Patent Publication Number: US-2011062093-A1

Title: Device for file storage

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is related to devices for storing files and is particularly useful for storing files which have various widths. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Previously, there have been file storage devices of the type that are used on shelves or in drawers for storing files in an upright manner. Such storage devices comprise upright rigid members, which are fixed in position. Files may be stored in between the fixed upright members, which provides a way of storing files more efficiently. 
     One example of a previous file storage device is formed of plastic coated stiff wire, where upright stiff wire members of the device are connected to a stiff wire base. The upright stiff wire members may be welded, or otherwise permanently fixed, to the stiff wire base. A plurality of parallel disposed upright wire members form fixed spaces therebetween in which a file or multiple files may be stored. 
     A disadvantage with this type of file storage device is that the storage areas defined between the parallel upright stiff wire members are of fixed widths. This leads to a problem where it is desired to store a file which is wider than the fixed widths defined between the upright stiff wire members. 
     Another disadvantage of the previous file storage device is that, with the upright members being fixed in an upright position, the device is bulky and difficult to pack and store for transportation. Furthermore, the bulky nature of the previous file storage device results in a need for large packaging to contain the device for sale or transportation. Larger packaging may be more inconvenient and expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, larger packaging may consume more material in its manufacture, which may be considered as unsound practice in respect of the environment. 
     Accordingly, it would be an advantage to provide a file storage device which overcomes or substantially ameliorates at least one problem of previous file storage devices. 
     Furthermore, it would be an advantage to provide a file storage device which provides storage of files of various widths, including providing storage for files of large widths that may not be able to be stored in previous file storage device having fixed width storage. 
     Yet a further advantage would be to provide a file storage device which can be more easily packaged and stored. It would also be advantageous to provide a file storage device which is cheaper and more convenient to package for sale and/or transportation. 
     There would also be an advantage in being able to provide a file storage device which is cheap to manufacture with regard to materials, tooling and labor costs. Accordingly, it would be an advantage to provide a file storage device with as few parts as possible while providing at least one of the previously mentioned advantages. 
     The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form or suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention attempts to overcome at least one of the problems of the prior art by providing a file storage device, including a base member, a plurality of dividing members detachably attached to the base member in a substantially parallel configuration, adjacent dividing members defining storage areas therebetween, the storage areas having preselected widths, wherein removal or addition of at least one dividing member allows for variation of said preselected widths. 
     Further benefits and advantages with respect to the present invention become apparent in the following description of alternative embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       An embodiment of the invention will now be described which should not be considered as limiting any of the statements in the previous section. The embodiment will be described with reference to the following figures in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a storage device showing dividing members in operating positions; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a detail of  FIG. 1 , showing dividing members detachably attached to the base; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of  FIG. 1  illustrating the dividing members being in folded down positions; 
         FIG. 4  is a detailed view from  FIG. 3  illustrating the dividing members being detachably attached to the base member when in folded down positions; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an end view of  FIG. 1  illustrating a dividing member in an operating position; 
         FIG. 7  is a plan view of  FIG. 1  where the dividing members are in operating positions; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of  FIG. 3  where the dividing members are in operating positions; 
         FIG. 9  is a similar view to  FIG. 8  showing a configuration of the file storage device wherein some dividing members have been removed thus allowing variation of widths of the storage areas for storing the files; 
         FIG. 10  (including  FIG. 10   a ,  FIG. 10   b ,  FIG. 10   c ,  FIG. 10   d  and  FIG. 10   e ) shows a series of pairs of views in an operation to rotate a dividing member into an operating position. Each pair of views includes a perspective view, shown on the left hand side of  FIG. 10 , and an end view, shown on the right hand side of  FIG. 10 ; and, 
         FIG. 11  is an end view of an alternative embodiment of a dividing member illustrated being operated by hand. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  shows an example embodiment of the file storage device  100  with a base member  2  and a plurality of dividing members  4  in a substantially parallel configuration. In this embodiment there are twelve (12) dividing members illustrated, each being detachably attached to the base member  2  of the file storage device  100 . The dividing members  4  are shown in operating positions, where each of the dividing members  4  is substantially upright with respect to the base member  2 . 
