Patent Publication Number: US-6991306-B2

Title: Carrousel file

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates generally to filing cabinets, file drawers, storage units and the like, and more particularly to a filing cabinet where more than one drawer may be opened at any one time without fear of the filing cabinet tipping. 
   2. Discussion of the Related Art 
   Lateral and vertical filing cabinets typically have drawers extending from one side of the cabinet box frame. To prevent the cabinet from tipping or falling over, the filing cabinet is typically provided with a substantial counterweight at the rear of the box frame to counter the weight of any opened drawer. To prevent an excessive moment-arm or load, an interlock mechanism is usually provided which prevents more than one drawer from opening at a time. Examples of such filing cabinets may be found in the following United States Patents: U.S. Pat. No. 3,969,008; U.S. Pat. No. 4,355,851; U.S. Pat. No. 4,429,930; U.S. Pat. No. 4,480,883; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,711,505. 
   Vertical filing cabinets have been designed where the drawers do not extend from the cabinet, but are mounted on a track or linkage mechanism to revolve in a vertical oval pattern within the cabinet. These vertical rotary cabinets require complicated mechanisms to permit user access to a single file drawer. Furthermore, these cabinets are almost always preassembled, requiring a substantial amount of shipping and stocking space. 
   A need exists for a filing cabinet which maximizes the storage space and permits access to more than one filing drawer without fear of the cabinet tipping over. There is also a need for a filing cabinet which can be shipped disassembled and employs standardized components resulting in minimum shipping and inventory space providing low unit cost. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The instant invention is directed toward a file cabinet which permits access to stored files from all sides of the cabinet. Simultaneously, the design provides a much safer design than that currently offered because the file cabinet is not subject to tipping than previous designs which require complex safety mechanisms to prevent more than one drawer being opened at a time. 
   According to one form of the invention, a file cabinet assembly is provided, including a base assembly having a centrally disposed upright member. The upper end of the upright member may be configured to receive a top assembly. In its simpler form, a carrousel file support assembly is suspended from the upper end of the upright member such that the carrousel file support assembly rotates freely around the upright member. The base assembly may include a base plate, a plurality of base plate support ribs attached to at least one surface of the base plate, and a plurality of glides attached to said support ribs. The base assembly further includes a center post forming the central upright member where one end extends through and is secured to the base plate, and the opposite end terminating in a threaded rod. A bearing support is concentrically received over the threaded rod and rests on the upper end of the center post. In this embodiment, the carrousel file support assembly may include an upper and a lower spider assemblies spaced apart from each other, and interconnected by a plurality of pivot arm assemblies. Each of the pivot arm assemblies includes an arm extending substantially perpendicular therefrom, and adapted to detachably receive a container for holding documents or other objects. The pivot arm swings about its axis between an extended position for accessing the attached file container, and a retracted or stowed position. 
   In another form of the invention, the upper and lower spider assemblies each include a spider having a centrally located opening, about which radially extend a plurality of arms. Disposed in the centrally located opening and attached to the spider is a ring member. In the upper spider assembly, the ring member is adapted to receive and rest upon a tapered bearing which facilitates rotation of the carrousel file support. The ring member attached to the lower spider is configured to receive a bushing and is journaled about the lower portion of the centrally disposed upright member. 
   In yet another form of the invention, each of the plurality of pivot arm assemblies include at least one pivot tube having at least one dimple formed at opposite ends. An end cap is disposed in at least one of the ends. In a multiple tiered design, stacked pivot arm assemblies are interconnected by a connector cap. In either form, a pivot stop assembly is disposed within each pivot tube and interconnect the ends of the arms of the upper and lower spider assemblies. 
