U.S. patent application number 11/245594 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-12 for drawer cabinet storage kit.
This patent application is currently assigned to Suncast Corporation. Invention is credited to Torrence Anderson, Robert J. Stein.
Application Number | 20070080614 11/245594 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37910512 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070080614 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stein; Robert J. ; et
al. |
April 12, 2007 |
Drawer cabinet storage kit
Abstract
The present device provides an assembly, or kit, of injection
molded panels having integrated connectors which combine to form a
drawer cabinet with integrally formed guide rails and cooperating
pull out drawers supported upon a plurality of rollers. The cabinet
panels are formed of injection molded plastic and includes
integrally formed connectors to interlock with one another without
the need for separate fasteners. The integrated connection of the
side, top and base panels simplifies the drawer cabinet
construction and minimizes the number of components required to
assemble the drawer cabinet. Injection molding allows the panels to
be formed with integral cross-bracing, ribs and gussets for
increased rigidity. When supplied as a kit, assembly of the drawer
cabinet requires minimal hardware and a minimum number of hand
tools.
Inventors: |
Stein; Robert J.; (Aurora,
IL) ; Anderson; Torrence; (Overland Park,
KS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCHALE & SLAVIN, P.A.
2855 PGA BLVD
PALM BEACH GARDENS
FL
33410
US
|
Assignee: |
Suncast Corporation
|
Family ID: |
37910512 |
Appl. No.: |
11/245594 |
Filed: |
October 7, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/107 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 87/0284 20130101;
A47B 47/042 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/107 |
International
Class: |
A47B 47/04 20060101
A47B047/04 |
Claims
1. A drawer cabinet kit comprising: a base panel for enclosing the
bottom portion of said drawer cabinet, said base panel having an
upper surface, a lower surface, a left end, a right end, a front
portion and a rear portion, said left end including a plurality of
upright locking posts constructed and arranged for attaching said
base panel to a left side panel in a perpendicular relationship,
said right end including a plurality of upright locking posts
constructed and arranged for attaching said base panel to a right
side panel in a perpendicular relationship, said rear portion
including a means for preventing over insertion of a drawer member;
a top panel for enclosing the top portion of said drawer cabinet,
said top panel having an upper surface, a lower surface, a left
end, a right end, a front portion and a rear portion, said left end
including a means for attaching said top panel to a left side panel
in a perpendicular relationship, said right end including a means
for attaching said top panel to a right side panel in a
perpendicular relationship; a left side panel for enclosing the
left side portion of said drawer cabinet, said left side panel
including a top edge, a bottom edge, a front edge, a back edge, an
inner surface and an outer surface, said top edge including a means
for attaching said left side panel to said top panel in a
perpendicular relationship, said bottom edge including a plurality
of locking sockets constructed and arranged to cooperate with said
locking posts of said base panel, said locking posts of said base
panel are brought into coupling engagement with corresponding
locking sockets of said left panel resulting in a mechanically
secure connection between said base panel and said left side panel
arrange, said inner surface including a means for guiding at least
one removably secured drawer member to provide support and prevent
tipping and canting of said at least one drawer while said at least
one drawer is moved inwardly and outwardly of said cabinet
assembly; a right side panel for enclosing the right side portion
of said drawer cabinet, said right side panel including a top edge,
a bottom edge, a front edge, a back edge, an inner surface and an
outer surface, said top edge including a means for attaching said
right side panel to said top panel in a perpendicular relationship,
said bottom edge including a plurality of locking sockets
constructed and arranged to cooperate with said locking posts of
said base panel, said locking posts of said base panel are brought
into coupling engagement with corresponding locking sockets of said
right panel resulting in a mechanically secure connection between
said base panel and said right side panel, said inner surface
including a means for guiding at least one removably secured drawer
member to provide support and prevent tipping and canting of said
cabinet; at least one drawer member for enclosing the front of said
drawer cabinet and providing a storage area within said drawer
cabinet, said at least one drawer including a front portion, a rear
portion, a left side, a right side and a bottom, wherein said at
least one drawer is constructed and arranged to be moved inwardly
and outwardly with respect to said drawer cabinet to provide access
to said storage area within said at least one drawer; said lower
surface of said base panel includes a plurality of integrally
formed locking sockets, said locking sockets are constructed and
arranged to cooperate with a plurality of locking posts arranged on
said top edge of at least one of said left and said right side
panels, said locking posts of said at least one of said left side
panel and said right side panel are brought into a coupling
engagement with corresponding locking sockets in said lower surface
of said base panel resulting in a mechanically secure connection
between said base panel and said side panels, wherein at least two
drawer cabinets are integrated together into a multiple drawer
cabinet; wherein said drawer cabinet kit can be shipped in a
disassembled state and assembled on a desired site without separate
fasteners.