     Adjacent dividing members  4  define storage areas  1  therebetween. Each of the storage areas  1  is of a preselected width which is suitable for storing a range of files of varying widths.  FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment in which a storage area between adjacent dividing members  4   a  and  4   b  is of width A. The centre-most storage area  1   a  between adjacent diving members  4   f  and  4   g  is of width B, being wider than width A. 
     Each dividing member  4  includes two dividing member engagement sections  6 , one disposed at each side of the diving member  4 . 
     Also shown in  FIG. 1  the base member  2  includes two side rails  3 . Each side rail  3  includes an upper panel  11 ; an inwardly facing side panel  9 , which is facing towards the centre of the file storage device  100  relative to the side rail  3 ; and an outwardly facing side panel  15 . Each side rail  3  includes a plurality of base member engagement sections  13  disposed along the inwardly facing side panels  9 . 
     A dividing member  4  is detachably attached to the base member  2  by engaging each of the dividing member engagement sections  6 , disposed at each side of the dividing member  4 , with corresponding base member engagement sections  13 . The corresponding base member engagement sections  13  are oppositely facing with respect to the centre of the file storage device  100 . 
     In the illustrated embodiments, the base member engagement sections  13  for each of the dividing member engagement sections  6  of a given dividing member  4  are disposed to be oppositely facing each other. However, it is envisaged that, for example, the base member engagement sections  13  could be disposed on the outwardly facing side panels  15  of the side rails  3 , with the dividing member engagement sections  6  disposed so as to slot into the outwardly facing base member engagement sections  13 . 
     In a further alternative embodiment, each of the outwardly facing side panels  15  may be configured so as to minimize a risk for damaging a surface on which the file storage device  100  is placed. 
     In one optional configuration, a portion of each of the outwardly facing side panels  15  is bent along the length of the outwardly facing side panel, so as to form an outwardly facing substantially right-angled protrusion. In this configuration, the edge of the outwardly facing side panel  15  is directed parallel to the surface, thereby minimizing risk of damage to the surface. 
     In another optional configuration, a portion of each of the outwardly facing side panels  15  is bent along the length of the outwardly facing side panel, so as to be substantially “doubled over”. In this configuration the edge of the outwardly facing side panel  15  is directed away from the surface, thereby minimizing risk of damage to the surface. 
     In another alternative embodiment, each of the outwardly facing side panels  15  may include a plastic protection strip. This strip may have a U-shaped cross-section and may be configured to fit snugly to the edge of each of the outwardly facing side panels  15 . In this embodiment, the plastic strip will be in contact with the surface on which the file storage device  100  is placed, rather than the edges of the outwardly facing side panels  15 . 
     A plurality of cut out holes  7  are illustrated in the base member  2  of the files storage device  100  in  FIG. 1 . The cut out holes  7  may provide a pleasing appearance to the file storage device  100 , but may also be useful for reducing the weight of the device. Also using cut out holes  7  may reduce the overall amount of material needed to construct the file storage device and could, if appropriately configured, provide handles for transporting the storage device. 
     A further advantage of the cut out holes  7  is that they may be used where it is desired to affix the file storage device  100  to a surface, for example, with hooks, or the like, which may attach through the cut out holes  7 . 
     In this embodiment the dividing members are formed from a stiff, but flexible, metal wire-like material, although it is envisaged that the dividing members may be made from other materials. Furthermore, where the dividing member is formed from a wire-like material, it may be formed into different shapes from the example shape shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     It has been found that, by forming the dividing members  4  from a stiff, but flexible, metal wire-like material and forming the base member  2  from a metal plate material, the file storage device has a robust nature. This provides an advantage over alternative embodiments and other types of files storage device, which may use less robust materials for the dividing members and the base member, as the file storage device should have a longer operating life. 
     In a further optional embodiment, the wire-like dividing members  4  may include a plastic coating on at least a portion of each dividing member, which may afford some protection to files in the file storage device  100 . 
