Expandable drawer inserts and organizers with hinged trays
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to various exemplary embodiments of drawer inserts or organizers. One particular exemplary embodiment includes an apparatus for use within a sliding drawer. The apparatus generally includes a base having at least one storage compartment and at least one tray including at least one storage compartment. At least one link couples the tray to the base such that the tray is pivotably moveable relative to the base between at least a stowed position and a deployed position with the tray remaining generally horizontal relative to the base. The apparatus is configured relative to the sliding drawer and structure supporting the sliding drawer so as to not interfere with the sliding operation of the drawer when the apparatus is positioned within the sliding drawer and the tray is in the stowed position.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/757,511 filed Jan. 9, 2006. The disclosure of this provisional application is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELDThe present disclosure relates generally to expandable drawer inserts and organizers having hinged upper trays.
BACKGROUNDThe statements in this background section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
Many homes and business have cabinets, dressers, desks, and other similar furniture having sliding drawers. A wide range of items may be stored within a sliding drawer, such as kitchenware, cooking utensils, cutlery, pencils, pens, office supplies, etc. Without some type of organizing device within the drawer, however, it may take considerable time for a user to rummage through items haphazardly stored within the drawer before finding a particular item the user wants.
SUMMARYAccording to various aspects of the present disclosure, there are provided various exemplary embodiments of drawer inserts or organizers. One particular exemplary embodiment includes an apparatus for use within a sliding drawer. The apparatus generally includes a base having at least one storage compartment and at least one tray including at least one storage compartment. At least one link couples the tray to the base such that the tray is pivotably moveable relative to the base between at least a stowed position and a deployed position with the tray remaining generally horizontal relative to the base. The apparatus is configured relative to the sliding drawer and structure supporting the sliding drawer so as to not interfere with the sliding operation of the drawer when the apparatus is positioned within the sliding drawer and the tray is in the stowed position.
In another particular exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for use within a sliding drawer generally includes a base having first and second slidably adjustable side portions. The first and second side portions can be slidably adjusted to allow selective adjustment to a width of the base. A first tray is coupled to the first slidably adjustable side portion for pivotal movement relative to the base between at least a stowed position and a deployed position. A second tray is coupled to the second slidably adjustable side portion for pivotal movement relative to the base between at least a stowed position and a deployed position. The first and second trays are generally opposite one another and have generally opposite directions of pivotal rotation when moving between their respective stowed and deployed positions.
Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods of using organizers with drawers, for example, to improve organization within a drawer. In one exemplary embodiment, an organizer has a plurality of compartments, a base having at least one slidably adjustable portion, and at least one tray coupled to the base for pivotal movement relative to the base between at least a stowed position and a deployed position. An exemplary method of using such an organizer generally includes selectively adjusting the size of the organizer to more closely correspond with the drawer's size by sliding the at least one slidably adjustable portion relative to another portion of the base. The method can also include positioning the organizer within the opened drawer to thereby make the organizer's plurality of compartments available for storing items within the drawer. The method can also include closing the drawer when the organizer's at least one tray is in the stowed position.
Further aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. In addition, any one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented individually or in any combination with any one or more of the other aspects of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
DRAWINGSThe drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.
The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.
According to various aspects of the present disclosure, there are provided various exemplary embodiments of drawer inserts and organizers. Other aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to methods relating to using, assembling, disassembling, and/or tailoring drawer inserts and organizers. Still further aspects of the present disclosure relate to kits including components capable of being assembled into drawer inserts and organizers, and methods that generally include receiving such a kit, and assembling the components within the kit into a drawer insert or organizer. Additional aspects of the present disclosure relate to kits and/or methods in which there are provided differently sized drawer inserts that do not have any sliding expandable/collapsible features such that each drawer insert's width and length are fixed. Accordingly, a user can select from these differently sized drawer inserts the particular drawer insert having the most suitable size for the particular drawer (or other location) in which the drawer insert will be used.