2. The drawer cabinet kit as described in claim 1, wherein said
means for guiding said at least one drawer includes at least one
channel integrally molded into each of said inner surfaces of said
left and said right side panels, wherein said at least one channel
extends from about said front edge of said panels to about said
rear edge of said panels.
3. The drawer cabinet kit as described in claim 1, wherein said
left side and said right side of said at least one drawer each
include at least one outwardly projecting guide rail, wherein said
guide rail is constructed and arranged to cooperate with said at
least one channel to prevent canting of said drawers while said
drawers are moved inwardly and outwardly of said drawer
cabinet.
4. The drawer cabinet kit as described in claim 3, wherein said
guide rails are integrally formed to said at least one drawer.
5. The drawer cabinet kit as described in claim 3, wherein said at
least one guide rail is constructed and arranged to have a
substantially conjugate shape with respect to said at least one
channel integrally formed into each said side panel, wherein said
at least one guide rail enters said at least one channel for
sliding engagement between said drawer member and said side
panels.
6. The drawer cabinet kit as described in claim 1, wherein said
base panel includes at least one pair of rollers for supporting
said at least one drawer member, wherein said at least one pair of
rollers are rotatably mounted in said front portion of said base
panel, wherein said rollers are sized and positioned between said
upper surface and said lower surface so that a portion of said
rollers protrudes above said upper surface for engaging said bottom
of said at least one drawer member.
7. The drawer cabinet kit as described in claim 6, wherein said
base panel includes two pair of rollers for supporting said at
least one drawer member, wherein one pair of said rollers are
rotatably mounted in said front portion of said base panel, wherein
one pair of said rollers are rotatably mounted in said rear portion
of said base panel, wherein said rollers are sized and positioned
between said upper surface and said lower surface so that a portion
of said rollers protrudes above said upper surface for engaging
said bottom of said at least one drawer member.
8. The drawer cabinet kit as described in claim 1, wherein said
bottom of said at least one drawer member includes an alignment
pocket integrally formed therein, wherein said alignment pocket is
constructed and arranged to cooperate with an alignment boss
integrally formed on said upper surface of said top panel for
releasably securing said at least one drawer upon said upper
surface of said top panel.
9. The drawer cabinet kit as described in claim 1, wherein said
front portion of said top panel includes an integrally formed
locking tab, wherein said locking tab includes an aperture
constructed and arranged to align with a bolt aperture within said
at least one drawer member when said drawer member is in a closed
position, wherein a lock or seal may be extended through said
locking tab aperture and said bolt aperture to prevent unwanted
entry into said drawer member.
10. The drawer cabinet kit as described in claim 1, wherein said
front portion of said base panel includes an integrally formed
locking tab, wherein said locking tab includes an aperture
constructed and arranged to align with a bolt aperture within said
at least one drawer member when said drawer member is in a closed
position, wherein a lock or seal may be extended through said
locking tab aperture and said bolt aperture to prevent unwanted
entry into said drawer member.
11. The drawer cabinet kit as described in claim 1, wherein said
lower surface of said base panel includes a plurality of integrally
formed caster bosses, wherein each of said caster bosses is
constructed and arranged to cooperate with a caster for allowing
said drawer cabinet to be easily moved.
12. The drawer cabinet kit as described in claim 1, wherein said
lower surface of said base panel includes a plurality of integrally
formed downwardly depending nesting tabs, wherein said nesting tabs
are constructed and arranged to cooperate with a top panel
alignment boss to allow at least two drawer cabinets to be placed
in a stacked arrangement.
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. The drawer cabinet kit as described in claim 1 wherein said
base panel locking posts include at least one integrally formed
spring-tab, wherein said at least one spring-tab is constructed and
arranged to cooperate with said locking sockets for positively
maintaining secure coupling engagement between said base panel and
said left and right panels.
