Multi-tiered expandable filing assembly

Abstract

A multi-tiered expandable filing assembly provides at least three modular trays arranged in stacked tiers and supported from two side by a pair of lateral frames. The modular trays receive, store, sort, and organize files, documents, and mail. The modular trays comprise a panel, a peripheral region, and at least one protrusion extending from the periphery. The protrusion extends from the sides of the panel and are configured to couple with the concave humps that form in the support bars of the lateral frames. The modular trays are arranged into three tiers and expanded to additional tiers of trays through constructive arrangement with the lateral frames. The lateral frames comprise a pair of legs, a top bar forming a top convex hump, and a bottom bar forming a bottom convex hump. The top and bottom convex humps from multiple assemblies can be stacked to further expand the assembly.

Claims

1. A multi-tiered expandable filing assembly, the assembly comprising: at least three modular trays each comprising a panel having a peripheral region; at least two protrusions extending from opposite sides of the peripheral region of each of the panels; a pair of lateral frames configured to support the at least three modular trays, the pair of lateral frames comprising a pair of legs, a top bar defined by a top convex hump, a bottom bar defined by a bottom convex hump, and at least one support bar defined by a plurality of spaced-apart concave humps, the plurality of spaced-apart concave humps configured to detachably couple with the at least two protrusions, whereby the at least three modular trays are supported between the pair of lateral frames; and a side tray coupled with one side of the pair of lateral frames.

2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a pair of cross bars extending between the pair of lateral frames.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the pair of cross bars connect to one leg from each lateral frame.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the pair of cross bars form a generally X-shape.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least three modular trays are disposed in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the panel is meshed.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the panel has a generally rectangular shape.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the peripheral region comprises reinforced metal.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the peripheral region comprises a flange.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the pair of legs are disposed in a spaced-apart parallel relationship.

11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the pair of legs form an elongated rectangular shape.

12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the at least two protrusions comprises two discs connected with a rod.

13. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least two protrusions comprises four protrusions.

14. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one support bar is generally perpendicular to the pair of legs.

15. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spaced-apart concave humps comprises four concave humps disposed in a spaced-apart relationship.

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the four concave humps disposed in a spaced-apart relationship comprises two sets of adjacent concave humps at opposite ends of the at least one support bar.

17. A multi-tiered expandable filing assembly, the assembly comprising: at least three modular trays each comprising a panel having a peripheral region; at least two protrusions extending from opposite sides of the peripheral region of each of the panels; a pair of lateral frames configured to support the at least three modular trays, the pair of lateral frames comprising a pair of legs, a top bar defined by a top convex hump, a bottom bar defined by a bottom convex hump, and at least one support bar defined by a plurality of spaced-apart concave humps, the plurality of spaced-apart concave humps configured to detachably couple with the at least two protrusions, whereby the at least three modular trays are supported between the pair of lateral frames; a side tray coupled with one side of the pair of lateral frames; and a pair of cross bars extending between the pair of lateral frames, the pair of cross bars connect to one leg from each lateral frame.

18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the peripheral region comprises a flange.

19. A multi-tiered expandable filing assembly, the assembly consisting essentially of: at least three modular trays each comprising a meshed panel having a peripheral region, the peripheral region comprises a flange; at least two protrusions extending from opposite sides of the peripheral region of each of the meshed panels; a pair of lateral frames configured to support the at least three modular trays, the pair of lateral frames comprising a pair of legs, a top bar defined by a top convex hump, a bottom bar defined by a bottom convex hump, and at least one support bar defined by a plurality of spaced-apart concave humps, the plurality of spaced-apart concave humps configured to detachably couple with the at least two protrusions, whereby the at least three modular trays are supported between the pair of lateral frames or coupled with one side of the pair of lateral frames; and a pair of cross bars extending between the pair of lateral frames, the pair of cross bars connect to one leg from each lateral frame, the pair of cross bars forming a generally X-shape.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary multi-tiered expandable filing assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a left side perspective view of the multi-tiered expandable filing assembly shown in FIG. 1, where an exemplary modular tray is being detached from an exemplary support bar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a close up view of an protrusion coupling to an exemplary concave hump formed on the support bar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates an upper angle perspective view of two modular trays connected to two support bars on a lateral frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a first modular tray connected between a pair of lateral frames by coupling two protrusions with a first set of two concave humps, and a second modular tray connected to the side of one of the lateral frames by coupling two protrusions with a second set of two concave humps on the same support bar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates a close up view of the first and second modular trays connected to the same support bar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(8) Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(9) The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word exemplary or illustrative means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any implementation described herein as exemplary or illustrative is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms upper, lower, left, rear, right, front, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

(10) A multi-tiered expandable filing assembly 100 is referenced in FIGS. 1-6. The multi-tiered expandable filing assembly 100, hereafter assembly 100, provides at least three modular trays 102a-d arranged in a stacked tier arrangement and supported from two side by a pair of lateral frames 112a, 112b. The modular trays 102a-d serve to receive, store, sort, and organize files, documents, mails, and the like. The assembly 100 can be expanded vertically through secure stacking of multiple assemblies and modular trays 102a-d, or expanded laterally through adjacent connections of modular trays 102b, 102d on the same assembly 100. In operation, at least three modular trays 102a-d are arranged in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship for securely retaining documents and office related material known in the art. The assembly 100 may be disassembled for flat stowage and shipping with minimal tools and fasteners.

