Improvements in or relating to the Construction of Cabinets for Filing Documents or the like, and in Fittings therefor.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 8th Sept.. 1894
Complete Specification Left. 8th July, 1895-Accepted, 31st Aug., 1895
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to the Construction of Cabinets for
Filing Documents or the like, and in Fittings therefor.
I SAMUEL GRAHAME BROWNE of Drapersfield, Cookstown in the County of
Tyrone Ireland Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:-
My invention relates to improvements in the construction of cabinets for the
filing of documents, also in the consequent internal fittings required.
The general construction and arrangement of parts is similar to that described in
a former Specification ric. :-No. 18120 dated 27th September 1893 the parts being
fitted with a system of stiffeners and interlocking tongues by which parts can be
readily erected or taken apart.
I unite the parts to be framed by metal tongues, so shaped serrated or toothed
that in being forced into their receiving grooves they channel or bite into the
containing sides. When placing such tongues in position in their grooves they are
preferably heated and coated with a cement which sets quickly and adheres to the
wood or metal, filling the channels and forming keys. The parts forming such
frames are suitably dimensioned, the faces of the joints being grooved to receive
the tongue, and such tongues may be slightly longer than the width of the joint.
The tongues are inserted into the grooves of the required frame, such placed in a
suitable clamp and the joint brought together, the serrations on the tongues forcing
their way into the groove, and biting into the wood on any tendency to break the
joint. When the tongue projects beyond the frame after being clamped, it may be
forced across the joint, the teeth keying into the wood. The cement in the com-
pression of teeth is forced into any serrations which when hardened act as keys
filling up the space. The frames forming tops and bases are fitted with longitudinal
stiffeners, forming the frieze plinth and backing (of wood). Such I attach to the
top and base by means of a strip or strips of metal, toothed in a similar manner to
the metal tongue, the frame and stiffeners being grooved to receive the metal
strips, which when placed into the grooves, are forced into position by pressure
and united by pressure. On such frames I use cross angle stiffeners at the end
members to register the position of the side frames, and render the joint dust proof.
The stiffeners have suitable teeth stamped out at right angles, which correspond
and register at the surface of the frames with grooves sunk at the converging
angle, so that by forcing the stiffener into place, the tongues bend to follow the
angle of the grooves, such stiffener holds the longitudinal frames to the side frames.
and forms a register for the position of the horizontal stiffeners.
It will be seen that the frames and stiffener can be united by means of pressure,
dispensing with the use of screws or nails. Other members such as feet decorative
or projecting parts, can be fixed in a similar manner.
I provide such cabinets with a front frame by means of standards or divisions or
edges which may be framed together by cross grooving the standards to fit the end
of the divisions. 1 under cut or groove at the bottom of the cross groove, also the
ends of the divisions, and provide a suitable return by boring at the end of the

page_text: groove, so as to hold a metal clip or tongue, which may be slipped or forced into
place holding the parts together, I fit such fronts with sliding doors, which overlap
so as to clear each other in being lifted or lowered, such doors being provided with
tongues at their ends fittings into grooves in the standards, forming the sides of the
frame (or where a number of doors are in the same plane into grooved divisions)
viz. grooves are provided for each door at the required angle. 1 provide spring
pressure to keep such doors open. Holes are provided in the tongues which
register with catches when the door is down (resting on its division). Such
automatic catches fit into the holes in this position, acting as a lock. Such catches
are actuated by a bar having a vertical or rotative motion, holding the catches back
or releasing them as may be necessary.
When sliding doors are used in fronts, the top door is hinged so that it may be
opened without increasing the height of the cabinet. In preference I make such
doors of sheet metal, which can be stamped out so as to form the necessary card
plate, tongue, locking holes, and hinge lugs when required, from one sheet. Such
plates are so flanged at the top and bottom that a dovetail recess is formed, so that
a veneer of wood can be slipped in, giving the appearance of a wooden door. by
this means thin doors can be obtained, reducing the angle necessary to obtain the
clearance required when sliding doors are used. I may use sheet metal for panels in
the frames or backs, such metal being serratted on its edges, and forced into grooves
provided in the containing frames.
