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 and is functionally coupled to the first and second attaching member such that, in at least one functional position, the retaining member inhibits hanging file tabs from disengaging from the hanging file drawer rail.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates in general to the field of office equipment and, more particularly to hanging file folder cabinets, and even more particularly to hanging file folder rails. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Even in the so called paperless world ushered in by the computer age, businesses continue to obtain and produce enormous quantities of paper documents that must be retained and stored. One method of organizing and storing these documents, as well as other items, is through the use of file folders for organizing and arranging documents relating to the same or similar matter together in the same place. These file folders are then routinely stored in filing cabinets. 
         [0003]    One particular type of filing cabinet provides for storage of hanging file folders where the hanging file folders include tabs that lie over rails within the filing cabinet. Hanging file folders offer several advantages over ordinary file folders. For example, hanging file folders, because they glide on a rail, are easier to move back and forth in a filing cabinet than are regular file folders thereby allowing a person to more quickly locate a particular file of interest. Additionally, because the hanging file folders hang from a rail in the filing cabinet, documents and other stored items are inhibited from becoming buried to deep within the file cabinet for a person to readily locate and remove. 
         [0004]    However, despite the many advantages hanging file folders and cabinets for storing such provide, hanging file folders still suffer from one significant drawback. There is a propensity for hanging file folders to “fall off” of the guide rail within the filing cabinet. When this occurs, many of the advantages that hanging file folders provide over other types of file folders is lost. Documents may then become lost in the deep somewhat unreachable recesses of the filing cabinet and the ability to quickly and easily move file folders around in the filing cabinet in order to locate a particular file is lost. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention presents the rare opportunity to create an entirely new hanging file folder retainer that provides a solution to the disadvantages, limitations, and problems mentioned above. Thus, from the foregoing it may be appreciated that a need has arisen for a hanging file folder retainer in which hanging file folders are inhibited from falling off of the guide rail but that still provides access to the file folders allowing their removal from and insertion into the filing cabinet as needed. 
         [0006]    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 and is functionally coupled to the first and second attaching member such that, 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 
         [0007]    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: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is an exemplary hanging file cabinet in which the present invention may be implemented; 
           [0009]      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; 
           [0010]      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; 
           [0011]      FIGS. 4A-4G  show various views of an exemplary one piece snap on hanging file retainer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIGS. 5A-5G  show various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer with locking screws for securing the hanging file retainer to a file drawer rail in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIGS. 6A-6I  show various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer with locking screws or double sided tape 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; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 7A-7I  show various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer with locking screws or double sided tape for securing the hanging file retainer to a file drawer rail and a pivoting retaining member with a thumb screw for securing the retaining member closed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 8A-8I  show various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer with locking screws or double sided tape for securing the hanging file retainer to a file drawer rail and a pivoting retaining member with a hook and loop connector for securing the retaining member closed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 9A-9H  show various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer with locking screws or double sided tape for securing the hanging file retainer to a file drawer rail and a removable retaining member with pin locks for securing the retaining member closed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 10A-10H  show various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer with locking screws or double sided tape for securing the hanging file retainer to a file drawer rail and a removable retaining member with thumb screws for securing the retaining member closed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 11A-11H  show various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer with locking screws or double sided tape for securing the hanging file retainer to a file drawer rail and a removable retaining member with hook and loop connector for securing the retaining member closed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 12A-12H  show various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer with locking screws or double sided tape for securing the hanging file retainer to a file drawer rail and a hinged retaining member with a hook and loop connector for securing the retaining member closed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0020]      FIGS. 13A-13H  show various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer with locking screws or double sided tape for securing the hanging file retainer to a file drawer rail and a hinged retaining member with magnets for securing the retaining member closed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    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. 
         [0022]    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 . 
         [0023]    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. 
         [0024]    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 . 
         [0025]    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 replace 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. 
         [0026]    Although not depicted, the hanging file retainer  202  typically also includes a 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. 
         [0027]    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  304  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  304  as depicted in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0028]    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. 