     Alternatively, a dividing member may include a panel and engagement sections for detachably attaching the dividing member to the base member. It is envisaged that the dividing members may be formed from any material and in any shape such that they are able to store files in accordance with the invention. 
     In an example use of this embodiment of the file storage device  100 , dividing member  4   b  has been fully disengaged from the base member  2  and is thus detached and removed, which allows for a variation in preselected widths and results in a wider storage area of width C between remaining adjacent dividing members  4   a  and  4   c.    
     In another example operation of this embodiment of the file storage device  100 , dividing members  4   b ,  4   c ,  4   d  and  4   e  may be detached from the base member  2  by being fully disengaged and removed. Adjacent diving members, in this example, are  4   a  and  4   f , which define a storage area  1  of selected width D. If a dividing member  4  is detachably attached by being fully engaged with the base member  2  in the position illustrated by dividing member  4   c , the storage area having selected width D is now divided into two storage areas having selected widths C and E. When diving member  4   c  is in this position, now-adjacent dividing members  4   a  and  4   c  define a storage area  1  of selected width C, and now-adjacent dividing members  4   c  and  4   f  define a storage area  1  of selected width E. 
     The storage areas  1  may have a range of various preselected widths, when the file storage device  100  is fully assembled with all detachably attached dividing members  4  fully engaged with the base member  2  of the file storage device  100 . 
     In an example use, the file storage device  100  may store files, such as manila folder type files. A manila folder is placed in the files storage device  100  in a chosen storage area  1  with its spine facing in a downward direction. Two sections of the spine of the folder are supported by an upper panel  11  of each of the side rails  3 . 
     Additional manila folders may be stored in the same storage area  1 , or, if the storage area  1  is full, the additional manila folders may be stored in another chosen storage area  1 . Further, and in accordance with the invention, if a storage area  1  is full and the user wishes to store more manila folders in a same storage area  1 , the user may remove one or more of the dividing members  4  in order to create a larger storage area  1  for the folders. 
     Other types of files and folders, for example, ring binder type files, may be stored in the file storage device  100 . A ring binder type file may be placed in the file storage device  100  resting on its spine. Alternatively, it may be desired to store a ring binder type file in the file storage device  100  in an upright position. In this way, if the file storage device is being used on a shelf, then it is possible to readily view the spine of the ring binder type file while it is being stored in the device  100 . This may be desirable where a spine of a ring binder type folder has identification markings. 
     It should be understood that, when files are stored in the file storage device  100 , parts of the file may rest on both, one or neither of the side rails  3 . 
     Also illustrated in  FIG. 1  is an optional centre rail  5  for supporting files, which are stored in the file storage device. The centre rail  5  may support a central section of a file, which is placed in a storage area  1  between adjacent dividing members  4 . The centre rail  5  may substantially ameliorate the problem of a file sagging when stored in the file storage device  100 , where outer sections of the file are supported by the upper panels  11  of each of the side rails  3 . 
     Additionally, providing a centre rail  5  may increase the strength and/or rigidity of the base member  2 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a detail of the file storage device  100 , showing a corner of the base member  2  and a part of each of three dividing members  4 . Each dividing member  4  is shown with one dividing member engagement section  6  disposed on a side of the dividing member  4 . One dividing member  4  is shown detached from the base member  2 , while two (2) other dividing members  4  are shown detachably attached to the base member  2 . 
     The side rail  3  includes an inwardly facing side panel  9 , along which are disposed three (3) base member engagement sections  13 . The base member engagement sections  13  are shown, in this embodiment, including an elongate engagement slot  8  and a round engagement aperture  10  adjacent the elongate engagement slot  8 . The round engagement apertures  10  are of substantially circular shape. 
     As can be readily seen on the dividing member  4 , which has been illustrated detached from the base member  2 , a substantially “N”-shaped dividing member engagement section  6  is disposed on the side of the dividing member  4 . The “N”-shaped dividing member engagement section  6  includes a bent engagement protrusion  14  and a straight engagement protrusion  12 . 
     A dividing member  4  is detachably attached to the base member  2  in a full engagement operation as follows. A bent engagement protrusion  14  slots into a first elongate engagement slot  8 . In this embodiment, and substantially simultaneously, a straight engagement protrusion  12  slots into a first round engagement aperture  10 . 
