Abstract:
Adjustable rods for use in a filing system are disclosed. An example rod includes an elongated body having a first end and a second end, a first hook extending from the first end, and a second hook extending from the second end. In addition, the example rod includes a first resilient member having a first length. The first hook is coupled to the elongated body via the first resilient member, and the first length of the first resilient member is automatically adjustable during movement of the rod.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This patent is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/877,045, which was filed on Oct. 23, 2007, and is entitled “Resilient Rod Feature in Hanging File Folder.” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/877,045 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This disclosure is generally related to hanging file folders for mounting to a pair of spaced apart rails. More specifically, the present disclosure is related to rods for hanging file folders with a structure for permitting adjustment of an effective length for accommodating variances when adjusting folders along spaced apart rails. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Hanging file folders for holding papers and documents within a pocket in a filing cabinet with parallel, spaced apart rails are known in the art. However, some hanging file folders tend to have a limited amount of strength and may not provide ease for sliding the folders along the length of rail when holding documents. 
         [0004]    For example, as the load within the pocket of a file folder increases, the hooks and rods for hanging the file folder require increased strength in order to provide suitable engagement with the rails of a filing cabinet or the like. The hooks and rods must also be designed to resist derailing of the file folder from the rails. For example, as the load increases, a file folder may be twisted or flexed and may lock onto the rail. Thus, file folders with increased strength and better engagement with the rails of a filing cabinet are beneficial. 
         [0005]    Additionally, the spaced apart rails within cabinets may not be provided perfectly at the same distance. For example, rails within a filing cabinet may not be parallel or may not be spaced the same distance from one another in one drawer or cabinet as compared to another. Also, file folders generally hang perpendicular to the rails when at rest.  FIG. 1  illustrates an overhead view of hanging file folders  4 ,  6  on a pair of spaced rails  2  in a drawer (not shown), for example. The file folder  4  hangs via hooks at points A and B in a perpendicular direction with respect to the rails. However, when the file folders are moved or adjusted along the rails, such as file folder  6 , the file folder may be pushed at an angle with respect to the rails, as shown by folder  6  hanging by hooks at points C and D. A greater distance or span is thereby created between the hooks of the rod during adjustment and sit between the rails  2 . The file folder (or the hooks of the rail of the file folder) may then tend to dislodge or come off of the rail entirely. For example, a file folder may have a “derailing angle” (i.e., the angle at which at least one of the hooks on a rod dislodges from the rail) of less than or equal to 15 degrees with respect to the spaced apart rails  2 . Thus, it may be difficult to hang and adjust or slide file folders along such rails without having the folders come off the rails. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  illustrates an overhead view of file folders mounted or hanging on a pair of spaced apart rails. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  illustrates a hanging file folder for mounting to a pair of spaced apart rails in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  illustrates a detailed view of an end of the hanging file folder of  FIG. 2  with a hook and rod assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4   a  illustrates the hook portion of  FIG. 3  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4   b  illustrates a rod for use with the hanging file folder of  FIG. 2  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4   c  illustrates an assembly of the hook portion and rod of  FIGS. 4   a - 4   b  for use with the hanging file folder of  FIG. 2  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0012]      FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  illustrate a front and back view of an extension that may be added to the assembly of  FIG. 4   c  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0013]      FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  illustrate a front and back view of the extension of  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  in use with a hanging file folder such as the hanging file folder of  FIG. 2  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  illustrate an alternate rod for use with the hook portion of  FIG. 4  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0015]      FIG. 8   a - 8   d  illustrate a method of assembly for a hook and rod assembly such as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4   a - 4   c  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 9   a ,  9   b  and  9   c  illustrate a perspective, front detailed perspective, and back detailed perspective view, respectively, of a rod with a reinforcing rib for use with the hook assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  illustrates an example of a channel with a rail that may be used in a file cabinet and with the hook assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 11   a - 11   c  illustrate examples of alternate designs for a resilient mechanism that may be used with a hook and rod assembly in accordance with an embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    Generally, file folders may be laterally or perpendicularly hung on spaced apart rails provided within a drawer of a filing cabinet. As known in the art, file folders may be mounted on spaced apart rails running generally parallel with the length of the drawer or on spaced apart rails that may run parallel to the width of the drawer. For the herein disclosed embodiments, any type of rail system may be used. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 9   a - 9   c , a rail  102  with a reinforcing rib  104  may be used in a drawer (not shown) of a filing cabinet. The reinforcing rib  104  provides strength to the rail  102  so as to prevent bending of the body of the rail. In an embodiment, the reinforcing rib  104  may be formed uniformly as a single unit with the rail  102 . As shown, the reinforcing rib  104  may be provided a distance D from the top  106  or contact point of a rail  102  to the top  108  of the reinforcing rib  104 . 