         [0029]    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 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 . In many embodiments, the attaching members  304 - 305  and the 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. 
         [0030]    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 . 
         [0031]    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. Also as depicted in  FIG. 3 , the retaining member  302  may pivot about a pivot axis  312  to an open position  303  allowing file folders to be removed or added. In the closed position, the retaining member  303  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  303  into a closed position. 
         [0032]    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. 
         [0033]    With reference now to  FIGS. 4A-4G , various views of an exemplary one piece snap on hanging file retainer are shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 4A  provides a perspective view of an exemplary one piece snap on hanging file retainer  400  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 4B and 4C  illustrate end views of hanging file retainer  400  for one embodiment of hanging file retainer  400 .  FIGS. 4D and 4E  illustrate top and bottom views, respectively, of hanging file retainer  400 .  FIGS. 4F and 4G  illustrate front and back views, respectively, of the side of hanging file retainer  400 . 
         [0034]    In this embodiment, hanging file retainer  400  comprises a continuous material and includes two attaching members  403 - 404  and a retaining member  402 . The length  420  of the retaining member  402  varies depending on implementation. Of course, for any particular implementation, the length  420  may not be longer than the depth of the file drawer. Lengths  420  that are shorter than the length of the file drawer rail are possible in some implementations. Also, in some embodiments, retaining member  402  may extend past one or both of attaching members  403  and  404 . 
         [0035]    Each attaching member  403 - 404  includes a first vertical attaching member  405  or  408 , a second vertical attaching member  407  or  409 , and a top attaching member  406  (top attaching member for attaching member  404  is not visible). Each attaching member  403 - 404  also includes a clip member  410  and  411  that clips beneath 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  that the clip member  410  may slip over the file drawer rail and clip beneath the file drawer rail. 
         [0036]    Hanging file retainer  400  is typically used with file drawers in which the file drawer rail is a bar that extends across at least a portion of the file drawer but does not comprise a solid piece beneath the bar. 
         [0037]    With reference now to  FIGS. 5A-5G , various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer with locking screws for securing the hanging file retainer to a file drawer rail are shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 5A  shows a perspective view of hanging file retainer  500  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 5B-5C  show end views of hanging file retainer  500  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 5D and 5E  show top and bottom views, respectively, of hanging file retainer  500 .  FIGS. 5F and 5G  show front side and back side views, respectively, of hanging file retainer  500  and shows exemplary screw holes  530  and  540 . 
         [0038]    Hanging file retainer  500  is similar in many respects to hanging file retainer  400  depicted in  FIG. 4 . Hanging file retainer  500  comprises a continuous material and includes two attaching members  503 - 504  and a retaining member  502 . The length  520  of the retaining member  502  varies depending on implementation. Of course, as stated above with reference to hanging file retainer  400 , for any particular implementation, the length  520  may not be longer than the depth of the file drawer. Lengths  520  that are shorter than the length of the file drawer rail are possible in some implementations. 
         [0039]    Each attaching member  503 - 504  includes a first vertical attaching member  505  or  508 , a second vertical attaching member  507  or  509 , and a top attaching member  506  (top attaching member for attaching member  504  is not visible). In contrast to hanging file retainer  400 , rather than clips, hanging file retainer  500  includes locking screws  520  and  521  which may be tightened into screw holes  530  and  540  once the hanging file retainer  500  has been appropriately located thereby securing hanging file retainer  500  to a file drawer rail. Further in contrast to file retainer  400 , file retainer  500  may be utilized with file drawer rails that extend vertically as a solid sheet from the top of the file drawer rail over which the hanging file retainer  500  is placed down toward the bottom of the file drawer. File retainer  500  may also be utilized with file drawer rails that are merely bars, without a solid piece beneath, spanning at least a portion of the file drawer as long as the file drawer rail is sufficiently thick vertically such that that the tightening screws  520  and  521  will contact a portion of the file drawer rail when tightened. 
