DEVICE FOR FILE STORAGE

Abstract

A file storage device, including a base member, and a plurality of dividing members detachably attached to the base member in a substantially parallel configuration, adjacent dividing members defining storage areas therebetween. The storage areas have widths, so that removal or addition of at least one dividing member allows for variation of the storage area widths.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to devices for storing files and is particularly useful for storing files which have various widths.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Previously, there have been file storage devices of the type that are used on shelves or in drawers for storing files in an upright manner. Such storage devices comprise upright rigid members, which are fixed in position. Files may be stored in between the fixed upright members, which provides a way of storing files more efficiently.

One example of a previous file storage device is formed of plastic coated stiff wire, where upright stiff wire members of the device are connected to a stiff wire base. The upright stiff wire members may be welded, or otherwise permanently fixed, to the stiff wire base. A plurality of parallel disposed upright wire members form fixed spaces therebetween in which a file or multiple files may be stored.

A disadvantage with this type of file storage device is that the storage areas defined between the parallel upright stiff wire members are of fixed widths. This leads to a problem where it is desired to store a file which is wider than the fixed widths defined between the upright stiff wire members.

Another disadvantage of the previous file storage device is that, with the upright members being fixed in an upright position, the device is bulky and difficult to pack and store for transportation. Furthermore, the bulky nature of the previous file storage device results in a need for large packaging to contain the device for sale or transportation. Larger packaging may be more inconvenient and expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, larger packaging may consume more material in its manufacture, which may be considered as unsound practice in respect of the environment.

Accordingly, it would be an advantage to provide a file storage device which overcomes or substantially ameliorates at least one problem of previous file storage devices.

Furthermore, it would be an advantage to provide a file storage device which provides storage of files of various widths, including providing storage for files of large widths that may not be able to be stored in previous file storage device having fixed width storage.

Yet a further advantage would be to provide a file storage device which can be more easily packaged and stored. It would also be advantageous to provide a file storage device which is cheaper and more convenient to package for sale and/or transportation.

There would also be an advantage in being able to provide a file storage device which is cheap to manufacture with regard to materials, tooling and labor costs. Accordingly, it would be an advantage to provide a file storage device with as few parts as possible while providing at least one of the previously mentioned advantages.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form or suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention attempts to overcome at least one of the problems of the prior art by providing a file storage device, including a base member, a plurality of dividing members detachably attached to the base member in a substantially parallel configuration, adjacent dividing members defining storage areas therebetween, the storage areas having preselected widths, wherein removal or addition of at least one dividing member allows for variation of said preselected widths.

Further benefits and advantages with respect to the present invention become apparent in the following description of alternative embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the invention will now be described which should not be considered as limiting any of the statements in the previous section. The embodiment will be described with reference to the following figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a storage device showing dividing members in operating positions;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a detail of FIG. 1, showing dividing members detachably attached to the base;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of FIG. 1 illustrating the dividing members being in folded down positions;

FIG. 4 is a detailed view from FIG. 3 illustrating the dividing members being detachably attached to the base member when in folded down positions;

FIG. 5 is a side view of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an end view of FIG. 1 illustrating a dividing member in an operating position;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of FIG. 1 where the dividing members are in operating positions;

FIG. 8 is a side view of FIG. 3 where the dividing members are in operating positions;

FIG. 9 is a similar view to FIG. 8 showing a configuration of the file storage device wherein some dividing members have been removed thus allowing variation of widths of the storage areas for storing the files;

FIG. 10 (including FIG. 10a, FIG. 10b, FIG. 10c, FIG. 10d and FIG. 10e) shows a series of pairs of views in an operation to rotate a dividing member into an operating position. Each pair of views includes a perspective view, shown on the left hand side of FIG. 10, and an end view, shown on the right hand side of FIG. 10; and,

FIG. 11 is an end view of an alternative embodiment of a dividing member illustrated being operated by hand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment of the file storage device 100 with a base member 2 and a plurality of dividing members 4 in a substantially parallel configuration. In this embodiment there are twelve (12) dividing members illustrated, each being detachably attached to the base member 2 of the file storage device 100. The dividing members 4 are shown in operating positions, where each of the dividing members 4 is substantially upright with respect to the base member 2.