16. The drawer cabinet kit as described in claim 1, wherein said
means for attaching said top panel to said left side panel and said
right side panel includes a plurality of outwardly extending
locking posts extending upwardly from said top surface of said left
and said right side panels, wherein said locking posts are
constructed and arranged to cooperate with a plurality of locking
sockets integrally formed into said lower surface of said top
panel, wherein said locking posts are brought into an coupling
engagement with corresponding locking sockets resulting in a
mechanically secure connection between said top, left and right
panels.
17. The drawer cabinet kit as described in claim 16 wherein said
left and right side panel locking posts include at least one
integrally formed spring-tab, wherein said at least one spring-tab
is constructed and arranged to cooperate with said locking sockets
for positively maintaining secure coupling engagement between said
top panel and said left, right and back panels.
18. The drawer cabinet kit as described in claim 1 wherein said
left side panel, and said right side panel include a plurality of
locking sockets arranged in a linear fashion along said bottom
edges thereof, said locking sockets extending inwardly between said
outer surface and said inner surface, wherein said locking sockets
are constructed and arranged to cooperate with said base panel,
wherein said base panel is secured to said left and right panels
via said locking sockets.
19. The drawer cabinet kit as described in claim 18, wherein at
least one of said locking sockets include an aperture therethrough,
wherein said aperture is constructed and arranged for mating
engagement with said at least one spring-tab integrally formed onto
said locking posts of said base panel.
20. The drawer cabinet kit as described in claim 1, wherein said
lower surface of said base panel includes integrally formed
cross-bracing, wherein said cross-bracing provides increased weight
capacity and stability to said drawer cabinet kit.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to a drawer cabinet kit
constructed of plastic structural panels. More specifically, the
present invention relates to a stackable modular cabinet
constructed of injection molded plastic panels to contain at least
one removable drawer, and which is capable of being packaged and
shipped in a knocked-down state and constructed into a secure
drawer cabinet at a desired site.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0002] Throughout the home, a need exists to store a large variety
of different items. This is particularly true of garage and utility
areas where a vast array of products are generally stored for
selected use. The accumulation of these various objects and
products gives rise to a need for adequate storage of those items
when not in use.
[0003] Various cabinets for storing items such as gardening tools,
automotive supplies, household items and the like are well known.
One of the more popular type of cabinets for storing household
items is a cabinet with a plurality of pull-out drawers. Cabinets
of this type are generally shipped to a consumer or a supplier
fully assembled. Shipping fully assembled cabinetry requires a
considerable amount of space available within a shipping medium.
Because space is limited, the cost associated with shipping
assembled cabinets is comparatively high.
[0004] Alternatively, drawer cabinet assemblies are customized for
the consumer based on the consumer's needs. With customized
cabinets, the consumer selects the cabinet material, the size of
the associated drawers, and the drawer guides needed to guide the
drawers in and out of the cabinet. Numerous devices have been
utilized throughout history to guide drawers in and out of drawer
cabinets. The simplest mechanism is a box into which the drawer
slides. Other methods of control include runners on either side of
the drawer or a single runner under the bottom of the drawer with
notches to hold the drawer in alignment with the cabinet. All of
these basic guide systems have high levels of friction between the
drawer and the cabinet and, consequently, rapidly wear out.
Numerous low friction devices have been designed to facilitate
movement of drawers in and out of cabinets including ball bearings,
wheels, and sliders. Most of these low friction devices require
unsightly tracks along the side of the drawers, and wide spaces
between the sides of the drawers and the drawer face to allow
passage of the low friction devices from the inside of the drawer
cabinet to the outside when the drawer is extended.
[0005] Side play of the drawer when extended is another difficult
problem, particularly in the basic forms of drawer guides. Often
the drawer must be moved from side to side and up and down in order
to get it to return to the drawer cabinet. As the guides become
worn, the problem becomes even more severe. Even drawer slides
utilizing rollers, ball bearings and sliders have binding problems,
especially when the drawers are heavily loaded or the slide parts
have become slightly worn.
[0006] The ball bearing type of drawer slide creates a different
problem. Because there is virtually no side play in a ball bearing
slide, the drawer cabinet must be perfectly aligned with the drawer
slide in order to eliminate binding as the drawer is moved in and
out. Skilled labor and time are required to properly position a
ball bearing slide.