         [0040]    With reference now to  FIGS. 6A-61 , various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer with locking screws or double sided tape 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 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 the hinged end of hanging file retainer  600  in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6C  shows the lock end of the hanging file retainer  600  in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6D  shows the hinged end of hanging file retainer  600  in an open position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6E  shows the hinged end of the hanging file retainer  600  in an open position and showing alternative double-stick tape  670  mounting rather than screw  640  or  641  mounting in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 6F and 6G  show top and bottom views respectively of hanging file retainer  600  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Figures  6 H and  6 I show side open and side closed views of hanging file retainer  600  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0041]    Hanging file retainer  600  includes two attaching members  603 - 604 , a linking member  660 , and a pivoting retaining member  602 . The length  620  of the hanging file retainer  600  varies depending on implementation. Each attaching member  603 - 604  includes a first vertical attaching member  605  or  608 , a second vertical attaching member  607  or  609 , and a top attaching member  606  or  616 . Hanging file retainer  600 , in one embodiment, includes locking screws  620  and  621  which may be tightened once the hanging file retainer  600  has been appropriately located thereby securing hanging file retainer  600  to a file drawer rail. Linking member  660  connects attaching member  603  to attaching member  604 . 
         [0042]    Pivoting retaining member  602  pivots about a pivot axis  666  between open and closed positions. When the pivoting retaining member  602  is in the closed position, and the hanging file retainer  600  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. Pivoting retaining member  602  is locked or secured closed by a molded pin lock that may be inserted into pin lock receptacle  662  in attaching member  603 . When the pivoting retaining member  602  is in the open position, hanging file folders may be removed from or added into the file drawer. Linking member  660  is located on the opposite side of the file drawer rail from the location of the hanging file folders. Thus, linking member  660  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. 
         [0043]    With reference now to  FIGS. 7A-7I , various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer with locking screws or double sided tape for securing the hanging file retainer to a file drawer rail and a pivoting retaining member with a thumb screw  764  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.  FIG. 7B  shows the hinged end of hanging file retainer  700  in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7C  shows the lock end of the hanging file retainer  700  in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7D  shows the hinged end of hanging file retainer  700  in an open position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7E  shows the hinged end of the hanging file retainer  700  in an open position and showing alternative double-stick tape  670  mounting rather than screw mounting  641  or  640  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 7F and 7G  show top and bottom views respectively of hanging file retainer  600  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 7H and 7I  show side open and side closed views of hanging file retainer  700  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0044]    Hanging file retainer  700  is virtually identical to hanging file retainer  600  except for the mechanism for locking the pivoting retaining member  702  closed. In this embodiment, a thumb screw  764  is threaded through a hole in pivoting retaining member  702  and may be screwed into threaded receptacle  762  in attaching member  603 . 
         [0045]    With reference now to  FIGS. 8A-8I , various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer with locking screws or double sided tape for securing the hanging file retainer to a file drawer rail and a pivoting retaining member with a hook and loop connector, such as, for example, Velcro, for securing the retaining member closed are shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Velcro is a product and registered trademark of Velcro USA, Inc. of Manchester, New Hampshire.  FIG. 8A  shows a perspective view of hanging file retainer  800  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 8B  shows the hinged end of hanging file retainer  800  in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 8C  shows the lock end of the hanging file retainer  800  in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 8D  shows the hinged end of hanging file retainer  800  in an open position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 8E  shows the hinged end of the hanging file retainer  800  in an open position and shows alternative double-stick tape  670  mounting rather than screw mounting  641  or  640  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 8F and 8G  show top and bottom views respectively of hanging file retainer  800  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 8H and 8I  show side open and side closed views of hanging file retainer  800  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0046]    Hanging file retainer  800  is virtually identical to hanging file retainer  600  except for the mechanism for locking the pivoting retaining member  802  closed. In this embodiment, Velcro  864 , or other hook and loop connecting material, is attached to pivoting retaining member  802  and may be attached to a complimentary piece of Velcro  862  on attaching member  603  thereby securing the hanging file retainer  800  in a closed position preventing removal of hanging file folders. 