Adjacent dividing members 4 define storage areas 1 therebetween. Each of the storage areas 1 is of a preselected width which is suitable for storing a range of files of varying widths. FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment in which a storage area between adjacent dividing members 4a and 4b is of width A. The centre-most storage area 1a between adjacent diving members 4f and 4g is of width B, being wider than width A.

Each dividing member 4 includes two dividing member engagement sections 6, one disposed at each side of the diving member 4.

Also shown in FIG. 1 the base member 2 includes two side rails 3. Each side rail 3 includes an upper panel 11; an inwardly facing side panel 9, which is facing towards the centre of the file storage device 100 relative to the side rail 3; and an outwardly facing side panel 15. Each side rail 3 includes a plurality of base member engagement sections 13 disposed along the inwardly facing side panels 9.

A dividing member 4 is detachably attached to the base member 2 by engaging each of the dividing member engagement sections 6, disposed at each side of the dividing member 4, with corresponding base member engagement sections 13. The corresponding base member engagement sections 13 are oppositely facing with respect to the centre of the file storage device 100.

In the illustrated embodiments, the base member engagement sections 13 for each of the dividing member engagement sections 6 of a given dividing member 4 are disposed to be oppositely facing each other. However, it is envisaged that, for example, the base member engagement sections 13 could be disposed on the outwardly facing side panels 15 of the side rails 3, with the dividing member engagement sections 6 disposed so as to slot into the outwardly facing base member engagement sections 13.

In a further alternative embodiment, each of the outwardly facing side panels 15 may be configured so as to minimize a risk for damaging a surface on which the file storage device 100 is placed.

In one optional configuration, a portion of each of the outwardly facing side panels 15 is bent along the length of the outwardly facing side panel, so as to form an outwardly facing substantially right-angled protrusion. In this configuration, the edge of the outwardly facing side panel 15 is directed parallel to the surface, thereby minimizing risk of damage to the surface.

In another optional configuration, a portion of each of the outwardly facing side panels 15 is bent along the length of the outwardly facing side panel, so as to be substantially “doubled over”. In this configuration the edge of the outwardly facing side panel 15 is directed away from the surface, thereby minimizing risk of damage to the surface.

In another alternative embodiment, each of the outwardly facing side panels 15 may include a plastic protection strip. This strip may have a U-shaped cross-section and may be configured to fit snugly to the edge of each of the outwardly facing side panels 15. In this embodiment, the plastic strip will be in contact with the surface on which the file storage device 100 is placed, rather than the edges of the outwardly facing side panels 15.

A plurality of cut out holes 7 are illustrated in the base member 2 of the files storage device 100 in FIG. 1. The cut out holes 7 may provide a pleasing appearance to the file storage device 100, but may also be useful for reducing the weight of the device. Also using cut out holes 7 may reduce the overall amount of material needed to construct the file storage device and could, if appropriately configured, provide handles for transporting the storage device.

A further advantage of the cut out holes 7 is that they may be used where it is desired to affix the file storage device 100 to a surface, for example, with hooks, or the like, which may attach through the cut out holes 7.

In this embodiment the dividing members are formed from a stiff, but flexible, metal wire-like material, although it is envisaged that the dividing members may be made from other materials. Furthermore, where the dividing member is formed from a wire-like material, it may be formed into different shapes from the example shape shown in FIG. 1.

It has been found that, by forming the dividing members 4 from a stiff, but flexible, metal wire-like material and forming the base member 2 from a metal plate material, the file storage device has a robust nature. This provides an advantage over alternative embodiments and other types of files storage device, which may use less robust materials for the dividing members and the base member, as the file storage device should have a longer operating life.

In a further optional embodiment, the wire-like dividing members 4 may include a plastic coating on at least a portion of each dividing member, which may afford some protection to files in the file storage device 100.

Alternatively, a dividing member may include a panel and engagement sections for detachably attaching the dividing member to the base member. It is envisaged that the dividing members may be formed from any material and in any shape such that they are able to store files in accordance with the invention.