         [0020]    As another example,  FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment wherein a channel  110  comprising a rail  112  may be used for hanging file folders. As shown, the channel  110  is shaped such that at least one extended rail  112  with a top  114  or contact surface is formed for receiving a hook of a rod of a file folder to hang thereon. In an embodiment, the channel  110  comprises a first attachment end  116  and a second attachment end (not shown) such that channel  110  may be mounted perpendicularly on the spaced apart rails (only one rail  102  of which is shown) of a file drawer. By attaching the ends of the channel  110  to the spaced apart rails in a drawer, file folders may be hung or mounted in an opposite or perpendicular direction (e.g., than originally intended). 
         [0021]    Nonetheless, the above rails as shown in  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b  and  10  are exemplary and should not be limited to those disclosed. The hanging file folder  10  and/or the hook and rod assembly  30  as described herein may be used with any type of rail system for mounting or hanging file folders, magazines or newspapers, or other objects as will be further described and should not be limited hereto. 
         [0022]    One example aspect of the disclosure provides a hanging file folder for mounting to a pair of spaced apart rails. The hanging file folder includes a first rod with a pair of hook portions on opposing ends thereof for engaging the pair of spaced apart rails; a second rod with a pair of hook portions on opposing ends thereof for engaging the pair of spaced apart rails; and a file folder body with first and second walls forming a pocket for holding materials therein. The first wall of the file folder body is connected to the first rod, and the second wall of the file folder body is connected to the second rod, such that the pocket is suspended between the first and second rods. At least one of the first and second rods has a resilient structure for permitting at least one of the hook portions thereof to move longitudinally and adjust an effective length of its rod for accommodating variances in the angle at which folders are mounted on the rails and maintaining engagement therewith. 
         [0023]    Another example aspect of the disclosure provides a method of forming a hanging file folder for mounting to a pair of spaced apart rails. The method includes forming a first rod with a pair of hook portions on opposing ends thereof; forming a second rod with a pair of hook portions on opposing ends thereof; attaching a first wall of a file folder body to the first rod; and attaching a second wall of the file folder body to the second rod. At least one of the rods includes a resilient structure for permitting at least one of the hook portions thereof to move longitudinally and adjust an effective length of its rod for accommodating variances in the angle at which the folders are mounted on the rails to maintain engagement therewith. 
         [0024]    Another example aspect of the disclosure includes a rod for mounting to a pair of spaced apart rails. The rod includes an elongated body for hanging an object therefrom. The body has a first end and a second end. A pair of hook portions are provided on opposing ends of the rod for engaging the pair of spaced apart rails, and a resilient structure is provided to permit at least one of the pair of hook portions to move longitudinally with respect to the elongated body. An effective length of the body is adjusted to accommodate variances in the angle at which the rod is mounted on the rails and to maintain engagement therewith. 
         [0025]    Other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. 
         [0026]    Turning back to the figures,  FIG. 2  illustrates a hanging file folder  10  for mounting to a pair of spaced apart rails  8  in a drawer of a filing cabinet, for example. As shown, file folder  10  has a body  11  comprising a first wall  12  and second wall  14  that forms a pocket  16  for holding materials therein. The pocket  16  of the file folder  10  is designed to hold papers, documents and the like of various shapes and sizes, for example. 
