FRAME STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME

Abstract: In a structural supporting frame the problem of compact storage and shipping and easy assembly and disassembly is solved by providing a frame structure and method of making including a pair of similarly constructed end supports (22) arranged to define an inverted U-shaped member, each having a specified notch configuration formed at the comer portions of the respective U-shaped members for receiving and securing the end portions of opposed side rails (23) for maintaining the end supports in a stable predetermined spaced relationship, and optional cross rails (24) detachably interconnected between the opposed leg portions (30) of the respective end supports. The method of forming such frame structure includes the steps of forming a notch (26) at spaced intervals along a readily bendable length of a stock material (30) whereby the length of stock material can be readily bent into an inverted U-shaped end support (27) in a manner whereby a side rail (23) is gripped and secured at the bent comers of the end supports, and securing a cross rail (24) between the opposed leg portions of the bent supports.

Description: FRAME STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME This invention is directed to a supporting frame which is particularly adapted to be rendered readily assembled from a knock down position of disassembled elongated structural members which can be readily fabri¬ cated and economically shipped and/or stored into a stable, easily assembled, sturdy supporting frame. Prior art Structure; Heretofore , there have been numerous known efforts to provide a supporting frame which can be readily assem¬ bled. However, each of the known efforts had inherent disadvantages. Some of the known efforts require the need and use of various hand tools to effect the assembly. Others require the need of various types of fastening devices to secure the respective component parts in the assembled position. Others required the use of preformed structural components which increased the manufacturing cost of such supporting frames, and/or which were dif¬ ficult to pack and/or store. Others were relatively complicated and costly to manufacture and/or assemble. Still others were not rendered readily adjustable and could be made only in predetermined sizes over which the ultim¬ ate users could not adjust or vary, if so desired. The following cited U. S. Patent Specifications comprise the known patented art pertaining to supporting frames to which the instant invention relates: U. S. Patent Nos. 2,336,802; 3,208,456; 3,266,496; 3,684,340; 3,788,718; 3,860,119; 3,913 ' ,995; 3,999,663; and 4,030,610. Ob ects ; An object of this invention is to provide an im¬ proved supporting frame structure which can be readily assembled of relatively simply constructed structural members and which can be assembled without the need of any hand tools. Another object is to provide a supporting frame which can be rendered adjustable in size so as to suit the needsof the ultimate user. Another object is to provide a supporting frame and method of forming the same from relatively inexpensive structural members which when assembled forms a 'sturdy supporting frame structure. Another object is to provide a supporting frame structure which requires no extraneous fastening devices to maintain the component parts in the ' assembled posi¬ tion. Another object is to provide a frame support which can be readily shipped and/or compactly stored as simple elongated structural members which can be readily formed and assembled by the ultimate user. Summary of the Invention: The foregoing object and other features of the invention are attained by a supporting frame and method for constructing the same which comprises component members which are formed of a plurality of essentially elongated or rectilinear structural members. At least a pair of such members are formed of readily bendable structural material. The bendable members are each formed with a peculiar notch construction, a pair of such notches being formed intermediate the length of its respective member. The notches are so formed and located so that the bending of the structural members is facilitated to define an inverted U-shaped end support; and when in the bent position, the notch defines a retainer for supporting the ends of the side rails for maintaining the opposed ben end supports in a rigid assembly. A cross piece is detachably connected between the opposed bend ends of the structural members for added rigidity. The respective sid WIP so that the ultimate user can determine the length of a particular assembled frame support. The method of fabricating such frame support com- prises the step of forming at least a pair of structural members which can be readily bent about a notch which is so formed that in the bent position, it defines an end support for the side rails. The method thus defines an expedient and economical manner for assembling a support frame without the need of any hand tool or extraneous fastening devices. Brief Description of the Drawings; Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating the support frame utilized as a hanging file frame in a file drawer. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a detail of con¬ struction. Figure 3 is an end view of a corner construction. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a modified support frame of the present invention in an assembled position. Figure 5 is a detail side view of a component part forming the end support prior to assembly. Figure 6 is a section view taken along line 6-6 on Figure 5. Figure 7 is an end view of the support frame of Figure 4. Figure 8 is a section view taken along line 8-8 on Figure 7. Figure 9 is a fragmentary end view of a modified constructional detail. Figure 10 is a sectional plan view taken along line 10-10 on Figure 9. Figure 11 is a plan view of another modified construction. Figure 12 is a detail view of a side rail. Figure 13 is a partial perspective view of another modified embodiment. ¬ struction. Detailed Description; Referring to the drawings, there is shown a supporting frame embodying the present invention. While the invention will be described for use as a hanging file support for use in a file drawer, it will be understood that the support frame has general utility as it can be used as a base support for such items as a table, platfor various items of furniture, scaffling and the like. Referring specifically to Fig. 1 therein is shown a file drawer 20 in which there is disposed a support frame 21 embodying a form of the present invention. As shown, in Figure 1, the frame 21 is in its assembled form and is utilized to support a plurality of hanging file folders 20A within the file drawer. The frame 21 is formed essentially of a pair of opposed end supports 22- 22, a pair of side rails 23-23, and a pair of cross pieces 24-24. Essentially, the end supports 22-22, side rails 23-23 and cross-pieces 24-24 are formed of elongated structural members which are intended to be shipped and stored as elongated components in kit form so that they can be readily assembled by the ultimate consummer or user with the need of no tools or extraneous fastening devices. As best seen in Figure 5, the end support is initially fabricated as an elongated structural member 25 which is formed of a readily bendable material such as thin stock metal or plastic. In the illustrated embodi- ment, member 25 is formed from a channel shaped member having opposed side web portions 25a, 25a and an inter¬ connecting web portion 25b. According to this invention, the respective side web portions 25a, 25a are each formed with a generally U-shaped notch 26, the notches in the respective web portions 25a, 25a being in alignment. The notches, 26, 26 are spaced apart intermediate the length of the respective members 25. As best seen in Figure 5, the notches 26 open to the free edge portion 27 of the respective side web OMPI por ons a, a. so, e ree e ges o e c anne member may be slightly, inwardly turned, as best seen in Figure 6 for added strength. Along the back edge of the respective notches 26, there is a V-notch or groove 28. The V-groove defines a weakened portion about which the member 25 may be bent, as indicated in Figure 1 or Figure 7. The end of the notch 26 nearest the free end of the member 25 is provided with a lateral notch portion 29 , which as will be hereinafter described, defines a seat for the side rail 23, in the assembled position. The arrangement is such that the interval between V-grooves 28-28 defines the width W of the end support 23. The extended end portions of the member beyond * the notches 26 defines in the assembled position the leg portions 30 of the frame 21. Thus, when member 25 is formed as herein described, it defines an inverted U-shaped end support 22. The side rails 23 may be formed of a rigid stock material of a prescribed length. If desired, the side rails 23 may be provided with a series of scored lines or frangible points 23a whereby the user can adjust the side rail to a desired length by fracturing the side rail along a given frangible point 23a to establish the desired length. It will be understood that the frangible points 23a are so formed so as to facilitate the fracturing of the side rail transversely thereof, without effecting the longitudinal rigidity. of the member 23. In the illustrated embodiment, the side rail is shown as a member having its opposed end portions reversely bent to define an essential- ly double walled member. However, it will be understood that a bar stock may also be used to form the side rail 23. Referring to Figs. 2 and 7, it will be noted that member 25 is so formed that the leg portions are bent relative to the intermediate portion 25 between V-grooves 28,28. In doing so, the edges of the notches 26 are formed about the end portions of the side rails so as to define a seat for snugly securing the end portions of the respective side rails 23 between the top portion 25T and O PI ,- WIPO. . the a acent eg port on . n s manner, e 's e rails 23 function to securely connect the opposed end supports 22-22 in desired spaced relationship without the need of tools or extraneous fastening means. Thus, the notch 26 is so formed that upon the bending of member 25 as described, the side rails are securely fastented to the