In an example use of this embodiment of the file storage device 100, dividing member 4b has been fully disengaged from the base member 2 and is thus detached and removed, which allows for a variation in preselected widths and results in a wider storage area of width C between remaining adjacent dividing members 4a and 4c.

In another example operation of this embodiment of the file storage device 100, dividing members 4b, 4c, 4d and 4e may be detached from the base member 2 by being fully disengaged and removed. Adjacent diving members, in this example, are 4a and 4f, which define a storage area 1 of selected width D. If a dividing member 4 is detachably attached by being fully engaged with the base member 2 in the position illustrated by dividing member 4c, the storage area having selected width D is now divided into two storage areas having selected widths C and E. When diving member 4c is in this position, now-adjacent dividing members 4a and 4c define a storage area 1 of selected width C, and now-adjacent dividing members 4c and 4f define a storage area 1 of selected width E.

The storage areas 1 may have a range of various preselected widths, when the file storage device 100 is fully assembled with all detachably attached dividing members 4 fully engaged with the base member 2 of the file storage device 100.

In an example use, the file storage device 100 may store files, such as manila folder type files. A manila folder is placed in the files storage device 100 in a chosen storage area 1 with its spine facing in a downward direction. Two sections of the spine of the folder are supported by an upper panel 11 of each of the side rails 3.

Additional manila folders may be stored in the same storage area 1, or, if the storage area 1 is full, the additional manila folders may be stored in another chosen storage area 1. Further, and in accordance with the invention, if a storage area 1 is full and the user wishes to store more manila folders in a same storage area 1, the user may remove one or more of the dividing members 4 in order to create a larger storage area 1 for the folders.

Other types of files and folders, for example, ring binder type files, may be stored in the file storage device 100. A ring binder type file may be placed in the file storage device 100 resting on its spine. Alternatively, it may be desired to store a ring binder type file in the file storage device 100 in an upright position. In this way, if the file storage device is being used on a shelf, then it is possible to readily view the spine of the ring binder type file while it is being stored in the device 100. This may be desirable where a spine of a ring binder type folder has identification markings.

It should be understood that, when files are stored in the file storage device 100, parts of the file may rest on both, one or neither of the side rails 3.

Also illustrated in FIG. 1 is an optional centre rail 5 for supporting files, which are stored in the file storage device. The centre rail 5 may support a central section of a file, which is placed in a storage area 1 between adjacent dividing members 4. The centre rail 5 may substantially ameliorate the problem of a file sagging when stored in the file storage device 100, where outer sections of the file are supported by the upper panels 11 of each of the side rails 3.

Additionally, providing a centre rail 5 may increase the strength and/or rigidity of the base member 2.

FIG. 2 illustrates a detail of the file storage device 100, showing a corner of the base member 2 and a part of each of three dividing members 4. Each dividing member 4 is shown with one dividing member engagement section 6 disposed on a side of the dividing member 4. One dividing member 4 is shown detached from the base member 2, while two (2) other dividing members 4 are shown detachably attached to the base member 2.

The side rail 3 includes an inwardly facing side panel 9, along which are disposed three (3) base member engagement sections 13. The base member engagement sections 13 are shown, in this embodiment, including an elongate engagement slot 8 and a round engagement aperture 10 adjacent the elongate engagement slot 8. The round engagement apertures 10 are of substantially circular shape.

As can be readily seen on the dividing member 4, which has been illustrated detached from the base member 2, a substantially “N”-shaped dividing member engagement section 6 is disposed on the side of the dividing member 4. The “N”-shaped dividing member engagement section 6 includes a bent engagement protrusion 14 and a straight engagement protrusion 12.

A dividing member 4 is detachably attached to the base member 2 in a full engagement operation as follows. A bent engagement protrusion 14 slots into a first elongate engagement slot 8. In this embodiment, and substantially simultaneously, a straight engagement protrusion 12 slots into a first round engagement aperture 10.