[0007] Fabrication costs of low friction slide arrangements are
another problem. The slide arrangements must be specially made for
each different length of drawer. A long drawer requires a long
slide arrangement and a short drawer requires a short slide
arrangement. Manufacturers are required to maintain supplies of
many different lengths of drawer slides or modify slides for each
customer.
[0008] Full extension drawer slides are a variation of the typical
drawer slide and are used to permit full extension of drawers, such
that the back of the drawer is fully accessible. Such drawer guides
usually use three or more rails with one rail (cabinet rail) being
attached to the cabinet, one rail (drawer rail) being attached to
the drawer and one rail (floating rail) gliding between the drawer
and cabinet rails. Examples of such drawer guides are disclosed in
United States Pat. Nos. to Card, U.S. Pat. No. 1,537,067, Tobey,
U.S. Pat. No. 2,099,148, Schaffert, U.S. Pat. No. 1,129,831,
Bullock et al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,203,749, Vander Ley, U.S. Pat. No.
4,004,841, Lautenschalager U.S. Pat. No. 5,733,027, Fleisch, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,895,102, Fraccaro, U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,574. In these
systems, rollers or ball bearings are provided on racks between the
floating rail and the cabinet and drawer rails to provide free
gliding movement between each of the rails.
[0009] One of the problems associated with such systems is that
they tend to be rather large and bulky, which limits their use on
smaller drawers. Further, such systems are relatively complicated
and difficult to fabricate, resulting in high costs to
consumers.
[0010] Such prior art systems have not met all of the needs of
manufacturers to provide a product that can be easily manufactured,
packaged and shipped, or the needs of consumers requiring
economical and versatile do-it-yourself storage kits. Moreover,
because the prior art devices do not break down they are difficult
and expensive to ship from the manufacturer to the consumer.
[0011] Paramount among such needs is an easy to assemble kit which
can be easily assembled by an average homeowner. Structure is a
further consideration; a cabinet formed from separate panels must
create cabinet walls which resist panel separation, buckling and
racking in such a way as to unify the entire enclosure.
[0012] Also, from a versatility standpoint, a cooperating drawer
and guide should be present which can be easily assembled or
modified after assembly of the side, top, base and back panels, and
which provides security and dependable access to the contents of
the drawers without the complex and difficult to assemble
mechanisms associated with the prior art.
[0013] There are also commercial considerations that must be
satisfied by any viable drawer cabinet system or kit;
considerations which are not entirely satisfied by state of the art
products. The drawer cabinet must be formed of relatively few
component parts that are inexpensive to manufacture by conventional
techniques. The drawer cabinet must also be capable of being
packaged and shipped in a knocked-down state.
[0014] In addition, there are ergonomic needs that a drawer cabinet
system must satisfy in order to achieve acceptance by the end user.
The system must be easily and quickly assembled using minimal
hardware and requiring a minimal number of tools. Further, the
system must not require excessive strength to assemble or include
heavy component parts. Moreover, the system must assemble together
in such a way so as not to detract from the internal storage volume
of the resulting wall cabinet or otherwise negatively affect the
utility of the drawer cabinet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention provides an assembly, or kit, of
injection molded panels having integrated connectors which combine
to form a drawer cabinet with integrally formed guide rails and
cooperating pull out drawers supported upon a plurality of rollers.
The cabinet panels are formed of injection molded plastic and
include integrally formed connectors to interlock with one another
without the need for separate fasteners. The integrated connection
of the side, back, top and base panels simplifies the drawer
cabinet construction and minimizes the number of components
required to assemble the drawer cabinet. Injection molding allows
the panels to be formed with integral cross-bracing, ribs and
gussets for increased rigidity. When supplied as a kit, assembly of
the drawer cabinet requires minimal hardware and a minimum number
of hand tools.
