Hanging File Frame Unit

File frames configured in arcs or circles are old (U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,595,837, 2,711,741, and 2,920,765). File units attachable to desks are also old (U.S. Pat. No. 3,642,338).

None of the file frames or units previously proposed are configured for ready support by two items of furniture or other similar supports.

Broadly, the present invention is a file frame configured for ready support on two spaced-apart desks or other supports. The frame, which is preferably curved, has end pieces for attachment to the desks and spaced-apart side rails between the end pieces upon which file folders may be hung. The end pieces accommodate clamping fasteners to fasten the end pieces to the desks.

It is a feature that the frame may include a crosspiece shaped to function as a tray.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention positioned between two desks;

FIG. 2a-e shows a plurality of embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial sectional view showing a clamp fastener in an end piece.

Referring to the figures, curved frame unit 5 positioned between desks 6 and 7 includes perimeter frame 11 having integrally formed outer vertical web frame rails 11a, 11b and integrally formed U-shaped end pieces 13, 14. Each end piece 13, 14 in turn has upper extensions 17a, 16a and preferably substantially equally-spaced through their length. The depth of web rails 11a, 11b determines the spacing of upper and lower extensions 16a, 16b and 17a, 17b which spacing is selected to be sufficient to accommodate the thicknesses of desk tops 8, 9 together with clamp means to be described. Extension pairs 16a, 16b, and 17a, 27b create chambers 16c, 17c therebetween.

To secure unit 5 to desk tops 8, 9, hand operated screw clamps 21 are located in chambers 16c, 17c which clamps 21 include threaded stem 22, stem clamp head 23 and wing hand piece 24 for turning. With respect to FIG. 3, threaded hole 26 in lower extensions 16b, accommodates stem 22 which moves upwardly as rotated clockwise (as viewed from below in FIG. 3) until clamp head 23 engages and is urged against the under surface 8a of desk top 8.

Hanging folders 30 with document pockets 31 and end hooks 32 are hung on and slidable along the top surfaces of the rails 11a, 11b. Also shown in FIG. 1 are legs 6b and 7b of desks 6 and 7 and crosspiece tray 15.

Turning to FIG. 2a-e, units 5 with left and right curvature are shown in a variety of positions between desks or similar support objects. Unit 5, as shown in FIGS. 2a-e, have end pieces 13, 14 which lie in planes P.sub.1, P.sub.2 at ninety (90.degree.) degrees to one another (see angle A of FIG. 2c). Depending on the spacing of desks 6 and 7, unit 5 may be positioned at various locations on desk ends 6e, 7e which desk ends are longer than unit end pieces 13, 14 (FIG. 2b). Thus, as the spacing of the desks 6, 7 vary the support locations along sides (s) and edges (e) also vary.

Unit 5 may also be positioned between the side 7s and desk 6 and the end 7e of desk 6 (FIG. 2d) and two units 5 can be transversely connected to two desks 6 and 7 at the same time (FIGS. 2d, 2e).