Abstract:
An exemplary hanging file folder retainer is provided that, in one embodiment, includes a first attaching member, a second attaching member, and a retaining member. The first and second attaching members couple to a hanging file drawer rail in order to secure the hanging file folder retainer to the hanging file drawer rail. The second attaching member is linearly disposed from the first attaching member such that the hanging file folder retainer is secured to the hanging file drawer rail in at least two locations. The retaining member has a length sufficient to at least span the distance between said first and second attaching members. The retaining member can also be increased or decreased upon installation along the hanging file drawer rail depending on the length of the hanging file drawer rail. In at least one functional position, the retaining member inhibits hanging file tabs from disengaging from the hanging file drawer rail.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/453,171 filed Jun. 13, 2006, now pending, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    My prior application Ser. No. 11/453,171, discloses, for example, a hanging file folder retainer in which hanging file folders are inhibited from falling off of the guide rail of a file drawer yet which enables access to the file folders allowing their removal from and insertion into the filing drawer as needed. The hanging file folder retainer apparatus described and claimed in my prior application is particularly advantageous as, among other things, it employs attaching members for securing the hanging file folder retainer to a hanging file drawer rail and also employs a retaining member having a length sufficient to at least span the distance between the attaching members such that, in at least one functional position, the retaining member inhibits hanging file tabs from disengaging from the hanging file drawer rail. 
         [0003]    There has been a continuing need for improvements in such hanging file folder retainers, including improvements in the way users are able to access hanging files stored in the file drawer as well as the way hanging file folder retainers are secured to hanging file drawer rails. There has also been a need for improvements in hanging file folder retainers to ensure that hanging file folders are inhibited from disengaging the hanging file drawer rail. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention provides an improved hanging file folder retainer apparatus. 
         [0005]    According to one aspect of the invention, a hanging file folder retainer is provided that includes, in one embodiment, a first attaching member, a second attaching member, and a retaining member. The first and second attaching members couple to a hanging file drawer rail in order to secure the hanging file folder retainer to the hanging file drawer rail. The second attaching member is linearly disposed from the first attaching member such that the hanging file folder retainer is secured to the hanging file drawer rail in at least two locations. The retaining member has a length sufficient to at least span the distance between said first and second attaching members. The retaining member can also be increased or decreased upon installation along the hanging file drawer rail depending on the length of the hanging file drawer rail. In at least one functional position, the retaining member inhibits hanging file tabs from disengaging from the hanging file drawer rail. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts, in which: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is an exemplary hanging file cabinet in which the present invention may be implemented; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is an exemplary file drawer for hanging file folders in which a hanging file folder retainer may be implemented in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a more detailed view of an exemplary file drawer rail and an exemplary hanging file retainer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIGS. 4A-4J  show various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer and pivoting retaining member in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIGS. 5A-5C  show various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer and pivoting retainer member in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIGS. 6A-6J  show various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer with dual axis points and magnets for securing the hanging file retainer to a file drawer rail and a pivoting retaining member with a molded pin lock for securing the retaining member closed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIGS. 7A-7M  show various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer with clamps for securing the hanging file retainer to a file drawer rail and a pivoting retaining member with a snap lid for securing the retaining member closed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 8A-8O  show various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer with clips for securing the hanging file retainer to a file drawer rail and a telescoping retaining member in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 9A-9G  show various views of an exemplary clip for use with hanging file retainers in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0016]      FIGS. 10A-10G  show various views of an exemplary one-piece hanging file retainer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    It should be understood at the outset that although an exemplary implementation of the present invention is illustrated below, the present invention may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The present invention should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary design and implementation illustrated and described herein. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the description. Additionally, the drawings contained herein are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
         [0018]    With reference now to the figures, and in particular with reference to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary hanging file cabinet is shown in which the present invention may be implemented. File cabinet  100  includes two file drawers  102 - 103 . Guide rails  106  are provided within the file drawers  102 - 103  in which to hang hanging file folders  104 . 
         [0019]    File cabinet  100  is presented merely as an example of a file cabinet. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may be utilized with many different types of file cabinets including, for example, those with more or fewer file drawers as well as lateral file cabinets. As such, the present invention is not limited to use with any one type of file cabinet. 
         [0020]    With reference now to  FIG. 2 , an exemplary file drawer for hanging file folders in which a hanging file folder retainer may be implemented in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. File drawer  200  is an example of a file drawer that may be implemented as, for example, any of file drawers  102 - 103  depicted in  FIG. 1 . File drawer  200  includes file drawer rails  204 - 205  on which the tab portion of hanging file folders  207 - 208  may rest thereby allowing the hanging file folders  207 - 208  to hang in the file drawer  200 . 