   The advantages provided by the invention include a design which may be used in the home office as well as the business office. The design is inherently stable and permits multiple drawers to be opened at one time. The instant invention provides 360 degrees of accessibility. The rotary tiers enhance access to the different file containers and allow placement of the cabinet against a wall or into a corner. The cabinet also provides a wide range of appearance options. The flexibility of the design also translates into cost savings as the basic building blocks are used to create one, two, three, or four tier designs. Special tooling or parts are not required to produce the various designs. Different from the conventional metal or wood lateral file, the instant invention may include metal or cloth panels in a wide array of colors and patterns. Moreover, each file container may be manufactured from a metal or plastic in a variety of color combinations to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an elevation view of a filing cabinet assembly embodying the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a plan view of the filing cabinet assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a section view of the filing cabinet assembly taken from line  3  — 3  shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of the section shown in circle  4  in  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged view of the section shown in circle  5  in  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 6  is an enlarged fragmentary view of the pivot arm assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged fragmentary view of an upper portion of the pivot arm assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 8  is an elevation view of one embodiment of a base used in association with the invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a bottom view of the base assembly; 
       FIG. 10  is an enlarged fragmentary view of an upper portion of the base assembly shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
       FIG. 11  is a plan view of an upper spider; 
       FIG. 12  is an elevation view of the spider shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
       FIG. 12A  is an enlarged fragmentary view of the area shown in circle  12 A in  FIG. 12 ; 
       FIG. 13  is a plan view of the lower spider; 
       FIG. 14  is an elevation view of the spider shown in  FIG. 13 ; 
       FIG. 14A  is an enlarged fragmentary view of the area shown in circle  14 A in  FIG. 14 ; 
       FIG. 15  is a section view of the pivot arm tube; 
       FIG. 16  is an end elevation view of the pivot arm tube; 
       FIG. 16A  is a enlarged fragmentary view of circle  16   a  shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
       FIG. 17  is a side elevation view of a pivot arm cap; 
       FIG. 18  is an end elevation view of the pivot arm cap; 
       FIG. 19  is a section view of a connecting cap; 
       FIG. 20  is an end elevation view of the connector cap shown in  FIG. 19 ; 
       FIG. 21  is a plan view of a weldment; 
       FIG. 22  is an end view of the weldment shown in  FIG. 21 ; 
       FIG. 23  is an elevation view of the weldment shown in  FIG. 21 ; 
       FIG. 24  is a plan view of a top attachment; 
       FIG. 25  is an elevation view of the top attachment shown in  FIG. 24 ; 
       FIG. 26  is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a pivot arm; 
       FIG. 27  is an end elevation view of the pivot arm shown in  FIG. 26 ; 
       FIG. 28  is an oblique view of one embodiment of a file container contemplated to be used in conjunction with the instant invention; 
       FIG. 29  is an exploded view of the file container shown in  FIG. 28 ; 
       FIG. 30  is a plan view of the file container bottom and wall panels shown in a flattened configuration; 
       FIG. 31  is an elevation view of a corner member; 
       FIG. 32  is a section view of the corner member taken along line  32 — 32  shown in  FIG. 31 ; 
       FIG. 33  is an elevation view of the wall panels; 
       FIG. 34  is a detailed fragmentary side view of a portion of a wall panel shown in  FIG. 33 ; 
       FIG. 35  is a side elevation view of a file container frame; 
       FIG. 36  is an end elevation view of the file container frame shown in  FIG. 35 ; 
       FIG. 37  is a bottom plan view of a file container frame shown in  FIGS. 35 and 36 ; 
       FIG. 38  is a plan view of the file container lid; 
       FIG. 39  is a longitudinal cross-section of the file container lid taken along line IL—IL shown in  FIG. 38 ; and 
       FIG. 40  is an end elevation view of the file container lid. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   For purposes of the following description, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal” and derivatives of such terms shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It should also be understood the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
   Referring to the drawing figures, and specifically with reference to  FIGS. 1–3 , the instant invention is directed to a file cabinet assembly  40  which provides 360 degree access to files suspended thereon, and which rotates the suspended files about a central vertical axis of the file cabinet assembly  40 . The invention can be configured to have anywhere from one to five tiers, depending upon the desired configuration. Moreover, file containers may be removed from the lower tiers of the file cabinet assembly  40  without the associated fear of upsetting the balance of the cabinet as exists in current lateral file designs. Moreover, multiple drawers or containers may be accessed simultaneously without fear of tipping as in more conventional lateral cabinet designs. 
