Vertical file organizing assembly

Abstract

A collapsible file organizing assembly retains flat items in an organized disposition through vertical arrangement of tiered, sloped shelves that organize item. A pair of side frames carry panels, channels, crossbars, and fastening mechanisms. The panels easily disassemble and collapse for stowage. The side frames have a top bar, a bottom bar, a straight lateral bar, and a bent lateral bar. A plurality of sleeves join with the straight lateral bar so that a rear panel can be slidably pulled out or into the sleeves. A base panel forms the lowermost surface of the assembly. A plurality of channels extend between the straight lateral bar and the bent lateral bar at an angle. The channels provide a slidable surface that receives shelves. The shelves slidably engage the channels to form a tiered, sloped arrangement. A rear shaft on the shelves abuts against rails disposed along the rear panel.

Claims

1. A vertical file organizing assembly, the assembly comprising: a pair of side frames defined by a top bar, a bottom bar, a straight lateral bar, and a bent lateral bar, the bars configured to join in a coplanar relationship, so as to form a generally tapered, rectangular shape; a pair of frame bars having by a plurality of holes, the pair of frame bars configured to extend between the straight lateral bar and the bent lateral bar at an angle, such that the pair of frame bars slope down from the bent lateral bar to the straight lateral bar; a plurality of channels configured to extend between the straight lateral bar and the bent lateral bar at an angle, such that the plurality of channels slope down from the bent lateral bar to the straight lateral bar; a plurality of sleeves configured to be joined with the straight lateral bar in a generally parallel relationship; a pair of top crossbars configured to extend between the pair of frame bars in general alignment with the plurality of holes formed in the pair of frame bars, the pair of top crossbars disposed in a generally parallel, spaced-apart relationship; at least one flange having at least one aperture, the at least one flange configured to be joined with the bottom bar; a plurality of feet configured to be joined with the bottom bar, the plurality of feet configured to enhance stability of the assembly; a pair of bottom crossbars configured to extend between the pair of side frames at the bottom bar in general alignment with the at least one aperture formed in the flange, the pair of bottom crossbars disposed in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship; a base panel defined by a pair of side edges, a rear edge, a front edge, and a base wire mesh disposed between the edges, the base panel configured to be joined with the pair of bottom crossbars in a generally coplanar relationship; a rear panel defined by a pair of lateral edges, a top edge, a bottom edge, and a rear wire mesh disposed between the edges, the pair of lateral edges configured to slidably engage the plurality of sleeves, such that the rear panel is disposed to extend generally perpendicular between the pair of side frames; a plurality of rails configured to be joined with the rear wire mesh, the plurality of rails further disposed to extend between the pair of lateral edges of the rear panel, the plurality of rails disposed in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship; and a plurality of shelves defined by a front shaft, a rear shaft, a pair of lateral shafts, and a shelf wire mesh disposed between the shafts, the pair of lateral shafts configured to slidably engage the plurality of channels extending across the lateral bars, the rear shaft configured to abut against the plurality of rails joined with the rear wire mesh of the rear panel, whereby the angled disposition of the plurality of channels causes the plurality of shelves to slope down from the bent lateral bar to the straight lateral bar, whereby the horizontal disposition of the plurality of rails inhibits slippage by the plurality of shelves.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the base panel is generally rectangular and flat.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the base panel is positioned adjacent and coplanar to the pair of bottom crossbars.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the bottom bar of the pair of side frames having a hump.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the pair of top crossbars are disposed at different elevations in correlation to the slope of the pair of frame bars.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the rear panel is generally rectangular and flat.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of rails have a generally L-shape.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of rails comprises five rails.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of shelves comprises five shelves.

10. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising more than one fastener.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the at least one fastener comprises a threaded screw.

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the pair of top crossbars are defined by a threaded top termini.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the more than one fastener is configured to pass through the plurality of holes formed in the pair of frame bars and the threaded top termini of the pair of top crossbars for fastening the pair of top crossbars to the pair of frame bars.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the pair of bottom crossbars have a threaded bottom termini.