Any one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented individually or in any combination with any one or more of the other aspects of the present disclosure.
One particular exemplary embodiment includes an apparatus for use within a sliding drawer. The apparatus generally includes a base having at least one storage compartment and at least one tray including at least one storage compartment. At least one link couples the tray to the base such that the tray is pivotably moveable relative to the base between at least a stowed position and a deployed position with the tray remaining generally horizontal relative to the base. The apparatus is configured relative to the sliding drawer and structure supporting the sliding drawer so as to not interfere with the sliding operation of the drawer when the apparatus is positioned within the sliding drawer and the tray is in the stowed position.
In another particular exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for use within a sliding drawer generally includes a base having first and second slidably adjustable side portions. The first and second side portions can be slidably adjusted to allow selective adjustment to a width of the base. A first tray is coupled to the first slidably adjustable side portion for pivotal movement relative to the base between at least a stowed position and a deployed position. A second tray is coupled to the second slidably adjustable side portion for pivotal movement relative to the base between at least a stowed position and a deployed position. The first and second trays are generally opposite one another and have generally opposite directions of pivotal rotation when moving between their respective stowed and deployed positions.
Other aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to methods of using organizers with drawers, for example, to improve organization and compartmentalization within a drawer. In one exemplary embodiment, an organizer has a plurality of compartments, a base having at least one slidably adjustable portion, and at least one tray coupled to the base for pivotal movement relative to the base between at least a stowed position and a deployed position. An exemplary method of using such an organizer generally includes selectively adjusting the size of the organizer to more closely correspond with the drawer's size by sliding the at least one slidably adjustable portion relative to another portion of the base. The method can also include positioning the organizer within the opened drawer to thereby make the organizer's plurality of compartments available for storing items within the drawer. The method can also include closing the drawer when the organizer's at least one tray is in the stowed position.
In various embodiments, there are provided modular expandable cabinet drawer inserts and organizers with hinged or pivotably coupled trays. By way of example only, some embodiments provide an expandable/collapsible design in which the drawer insert width's can be selectively adjusted, for example, for fitting relatively precisely within a drawer. In some embodiments, the drawer insert's width and/or length can be adjusted accordingly so as to maintain a friction or interference fit with the drawer and, in some cases, without requiring any additional hardware (e.g., mechanical fasteners, etc.) and without requiring any tools for installation or removal. In alternative embodiments, drawer inserts can be secured within drawers by using fasteners, mounting clips, hook and loop fasteners, releasable adhesives, etc.
In one particular embodiment, a drawer insert has slidable side portions, which allow the drawer insert's width to be selectively adjusted for relatively precisely fitting within differently sized drawers, such as a drawer having a width within a range of about thirteen inches to about twenty two inches and a drawer depth of about nineteen inches. Other embodiments of the present disclosure can be used with drawers and other enclosed spaces which are larger or smaller than these specified ranges, as the dimensions set forth in this paragraph (as are all dimensions herein) are exemplary only, and can be varied or tailored depending, for example, on the particular application.
Various embodiments include partitions and dividers (e.g., rib dividers, knife dividers, spoon dividers, fork dividers, etc.), which may be removable, fixedly attached, or integral to the drawer insert. The partitions and dividers can be used to more efficiently organize and compartmentalize flatware or other items stored within a drawer insert.
By using one or more of the devices of the present disclosure, a user may improve organization of items stored within a drawer (or other storage enclosure). This, in turn, can make it easier to locate and retrieve items from the drawer.
Alternative embodiments can include drawer inserts having more or less walls and/or walls in different configurations (e.g., differently sized, spaced, oriented, arranged, etc.) than what is shown in the figures. In such alternative embodiments, the drawer inserts could include more or less compartments and/or compartments in different configurations (e.g., differently sized, spaced, oriented, arranged, etc.) than what is shown in the figures.