'
I fit such cabinets with filing trays having clipping arrangements either of the
threaded or interleaved character. The former consists of a plate V at one end to
form a radiating centre for the clip. The clip is made of four pieces of wire,
two pieces bent in suitable shape being pointed at one end the other ends being
slotted to receive a connecting strip of thin steel, bridging the two wires together
forming a working centre and a cam on which the bent wires radiate in the V centre
provided. The two other pieces are hollowed at one end and fixed to a plate at
the other, such plates having slots, so that they register with projections on the
base piate, and which can be rivetted over holding the plate in position. A strong
spring is fitted to the base plate suitably shaped, and placed so as to rest on the
plate forming the cam. The bent connected wires are suitably curved, so that
when the parts are in place their points fit into the hollows provided in the fixed
wires, the pressure of the spring forcing them down, by its pressure on the cam,
which is at a suitable angle. The bent wires can be moved back by finger pressure
and held in place by the spring, the cam being over the return centre, leaving a
suitable space between the ends on which letters can be placed, also permitting of
their removal.
I provide a suitable punch for perforating the papers to register with the clip
wires, such consisting of a bottom plate fitted with the necessary punches, one end
acting as a working centre for a lever plate which is curved at its ends, so as to
act as a hinge, when forced in a forward direction by a spring provided for the
purpose, such spring forcing the lever up to clear the punches.
The lever is of sufficient length to give the required pressure, and is provided
with openings clearing the punches. I rivet to the lever plate a punching plate
provided with punching holes, this plate being cranked or separated from the lever
by a distance plate, allowing space between the lever and punching plate for the
papers to enter, the cranked part forming a stop, registering distance of holes
punched in the papers from its edge. By placing the papers on the lever plate and
pressing down, the holes are punched. On releasing pressure the lever rises
clearing the paper from the punches allowing its withdrawal. I fit such clip to a
suitable tray, also the punch when required. Such trays in preference I make out
of light sheet metal, suitably flanged for stiffness and starred to prevent buckle.
To deaden the metallic sound, I either frame the trays in wood or other material, and
fill the space formed with a non-conductor of sound, or I may turn the flanges over
such non-conductor. In the process of manufacture such trays can be stamped
with the V for the radiating arms and clip, raised lugs for rivetting on the clip

page_text: plate, and when punches are required a slot can be left to receive the end of the
hinged lever plate and lugs for connecting with the punch plate. It will be seen
that the various parts can be removed for packing, the number and operations
required in making such parts being reduced.
For interleaving filling trays I provide two sides and a front, to which is
attached a strong radiating spring arm for holding down the papers, such being
fixed to the front, arrangements being made for the pressure being released.
I make the sides and bottom of sheet metal, provision being made against metallic
sound. Such plate is bent up to form the sides, so as to form a slot or groove into.
which material for covering can be inserted, and the sides of the
closed
grooves
holding such cover on the bottom. The top edges are flanged for stiffness and are
closed over, holding the covering at the sides. The front edges are flanged at
right angles and serrated to hold the front. The front is formed of wood grooved
to correspond with the serrated flanges, so that it can be forced out and held by
the flanges in position. Keys may be provided to hold the side flanges in place
when the front is placed in position.
1 make a case for legal documents (when folded up) in a similar manner.
consisting of a front, sides, bottom and back, the front extending to the height of
the document, the sides and back about one half or three quarters such height.
The sides are fitted with grooves or catches at required distances, into which a
division plate can be readily slipped, such division plate being provided with a
spring of the mouse trap character, pressing the documents placed between the
front and division plate near their tops and bottoms, the top portion of the spring
arrangement having radiation beyond the vertical line as well as forward so that
the papers can be folded back. The body of the case to be made of metal suitably
flanged so that the backs and fronts can be fixed in place as in the filing tray.
both cases it will be seen that the bodies of both articles can be nested when taken
apart for packing purposes.
In
I provide a transfer box for preserving documents, into which letters can be
filed or transferred with their intervening indexes. The body of such box I make
preferably of paper viz. :-the two sides and bottom, the back edges stiffened with
metal, and the front bottom edge fitted with a metal angle piece, which fits into a
groove provided in the wooden front used. When placed in position the sides can
be attached.