15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the more than one fastener is configured to pass through the at least one aperture formed in the flange and the threaded bottom termini of the pair of bottom crossbars for fastening the pair of bottom crossbars to the pair of side frames at the bottom bar.

16. A vertical file organizing assembly, the assembly comprising: a pair of side frames defined by a top bar, a bottom bar having a hump, a straight lateral bar, and a bent lateral bar, the bars configured to be joined in a coplanar relationship, so as to form a generally tapered, rectangular shape; a pair of frame bars having by a plurality of holes, the pair of frame bars configured to extend between the straight lateral bar and the bent lateral bar at an angle, such that the pair of frame bars slope down from the bent lateral bar to the straight lateral bar; a plurality of channels configured to extend between the straight lateral bar and the bent lateral bar at an angle, such that the plurality of channels slope down from the bent lateral bar to the straight lateral bar; a plurality of sleeves configured to be joined with the straight lateral bar in a generally parallel relationship; a pair of top crossbars configured to extend between the pair of frame bars in general alignment with the plurality of holes formed in the pair of frame bars, the pair of top crossbars disposed in a generally parallel, spaced-apart relationship, the pair of top crossbars having a threaded top termini; at least one flange having at least one aperture, the at least one flange configured to be joined with the bottom bar; a plurality of feet configured to be joined with the bottom bar, the plurality of feet configured to enhance stability of the assembly; a pair of bottom crossbars configured to extend between the pair of side frames at the bottom bar in general alignment with the at least one aperture formed in the flange, the pair of bottom crossbars disposed in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship, the pair of bottom crossbars having a threaded bottom termini; a base panel defined by a pair of side edges, a rear edge, and a front edge, the base panel configured to be joined the pair of bottom crossbars in a generally coplanar relationship; a rear panel defined by a pair of lateral edges, a top edge, and a bottom edge, the pair of lateral edges configured to slidably engage the plurality of sleeves, such that the rear panel is disposed to extend generally perpendicular between the pair of side frames; a plurality of rails configured to be joined with the rear wire mesh, the plurality of rails further disposed to extend between the pair of lateral edges of the rear panel, the plurality of rails disposed in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship; a plurality of shelves defined by a front shaft, a rear shaft, and a pair of lateral shafts, the pair of lateral shafts configured to slidably engage the plurality of channels extending across the lateral bars, the rear shaft configured to abut against the plurality of rails joined with the rear wire mesh of the rear panel, whereby the angled disposition of the plurality of channels causes the plurality of shelves to slope down from the bent lateral bar to the straight lateral bar, whereby the horizontal disposition of the plurality of rails inhibits slippage by the plurality of shelves; and more than one fastener.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the plurality of shelves each comprise a shelf wire mesh.

18. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the plurality of shelves each comprise five shelves.

19. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the more than one fastener is configured to pass through the plurality of holes formed in the pair of frame bars and the threaded top termini of the pair of top crossbars for fastening the pair of top crossbars to the pair of frame bars.

20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the more than one fastener is configured to pass through the at least one aperture formed in the flange and the threaded bottom termini of the pair of bottom crossbars for fastening the pair of bottom crossbars to the pair of side frames at the bottom bar.

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 vertical file organizing assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the vertical file organizing assembly shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of the vertical file organizing assembly shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary shelf, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of a vertical file organizing assembly with the shelves removed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of a vertical file organizing assembly with the shelves removed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates a rear perspective view of a vertical file organizing assembly with the shelves removed and the rear panel being slidably removed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(9) FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of a rear panel having a plurality of rails, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(10) FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a rear panel having a plurality of rails, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(11) FIG. 10 illustrates a rear view of a rear panel having a plurality of rails, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(12) FIG. 11 illustrates a front perspective view of a vertical file organizing assembly with the shelves removed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(13) FIG. 12 illustrates a top perspective view of a vertical file organizing assembly with the shelves removed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(14) FIG. 13 illustrates a side perspective view of a vertical file organizing assembly with the shelves removed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(15) FIG. 14 illustrates a close up view of an exemplary threaded terminus for a pair of top crossbars, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(16) FIG. 15A illustrates a perspective view of a pair of top crossbars and FIG. 15B illustrates at least one fastener, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(17) FIG. 16 illustrates a front perspective view of vertical file organizing assembly with the shelves removed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(18) FIG. 17 illustrates a top view of an exemplary base panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(19) FIG. 18 illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary base panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(20) FIG. 19 illustrates a side view of an exemplary left side frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(21) FIG. 20 illustrates a side view of an exemplary right side frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(22) FIG. 21 illustrates a side view of the left side frame shown in FIG. 19 flipped over, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(23) FIG. 22 illustrates a close up view of an upper region of the left side frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