         [0027]    The first wall  12  of the body  11  is connected to a first rod  18  and the second wall  14  of the body  11  is connected to a second rod  20 . A bottom end of first wall  12  is connected to a bottom end of the second wall  14  of the body  11  of the file folder  10  at  13 , thus forming a pocket  16  therebetween. The pocket  16  of the folder  10  is designed such that it is suspended between the first and second rods  18 ,  20 . The folder  10  may be connected to the rods  18 ,  20  in any number of ways. For example, in an embodiment, an open end  22  of the first wall  12  and an open end  24  of the second wall  14  may be designed such that they surround the first rod  18  and second rod  20 , respectively (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 2 ). The ends  22 ,  24  may comprise rod pockets designed to receive the rods  18 ,  20 , for example. In an embodiment, the rods  18 ,  20  may be designed such that the ends  22 ,  24  of the first wall  12  and second wall  14  are captured within or connected to the rods  18 ,  20  (e.g., as farther described with reference to  FIG. 5   c ). Generally, the method of connecting the rods  18 ,  20  to the body  11  of the file folder  10  may be performed in any manner and therefore should not be limited to those as described herein. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  also shows the first rod  18  and second rod  20  with a pair of hook portions  26  and  28 , respectively, on opposing ends thereof. The hook portions  26 ,  28  are provided to engage a pair of spaced apart rails  8  in a filing cabinet or the like. In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the first and second rods  18 ,  20  comprises a resilient structure for permitting at least one of the hook portions  26 ,  28  thereof to move longitudinally, thus adjusting an effective length of the rod body  18 ,  20 . Additionally, when the file folders are moved or adjusted along the rails, the effective length of the rod body  18 ,  20  is adjusted to prevent the possibility of dislodging or coming off of the rail  8  when moving the file folder along the rail  8  (e.g., such as when opening the walls  12 ,  14  of the body  11  of the file folder  10  to access contents in the pocket  16  therein, or when moving a file folder  10  to access an additional folder). The use of the resilient structure with the rod and hook portions, as will be further described, thereby accommodates variances in the angle at which the folders are mounted on the rails, for example, and maintains engagement of the rod and hook portions with the rails. Additional features and advantages will become further evident below. 
         [0029]      FIG. 3  illustrates a detailed view of the end  22  of first wall  12  of the hanging file folder  10  of  FIG. 2  with a hook and rod assembly  30  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The hook and rod assembly  30  is surrounded by end  22  (or provided through the rod pocket  22 ) of the first wall  12  of the file folder  10 . The end  22  of first wall  12  is herein described for illustrative purposes only and should not be limiting, i.e., the hook and rod assembly  30  may be used with first wall  12 , second wall  14 , or both. In an embodiment, the hook and rod assembly  30  as herein described may be used on one or both opposing ends of the first and/or second rods  12 ,  14 . In an embodiment, at least one hook of the pair of hook portions  26  and/or  28  may comprise a hook and rod assembly  30 . 
         [0030]    The hook and rod assembly  30  comprises a hook portion  32  and a rod portion  62 . In an embodiment, hook and rod assembly  30  may be formed as a single unit. In an embodiment, at least one of the first and second hook portions  32  of the assembly  30  may be removably attached to the first and second rods  18 ,  20  or rod portions  62 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 4   a  illustrates an example of the removably attached hook portion  32  of  FIG. 3  in further detail. As shown and will be further described, in an embodiment, the hook portion  32  may be moveably mounted with respect to rod portion  62 . Hook portion  32  comprises a proximal end  36  and a distal end  38 . Proximal end  36  comprises a hook  39  for surrounding a rail  8  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0032]    In an embodiment, hook  39  comprises an elongated portion  40  and a longitudinal portion  42 . Elongated portion  40  of hook  39  also comprises an end portion  46 . In an embodiment, elongated portion  40  may comprise a bulbous end portion  46 , as shown in  FIG. 4   a . For example, bulbous portion  46  may be provided near the end of the hook  39  in order to aid in keeping the hook portion  32  of the hook and rod assembly  30  on a rail. The elongated portion  40  transitions into the longitudinal portion  42  via a curved or radiused portion  48 . The curved portion  48  is provided along the underside of the longitudinal portion  42  of the hook portion  32 . The curved portion  48  is formed such that it comes into contact with a rail for hanging the file folder  10 . In an embodiment, the curved portion  48  comprises a variable radius for preventing excessive contact with the rail. 