     The engagement operation also occurs at the other side of the dividing member  4  where a bent engagement protrusion  14 , at that other side of the dividing member  4 , slots into an elongate engagement slot  8 , which is oppositely facing the first elongate slot  8  and a straight engagement protrusion  12 , also at that other side of the dividing member  4 , slots into a round engagement aperture  10 , which is oppositely facing the first round engagement aperture  10 . 
     It should be noted that providing a substantially “N”-shaped dividing member engagement section  6  with a straight engagement protrusion  12  is an optional feature. Also, it is optional to provide a base member engagement section  13  with a round engagement aperture  10 . 
     A dividing member  4  may be suitably detachably attached to the base member  2  providing, on each side of the dividing member  4 , a dividing member engagement section  6  including only a bent engagement protrusion  14 , which slots into a base member engagement section  13  including an elongate engagement slot  8 . In such an embodiment, the dividing member engagement section  6  may be formed in a substantially “V”-shaped configuration. 
     As can be readily seen, and as shown in other figures, providing round engagement apertures  10  and straight engagement protrusions  12  enables a substantially “N”-shaped dividing member engagement section  6  to be partially detached from the base member engagement section  13 , thus allowing the dividing member  4  to be folded down to a position which is substantially parallel to the base member  2 . 
     It will be further understood that dividing member attachment sections  6  and base member engagement sections  13  may have a variety of shapes and configurations, which are in accordance with the invention so as to provide a means of detachably attaching a dividing member  4  by engagement with the base member  2 . For example, an elongate slot may be formed in the dividing member engagement sections  6 , with a corresponding bent engagement protrusion formed in the base member engagement sections  13 . 
     In this embodiment the dividing member engagement section  6  is offset from the plane of the dividing member  4 . The offset placement of the dividing member engagement section  6  provides a more robust resistance to a rotational force or other force against the dividing member  6 . The rotational force or other force may be produced by files adjacent the dividing member  6  when the file storage device  100  is being used. 
     A dividing member  4  may be disengaged from the base member  2  by sliding the bent engagement protrusion  14  and the straight engagement protrusion  12 , respectively, out from a corresponding elongate engagement slot  8  and a corresponding round engagement aperture  10 . Of course, this operation should occur at both sides of the dividing member  4  for the dividing member  4  to become fully disengaged from the base member  2 . 
     It should also be appreciated that the dividing members  4  require some flexibility in order to be detachably attached to the base member  2 , or to be partially disengaged from the base member  2 . 
       FIG. 3  shows an embodiment of the file storage device  100 , wherein each of the dividing members has been folded down from an operating position to a folded down position which is substantially flat with respect to the base member  2 . In this embodiment, each of the substantially “N”-shaped dividing member engagement sections  6 , disposed on either side of a dividing member  4 , is partially disengaged from a base member engagement section  13  of the base member  2 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a detailed view  FIG. 3  showing a corner of the file storage device  100 . 
     A folding down operation may occur as follows. On either side of a dividing member  4 , an “N”-shaped dividing member engagement sections  6  is partially disengaged from a base member engagement section  13  when a bent engagement protrusion  14  is removed from an elongate engagement slot  8 , but a straight engagement protrusion  12  remains slotted into a round engagement aperture  10 . This partial disengagement enables the dividing member to be rotated around an axis formed by straight engagement protrusions  12  on either side of a dividing member  4 , so that the dividing member  4  may fold down to a folded down position. 
     It should be noted that the straight engagement protrusion  12  protrudes further than the bent engagement protrusion  14 . This further protrusion allows the straight engagement protrusion  12  to remain slotted into a round engagement aperture  10  while the adjacent bent engagement protrusion  14  is disengaged from the adjacent elongate engagement slot  8 , such that the dividing member  4  is partially disengaged from the base member  2  and the dividing member can rotate about the axis formed by straight engagement protrusions  12  on either side of a dividing member  4 . 