The engagement operation also occurs at the other side of the dividing member 4 where a bent engagement protrusion 14, at that other side of the dividing member 4, slots into an elongate engagement slot 8, which is oppositely facing the first elongate slot 8 and a straight engagement protrusion 12, also at that other side of the dividing member 4, slots into a round engagement aperture 10, which is oppositely facing the first round engagement aperture 10.

It should be noted that providing a substantially “N”-shaped dividing member engagement section 6 with a straight engagement protrusion 12 is an optional feature. Also, it is optional to provide a base member engagement section 13 with a round engagement aperture 10.

A dividing member 4 may be suitably detachably attached to the base member 2 providing, on each side of the dividing member 4, a dividing member engagement section 6 including only a bent engagement protrusion 14, which slots into a base member engagement section 13 including an elongate engagement slot 8. In such an embodiment, the dividing member engagement section 6 may be formed in a substantially “V”-shaped configuration.

As can be readily seen, and as shown in other figures, providing round engagement apertures 10 and straight engagement protrusions 12 enables a substantially “N”-shaped dividing member engagement section 6 to be partially detached from the base member engagement section 13, thus allowing the dividing member 4 to be folded down to a position which is substantially parallel to the base member 2.

It will be further understood that dividing member attachment sections 6 and base member engagement sections 13 may have a variety of shapes and configurations, which are in accordance with the invention so as to provide a means of detachably attaching a dividing member 4 by engagement with the base member 2. For example, an elongate slot may be formed in the dividing member engagement sections 6, with a corresponding bent engagement protrusion formed in the base member engagement sections 13.

In this embodiment the dividing member engagement section 6 is offset from the plane of the dividing member 4. The offset placement of the dividing member engagement section 6 provides a more robust resistance to a rotational force or other force against the dividing member 6. The rotational force or other force may be produced by files adjacent the dividing member 6 when the file storage device 100 is being used.

A dividing member 4 may be disengaged from the base member 2 by sliding the bent engagement protrusion 14 and the straight engagement protrusion 12, respectively, out from a corresponding elongate engagement slot 8 and a corresponding round engagement aperture 10. Of course, this operation should occur at both sides of the dividing member 4 for the dividing member 4 to become fully disengaged from the base member 2.

It should also be appreciated that the dividing members 4 require some flexibility in order to be detachably attached to the base member 2, or to be partially disengaged from the base member 2.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the file storage device 100, wherein each of the dividing members has been folded down from an operating position to a folded down position which is substantially flat with respect to the base member 2. In this embodiment, each of the substantially “N”-shaped dividing member engagement sections 6, disposed on either side of a dividing member 4, is partially disengaged from a base member engagement section 13 of the base member 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view FIG. 3 showing a corner of the file storage device 100.

A folding down operation may occur as follows. On either side of a dividing member 4, an “N”-shaped dividing member engagement sections 6 is partially disengaged from a base member engagement section 13 when a bent engagement protrusion 14 is removed from an elongate engagement slot 8, but a straight engagement protrusion 12 remains slotted into a round engagement aperture 10. This partial disengagement enables the dividing member to be rotated around an axis formed by straight engagement protrusions 12 on either side of a dividing member 4, so that the dividing member 4 may fold down to a folded down position.

It should be noted that the straight engagement protrusion 12 protrudes further than the bent engagement protrusion 14. This further protrusion allows the straight engagement protrusion 12 to remain slotted into a round engagement aperture 10 while the adjacent bent engagement protrusion 14 is disengaged from the adjacent elongate engagement slot 8, such that the dividing member 4 is partially disengaged from the base member 2 and the dividing member can rotate about the axis formed by straight engagement protrusions 12 on either side of a dividing member 4.

A folding up operation is substantially similar to a folding down operation in reverse. The folding up operation may occur by rotating the dividing member 4, around the axis formed by the straight engagement protrusions 12, to an operating position which is substantially upright with respect to the base member 2 wherein, on either side of the dividing member 4, a bent engagement protrusion 14 is slotted in to an elongate engagement slot 8.