   Referring again to  FIGS. 1–3 , the file cabinet assembly  40  comprises a base assembly  42  having a centrally disposed upright member or center post  44 . Resting on an upper end of the upright member  44 , and concentrically receiving the upright member  44  is a carrousel file support assembly  46 . As will be described in greater detail below, and differently from previous embodiments of the instant invention, a bearing assembly transfers most of the load of the carrousel file support assembly  46  to the centrally disposed upright member  44  of the base assembly  42 . The upper end  48  of the carrousel file support assembly  46  is preferably concealed for aesthetic appearance by a top  50 . The top  50  also provides additional useable work surface in the office environment. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 3–7 , the base assembly  42  of the file cabinet assembly  40  preferably includes a base  52  which may be formed from steel or aluminum plate, and preferably from 10 or 12 gauge steel, and most preferably 11gauge plate steel. The shape of the base  52  is not believed to be critical, although it is preferred it be circular and of sufficient diameter so as to equally distribute the weight over the defined area, as well as provide a toe-kick space beneath the carrousel file support assembly  46 . To help achieve this goal, the bottom surface of the base  52  is fitted with a plurality of radially arranged ribs  54 , also preferably formed from metal stock and welded to the surface of the base  52 . The ribs  54  radiate from and are disposed about a center hole  56  formed in the base  52  and which receives the lower end  58  of the center post  44 . The lower end  58  of the center post  44  is welded to the base  52 , as well as the end of the ribs  54  proximate the center hole  56  to provide a secure and rigid support for the center post  44  extending from the base  52 . See  FIG. 7 . In order to reduce the surface area of the ribs  54  contacting the floor at any one time, and to assist in leveling the file cabinet assembly  40 , adjustable feet or glides  60  are preferably welded to the ribs  54  and base  52 . The adjustable feet  60  also help define the toe-kick for the file cabinet assembly  40 , as well as provide a reduced friction surface for sliding the file cabinet assembly  40  to the desired position. 
     FIGS. 4 and 6  best illustrate the details of the center post  44 . In the preferred embodiment, and as briefly mentioned above, the center post  44  is preferably steel and most preferably a steel tube. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the upper end  62  of the center post  44  is welded closed by a center tube locator  64  having a concentrically located threaded rod  65  extending vertically therefrom. The carrousel file support assembly  46  described in greater detail below is received over the center post  44  such that an upper end of the carrousel file support assembly  46  rests indirectly on the upper end  62  of the center post  44  and permitted to rotate thereon much like the name of the structure suggests. 
   The carrousel file support assembly  46  ( FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  6 ,  8 , and  9 ) is received over the center post  44  and is supported at it&#39;s upper end  62  so as to rotate freely around the center post  44 . The carrousel file support assembly  46  includes an upper and a lower spider assemblies  66 , 67 , respectively, spaced apart from each other vertically, and interconnected at their peripheral edges by a plurality of pivot arm assemblies generally identified by numeral  68 . The upper and lower spider assemblies  66 ,  67 , respectively, each include a spider  70  which are substantially identical to each other. See  FIGS. 11–14 . In a preferred embodiment, each spider  70  includes four radially extending crescent-shaped members  72  symmetrically arranged around a concentric hole  74 . The portions of the members  72  proximate the hole  74  are substantially wider at the base  76 , and taper in an arcuate fashion to the outer peripheral tips  78 . Additionally, each spider  70  receives a ring  80 ,  82 , respectively, rigidly fastened to the inside diameter of each hole  74 , preferably held by welds. The ring  80  in the upper spider  70  preferably is configured to receive a tapered roller bearing  84  ( FIG. 6 ) which is press-fit therein. One race of the tapered roller bearing  84  then rests on the upper end  62  of the center post  44 . The lower spider  70  is also fitted with a ring or collar  82  which is configured to retain a bushing  86 , preferably made from nylon or other low friction material. The inside diameter of the lower ring  82 , when fitted with the bushing  86  is just slightly larger than the outside diameter of the center post  44  such than when the carrousel file support assembly  46  is rotated around the roller bearing  84 , the lower spider  70  is journaled by the center post  44  which provides stability. 