     A folding up operation is substantially similar to a folding down operation in reverse. The folding up operation may occur by rotating the dividing member  4 , around the axis formed by the straight engagement protrusions  12 , to an operating position which is substantially upright with respect to the base member  2  wherein, on either side of the dividing member  4 , a bent engagement protrusion  14  is slotted in to an elongate engagement slot  8 . 
     It will be appreciated that, in the embodiments shown, the dividing members  4  are formed from stiff, but flexible, metal wire-like material and are formed in one piece. The one piece dividing members  4  have substantially “N”-shaped dividing member engagement sections  6 . It has been found that providing a dividing member  4  formed of a stiff but flexible material, such as metal wire-like material, along with “N”-shaped dividing member engagement sections  6  disposed on either side of the dividing member  4 , allows for easy partial disengagement of the dividing member from the base member  2 , when it is desired to fold down the dividing member  4  into a folded down position. 
       FIG. 5  shows the file storage device  100  with the dividing members  4  in folded down positions such that the dividing members  4  are substantially flat with respect to the base member  2 . This may provide an advantage for storing and packaging of the file storage device especially for transport and display of the storage device for sale. 
     It should be noted that in  FIG. 5  at least some of the dividing members  4  are shown as being slightly angled in an upward direction while in a folded down position, which is substantially flat with respect to the base member  2 . When packaging the file storage device  100 , the slightly upwardly angled dividing members  4  may be further compressed, due to the flexibility of the material from which the dividing members  4  are formed. This should allow the file storage device  100  to be packed in a flatter configuration and in a smaller volume box. 
       FIG. 6  shows an end view of the file storage device  100  with dividing members  4  in operating positions and in which dividing member engagement sections  6  are disposed on either side of an end most shown dividing member  4 . The dividing member engagement sections  6  are slotted into base member engagement sections  13 , the base member engagement sections are oppositely facing each other and disposed in the inwardly facing side panels  9  of the side rails  3  on either side of the base member  2 . 
     Also shown in  FIG. 6 , the dividing member  4  includes an approximately right-angled bend  19  and another approximately right-angled bend  17  at each side of the dividing member  4 . Bends  17  and  19  produce an upper section  18  of the dividing member  4 , along with shoulder sections  21  on either side of the dividing member  4 . 
     Further,  FIG. 6  shows slightly inwardly sloping straight sections  30  on either side of the dividing member  4 , disposed between approximately right-angled bend  19  and approximately right-angled bend  22 . Straight sections  30  join with the dividing member engagement sections  6  on each side of the dividing member  4 . 
     Providing a dividing member with such a “stepped” configuration, including an upper section  18 , may produce a dividing member with a greater resistance to a force produced by a file, or a number of files, resting against the dividing member  4 . 
     Furthermore, providing a narrowed upper section  18  for the dividing member  4  may allow for easier manual operation of the dividing member  4  when fully engaging the dividing member  4  with the base member  2  in an engaging operation so that the dividing member  4  is detachably attached to the base member  2 ; when fully disengaging a dividing member  4  from the base member  2  in a disengagement operation so that the dividing member  4  is detached from the base member  2  for removal; when operating the file storage device  100  to fold down the dividing member  4  into a folded down position; and, when folding up the dividing member  4  to an operating position which is substantially upright with respect to the base member  2 . 
     A top section  20  is provided on the dividing member  4 , which may be alternatively used as a handle section when operating the dividing member  4 . 
       FIG. 7  shows a plan view of the file storage device  100  with dividing members  4  in an upright position. Also shown is a cut-away view of the side rails  3 . The dividing member engagement sections  6  can be more readily seen slotted in to the base member engagement sections  13 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a side view of the file storage device  100 . The storage areas  1  and  1   a  are shown, respectively, with preselected widths A and B. 
       FIG. 9  shows a side view of the file storage device  100  in use storing a plurality of files  16  of varying widths. In this configuration, selected dividing members have been removed from the base member  2  to provide storage areas of preselected widths  1 . Storage area  1   b  has a preselected width F and is storing a wide file  16   a . Storage area  1   c  has a preselected width G and is storing two (2) wide files  16   b . Storage area  1   d  has a preselected width H and is storing a plurality of files  16   c  of varying widths. Storage area  1   e  has a preselected width I and is storing a plurality of thinner files  16   d  with similar widths. Storage area  1   f  has a preselected width J and is storing two (2) thin files  16   e  of different widths. 
