MODULAR STORAGE AND ORGANIZATION SYSTEM FOR EXISTING CABINETS

Abstract

A storage and organization system is provided for customizing existing cabinets, such as kitchen, bathroom, pantry and/or garage cabinets. The system includes differently-sized stationary bases, pullouts, and accessories constructed to fit closely into any of many differently-sized storage spaces for optimal efficiency and maximum capacity, while providing customized functional support. The pullouts slidably extend from track extensions on the stationary bases, and allow side access and top access to selected accessories. The accessories are adjustably mounted on the pullouts for optimal position and function. Components are pre-constructed so that consumers can select and install a system with ease, while still meeting their needs and preferences.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/543,435, entitled “MODULAR STORAGE AND ORGANIZATION SYSTEM FOR EXISTING CABINETS,” filed on Oct. 5, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to storage and organizing systems flexibly adapted for use in existing cabinets to provide greatly improved storage, organization and visual access within the existing cabinets, yet without having to replace or modify the existing cabinets themselves.

Most existing cabinetry is not customized to meet particular needs and/or preferences of a user, unless perhaps the user is the original home owner (or original cabinet purchaser) and is able to select specifically what they want. Nor is existing cabinetry designed to be flexible enough to adapt to a user's changing life style and changing needs. This is problematic because when people buy an existing home, or when people's lives change with age, they are forced to work within the capabilities and idiosyncrasies of the existing cabinetry, rather than allowing them to adjust the cabinetry to meet the needs of their changed life style.

Storage and organization are difficult problems. While cabinets are made to be aesthetic and visually appealing, they are often not optimally suited for good, organized storage, especially when there are space and logistical constraints and limitations in an existing building structure. Further, cabinets are usually not designed for dense storage, which often results in poor use of existing space and/or in significant wasted space. For example, kitchen and pantry drawers/shelves are often filled with randomly arranged “piles” of kitchen utensils, food flavorings, cans of foods, and other kitchen-related items, the combination of which makes it difficult to find and retrieve a particular utensil or item from the storage area. Similarly, desk drawers are often filled with items randomly thrown into the drawer without means for keeping them organized.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a storage and organization system is provided for customizing existing cabinets, where the existing cabinets define differently-sized storage spaces with at least two differently-sized standardized access openings. The system includes differently-sized first and second stationary bases constructed to fit into an associated one of the differently-sized storage spaces, each base including attachment structure for bottom mounting to the associated cabinet and including spaced-apart track extensions located to extend through an associated one of the standardized access openings, but with a widest spaced one of the track extensions not being able to fit through a narrowest one of the standardized access openings. The system further includes first and second accessory-supporting pullouts configured to slidably engage the spaced-apart track extensions of the first and second stationary bases, respectively, and constructed to fit through and extend from the associated access opening of the existing cabinets, the pullouts being movable between an extended position for side access and a retracted position for storage. The system still further includes a plurality of different accessories selectively attachable to the pullouts to provide different functions on the pullouts.

In a narrower form, the pullout includes at least two vertical structural panels positioned on front and rear ends of the pullouts, such that the pullout defines side access.