         [0047]    With reference now to  FIGS. 9A-9H , various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer with locking screws or double sided tape for securing the hanging file retainer to a file drawer rail and a removable retaining member with pin locks for securing the retaining member closed are shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 9A  shows a perspective view of hanging file retainer  900  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 9B  shows an end of hanging file retainer  900  in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 9C  shows an end of the hanging file retainer  900  in an open position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 9D  shows an end of the hanging file retainer  900  in an open position and showing the alternative double-stick tape  670  mounting rather than screw mounting  641  or  640  for mounting the hanging file retainer  900  to a file drawer rail in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 9E and 9F  show top and bottom views respectively of hanging file retainer  900  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 9G and 9H  show side open and side closed views of hanging file retainer  900  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0048]    Hanging file retainer  900  is virtually identical to hanging file retainer  600  except that rather than a pivoting retaining member  602 , hanging file retainer  900  includes a removable retaining member  902 . Retaining member  902  may be secured to the first and second attachment members  603 - 604  through insertion of molded pin locks  904  and  905  into respective ones of pin lock receptacles  906  and  907 . 
         [0049]    With reference now to  FIGS. 10A-10H , various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer with locking screws or double sided tape for securing the hanging file retainer to a file drawer rail and a removable retaining member with thumb screws for securing the retaining member closed 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.  FIG. 10B  shows an end of hanging file retainer  1000  in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 10C  shows an end of the hanging file retainer  1000  in an open position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 10D  shows an end of the hanging file retainer  1000  in an open position and showing the alternative double-stick tape  670  mounting rather than screw mounting  641  or  640  for mounting the hanging file retainer  1000  to a file drawer rail in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 10E and 10F  show top and bottom views respectively of hanging file retainer  1000  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 10G and 10H  show side open and side closed views of hanging file retainer  1000  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0050]    Hanging file retainer  1000  is virtually identical to hanging file retainer  900  except that rather than molded pin locks  904  and  905  for securing the retaining member  902  to the first and second attaching members  603  and  604 , thumb screws  1004  and  1005  are used. Retaining member  1002  may be secured to the first and second attachment members  603 - 604  through insertion of thumb screws  1004  and  1005  through holes in retaining member  1002 , threading thumb screws  1004  and  1005  into respective ones of threaded receptacles  1006  and  1007  and tightening. 
         [0051]    With reference now to  FIGS. 11A-11H , various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer with locking screws or double sided tape for securing the hanging file retainer to a file drawer rail and a removable retaining member with Velcro for securing the retaining member closed are shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 11A  shows a perspective view of hanging file retainer  1100  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 11B  shows an end of hanging file retainer  1100  in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 11C  shows an end of the hanging file retainer  1100  in an open position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 11D  shows an end of the hanging file retainer  1100  in an open position and showing the alternative double-stick tape  670  mounting rather than screw mounting  641  or  640  for mounting the hanging file retainer  1100  to a file drawer rail in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 11E and 11F  show top and bottom views respectively of hanging file retainer  1100  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 11G and 11H  show side open and side closed views of hanging file retainer  1100  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0052]    Hanging file retainer  1100  is virtually identical to hanging file retainer  900  except that rather than molded pin locks  904  and  905  for securing the retaining member  902  to the first and second vertical attaching members  603  and  604 , Velcro  1104 - 1106  is used. Retaining member  1102  may be secured to the first and second attachment members  603 - 604  through attaching Velcro pieces  1104  and  1105  on retaining member  1102  to respective complementary Velcro pieces  1106  and  1107  on respective ones of first and second attachment members  603  and  604 . 
