panel, a back panel and a base panel.

Figure 2 illustrates the relationship between the component panels. The method of assembly is first to connect the two side panels 1 to the back panel 2 and the base panel 3 is assembled last.

First, the tongues 4 on the back panel 2 are inserted into the adjacent slots in a side panel 1, Fig 3a and 3b. Then the back panel 2 is slid up to lock the two panels together as shown in Figure 3c.

Second, the same sequence is followed to attach the second side panel to the back panel.

Third, the tongues of the base panel 3 are inserted into the adjacent slots in the two side panels 1.

Fourth, the base panel is slid forwards to insert the end tongue 7 through the adjacent slot in the back panel 6 and simultaneously lock the two side panels to the base panel. This action effectively holds all the panels in place.

Fifth, the tabs 8 at either end of the tongue 7 that is inserted in the slot of the back panel 6 may be bent out of the horizontal 8 to lock the base panel in place, as shown in Figure 4. This action also locks all the planar panels in place.

The width of the slots in the side panels 1 are approximately twice the thickness of the sheet metal used in order to accept two tongues from adjacent base and back panels.

-Whereas sheet metal has been proposed for the panels of the modular filing system, it will be appreciated that any suitable rigid material may be used for this purpose, for example carbon fibre reinforced plastic or the like materials.

Claims

Claims What is Claimed is: 1. A modular assembly of one or more file compartments for the storage of lever arch files, magazines, directories and the like in an upright position, wherein the file compartments are formed from a plurality of connected, planar panels, and each compartment consists of planar panels forming a base, two sides and a back connected together to form a rigid structure.
2. A modular assembly according to claim 1 wherein the planar panels are interconnected by means of tongues which slide into slots in one direction and then slide in a direction at right-angles to lock in place.
3. A modular assembly of multi-compartment file compartments as defined in claims 1 and 2, wherein the tongue at the back of the base panel, after having been slotted through a slot in the back panel, may be bent away from the horizontal plane to lock it in place.
4. A modular assembly of multi-compartment file compartments as defined in either one of claims 1,2 and 3, wherein any desired number of compartments may be assembled to construct one structure.
5. A modular assembly of multi-compartment file compartments as defined in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the disassembled, component planar panels may be packed flat for storage and transport.
6. A modular assembly of multi-compartment file compartments as defined in any one of the previousclaims wherein, in use, files may be slid horizontally and unimpeded in or out of a compartment of the modular assembly.
7. A modular assembly of multi-compartment file compartments as defined in any one of the previous claims wherein the width of individual compartments may be varied.

S. A modular assembly of multi-compartment file compartments substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.