         [0033]    Longitudinal portion  42  extends into a hook body  44 . The end of longitudinal portion  42  transitions into hook body  44  and includes an extension portion  50  and an abutment portion  54 . Extension portion  50  is formed such that it comes into contact with an opposite (i.e., inner) side of a rail when hanging file folder  10 . In an embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 4   a , extension portion  50  may comprise a rounded surface or variable radius for preventing excessive contact with the rail. Abutment portion  54  is provided such that it sits adjacently against an edge of the rod portion  62  when assembled (as will be described with reference to  FIG. 4   c ). 
         [0034]    The hook body  44  may also comprise a limiting portion  52 . In an embodiment, the limiting portion  52  is provided as a stop for limiting the amount of longitudinal movement of the hook portion  32  with respect to rod portion  62 . The area  51  between the extension portion  50  and limiting portion  52  provides a bearing surface for the hook portion  32  to move or slide on a a part of the rod, as will be discussed in greater detail below. Thus, limiting portion  52  limits the length the bearing surface  51  may move with respect to the rod  62 . 
         [0035]    As previously noted, at least one of the first and second rods may have at least one hook portions thereof moveably mounted to the rod portion  62 . In an embodiment, the resilient structure is constructed and arranged between the rod  62  and the hook  39  near the distal end  38  of hook portion  32 . In an embodiment, the hook body  44  of hook portion  32  comprises a resilient structure  58  as shown in  FIG. 4   a . In an embodiment, resilient structure  58  comprises a tension spring. As shown, in an embodiment, the resilient structure  58  or spring may comprise a rounded shape, much like the Greek letter Omega, with first and second legs  56  joined at  60 . In an embodiment, resilient structure may comprise a “U”-shape, “V”-shape, “W”-shape, or any other known shapes for providing resiliency where angular deflection of at least one member may occur.  FIGS. 11   a - 11   c  illustrate examples of alternate designs for a resilient mechanism that may be used with a hook and rod assembly in accordance with an embodiment. For example, as noted above,  FIG. 11   a  illustrates an example of a resilient structure comprising a “V”-shape.  FIG. 11   b  illustrates an example of resilient structure comprising a “snake”-like shape comprising a plurality of curves.  FIG. 11   c  illustrates an example of a resilient structure comprising an “S”-shape. Likewise, the resilient structure  58  may also comprise a member made from a resilient material permitting elongation thereof. 
         [0036]    In an embodiment, the resilient structure  58  may be formed integrally as one continuous piece with the hook portion  32 . For example, in an embodiment, the hook portion  32  is formed through a stamping, punching, or molding process. In an embodiment, hook portion  32  may be formed of nylon. The hook portion  32  may be of any known length. The elongated portion  40  of the hook  39  of hook portion  32  may be designed to extend below the height of a rail, for example. In an embodiment, the length (e.g., length L of the elongated portion  40  from the top of longitudinal portion  42  to the end portion  46  along Y-axis, as indicated in  FIG. 4   a ) of the hook portions  32  may comprise a length L designed to accommodate the distance D from the top  106  of a rail  102  in a file cabinet to the top  108  of a reinforcing rib  104  of the rail  102 , as shown in  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b . In an embodiment, the length L and width W (e.g., length of longitudinal portion  42  from the abutment portion  54  to the elongated portion  40  along the X-axis, as indicated in  FIG. 4   a ) of the hook portion  32  may be defined by a window comprising the distance from a rail to the inside of a file cabinet. In an embodiment, the window may comprise approximately 9.6 millimeters (mm) by approximately 11.5 millimeters (mm). 
         [0037]    In an embodiment, hook portion  32  may comprise a depth or thickness T of 2 millimeters (mm) and a length L of 9.6 millimeters (mm). In an embodiment, the hook portion  32  may comprise a thickness T to minimize the impact of the drawer space used by the file folder  10 . That is, the thickness T may be adjusted such that a drawer may hold more file folders based on the depth or thickness of the hook. For example, a drawer maybe designed to hold eighty (80) file folders. However, by adjusting the depth or thickness T of the hook in the Z-direction (i.e., along Z-axis, as indicated in  FIG. 4   a ), the same drawer may hold one hundred (100) file folders. 