(11) As referenced in FIG. 1, the assembly 100 comprises at least three modular trays 102a-c. Each modular tray 102a-c comprises a panel 106a-d and a peripheral region 104a-c that is reinforced and may form a flange 108a-c. In some embodiments, the panel 106a-d may include a meshed, rigid panel that is sized and dimensioned to support a document, mail, and other general office materials.

(12) In some embodiments, the modular trays 102a-c may be arranged into at least three stacked tiers and expanded to add additional tiers of modular trays 102d through constructive arrangement with the pair of lateral frames 112a, 112b. For example, two or more modular trays 102b, 102d may be fastened adjacently to each other.

(13) The lateral frames 112a, 112b comprise a pair of legs 114a-d that support the assembly 100 in a generally vertical, upright position. The lateral frames 112a, 112b further comprise a top bar 116a, 116b that forms a top convex hump 118a, 118b, and a bottom bar 120a, 120b that forms a bottom convex hump 122a, 122b. The lateral frames 112a, 112b utilize a coupling effect between the top and bottom convex humps 118a-b, 122a-b that form along the length of the top and bottom bars 116a-b, 122a-b to further stabilize the stacked configuration. Thus, the top and bottom convex humps 116a-b, 122a-b are configured to enable stacking multiple lateral frames 112a, 112b on top of each other, so as to expand the assembly 100.

(14) As illustrated in FIG. 2, the lateral frames 112a, 112b further comprise at least one support bar 124a-f that is defined by a plurality of spaced-apart concave humps 126a-h. It is the support bar 124a-f that provides direct support of the modular trays 102a-d; and specifically the at least one protrusion 10a-d extending from the peripheral region 104a-d of the modular tray couples with the spaced-apart concave humps 126a-h of the support bar 124a-f. In one embodiment, each lateral frame 112a, 112b has three support bars 124a-c, 124d-f.

(15) At least one protrusion 110a-d extends from the peripheral region 104a-c. The protrusion 110a-d may include a disc that extends from the sides of the panel 106a-d. The protrusion 110a-d is configured to couple with the concave humps 126a-h that form in one of a plurality of support bars 124a-f from the pair of lateral frames 112a, 112b.

(16) Thus, as the close up in FIG. 3 illustrates, the at least one protrusion 110a-d that extends from the peripheral region 104a of the tray 102a detachably and selectively couples to one of the concave humps 126a that form in the support bar 124a. This provides support for the modular tray 102a at a desired position relative to the lateral frames 112a, 112b. In some embodiments, the protrusion 110a-d can be shifted along the length of the support bar 124a to couple to different concave humps 126a, 126b, 126c, 126d, so as to achieve a desired arrangement of modular trays 102a-d. In alternative embodiments, various fasteners, friction fit coupling arrangements, and the like may be used to join the modular trays 102a-d with the at least one support bar 124a-f.

(17) Looking back at FIG. 1, the assembly 100 further comprises a pair of cross bars 128a, 128b configured to connect one leg from each lateral frame 112a, 112b. The cross bars 128a, 128b are effective for enhancing the structural integrity of the filing assembly 100, and thus supporting the at least three panels 106a-c. The pair of cross bars 128a, 128b connect to one leg 114a, 114d from each lateral frame 112a, 112b. The pair of cross bars 128a, 128b have an X-shaped relationship. The cross bars 128a, 128b are configured to provide structural integrity to the assembly 100.

(18) In some embodiments, the modular trays 102a-d may be stacked in various arrangements off each other or in conjunction with the lateral frames 112a, 112b. In one embodiment, the modular trays 102a-d can receive support between the pair of lateral frames 112a, 112b. However, the modular tray 102d can also be supported on one side of one lateral frame 112a (FIG. 5). This lateral arrangement of modular trays 102b, 102d creates a lateral expansion of the assembly 100.

(19) In another embodiment, the modular trays 102a-c are stacked in a vertical stacked configuration. In another embodiment, two lateral frames 112a, 112b can support a single modular tray 102a. In some embodiments, the assembly 100 can be assembled into multiple tiers of trays 102a-c for greater filing capacity by adding additional assemblies on top of the lateral frames 112a, 112b; whereby the top and bottom convex humps 118a-b, 122a-b couple together. This creates a vertical expansion of the assembly 100.

(20) In yet another configurable arrangement of the assembly 100, the modular trays 102a-d and the lateral frames 112a, 112b can be disassembled and flattened to a compact size during storage or transportation. Thus, the modular trays 102a-d disconnect from the lateral frames 112a, 112b to form a fully collapsed position. In this position, the assembly 100 may be stowed and carried more easily. The generally flat shape of the fully collapsed assembly 100 also enables multiple modular trays 102a-d and lateral frames 112a, 112b to be packed and shipped more easily.