   Each of the pivot arm assemblies  68  in their simplest form include a pivot tube  90  of predetermined length and closed at each end by end caps  92 ,  94 , respectively. Disposed within each pivot tube  90  and extending down it&#39;s length is a pivot stop weldment  96 . Each weldment  96  is received by recesses  97  formed in the inside ends of each end cap  92 ,  94 . Each weldment  96  preferably includes at least two parallel spaced-apart tube members  98 ,  100 , maintained in spaced relationship by at least one, and preferably two semi-circular disks generally identified by numeral  102 , the diameter of which permits them to be received inside each pivot tube  90 . The tube members  98 ,  100  are maintained in a fixed position within the pivot tubes  90  by the ends captured in the cylindrical recesses  97  in the end caps  92 , 94 , and from each other and the inner side walls of each pivot tube  90  by the semi-circular disks  102 . Threaded rods  104  of predetermined length pass through each of the weldment tube members  98 ,  100 , as well as the holes in each of the end caps  92 ,  94 , and through respective holes at the distal tips  78  of spider members  72 . There, fasteners such as cap nuts  106  are used to interconnect the lower spider assembly  67 , the pivot arm assemblies  68 , and the upper spider assembly  66 . In this fashion, the pivot tube  90  is permitted to rotate about the fixed end caps  92 ,  94 , which act as bearing members. 
   The pivot arm assembly  68  generally described is that for a single tier file cabinet assembly. For multiple tier designs such as that shown in  FIGS. 1–3 , a plurality of pivot tubes  90  are stacked one a top the other. To interconnect vertically adjacent pivot tubes  90 , a connector cap  110  may be used. See  FIGS. 19 and 20 . Each connector cap  110  includes a central body  112  having oppositely extending nipples  114 ,  116 , each of which is configured to be received in an end of a pivot tube  90 . Moreover, each connector cap  110  includes two parallel passages  118 ,  120  dimensioned to receive the respective ends of the weldments  96  and rods  104  passing within each pivot tube  90 . In the case of a multi-tier file cabinet assembly such as  40 , threaded rods  104  pass the entire length of each stacked set of pivot tubes  90 . 
   Each pivot arm assembly  68  further includes a pivot arm  122  which extends radially from each pivot tube  90 . In the preferred embodiment, each pivot arm  122  is formed from a stamped sheet of steel or other suitable strength material providing a rigid, generally planar body. See  FIGS. 26 and 27 . The upper edge  124  of each pivot arm  122  is curved or bent to be laterally offset, yet generally parallel to that of the primary body  126 , to provide an edge for hanging containers such as these described in greater detail below. The upper edge  124 , proximate the pivot tube  90  also includes a punched or cut-out portion  128  to provide a shoulder  128   a  to retain the containers, described herein, from sliding off each pivot arm  122 . With respect to the edge of the pivot arm  122  in contact with the pivot tube  90 , tabs  130  are provided which are received in slots formed in the side of each pivot tube  90 . Each pivot arm  122  is preferably welded or otherwise permanently attached to each pivot tube  90  to withstand a substantial moment on the pivot arm  122 . The tabs  130  extending into the interior of the pivot tube  90  interfere with the weldment tube members  98 ,  100  and disk  102  in a manner to limit the rotational extent of each pivot arm  122 . Mechanisms may also be included in each pivot arm assembly  68  to temporarily hold the rotational position of the pivot arm  122 . 
   All of these structures are intended to provide rotary access to all of the containers in the file cabinet assembly  40  without orienting or positioning the file cabinet assembly  40  in a particular manner. It is also desired to place sufficient restrictions on each pivot arm  122  such that centrifugal forces do not cause the pivot arms  122  to extend or rotate about the axis of the pivot tubes  90  when the carrousel file support assembly  46  is rotated. However, it is also preferred the operator can easily swing the pivot arms  122  out from the carrousel file support assembly  46  when desired to remove or replace a particular container. 