It will be appreciated that, in the embodiments shown, the dividing members 4 are formed from stiff, but flexible, metal wire-like material and are formed in one piece. The one piece dividing members 4 have substantially “N”-shaped dividing member engagement sections 6. It has been found that providing a dividing member 4 formed of a stiff but flexible material, such as metal wire-like material, along with “N”-shaped dividing member engagement sections 6 disposed on either side of the dividing member 4, allows for easy partial disengagement of the dividing member from the base member 2, when it is desired to fold down the dividing member 4 into a folded down position.

FIG. 5 shows the file storage device 100 with the dividing members 4 in folded down positions such that the dividing members 4 are substantially flat with respect to the base member 2. This may provide an advantage for storing and packaging of the file storage device especially for transport and display of the storage device for sale.

It should be noted that in FIG. 5 at least some of the dividing members 4 are shown as being slightly angled in an upward direction while in a folded down position, which is substantially flat with respect to the base member 2. When packaging the file storage device 100, the slightly upwardly angled dividing members 4 may be further compressed, due to the flexibility of the material from which the dividing members 4 are formed. This should allow the file storage device 100 to be packed in a flatter configuration and in a smaller volume box.

FIG. 6 shows an end view of the file storage device 100 with dividing members 4 in operating positions and in which dividing member engagement sections 6 are disposed on either side of an end most shown dividing member 4. The dividing member engagement sections 6 are slotted into base member engagement sections 13, the base member engagement sections are oppositely facing each other and disposed in the inwardly facing side panels 9 of the side rails 3 on either side of the base member 2.

Also shown in FIG. 6, the dividing member 4 includes an approximately right-angled bend 19 and another approximately right-angled bend 17 at each side of the dividing member 4. Bends 17 and 19 produce an upper section 18 of the dividing member 4, along with shoulder sections 21 on either side of the dividing member 4.

Further, FIG. 6 shows slightly inwardly sloping straight sections 30 on either side of the dividing member 4, disposed between approximately right-angled bend 19 and approximately right-angled bend 22. Straight sections 30 join with the dividing member engagement sections 6 on each side of the dividing member 4.

Providing a dividing member with such a “stepped” configuration, including an upper section 18, may produce a dividing member with a greater resistance to a force produced by a file, or a number of files, resting against the dividing member 4.

Furthermore, providing a narrowed upper section 18 for the dividing member 4 may allow for easier manual operation of the dividing member 4 when fully engaging the dividing member 4 with the base member 2 in an engaging operation so that the dividing member 4 is detachably attached to the base member 2; when fully disengaging a dividing member 4 from the base member 2 in a disengagement operation so that the dividing member 4 is detached from the base member 2 for removal; when operating the file storage device 100 to fold down the dividing member 4 into a folded down position; and, when folding up the dividing member 4 to an operating position which is substantially upright with respect to the base member 2.

A top section 20 is provided on the dividing member 4, which may be alternatively used as a handle section when operating the dividing member 4.

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of the file storage device 100 with dividing members 4 in an upright position. Also shown is a cut-away view of the side rails 3. The dividing member engagement sections 6 can be more readily seen slotted in to the base member engagement sections 13.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of the file storage device 100. The storage areas 1 and 1a are shown, respectively, with preselected widths A and B.

FIG. 9 shows a side view of the file storage device 100 in use storing a plurality of files 16 of varying widths. In this configuration, selected dividing members have been removed from the base member 2 to provide storage areas of preselected widths 1. Storage area 1b has a preselected width F and is storing a wide file 16a. Storage area 1c has a preselected width G and is storing two (2) wide files 16b. Storage area 1d has a preselected width H and is storing a plurality of files 16c of varying widths. Storage area 1e has a preselected width I and is storing a plurality of thinner files 16d with similar widths. Storage area 1f has a preselected width J and is storing two (2) thin files 16e of different widths.