(21) Looking once again at FIG. 1, the assembly 100, comprises at least three modular trays 102a-c. Each tray 102a-c comprises a panel 106a-c defined by a peripheral region 104a-c. The three modular trays 102a-c may be disposed in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship. In one embodiment, the panel 106a is meshed and has a generally rectangular shape. In another embodiment, the peripheral region 104a is reinforced metal and forms a flange 108a. The flange 108a may form on a front edge of the panel 106a, so as to restrict rolling and undesired movement of the documents and objects on the tray 102a. In one embodiment, the flange 108a may be oriented upwardly.

(22) In another embodiment, the panels 106a-d are defined by a wire mesh. In another embodiment, the wire mesh that makes up the panels 106a-d may cross longitudinally, transversely, or in an X pattern. The wire mesh of the panels 106a-d are configured to enable supporting documents in a load bearing manner. In one embodiment, the wire mesh has a minimum wire gauge of 0.05, and may include a rigid, but lightweight metal such as aluminum, or a lightweight polymer.

(23) Turning now to FIG. 4, the assembly 100 may include at least one protrusion 110a-d extending from the peripheral region 104a-d of the panel 106a-d. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion 110a-d comprises two discs connected with a rod. The rod is sized to fit snugly in one of the concave humps 126a that forms in the support bar 124a. In some embodiments, four protrusion 110a-ds may be used, with two protrusions 110a, 110b extending from each side of a panel 106a.

(24) In some embodiments, the assembly 100 may include a pair of lateral frames 112a, 112b configured to support the at least three modular trays 102a-d. The lateral frames 112a, 112b comprise a pair of legs 114a-d that provide vertical support to the trays 102a-d. The legs 114a-d are disposed in a spaced-apart parallel relationship. In one embodiment, the legs 114a-d form an elongated rectangular shape. Though other shapes and dimensions may be used that provide support to the assembly 100.

(25) The lateral frames 112a, 112b are further defined by a top bar 116a, 116b and a bottom bar 120a, 120b that cross between the pair of legs 114a-d. The top bar 116a, 116b is defined by a top convex hump 118a, 118b. The bottom bar 120a, 120b is defined by a bottom convex hump 122a, 122b. The convex humps 118a-b, 122a-b are defined as rising towards the top bar 116a, 116b. In one embodiment, the top convex hump 118a, 118b of a first assembly is configured to mate with the bottom convex hump 122a, 122b of a second assembly in a friction fit relationship. This allows multiple assemblies to be stacked, so as to expand the capacity to store, organize, and file documents on additional modular trays 102a-d.

(26) FIG. 5 illustrates yet another arrangement of trays 102b, 102d. Here, the trays 102a-d are shown in both a vertical, stacked arrangement, and a lateral arrangement. For example, a first modular tray 102b connects between the pair of lateral frames 112a, 112b by coupling two protrusions 110a, 110b with a first set of two concave humps 126a, 126c, and a second modular tray 102d connects to the side of one of the lateral frames 112a, 112b by coupling two protrusions 110c, 110d with a second set of two concave humps 126b, 126d on the same support bar 124a. In this lateral arrangement, two modular trays 102a, 102b are positioned adjacently to each other, as shown in FIG. 6. Additionally, the coupling effect between the protrusions 110a-d and the concave humps 126a-h works to create structural integrity in the assembly 100.

(27) The lateral frames 112a, 112b further comprise at least one support bar 124a-f defined by a plurality of spaced-apart concave humps 126a-h. The concave humps 126a-h are defined as falling towards the bottom bar 120a, 120b. Though the orientation of the humps 118a-b, 122a-b, 126a-h may be reversed in alternative embodiments. The support bar 124a-f is generally perpendicular to the legs 114a-d, extending therebetween.

(28) The spaced-apart concave humps 126a-h that form on the support bars 124a-f are configured to detachably couple with the at least one protrusion 110a-d. This relationship enables a connection to form between the modular trays 102a-d and the lateral frames 112a, 112b. In one embodiment, the protrusions 110a-d mate with the concave humps 126a-h in a friction fit relationship. Additionally, the coupling effect between the concave humps 126a-h and the protrusions 110a-d works to create structural integrity between the modular trays 102a-d and the lateral frames 112a, 112b.

(29) In one embodiment, the plurality of spaced-apart concave humps 126a-h comprises four concave humps 126a-d disposed in a spaced-apart relationship, and extending across a support bar 124a. The protrusion 110a-d can be selectively coupled with a desired concave hump 126a-h to achieve a desired arrangement of modular trays 102a-d on the lateral frames 112a, 112gb. In this manner, the modular trays 102a-d are supported between a pair of lateral frames 112a, 112b, or receive support from one side of a lateral frames 112a.

(30) In some embodiments, the assembly 100 may include a pair of cross bars 128a, 128b extending between the pair of lateral frames 112a, 112b. The pair of cross bars 128a, 128b connect to one leg 114a, 114d from each lateral frame 112a, 112b. The cross bars 128a, 128b may form a generally X-shaped relationship. The cross bars 128a, 128b are configured, chiefly to provide structural integrity to the assembly 100.

(31) These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

(32) Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.