In another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus includes a combination of a standardized cabinet and a storage-and-organization system adapted to be inserted into the standardized cabinet for organizing and customizing the standardized cabinet. The standardized cabinet has a defined storage space and defined access opening. The storage and organization system comprises a stationary base adapted to fit within and be attached to the existing cabinet and a pullout, the pullout engaging the stationary base for movement between an extended position for access and a retracted position within the standardized cabinet for storage. The pullout includes front and rear spaced-apart vertical structural panels each having vertically-spaced horizontally-aligned pairs of attachment sites on inboard surfaces and including horizontal braces rigidly connecting the vertical structural panels to define laterally-accessible openings and further includes at least one shelf selectively attached to the attachment sites and supported by the vertical structural panels.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method for customizing an existing cabinet comprises measuring dimensions of an existing cabinet including dimensions of an access opening into the cabinet, selecting a stationary base from a plurality of different sized bases, and installing the selected base in a bottom of the existing cabinet, selecting an accessory-supporting pullout from a plurality of different pullouts and installing the selected pullout on the selected base for movement between an extended position for access and a retracted position for storage, the selected pullout including at least two vertical structural panels, and selecting a functional accessory from a plurality of accessory components and installing the selected functional accessory on the pullout, the functional accessory being designed to organize and provide customized storage and holding functions.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method for customizing an existing cabinet having a main space and having an access opening with a width dimension and a height dimension comprises installing a base in a bottom of the existing cabinet, the base including track extensions, and selecting an accessory-supporting pullout from a plurality of different pullouts, each different pullout having a different structure for providing a different set of functions, where the selected pullout is constructed to closely fit into the width and height dimensions of the access opening and constructed to fit within the main space of the existing cabinet for storage, operably installing the selected pullout on the track extensions of the base for movement between retracted and extended positions, and selecting accessories to support a desired functional need and installing the selected accessories on the selected pullout.

Other aspects of the present invention include the ornamental appearance of various configurations.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-1A are perspective views of a flexible storage and organization system mounted in an existing kitchen cabinet embodying the present invention, FIG. 1 showing the system installed in and stored within the existing cabinet but with the existing cabinet's door opened to show an outer front end of a pullout installed on a base, and FIG. 1A showing the pullout extending from the cabinet for access.

FIGS. 1B-1C are perspective and exploded perspective views of the system of FIGS. 1-1A, and FIGS. 1D-1F are an end view and cross sectional views taken through FIG. 1B.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the flexible storage and organization system of FIG. 1 but where a modified pullout includes only two (not three) vertical structural panels, and FIG. 2A is an exploded view of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a modified pullout of the flexible storage and organization system.

FIG. 4 is a chart showing different bases, different pullouts, and different accessory units that can be selectively assembled to support different functional activities/needs.

FIGS. 4A-4UU are perspective views of modified versions of the present storage and organization system, each using the base best shown in FIGS. 2-3, and one of the pullouts best shown in FIGS. 1C and 2A, and including different arrangements of accessories to support different functional needs and preferences of a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A storage and organization system is provided for customizing existing cabinets and storage areas, primarily for kitchen storage areas, but also adaptable for bathroom, patio, work area, and/or garage cabinets and storage areas. The system includes differently-sized multi-functional stationary bases, pullouts, and accessories constructed so that a set can be selected to fit closely into any of many different-but-standard-sized storage spaces for optimal efficiency and maximum capacity, while providing customized functional support for a user and while satisfying the user's personal preferences. The pullouts slidably extend from track extensions on the stationary bases, allowing (visual and physical) side access and top access to selected accessories and stored items. Some accessories are adjustably mounted on structural panels of the pullouts for optimal position and function. Components are pre-constructed so that consumers can select and install a system with ease, while still meeting their customization needs and preferences. The illustrated pullout frames are made primarily of wood or wood product, such as ⅝″ wooden board or wood product, though it is contemplated that alternative materials can be used.

As noted, the plurality of differently sized bases are constructed to fit within and be attached to a bottom of particularly sized existing cabinets with standardized opening sizes, as are found in most kitchen and preassembled cabinet systems. Installation is relatively easy. After measuring and selecting a system, a selected base can be attached to the existing cabinet by screws or fasteners run vertically downwardly into a bottom of the existing cabinets. Alternatively, brackets and/or adhesive can be used if desired. The bases include spaced apart track extensions, such as drawer glides commonly used in desks and furniture for supporting movement between an extended position for access and a retracted position for storage. The illustrated glides are three-telescoping-section extensions, allowing the pullouts to be substantially completely pulled out of the existing cabinet for greatest access.