[0016] The drawer cabinet assembly includes a base panel, left and
right side panels and a top panel. The base panel is constructed
with integrally formed outwardly extending contoured locking posts
for interlocking cooperative engagement with sockets formed into
the bottom surfaces of the left and right panels. The engagement
between the locking posts and the sockets serve to rigidly connect
the components together, preventing the panels from bowing inwardly
or outwardly under loads to provide a structurally sound cabinet
with a pleasing aesthetic appearance. The construction of the
panels minimize complexity of completing the assembly while
increasing versatility by allowing the consumer to customize the
assembly for specific needs. For example, the bottom surface of the
base panel includes sockets allowing the base panel to be used as a
top panel. This construction permits the multiple drawer cabinet
units to integrated into a multiple drawer cabinet. Alternatively,
the drawer cabinets may be placed in a stacked arrangement having
the lower surface of one drawer cabinet removeably engaged with the
upper surface of another top panel of an adjacently positioned
drawer cabinet.
[0017] The interior portion of the cabinet includes integrally
molded horizontal channels extending along each side. The channels
extend from the front portion of each side panel to the rear
portion of each side panel. Each channel is constructed and
arranged to accept an outwardly depending drawer guide rail in a
cooperating arrangement to prevent drawer tipping during extension
and insertion thereof. The base panel includes a plurality of
rollers secured within the base panel in a manner to cooperate with
the bottom surface of the drawer member, allowing the drawer to be
easily moved when loaded. In a preferred embodiment, a first pair
of rollers are positioned to support the front portion of the
drawer member and a second pair of rollers are positioned to
support the rear portion of the drawer.
[0018] The snap together construction minimizes complexity of
completing the assembly while increasing versatility by allowing
the consumer to customize the assembly for specific needs. The
built-in construction of the drawer guide channels and rollers
eliminates the need for skilled tradesmen to line-up and mount
complicated hardware within the cabinet. In this manner, the
consumer can select one or a plurality of drawer cabinets having
various heights, snap together the panels in the desired
configuration, and thereafter slide in the drawers to complete the
assembly.
[0019] The drawers are pre-constructed of polymeric material and
include a pair of integrally formed handles that allow a removed
drawer to be easily transported. The bottom surface of the drawer
members are adapted to cooperate with the rollers for easy movement
in and out of the cabinet even when heavily loaded. In addition,
the bottom surface of the drawer member includes an alignment
pocket adapted to cooperate with the upper surface of the top panel
of the cabinet for removeably fixed placement outside of the
cabinet.
[0020] In operation, as a loaded drawer is pulled outward it rolls
freely on the rollers, utilizing the track and channel combination
prevent the drawer from tipping. This construction allows the
drawers to be easily opened with heavy loads without requiring
complex sliding track mechanisms to prevent tipping of the
drawer.
[0021] Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to
provide a polymeric drawer cabinet assembly having integrally
formed guide assemblies and at least one cooperating drawer.
[0022] It is a further objective of the present invention to
provide a drawer cabinet assembly having an integrally formed
drawer guide, by which a cooperating drawer can be smoothly guided
inwardly and outwardly of a cabinet body without the need for
complex metal guiding mechanisms.
[0023] Yet a further objective of the present invention is to
provide a drawer cabinet assembly having an integrally formed
drawer guide which allows the drawer to be guided a sufficient
distance out of the cabinet body to provide access to the interior
of the drawer without tipping.
[0024] Still yet a further objective of the present invention is to
provide a drawer cabinet assembly constructed from injection molded
plastic panels having integrated connectors for increased
structural integrity and easy assembly.
[0025] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
drawer cabinet storage kit in which the side walls, top panel, and
base panel are interlocked without the need for separate
fasteners.
[0026] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide
a kit for a drawer cabinet that is capable of being packaged and
shipped in a knocked-down state and constructed into a secure
drawer cabinet.
[0027] Still yet another objective of the present invention is to
provide a drawer and guide assembly which allows an end user to
customize a drawer cabinet to suit an individual application.
[0028] Other objectives and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent from the following description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth,
by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this
invention. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and
include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and
illustrate various objects and features thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the instant invention;
[0030] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the instant invention,
illustrated with the drawer omitted for clarity;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a plurality of the
embodiments shown in FIG. 1 in a stacked arrangement;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a plurality of the
embodiments shown in FIG. 1 in an interlocked arrangement;
[0033] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the instant invention,
illustrating the drawer member in an extended position;
[0034] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the instant invention,
illustrating the drawer member engaged upon the upper surface of
the top panel member;
[0035] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view illustrating the roller
members of the instant invention;
[0036] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view illustrating the
locking assembly of the instant invention;
[0037] FIG. 9 is a lower perspective view of the instant
invention;
[0038] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view taken along line 1-1
of FIG. 9;
[0039] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view illustrating the lower
surface of the base panel of the instant invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in
various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter
be described a presently preferred embodiment with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an
exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the
invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.