         [0038]    The distance of the bearing surface  51  is set to limit the extension of the resilient structure  58 . For example, the distance of the bearing surface  51  may be determined by a distance needed to extend the file folder. In an embodiment, the distance of the bearing surface  51  may also be determined by the amount of flexure or “flex” that would cause the resilient structure  58  to permanently yield (i.e. experience plastic deformation). In an embodiment, the amount of flex may be determined or affected by the material used to form resilient structure  58 . For example, a material such as nylon may bend more than a high density polyethylene (HDPE) before yielding. In an embodiment, resilient structure  58  may comprise the material of which the hook portion  32  comprises. In an embodiment, the resilient structure  58  may comprise nylon or HDPE, for example. In an embodiment, the resilient structure  58  may comprise a spring steel. 
         [0039]    The distal end  38  of hook portion  32  may also comprise an attachment feature such as a mounting portion  57 .  FIG. 4   a  illustrates a mounting portion  57  (e.g., an opening) on the distal end  38  of the hook body  44 . The mounting portion  57  is designed to mount or hold the hook portion  32  within the rod portion  62 . In an embodiment, mounting portion  26  of hook portion  32  may comprise a female portion and rod  62  may comprise a male portion, wherein when the hook portion(s)  32  are connected to the opposing ends of the rod  62 , the male and female portions mate to secure the hook portion(s)  32  to the rod  62 . In an embodiment, the mounting portion  57  may comprise a hole or opening for receiving an extended portion or pin located on the rod portion  62 , for example, as shown in the Figures. The mounting portion  57  assists in keeping the hook portion  32  within the rod portion  62  and may also assist in limiting the amount of movement of the hook portion  32  with respect to the rod portion  62 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 4   b  illustrates the rod portion  62  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 4   b  illustrates a proximal end  64  of the rod  62  and elongated body  66 . In an embodiment, the elongated body  66  of rod  62  may comprise a channel or a slot  68  for receiving hook portions  32  therein. As shown, the channel or slot  68  may comprise a “U”-shape at the proximal end  64  of the rod  66 , but should not be limited to such. 
         [0041]    The body  66  of rod  62  may be roll formed, for example. In an embodiment, the proximal end  64  of the body  66  comprises a channel  68  and a receiving portion  65 . As shown, receiving portion  65  may be a section that is substantially flat. Rod  62  is designed to receive movably mounted hook portion  32  within its slot  68  and receiving portion  65 , for example. Rod  62  comprises an end  70  for abutment with the abutment portion  54  of the hook portion  32 . Rod  62  also comprises an end  71  for abutment with the distal end  38  of the hook portion  32 . 
         [0042]    The rod  62  may also comprise attachment features such as a rounded edge  72  and a male portion or extended mounting portion or pin  73 . Limiting edge  72  and mounting portion  73  may be provided near the proximal end  64  of the rod  62 , for example. Limiting edge  72  is designed to cooperate with the extension portion  50 , bearing surface  51 , and limiting portion  52  of the hook portion  32 . The limiting edge  72  also provides an area for the bearing surface  51  to slide thereon along the rod  62 , as shown in  FIG. 4   c.    
         [0043]    The extended mounting portion or pin  73  may be formed with receiving portion  65  or in elongated body  66 , for example. The extended mounting portion or pin  73  within the body  66  may be designed to cooperate with the female mounting portion or opening  57  of the hook portion  32 . For example, when hook portion(s)  32  are connected to the first and second ends of a rod(s)  62 , the opening  57  of the hook portion(s)  32  mate with the male, extended mounting portions  73  of the rod  62  to secure the hook portions  32  to the rod  62 . In an embodiment, the extended mounting portion or pin  73  may comprise any number of shapes or designs designed to correspond with the shape of the mounting portion  57  of the hook  32 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 4   c  illustrates the final hook and rod assembly  30  of the hook portion  32  and rod  62  of  FIGS. 4   a - 4   b  for use with the hanging file folder  10  of  FIG. 2 . (The manufacturing assembly process is further described with respect to  FIGS. 8   a - 8   d  below). As shown, the hook portion  32  is mounted within the roll formed body  66  of the rod  62 . The attachment features of the hook  32  (e.g., abutment portion  54  and mounting portion  57 ) and of the rod  62  (e.g., end  70 , limiting edge  72 , receiving portion  65 , edge  71 , and the mounting portion  73 ) mate together to hold the hook portion  32  within the rod  62 . The attachment and insertion of the hook portion  32  into the rod  62  allows for adjustment of the effective length of the rod by permitting the hook portion  32  to move longitudinally with respect to the rod  62 . The resilient structure  58  allows for the hook portion  32  to spring back into the rod body  66  when removed from a rail of a file drawer, for example. 