The series of FIGS. 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d and 10e, each include a pair of views, being a perspective view (left hand side) and an end view (right hand side). The FIGS. 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d and 10e illustrate details of a folding up operation. The views show the relative position of the dividing member engagement section 6 with respect to the base member engagement section 13 in the side rail 3 of the base member 2. Further, the pair of views in FIG. 10 show a series of positions of the dividing member 4 in relation to the base member 2 when the dividing member 4, which is initially partially engaged with the base member 2, is being rotated around an axis formed by straight engagement protrusions 12 on either side of the dividing member 4, so that the dividing member 4 may be placed in an operating position and fully engaged with the base member 2.

FIG. 10 a shows a of a dividing member 4, which is partially engaged with the base member 2. FIG. 10a illustrates a dividing member 4 in a folded down position so that it is in a substantially flat position.

Referring to FIG. 10a, each dividing member engagement section 6 includes a rotatable straight engagement protrusion 12 and a bent engagement protrusion 14. The bent engagement protrusion 14 is formed from straight sections 23 and 24 which are connected at bend 28. Straight sections 23 and 24 are disposed relative to each other at an angle 27.

The straight engagement protrusion 12 is joined to the bent engagement protrusion 14 via bent section 25. Bent section 25 is formed between straight section 24 and straight engagement protrusion 12. Straight section 24 and straight engagement protrusion 12 form an angle 26 relative to each other.

As can be further seen in FIG. 10a the dividing member engagement section 6 is partially engaged with the base member engagement section 13, wherein the straight engagement protrusion 12 is slotted into round engagement aperture 10 and the bent engagement protrusion 14 is not slotted into the elongate engagement slot 8. With the dividing member 4 folded down to a substantially flat position, the straight section 24 is positioned above the upper panel 11 of the side rail 3. In this position, straight section 24 does not touch the edge 29 of the side rail 3, which is formed between the upper panel 11 and the inwardly facing side panel 9 of the side rail 3.

Referring to FIG. 10b, a second position is shown during the folding up operation wherein the dividing member 4 is rotated further towards an operating position.

In FIG. 10b, straight section 24 comes into contact with the edge 29 of the side rail 3. The angle 26 formed at bent section 25 provides that the point of contact between straight section 24 and edge 29, is offset from the axis formed by straight engagement protrusions 12 on either side of the dividing member 4. The preselected angle 26 and offset produce a flexing of the dividing member 4 when the dividing member 4 is rotated towards an operating position and the straight section 24 is further forced against the edge 29. Furthermore, along with the flexing, the dividing member engagement section 6 moves inwardly towards the centre of the file storage device 100, with respect to the side rail 3.

Along with the inward movement of the dividing member engagement section 6, the straight engagement protrusion 12 slides through the round engagement aperture 10, such that the straight engagement protrusion 12 also moves inwardly towards the centre of the file storage device 100, with respect to the side rail 3.

However, as can be seen in the series of FIGS. 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d and 10e, the straight engagement protrusion 12 does not become disengaged from the round engagement aperture 10 during the engagement operation wherein the dividing member 4 is rotated to an upright position and the bent engagement section 14 becomes engaged with the elongate engagement slot 8.

Further relative placement of the dividing member 4 with respect to the base member 2 is shown in FIG. 10c. The dividing member is rotated to be further towards an operating position than shown in FIG. 10b. At this point in the folding up operation, the dividing member 4 is further flexed such that dividing member engagement section 6 moves inwardly and such that bent section 28 comes into contact with an upper part of the inwardly facing side panel 9 of the side rail 3, which is at or near the edge 29 of the side rail 3.

As can also be seen in FIG. 10c, perhaps better illustrated in the end view (on the right hand side of FIG. 10c), the straight engagement protrusion 12 has moved further inwardly when compared with the position shown in the end view of FIG. 10b (right hand side of the FIG. 10b).

FIG. 10 d includes a perspective view (left hand side) and an end view (right hand side) of yet another stage in the folding up operation to rotate the dividing member 4 to an operating position. In these views bent section 28 of the bent engagement protrusion 14 is in contact with the inwardly facing side panel 9 of the side rail 3. At this stage of the folding up operation the dividing member 4 is almost in an operating position, being that it is almost fully upright.