[0041] FIGS. 1 and 2 which are now referenced illustrate
perspective and exploded views of the drawer cabinet assembly,
generally referenced as 10, according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention. The drawer cabinet is made up of a base
panel 100, top panel 200, left side panel 300, right side panel 400
and drawer 600. In the preferred embodiment, the panels comprising
the assembly are formed of, but not limited to, a suitable
polymeric material, through the process of injection molding. The
result is that the panels comprising the drawer cabinet assembly 10
are formed as unitary panels with integral connectors and cross
bracing. Strengthening ribs 120 (FIG. 9) are integrally formed
within the lower surfaces of the top and base panels 100, 200 in
order to enhance rigidity of the panels while leaving the external
surface in a generally smooth condition for aesthetic purposes, as
shown in FIG. 1. Injection molding offers significant strength and
stability advantages over wood or metal construction as utilized in
the prior art. In this manner the enclosure of the instant
invention is capable of handling a significant amount of weight as
compared to wooden or sheet metal cabinets.
[0042] The base panel 100 has an upper surface 102, lower surface
103 (FIG. 9), front edge 104, rear edge 106, left edge 108 and
right edge 110. Adjacent to each of the left, and right edges 108,
110 is a means of attaching the base panel to the left side panel
300 and right side panel 400, illustrated herein as a plurality of
formed locking posts 112 extending upwardly from the upper surface.
The integrally formed locking posts 112 are constructed and
arranged to cooperate with sockets 310 extending inwardly in a
linear fashion along the lower edges of the left 300 and right 400
panels. The locking posts 112 and sockets 310 are constructed and
arranged so that the locking posts 112 enter and mateably engage
the sockets 310 securing the panels together in an inter-fitting
perpendicular engagement. In a most preferred embodiment, the base
panel locking posts 112 each include at least one integrally formed
spring-tab 114. The spring-tabs are constructed and arranged to
cooperate with apertures 314 provided in the locking sockets 310
for positively maintaining secure coupling engagement between the
base panel 100 and the left and right panels 300 and 400.
[0043] The top panel 200 has an upper surface 202, lower surface
204, front edge 206, rear edge 208, left edge 210 and right edge
212. Adjacent to each of the rear, left and right edges 208, 210,
and 212 respectively is a means of attaching the top panel to the
left side panel 300, right side panel 400, and back panel 500. The
means of attaching the panels is illustrated herein as a plurality
of formed sockets 112 extending outwardly from the lower surface
204. The formed sockets are constructed and arranged to cooperate
with locking posts 112 extending oywardly in a linear fashion along
the upper edges of the left 300 and right 400 panels. The locking
posts 112 and sockets 310 are constructed and arranged so that the
locking posts 112 enter and mateably engage the sockets 310
securing the panels together in an inter-fitting perpendicular
engagement. In a most preferred embodiment, the side panel locking
posts 112 each include at least one integrally formed spring-tab
114. The spring-tabs are constructed and arranged to cooperate with
apertures 314 provided in the locking sockets 310 for positively
maintaining secure coupling engagement between the top panel 200
and the left and right panels 300 and 400.