         [0045]    When the hook portion  32  is moved longitudinally within the rod  62 , the limiting portion  52  and limiting edge  72  limit the amount or length of extension of the hook portion  32 . 
         [0046]      FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  illustrate an extension  80  that may be added to the assembly of  FIG. 4   c  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, extension  80  may comprise a separate piece (not shown) to be added to the elongated body  66  of the rod portion  62 , or may be formed with elongated body  66  uniformly (as shown in  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b ). The extension  80  may be designed to cover part of the hook portion  32  to enhance the appearance of the length of the rod  62 , for example. For example, as shown, the extension  80  may be formed to sit over longitudinal portion  42  of the hook portion  32 . The extension  80  may also enhance the strength of the hook portions  32 .  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  illustrate a front and back view of the extension  80  in use with a hanging file folder  10  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the extension  80  may be visible outside of the body  11  of the file folder. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  illustrate an alternate rod  82  for use with the hook portion(s)  32  of  FIG. 3  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Rod  82  is designed such that a channel  84  formed within the elongated body  83  that may capture a first or second wall  12 ,  14  of the body  11  of the file folder  10 . For example, the first wall  12  may be inserted into a slot  88  formed by the receiving portion  85  and extension wall  87  formed in elongated body  83 . A limiting portion  72 , such as shown in  FIG. 4   a , may be formed with an edge  86  thereon for assisting in holding a wall  12 ,  14  of the folder  10 . The wall  12  may be crimped in the slot  88  between the receiving portion  85 , edge  86 , and wall  87  of the elongate body  83  of the rod  82  as shown in  FIG. 7   b.    
         [0048]    In an embodiment, the rod  62  may be formed from 0.4 millimeter (mm) steel material. In an embodiment, the rod may be formed from metal. For example, the rod may be formed from steel, brass, aluminum, or titanium. In an embodiment, the rod may be formed using a roll forming, stamping, extruding and/or punching, or other known manufacturing processes. In an embodiment, hook portion  32  may be formed from a resilient material. In an embodiment, the rod and/or hook portion may be formed from plastic. In an embodiment, the parts of the assembly  30  may be formed via extrusion process. 
         [0049]    The assembly process may be performed on a conveyor system, for example. The rod portion  62  and its features (e.g., channel  68 , limiting portion  72 ) may be formed through processes such as roll forming, stamping, extruding and/or punching. The hook portions  32  may be formed by stamping, punching, injection molding, or extrusion processes, for example.  FIGS. 8   a - 8   d  illustrate a method of manufacturing and assembly for a hook portion  32  and a rod  62  of a hook and rod assembly such as shown in  FIGS. 3-7   b  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0050]    In an embodiment, the assembly process is designed based on speed. For example, due to high volumes, assembly of the features may meet or exceed rates of 200 parts per minute. In order to meet such a criteria, the hook portions  32  are sorted and positioned individually in a hopper or fixture  92 . The fixture  92  is designed to hold a plurality of hook portions  32  until the rod is in place for assembly. 
         [0051]    The manufacturing and assembly of the hook and rod assembly  30  may comprise the following steps: the rod is formed in the form of a substantially flat piece of material, as shown in  FIG. 8   a , through a stamping process, for example. The body of the rod  66 , including the mounting portion shown as element  94 , is substantially flat. At least a top edge  90  and bottom edge  92  are then roll formed to form the structure as shown in  FIG. 8   b . After roll forming (or otherwise forming) the rod  62 , the rod  62  may be aligned with a fixture comprising a plurality of hook portions  32 . The hook portions  32  may be aligned and positioned within the body  66  of the rod  62  as shown in  FIG. 8   c . For example, actuators (not shown) may be used to push a single hook portion  32  out of the fixture  92  and into the body  66  of the rod  62 , as indicated by an arrow. 