With continued reference to
The drawer 300 (
With continued reference to
When in their stowed positions, the trays 136, 140 are laterally disposed within the footprint of the base 104. When deployed, however, at least a portion of the trays 136, 140 can be at least partially disposed laterally outside the footprint of the base 104 (
In addition, the trays 136, 140 can remain generally horizontal relative to the base 104 and drawer 300 when the trays 136, 140 are pivotably moved between their stowed and deployed positions. This, in turn, can help inhibit spillage of items stored within the trays 136, 140 as the trays are being moved.
In the illustrated embodiment, each tray 136 and 140 generally includes a bottom portion and walls or side portions. As shown, each tray's bottom portion and walls cooperate to define a single generally rectangular compartment 154 (
In the illustrated embodiment, links 144 respectively couple forward and rearward portions of the trays 136, 140 to the base 104. As best shown in
When the trays 136, 140 are pivotably moving from their stowed positions to their deployed positions, the trays 136, 140 will move generally away from one another with generally opposite directions of pivotal rotation. Conversely, the trays 136, 140 will move generally toward one another with generally opposite directions of pivotal rotation when the trays 136, 140 while moving from their deployed positions to their stowed positions.
In some embodiments, the trays 136, 140 may abut and contact one another when both trays 136, 140 are in their stowed positions. Alternatively, other embodiments include trays configured (e.g., sized, shaped, pivotably coupled, etc.) such that a spaced distance separates the trays when both trays are in their stowed positions.
In various embodiments, the links 144 are removably connected to the base 104 and to a corresponding one of the trays 136, 140. Accordingly, a user may choose to remove one or both trays 136, 140 and/or one or more links 144 from the insert 100 before the insert 100 is positioned within a drawer (e.g., 300, 400, etc.). Having removable links 144 and trays 136, 140 can provide a user with more available options for customizing the drawer insert 100 for a particular application.
In some embodiments, there may be provided a plurality of interchangeable trays with different configurations in order to enable a user to select which trays to use with a drawer insert. In such alternative embodiments, a user may remove an existing tray from an insert (if there is an existing tray), and then removably attach another tray to the insert.
Some embodiments may include a plurality of interchangeable links with different lengths in order to enable a user to select the particular height at which a tray is positioned relative to the base when the tray is deployed. Other embodiments may include links that are fixedly attached to a tray, a base, or both.
As shown in
With continued reference to
In the illustrated embodiment of
A comparison of
In various embodiments, the trays may open automatically (e.g., spring-loaded, etc.) when the drawer is slidably opened and/or after a user releases one or more catches otherwise holding the trays in their stowed positions. For example, biasing devices (e.g., coil springs, etc.) may be employed for causing the trays to pivot to their deployed position when the drawer is open and after the user releases catches associated with the trays. Other embodiments, however, include one or more trays that must be manually deployed by the user.
Various embodiments provide an expandable/collapsible design in which a drawer insert includes at least one portion slidably movable relative to another portion that allows selective adjustment (increase or decrease) to at least one dimensional aspect (e.g., length, width) of the drawer insert. This sliding expandable/collapsible feature can allow a drawer insert to be slidably expanded or collapsed to relatively precisely fit the drawer width and/or drawer length without requiring any permanent alteration to the insert. In various embodiments, this sliding feature allows the insert's size to be tailored such that the insert can frictionally engage the drawer's front and back walls and/or the drawer's right and left side walls. In various embodiments, this friction or interference fit can be established to inhibit movement of the insert relative to the drawer independent of mechanical fasteners and without using tools. In some cases, the friction fit may be strong enough to inhibit movement of the insert relative to the drawer even as the drawer is slidably opened or closed and/or even during pivotal movement of an insert's one or more trays. Accordingly, this sliding feature allows a user to selectively adjust a size of an insert or organizer for fitting within a wide variety of drawer sizes, and/or allows the insert to be moved from drawer-to-drawer as desired.