         [0021]    A hanging file retainer  202  is attached to file drawer rail  204  thereby inhibiting or preventing the tabs for hanging file folders  207 - 208  from disengaging from the file drawer rail  204 . In the depicted example, the hanging file retainer  202  fits over the file drawer rail  204  as indicated and is locked into place over the file drawer rail  204  by a locking screw  209  thereby preventing the hanging file retainer  202  from being accidentally knocked off of the file drawer rail  204 . If a hanging file folder  207 - 208  needs to be removed or replaced or if a new hanging file folder needs to be inserted into file drawer  200 , the hanging file retainer may be removed by unscrewing the lock screw  209  and removing the hanging file retainer  202 . Although not depicted in  FIG. 2 , a hanging file retainer, such as, for example, hanging file retainer  202 , may be attached to file drawer rail  205  as well. 
         [0022]    Although not depicted, the hanging file retainer  202  typically also includes an attaching and locking mechanism at the opposite end from screw  209  which, in the depicted example, would be located in the file drawer  200  in a spot farther from the front  210  of the file drawer  200  than screw  209 . It should be noted that hanging file retainer  202  depicted in  FIG. 2  is but one example of a hanging file retainer  202  that may be utilized to prevent or inhibit disengagement of hanging file folder tabs from a file drawer rail and is provided merely in order to illustrate one method of how a hanging file retainer may fit over a file drawer rail and prevent or inhibit disengagement of the hanging file folder tabs form the file drawer rail. Many other embodiments are possible, some of which are described below in order to better explain and illustrate the hanging file retainer of the present invention. 
         [0023]    With reference now to  FIG. 3 , a more detailed view of an exemplary file drawer rail and an exemplary hanging file retainer is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. File drawer rail  301  is an example of a file drawer rail for use in a file cabinet, such as, for example, file drawer rail  204  in file drawer  200  depicted in  FIG. 2 . File drawer rail  301  is configured such that a hanger  315  of a hanging file folder  308  may rest on the file drawer rail  301  with the tab  310  extending down over the outside of the file drawer rail  301  such that the hanging file folder  308  may hang within a file drawer from the file drawer rail  301  as depicted in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0024]    A hanging file retainer  300  may be placed over file drawer rail  301  such that the tab  310  is constrained to remain resting over the outside of the file drawer rail  301  thereby inhibiting or preventing the hanging file folder  308  from being removed from the file drawer or from dropping off of the file drawer rail  301  and becoming lost in the bottom of the file drawer. 
         [0025]    Hanging file retainer  300  includes two attaching members  304  and  305  by which the hanging file retainer  300  is attached to the file drawer rail  301 . Hanging file retainer  300  also includes a linking member  303  and a pivoting retaining member  302  that spans the distance between attaching members  304 - 305  and is configured that in a locked position, the retaining member  302  is situated sufficiently close to the file drawer rail  301  such that the hanging file folder  308  may not be raised sufficiently that the tab  310  can move away from the outside part of the file drawer rail  301 . Linking member  303  connects attaching member  304  to attaching member  305 . In many embodiments, attaching members  304 - 305 , linking member  303  and retaining member  302  are fabricated from semi-rigid thermoplastic. However, many other materials may be used as well as those skilled in the art will recognize. 
         [0026]    Typically, the distance between the file drawer rail  301  and retaining member  302  is sufficient that movement of the hanger  315  back and forth along the file drawer rail  301  is not significantly impeded, but is less than the distance that the tab  310  extends down over the file drawer rail  301  so that in no instance may the hanging file folder  308  be removed from or fall off of the file drawer rail  301 . 
         [0027]    In the depicted example, the hanging file retainer  300  is secured to the file drawer rail  301  by turning locking screws  306 - 307  sufficiently to secure the attaching members  304 - 305  to the file drawer rail  301  once the hanging file retainer&#39;s  300  attaching members  304 - 305  have been placed over the file drawer rail  301 . The attaching members  304 - 305 , in many embodiments, are generally three sided such that they surround three sides of the file drawer rail  301 . In one embodiment, the cross-section of the attaching members is “U” shaped. In one embodiment, one downwardly extending portion of the attaching members  304 - 305  also includes an extension, which when attaching members  304 - 305  is secured to the file drawer rail, the extension snaps in place on the underside of the file drawer rail such that at least a portion of attaching members  304 - 305  is in contact with each side of the file drawer rail. Also as depicted in  FIG. 3 , the retaining member  302  may pivot about a pivot axis  312  to an open position allowing file folders to be removed or added. In the closed position, the retaining member  302  locks into place to secure the hanging file folders  308 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that various mechanisms may be utilized to lock the retaining member  302  into a closed position. 
         [0028]    Hanging file retainer  300  is presented as an example of one embodiment of a hanging file retainer and is not meant to imply any architectural limitations to the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications and variations that may be applied to the depicted hanging file retainer  300  without from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, other embodiments may include a retaining member that does not pivot and may include other means for securing the hanging file retainer  300  to the file drawer rail  301  rather than the screws  306 - 307  depicted in  FIG. 3 . Examples of several embodiments for a hanging file retainer are described below. 