The plurality of differently sized pullouts are constructed to fit within a main space of an associated one of the existing cabinets. Each of the illustrated pullouts include at least two vertical structural panels, and sometimes three vertical structural panels, each with horizontally aligned pairs of attachment sites positioned in spaced vertical positions. However, it is contemplated that versions can be constructed that include only a single (or no) vertical structural panel. The illustrated pullouts include two or more panels rigidly supported in their upright positions by horizontal cross braces; at upper corners, the cross braces abutting inside surfaces of the panels to hold them rigidly and squarely in place. The illustrated cross braces are secured by pairs of screws extended through predrilled holes in the panels and that extend into holes longitudinally drilled into ends of the cross braces, but it is contemplated that the cross braces and vertical support panels can be secured and braced in various ways, depending on functional considerations, such as, a combined weight of the pullout and accessory, torque and functional/durability requirements of the system in particular applications, and the like.

A plurality of accessories are attachable to a selected one or more of the pairs of vertically-spaced attachment sites (holes) on the upright structural panels, allowing adjustable installation at different heights. It is contemplated that the accessory components could include an infinite variety of possibilities, and accordingly, the present illustrated list is not intended to be unnecessarily limiting. For example, FIGS. 1-1F illustrate a pullout including three structural panels with a raised half shelf and short tray accessory, FIGS. 2-2A illustrate a pullout including two structural panels with a raised wide shelf with cutting board and knife storage accessory, FIG. 3 illustrates a pullout with three structural panels supporting a raised half shelf but with a long (full-length) tray having adjustable dividers, and FIGS. 4-4U illustrate additional accessory arrangements.

Specifically, the illustrated existing cabinet 30 (FIG. 1-1A) includes a cabinet structure 31 defining an access opening 32 with vertical and horizontal dimensions, and includes an aesthetic panel 33 hinged to the existing cabinet structure 31 for movement as a door closure for covering/closing the opening 32 (see FIG. 1). It is noted that the access opening 32 can extend vertically upwardly to a bottom of a countertop or to a lesser distance to accommodate a drawer or other structure within and around the existing cabinet structure 31. Also, the access opening 32 extends horizontally a distance as appropriate for the particular kitchen or environment where it is located. Significantly, most cabinets are standardized to take advantage of mass production and for aesthetic and functional reasons. However, many existing cabinets are simply empty enclosures, providing little or nothing more than hidden storage.

The illustrated storage and organization system 50 in FIGS. 1 and 1A includes a base 51 with spaced track extensions 52 (such as drawer glides commonly used in desks and furniture), and a pullout 53 (also called a “pullout support frame” herein) slidably engaging the track extensions 52 for horizontal movement (and for cantilevered support when extended). The pullout 53 is configured to support a plurality of different accessories mounted in or on the pullout 53. The particular accessories in FIG. 1 include a mid-level half shelf 58 and a top-resting tray 60. FIGS. 1D-1F discloses a relationship of components from an end view, including the base 51, the track extensions 52, the pullout 53 with vertical structural panels 54 and attachment sites 57, and the mid-level shelf 58.

The illustrated pullout 53 of FIG. 1A includes three spaced upright (vertical) structural panels 54 positioned in front (outer end), intermediate, and rear (inner end) positions on a bottom panel 52′. The bottom panel 52′ is attached to an outer end section of the track extensions 52, and is attached to a bottom of the existing cabinets by known means, such as by screws or mechanical fasteners. Horizontal braces 55 engage upper right and upper left corners of the structural panels 54 (whether there are two or three such structural panels), rigidly holding the structural panels 54 in upright positions. The illustrated beam-like braces 55 are secured by screws extended through predrilled holes in the panels 54 and that extend into holes longitudinally drilled into ends of the braces 55. Where desired, the longitudinal holes in the braces 55 can include inserts made of strong material, such as plastic or metal, intended to reduce splitting of the braces 55. The holes in the structural panels 54 are preferably covered by plugs for aesthetic reasons, though it is contemplated that plugs can potentially be eliminated, such as by using aesthetically-headed screws.