I provide a radiating spring arm which can be slipped on to the box and removed
at any time, so that the transfer case can be used as a filing tray if desired. A top
is provided which can be attached at any time.
provide such trays with an index of the required number of sheets overlapping
in the usual manner. The papers from which such indexes are cut may be of two
or more distinctive colours, such being placed in desired rotation one above the
other. I supply a top sheet or indicator, narrower than the index sheets, thus
exposing the rotation of the coloured slips, as they appear. I provide such cover
sheet with narrow strips of colour or other indicators in sequence with the coloured
strips on the index, each division to be lined for a short distance, in which any
required letters or matter can be printed, such having reference to the distinctive
colour exposed on the corresponding index. Such indicator may be printed on a
narrow strip, gummed at back and thus fixed to cover. By such means all printing
is dispensed with on the index papers and a saving effected in first cost and stock
required.
Dated this 5th day of September 1894
POPPLEWELL & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to the Construction of Cabinets for
Filing Documents or the like, and in Fittings therefor.
I, SAMUEL GRAHAME BROWNE of Drapersfield, Cookstown in the County of
Tyrone, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of my invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement:-
My invention relates to the construction of cabinets for filing or receiving
documents, such as letters, music or the like, and consists also of improvements in
the fittings therefor.
In describing my invention I will refer to the accompanying sheet of drawings
but do not wish to limit my claims to the precise forms of construction shown, but
may in some cases use equivalents.
Figure 1 shows a vertical section of a filing cabinet according to one of my
methods.
Figures 2 and 2^ are sections of tops shown separately respectively framed and
solid.
Figure 2B is a section of stiffener used with a solid top.
Figure 3 shows a side in section in the solid form, and Figure 34 a cross
section.
Figure 4 shows a framed side and Figure 5 an alternative form of framed side in
which the side frame by means of tongues ties the framed front and back
together.
Figure 5 shows the tongue in section which fits into a groove provided and
allowing by reason of its peculiar shape for expansion and contraction of the panel
when made in the solid.
Figure 6 represents a framed front fitted with doors (only three shown).
Figures 6 and 6B are a section and side view respectively of distance pieces,
both being shown slotted to interlock with the tongues of the side frame provided
for the purpose.
"
Figures 6 and 6" are plan and side view of " edges or divisions also grooved
at ends.
Figures 7 and 7 show a front view and cross section respectively of sliding
doors.
Figure 8 shows a combination of wooden stiffener and metal tying stiffener.
Figure 8 shows a form of metal stiffener from which tongues can be cut.
Figure 9 shows a section through corner of frame showing guiding strip for
doors and part of locking arrangement.
Figure 9 illustrates the type of grooves and slots cut for guiding, closing, and
locking doors.
Figures 10 and 10 are edge view and side view respectively of a pair of locking
bars or strips.
Figure 11 is a plan of a three grouped cabinet, showing the position of the
intermediate runner frames, extending from front to back.
Figure 12 is a front view of same, showing certain metal dustboards slipped into
place.
Figure 13 is a side view of intermediate runner frame.
Figures 14 and 15 are side and front views of a clip for securing letters, papers
or the like.
Figure 16 shows in section a convenient form of punch.
Figure 17 is a plan of a filing tray, fitted with clip and punch shown in
Figures 14, 15, and 16, and having a reference indicator alongside of the
index.

page_text: Figure 18 is a section through tray showing lugs for rivetting clip and punch on
to game.
Figures 19 and 20 show a section and plan respectively of interleaved nest and.
drawer or transfer case, also an index having a reference indicator on top
and side.
Figure 21 is a cross section showing a simple means of hingeing a lid and three
sides to a filing drawer and thus converting it into a complete transfer case.
The general construction of the carcase is similar to that described in the
Specification of my Patent No. 18,120 dated 27th September 1893, certain parts
being fitted with a system of stiffeners and interlocking tongues by means of which
the parts can be readily erected into a carcase or taken apart when desired.