         [0029]    With reference now to  FIGS. 4A-J , various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer are shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 4A  provides a perspective view of an exemplary hanging file retainer  400  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG.  4 B provides a perspective view of an exemplary pivoting retaining member  402  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 4C  provides a perspective view of an exemplary hanging file retainer base  446  of the hanging file retainer  400  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 4D  shows the hinged end of hanging file retainer  400  in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 4E  shows the front end of the hanging file retainer  400  in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 4F  shows the hinged end of hanging file retainer  400  in an open position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 4G and 4H  show top and bottom views respectively of hanging file retainer  400  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 4I and 4J  show side closed and side open views of hanging file retainer  400  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4C , hanging file retainer  400  comprises a continuous material and includes two attaching members  403 - 404 , a linking member  460 , and a pivoting retaining member  402 . The length of the retaining member  402  varies depending on implementation. Of course, for any particular implementation, the length may not be longer than the depth of the file drawer. Lengths that are shorter than the length of the file drawer rail are possible in some implementations. Typical lengths of hanging file retainer apparatus of the present invention are about 8-12 inches, and for larger implementations (such as for example, lateral file drawers) are about 3 feet in length. The height of hanging file retainer apparatus of the present invention generally range from about 0.75 inches to 1.5 inches, but may be larger or smaller depending on the implementation. The width of hanging file retainer apparatus of the present invention generally range from about 0.75 inches to 1.5 inches, but may be larger or smaller depending on the implementation. 
         [0031]    Also, in some embodiments, retaining member  402  may extend past one or both of attaching members  403  and  404 . Hanging file retainer  400 , in one embodiment, includes locking screws  420  and  421  which may be tightened once the hanging file retainer  400  has been appropriately located thereby securing hanging file retainer  400  to a file drawer rail. Linking member  460  connects attaching member  403  to attaching member  404 . 
         [0032]    Each attaching member  403 - 404  includes a first vertical attaching member  405  or  408 , a second vertical attaching member  407  or  410 , and a top attaching member  406  or  409 . Each attaching member  403 - 404  is secured to a file drawer rail, such as, for example, file drawer rail  301  depicted in  FIG. 3 . The attaching member  403 - 404  are sufficiently flexible such that the first attaching member  405  or  408  may be moved away from the second vertical attaching member  407  or  409  such that the attaching member  403 - 404  may slip over the file drawer rail, which may vary in size and thickness. In accordance with the present invention, attaching members  403 - 404  are generally at a 90 degree angle with respect to the file drawer rail. 
         [0033]    Referring in particular to  FIG. 4A , pivoting retaining member  402  pivots about a pivot axis  466  between open and closed positions. As shown in  FIG. 4B , pivoting retaining member  402  contains a U-shaped notch  430  defined by a first hinge member  432  having an outer edge  434  and an inner edge  436 , a second hinge member  438  having an outer edge  440  and an inner edge  442 , and a center inner edge  444 , such center inner edge  444  connecting the inner edges  436 ,  442  of the first hinge member  432  and second hinge member  438 , respectively. The U-shaped notch  430  of pivoting retaining member  402  is configured to slide down over pivot axis  466  (see  FIG. 4C ) of the hanging file retainer base  446  in the final assembly. First hinge member  432  and second hinge member  438  each contain apertures  450 ,  452  forming a cavity that passes through the entirety of first hinge member  432  and second hinge member  438 . Similarly, pivot axis  466  contains an aperture  454  which passes through the entirely of pivot axis  466 . When U-shaped notch  430  of pivoting member  402  is secured to pivot axis  466 , the respective apertures  450 ,  452 ,  454  line up to enable a pin  456  to be inserted through the entire created cavity in order to secure the pivoting retaining member  402  to the hanging file retainer base  446 . 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , pivoting retaining member  402  also provides an enlarged opening  468  on the top surface of pivoting retaining member  402  as illustrated. Opening  468  is useful in allowing users to grasp pivoting retaining member  402  in order to raise or lower pivoting retaining member  402  as desired. It will be understood that pivoting retaining member  402  may employ a variety of openings and fixtures, including handles and knobs, to assist the user in moving pivoting retaining member  402  to its open and closed positions. 
         [0035]    When pivoting retaining member  402  is in the closed position, and the hanging file retainer  400  is secured to a file drawer rail, hanging file folders are restricted to hanging from the file drawer rail and are prevented or inhibited from falling from the rail or being removed from the rail. When the pivoting retaining member  402  is in the open position, hanging file folders may be removed from or added into the file drawer. Linking member  460  is located on the opposite side of the file drawer rail from the location of the hanging file folders. Thus, linking member  460  is positioned such that it does not interfere with movement of the hanging file folders along the file drawer and does not hinder removal or placement of hanging files within the file drawer. 
         [0036]    In certain embodiments of the hanging file retainer apparatus, it may be desired to modify the attachment of the pivoting retaining member  402  to the hanging file retainer base  446  at pivot axis  466  as illustrated in  FIGS. 4A-4C . Turning now to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , hanging file retainer base  446  may be modified by providing an alternative pivot axis in the form of an open “u” clip  502  suitably connected to hanging file retainer base  446 . Likewise, as shown in  FIG. 5B , pivoting retaining member  402  may be modified such that instead of providing a U-shaped notch  430  with apertures  450 ,  452  as shown in  FIG. 4A , the U-shaped notch  430  includes a bar member  504 , wherein one end of the bar member  504  is suitably connected to the inner edge  436  of the first hinge member  432  and the other end of the bar member  504  is connected to the inner edge  442  of the second hinge member  438 . When assembled, bar member  504  of pivoting member  402  may be snapped into the open “u” clip  502  as shown in  FIG. 5C . 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6A-6J , various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer employing magnets for securing the retaining member closed are shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6A  shows a perspective view of hanging file retainer  600  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6B  shows a perspective view of retaining member  602  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6C  shows a perspective view of hanging file retainer base  446  with dual axis points  466 ,  666  and retaining member  602  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6D  shows the hinged end of hanging file retainer  600  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6E  shows the lock end of the hanging file retainer  600  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6F  shows the hinged end of hanging file retainer  600  in an open position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 6G and 6H  show top and bottom views respectively of hanging file retainer  600  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 6I and 6J  show side closed and side open views of hanging file retainer  600  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0038]    Hanging file retainer  600  is similar in many respects to hanging file retainer  400  depicted in  FIG. 4 , except for the mechanism for locking the pivoting retaining member  602  closed, as well as an additional pivot axis member  666  secured to the top size of attaching member  403  as illustrated in  FIG. 6A . Hanging file retainer  600  comprises a continuous material and includes two attaching members  403 - 404 , a pivoting retaining member  602 , and a linking member  460 . In this embodiment, magnets  604 , or other suitable connection means, are attached to the underside of pivoting retaining member  602  (see  FIG. 6B ) and may be attached to complimentary strips of metal  606  on the top side of attaching member  603  (see  FIG. 6C ) as illustrated thereby securing the hanging file retainer  600  in a closed position preventing removal of hanging file folders. 
         [0039]    Still referring to  FIG. 6A , hanging file retainer base  446  contains an additional pivot axis  666  secured to the top side of attaching member  403  as illustrated. Pivot axis  666  is configured the same as pivot axis  466 . As will be appreciated, the inclusion of dual pivot axes  446  and  666  allow the user to alternate the location in which pivoting retaining member  602  is attached to hanging file retainer base  446 . As an example, the user may desire for pivoting retainer member  602  to be attached at pivot axis  466  as illustrated in  FIG. 6A . Or alternatively, the user may desire for pivoting retainer member  602  to be attached at pivot axis  666  as illustrated in  FIG. 6C . Such versatility in the attachment of pivoting retaining member  602  is useful in that the user can decide which configuration bests suits his/her needs depending on the configuration of the file drawer(s) in relation to other elements of the office set up. 
         [0040]    Still referring to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , locking end  608  of pivoting retaining member  602  is configured in a “u shape” configuration as illustrated, defined by a first clasp member  610  and a second clasp member  612 . When retaining member  602  is in the closed position (secured by magnetism created by magnets  604  ( FIG. 6B ) and strips of metal  606 ), first clasp member  610  and second clasp member  612  are located on either side of second pivot axis member  666 . Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 6C , when pivoting retaining member  602  is alternatively attached at second pivot axis member  666 , and when retaining member  602  is in the closed position (secured by magnetism created by magnets  604  and strips of metal  610 ), first clasp member  610  and second clasp member  612  are located on either side of pivot axis member  466 . 
         [0041]    Turning now to  FIGS. 7A-7H , various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer with locking mounting clamps for securing the hanging file retainer to a file drawer rail and a snap top retaining member for securing the retaining member closed are shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7A  shows a perspective view of hanging file retainer  700  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 7B and 7C  show perspective views of snap closure  704  of pivoting retainer member  702  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7D  is a sectional view of snap closure  704  of pivoting retaining member  702  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7E  is a perspective view of snap closure  734  in a locked position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7F  is a perspective view of snap closure  734  in an unlocked position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7G  shows a back end view of hanging file retainer  700  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7H  shows a front end view of the hanging file retainer  700  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7I  shows a back end view of the hanging file retainer  700  in an open position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 7J and 7K  show top and bottom views respectively of hanging file retainer  700  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 7L and 7M  show side closed and side open views of hanging file retainer  700  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0042]    Hanging file retainer  700  is similar to hanging file retainer  600  except that pivoting retaining member  702  includes a snap closure  704  and hanging file retainer base  446  includes a snap closure receptacle  706  and locking mounting clamps  707 ,  708 . Pivoting retaining member  702  may be secured to locking mounting clamp  708  through insertion of a molded pin  456  into aperture  454 . Each locking mounting clamp  707 ,  708  includes a first vertical clamp member  775  or  778 , a second vertical clamp member  777  or  780 , and a top clamp member  776  or  779 . Locking clamp mounting clamp  707 ,  708  generally is at a 90 degree angle relative to the file drawer rail. Locking mounting clamps  707 ,  708  include one or more pieces of foam located on one or more inner surfaces of locking mounting clamps  707 ,  708 , including inner surfaces of first vertical clamp member  775  or  778  and second vertical clamp member  777  or  780 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7G , locking mounting clamps  707 ,  708  include two separate pieces of foam,  760 ,  762  attached to the inner vertical walls of locking mounting clamps  707 ,  708 , respectively. The foam pieces  760 ,  762  are preferably touching or are closely together, such that when the hanging file retainer  700  is inserted over a file drawer rail, such as for example the file drawer rail shown in  FIG. 3 , the hanging file retainer  700  will fit snugly onto the rail and will be held securely in place. Each locking mounting clamp  707 ,  708  is secured to a file drawer rail, such as, for example, file drawer rail  301  depicted in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0043]    Turning now to  FIG. 7B , in one embodiment snap closure  704  is of one-piece molded construction connected to pivoting retaining member  702  as shown. Snap closure  704  includes a generally vertical plate  710  having a front surface  712  and a back surface  714 , a locking flange  716  attached at a point near the lower end of the front surface  712  of the vertical plate  710 , and a connecting flange  718  to connect the vertical plate  710  with the pivoting retaining member  702 . Snap closure  704  has a length “l” a width “w” and a height “h.” An example of snap closure  704  dimensions include “l” between about 0.5 and 1.5 inches, “w” between about 0.5 and 1.5 inches, and “h” between about 1 and 3 inches. It is understood that these measurements may very depending on the implementation. 
