WIDTH-ADJUSTABLE STORAGE MODULE FOR CABINETS

Abstract

A modular storage apparatus includes an expandable frame adjustably expandable to fit a storage space in an existing cabinet. The frame has adjustable-width cross members and uprights defining U-shapes, extendable glides attached to the uprights, and an expandable pullout module operably mounted on the glides for movement. The pullout module includes right and left half-basket portions connected by connectors permitting lateral expansion. The connectors may define discrete width adjustments, or may permit infinite adjustment (within the range of adjustment permitted).

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. 61/751,439, entitled “WIDTH-ADJUSTABLE STORAGE MODULE FOR CABINETS,” filed on Jan. 11, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates storage modules for cabinets, including standard-sized and customized cabinets, new or existing, and more particularly relates to a laterally-expandable pullout storage module that can be adjusted to fill differently sized cabinets with efficient and optimal personalized storage capabilities.

Lack of organization in storage spaces and cabinets continues to be problematic for a variety of reasons. For example, consumer needs and preferences vary widely, and also change over time. Seemingly, every homeowner has issues with the storage system in their kitchen or other utility area, where the existing cabinet system does not adequately meet their needs or preferences. A storage system is desired that offers good organization, but also that is adjustable and flexible in use, so that it can be used in different circumstances and environments, yet without great installation expense and without the need for good installation skills.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a modular storage apparatus is configured for installation into an existing cabinet defining a storage space. The apparatus comprises an expandable frame adjustably expandable to fit the storage space, the frame having cross members and uprights, the cross members being adjustable in length to at least a narrow-width position and a wide-width position, extendable glides attached to the uprights at top and bottom positions on each side, and a laterally-expandable pullout module. The pullout module is operably mounted on the glides for movement. In particular, the pullout module has right and left half-basket portions connected by connectors, each half-basket portion having a half floor and a fence extending around three sides of the half floor, and the connectors permitting lateral adjustment of the basket portions selectively to the narrow-width position and to the wide-width position.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of installation is also provided that is related to the various apparatus disclosed above. Specifically, a method is provided for installing functional and customized storage into an existing cabinet defining a storage space. The method comprises providing an expandable frame adjustably expandable to fit the storage space, the frame having cross members and uprights defining U-shapes, the cross members being adjustable in length to at least a narrow-width position and a wide-width position, providing extendable glides attached to the uprights at top and bottom positions on each side, and providing a laterally-expandable pullout module operably mounted on the glides for movement, the pullout module having right and left half-basket portions connected by connectors, each half-basket portion having a half floor and a fence extending around three sides of the half floor, and the connectors permitting lateral adjustment of the basket portions selectively to the narrow-width position and the wide-width position. The method further includes assembling the expandable frame into the existing cabinet including expanding the expandable frame to fit the defined storage space, attaching the glides at a desired height to the expandable frame, attaching the glides at a desired height to the expandable frame, and attaching the pullout module to the glides to provide a pullout storage function.

These and other aspect, 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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an existing cabinet and a width-adjustable storage module therein, the storage module including expandable frame with glides, and expandable top and bottom drawer-like pull-out modules.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a snap-on top insert (also called an “accessory” herein) attached to a top of the drawer-like pull-out modules in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of FIG. 1 in a narrow-width position.

FIGS. 4-5 are perspective views of FIG. 3, FIG. 4 being in a narrow-width position and FIG. 5 being in a wide-width position, and showing articles stored on the two drawer-like pullout modules, and with inserts positioned in different orientations.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged top perspective view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged top perspective view of the expandable frame in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a side of FIG. 7, and FIG. 8A is an enlarged view of a bottom-front of FIG. 7

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a rear of FIG. 6, with half of the retainer component being removed to show an inside of the molded base component for retaining inboard edges of the basket-half portions together, and FIGS. 9A-9C show orthogonal views of the retainer component and molded base component fixed together from FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of FIG. 1 but with the top drawer-like pullout module pulled out and with the bottom drawer-like pullout module left in its inward stored position, and including two of the accessories from FIG. 2 shown positioned on the top pullout.

FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the insert shown in FIG. 3 with it being rested on a countertop, the insert including rubber feet configured for snap attachment to a pullout module and for non-scratch resting on a countertop.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second insert, the insert being a two-wine-bottle holder accessory (i.e. a wine rack).

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an alternative foot for the accessory of FIG. 12, the foot having perpendicular slots for frictional attachment to wires of the pullout module.