   The general structure described above permits each pivot tube  90  to rotate a predetermined angle about its vertical axis. The end caps  92 ,  94  at the top and bottom of a pivot arm assembly  68 , as well as any intermediate connector caps  110 , are maintained stationary relative to each pivot tube  90  by the enclosed weldments  96  and threaded rods  104 . The tabs  130  of each pivot arm  122  extending into each pivot tube  90  interfere with the enclosed weldments  96  to limit the arcuate travel. In addition, the ends of each pivot tube  90  contain notches  131  ( FIG. 18 ) at predetermined angular intervals to engage a biased detent or peg  132  disposed within passages  134 ,  136  immediately outboard of passages  118 ,  120  in the connector caps  110 . See  FIG. 19 . Using such a mechanical mechanism, each pivot tube  90  can be held temporarily at a predetermined position such as fully closed, partially extended, and fully extended position. Such detent mechanisms also serve to keep the pivot arms  122  in the retracted position during rotation of the carrousel file support assembly  46 . 
     FIGS. 24 and 25  schematically illustrate the top attachment member  140  which serves to center and retain the carrousel file support assembly  46  on the base assembly  42 , as well as provide an attachment for the top  50 . Member  140  includes a plate  142  having a centered pilot tube member  144  passing through the center of the plate  142 . Preferably both are formed from steel and welded together. The plate  142  is of sufficient diameter so as to provide ample support to the top  50  which is attached by screws passing through peripheral holes. The pilot tube member  144  preferably has an outside diameter slightly less than the inside diameter of the roller bearing  84 , and an inside diameter which is threaded to mate with the threads of rod  65  extending from the locator  64  at the upper end  62  of the center post  44 . See  FIG. 6 . The pilot tube member  144  includes a transverse threaded passage for a set screw to hold the pilot tube member  144  in position once tightened to the predetermined point of rod  65 . A self lubricating washer may be disposed between the lower surface of plate  142  and the upper ring  80  of the upper spider assembly  66 . The washer would help adjust the amount of rotational friction on the carrousel file support assembly  46 , depending in substantial part on the amount of pressure exerted upon the roller bearing  84  by the top attachment member  140 . 
   One embodiment of a container assembly  700  adapted for use in conjunction with the instant invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 28–40 . Each container  700  includes a top  702 , a frame  704  for receiving the top  702 , a plurality of corner members  706  and a box assembly  708 . In addition, a lock assembly  710  is available to lock the top in a closed position. As best illustrated in  FIG. 29 , the box assembly  708  is preferably formed from flat metal stock such as aluminum, stamped in a manner to provide a central bottom panel  712  integrally connected to a plurality of side panels  714  along hinge lines  716 . The plurality of side panels  714  are folded along each of the hinge lines  716  such that the side panels  714  are oriented generally perpendicularly to the bottom panel  712 . When in the folded and upright position relative to the bottom panel  712 , a gap  718  remains between adjacent side panels  714  at each corner of the box assembly  708 . 
   Interconnecting adjacent side panels  714  and filing each of the gaps  718  of the box assembly are the corner members  706 . In a preferred embodiment each corner member  706 , shown in  FIGS. 31 and 32 , is extruded from a polymeric material having a relatively high durometer hardness such that each corner member  706  is substantially rigid. The exterior surface  720  is preferably ribbed although any one of a number of different textures may be formed. In addition, any one of a number of configurations may be adopted ranging from right angle transverse cross sections to very rounded cross sections, so long as the edges  722  and  724  of each corner member are able to interconnect the adjacent side panels  714 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 29 , a radiused configuration is shown having inner and outer walls  726  and  728 , respectively, interconnected by two spaced apart bulkheads  730 . The bulkheads  730  are spaced inwardly from edges  722  and  724 . A c-shaped channel  732  is formed by a longitudinal slot  734  extending the length of each edge  722 ,  724  which is configured to receive an edge of one of the adjacent side panels  714 —the edge of each side panel extending no further into each channel  732  than to bulkheads  730 . Although polymeric materials are disclosed for forming each of the corner components, other materials may be used as well, including aluminum and other extrudable metals. 