A drawer insert can be provided with a sliding expandable/collapsible feature in various ways. As one example embodiment, one portion (e.g., left and/or right side portion, middle portion, left and/or right side compartment, main or center compartment, etc.) of a drawer insert's base can include at least one lip or overhang that slidingly receive at least one corresponding portion (e.g., upper edge, lower edge, etc.) of another portion of the drawer insert. The lip and corresponding portion can be configured to frictionally engage one another for inhibiting relative movement therebetween, for example, as the user selectively tailors the width (or length, in some applications) of the drawer insert for the particular size of drawer in which the insert will be used. Moreover, the engagement of the lip with the corresponding portion can also help guide the relative sliding movement. Other embodiments, however, do not include any such lips or overhangs whereby the side portions can generally freely slide inward and outward relative to the middle base portion with little to no friction or contact between the sidewalls of the side portions and the sidewalls of the middle base portion. In addition, other means can be employed for achieving the relative sliding motion and/or for guiding the sliding movement, such as through the engagement of at least one dovetail member within a corresponding dovetail slot (e.g. dovetail member 585 and dovetail slots 589 as shown in
As shown in
As shown in
In the particular illustrated embodiment, the side portions 174, 176 can be slid at least partially under the medial portions 178, 180. In alternative embodiments, however, this sliding or nesting arrangement may be reversed such that the medial portions can be slid at least partially under the side portions.
In some embodiments, the side portions 174, 176 may be able to slide inwardly towards one another until the side portions contact and abut one another. In other embodiments, a drawer insert may include one or more stops (e.g., protuberances, walls, or other means) for inhibiting inward sliding movement of the side portions 174, 176 beyond a certain point such that a. spaced distance remains between the side portions 174, 176 even when the drawer insert is in its fully collapsed configuration.
As shown in
In the illustrated embodiment, the trays 136, 140 are pivotably coupled to the respective slidable side portions 174, 176. In other embodiments, however, one or more trays may be pivotably coupled to one or more stationary portions (e.g., a non-sliding portion) of a base.
As shown in
In some embodiments, there may be also provided means for retaining the positioning of the slidably adjustable side portions 174, 176 relative to the medial portions 178, 180. In such embodiments, the side portions 174, 176 after being slidably adjusted relative to the medial portions 178, 180 may be inhibited from sliding, for example, by a friction or interference fit formed between the side portions 174, 176 and medial portions 178, 180. Alternatively, other suitable means may also be employed for inhibiting sliding movement of the side portions, such as via the engagement of at least one dovetail member within a corresponding dovetail slot, detents and dimples (e.g., at predetermined standard drawer widths, etc.), mechanical fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, among others.
In addition (or as an alternative) to forming a friction fit with the drawer's side walls by way of the selective adjustment to the drawer insert's width, various embodiments include one or more members disposed on the insert's front and/or back portion for establishing an interference or friction fit between the insert and the drawer's front and back walls. By way of example,
Alternative embodiments can include drawer inserts having more or less walls and/or walls in different configurations (e.g., differently sized, spaced, oriented, arranged, etc.) than what is shown in the figures. In such alternative embodiments, the drawer inserts could include more or less compartments and/or compartments in different configurations (e.g., differently sized, spaced, oriented, arranged, etc.) than what is shown in the figures.
With continued reference to
In various embodiments, the insert 500 can be configured (e.g., sized, shaped, arranged, etc.) such that the insert 500 and trays 536, 540 (when stowed) are disposed entirely within the interior defined by a drawer's bottom and sidewalls. The insert 500 with the trays 536, 540 stowed can be configured such that they are vertically confined within the drawer's depth as defined between the drawer's upper edge and bottom surface, and such that they are laterally confined within the drawer's footprint as defined between the drawer's sidewalls. In such embodiments, the insert 500 with the trays 536, 540 in the stowed position will thus not interfere with the normal sliding movement of operation of the drawer.