[0044] The left side panel 300 is constructed and arranged for
enclosing the left side of the drawer cabinet. The left side panel
300 includes a top edge 302, a bottom edge 304, a front edge 306, a
back edge 308, an inner surface 312 and an outer surface (not
shown). The top edge 302 includes a means for attaching the left
side panel to the bottom surface of the panel 100 or the top panel
200 in a perpendicular relationship. The attachment means is
illustrated herein as a plurality of formed locking posts 112
extending upwardly from the top edge 302. The integrally formed
locking posts 112 are constructed and arranged to cooperate with
sockets 310 extending inwardly in a linear fashion along the lower
edges of the base 100 and top 200 panels. The locking posts 112 and
sockets 310 are constructed and arranged so that the locking posts
112 enter and mateably engage the sockets 310 securing the panels
together in an inter-fitting perpendicular engagement. In a most
preferred embodiment, the side panel locking posts 112 each include
at least one integrally formed spring-tab 114. The spring-tabs are
constructed and arranged to cooperate with apertures 314 provided
in the locking sockets 310 for positively maintaining secure
coupling engagement between the base or top panel 100, 200 and the
left side panel 300. The bottom edge 304 include a means for
attaching the left side panel to the base panel 100 in a
perpendicular relationship. The attachment means is illustrated
herein as a plurality of locking sockets 310 arranged in a linear
fashion extending inwardly along the bottom edge 304. The locking
sockets 310 preferably include at least one aperture 314. The
apertures 314 are constructed and arranged to cooperate with the
locking post spring tabs 114 for positively maintaining secure
coupling engagement between the left side panel 300 and the base
panel 100. The inner surface 312 includes an integrally formed
means for guiding a drawer member in a generally parallel
relationship with respect to the upper and lower panels. The drawer
guide means is illustrated herein as a horizontally extending
channel 316 integrally molded on the inner surface 312 of the left
side panel 300. The channel 316 extends from about the front edge
306 of the panel to about the rear edge 308 of the panel. The
channel 316 is generally constructed and arranged to cooperate with
a drawer rail 610 (FIGS. 5 and 6) to prevent tipping of the drawer
during insertion and removal thereof.
[0045] The right side panel 400 is constructed and arranged for
enclosing the right side of the drawer cabinet 10. The right side
panel 400 includes a top edge 402, a bottom edge 404, a front edge
406, a back edge 408, an inner surface (not shown) and an outer
surface 414. The top edge 402 and the bottom edge 404 include a
means for attaching the right side panel 400 to the base panel 100
and the top panel 200 in a perpendicular relationship. The
attachment means is illustrated herein as a plurality of formed
locking posts 112 extending upwardly from the top edge 402. The
integrally formed locking posts 112 are constructed and arranged to
cooperate with sockets 310 extending inwardly in a linear fashion
along the lower edges of the base 100 and top 200 panels. The
locking posts 112 and sockets 310 are constructed and arranged so
that the locking posts 112 enter and mateably engage the sockets
310 securing the panels together in an inter-fitting perpendicular
engagement. In a most preferred embodiment, the side panel locking
posts 112 each include at least one integrally formed spring-tab
114. The spring-tabs are constructed and arranged to cooperate with
apertures 314 provided in the locking sockets 310 for positively
maintaining secure coupling engagement between the base or top
panel 100, 200 and the left side panel 300. The bottom edge 404
includes a means for attaching the left side panel to the base
panel 100 in a perpendicular relationship. The attachment means is
illustrated herein as a plurality of locking sockets 310 arranged
in a linear fashion extending inwardly along the bottom edge 404.
The locking sockets 310 preferably include at least one aperture
314. The apertures 314 are constructed and arranged to cooperate
with the locking post spring tabs 114 for positively maintaining
secure coupling engagement between the right side panel 300 and the
base panel 100. The inner surface includes an integrally formed
means for guiding a drawer member in a generally parallel
relationship with respect to the upper and lower panels. The drawer
guide means is illustrated herein as a horizontally extending
channel 316 integrally molded on the inner surface 412 of the right
side panel 400. The channel 316 extends from about the front edge
406 of the panel to about the rear edge 408 of the panel. The
channel 316 is generally constructed and arranged to cooperate with
a drawer rail 610 (FIGS. 5 and 6) to provide support and prevent
tipping and canting of the drawers during insertion and removal
thereof.
[0046] The left and right panels 300 and 400 are attached to the
top and bottom panels 100 and 200 by inserting the locking posts
112 into locking sockets 310 until the spring tabs 114 integrally
formed into the locking posts 112 engage the apertures 314 in the
sockets 310. It will be appreciated that the purpose of the locking
posts 112 are to align two panels in a perpendicular relationship
and to facilitate their mechanical connection. The perpendicular
panels are brought into a coupled relationship wherein the locking
posts 112 enter the corresponding sockets 310. The result is a
mechanically secure engagement between the panels. The coupling
engagement between the panels as described above provides a secure
connection and offers several advantages. First, the design allows
the panels to be connected without the need for separate fasteners.
