IMPROVEMENTS IN CABINET CASES, PAPER HOLDERS, AND FILE HOLDERS
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Herbert John Allison, of the firm of Allison Brothers,
Patent Agents, of Southampton Buildings, London, for an Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN CABINET CASES, PAPER HOLDERS, AND FILE HOLDERS "
communicated to him from abroad by Miletus Joseph Wine, of Washington,
District of Columbia, United States of America, Manufacturer
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Herbert John Allison at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 18th December 1883.
"
HERBERT JOHN ALLISON, of the firm of Allison Brothers, Patent Agents, of
Southampton Buildings, London, "IMPROVEMENTS IN CABINET CASES, PAPER
HOLDERS, AND FILE HOLDERS a communication to me from abroad by Miletus
Joseph Wine, of Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America,
Manufacturer,
The present improvements relate; to a cabinet case for filing away documents,
files, letters, and papers generally, either in open or folded form; to receptacles
having end and side guards or pieces for retaining the contents, and provided with
a follower adapted to press the papers compactly together, and to be drawn away
therefrom when it is desired to examine or withdraw from such holder any of the
contents. Said case being provided with flanged guide-ways for supporting the
file-holders when pushed within the case, and sustaining in a tilted position said
holder when drawn therefrom.
A case is provided which may be of any suitable construction to have attached
the appliances hereinafter described for receiving and supporting the document
receptacles. Vertical strips are secured to the rear wall of a case or box by screws
or other suitable means, and to which the rear ends of supports or guides for the
file-holders or receptacles are attached. These supports are formed into bracket
arms to afford firm support to the file-holders or receptacles. Each of these supports
or guides has a vertical web, and is formed on the upper side with a laterally
projecting flange or rib, which has an opening or cut-away portion near the front
end. This laterally projecting flange is, in some instances carried forward, down-
Prine Rd7

page_text: ward and backward, but it is not always necessary that these parts should continue
throughout the entire length of the support, as a short rearward extension thereof
will sometimes be sufficient. To the front portion of these supports is generally
secured a transverse L-shaped bar for the purpose of affording additional security
and strength to the supports, to keep them in proper relative provision and to hold
the vertical partitions, when a case having such is used, in position. The supports
should be of such length and strength as to allow the free insertion of the box
into the case, and serve as a support to the same. Plates are attached to the outer
face of the bottom of the receptacle; said plates having side lugs which engage
with the flanges of the supports. These side lugs are usually curved downward,
so as to make the connection with the supports or guides by dropping through the
cut-away portion, so as to be drawn under and in engagement with the flanges of
the supports when the file box or receptacle is withdrawn from the case to be
tilted. This construction of supports or guides performs several important offices,
to wit: It retains, guides, supports, regulates and determines the positions and
movements of the bill file-holders. The open spaces or cut-away portion permit the
removal of the bill file-holder from the case, as when the lugs register with the
cut-away portions, and the box is slightly raised their disengagement is effected,
and the box can be wholly withdrawn from the case.
In some instances it is desirable to tilt the file-holder or receptacle to an inclined
position instead of dropping it to a vertical position, in which case the supports or
guides have an upwardly inclined flanged extension, into which the lugs at the rear
of the holder or receptacle will enter when the receptacle is drawn forward to the
mouth of the flanged extension, the lugs being guided and directed upwards therein,
and the box or receptacle tilted, the upper rear end of the box resting in contact
with the flanged cross piece, or against a flanged extension of the supports.
A guide plate is adapted to be attached by screws or other suitable means, to
an ordinary shelf, for the purpose of adapting the same to receive and support file-
holders or paper receptacles. These guide plates are formed with side flanges,
terminating at their front ends in hooks, forming curved recesses.
These guide
plates are arranged upon the shelves so that the front end shall slightly project
beyond the edge or face of the shelves, and the lower edge of the hook abut against
the edge of the shelf.