(24) FIG. 23 illustrates a close up view of a lower region of the left side frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(26) 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.

(27) A vertical file organizing assembly 100 is referenced in FIGS. 1-23. The vertical file organizing assembly 100, hereafter “assembly 100” is configured to organize the flow of paper work within an office. For example, desk trays are often utilized both to coordinate the flow of paper as well as to organize files based on various classifications. The assembly 100 is also collapsible to enable facilitated stowage. In some embodiments, the assembly 100 may be fabricated from a lightweight metal or polymer that facilitates mobility, construction, and disassembly.

(28) As referenced in FIG. 1, the assembly 100 organizes at least one flat item. The item may include, without limitation, a file, a document, a writing instrument, a music CD, a DVD, a data storage device, and a paper document. The items are arranged and accessible in an organized, and easily visible disposition. In some embodiments, the assembly 100 retains the at least one item through a vertical arrangement of tiered, sloped shelves 158a-e that organize the item so as to enhance visibility and accessibility (FIG. 4). For example, a user may label each tier for appropriate filing and expedited accessibility.

(29) Turning now to FIG. 2, the assembly 100 comprises a variety of interlocking panels 136, 146, side frames 102a, 102b, crossbars 120a-b, 132a-b, and shelves 158a-e. The shelves 158a-e slide along channels 116a-j and interlock with rails 156a-e to form a sloped, tiered arrangement of shelves 158a-e for supporting items. The panels 136, 146 assemble by interconnecting to the side frames 102a, 102b through either a slidable relationship, or a friction fit relationship and fasteners 122. FIG. 7 illustrates one exemplary interconnection, in which the panels 136, 146 disassemble from the side frames 102a, 102b to a collapsed position for stowage and shipping. The rear panel 146 may slidably disengage from the side frames 102a, 102b, for example.

(30) As FIG. 3 shows, the assembly 100 may include a pair of side frames 102a, 102b. The side frames 102a, 102b form the supportive foundation of the assembly 100, carrying the various panels, channels 116a-j, crossbars 120a-b, 132a-b, and fastening mechanisms. In one embodiment, two side frames 102a, 102b form a mirror image of each other, resting parallel to each other while supporting the components of the assembly 100.

(31) Looking ahead to FIG. 19, the side frames 102a, 102b are defined by a top bar 104a, 104b, a bottom bar 106a, 106b, a straight lateral bar 108a, 108b, and a bent lateral bar 110a, 110b. The bars 104a-b, 106a-b, 108a-b, 110a-b join in a coplanar relationship to form a generally tapered, rectangular shape. The junction between the bars may be welded, as shown in FIG. 22, or coupled through a friction fit relationship. The bottom bar 106a, 106b of the pair of side frames 102a, 102b is disposed towards a ground surface. The top bar 104a, 104b is disposed opposite the bottom bar 106a, 106b.

(32) In one embodiment shown back in FIG. 3, the bottom bar 106a, 106b is defined by a hump 168. The hump 168 may have a generally convex shape. The bent lateral bar 110a, 110b deviates the rectangular shape, so as to form a wider lower end for the side frames 102a, 102b. In this manner, the upper region of the side frame is narrow and rectangular, while the lower region disposed towards the ground surface is bent out and wider.

(33) Turning now to FIG. 6, the assembly 100 may include a plurality of sleeves 118a-f configured to join with the straight lateral bar 108a, 108b in a generally parallel relationship. The sleeves 118a-f are configured to receive a rear panel 146, described below. The sleeves 118a-f may be disposed in a vertical orientation so that the rear panel 146 can be slidably pulled out or slid into the sleeves 118a-f.