In FIG. 10d the position of the dividing member 4 in relation to the base member 2 provides that dividing member engagement section 6, along with the straight engagement protrusion 12, positioned inwardly of the side rail 3 due to the inward flexing of a portion of the dividing member 4. The inward flexing of the dividing member 4, which is resiliently flexible, also produces a bias of the bent engagement protrusion 14 against the inwardly facing side panel 9. There is, therefore, an outwardly directed force at the point where the bent section 28 contacts the inwardly facing side panel 9.

FIG. 10 e includes perspective and end views of the dividing member 4 fully engaged with the base member 2. The dividing member 4 has been rotated around the axis formed by the oppositely facing straight engagement protrusions 10 and when the dividing member 4 is sufficiently upright such that the bent section 28 is positioned over the elongate engagement slot 8, the bent engagement protrusion 14 slides into the elongate engagement slot 8.

The bent engagement protrusion 14 should slide into (and “lock” into) the elongate engagement slot 8 due to the outwardly directed force produced by the inward flexing of a portion of the dividing member 4. Sometimes, however, the force may not be sufficient and the bent engagement protrusion may require manual assistance to be positioned into (and “locked” into) the elongate engagement slot 8.

It should be noted that angles 26 and 27, located respectively at bent sections 25 and 28 of the dividing member engagement section 6, do not substantially change in size during the folding up operation to rotate the dividing member 4 towards an operating position. Similarly, angles 26 and 27 do not substantially change in a folding down operation whereby the dividing member 4 is folded down to a substantially flat position with respect to the base member 2.

It should also be noted that the configuration and sizing of the preselected angles 26 and 27 contributes to the ease of operating the dividing members 4 to selectively either partially or fully engage with or to selectively either partially or fully disengage from the base member 2. Particularly, the choice of angles 26 and 27, configuration of the base member engagement section 13 and configuration of the dividing member engagement section 6 provides for easier folding up operation when rotating the dividing members 4 from a substantially flat position into an operating position, thereby moving them from being partially engaged with the base member 2, to being fully engaged with the base member. In one embodiment angles 26 and 27 are both approximately 45°.

FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of a dividing member 4 including indentations 31, which are disposed on either side in an upper portion of the dividing member 4. The indentations 31 may be useful for easier manual operation and can be gripped on one side with an index finger 32 and the other side with a thumb 33, as shown in FIG. 11. The thumb 33 and index finger 32 may be moved towards each other, resulting in an inward flexing of the dividing member 4. This may, in turn, assist with selectively either partially or fully engaging (or to selectively either partially or fully disengaging) the dividing member 4 with (or from) the base member 2. The indentations 31 may also be useful for an easier gripping of the dividing member 4.

The file storage device 100 may be used for storing files 16 of differing sizes, as described. However, it will be appreciated that the file storage device 100 may also be used for storing a range of different articles. Further, the file storage device may be formed in different sizes to be used for storing objects substantially larger or substantially smaller than files.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the file storage device 100 may be manufactured more simply, for example, in embodiments where the dividing members 4 are formed from one piece of material, such as stiff, but flexible metal wire and the base member 2 is formed from one piece of sheet metal. In such an embodiment, the tooling for manufacture of the file storage device can be simpler and thus manufacture may be less expensive.

The invention is susceptible to variations, modifications and/or additions other than those specifically described, and it is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations, modifications and/or additions, which fall within the scope of the following claims.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Claims

1. A file storage device, including: a base member; anda plurality of dividing members detachably attached to the base member in a substantially parallel configuration, adjacent dividing members defining storage areas therebetween, each storage area having a width,wherein removal or addition of at least one dividing member allows for variation of the width.

2. A file storage device according to claim 1, wherein each dividing member is adapted to be moved from an operating position, which is substantially upright with respect to the base member, to a position which is substantially flat with respect to the base member, and wherein each dividing member is adapted to be moved from the substantially flat position to the operating position.

3. A file storage device according to claim 1, wherein each dividing member includes two dividing member engagement sections disposed at either side of the dividing member, and the base member includes two base member engagement sections disposed at either side of the base member for engaging each dividing member, and wherein the dividing member engagement sections of a given dividing member are adapted to engage with base member engagement sections which are oppositely facing, such that the dividing member is detachably attached to the base member.