To the outside of the bottom of the file-holder or receptacle are attached two
suitable journal bearings, carrying a transverse bar having bent ends, which engage
the flanges of the guide plates. This bar is arranged at such a point on the bottom
of the paper holder, that when said holder is thrust in for its full length, the ends
of the bar drop below the flanges and will instantly engage with side grooves at
the moment the paper holder is withdrawn, and so that by the continued withdrawal
of the paper holder the ends of the bar will lodge in contact with the curved ends,
then by tilting the paper holder the bar slightly turns on its axis and sustains the
paper holder in vertical position in which position the box is sustained from
displacement in either direction. When the paper holder is thrust entirely home
the ends of the bar clear the ends of the guide plate, in order that, when it is so
desired, to lift the paper holder from the shelf, all that is necessary is to slightly
tilt it, and then withdraw it from its place. The transverse bar is preferably made
of the same length as the width of the bottom of the box so as to accurately and
smoothly operate under the flanges and between the plates. In one form of guide
plates there is no necessity for vertical partitions, therefore, to maintain a continuous
and shapely arrangement of fronts of the paper holders, I make such fronts wide
enough to cover whatever space may exist between the sides of the adjacent boxes;
and further, to permit the paper holders to be arranged and adjusted in place
without obstruction by reason of the extension of the ends of the guide plates over
the edge of the shelf, I cut away the inner side of the end projection of the front
of said holder to adapt it to fit over the ends of the guide and thus bring the faces
of the front in line with each other.

page_text: To withdraw and tilt the paper holder, it is drawn outward until the ends of the
cross bars are stopped by the ends of the guide ways when the holder may be tilted
and remain suspended. If it be desired to entirely withdraw the paper holder, that
may be readily accomplished by slightly tilting it before pulling it forward, which
movement will lift the ends of the bar lugs of the plates from the guide plates, and
then by pulling the holder forward it can be entirely withdrawn.
One form of file-holder consists of a base board, and a front board, and has side
bars. These side bars are provided at each end with flanges or ears which serve to
connect the side bars to the base and front board, and also, serve to brace the parts
in position. These side bars have a slot extended horizontally the length of the
bar, and vertically a distance down the front thereof; the lower edge of the
horizontal portion of the slot having a notched or serrated surface, and the body of
the bar is made wide enough to form a guard to sustain the contents of the box in
vertical position.
A cross bar is provided near each end with a downward extending projection,
and at the extreme ends with discs or buttons, and at the central portion with
a pendant arm or finger lever, preferably weighted to retain the knife edged
projections of the cross bar in engagement with the notches of the side bar. This
cross bar is attached to a follower by means of staples or other suitable ineans, so
as to permit of a slight vertical movement and a slight oscillating motion of said
cross bar. The finger lever of the cross bar is elevated to disengage the knife
edged projections from the notches in the side bar, and by withdrawing the cross
bar with its attached follower a short distance, a space will be formed for the
insertion of papers between the end board and the follower; or if desired, the cross
bar with its attached follower can be withdrawn entirely back so that it can fall
into the vertical slot in the side bars and there rest with the follower tilted at an
angle. When the papers have been inserted in the holder the cross bar is elevated
and moved forward with the follower until the latter is arrested by coming in
contact with the papers, then by dropping the lever of the cross bar the knife edged
projections will engage the notches in the side bar, and thereby lock the follower
against the papers.
The buttons above mentioned serve to sustain the direct
transverse position of the cross bar between the side bars.
In another form the file or paper-holder has at or near its front end attached to
each side face thereof, a vertically slotted guide way within which a hinged and
weighted follower may be raised or lowered to adapt said holder to receive any
desired number of papers.
The follower is formed in two parts hinged together to
permit of the upper part being turned backward to facilitate the inspection and
withdrawal of the contents as desired. The free end of the follower is weighted,
the purpose being to compress the contents of the holder compactly and also, to
retain the follower in position.