     The series of  FIGS. 10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d  and  10   e , each include a pair of views, being a perspective view (left hand side) and an end view (right hand side). The  FIGS. 10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d  and  10   e  illustrate details of a folding up operation. The views show the relative position of the dividing member engagement section  6  with respect to the base member engagement section  13  in the side rail  3  of the base member  2 . Further, the pair of views in  FIG. 10  show a series of positions of the dividing member  4  in relation to the base member  2  when the dividing member  4 , which is initially partially engaged with the base member  2 , is being rotated around an axis formed by straight engagement protrusions  12  on either side of the dividing member  4 , so that the dividing member  4  may be placed in an operating position and fully engaged with the base member  2 . 
       FIG. 10   a  shows a of a dividing member  4 , which is partially engaged with the base member  2 .  FIG. 10   a  illustrates a dividing member  4  in a folded down position so that it is in a substantially flat position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10   a , each dividing member engagement section  6  includes a rotatable straight engagement protrusion  12  and a bent engagement protrusion  14 . The bent engagement protrusion  14  is formed from straight sections  23  and  24  which are connected at bend  28 . Straight sections  23  and  24  are disposed relative to each other at an angle  27 . 
     The straight engagement protrusion  12  is joined to the bent engagement protrusion  14  via bent section  25 . Bent section  25  is formed between straight section  24  and straight engagement protrusion  12 . Straight section  24  and straight engagement protrusion  12  form an angle  26  relative to each other. 
     As can be further seen in  FIG. 10   a  the dividing member engagement section  6  is partially engaged with the base member engagement section  13 , wherein the straight engagement protrusion  12  is slotted into round engagement aperture  10  and the bent engagement protrusion  14  is not slotted into the elongate engagement slot  8 . With the dividing member  4  folded down to a substantially flat position, the straight section  24  is positioned above the upper panel  11  of the side rail  3 . In this position, straight section  24  does not touch the edge  29  of the side rail  3 , which is formed between the upper panel  11  and the inwardly facing side panel  9  of the side rail  3 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10   b , a second position is shown during the folding up operation wherein the dividing member  4  is rotated further towards an operating position. 
     In  FIG. 10   b , straight section  24  comes into contact with the edge  29  of the side rail  3 . The angle  26  formed at bent section  25  provides that the point of contact between straight section  24  and edge  29 , is offset from the axis formed by straight engagement protrusions  12  on either side of the dividing member  4 . The preselected angle  26  and offset produce a flexing of the dividing member  4  when the dividing member  4  is rotated towards an operating position and the straight section  24  is further forced against the edge  29 . Furthermore, along with the flexing, the dividing member engagement section  6  moves inwardly towards the centre of the file storage device  100 , with respect to the side rail  3 . 
     Along with the inward movement of the dividing member engagement section  6 , the straight engagement protrusion  12  slides through the round engagement aperture  10 , such that the straight engagement protrusion  12  also moves inwardly towards the centre of the file storage device  100 , with respect to the side rail  3 . 
     However, as can be seen in the series of  FIGS. 10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d  and  10   e , the straight engagement protrusion  12  does not become disengaged from the round engagement aperture  10  during the engagement operation wherein the dividing member  4  is rotated to an upright position and the bent engagement section  14  becomes engaged with the elongate engagement slot  8 . 
     Further relative placement of the dividing member  4  with respect to the base member  2  is shown in  FIG. 10   c . The dividing member is rotated to be further towards an operating position than shown in  FIG. 10   b . At this point in the folding up operation, the dividing member  4  is further flexed such that dividing member engagement section  6  moves inwardly and such that bent section  28  comes into contact with an upper part of the inwardly facing side panel  9  of the side rail  3 , which is at or near the edge  29  of the side rail  3 . 