The parts forming the frames or other like members are suitably dimensioned,
the faces of the joints such as A. Fig. 8 being grooved to receive tongues B
preferably of metal, said tongues (cut from a strip) being serrated or having
projections or teeth C thercon, so that on being, placed in the grooves of the
containing sides and the frame clamped, thus pressing the joints firmly against one
another, said tongues B and projections C may be forced into the containing sides
and thus brace the parts together. While this clamp is still on the frame, I fix in
position on the tops and bases cross stiffeners or ties C2 (Fig. 2), preferably of
angle iron, which hold the end members together, independently of the holding
power of the tongues, by means of projections D at each end which are forced into
the wood, grooves being provided in the top and bottom of the side frames for
receiving the blade E of the angle tron and thus affording a dust proof joint.
Or, in place of an angle iron tie C³, I may as an equivalent arrangement use
strip of metal such as CC Figures 1 & 54, held in grooves in the side frames by
pointed projections D', and projecting slightly as before, so as to make an efficient
Joint with suitably grooved wooden stiffeners attached to the tops and bases in place
of the angle iron stiffeners aforesaid.
In some cases the cross ties for framing strength may be of wood or other
suitable material attached by well known means, (such as shown in Fig. 4, the
tie D' forming a rail permitting the panel to be slipped in after completing
the frame).
The frames forming tops and bases may be fitted with longitudinal stiffeners
of wood, forming the plinth, fricze and backings E E E E, their ends forming a
register or mortice with the side frames and I may attach them to the top and
base by a strip or strips of metal B, which may be toothed in a similar manner
to the metal tongue B, the frame and stiffeners being grooved to receive the
metal strips, which when placed into the grooves are forced into position and
united by pressure.
In cases where it may be desued to form a cabinet "in the solid," that is,
making the carcase of solid boards instead of frames and panels, I arrange the
parts as shown by Figs. 24, 3, and 3^. In this arrangement the same guiding
members G, guide stiffeners H and interlocking tongues I are used as before for
holding the standards J and fronts J provision being made for expansion and
contraction of the wood by securing the metal stiffener F at or near its centre
by screws or the like, the ends being held by the extremities of the members G,
which are cut out to receive them, and I also secure the runners K at one end
only the other end fitting in a groove cut out of the face of the member G and
slotted at its end so as to be held in place by interlocking tongue fitted in
standard J. It will be understood that the metal stiffener F is fixed at top and
bottom of the side frame and that its edge projects slightly in order to form a
dust proof joint with the base and top. Similar provision for expansion and
contraction is made in the top and base and in the various other members such
as intermediates.
1 provide the cabinets with fronts framed to suit any required number of
partitions as to width and depth, and if a front is required to be made of a large
size, I add to the already existing framed front an additional front by sliding it.

page_text: down the grooves in the side frames, the latter being of the necessary length before-
hand, or may increase the total number of partitions from top to bottom by
inserting in the grooves distance pieces M and edges N (Figures 6ª, 6B, 60,
and 6).
When cabinets are made or composed of a width of two or more compartments,
1 use intermediate divisions K' fitted with runners K on both sides, such registering
when slipped in position with division or divisions of the front. Said intermediates
may be slipped into position from the rear into grooves formed in the top and base
of the cabinet.
I may use in connection with the framed front a series of doors ( Figs. 1, 6, & 7,
resting upon the edges N, and capable of sliding one in front of the other, so that
any compartment or Best of the cabinet may be opened or closed without disturbing
the others. the lowermost door R, however, opening outwardly upon a spring
hinge Q (Fig. 1.), as there would not always be sufficient space for it to slide
downwards; or a sliding drawer may be provided in place thereof. The doors are
preferably made of sheet metal turned up at the edges and euclosing a thin panel
of wood furnished with handles or equivalents and ornamented if desired, so as to
give the appearance of a wooden door.