A device for securing the follower board of a file box or paper receptacle against
the contents consists in forming in the front board of a file box or paper holder,
longitudinal grooves extending the length thereof, and over which is secured a slat
A bracket has an
forming said grooves in cross-section into L-shaped slots.
upright board piece, formed with a back rib, and side extensions having downward
extending arms which at their lower ends are turned inwardly forming lugs which
engage in the L-shaped slots. This bracket is secured to the follower board by
means of screws and moves in either direction in the L-shaped grooves carrying
with it the follower board. Small plates are fastened to the follower board by
screws or rivets and have ears which serve as journal bearings for a lever. A lever
is journalled to the ears and has a downward extended curved arm by means of
which said lever may be grasped and operated. The end of said arm when in its
downward position presses against the clamping post and locks the follower in
position. The clamping post is journalled to depeuding arins of the actuating lever,
and is provided with flanges or an open sleeve, which engage with the upright
board piece. Said clamping post is formed with an outwardly curved foot which

page_text: rests upon the slat or on the surface of the end board. To clamp the contents in
the file box after the same has been inserted, the actuating lever is grasped and
the follower board pushed against the contents until the desired compactness is
attained, whereupon the lower end of said lever is pressed downward and against
the clamping post, and the foot of said post thereby forced down on the end board
of the box, and by continuing the movement of the lever until its limit is reached
the follower is secured in its place. When it is desired to release the follower and
gain access to the contents of the box the lever is lifted from its clamped position,
when the follower will tilt back on an incline from its base, then by simply
drawing back on the lever the follower may be moved to any desired position in
the box.

page_text: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the cabinet case having the present improve-
ments applied thereto, a number of the file-holders or receptacles being withdrawn
therefrom, and shown sustained in a tilted position.
Figure 2 is a view in perspective showing the supports or guides formed into
bracket arms, and connected with vertical strips which are attached to the rear
walls of the case.
Figure 3 shows in perspective, and Figure 4 in side elevation, partly in section,
supports or guides formed into bracket arms.
Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view of a part of a case for holding bill-file-holders
with a support or guide therefor attached, the bill-file-holder being shown as drawn
out and tilted to a vertical position.
Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view of a part of a case showing the supports or
guides formed with inclined extensions; and with receptacles, one in horizontal
position within the case, and the other withdrawn and tilted into an inclined
position, the receptacle having vertically slotted guide-ways, and a vertically
adjustable and hinged weighted follower.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the bracket or support with inclined extension,
and with double flanges, the bracket end being shown in dotted lines.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a metal plate having side lugs, and adapted to
be attached to the outside of the bottom of the receptacle.
Figure 9 is a perspective view of two supports or guides adapted to be attached
to the side and vertical partitions of an ordinary case.
Figure 10 represents in side view and cross-section a guide plate having side
flanges with booked front end, said plate being adapted to be attached to an
ordinary shelf.
Figure 11 represents journal bearings adapted to be attached to the outside of
the bottom of a file-holder, and carrying a transverse bar, the ends of which engage
the flanges of the guide plate shown in Figure 10.
Figure 12 represents in perspective the base and front board of a file-holder, and
one side bar, formed with a vertical and horizontal slot, provided on the under side

page_text: of the horizontal slot with a notched or serrated surface, the side bar being
provided at each end with flanges or ears for attachment to the said base and end
boards.
Figure 13 represents in front view and cross-section a weighted cross bar
formed with eccentric end pieces adapted to engage with the notched or serrated
surface in the side bar, and lock the follower board against the contents of the
file holder:
Figure 14 represents in perspective a device for securing the follower board
against the contents of the file-holder or receptacle.
at
A, represents a case which may be of any suitable construction to have attached
the appliances hereinafter described for receiving and supporting the document
receptacles. B represents vertical strips which are secured to the rear wall of a
case or box by screws or other suitable means, and to which the rear ends of the
supports or guides C, for the file-holders or receptacles are attached. These
supports are formed into bracket arms as shown to afford firm support to the file-
holders or receptacles. Each of these supports or guides has a vertical web a, and
is formed on the upper side with a laterally projecting flange or rib b, which has
an opening or cut-away portion 6¹ near the front end. This laterally projecting
flange b is, in some instances, carried forward, downward and backward as shown
c, but it is not always necessary that the parts o should continue throughout the
entire length of the support as a short rearward extension thereof will sometimes
be sufficient. To the front portion of these supports C as shown in Figures 2, 3
and 4 is generally secured a transverse L-shaped bar D for the purpose of affording
additional security and strength to the supports, to keep them in proper relative
position and to hold the vertical partitions, when a case having such is used, in
position. C, Figure 9 represents file box supports or guides for attachment to the
inner sides of an ordinary casing or box; the supports or guides in this Figure
being attached to opposite sides of the case substantially in the position shown.