4. A file storage device according to claim 3, wherein the dividing member engagement sections are outwardly protruding from the dividing member and the base member engagement sections are inwardly facing towards a center of the base member.

5. A file storage device according to claim 3, wherein the dividing member engagement sections are inwardly protruding to a center of the dividing member and the base member engagement sections are outwardly facing from the base member.

6. A file storage device according to claim 3, wherein the dividing member engagement sections are offset from a plane of the dividing member, such that the dividing member, when detachably attached to the base member, provides substantial resistance to a force directed substantially towards the plane.

7. A file storage device according to claim 3, wherein each dividing member engagement section includes a substantially “V”-shaped protrusion and each base member engagement section is formed as an elongate slot, such that the dividing member engagement section is engaged with the base member engagement section by inserting the substantially “V”-shaped protrusion into the elongate slot of the base member engagement section.

8. A file storage device according to claim 3, wherein each dividing member further includes a straight engagement protrusion disposed at each side of the dividing member, and wherein the base member further includes substantially round engagement apertures, such that the straight engagement protrusions engage with the substantially round engagement apertures and the straight engagement protrusions form an axis about which the dividing member can be rotated to and from the operating position and the substantially flat position.

9. A file storage device according to claim 8, wherein each dividing member engagement section includes a substantially “V”-shaped protrusion and each base member engagement section is formed as an elongate slot, such that the dividing member engagement section is engaged with the base member engagement section by inserting the substantially “V”-shaped protrusion into the elongate slot of the base member engagement section, andwherein the straight engagement protrusion is formed with each dividing member engagement section, such that the dividing member engagement section is substantially “N”-shaped, and wherein each base member engagement section includes a substantially round engagement aperture for engaging the straight engagement protrusion.

10. A file storage device according to claim 9, wherein each of the straight engagement protrusions protrude further than the substantially “V”-shaped protrusions, such that each straight engagement protrusion, disposed on either side of each dividing member, is adapted to be engaged with a substantially round engagement aperture when each substantially “V”-shaped protrusion, disposed on either side of each dividing member, is disengaged from an elongate engagement slot.

11. A file storage device according to claim 1, wherein each dividing member is formed from a single length of resiliently flexible wire-like material.

12. A file storage device according to claim 11, wherein the wire-like material includes two pairs of bends, such that each of the pairs of bends forms a shoulder disposed on either side of a different one of the plurality of dividing members.

13. A file storage device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of dividing members includes two gripping sections each disposed on a side of the dividing member.

14. A file storage device according to claim 13, wherein the gripping sections are adapted to be gripped each by an opposing digit.

15. A file storage device according to claim 1, wherein the base member further includes side rails adapted to support outer edge sections of a file stored by the file storage device.

16. A file storage device according to claim 3, wherein the base member further includes side rails adapted to support outer edge sections of a file stored by the file storage device, andwherein the base member engagement sections are disposed along the side rails.

17. A file storage device according to claim 10, wherein the base member further includes side rails adapted to support outer edge sections of a file stored by the file storage device,wherein the base member engagement sections are disposed along the side rails, andwherein, when the substantially “V”-shaped protrusion is disengaged from an elongate engagement slot and the straight engagement protrusion is engaged with a substantially round engagement aperture, and when each of the plurality of dividing members is being rotated to an operating position from a substantially flat position, the substantially “N”-shaped dividing member engagement section thereof is configured such that the substantially “V”-shaped protrusion contacts the side rail and is forced inwardly with respect to the side rail.

18. A file storage device according to claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of dividing members is configured such that, when the substantially “V”-shaped protrusion is forced inwardly with respect to the side rail, the dividing member provides an outward bias with respect to the side rail such that, when the substantially “V”-shaped protrusion is located over the elongate engagement slot, the substantially “V”-shaped protrusion is biased to engage with the elongate engagement slot.

19. A file storage device according to claim 1, wherein the base member further includes a center rail adapted to support a central edge section of a file stored by the file storage device.

20. (canceled)