"
In the uprights T forming the side frames of the front (or in the intermediate
uprights K) upon their inner sides, I make grooves P, one for each door, slanting
outwardly and downwardly, said grooves forming guides for the doors 0, which
have small tongues of metal S or pins or the like projecting from each corner and
engaging in the grooves P, the inclination of which allows each door O to slide
downwardly clear of the edge N below it. Transverse slots U are cut in the
uprights at convenient points so that the lower tongues or pins S of each door may
enter the same when the doors are raised and closed, holding them flush with each
other and with the front in a vertical position. Suitable stops are inserted in the
grooves to prevent the lids from falling too low.
The grooves P may for convenience be cut into a strip of wood metal or
the like and said strip inserted into each of the grooved uprights T as shown
by Figs. 6 & 9.
Although I have described the doors as opening and sliding downwardly, which
form I find more convenient, as they fall by gravity, 1 may nevertheless arrange
them so as to slide upwardly and be held in their open position by the pressure of a
spring or equivalent device.
A device for simultaneously locking the doors may consist of a vertical metal or
like strip V Figs. 10 & 10^, having small projections W punched out or otherwise
formed thereon, which are capable of engaging or registering with the bottom
tongues S of the doors O, one of the said strips may be let into a groove in the
further or outer side of each strip aforesaid, as shown in Figure 9, thus allowing
the front frame to slide freely into the side frame, and is further held in the groove
by a stud passing through slots. The bottom of locking strips V may be slotted
transversely in order to receive the cranked ends of a rod Y extending the whole
width of the framed front and rotated by a lever or any suitable arrangement, by
which the strips may be raised and lowered, thus banging the projections W
opposite to or away from the tongues S, thereby locking and unlocking the doors O.
In place of the cranked rod Y I may use a rod having cams thereon or any mere
equivalent for raising and lowering the strips V, and the latter may be lowered if
desired by the action of a spring L.
When a number of fronts are superimposed one above the other, the locking
arrangement is slightly modified, by turning up the edges of the strips V at the
ends when they butt one against another, so that the strips of the lowermost
frame being operated as before may communicate motion to those situated above,
and the uppermost strip will under the action of spring L or equivalent likewise
cause the lower strips to be returned to their places.
It will be understood that my framed front with sliding doors can be fitted to any
cabinet of usual construction.

page_text: I provide trays for use with filing cabinets for holding and keeping papers
arranged in any desired order in an interlined index either by means of a removable
device shown in Figs. 19 & 20, having a spring arm or arms t.
My improved clip or file as shown by Figs. 14 and 15 consists of a bed plate a
upon which is ivetted or otherwise fixed a spring plate b, the former being V shaped
as shown at its back edge, and the latter bent so as to form a small trough acting
as a stop facing the V shaped groove. Upon the front of the bed plate a I secure
the (say) two usual uprights c c preferably rounded, turned or set to an angle at
top conformable with the curve of motion of two corresponding rods or wires e e
connected together at their bases by a thin flat distance piece or cam d and bent
over at their upper ends, so that on said cam being placed in the V groove and
forced within the recess in the spring plate b, the said curved ends of the rods ee
may fall upon and exactly register with the position of the uprights ce and be held
there under action of spring plate b, being slightly hollowed out for the purpose of
making an accurate register. The advantage of constructing a clip in this manner
is that the rear rods and cam may be easily removable from the slots for facility of
packing, and the front uprights care for a like reison rivetted to a distance plate m,
so that they may be packed separately, and fixed in position by rivetting or like
means.
I also prefer to employ a punch for punching the papers before putting them
on the file or clip, consisting of a plate f Fig. 16 screwed or otherwise attached
to the tray and bearing a spring g which by pressing against a projection h
upon the lever plate i keeps the latter normally raised and pressing against the
fulcrum so that the holes & therein may be clear of the pins in the base plate
to admit of the insertion of a sheet of paper, an upper plate n being provided
as usual.
Or 1 may form my tray of metal flanged as shown in Fig. 18 and preferably
enclosing some non-conductor of sound such as wood or the like, and may dispense
with the bed plates or bases of the clip and punch by making the tray itselt form
the base thereof, and I may either make holes in the same for attaching the clip
and punch, or provide lugs p thereon as shown in Fig. 18, which enter the remaining
fixed plates of the clip or punch, and when hammered down spread and fix them
firmly in position. The tray itself in this case will be V shaped at one end (or an
extension thereof) q, for the same purpose as the bed plate a.