opposed end supports 22-22. - To prevent the leg portions from spreading apart under load, a cross piece 24 is interconnected between corresponding leg portions 30-30 of the end supports 22 * In this form of the invention shown in Figure 2, the lower leg portions are formed by inwardly pressing the side web portions 25a, 25a toward one another to define a pressed foot portion 31. In doing so, a V-shaped slot 32 is formed between web portions 25a, 25a. The cross piece 24 is defined by a wire or rod having a cross head or pin 33 connected at its ends and which is received and secured in the V-slot 32 of the opposed foot portion 31. With the frame 21 assembled as described, it can be readily placed in drawer 20 and used as a frame for hanging file fo-lders 20A. In the construction described, it will be noted that the upper edges of the rails 23,23 are smooth so that the files 20A may easily slide along the surface of rails 23. Figure 7 illustrates a modified frame structure 40. In this form of the invention, the structural mem¬ ber is channel shaped as hereinbefore described, and is different in that the foot portions are not inwardly pressed as described with respect to Figure 2. In this form of the invention, as seen in Figure 7, the end supports 23A are provided with a foot 41 which has a boss or projection 42 which is adapted to be snugly received in the lower end of the opposed leg portions. As best seen in Figures 7 and 8, the projection has a surface portion which is spaced from the interconnecting web por¬ tion 23A' to define a recess or slot 43. In this form of the invention, the cross head 33 of the cross piece 24 is received in slot 43, the projection 42 having a transverse slot 42A for accommodating the wire cross to that described in Figures 1 and 2. Figures 9 and 10 illustrate another modified con¬ struction. In this form of the invention the end support 22B is identical to that described with respect to end support of Figure 7. However, in this form of the invention, the cross piece 24A has been modified. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the cross piece 24A comprises a strap 50 having connected adjacent the ends thereof a boss or projection 51 which is adapted to be frictionally received in the end of the respective leg portions of the end support. Thus the strap 50 defines the base upon which the end supports are seated in a file drawer when used as a hanging file support. The embodiment of Figure 11 is similar to that of Figures 9 and 10, except that the strap 50A is formed of a reduced width. Figure 13 illustrates a further embodiment. In' this form of the invention, the end supports 60-60 and side rails 61-61 are similar to that described with respect to Figure 7. However, in this form of the inven¬ tion, the cross piece 63 is defined as a strap having an eye type opening 63a formed.in the end portion thereof arranged to receive the foot portion 60a of the end supports. A foot piece 65 having a projection is inserted into the end of the respective leg portions to retain the strap 63 on the respective legs. In all other respects the frame of Figure 13 is similar to that hereinbefore described. From the foregoing, it will be noted that the frame has particular application for a hanging file, but it may also be utilized for other purposes as hereinbefore set forth. According to this invention, the method for con- structing a support frame including forming a pair of readily bendable structural members with a pair of spaced apart notches intermediate the length thereof where the notch is formed so that the member can be* readily bent thereat, and when bent normal to an intermediate portion OMPI WIPO defines a. set for frictionally securing thereto the end portions of a side rail. A cross piece is then connected between the opposed leg portions of an end support to prohibit the spreading of the leg members under a loaded or stressed condition. The notch is formed so as to be open to one edge of its member, and includes a trans¬ verse notch to facilitate bending of the end support member and a longitudinal or lateral notch to define a seat for the side rail in the assembled position. While the invention has been described with respec to a particular embodiment thereof, it will be readily appreciated and understood that variations and modifica¬ tions may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. OMPI WIPO

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A frame support adapted to be readily assembled between a knock down position and an assembled operative position comprising: a pair of similarly formed elongated members formed of a structural readily bendable material adapted to define an end support in the assembled position of said frame, each of said members having a generally U-shaped notch located in spaced apart intervals intermediate the length thereof, whereby the distance between said notches determines the width of the end support in the assembled position, said notches being opened to one side of said members, a pair of opposed side rails of a predetermined length, and means defining a foldline intermediate the width of said notch about which said member can be readily folded whereby said notch defines an end support for said side 'rails extended between said end supports. 