(34) As FIG. 11 illustrates, the assembly 100 may include a pair of frame bars 112a, 112b that traverse the assembly 100 to enhance structural integrity of the side frames 102a, 102b and also provide a mounting surface for a pair of top crossbars 120a, 120b, as discussed below. The frame bars 112a, 112b are defined by a plurality of holes 114a-d useful for fastening. In one embodiment, the frame bars 112a, 112b extend between the straight lateral bar 108a, 108b and the bent lateral bar 110a, 110b at an angle, such that the frame bars 112a, 112b slope down from the bent lateral bar 110a, 110b to the straight lateral bar 108a, 108b (FIG. 12).

(35) As shown in the top view of FIG. 13, the assembly 100 may include a pair of top crossbars 120a, 120b that are configured to extend between the frame bars 112a, 112b. The top crossbars 120a, 120b may include a threaded top termini 124a, 124b that is in general alignment with the holes 114a-d formed in the frame bars 112a, 112b (FIG. 14). At least one fastener 122, such as a threaded screw may be used to fasten the top crossbars 120a, 120b at their termini to the frame bars 112a, 112b bar. The top crossbars 120a, 120b are disposed in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship when traversing the side frames 102a, 102b, so as to enhance structural integrity of the assembly 100.

(36) FIG. 15A illustrates a pair of exemplary top crossbars 120a, 120b, and FIG. 15B illustrates a fasteners 122, such as threaded screws used to fasten the top crossbars 120a, 120b through the threaded termini 124a, 124b. However ion other embodiments, any type of fastener may be used for fastening the top crossbars 120a, 120b to the side frames 102a, 102b.

(37) Looking ahead at FIG. 19, the assembly 100 may include at least one flange 126a, 126b, 126c, 126d that joins with each bottom bar 106a, 106b of the side frames 102a, 102b. In one embodiment, the flange 126a-d extends downwardly from the bottom bar 106a, 106b. The flange 126a-d may be defined by at least one aperture 128a, 128b, 128c, 128d, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. The aperture 128a-d in the flange 126a-d provides a passage for passing at least one fastener 122 through (FIG. 23). The fastener 122 is used to connect a pair of bottom crossbars 132a, 132b across the side frames 102a, 102b.

(38) Looking ahead again to FIG. 21, the bottom crossbars 132a, 132b may extend between the pair of side frames 102a, 102b at the bottom bar 106a, 106b. The bottom crossbars 132a, 132b may include a threaded bottom termini 134a-d that is in general alignment with the at least one aperture 128a-d formed in the flange 126a-d. At least one fastener 122, such as a threaded screw may be used to fasten the bottom crossbars 132a, 132b at their termini 134a-d to the bottom bar 106a, 106b. The bottom crossbars 132a, 132b are disposed in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship when traversing the side frames 102a, 102b, so as to enhance structural integrity of the assembly 100.

(39) In some embodiments, the assembly 100 may include a plurality of feet 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d configured to join with the bottom bar 106a, 106b for each side frame 102a, 102b. The feet 130a-d rest on a ground surface to help stabilize the assembly 100. The feet 130a-d may include rubber cubes having a lateral opening to enable passage of the bottom bar 106a, 106b. Though the feet 130a-d may include any stabilizing member known in the art. In one embodiment, the plurality of feet 130a-d comprise two feet 130a-d for each bottom bar 106a, 106b of the respective side frame.

(40) Turning back to FIGS. 16 and 17, the assembly 100 may include a base panel 136. The base panel 136 positions over the pair of bottom crossbars 132a, 132b, resting atop the bottom crossbars 132a, 132b. The base panel 136 forms the lowermost surface of the assembly 100. The base panel 136 is defined by a pair of side edges 138a, 138b, a rear edge 140, a front edge 142, and a base wire mesh 144 disposed between the edges 138a-b, 140, 142 (FIG. 18). The base panel 136 is configured to rest over the pair of bottom crossbars 132a, 132b in a generally coplanar relationship. The base panel 136 may be used to carry at least one item in a horizontal disposition, serving as a supplemental shelf with the sloped shelves 158a-e.