         [0044]    Vertical plate  710 , locking flange  716  and connecting flange  718  are preferably of rigid and/or semi-rigid construction. However, at least the portion of the vertical plate  710  located above locking flange  716  is movable in a horizontal direction relative to the connecting flange  718  and generally in a plane parallel to the length of the pivoting retaining member  702 . Connecting flange  718  is of semi-rigid construction and serves as a biasing means holding vertical plate  710  in a normal vertical position. Pressure on vertical plate  710  in a direction toward the opposite end of the pivoting retaining member  702  overcomes the force exerted by the connecting flange  718  to cause locking flange  716  to be able to move outside the confines of snap closure  706  releasing pivoting retaining member  702  from the locked position. 
         [0045]    For example, when pivoting retaining member  702  is in the closed position, the user may grasp the upper end of vertical plate  710  moving it back toward the opposite end of hanging file retainer  700  which in turn causes locking flange  716  to be drawn slightly upwards as shown in  FIG. 7C . This release action enables the user to unlock the hanging file retainer  700  and cause the pivoting retaining member  702  to be pivoted to the open position. When the user desires to move the pivoting retaining member  702  to the closed position, the user manually moves pivoting retaining member  702  to a point just before reaching the snap closure receptacle  706 . Downward pressure causes snap closure  704  to be inserted into snap closure receptacle  706 , causing locking flange  716  to be initially drawn slightly upwards. 
         [0046]    Once the snap action is completed, the top of locking flange  716  resides below the surface of snap closure receptacle  706  as shown in  FIG. 7B . Snap closure receptacle  706  is generally slightly shorter in length than the distance “x” between the end of locking flange  716  and the end of pivoting retaining member  702 . In one embodiment of the present invention, “x” is about 1.5 inches in length, and snap closure receptacle has a diameter of less than about 1 inch. It is understood that these measurements may vary depending on the implementation. As such, when the top of vertical plate  710  is released, locking flange  716  is returned to its normal position, such that pivoting retaining member  702  is locked in place. Once again, if the user desires to release pivoting retaining member  702 , the user may gently pull back the vertical plate  710  while lifting in an upwardly direction the pivoting retaining member  702 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 7D  is a cross-sectional diagram of snap closure  704  shown in the closed and locked position inside snap closure receptacle  706 . 
         [0048]    Turning now to  FIG. 7E ,  FIG. 7E  illustrates an alternative embodiment of snap closure  704 . As shown in  FIG. 7E , snap closure  734  is shown having a generally vertical plate  740  having a front surface  742  and a back surface  744 , a locking flange  746  attached at a point near the lower end of the front surface  742  of the vertical plate  740 , and a connecting flange  748  to connect the vertical plate  740  with the pivoting retainer member  702 . Snap closure  734  has a length “l” a width “w” and a height “h.” An example of snap closure  734  dimensions include “l” between about 0.5 and 1.5 inches, “w” between about 0.2 and 1 inches, and “h” between about 0.5 and 1.5 inches. Connecting flange  748  is inserted in the body of pivoting retaining member  702 . Connecting flange  748  is connected to a spring mechanism or other suitable device (not shown). Connecting flange  748  is of rigid construction and serves as a biasing means holding vertical plate  740  in a normal vertical position and along a horizontal plane at a point in which locking flange  746  is positioned to be confined by snap closure receptacle  706  when pivoting retaining member  702  is in the closed position ( FIG. 7E ). Pressure on vertical plate  740  in a direction toward the opposite end of the hanging file retainer  700  overcomes the force exerted by the connecting flange  748 . This in turn causes vertical plate  740  and locking flange  746  to move horizontally in the direction of the opposite end of hanging file retainer  700  which causes locking flange  746  to be along a horizontal plane that is shorter than the length of snap closure receptacle  706 , thus allowing pivoting retaining member  702  to be released from the locked position to the unlocked position (see  FIG. 7F ). 