As shown in
In addition, the trays 536, 540 can remain generally horizontal relative to the base 504 when the trays 536, 540 are pivotably moved between their stowed and deployed positions. This, in turn, can help inhibit spillage of items stored within the trays 536, 540 as the trays are being moved.
In the illustrated embodiment, each tray 536 and 540 generally includes a bottom portion and walls or side portions. As shown, each tray's bottom portion and walls cooperate to define a single generally rectangular compartment 554 (
In the illustrated embodiment, links 544 removably couple forward and rearward portions of the trays 536, 540 to the base 504. In this particular example, links 544 are substantially identical to links 144 as shown in
As shown in
When the trays 536, 540 are pivotably moving from their stowed positions to their deployed positions, the trays 536, 540 will move generally away from one another with generally opposite directions of pivotal rotation. Conversely, the trays 536, 540 will move generally toward one another with generally opposite directions of pivotal rotation when the trays 536, 540 while moving from their deployed positions to their stowed positions.
As shown in
In various embodiments, the links 544 are removably connected to the base 504 and to a corresponding one of the trays 536, 540. Accordingly, a user may choose to remove one or both trays 536, 540 and/or one or more links 544 from the insert 500 before the insert 500 is positioned within a drawer (e.g., drawer 300 (
In some embodiments, there may be provided a plurality of interchangeable trays with different configurations in order to enable a user to select which trays to use with a drawer insert. In such alternative embodiments, a user may remove an existing tray from an insert (if there is an existing tray), and then removably attach another tray to the insert.
Some embodiments may include a plurality of interchangeable links with different lengths in order to enable a user to select the particular height at which a tray is positioned relative to the base when the tray is deployed. Other embodiments may include links that are fixedly attached to a tray, a base, or both.
With reference to
A comparison of
In various embodiments, the trays may open automatically (e.g., spring-loaded, etc.) when the drawer is slidably opened and/or after a user releases one or more catches otherwise holding the trays in their stowed positions. For example, biasing devices (e.g., coil springs, etc.) may be employed for causing the trays to pivot to their deployed position when the drawer is open and after the user releases catches associated with the trays. Other embodiments, however, include one or more trays that must be manually deployed by the user.
As shown in
The side portions 574, 576 can be slid inwardly towards the medial portion 578 to decrease the width of the drawer insert 500, as shown in
In the particular illustrated embodiment, the side portions 574, 576 can be slid at least partially under the medial portions 578, as shown in
In various embodiments, a drawer insert may include one or more stops (e.g., protuberances, walls, or other means) for inhibiting inward sliding movement of the side portions 574, 576 beyond a certain point. For example, and with reference to
In various embodiments, a spaced distance may remain between the side portions even when the drawer insert is in its fully collapsed configuration. In alternative embodiments, the side portions may be able to slide inwardly towards one another until the side portions contact and abut one another.
As shown in
In the illustrated embodiment, the trays 536, 540 are pivotably coupled to the respective slidable side portions 574, 576. In other embodiments, however, one or more trays may be pivotably coupled to one or more stationary portions (e.g., a non-sliding portion) of a base.
With reference to
With continued reference to
Alternative embodiments can include other means (in addition to, or as an alternative to, dovetails and slots) for achieving the relative sliding motion and/or for guiding the sliding movement, such as through the engagement of at least one T-shaped member within a corresponding T-shaped slot (a member and slot each having a generally T-shaped transverse profile), detents and dimples (e.g., at predetermined standard drawer widths, etc.), mechanical fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, among others. Still further embodiments may not include any means for guiding the sliding movement and/or any means for inhibiting sliding movement of the side portions relative to the middle base portion. Indeed, some embodiments include drawer inserts that do not have any sliding expandable/collapsible features such that each drawer insert's width and length are fixed.