FIG. 13 is a view like FIG. 12 but also showing wine bottles stored thereon.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a third insert, the insert being a translucent pan with apertured floor for drainage and rubber feet for snap attachment to a pullout module and for non-scratch resting on a countertop.

FIGS. 15-16 are perspective views of a second embodiment width-adjustable storage module in an existing cabinet, the views and module being similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 15 showing the draw-like pullout modules adjusted to a narrow width-adjusted position, and FIG. 16 showing the pullout modules adjusted to a wide width-adjusted position.

FIGS. 17-18 are perspective views showing the second embodiment width-adjustable storage module adjusted to its narrow width-adjusted position.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a third embodiment width-adjustable storage module, the third module being similar to the one shown in FIG. 15 but being three-tiered and constructed to adjust to fill a wider cabinet space.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of FIG. 15 but with different inserts on the top and bottom drawer-like pullout modules.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of FIG. 15, but using a top drawer-like pullout module from FIG. 15 and a bottom drawer-like pullout module from FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present apparatus (FIG. 1) is a width-adjustable modular storage unit 20 (also called “storage module” herein) for use in existing cabinets 10 (such as in existing kitchen cabinets), where the unit 20 is expandable to fit into the internal space of the existing cabinet 10. Specifically, the present system includes an expandable frame 21 adapted to attach inside the existing cabinet 10, one or more expandable drawer-like pullout modules 22 slidably supported on double-extendable glides 23 attached to sides of the expandable frame 21, and clip-on accessories such as wine rack 55. The features permitting expansion/contraction are discussed below. The modular storage unit 20 of FIG. 1 is expandable between two discrete positions such that it fits closely into either of two different-sized standard sized kitchen cabinets 10. In practice, at least two different modular storage units (20) will be provided, so that a total of four different standard cabinet sizes can be accommodated. This embodiment provides discrete positions of width-adjustment. However, it is contemplated that the present modular storage unit 20 can be made to define more than two discrete width-adjusted positions, or could be made to be infinitely expandable (within a given range of adjustments) (for example, see FIGS. 15-21).

The illustrated existing cabinet 10 (FIG. 1) includes a floor panel 11, upright side panels 12, 13, an upright rear panel 14, and a door 15 hinged to the side panel 12 (or 13). A facing member 16 is attached as desired to the panels 12-14 for aesthetics.

The expandable frame 21 (FIGS. 3 and 7) includes front and rear U-shaped subframes interconnected by glides 23 and shaped for anchored support in a cabinet (10). Specifically, the front subframe is formed by cross pieces 25, and uprights 26 at each end of cross pieces 25. The rear subframe is similarly formed. Upper and lower glides 23 each have an outboard stationary channel that connects the front and rear uprights 26 on each side, thus forming the frame 21. The illustrated cross pieces 25 include slidable overlapping flanges 27, 28 (see FIG. 8A) with multiple sets of holes 29 that can be aligned to define a wide-frame adjusted position or a narrow-frame adjusted position. Screws 30 are extended through the aligned hates 29 fixing a width of the frame 21 and securing it to the floor panel 11 so that the frame 21 fills a pre-existing cabinet space (FIG. 7). It is noted that one of the screws 30 can be replaced with a peg if desired. A rear bracket/foot 31 (FIG. 8) includes a slot or aperture that receives a screw to secure a rear of the glide 23 to the cabinet 10. The stationary outboard channel of at least one (or both) glide(s) 23 is secured to a front portion of the cabinet 10, such as to the facing member 16 on the side panel 12. Alternatively, the glides 23 are spaced apart by the frame 21 sufficiently to closely abut an inside of the facing members 16, such that they are “trapped” therebetween, thus holding the frame 21 stationary.

The module 22 is expandable (compare FIG. 4 which shows the narrow-width position and FIG. 5 which shows the wide-width position). The module 22 includes right and left bent-wire half-basket portions 35, 36 with inner/lower wire edges 37, 38 (FIG. 9) along the floor of the basket portions 35, 36 and inner/upper loop wire edges 40, 41 along the front/rear side fences of the basket portions 35, 36. Notably, the word “floor” herein includes a floor formed by spaced wires (FIGS. 1 and 3) or formed by aperture panel (see FIG. 14, for example). Connectors 45 secure the basket portions 35 and 36 together, and further, the front connector 45 acts as a convenient handle for pulling out the drawer-like module 22. The illustrated connectors 45 define discrete basket widths. In particular, the illustrated connectors 45 are brackets that include a molded back component 46 with a bottom linear slot 47 configured to receive the wire edges 37, 38 of basket portions 35, 36 in an overlapped condition, and a top slot 48 configured to matably receive loop wire edges 40, 41 in a manner fixing a width of the basket portions 35, 36 selectively in the narrow-width position or the wide-width position. A molded inside retainer component 49 (FIG. 9A) clamps against the back component 46 and is retained by screws that self-thread into the back component 46. It is contemplated that the connectors 45 can define additional discrete positions (i.e. more than two positions) if desired.