The structural panels 54 (FIG. 1A) include aligned pairs of holes 57 (also called “attachment sites”) forming vertically-spaced attachment sites on their inboard surfaces for supporting accessories, such as the illustrated raised half shelf panel 58. The attachment sites 57 can be uniformly spaced, or more preferably are spaced more densely near a top of the structural panels 54 and spaced farther apart at lower locations for functional reasons. The shelf panel 58 can be supported at a selected vertical position for customization, with the attachment being by pegs or screws selectively positioned in the attachment sites and protruding from the attachment sites (holes) for engagement with the shelf. The shelf can include bottom recesses (see FIG. 1F) to positively receive the (horizontally-extending) peg for a more positive securement. It is also contemplated that the shelf panel 58 itself can be mounted on track extensions (see FIGS. 4M-4N) for slidingly extending the shelf 58 laterally from between the vertical structural panels 54 for increased access. The illustrated shelf panel 58 (FIG. 1A) includes edge rails 59 made from a bent wire, where a section of the wire extends parallel to and a couple inches above the shelf's associated edge so that the rails 59 more securely retain cans and other items on the shelf panel 58. The structural panels 54 and braces 55 form up-facing openings.

A half-length tray 60 (FIG. 1A) is configured to fit into one of the upwardly-facing openings, with its perimeter panels supported on pegs extending from upper-most ones of the attachment sites. The illustrated tray 60 includes an inside groove 60′ on its end, permitting a user to grip and lift the tray 60 from its seated position within the pullout 53. It is contemplated that the tray 60 may not be configured to fit inside the up-facing opening, but instead it can alternatively be configured to rest on a top of the structural panels 54 and/or of the braces 55, such as by including a machined-in ledge or protruding fastener for engaging and supporting the tray 60 (instead of, or in addition to, using the attachment sites). Notably, a top edge of the front structural panel 54 includes a notch 54′ forming a finger-receiving hole letting a user grip and pull out the pullout 50 from a closed/retracted position. It is contemplated that the notch could instead be an opening located below a top edge of the structural panel 54 or could be another grippable structure for acting as a handle.

FIGS. 2-2A illustrate a modified pullout 53 having only two vertical structural panels 54 (one at each end of the pullout 53), a full-width raised shelf 62 with edge rails 59, a full-length tray 63, a butcher knife storage insert 64, and a butcher/cutting block 65. The tray 63 includes a bottom with grooved edges configured to stably, securely engage the top opening defined by the structural panels 54 and braces 55. The butcher block 65 includes side flanges 66 so that the block 65 nests in a stable position on the tray 63. Alternatively, the block 65 could be configured to fit matably into and engage the top opening defined by the tray 63 and insert 64 with slots and recess configured to store knives in a safe, parallel arrangement. As illustrated, a top of the butcher block 65 protrudes slightly above the top side edges of tray 63 and structural panels 54 and braces 55. It is noted that FIG. 2 illustrates the three sections of the track extensions 52, with an outer/front end section connected to the bottom panel 55′, and with an inner/rear end section connected to the base 51.

FIG. 3 illustrates a modified pullout 53 similar to the pullout 53 in FIG. 1A. However, this pullout 53 includes three structural panels 54 and an adjustable half shelf panel 58. Further, this pullout 53 includes a full length top tray 63 resting atop the pullout 53 and includes laterally adjustable dividers 68 that can be repositioned and engaged with slots 69 in the ends of the tray 63. The tray 63 further includes a bottom surface and ledge 70 shaped to fit into and matably engage the top opening. A bottom surface of the tray 63 can include a transverse recess to receive an upper edge of the intermediate structural panel 54 to prevent interference (such as when the tray fits downwardly into a top of the pullout 53), or the tray 63 can simply be configured to rest on or be located above the intermediate structural panel 54 (due to a height at which the tray 63 is supported). It is noted that an opening 71 is formed under the end of the tray, forming a finger hold to carry the tray.

FIG. 4 is a chart illustrating various forms of the present system 50. To use the present system, a customer first measures a size of the access opening and storage space within an existing cabinet. Then, the customer uses the chart to select the most appropriate storage and organizing system (50) that both fits into their existing cabinets, and also efficiently and most effectively satisfies their needs and preferences. In particular, the customer uses the information to select an appropriate base (51), pullout (53), and to select function-providing accessories. It is contemplated that the various pullouts and accessories can be provided as unassembled kits, partially assembled kits, or fully assembled modules, and further that they can be provided as bins of components selectable to put together a customized kit that fits into an existing cabinet to provide efficient customized function.

FIG. 4A illustrates the base 51 and two-panel pullout 53 (see FIGS. 2-2A). Mounted to the pullout 53 in FIG. 4A is a full-width raised shelf 62 with edge rails 59, with the base panel 55′ acting as a second (bottom) shelf. In FIG. 4A, an existing aesthetic panel 33 is used instead of a door (33) for closing the opening 32. In FIG. 4A, the existing cabinet 31 is mounted directed to a front of the front vertical structural panel 54 of the pullout 53. This can be done in different ways, such as by screws extending through the front structural panel 54 and/or by brackets and/or even by adhesive. FIG. 4AA illustrates a Z-shaped mounting bracket 94 that can be used to mount the aesthetic panel 33 securely to a front of the pullout 53. Specifically, the bracket 94 has a first aperture flange engaging an inside of the front vertical structural panel 54, and a second flange positioned to abut the inside surface of the aesthetic panel 33 when positioned against the front of the pullout 53. Alternatively, it is noted that it (or a similar bracket) can be used to mount a laterally-pivoting side door to the side of the pullout 53 (see FIG. 4I), with the hinge of the side door being attached to the outer flange on the bracket (94). The side door can be pivoted to abut a side of the pullout 53, or be sized to fit into the lateral opening defined by the vertical structural panels 54 and braces 55.

FIG. 4B illustrates the pullout from FIG. 4A, but includes the full-length tray 63 with a butcher knife storage insert 64 within the long tray 63. FIG. 4C illustrates the pullout from FIG. 1A including the pullout 53 but including the short tray 60. A universal tray insert 64 sets within the tray 60 for holding long items, such as silverware, or pens and pencils. FIG. 4D illustrates the pullout from FIG. 2, but the full length tray 60 does not include an insert, such that cans and other product can be positioned in the tray 60.

FIG. 4E illustrates the pullout from FIG. 2, and includes a butcher/cutting block 65 with notches 65′ in each end to provide a finger hold for lifting the block 65 out of and away from the pullout 53. FIG. 4F illustrates the pullout from FIG. 1A, and includes a half-sized butcher/cutting block 65.

FIG. 4G illustrates the pullout from FIG. 2, but includes two trays 60 with tray inserts 72 configured to hold eating utensils and cooking utensils.

FIG. 4H illustrates the pullout from FIG. 1, but includes a full length tray 63 for storing rolls of material, such as for wrapping cooked and/or baked foods.

FIGS. 4I-4T use the three-panel pullout 53 from FIG. 1, but include various accessories. It is noted that many of the present accessories can be used on either the two-panel or three-panel pullouts 53. For example, FIG. 4I discloses a removable side caddy 75 releasably attached to the intermediate structural panel 54, the caddy including a handle 76 attached to an up-facing hook 77 on the intermediate structural panel 54. The caddy includes a fenced shelf 78 for holding items such as bottles of cleaners 79 and the like. Also, FIG. 4I discloses a laterally-pivoted side door 81 (also called a “door panel”) attached to an edge of the front structural panel 54, the door panel 81 having a lock 82 for locking access to the side caddy 75 and also having a door-mounted small-bottle wire rack 83 for carrying various small-bottle items. (It is noted that in many circumstances, a door or closure panel will have to be provided on both sides of the pullout so that a person cannot access the pullout 53 from its (open) back side. Notably, a wire (or molded) rack 83 could be attached to the side door 81 and used to hold spices or medicine or the like, making it useful in many above-the-countertop cabinets and applications. The side door 81 can be mounted in different ways, such as by using typical door hinges or mounting brackets similar to the bracket 96 shown in FIG. 4UU. The bracket 96 is J-shaped, and includes a first flange for attachment to a brace 55 (see FIG. 4UU) or to the vertical structural panel 54 (see bracket 77 in FIG. 4I, or bracket 91 in FIG. 4K). The bracket 96 (FIG. 4UU) also includes a second perpendicular flange extending from the first flange, and an up-facing third flange for providing a hook or other structure for holding an accessory (or door) adjacent to the associated structural panel 54.

FIG. 4J discloses a double-shelf wire rack 85 attached to the intermediate structural panel 53 such as by screws, including vertical struts 86 screw-attached to the structural panel 54, a fenced top shelf 87, and a fenced bottom shelf 88, such as for holding large bottles and containers. FIG. 4K includes a wire mesh basket 90 held to the structural panel 54 of the pullout 53 by a hook 91 and a lip 92. Notably, the basket 90 can be made releasable from the hooks for carriage away from the pullout 53. See for example, the bracket 96 (FIG. 4II) which can be used as such a basket-retaining hook. FIG. 4L discloses a pair of bent-wire holders 93 adapted to hold a waste bin 94 in a stable position on the pullout 53. It is noted that the pullout 53 of FIG. 4L could be adapted to hold one or two trash bins 94 (i.e. with a bin 94 on either side of the intermediate structural panel 54.) FIG. 4M discloses a pullout 53 supporting two mid-level raised extendable half-shelf panels 95, each being supported on each side by tracks 96 for extension. The tracks 96 can be supported on the attachment sites/holes 57, or can be separately attached by fasteners or screws threaded directly into the associated vertical structural panel 54.

FIG. 4N discloses a pullout having a waste bin 94 on one side and a pullout shelf 95 on its other side. FIG. 4O discloses a first peg board 96 on the intermediate structural panel 53 with hooks 97 for holding various pans 98, and further includes a second peg board 96′ on a “rear” opposite side of the pullout 53, with hooks 97′ engaging the peg board 96′ for holding various cooking utensils 98′.

FIG. 4P discloses a pullout 53 adapted for organizing a desk or similar area. For example, the pullout 53 includes a fixed half shelf 100 with an (upright) media storage mail tray 101 and a (horizontal) multi-tier paper tray 102 below the shelf 100, and also with a multi-tier paper tray 103 (for holding paper or for holding an electrical device such as an iPad or other personal electronic device) and an electrical charging device 104 above the shelf 100. It is noted that the electrical charging device can include an electrical cord extending to an electrical plug inside or adjacent the existing cabinet, such as is often provided for under-sink drain disposals and/or in pantries or living rooms.

FIG. 4Q discloses an accessory for supporting activities associated with a liquor bar (such as an insulated cooling tub for holding ice for chilling wine) and a bottom shelf holding a wine-bottle opener, and FIGS. 4R-4S disclose accessories for supporting wine bottles, such as the bottle-engaging criss-cross lattice rack 107 of FIG. 4R, or the stemware rack 108 of FIG. 4R. Also FIG. 4T discloses a cooler or refrigerator 110 supported on a bottom shelf (i.e. on the base panel) and electrically connected to an outlet 111 that is in turn connected to a multi-outlet electrical power supply.

FIG. 4U discloses yet another accessory with a side rack 98 for holding baking equipment, such as a cupcake pan, rolls of aluminum sheet and of plastic sheet for covering baked items, and the like.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

Claims

1. A storage and organization system for customizing existing cabinets, where the existing cabinets define differently-sized storage spaces with at least two differently-sized standardized access openings, comprising:

differently-sized first and second stationary bases constructed to fit into an associated one of the differently-sized storage spaces and including attachment structure for bottom mounting to the associated cabinet and including spaced-apart track extensions located to extend through an associated one of the standardized access openings, but with a widest spaced one of the track extensions not being able to fit through a narrowest one of the standardized access openings;

first and second accessory-supporting pullouts configured to slidably engage the spaced-apart track extensions of the first and second stationary bases, respectively, and constructed to fit through and extend from the associated access opening of the existing cabinets, the pullouts being movable between an extended position for side access and a refracted position for storage; and

a plurality of different accessories selectively attachable to the pullouts to provide different functions on the pullouts.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the pullout includes at least two vertical structural panels positioned on front and rear ends of the pullouts.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the pullout includes at least two horizontal braces rigidly supporting the at least two vertical structural panels.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least two vertical structural panels include a third intermediate structural panel.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of different accessories include a horizontal shelf extending between the at least two vertical structural panels.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein the vertical structural panels include attachment sites spaced vertically, and wherein the shelf is selectively engagable with the attachment sites for selective vertical position adjustment.

7. The system of claim 2, wherein one of the accessories is an electrified accessory that includes an electrical device for providing electrical power inside the associated pullout.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the accessories include at least two items selected from a group consisting of: a vertically-adjustable shelf accessory, a side-by-side double shelf accessory, a knife-storage-and-butcher-block accessory, a utensil organizer accessory, a spice tray accessory, a roll manager accessory, a peg board accessory, a wine storage accessory, a wine glass storage accessory, a trash bin holder accessory, a media storage rack accessory, a peg board accessory, a side caddy accessory, a basket accessory, an insulated container-holding accessory, and an electrified accessory.

9. An apparatus including, in combination, a standardized cabinet and a storage and organization system adapted to be inserted into the standardized cabinet for organizing and customizing the standardized cabinet, where the standardized cabinet has a defined storage space and defined access opening, the storage and organization system comprising a stationary base adapted to fit within and be attached to a bottom of the existing cabinet and a pullout, the pullout engaging the stationary base for movement between an extended position for access and a retracted position within the standardized cabinet for storage; the pullout including front and rear spaced-apart vertical structural panels each having vertically-spaced horizontally-aligned pairs of attachment sites on inboard surfaces and including horizontal braces rigidly connecting the vertical structural panels to define laterally-accessible openings and further including at least one shelf selectively attached to the attachment sites and supported by the vertical structural panels.

10. A method for customizing an existing cabinet comprising:

measuring dimensions of an existing cabinet including dimensions of an access opening into the cabinet;

selecting a stationary base from a plurality of different sized bases, and installing the selected base in a bottom of the existing cabinet;

selecting an accessory-supporting pullout from a plurality of different pullouts and installing the selected pullout on the selected base for movement between an extended position for access and a retracted position for storage, the selected pullout including at least two vertical structural panels; and

selecting a functional accessory from a plurality of accessory components and installing the selected functional accessory on the pullout, the functional accessory being designed to organize and provide customized storage and holding functions.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least two vertical structural panels include front and rear vertical structural panels, and wherein installing the selected functional accessory includes supporting the selected functional accessory on the front and rear vertical structural panels.

12. A method for customizing an existing cabinet having a main space and having an access opening with a width dimension and a height dimension comprising:

installing a base in a bottom of the existing cabinet, the base including track extensions; and

selecting an accessory-supporting pullout from a plurality of different pullouts, each different pullout having a different structure for providing a different set of functions, where the selected pullout is constructed to closely fit into the width and height dimensions of the access opening and constructed to fit within the main space of the existing cabinet for storage;

operably installing the selected pullout on the track extensions of the base for movement between retracted and extended positions; and

selecting accessories to support a desired functional need and installing the selected accessories on the selected pullout.