In addition (or as an alternative) to forming a friction fit with the drawer's side walls by way of the selective adjustment to the drawer insert's width, various embodiments include means for securing the drawer insert to at least one interior portion of a drawer. By way of example,
Various embodiments also include one or more dividers or partitions, which can be used to increase the number of storage compartments or spaces associated with a drawer insert or organizer. This, in turn, can even further improve organization of items stored within the drawer. The partitions or dividers can be configured to define compartments or storage locations for a wide range of items therein. In some embodiments, partitions or dividers can define compartments or storage locations particularly suited (e.g., shaped, sized, etc.) for holding a certain type of item, such as a particular type of flatware (e.g., knives, spoons, forks, etc.) or a particular type of office supply (e.g., pens, pencils, paperclips, etc.). And, each partition or divider does not need to define or establish compartments tailored for holding the same type of item.
A drawer insert can include one or more removable partitions, fixedly attached partitions, integral partitions, combinations thereof, etc. In embodiments with one or more integral partitions or dividers, a drawer insert may be monolithically formed (e.g., molded, etc.) along with one or more partitions or dividers as a single component structure. In which case, the integral partitions or dividers would not need to be separately attached to the drawer insert. In embodiments in which a drawer insert includes one or more removable partitions or dividers, the removable partitions or dividers may include tabs configured to be engagingly received within openings of the drawer insert. Alternative embodiments, however, can include one or more removable partitions or dividers removably attached to a drawer insert using other suitable means, such as magnets, snaps, Velcro, etc. In embodiments in which a drawer insert includes one or more fixedly attached partitions or dividers, various means can be employed for fixedly attaching the partitions or dividers to a drawer insert, including adhesives, mechanical fasteners, etc.
A drawer insert or organizer of the present disclosure can include partitions and dividers at various locations. The particular location, number of, configuration, and method by which a drawer insert is provided with partitions or dividers can vary depending, for example, on the particular application. Some embodiments provide a plurality of interchangeable partitions and dividers with different configurations such that the user can select which particular partitions and dividers to use with a drawer insert. In such embodiments, a user can remove an existing partition or divider from an insert (if there is one) and then removably attach another partition or divider to the drawer insert.
In the illustrated embodiment of
In addition (or as an alternative) to trays with partitions or dividers, the base portion may also be provided with one or more partitions or dividers. For example,
Further embodiments can include drawer inserts having more or less partitions and/or partitions in different configurations (e.g., differently sized, spaced, oriented, arranged, etc.) than what is shown in the figures. In such alternative embodiments, the partitions or dividers may be integral, removable or fixedly attached to a drawer insert. The partitions or dividers can also define more or less compartments and/or compartments in different configurations (e.g., differently sized, spaced, oriented, arranged, etc.) than what is shown in the figures.
A wide range of materials may be used for the components of the various drawer inserts and organizers of the present disclosure, and the same material need not be used for each component. In some embodiments, a drawer insert and its components are all made from a “dishwasher-safe” material. Exemplary “dishwasher-safe” materials include plastic, among others.
A wide range of manufacturing processes can be employed for making the components of the various drawer inserts and organizers of the present disclosure, and the same manufacturing process need not be used for each component. Exemplary manufacturing processes include cutting, injection molding, etc.
Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to kits including components capable of being assembled into a drawer insert or organizer (e.g., 100, etc). Other aspects relate to methods that generally include receiving such a kit, and assembling the components within the kit into a drawer insert (e.g., 100). In some embodiments, a kit can include a plurality of interchangeable components (e.g., different trays, different links, different partitions or dividers, etc.), such that the user can select certain components and then tailor the assembly of the drawer insert for a particular application.
By way of example only, various embodiments provide kits that include base portions (e.g., 104, etc.), links (e.g., 144, etc.), trays (e.g., 136, 140, etc.), and removable partitions or dividers (e.g., 184, 190, 192, etc.). In some embodiments, the kits can also include a plurality of interchangeable trays, interchangeable links, and/or interchangeable partitions or dividers with different configurations, whereby the user can select which trays, links, and/or partitions/dividers to use with a drawer insert. Accordingly, various aspects of the present disclosure recognize benefits for drawer inserts and organizers to be sold as a kit for customized assembly by the end-user.