It is noted that mating basket portions 35, 36 each include side fences that bound their respective floors on three sides and that are horizontally open in an inboard direction. The connector bracket 45 is sufficient in height and width to continue the side fences around the module 22 when connected. Thus, the present arrangement provides a bounded enclosure for items stored on the module 22 even when the module 22 is fully expanded. (See FIGS. 3-5.)

It is noted that FIG. 10 shows top and bottom modules 22, the top module 22 being extended forwardly and the bottom module 22 being in a retracted stored position, with the top module 22 being several inches above the bottom module 22. Notably a height between the modules 22 can be adjusted based on selective securement to the uprights 26 on the frame 21.

The illustrated module 22 is a wire basket substantially constructed from bent wire; but it is contemplated that it could be made of a material other than wire and still be within a scope of the present innovation.

FIG. 2 shows an insert 55 (also called an “accessory” herein) that snap-attaches to and can be used with the module 22 in either the wide-width or narrow-width positions. Also, the insert 55 includes resilient non-scratch feet 58 that are designed to snap onto wires of the module 22 and to stably rest on and engage a flat surface (such as a countertop). Specifically, the insert 55 includes inverted bent-wire U-shaped members 56 secured to two fore-aft wires 57, with the front and rear U-shaped members 56 including rubber T-shaped feet 58. The feet 58 include bottom grooves for snap-fit onto mating wires in the basket portions 35, 36 such that the U-shaped members 56 are positioned to hold pots, pans, dishes, bottles and/or other tools, and utensils. The feet 58 can rotate on their wire supports so the inserts can be positioned in different orientations (compare FIGS. 4-5). It is contemplated that the feet can be different shapes (i.e. see the circular foot shown in FIG. 12A), and that a bottom of the feet can include multiple grooves for snapping onto wires in the module 22 in different orientations (i.e. the multiple grooves in FIG. 12A are perpendicular to each other). Notably, two inserts 55 can be used on a module 22 in a transverse orientation with one being in front of the other (FIG. 3) and with the module 22 adjusted to a wide-width position. Alternatively, two inserts 55 can be used on a module 22 in a front-to-rear orientation with one being in front of the other (FIG. 4) and with the module 22 adjusted to a narrow-width position. Alternatively, one insert 55 can be used alone. As noted above, the insert 55 can be removed from the module 22 and set on a countertop without fear of damaging or scratching the countertop (see FIG. 11) due to the feet 58.

It is contemplated that other accessories can be developed using the present innovation. The insert 55 is particularly adapted as a pot-and-pan/lid holder. Since the insert 55 is releasably snapped onto the pullout modules 22, the insert 55 along with any pots or pans thereon can be lifted as a unit from the storage module 20. FIGS. 12-13 shows a wine rack 60 with inverted U-shaped front and rear wires connected by fore-aft linear wires 61 to a top of the arch, and with snap-attach soft rubber feet 62 similar to feet 58. Also, a translucent tray 63 (FIG. 4) can be constructed that is perforated and has dimensions to allow one tray to be rotated 90 degrees to thus fit both sizes of a particular pullout module 22. The tray may (or may not) include rubber feet similar to the feet 58/62 discussed above. Alternatively, the tray can include integrally formed grooves for snap attachment to wires in the module 22.

As noted above, it is contemplated that variations can be made while still staying within a scope of the present invention. Below, identical and modified components, features, and characteristics are described using similar numbers but with addition of a letter such as “A” or “B”. This is done to reduce redundant discussion.

A second embodiment width-adjustable storage module 20A (FIGS. 15-16) is shown installed in an existing cabinet under a countertop. The module 20A has similar components and is adjustable/operates similar to the embodiment module 20 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 15 shows the drawer-like pullout modules 22A adjusted to a narrow width-adjusted position, and FIG. 16 shows the pullout modules 22A adjusted to a wide width-adjusted position. FIGS. 17-18 are perspective views showing the second embodiment width-adjustable storage module 20B adjusted to its narrow width-adjusted position. Module 20B is similar to module 20A, but manufactured to adjust between a wider range of widths. Module 20C (FIG. 19) shows a version similar to module 20A but having three drawer-like pullout modules 22C.