(41) Looking back at FIGS. 8 and 9, the assembly 100 may include a rear panel 146 defined by a pair of lateral edges 148a, 148b, a top edge 150, a bottom edge 152, and a rear wire mesh 154 disposed between the edges (FIG. 10). The rear panel 146 is disposed to extend generally perpendicular between the pair of side frames 102a, 102b.

(42) As FIG. 7 illustrates, the rear panel 146 assembles and disassembles from the assembly 100 through the slidable engagement with the plurality of sleeves 118a-f along the straight lateral bar 108a, 108b. However in other embodiments, the rear panel 146 may detach through a friction fit relationship, or through various types of fasteners known in the art.

(43) Turning back to FIG. 5, the assembly 100 comprises a plurality of channels 116a-j configured to extend between the straight lateral bar 108a, 108b and the bent lateral bar 110a, 110b at an angle. In this manner, the channels 116a-j slope down from the bent lateral bar 110a, 110b to the straight lateral bar 108a, 108b. In one embodiment, the channels 116a-j are generally parallel with the frame bars 112a, 112b. The channels 116a-j provide a slidable surface that receives a plurality of shelves 158a-e, described below. In one embodiment, a left side frame 102 may join with five channels 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d, 116e, while a right side frame may join with five additional channels 116f, 116g, 116h, 116i, 116j.

(44) In some embodiments, the assembly 100 may include a plurality of shelves 158a-e defined by a front shaft 160, a rear shaft 162, a pair of lateral shafts 164a, 164b. In some embodiments, a shelf wire mesh 166 may be disposed between the shafts 160, 162, 164a, 164b. The shelf wire mesh 166 has sufficient surface area to support the at least one item.

(45) The shelves 158a-e slidably engage the channels 116a-j to form a tiered arrangement of sloped shelves 158a-e. The channels 116a-j are referenced in FIG. 20. In one embodiment, the wire mesh 166 of the shelves 158a-e has sufficient surface area to carry at least one item, such as paper, files, writing instruments, and office supplies. The angled disposition of the channels 116a-j causes the shelves 158a-e to slope down from the bent lateral bar 110a, 110b to the straight lateral bar 108a, 108b. In this manner, the items are held in the shelf through gravity.

(46) The sliding engagement between the shelves 158a-e and channels 116a-j also facilitates removal of at least one of the shelves 158a-e from the channels 116a-j, so as to form various combinations of shelving in the assembly 100. The pair of lateral shafts 164a, 164b on the shelves 158a-e slidably engage the sloped channels 116a-j that extend across the lateral bars. In this manner, both the channel support the shelves 158a-e in a sloped disposition.

(47) In addition to engaging the channels 116a-j, the rear shaft 162 of the shelves 158a-e abuts against a plurality of rails 156a-e joined with the rear wire mesh 154 of the rear panel 146. The rails 156a-e extend between the pair of lateral edges 148a, 148b of the rear panel 146. The rails 156a-e join with the rear wire mesh 154 in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship. The rails 156a-e are disposed along the rear wire mesh 154 of the rear panel 146, positioned to receive the rear shaft 162 of the shelves 158a-e. The rails provide additional support the shelves 158a-e. In one embodiment, the rails 156a-e form a generally L-shape. In another embodiment, five rails 156a-e are utilized to correlate with five shelves 158a-e. Though in other embodiments, any number of rails 156a-e, channels 116a-j, and shelves 158a-e may be used.

(48) Through this interlocking relationship between panels, the rear panel 146, the pair of side frames 102a, 102b, and the rear panel 146 are easily assembled to form an organizer having sufficient surface area and volume for containing the at least one flat item. Minimal tools and fasteners are required to construct the assembly 100. Further, the base panel 136, the pair of side frames 102a, 102b, and the rear panel 146 are configured to collapse in a coplanar relationship to enable stowage and shipping. Because the panels are collapsible, the assembly 100 requires less space for a consumer to store the assembly 100, but also the shipping and packaging costs are reduced since the assembly 100 requires less space, and therefore less packing material.

(49) 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.

(50) 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.