Additional aspects of the present disclosure relate to kits and/or methods in which there are provided differently sized drawer inserts that do not have any sliding expandable/collapsible features such that each drawer insert's width and length are fixed. Accordingly, a user can select from these differently sized drawer inserts the particular drawer insert having the most suitable size for the particular drawer (or other location) in which the drawer insert will be used.
Certain terminology is used herein for purposes of reference only, and thus is not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “above”, and “below” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “front”, “back”, “rear”, “bottom” and “side”, describe the orientation of portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Similarly, the terms “first”, “second” and other such numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.
When introducing elements or features of the present disclosure and the exemplary embodiments, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of such elements or features. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements or features other than those specifically noted. It is further to be understood that the method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order or performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
The description of the disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
Claims
1. An apparatus for use within a sliding drawer, the apparatus comprising:
- a base including at least one storage compartment;
- at least one tray including at least one storage compartment; and
- at least one link coupling the tray to the base such that the tray is pivotably moveable relative to the base between at least a stowed position and a deployed position with the tray remaining generally horizontal relative to the base;
- the apparatus configured relative to the sliding drawer and structure supporting the sliding drawer so as to not interfere with the sliding operation of the drawer when the apparatus is positioned within the sliding drawer and the tray is in the stowed position.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the link is removably attached to the base and the tray.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the link includes resilient finger portions having protuberances configured to be engaged within corresponding openings of the base and the tray.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one link includes at least a first pair of links coupling a forward portion of the tray to the base, and a second pair of links coupling a rearward portion of the tray to the base.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base includes at least one slidably adjustable portion that allows selective adjustment to a size of the base.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the link couples the tray to the slidably adjustable portion.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the base includes at least two slidably adjustable side portions for allowing a width of the base to be selectively adjusted for frictionally engaging sidewalls of the drawer for inhibiting movement of the apparatus relative to the drawer independent of mechanical fasteners.
8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the base includes at least one slot along at least a portion thereof, and at least one sliding member configured to be slidably received within the at least one slot, whereby engagement of the at least one sliding member within the at least one slot helps guide the sliding movement of the at least one slidably adjustable portion.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one slot comprises at least one dovetail slot, and wherein the at least one sliding member comprises at least one dovetail.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the base includes a bottom surface, wherein the at least one sliding member is disposed along at least a portion of the bottom surface of the base, and wherein the at least one slot is disposed along at least a portion of the at least one slidably adjustable portion.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one tray includes first and second trays coupled by links to the base such that each said tray is pivotably moveable relative to the base between at least a stowed position and a deployed position, and wherein the first and second trays are generally opposite one another and have generally opposite directions of pivotal rotation when moving between their respective stowed and deployed positions.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tray has a range of pivotal motion relative to the base greater than about ninety degrees.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the axis of pivotal motion of the tray is generally parallel with a slide plane of the drawer.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tray in the stowed position is laterally disposed within a footprint of the base, and wherein at least a portion of the tray in the deployed position is at least partially disposed laterally outside the footprint of the base.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured relative to the sliding drawer and structure supporting such that, when the apparatus is positioned within the sliding drawer and the tray is deployed, at least a portion of the tray is laterally disposed outside a footprint of the drawer and vertically disposed at a height above a top edge portion of the drawer.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one partition removably attachable to at least one of the base and the tray.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one mounting clip having at least one fastener hole and at least one protuberance removably engaged within at least one opening of the base.