         [0052]    The rod  62  may then be deflected, stamped, or otherwise formed around the hook portion  32  so as to form attachment features for maintaining the hook portion  32  and rod  62  in a mating relationship. For example, in an embodiment, to facilitate assembly, the attachment features (i.e., limiting edge  72 , mounting portion  73 ) of rod portion  62  may be formed from flat portions  96 ,  94 , respectively, during the assembly as shown by  FIGS. 8   c - 8   d . After insertion and positioning of the hook portion  32  into the elongated body  66 , the attachment features may be stamped to hold the hook portion  32  therein and thus complete the hook and rod as shown in  FIG. 8   d . In an embodiment, the method of attaching the hook portion to the rod may be automated. In an embodiment, mounting portions (such as a male portion (e.g., pin  73 ) or female portion (e.g., mounting portion  57 )) may be formed on the hook portion and/or rod during the manufacturing/assembly process. In an embodiment, adhesive may be used to assist in fixing the hook portion and rod components together as well. 
         [0053]    The above described manufacturing and assembly method enables one to fasten or secure the hook portion  32  in the assembly  30  in one motion, thus aiding in the assembly time needed to run this process at a high rate. However, the above noted materials and processes are merely exemplary and should not be limiting, and the rod and hook portions may be assembled using any number of materials and/or processes. 
         [0054]    Although the hook and rod assembly  30  is herein described with hook portion  32  removably mounted to rod portion  62 , as noted above, in an embodiment, hook and rod assembly  30  may be formed as a single unit. For example, hook and rod assembly  30  may be formed from materials (e.g., such as steel and/or spring steel) that allow for a single or uniform body. In an embodiment, the hook portion  32  may be attached to the rod  62  using known processes for unifying the assembly  30 . For example, the hook portion  32  may be formed of spring steel which is attached to a rod  62  of steel. 
         [0055]    Also, in an embodiment, the hook and rod assembly  30  may be used alone for mounting to a pair of spaced apart rails. That is, hook and rod assembly  30  need not be used in pairs, as shown with a file folder  10 . For example, when hanging a magazine, newspaper, or other object, only one rail may be needed. Thus, the hook and rod assembly  30  may comprise a single rod with a pair of hooks portions, as described above, for hanging on spaced apart rails. 
         [0056]    The hook and rod assembly  30  as herein described improves the quality of a file folder. The assembly  30  provides greater strength for holding documents and file therein on rails in a filing cabinet. For example, the roll-forming of the rod portion  62  increases the amount of weight that maybe held by the file folder  10 . The rod portion  62  also resists bending and twisting and thus resists deforming and buckling of the rod  62  under a load. The extension portion  80  also increases the strength of the overall assembly. 
         [0057]    Also, the assembly  30  provides better engagement with rails  8  by providing minimal contact with the rail  8 . By ensuring that only couple of points of the hook come in contact with the rail (e.g., by using a curved portion  48  with a changing radius), the file folder  10  or hook and rod assembly  30  may easily move with respect to the rail, such as when twisted with respect to the rails. 
         [0058]    The assembly is also designed to resist derailing or binding of the file folder. The file folder  10  or assembly  30  may be twisted to a maximum gripping angle while in contact with the rail. Additionally, the assembly  30  also increases the ease of sliding the hook and rod assembly  30  of the file folder along the length of a rail. When the file folders or the assembly  30  are moved or adjusted along the rails, such as shown by file folder  6  of  FIG. 1 , the assembly  30  may be pushed at an angle with respect to the rails, thereby creating a greater distance or span between the hooks of the rod during adjustment and sit between the rails. The design of the hook and rod assembly  30  increases the derailing angle at which at least one of the hooks on a rod dislodges from the rail. More specifically, the derailing angle of the hook and rod assembly  30  may be increased to at least 29 degrees. 
         [0059]    The assembly  30  also allows for one to hang a file folder  10 , magazine, or other object along spaced apart rails within cabinets which may not be provided at the same distance, such as along rails within a filing cabinet that may not be parallel or that may not be spaced the same distance from one another in one drawer or cabinet. 
         [0060]    While the principles of the disclosure have been made clear in the illustrative embodiments set forth above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the structure, arrangement, proportion, elements, materials, and components used in the practice of the teachings of the disclosure. 
         [0061]    It will thus be seen that the objects of this disclosure have been fully and effectively accomplished. It will be realized, however, that the foregoing preferred specific embodiments have been shown and described for the purpose of illustrating the functional and structural principles of this disclosure and are subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this disclosure includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.