When I employ a filing tray such as shown in Fig. 17, the papers are first
punched by means of the punching device at bottom of tray to register with the
clip or file at the top, over which they are placed, and when desired may be removed
for storing in a transfer box or the like.
Referring to Figs. 19 & 20 which show a filing draw with upturned edges on
three sides, when it is desired to store the filed papers away in the cabinet, instead
of removing them to a separate transfer case or the like, I dispense altogether with
the latter by converting the draw itself into a transfer case or box with lid as
follows: I previously cut a groover in the thickness of the front edges, and into
this I insert, after removing the spring t, the edge u of a lid or cover v, said edge
forming a hinge, being made preferably of a metal strip with serrated edge, or
corrugated, enclosed within a band of tape or cloth.
For convenience of transport I construct my combined convertible filing drawer
and transfer case so that it can lie flat before being put together, and I do this by
attaching a metal angle strip w, divided into three lengths, along one edge of the
(preferably) cardboard portion, and groove the (preferably) wooden front & along
its thickness, in order to receive the upturned edges or tongues w of said angle
strip when the parts are bent up to form a convenient case. The extremities of
the tongues w may be slightly extended so as to be capable of being doubled
over and forced into a corresponding groove, and thus key the sules firmly to
the wooden front s.
The indexing arrangement I adopt is as follows. I provide the required
number of sheets according to the number of divisions into which it is required

page_text: to distribute the papers, and cut off from one edge strips of paper so as to leave
a small corner of each sheet exposed, as is commonly done in indexing ledgers
and other similar books, but prefer to have every alternate page of a different
tint, say blue and white, (or every three pages or more) and instead of marking
or printing each sheet at its corner, I provide an outside cover sheet or
indicator Fig. 20, provided along its edge with a strip divided into tints corre-
sponding with those of the exposed portions of the various sheets. On said cover
sheet, names, letters, or the like, may be marked in line with the divisions, and
in most cases I find it desirable to add for more rapid reference to papers or
letters, an independent indicator as shown by y Figures 17 & 20, and such strip
may be supplied separately and in blank, except in so far as it may be tinted,
and may be either attached directly, to the tray, drawer, or transfer case, or be
inserted into a grooved holder.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is
1. In cabinets for filing documents the method of framing the parts by the use
of toothed or serrated tongues in combination with ties applied while the frame
is still in the clamp, substantially as herein before described with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
2. In cabinets for filing documents the use of stiffeners for preventing warping
of the parts when separated for packing and to facilitate putting together of the
same substantially in the manner hereinbefore described and illustrated by the
accompanying drawings.
3. The general construction of a filing cabinet substantially in the manner and
for the purposes hereinbefore set forth.
4. In fittings for cabinets the use of doors sliding in grooves one in front of the
other substantially as described and illustrated.
5. The device for locking simultaneously the doors of a cabinet consisting of
vertical rods with projections registering before or clearing corresponding projec-
tions or tongues upon said doors in the manner afore-mentioned and substantially as
shown on the drawings accompanying.
6. In cabinets the method of superimposing framed fronts or distance pieces or
edges as and for the purposes herein before described and with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
7. The improved filing clip such as illustrated by Figure 14, and as described in
the foregoing Specification with especial reference to its adaptability for the
purposes of packing or transport.
8. The improved punch capable of being taken apart substantially as described
and illustrated.
9. The improved filing tray combined with clip and punch, dispensing with bed
plates or bases, such as shown by Figures 17 and 18 and substantially as herein-
before described.
10. The method of construction of transfer case, and of converting a filing
drawer into a transfer case, in the manner and for the purpose hereinbefore set
forth and substantially as shown by Figures 19, 20, and 21 of the accompanying
drawings.
11. In filing trays or drawers, the employment of an index of distinctive tints,
combined with separate independent indicator, either at side or on top, or in both
positions, substantially as described in the foregoing Specification and with
reference to Figures 17 and 20 of the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 8th day of July 1895
S. G. BROWNE,
7 & 8 Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.