Second, the design creates a positive lock that prevents separation
of the panels. Third, the design maintains alignment of the panels
and prevents bowing or bending of either panel relative to one
another. The resultant drawer cabinet created by the combination of
the interlocking panels benefits from high structural integrity and
reliable operation.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 3, 9 and 10, a combination of drawer
cabinets is illustrated in a stacked arrangement. To facilitate the
stacked arrangement, the upper surface 202 of the top panel 200
includes a raised alignment boss 214. The alignment boss is
constructed and arranged to cooperate with a plurality of
downwardly extending alignment tabs 116 formed onto the lower
surface of the bottom panel 100, as illustrated in FIG. 10 to
releasably secure and prevent the drawer cabinet from sliding with
respect to the adjacently positioned lower drawer cabinet. The
alignment tabs are positioned to engage the outer perimeter of the
alignment boss 214 to permit the stacked arrangement without
allowing the vertically positioned drawer cabinets to slide.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 4, a combination of drawer cabinets are
illustrated in an integrated arrangement. To facilitate the
integrated arrangement, the top panel is omitted and the lower
surface of the base panel 100 is constructed and arranged to
cooperate with the top edge of the left and right side wall panels
300, 400 in an interlocking relationship. In this manner any number
of drawer cabinets may be integrated together into a single unit to
suit a user's needs.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 6, a drawer 600 is provided for enclosing
the front of the drawer cabinet 10 and providing storage within the
cabinet. The drawer 600 includes a front portion 602, a rear
portion 604, a left side 606, a right side 608 and a bottom surface
614. The left portion 606 and the right portion 608 each include at
least one outwardly extending guide rail 610 integrally formed
thereto. The front and rear portions include integrally formed
hand-holds 612 and lock bolt apertures 616. In the preferred
embodiment the rails 610 cooperate with the channels 316 of the
side panels, while the rollers 118 and slides 124 cooperate with
the bottom portion of the drawer 614 during movement of the drawer
member 600. In this manner, the cooperating rollers and drawer
rails prevent the drawer from tipping as the drawer is extended
outwardly from the drawer cabinet. The lower surface 614 of the
drawer 600 includes an integrally formed pocket (not shown) sized
and shaped to cooperate with the alignment boss 214 to allow a
drawer to be positioned on the upper surface of the top panel 200
releasably securing the drawer to cabinet.
[0050] For supporting and facilitating easy movement of a drawer
600, the base panel 100 includes a plurality of rollers 118
rotatably mounted therein. The rollers 118 are sized and positioned
between an upper surface 102 and a lower surface 122 of the base
panel 100 so that a portion of the roller protrudes above the top
surface. The upper surface of the base panel 100 also includes a
plurality of upwardly protruding slide surfaces 124. The slide
surfaces are integrally formed into the upper surface 102 of the
base panel and are constructed and arranged to cooperate with the
bottom surface of the drawer members to prevent tipping and/or
canting thereof.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1-9, in a preferred embodiment the front
portion of the top and or bottom panels include an integrally
formed locking tab 216. The locking tab is constructed and arranged
to align with the bolt aperture 616 within each drawer member. In
this manner, a user may extend a seal or lock through the apertures
to prevent unwanted entry into a drawer cabinet.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 9-11, the lower surface 103 of the base
panel is illustrated. The lower surface of the base panel includes
a plurality of integrally formed caster bosses 126. The caster
basses are constructed and arranged to cooperate with casters 128
to allow an assembled drawer cabinet to be easily moved from one
point to another even when loaded.
[0053] Thus, a drawer cabinet kit with integral drawer guides and
cooperating drawers has been shown and described. The kit is
comprised of injection molded components having integrated
connectors which may be assembled on a desired site without
requiring separate fasteners or tools.
[0054] All patents and publications mentioned in this specification
are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which
the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein
incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual
publication was specifically and individually indicated to be
incorporated by reference.
[0055] It is to be understood that while a certain form of the
invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific
form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent
to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made
without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention
is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in
the specification.
[0056] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the
present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and
obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent
therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques
described herein are presently representative of the preferred
embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as
limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur
to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit
of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended
claims. Although the invention has been described in connection
with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that
the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such
specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the
described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to
those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *