Drawer Assembly for a Cabinet
A drawer assembly adapted to be selectively received within a housing is provided. The drawer assembly comprises a drawer frame, a slide member, and a clip. The drawer frame includes at least one side section, the at least one side section having an elongated slot defined therein. The slide member includes a slide tab having a lock slot defined therein. The clip includes a locking tab. The slide tab is positioned within the elongated slot, wherein the clip is positioned between the slide tab and the at least one side section. The locking tab is positioned within the lock slot so that the slide member is slidably coupled with the at least one side section of the drawer frame.
This is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/554,177, filed Oct. 21, 2005, which was the National Stage of International Application No. PCT/US2004/012555, filed Apr. 23, 2004, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/464,699, filed on Apr. 23, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to a drawer assembly for a cabinet. More particularly, the invention relates to a fire resistant stackable vertical file cabinet having fully extendable drawers that reduce the amount of binding and scraping that occurs within the cabinet, and which is easy to install.
Vertical file cabinets typically include a plurality of individual cabinet housings which open at the front so as to receive a plurality of file drawers therein in a vertically stacked arrangement. Such cabinets are well known and typically use fasteners such as screws or other connection methods to assemble the individual cabinet housings to one another to form a vertical cabinet assembly.
However, existing vertical file cabinets have a number of drawbacks and deficiencies. For instance, the use of screws or similar fasteners to secure each file cabinet to one another to form a vertical file cabinet can be difficult and time consuming. In addition, the use of screws or similar fasteners makes it difficult and inconvenient to rearrange or customize the configuration of the cabinets to suit the needs of a user.
Existing vertical file cabinets also include drawers that are slidably positioned within the drawer housing by guide tracks that run on rollers or ball bearings. Also, the drawer assembly itself is made up of a number of parts that are assembled through the use of various tools and fasteners. The use of rollers and ball bearings and the need to use tools and fasteners to assemble the drawer assembly increases manufacturing time and cost.
Additionally, locking mechanisms used on file cabinets have a tendency to lose their ability to secure the file cabinet when exposed to fire. In particular, exposing the lock to increased temperatures causes the lock components to either melt or lose their structural integrity so that the cabinet drawer may be opened without regard to the locking mechanism.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a drawer assembly that minimizes the use of tools and fasteners to reduce manufacturing time and cost. The present invention fills these needs as well as other needs.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn order to overcome the above stated problems and limitations there is provided a drawer assembly adapted to be selectively received within a housing. The drawer assembly comprises a drawer frame, a front drawer assembly, first and second slide members, and first and second clips. The drawer frame includes a front section, first and second side sections coupled with the front section, and a back section coupled with the first and second side sections. The first side section has a first drawer track protruding outwardly therefrom, and the second side section has a second drawer track protruding outwardly therefrom, wherein each of the first and second drawer tracks have an elongated slot defined therein. The front drawer assembly is coupled with the front section. The first slide member includes a first slide tab having a first lock slot defined therein, and the second slide member includes a second slide tab having a second lock slot defined therein. The first clip includes a first locking tab, and the second clip includes a second locking tab. The first slide tab is positioned within the elongated slot defined in the first drawer track, wherein the first clip is positioned between the first slide tab and the first drawer track. The first locking tab is positioned within the first lock slot so that the first slide member is slidably coupled with the first side section of the drawer frame. The second slide tab is positioned within the elongated slot defined in the second drawer track, wherein the second clip is positioned between the second slide tab and the second drawer track. The second locking tab is positioned within the second lock slot so that the second first slide member is slidably coupled with the second side section of the drawer frame.
In addition, at least one of the first and second clips may include a flange member and an engaging portion, wherein the locking tab protrudes from the engaging portion. Further, the flange member may be positioned perpendicular relative to the engaging portion, and a brace may extend between the flange member and the engaging portion. Furthermore, at least one of the first and second slide members may include an upper surface having a slot defined therein, wherein an upper extrusion is positioned within the slot defined in the upper surface so that the upper extrusion is in sliding contact with the respective drawer track. Also, at least one of the first and second slide members may include a lower surface having a slot defined therein, wherein a lower extrusion is positioned within the slot defined in the lower surface so that the lower extrusion is in sliding contact with the respective drawer track.
Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will in part become apparent to those in the practice of the invention, when considered with the attached figures.
The accompanying drawings form a part of this specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith, wherein like reference numerals are employed to indicate like parts in the various views, and wherein:
Referring now to the drawings in detail, and initially to
The inner perimeter or peripheral edge of sidewall 13a of base 13 is slightly larger than the outer perimeter or peripheral edge of top surface 14 to allow for a secure fit between upper and lower file cabinet 11, 12. In particular, sidewall 13a includes a top edge 15 and a bottom edge 16, wherein the distance between top edge 15 and bottom edge 16 may be equal to or less than the distance between a top surface 17 of lower file cabinet 12 and a top edge 18a of a drawer opening 18. The spacing between top surface 17 and upper edge 18 of a drawer opening allows for maximum overlap between base 13 and top surface 14 without prohibiting the opening of a drawer assembly 19. Additionally, as best seen in
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In order to securely attach side sections 24, 25 to base 13, each of the tabs 26 are placed into their respective slots 28 on base 13. As best seen in
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To further secure interior casing 23 to base 13, interior casing 23 is placed on top surface 35 of back end 34 of base 13, and then slid forward toward the front end 33 of base 13. When front side 31 of interior casing 23 converges with front end 33 of top surface 35 of base 13, it engages lip 36 that is attached to and extends from base 13. Specifically, lip 36 extends upwardly from top surface 35 and bends at approximately a right angle towards back end 34 of base 13. Lip 36 shall serve to secure interior casing 23 to base 13.
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The assembly of the rear shell portion 22 is completed by inserting tabs 38 into slots 41 and aligning mounting holes 39 with mounting holes 41. Additionally, mounting holes 45 of the rear shell portion 22 are aligned with mounting holes 44 on recessed surface 42. Screws (not shown) or any suitable fasteners may be used to secure the rear shell portion 22 to upper shell portion 21 by using the aforementioned mounting holes.
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In addition to serving to secure drawer frame 54 to the two slide members 50a, 50b, plastic clips 63a, 63b assure that the metal slide tabs 61a, 61b do not contact the metal from drawer assembly 19 when the drawer is opened. Additionally, to further minimize contact between the metal surfaces of sidewalls 53a, 53b and slide members 50a, 50b, upper extrusions 71, and lower extrusions 69 may be added to upper surfaces 57a, 57b and lower surfaces 58a, 58b of slide members 50a, 50b, respectively.
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As best seen in FIGS. 9 and 17-21, a front drawer assembly 54a includes a drawer front 76, a blow molded drawer head 77, an escutcheon plate 78, and a locking mechanism 79. As will be described below, front drawer assembly 54a may be assembled without tools or fasteners thereby reducing assembly costs. In particular, as best seen in
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In the event that the file cabinet is subjected to fire or extreme heat, sheet metal elements, such as ledge 83, may become damaged and be unable to serve as a stop for the cam. In such an event, drawer assembly 19 of file cabinet 10 will remain secure. In particular, upon attempting to open the drawer assembly 19, ledge 112 (
The present invention overcomes and ameliorates the drawbacks and deficiencies in the prior art. Specifically, the multi-drawer file cabinet of the present invention provides fire-resistance and allows a plurality of file cabinets to be securely stacked upon one another without requiring additional fastening members. In addition, the present invention includes at least one rubber bumper or washer positioned between upper and lower file cabinets to prohibit the fastening members from damaging the top surface of the lower file cabinet. Furthermore, the present invention allows two stacked panels to fit under a standard size top.
The present invention also includes a unique full extension, inexpensive drawer assembly. At least one anti-scrape polymeric guide extrusion is located at the outer ends of the channels in order to reduce binding and scraping of the slide channels with other portions of the drawer assembly and the interior casing. The drawer assembly allows for easy installation and does not utilize rollers or bearings. To reduce assembly costs, the entire front drawer assembly can be assembled without tools or fasteners. Furthermore, the present invention includes a unique lock assembly that retains the drawer assembly in a locked position even if the drawer front or drawer assembly sustains fire damage.
Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.
All features disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, and all the steps in any method or process disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
Claims
1. A drawer assembly adapted to be selectively received within a housing, the drawer assembly comprising:
- a drawer frame including a front section, first and second side sections coupled with said front section, and a back section coupled with said first and second side sections, said first side section having a first drawer track protruding outwardly therefrom, and said second side section having a second drawer track protruding outwardly therefrom, each of said first and second drawer tracks having an elongated slot defined therein;
- a front drawer assembly coupled with said front section;
- a first slide member including a first slide tab, said first slide tab having a first lock slot defined therein;
- a second slide member including a second slide tab, said second slide tab having a second lock slot defined therein;
- a first clip including a first locking tab; and
- a second clip including a second locking tab,
- wherein said first slide tab is positioned within said elongated slot defined in said first drawer track, wherein said first clip is positioned between said first slide tab and said first drawer track, and wherein said first locking tab is positioned within said first lock slot so that said first slide member is slidably coupled with said first side section of said drawer frame, and
- wherein said second slide tab is positioned within said elongated slot defined in said second drawer track, wherein said second clip is positioned between said second slide tab and said second drawer track, and wherein said second locking tab is positioned within said second lock slot so that said second slide member is slidably coupled with said second side section of said drawer frame.
2. A drawer assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second slide members include a protruding stop.
3. A drawer assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first and second slide members are attached by a rear rail.
4. A drawer assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first drawer track is integrally formed with said first side section, and wherein said second drawer track is integrally formed with said second side section.
5. A drawer assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second clips is formed of a plastic material.
6. A drawer assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second clips includes a flange member and an engaging portion, wherein said locking tab protrudes from said engaging portion.
7. A drawer assembly in accordance with claim 6, wherein said flange member is positioned perpendicular relative to said engaging portion.
8. A drawer assembly in accordance with claim 6, wherein a brace extends between said flange member and said engaging portion.
9. A drawer assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second slide members includes an upper surface having a slot defined therein, and wherein an upper extrusion is positioned within said slot defined in said upper surface so that said upper extrusion is in sliding contact with said respective drawer track.
10. A drawer assembly in accordance with claim 9, wherein said upper extrusion is one of H-shaped or C-shaped.
11. A drawer assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second slide members includes a lower surface having a slot defined therein, and wherein a lower extrusion is positioned within said slot defined in said lower surface so that said lower extrusion in sliding contact with said respective drawer track.
12. A drawer assembly in accordance with claim 11, wherein said lower extrusion is one of H-shaped or C-shaped.
13. A drawer assembly adapted to be selectively received within a housing, the drawer assembly comprising:
- a drawer frame including at least one side section, said at least one side section having an elongated slot defined therein;
- a slide member including a slide tab, said slide tab having a lock slot defined therein; and
- a clip including a locking tab;
- wherein said slide tab is positioned within said elongated slot, wherein said clip is positioned between said slide tab and said at least one side section, and wherein said locking tab is positioned within said lock slot so that said slide member is slidably coupled with said at least one side section of said drawer frame.
14. A drawer assembly in accordance with claim 13, wherein said drawer frame includes a drawer track that protrudes outwardly therefrom, and wherein said elongated slot is defined in said drawer track.
15. A drawer assembly in accordance with claim 14, wherein said slide member includes an upper surface having a slot defined therein, and wherein an upper extrusion is positioned within said slot defined in said upper surface and is in sliding contact with said drawer track.
16. A drawer assembly in accordance with claim 15, wherein said upper extrusion is one of H-shaped or C-shaped.
17. A drawer assembly in accordance with claim 14, wherein said slide member includes a lower surface having a slot defined therein, and wherein a lower extrusion is positioned within said slot defined in said lower surface and in sliding contact with said drawer track.
18. A drawer assembly in accordance with claim 17, wherein said lower extrusion is one of H-shaped or C-shaped.
19. A drawer assembly in accordance with claim 13, wherein said clip is formed of a plastic material.
20. A drawer assembly in accordance with claim 13, wherein said clip includes a flange member and an engaging portion, wherein said locking tab protrudes from said engaging portion.
21. A drawer assembly in accordance with claim 20, wherein said flange member is positioned perpendicular relative to said engaging portion.
22. A drawer assembly in accordance with claim 20, wherein a brace extends between said flange member and said engaging portion.
23. A file cabinet comprising:
- a housing having an interior compartment accessible through an opening defined in said housing, said interior compartment having first and second sidewalls, each of said first and second sidewalls having a pair of outer tracks integrally defined therein, each of said first and second outer tracks including an inner groove and an outer groove; and
- a drawer assembly including a front drawer assembly, a frame, a first slide member, and a second slide member, said first and second slide members being slidably coupled to said frame, said first slide member positioned within said outer track of said first sidewall, said second slide member positioned within said outer track of said second sidewall, wherein each of said first and second slide members have a stop extending therefrom, wherein said stop on said first slide member extends into said inner groove of said first sidewall, and wherein said stop on said second slide member extends into said inner groove of said second sidewall, whereby said drawer assembly is slidably received within said housing.
24. A file cabinet in accordance with claim 23, wherein first and second drawer tracks extend from said frame, each of said first and second drawer tracks having an elongated slot defined therein, wherein each of said first and second slide members include slide tabs, wherein said slide tab on said first slide member extends into said elongated slot formed in said first drawer track, and wherein said slide tab on said second slide member extends into said elongated slot formed in said second drawer track.
25. A file cabinet in accordance with claim 24, wherein each of said first and second slide tabs have a lock slot formed therein, the drawer assembly further comprising first and second clips, each of said first and second clips having a locking tab extending therefrom, wherein said locking tab on said first clip is positioned within said lock slot formed in said first slide tab, and wherein said locking tab on said second clip is positioned within said lock slot formed in said second slide tab.
26. A file cabinet in accordance with claim 25, wherein at least one of said first and second clips is formed of plastic material.
27. A file cabinet in accordance with claim 24, wherein at least one of said first and second slide members includes an upper surface having a slot defined therein, and wherein an upper extrusion is positioned within said slot defined in said upper surface so that said upper extrusion is in sliding contact with said respective drawer track.
28. A file cabinet in accordance with claim 24, wherein at least one of said first and second slide members includes a lower surface having a slot defined therein, and wherein a lower extrusion is positioned within said slot defined in said lower surface so that said lower extrusion is in sliding contact with said respective drawer track.
Type: Application
Filed: May 4, 2010
Publication Date: Aug 26, 2010
Inventors: David A. Nowicky (Fairport, NY), Kelvin H. Wildman (Honeoye Falls, NY)
Application Number: 12/773,132
International Classification: A47B 88/16 (20060101); A47B 88/04 (20060101); A47B 88/20 (20060101);