         [0049]    With reference now to  FIGS. 8A-O , various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer with mounting clips  803 ,  804  for securing the hanging file retainer  800  to a file drawer rail and a telescoping retaining member  802  for securing hanging files are shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 8A  shows a perspective view of hanging file retainer  800  in an extended mode in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 8B  shows a bottom perspective view of hanging file retainer  800  in an extended mode in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 8C  shows a perspective view of hanging file retainer  800  in an un-extended mode in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 8D  shows a bottom perspective view of hanging file retainer  800  in an un-extended mode in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 8E  shows an end of linear arm extension  812  of hanging file retainer  800  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 8F  shows an end of extension sleeve  822  of hanging file retainer  800  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 8G and 8H  show end views of linear extension arm  812  of hanging file retainer  800  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 8I and 8J  show top and bottom views respectively of linear extension arm  812  of hanging file retainer  800  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 8K and 8L  show end views of extension sleeve  822  of hanging file retainer  800  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 8M and 8N  show top and bottom views respectively of extension sleeve  822  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 8O  is a sectional view of hanging file retainer  800  illustrating linear arm extension  812  and extension sleeve  822  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0050]    Hanging file retainer  800  is similar to hanging file retainer  400  except that rather than attaching members  403 ,  404  first clip  803  and second clip  804  are used. In addition hanging file retainer  800  employs a telescoping retaining member  802  secured to first clip  803  and second clip  804 . 
         [0051]    In one embodiment, hanging file retainer  800  is a one piece integral molded unit made of a reasonably strong, semi-rigid plastic. In another embodiment, hanging file retainer  800  is a multi-piece construction formed of strong, semi-rigid plastic materials. Any other materials including wood, metal or a composite material may also be used. Hanging file retainer  802  may be of one piece construction or multiple pieces. As shown in  FIG. 8A , hanging file retainer  802  is constructed of two pieces, a linear extension arm  812  and an extension sleeve  822 . Extension sleeve  822  is slidably mounted to linear extension arm  812  and is moveable between an outward fully extended mode as shown in  FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B , and an inward un-extended mode as shown in  FIG. 8C  and  FIG. 8D . 
         [0052]    As further shown in  FIG. 8E , linear extension arm  812  has opposed side walls  814 A and  814 B that are connected with opposed top and bottom sides  816 A and  816 B such that linear extension arm  812  is an elongated rectangle. Linear extension arm  812  also has opposing ends,  813 ,  815  (see  FIGS. 8E ,  8 G). Opposed sides  814 A and  814 B are greater in dimension than top and bottom sides  816 A and  816 B. Operably connected to bottom side  816 B is an extended lip or catch  818  used in preventing linear extension arm  812  from being extended out of extension sleeve  822  as further described below. Catch  818  has a back wall  820  and a front wall  821 , preferably flush with end  813  of linear extension arm  812 . In other embodiments, catch  818  may be located on other parts of linear extension arm  812 , for example, instead of (or in addition to) being operably connected to bottom side  816 B, catch  818  may be present as a vertical lip or catch, extending out from one or both of opposed side walls  814 A and  814 B. The vertical lip(s) may be present along the entire vertical distance of opposed side walls  814 A and  814 B or a portion thereof. 
         [0053]    As shown in  FIG. 8F , extension sleeve  822  has opposed side walls  824 A and  824 B and a top wall  826 A forming an elongated rectangular compartment within which linear extension arm  812  is slidably mounted. Extension sleeve  822  further has opposed side protrusions  828 A and  828 B near the lower end of opposed side walls  824 A and  824 B, respectively, each side protrusion  828 A,  828 B containing a back stop  830 ,  832  (not shown). Side protrusions  828 A and  828 B may be of a greater or lesser length than as shown in  FIG. 8F , including a length corresponding to the length of extension sleeve  822 . The longer the length of side protrusions  828 A,  828 B, the shorter the distance linear extension arm  812  will be permitted to extend. Further, side protrusions  828 A and  828 B may extend further in a horizontal direction to a point in which the two protrusions become a single unit forming a bottom wall in extension sleeve  822 . In other embodiments, side protrusions  828 A,  828 B may be located on other parts of extension sleeve  822 , for example, instead of (or in addition to) being near the lower end of opposed side walls  824 A and  824 B, respectively, side protrusions  828 A,  828 B may be in a vertical position on the inside wall extending out from one or both of opposed side walls  824 A and  824 B. The vertical protrusions(s) may be present along the entire vertical distance of opposed side walls  824 A and  824 B or a portion thereof. The vertical protrusion(s) on the extension sleeve  822  cooperate with complementary vertical protrusions on the linear extension arm  812  (as described above) to prevent linear extension arm  812  from being extended out of extension sleeve  822 . Vertical protrusion(s) contained on opposed side walls  824 A and  824 B of extension sleeve  822  may also be configured such that the portion of opposed side walls  824 A and  824 B in which a protrusion(s) is attached may be resilient (as compared to other non-resilient portions of opposed side walls  824 A and  824 B), to permit (if desired) extension of linear extension arm  812  out of extension sleeve  822  and so as to avoid damaging the unit. 