2. A frame support as defined in Claim 1 and wherein said generally U-shaped end supports include a pair of opposed leg portions, and a cross piece detach- ably secured between the leg portions of the respective end supports. 3. A frame support as defined in Claim 1 wherein each of said elongated members comprise a channel shaped structural member having opposite side web portions and an interconnecting web portion, and said notches being formed in- alignment in the respective side web portions of the respective channel shaped structural members. O PI. 4. A frame support as defined in Claim 3 wherein said notches encompass the end portion of the side rails to confine said end portions at the corners of said end supports. 5. A frame support as defined in Claim 3 wherein the side web portions of said channel shaped structural members are inwardly compressed to define a foot portion for said end supports, and a cross piece detachably connected between said opposed foot portions of the end supports; said cross piece having a cross head disposed at the ends of said cross piece whereby said cross head is frictionally held in place by the inwardly com¬ pressed side web portions. 6. A frame support as defined in Claim 4 wherein said cross piece comprises a strap extended between the leg portions of said end supports. 7. A frame support as defined in Claim 4 and including a foot adapted to be received in the respective end of said leg portions of said end supports, said foot having a portion projecting into said leg portions between said side web portions, and said projection being spaced from the interconnect ing web portions, and said cross piece having a cross head disposed at the ends thereof, said cross head being detachably secured in the space between said interconnecting web and said foot projection. 8. A frame support as defined in Claim 4 wherein said cross piece comprises a strap, said strap having a foot projection connected to the ends of said strap, OMPI WIPO s'aid foot ' projection being inserted into the leg portions of said end supports. 9. A frame support as defined in Claim 1 wherein said side rails comprise an elongated member, said side rail members having means defining a frangible point at spaced intervals therealong, said frangible means being disposed at predetermined spaced intervals therealong whereby said side rail member can be readily varied in lengt . 10. A support frame as defined in Claim 1 and a file drawer, said frame support being adapted to be received in said file drawer, said frame support being adapted for use as a hanging file frame. 11. A support frame as defined in Claim 1 wherein said U-shaped notch includes a lateral extending cut¬ out extended longitudinally of said structure member to define a recess for accommodating said side rail. 12. A support frame as defined in Claim 11 wherein said U-shaped notch includes a V-groove inter- mediate the ends thereof whereby said V-groove defines the bend line for said structural member. 13. A supporting frame which is adapted to be readily assembled between a knock down position and an assembled position comprising: a plurality of elongated structural members in¬ cluding at least a pair of readily bendable structural members, and a pair of straight rigid members; said pair of bendable members each having a pair of spaced apart notches formed intermediate the length thereof; said notches being generally U-shaped and opened to one side of its respective bendable members, OMPI ° said notches each having one side thereof formed with a cut-out portion, and said notches each having a V-groove formed intermediate the back edge thereof; said V-groove defining a bend line about which an extended portion of said structural member is bent relative to the length intermediate said notches , whereby said extended ends can be bent normal to said intermediat length; said rigid member having their respective end portions retained in the notches formed at the bends of said structural pair of bendable members; and a cross piece detachably connected between the extended bent ends of said bendable member. 14. A method of constructing a supporting frame comprising the steps of: forming a pair of spaced apart notches inter¬ mediate the ends of an elongated structural member whereb said notches open to one edge of said structural member, forming a pair of elongated side rails of equal predetermined length, bending each of said notched structural members whereby the ends extend beyond said notches is disposed normal to the length disposed between said notches, positioning the ends of said side rails in the notches of said bent structural members whereby said notches in the bent position define a retainer opening for supporting the side rails between the bent structural members. 15. A method as defined in Claim 14 and including the step for forming a cross piece, and detachably secur¬ ing the cross piece between the opposed bent extended end portions of said bent structural members. OMPI

Inventors: ILICH D
Applicants: ILICH D
Application year: 1979
Main classification: B42F15
IPC codes: B42F15