         [0053]    With reference now to  FIGS. 12A-12H , various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer with locking screws or double sided tape for securing the hanging file retainer to a file drawer rail and a hinged retaining member with Velcro for securing the retaining member closed are shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 12A  shows a perspective view of hanging file retainer  1200  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 12B  shows an end of hanging file retainer  1200  in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 12C  shows an end of the hanging file retainer  1200  in an open position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 12D  shows an end of the hanging file retainer  1200  in an open position and showing the alternative double-stick tape  670  mounting rather than screw mounting  641  or  640  for mounting the hanging file retainer  1200  to a file drawer rail in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 12E and 12F  show top and bottom views respectively of hanging file retainer  1200  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 12G  shows a side open view of hanging file retainer  1200  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 12H  shows a side closed view of hanging file retainer  1200  with the top not shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0054]    Hanging file retainer  1200  is virtually identical to hanging file retainer  900  except that rather than molded pin locks  904  and  905  for securing the a removable retaining member  902  to the first and second attaching members  603  and  604 , a hinged retaining member  1202  with hook and loop attachments  1204  and  1205  (such as, for example, Velcro) is used. Retaining member  1202  pivots about molded hinge  1280  between open and closed positions. Retaining member  1202  may be secured to the first and second attachment members  603 - 604  through attaching hook and loop connection pieces  1204  and  1205  on retaining member  1202  to respective complementary hook and loop connection pieces  1206  and  1207  on respective ones of first and second attachment members  603  and  604 . Top attachment members  1226  and  1216  are slightly different from top attachment members  606  and  616  utilized in other embodiments and described above. Top attachment member  1226  extends out past first vertical attachment members  605  and  608  and is coupled to linking member  1260 . Linking member  1260  connects attaching members  603  and  604 . 
         [0055]    With reference now to  FIGS. 13A-13H , various views of an exemplary hanging file retainer with locking screws or double sided tape for securing the hanging file retainer to a file drawer rail and a hinged retaining member with magnets for securing the retaining member closed are shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 13A  shows a perspective view of hanging file retainer  1300  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 13B  shows an end of hanging file retainer  1300  in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 13C  shows an end of the hanging file retainer  1300  in an open position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 13D  shows an end of the hanging file retainer  1300  in an open position and showing the alternative double-stick tape  670  mounting rather than screw mounting  641  or  640  for mounting the hanging file retainer  1300  to a file drawer rail in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 13E and 13F  show top and bottom views respectively of hanging file retainer  1300  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 13G  shows a side open view of hanging file retainer  1300  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 13H  shows a side closed view of hanging file retainer  1300  with the top not shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0056]    Hanging file retainer  1300  is virtually identical to hanging file retainer  1200  except that rather than Velcro  1204  and  1205  for securing the a removable retaining member  902  to the first and second attaching members  603  and  604 , metal pieces  1304  and  1305  are affixed to retaining member  1202  which secure the retaining member  1202  in a closed position when proximate to magnets  1306  and  1307  affixed to respective ones of first attachment members  603 - 604 . 
         [0057]    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. 
         [0058]    The term Velcro has been used throughout the description as one mechanism for securing a retaining member to an attaching member for a hanging file folder retaining device. However, Velcro is a specific brand of a generic type of fastener called hook and loop fasteners. Any type of hook and loop fastener may be used in place of Velcro in any embodiment of the present invention that includes Velcro. Hook and loop fasteners consist of two layers: a “hook” side, which is a piece of fabric covered with tiny plastic hooks, and a “loop” side, which is covered with even smaller and “hairier” plastic loops. There are many variations to this which include hooks on both sides, for example. When the two sides are pressed together, the hooks catch in the loops and hold the pieces together. 
         [0059]    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. 
         [0060]    To aid the Patent Office, and any readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, it is noted that applicant does not intend any of the appended claims to invoke paragraph 6 of 35 U.S.C. § 112 as it exists on the date of filing unless the words “means for” are used in the particular claim. Furthermore, none of the description in the present application should be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential element which must be included in the claim scope: THE SCOPE OF THE PATENTED SUBJECT MATTER IS DEFINED ONLY BY THE ALLOWED CLAIMS. Thus, the extent of legal protection will be determined by the limitations recited in the allowed claims and their equivalents. Unless explicitly recited, other aspects of the present invention as described in this specification do not limit the scope of the claims. 
         [0061]    As used herein, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, no element described herein is required for the practice of the invention unless expressly described as “essential” or “critical”. 
         [0062]    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.