The supports should be of such length and strength as to allow the free insertion
of the box into the case, and serve as a support to the same. E, represents plates
attached to the outer face of the bottom of the receptacle; said plates having side
lugs & which engage with the flanges of the supports as shown in Figure 5. These
side lugs d are usually curved downward, so as to make the connection with the
supports or guides by dropping through the cut-away portion b', so as to be drawn
under and in engagement with the flanges of the supports when the file box or
receptacle is withdrawn from the case to be tilted. This construction of supports
or guides performs several important offices, to wit:-It retains, guides, supports,
regulates and determines the positions and movements of the bill file-holders.
The open spaces or cut-away portion 6¹ permit the removal of the bill file-holder
from the case, as when the lugs b register with the cut-away portions, and the
box is slightly raised their disengagement is effected, and the box can be wholly
withdrawn from the case.
In some instances it is desirable to tilt the file-holder or receptacle to an inclined
position as shown in Figure 6 instead of dropping it to a vertical position as shown
in Figure 5, in which case the supports or guides have an upwardly inclined
flanged extension e, into which the lugs d at the rear of the holder or receptacle
will enter when the receptacle is drawn forward to the mouth of the flanged
extension, the lugs being guided and directed upwards therein, and the box or
receptacle tilted as shown in Figure 6, the upper rear end of the box resting in
contact with the flanged cross piece D, or against a flanged extension of the supports.
In Figure 8 is shown a modified shape of the plates E adapted to be attached to
the side edges of the bottom of a receptacle of the character shown in Figure 6.
F represents a guide plate adapted to be attached by screws for other suitable
means, to an ordinary shelf, for the purpose of adapting the same to receive and
support file-holders or paper receptacles. These guide plates are formed with side
flanges 9, terminating at their front ends in hooks h, forming curved recesses i.
These guide plates are arranged upon the shelves so that the front end shall slightly

page_text: project beyond the edge or face of the shelves, and the lower edge of the hook abut
against the edge of the shelf.
To the outside of the bottom of the file-holder or receptacle are attached two
suitable journal bearings j carrying a transverse bar k having bent ends 1, which
engage the flanges g of the guide plates F. This bar k is arranged at such a point
on the bottom of the paper holder, that when said holder is thrust in for its full
length, the ends of the bar drop below the flanges g and will instantly engage with
the side grooves m at the moment the paper holder is withdrawn, and so that by
the continued withdrawal of the paper holder the ends of the bar will lodge in
contact with the curved ends i, then by tilting the paper holder the bar slightly
turns on its axis and sustains the paper bolder in vertical position in which position
the box is sustained from displacement in either direction. When the paper holder
is thrust entirely home the ends of the bar clear the ends of the guide plate, in
order that, when it is so desired, to lift the paper bolder from the shelf, all that is
necessary is to slightly tilt it, and then withdraw it from its place. The transverse
bar is preferably made of the same length as the width of the bottom of the box so
as to accurately and smoothly operate under the flanges and between the plates.
In the form of guide plates shown in Figure 10 there being no necessity for
vertical partitions, therefore, to maintain a continuous and shapely arrangement of
fronts of the paper holders, I make such fronts wide enough to cover whatever
space may exist between the sides of the adjacent boxes; and further, to permit
the paper holders to be arranged and adjusted in place without obstruction by
reason of the extension of the ends of the guide plates over the edge of the shelf,
I cut away the inner side of the end projection of the front of said holder to adapt
it to fit over the ends of the guide and thus bring the faces of the front in line
with each other.
To withdraw and tilt the paper holder, it is drawn outward until the ends of the
cross bars are stopped by the ends of the guide ways when the holder may be
tilted and remain suspended. If it be desired to entirely withdraw the paper
holder, that may be readily accomplished by slightly tilting it before pulling it
forward, which movement will lift the ends of the bar lugs of the plates from the
guide plates, and then by pulling the holder forward it can be entirely withdrawn.