18. An apparatus for use within a sliding drawer, the apparatus comprising:
- a base including first and second slidably adjustable side portions that allow selective adjustment to a width of the base;
- a first tray coupled to the first slidably adjustable side portion for pivotal movement relative to the base between at least a stowed position and a deployed position;
- a second tray coupled to the second slidably adjustable side portion for pivotal movement relative to the base between at least a stowed position and a deployed position;
- the first and second trays being generally opposite one another and having generally opposite directions of pivotal rotation when moving between their respective stowed and deployed positions.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first and second slidably adjustable side portions allow the base's width to be selectively tailored for frictionally engaging sidewalls of the drawer for inhibiting movement of the apparatus relative to the drawer independent of mechanical fasteners.
20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the base and the first and second trays are configured relative to the sliding drawer and structure supporting the sliding drawer so as to not interfere with the normal sliding operation of the drawer when the apparatus is positioned within the sliding drawer and the first and second trays are in their respective stowed positions.
21. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising:
- a first pair of links pivotably coupling a forward portion of the first tray to the first slidably adjustable side portion;
- a second pair of links pivotably coupling a rearward portion of the first tray to the first slidably adjustable side portion;
- a third pair of links pivotably coupling a forward portion of the second tray to the second slidably adjustable side portion; and
- a fourth pair of links pivotably coupling a rearward portion of the second tray to the second slidably adjustable side portion.
22. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein each of the first and second trays has a range of pivotal motion relative to the base greater than about ninety degrees, and wherein the axis of pivotal motion of each of the first and second trays is generally parallel with a slide plane of the drawer.
23. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the base includes at least one slot along at least a portion thereof, and at least one sliding member configured to be slidably received within the at least one slot, whereby engagement of the at least one sliding member within the at least one slot helps guide the sliding movement of at least one of the first and second slidably adjustable portions.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the at least one slot comprises at least one dovetail slot, and wherein the at least one sliding member comprises at least one dovetail.
25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the base includes a bottom surface, wherein the at least one sliding member is disposed along at least a portion of the bottom surface, and wherein the at least one slot includes a first slot disposed along at least a portion of the first slidably adjustable portion, and a second slot disposed along at least a portion of the second slidably adjustable portion, whereby engagement of the at least one sliding member within the first and second slot helps guide the sliding movement of the first and second slidably adjustable portions relative to the bottom surface of the base.
26. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising at least one mounting clip having at least one fastener hole and at least one protuberance removably engaged within at least one opening of the base.
27. A method for improving organization within a drawer with an organizer having a plurality of compartments, the organizer including a base having at least one slidably adjustable portion, and at least one tray coupled to the base for pivotal movement relative to the base between at least a stowed position and a deployed position, the method comprising:
- selectively adjusting the size of the organizer to more closely correspond with the drawer's size by sliding the at least one slidably adjustable portion relative to another portion of the base;
- positioning the organizer within the opened drawer to thereby make the organizer's plurality of compartments available for storing items within the drawer; and
- closing the drawer when the tray is in the stowed position.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the base includes at least one storage compartment at least partially concealed by the at least one tray when the at least one tray is in the stowed position, and wherein the method further includes moving the at least one tray to the deployed position to gain access to the storage compartment of the base.
29. The method of claim 27, wherein the method includes sliding the at least one slidably adjust portion to selective tailor the organizer's size for forming an interference fit between the organizer and at least two of the drawer's sidewalls when the organizer is positioned within the drawer, the interference fit inhibiting movement of the organizer relative to the drawer independent of mechanical fasteners.
30. The method of claim 27, wherein the base includes at least one slot along at least a portion thereof, and at least one sliding member configured to be slidably received within the at least one slot, and wherein sliding of the at least one slidably adjustable portion relative to another portion of the base includes sliding the at least one sliding member within the at least one slot.
31. The method of claim 27, further comprising attaching the organizer to the drawer using at least one mounting clip engaged to the organizer, and at least one fastener positioned through at least one fastener hole defined of the at least one mounting clip.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 27, 2006
Publication Date: Jul 12, 2007
Inventors: Julio Fernandez (Dunnellon, FL), Michelle Coates (Ocala, FL)
Application Number: 11/363,229
International Classification: A47B 88/00 (20060101);