         [0054]    Linear extension arm  812  can be moved by being slid relative to extension sleeve  822 , such that protrusions  828 A and  828 B form a “guide” by which bottom side wall  816 B of linear extension arm  812  is in contact. In an alternative embodiment, linear grooves or depressions may be formed in sidewalls  814 A and  814 B of linear extension arm  812 . In this embodiment, protrusions  828 A and  828 B of extension sleeve  822  are confined by the linear grooves so as to form a track or guide during the movement of linear extension arm  812  in and out of extension sleeve  822 . 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIG. 8O ,  FIG. 8O  is an isolated view of the two piece telescoping retaining member  802  showing linear extension arm  812  enveloped within extension sleeve  822 . When linear extension arm  812  is fully extended (see  FIG. 8A ,  8 B), linear extension arm  812  is prevented from being extended beyond the outer edges of extension sleeve  822  by the interaction between catch  818  and side protrusions  828 A and  828 B. In one embodiment of the present invention, when linear extension arm  812  is pulled outwards, at least the portion of the back surface  820  of catch  818  comes in contact with at least a portion of the back surface  830 ,  832  of one or both of side protrusions  828 A,  828 B, thus preventing linear extension arm from being extended too far. 
         [0056]    Still referring to  FIGS. 8A-8D , one or more clips  803 ,  804  are positioned along the telescoping retaining member  802 . In one embodiment of the present invention, telescoping retaining member  802  includes two clips,  803 ,  804  offset from the center. However, one clip or more than two clips may be utilized. Each of the clips,  803 ,  804  is constructed in the same manner such that only one of the clips,  803 , will be described herein. In one embodiment, the clips may be of the type used in binding paper, sometimes referred to as “binder clips” such as those referenced in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,139,627 and 1,865,453 incorporated herein by reference. Such clips may be secured to the ends of the telescoping retaining member  802  by attaching (such as by example with screws) the back side of the clip (i.e., the side of the clip that when viewing the clip upright forms a plane parallel with the horizontal and adjoins the two downwardly extending clip “jaws”) to the bottom sides of the linear extension arm  812  and extension sleeve  822 , respectively. In this embodiment, the back side of the clip is in contact with a portion of the bottom sides of (and is preferably near the end(s) of) the linear extension arm  812  and extension sleeve  822  respectively, the jaws of the clips residing below the retaining member. 
         [0057]    As shown in  FIG. 8A , and more particularly in  FIG. 9A , clip  803  contains two gripping members, such as jaws, that pivot with respect to each other in order to hold to a file drawer rail, such as file drawer rail  204  as shown in  FIG. 2 . One gripping member or jaw  922  is stationary or fixed and is made integral with telescoping retaining member  802 . The second gripping member or moveable jaw  924  pivots about the fixed jaw  922  to create a functioning clip. A biasing means, such as a elastomeric strip  926 , holds jaws  922 ,  924  together in a normal position to secure hanging file retainer  800  to the hanging file drawer rail. Pressure on jaws  922 ,  924  overcomes the force of the biasing means to open the clip and release the hanging file retainer  800  from the hanging file drawer rail. 
         [0058]    Still referring to  FIGS. 9A-9G , fixed jaw  922  contains a top or support face  928  made integral with a linear portion of telescoping member  802 . As shown in  FIG. 9A , fixed jaw  922  of clip  803  is integral with linear extension arm  812  and fixed jaw  922  of clip  804  is integral with extension sleeve  822 . As shown in  FIG. 9F , the opposite end of fixed jaw  922  defines a gripping face  930 , which will engage the hanging file drawer rail. A transition region  932  between support face  928  and gripping face  930  includes parallel supports  934 , which defines a seat  936 . 
         [0059]    As shown in  FIG. 9G , moveable jaw  924  has a top or release face  938  and a gripping face  940  at its other end. In a transition region  942  between the two faces, a grooved member  944  is positioned, such that when the two jaws,  922 ,  924  are overlaid one on top of the other, grooved member  944  of moveable jaw  924  rests on the seat  936  of the fixed jaw  922 . Thus, the jaws  922 ,  924  pivot about the edge of the parallel support member  934 . 
         [0060]    As shown in  FIGS. 9A-9C , biasing means  926  is preferably made of thermoplastic and is generally a “u” shaped article having distal ends,  946 ,  948 , each of which is attached to opposite outside faces of clip  803  as shown. The two distal ends  946 ,  948  exert a symmetrical force on fixed jaw  922  and moveable jaw  924  such that the clip  803  is normally in the closed position. Pressure of a user&#39;s fingers on the release face  938  of the movable jaw  924  overcomes the force of the biasing means  926  and moves the top or release face  938  near the top or support face  928  of the fixed jaw  922 . Due to the pivoting arrangement of the two jaws, this action causes the gripping faces  930 ,  940  to separate. The user may then attach hanging file retainer  800  to a file drawer rail, such as rail  301  depicted in  FIG. 3 , by placing the rail between gripping faces  930 ,  940 . When the release face  938  is released by the user, the biasing means  926  moves the jaws  922 ,  924  back in position and the hanging file retainer  800  is held securely onto the file drawer rail. To release the hanging file retainer from the file drawer rail, the user again applies pressure on the release face  938  of the movable jaw  924  as before, and the hanging file retainer  800  may be removed from the file drawer rail. 