     As can also be seen in  FIG. 10   c , perhaps better illustrated in the end view (on the right hand side of  FIG. 10   c ), the straight engagement protrusion  12  has moved further inwardly when compared with the position shown in the end view of  FIG. 10   b  (right hand side of the  FIG. 10   b ). 
       FIG. 10   d  includes a perspective view (left hand side) and an end view (right hand side) of yet another stage in the folding up operation to rotate the dividing member  4  to an operating position. In these views bent section  28  of the bent engagement protrusion  14  is in contact with the inwardly facing side panel  9  of the side rail  3 . At this stage of the folding up operation the dividing member  4  is almost in an operating position, being that it is almost fully upright. 
     In  FIG. 10   d  the position of the dividing member  4  in relation to the base member  2  provides that dividing member engagement section  6 , along with the straight engagement protrusion  12 , positioned inwardly of the side rail  3  due to the inward flexing of a portion of the dividing member  4 . The inward flexing of the dividing member  4 , which is resiliently flexible, also produces a bias of the bent engagement protrusion  14  against the inwardly facing side panel  9 . There is, therefore, an outwardly directed force at the point where the bent section  28  contacts the inwardly facing side panel  9 . 
       FIG. 10   e  includes perspective and end views of the dividing member  4  fully engaged with the base member  2 . The dividing member  4  has been rotated around the axis formed by the oppositely facing straight engagement protrusions  10  and when the dividing member  4  is sufficiently upright such that the bent section  28  is positioned over the elongate engagement slot  8 , the bent engagement protrusion  14  slides into the elongate engagement slot  8 . 
     The bent engagement protrusion  14  should slide into (and “lock” into) the elongate engagement slot  8  due to the outwardly directed force produced by the inward flexing of a portion of the dividing member  4 . Sometimes, however, the force may not be sufficient and the bent engagement protrusion may require manual assistance to be positioned into (and “locked” into) the elongate engagement slot  8 . 
     It should be noted that angles  26  and  27 , located respectively at bent sections  25  and  28  of the dividing member engagement section  6 , do not substantially change in size during the folding up operation to rotate the dividing member  4  towards an operating position. Similarly, angles  26  and  27  do not substantially change in a folding down operation whereby the dividing member  4  is folded down to a substantially flat position with respect to the base member  2 . 
     It should also be noted that the configuration and sizing of the preselected angles  26  and  27  contributes to the ease of operating the dividing members  4  to selectively either partially or fully engage with or to selectively either partially or fully disengage from the base member  2 . Particularly, the choice of angles  26  and  27 , configuration of the base member engagement section  13  and configuration of the dividing member engagement section  6  provides for easier folding up operation when rotating the dividing members  4  from a substantially flat position into an operating position, thereby moving them from being partially engaged with the base member  2 , to being fully engaged with the base member. In one embodiment angles  26  and  27  are both approximately 45°. 
       FIG. 11  shows an alternative embodiment of a dividing member  4  including indentations  31 , which are disposed on either side in an upper portion of the dividing member  4 . The indentations  31  may be useful for easier manual operation and can be gripped on one side with an index finger  32  and the other side with a thumb  33 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . The thumb  33  and index finger  32  may be moved towards each other, resulting in an inward flexing of the dividing member  4 . This may, in turn, assist with selectively either partially or fully engaging (or to selectively either partially or fully disengaging) the dividing member  4  with (or from) the base member  2 . The indentations  31  may also be useful for an easier gripping of the dividing member  4 . 
     The file storage device  100  may be used for storing files  16  of differing sizes, as described. However, it will be appreciated that the file storage device  100  may also be used for storing a range of different articles. Further, the file storage device may be formed in different sizes to be used for storing objects substantially larger or substantially smaller than files. 
     Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the file storage device  100  may be manufactured more simply, for example, in embodiments where the dividing members  4  are formed from one piece of material, such as stiff, but flexible metal wire and the base member  2  is formed from one piece of sheet metal. In such an embodiment, the tooling for manufacture of the file storage device can be simpler and thus manufacture may be less expensive. 
     The invention is susceptible to variations, modifications and/or additions other than those specifically described, and it is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations, modifications and/or additions, which fall within the scope of the following claims. 
     Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.