G represents the base board, and H the front board of a file-holder having side
bars I (in Figure 12 only one of such side bars is shown, but in Figure 1 a complete
file-holder constructed according to this part of the invention is shown). These side
bars are provided at each end with flanges or ears n which serve to connect the
side bars to the base and front board, and also, serve to brace the parts in position.
These side bars have a slot o extended horizontally the length of the bar, and
vertically a distance down the front thereof; the lower edge of the horizontal
portion of the slot having a notched or serrated surface, and the body of the bar
is made wide enough to form a guard to sustain the contents of the box in vertical
position.
p
J represents a cross bar provided near each end with downward extending
projections q and at the extreme ends with discs or buttons and at the central
portion with a pendant arm or finger lever 8, preferably weighted to retain the
knife edged projections of the cross bar in engagement with the notches of the side
bar I. This cross bar is attached to the follower K by means of staples t or other
suitable means as shown in Figure 1, so as to permit of a slight vertical movement
and a slight oscillating motion of said cross bar. The finger lever 8 of the cross
bar J is elevated to disengage the knife edged projections q from the notches in the
side bar I, and by withdrawing the cross bar with its attached follower a short
distance, a space will be formed for the insertion of papers between the end board
and the follower; or if desired, the cross bar with its attached follower can be
withdrawn entirely back so that it can fall into the vertical slot in the side bars
and there rest with the follower tilted at an angle. When the papers have been
inserted in the holder the cross bar is elevated and moved forward with the follower
until the latter is arrested by coming in contact with the papers, then by dropping

page_text: the lever of the cross bar the knife edged projections will engage the notches in
the side bar, and thereby lock the follower against the papers. The buttons
serve to sustain the direct transverse position of the cross bar J between the side
bars I.
The file or paperholder shown in Figure 6 has at or near its front end attached
to each side face thereof, a vertically slotted guide way u within which the hinged
and weighted follower L may be raised or lowered to adapt said holder to receive
any desired number of papers. The follower is formed in two parts hinged together
atv to permit of the upper part being turned backward to facilitate the inspection and
withdrawal of the contents as desired. The free end of the follower L is weighted
at W, the purpose being to compress the contents of the holder compactly and also
to retain the-follower in position.
LI
In Figure 14 is shown a device for securing the follower board of a file box or
paper receptacle against the contents. M represents the front board of a file box or
paper holder, having longitudinal grooves x made therein and extending the length
thereof, and over which is secured a slat x¹ forming said grooves in cross-section
into L-shaped slots. N represents a bracket having an upright board piece O,
formed with a back rib T and side extensions y¹ having downward extending
arms which at their lower ends are turned inwardly forming lugs a which engage
in the L-shaped slots. This bracket N is secured to the follower board by means
of screws and moves in either direction in the L-shaped grooves carrying with it
the follower board. R represents small plates fastened to the follower board by
screws or rivets and having ears c¹ which serve as journal bearings for the lever.
S represents a lever journalled to the ears c¹ and having a downward extended
curved arm d¹ by means of which said lever may be grasped and operated. The
end of said arm d when in its downward position presses against the clamping
post T and locks the follower in position. The clamping post T is journalled to
depending arms e¹ of the actuating lever S, and is provided with flanges or an open
sleeve, which engage with the upright board piece O. Said clamping post T is
formed with an outwardly curved foot g which rests upon the slat x or on the
surface of the end board M. To clamp the contents in the file box after the same
has been inserted, the lever S is grasped and the follower board pushed against the
contents until the desired compactness is attained whereupon the lower end of said
lever is pressed downward and against the clamping post, and the foot of said post
thereby forced down on the end board of the box, and by continuing the movement
of the lever until its limit is reached the follower is secured in its place. When it
is desired to release the follower and gain access to the contents of the box the
lever is lifted from its clamped position, when the follower will tilt back on an
incline from its base, then by simply drawing back on the lever the follower may
be moved to any desired position in the box.
• Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be carried into effect, I wish it to
be understood that what I claim is :-
1. A support or guide C, consisting of a vertical web a, horizontal flange b, and
the flange c; the flange b being cut-away as at b', and the flange c extending to
the rear of the cut-away portion as set forth.
2. In a case for paper file-holders the combination of the support or guide C
provided with the flange b, having the continued end flange c extending backward
with suitable bar or plates E having ears or lugs & attached to a paper file-holder
or similar receptacle as set forth.
'
3. In combination with a support or guide C formed with guide ways and
provided with the forwardly inclined extension e suitable plates or bars E, having
lugs d attached to a paper file-holder or similar receptacle as and for the purpose
set forth.
4. In combination with a support or guide C, formed with guide ways consisting
of parts, 6 cut-away as at b¹, and provided with forwardly inclined extensions e,

page_text: with suitable bar or plates E having lugs d attached to a paper file-holder as and
for the purpose set forth.
5. In a case for bill file-holders, supports C, provided with flange b, having
cut-away portion b¹ the continued end flange c extending backward with suitable
bar or plates E having ears or lugs d, attached to a paper file-holder or similar
receptacle, and transverse or flanged cross bar D, as and for the purpose set forth.
6. The hereinbefore described guide plate for a paper holder case, consisting of a
longitudinal body provided with a flange or flanges extending at right angles from
the sides and for the length thereof, and terminating in a curved end or ends,
forming recesses and adapted to be attached to the shelf of a case.
7. In combination with a paper holder, the transverse bar k formed with bent
ends, and loosely journalled to the bottom of the paper holder substantially as
described.
8. In combination with a case having one or more horizontal shelves, guide
plates F formed with grooves or passages closed at their front end, and attached to
the shelves, and a pluraality of paper holder provided with means to engage with
the guide ways of the guide plates, substantially as described.
9. In combination a case having one or more horizontal shelves; guide plates
each formed with a longitudinal body provided with flanges extending at right
angles from the sides and along the length thereof and terminating in curved
recesses, and paper holders provided with a transverse bar with bent ends and
loosely journalled to the bottom of the paper holder, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
10. The side pieces for a paper holder formed with the combined longitudinal and
vertical slots, notches or serrations p, the side bar being extended in width to form
a support for the contents substantially as described.
11. A slotted side piece for a paper holder formed with the combined longitudinal
and vertical slots o, notches p, and provided with end flanges substantially as
described.
12. A cross bar J for a paper holder formed at or near its opposite ends with
knife edged extensions or projections 9 substantially as and for the purpose set
Չ
forth.
13. A cross bar J for a paper holder formed near the opposite ends with knife
edged projections or extensions q, and at the extreme ends with buttons or collars?
substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
14. A cross bar J for a paper holder formed at or near the opposite ends with
knife edges projections or extensions q, and provided with a weighted finger lever 8,
substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
15. A side piece for a paper holder formed with end flanges adapted to fit
and fasten to the end board and base board of the holder substantially as
described.
16. In combination with a drawer or tray for papers a transverse gravitating
bar jointed at one edge to the end of said receptacle and arranged to swing outward
at the top as described, and the weight or pressure plate having one edge hinged to
said bar and the opposite end free to rise and fall as described.
17. In combination with the drawer or receptacle the vertically slotted guide
ways u, the hinged follower L having its journals or lugs seated therein, the said
follower being weighted at or near its free end, substantially as and for the purpose
set forth.
18. In combination with the follower board of a file box secured against vertical
displacement, and having fixed to its outer face an upright bracket N, formed with
upright board piece O having back rib P, a vertical clamping arm having lugs or
flanges engaging the upright board piece O, and an actuating lever arranged on the
follower substantially as described.
19. The combination of the follower board of a file box and a bracket secured
thereto formed with an upright board piece having downward extending arms and
lugs operating in slots and grooves in the end board of the box, with a vertical

page_text: 7.7
clamping rod having an open sleeve or flanges engaging the upright board piece,
and an actuating lever journalled to the follower, substantially as described and for
the purpose set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Herbert John Allison, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this 18th day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and eighty-four.
HERBERT, J. ALLISON
(L.S.)