         [0061]    Referring in particular to  FIGS. 9F and 9G , gripping faces  930 ,  940  employ molded pads, the surfaces of which improve the gripping action of the gripping faces. Preferably, the pads are made of rubber and include raised portions as shown. However, other suitable materials may be used and exhibit good anti-slip properties. 
         [0062]    With reference now to  FIGS. 10A-10G , various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer  1000  with double stick tape  1008  for securing the hanging file retainer  1000  to a file drawer rail  1006  are shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 10A  shows a perspective view of hanging file retainer  1000  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 10B and 10C  show respective front and back side views of hanging file retainer  1000  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 10D and 10E  show respective front and back end views of hanging file retainer  1000  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 10F and 10G  show top and bottom views respectively of hanging file retainer  1000  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0063]    Hanging file retainer  1000  is similar to hanging file retainer  400  but does not contain attaching members  403 ,  404 . Hanging file retainer  1000  employs a fixed retaining member  1002  and a horizontal member  1003  which connects the respective ends  1010 ,  1012  of hanging file retainer  1000  as shown. As shown in  FIG. 10A , horizontal member  1003  is affixed to filing drawer rail  1006  by means of double-stick tape  1008  affixed along the attaching face  1016  of horizontal member  1003 . In other embodiments, horizontal member  1003  may be secured to the file drawer rail  1006  using screws. As shown particularly in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , horizontal member  1003  has a front face  1014  and a attaching face  1016  that are connected with opposed top wall  1018  and bottom wall  1020 . Horizontal member  1003  also has opposing ends  1010  and  1012  such that horizontal member  1003  resembles an elongated rectangle. Opposed top and bottom walls  1018  and  1020  are greater in dimension than ends  1010  and  1012 . 
         [0064]    Along the attaching face  1016 , and preferably running the entire length of the attaching face  1016 , is an indented portion  1022  having a planar surface  1024  which is parallel to the plane in which retaining member  1002  resides. Planar surface  1024  provides a landing or guide for tabs of a hanging file folder, such as for example, tabs  310  of hanging file folder  308  as shown in  FIG. 3 . In one embodiment, attaching face  1016  of hanging file retainer  1000  is affixed to a file drawer rail such that planar surface  1024  is parallel to, and substantially in the same plane as, file drawer rail  1006 . Preferably, the distance between the file drawer rail  1006  and the attaching face  1016  is of a distance sufficient to allow tabs of hanging file folders, such as for example tabs  310  of hanging file folder  301  as shown in  FIG. 3 , to move uninhibited along the surface of planar surface  1024 . 
         [0065]    Typically, the distance between the file drawer rail  1006  and fixed retaining member  1002  is sufficient that movement of the hanger of the hanging file folder back and forth along the file drawer rail  1006  is not significantly impeded, but is less than the distance that the tab extends down over the file drawer rail  1006  so that in no instance may the hanging file folder be removed from or fall off of the file drawer rail  1006 . 
         [0066]    As shown in  FIG. 10A , retaining member  1002  and horizontal member  1003  are integrally formed of a rigid thermoplastic material. In this embodiment, retaining member  1002  provides a housing or covering for the tops of hanging file folder tabs and a sufficient vertical distance is provided between the planar surface  1024  and retaining member  1002  so as to allow sufficient movement of hanging file folders and corresponding tabs along the length of the hanging file retainer, yet sufficient to prevent disengagement of the hanging file folders from the hanging file drawer rail  1006 . Preferably, fixed retaining member  1002  is situated sufficiently close to the file drawer rail  1006  such that the hanging file folder may not be raised sufficiently that the tab can move away from the outside part of the file drawer rail  1006 . In other embodiments, retaining member  1002  may include a hinge, such that retaining member  1002  is connected to horizontal member  1003  by a hinge (not shown) such that retaining member  1002  may be opened to allow insertion of hanging file folders and then subsequently closed over the file rail to secure the hanging file folders. 
         [0067]    Although described throughout primarily with reference to hanging file retainers in which the attaching members are located at the extreme ends of a retaining member, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. In some embodiments, the retaining member may extend past one or both attaching members such that one or both attaching members are not at an extreme end of the retaining member. Furthermore, although described primarily with reference to hanging file retainers having two attaching members, the present invention is not limited to such and may include only a single attaching member or three or more attaching members. 
         [0068]    In embodiments in which metal and magnets are used as a fastener, the metal may be replaced with a complimentary magnet configured such that the complementary pair of magnets are attracted to each other. It should also be noted that the retaining members in the various embodiments described above are typically at least long enough to span the distance between the first and second attaching members, but in some other embodiments, the retaining member may be longer such that the retaining member extends past one or both attaching members. Furthermore, although described primarily with reference to embodiments in which two attaching members are utilized, the present invention is not limited to such. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other numbers of attaching members are possible in other embodiments. 
         [0069]    The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.