     FIGS. 35 through 37  provide a better illustration of the frame  704  which is intended to be attached to the upper edges of the side panels  714  to provide a substantially rigid container. In the embodiment shown, frame  704  is generally rectangular, although other forms may be used, and includes a plurality of spaced apart flanges  736  formed on the upper surface  738  of the rim  740 . The flanges  736  are arranged to provide channels around a substantial portion of the rim  740 . Extending inwardly from an inner wall  742  towards a center of the frame  706  is a race  744  having an upwardly turned inner edge. The race  744  is positioned below the upper surface  738  of the rim  740  to provide a surface for supporting hanging folders such as those available under the PENDAFLEX™ brand name. Below the race  744 , and spaced outboard from inner wall  742  is an outer wall  746 , the gap between the inner and outer walls  742 ,  746  is intended to receive the upper edge of each of the side panels  714 . To retain the rim  740  of the frame  706  on the upper edge of the side panels  714 , a plurality of detents or bosses  748  are defined on the inner and/or outer walls, a plurality of which are intended to engage in snap-fit arrangement a like plurality of holes  750  formed in each of the side panels  714 . The holes  750  are preferably formed during the stamping or forming process of the box assembly  708 . A side view of one such hole  750  in one of the side panels  714  is illustrated in a fragmentary side view in  FIG. 30 . The frame  704  is received on the top of the plurality of side panels  714  such that the upper edge of the side panels, nor the detents  748 , is not exposed, in effect creating a substantially permanent attachment of the frame to the upper edge of the box assembly, and any sharp edges of the box assembly are concealed behind the inner and outer walls  742 ,  746 , respectively. It is contemplated that plastic injection molding is the best mode for manufacturing the frame although is seems possible that other methods and materials may also be used, including stereo lithography, machining, milling, and a form of stacked or layering construction of plastics, metal, or wood. 
   The top, shown in  FIGS. 29 and 38  through  40 , is also preferably formed using plastic injection molding methods. In the embodiment shown, the top  702  includes an perimeter flange  752  substantially surrounding a generally raised or arched central portion  754 . To provide structural rigidity to the relatively large expansive raised central portion, grooves  756  are formed in the material at an angle to the long axis of the top. Together with the contours formed at the opposite ends of the raised central portion, the central portion  754  becomes substantially rigid, enabling the top  702  to be received in sliding engagement with the frame  704 , the perimeter flanges  752  constrained by the flanges  736  on the rim  740 . 
   To provide a relatively secure container, it is contemplated a lock assembly  710  may be mounted in portion of the top  702  proximate one of the corners. To accommodate a lock such as  710 , one of the perimeter flanges  752   a  is extended and provided with a hole  758  for receiving the lock assembly  710 . In a conventional manner, the lock  710  is retained by a nut on the underside of the flange  752   a  and equipped with a bar which rotates into engagement with a slot formed in the inner wall of the frame, preventing the top from sliding open. To provide a more secure arrangement, the bar of the lock  710  may extend through a slot  760  defined in the upper edge of one of the side panels such is illustrated in  FIGS. 29 and 30 . 
   As mentioned briefly above, it is the intention of this invention to suspend one or more of the container assemblies on the pivot arms  82  such that the containers may swing between a stored and extended position on the central carrousel assembly. To achieve this goal, the frame  704  of each container assembly  700  also includes a channel  760  defined between the inner and outer walls  742 ,  756 , respectively, capable of receiving the upper edge  84  of any given pivot arm  82 . Moreover, it is contemplated that channel  760  have a vertical profile which mirrors the vertical profile of the upper edge  84  such that a portion of the frame  704  is received within the cut-out and precludes the container  700  from sliding along the arm&#39;s upper edge  84 . It is also contemplated that the cut-out  88  also makes accommodation for the bar of any lock assembly  710  when stored in the locked position. 
   In operation, the user simply hangs the desired containers briefly mentioned above on the pivot arms  122  extending from the pivot tub  90 . The pivot tubes  90  are mounted such they are able to rotate between a stowed position where the pivot arms  122  are oriented toward the upright member  44 , and an extended position such that containers can be removed from, or replaced upon, the pivot arms  122 . To further enhance access to the containers, the carrousel file support assembly  46  is free to rotate 360 degrees in either direction about the center post  44 . In this embodiment, with or without file containers, without fear of upsetting the file cabinet assembly  40 . Moreover, the files can be fully accessed around the perimeter of the file cabinet assembly  40 . If in a corner or against a wall, the rotating carrousel file support assembly  46  permits the user easy access to the desired file. 
   The above description is considered that of the preferred embodiments only. Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.