In storage module 20A, the connectors 45A replace the discrete-position-defining connectors 45 (FIGS. 9, 9A, 10). The connectors 45A include tubes 70A that are either fixed to one of the half-basket portions 35A or 36A or that loosely receive wires extending therefrom. Specifically, the draw-like pullout modules 22A include laterally-extending wires 71A forming the half-basket portions 35A, 36A, with inboard ends of the wires 71A sliding into the open ends of the tube connectors 70A. This allows infinite width-adjustability (within a limited range of adjustment physically allowed by lengths of the tube connectors 70A and wires 71A). Since the glides 23A and frame 21A fix the adjusted width, the connectors 70A and wires 71A do not need to be clamped together. Nonetheless, it is contemplated that the connectors and wires could provide some frictional force to retain a set dimension, or that a device (such as a clamp) could be used to fix the selected width dimension if desired.

FIG. 20 shows is a perspective view of the storage module 20A with drawer-like pullout modules 22A in FIG. 15 but with different inserts 55 (FIG. 2) and 60 (FIG. 12) on the top and bottom drawer-like pullout modules 22A. It is noted that the rear U-shaped upright can be moved forward if desired. Compare the rear upright 21 in FIG. 1, which is at an extreme rear of the storage module 20, and the rear upright in FIG. 20, which is forward several inches from a rear of the storage module 20. This may be done for several different reasons. For example, see the dashed lines in FIG. 21, where the rear upright 21 is moved forward sufficiently so that a permanent half-shelf in the cabinet 10 does not have to be removed. Notably, many home owners do not want to destroy a half shelf in their existing cabinets, even though the half shelf is not being used.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the module 20A in FIG. 15, but using a top drawer-like pullout module 22A from FIG. 15 and a bottom drawer-like pullout module 22 from FIG. 1. This illustrates the interchangeability and flexibility of use provided by the present innovation. Also, notice that a single wine-bottle-holder accessory is shown in FIGS. 1 and 11, while a two wine-bottle-holder accessory is shown in FIGS. 12-13, and a six wine-bottle-holder accessory is shown in FIG. 20.

A method of installation is also provided that is related to the various apparatus disclosed above. Various methods are contemplated for installing functional and customized storage into an existing cabinet defining a storage space. The illustrated method comprises providing an expandable frame adjustably expandable to fit the storage space, the frame having cross members and uprights defining U-shapes, the cross members being adjustable in length to at least a narrow-width position and a wide-width position, providing extendable glides attached to the uprights at top and bottom positions on each side, and providing a laterally-expandable pullout module operably mounted on the glides for movement, the pullout module having right and left half-basket portions connected by connectors, each half-basket portion having a half floor and a fence extending around three sides of the half floor, and the connectors permitting lateral adjustment of the basket portions selectively to the narrow-width position and the wide-width position. The method further includes assembling the expandable frame into the existing cabinet including expanding the expandable frame to fit the defined storage space, attaching the glides at a desired height to the expandable frame, attaching the glides at a desired height to the expandable frame, and attaching the pullout module to the glides to provide a pullout storage function. Accessories can be removed for setting directly on a countertop without damaging the countertop, and can be loaded and then reassembled into the drawer-like modules of the storage unit.

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 modular storage apparatus configured for installation into an existing cabinet defining a storage space, comprising:

an expandable frame adjustably expandable to fit the storage space, the frame having cross members and uprights, the cross members being adjustable in length to at least a narrow-width position and a wide-width position;

extendable glides attached to the uprights at top and bottom positions on each side; and

a laterally-expandable pullout module operably mounted on the glides for movement, the pullout module having right and left half-basket portions connected by connectors, each half-basket portion having a half floor and a fence extending around three sides of the half floor, and the connectors permitting lateral adjustment of the basket portions selectively to the narrow-width position and the wide-width position.

2. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein the connectors define at least two discrete width-adjusted positions for the half-basket portions.

3. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein the connectors are infinitely width-adjustable within a given range of adjustments for the half-basket portions.

4. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein the half-basket portions include wires with inwardly-extending wire ends, and the connectors include tubes matably telescopingly engaging the wire ends.

5. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein the connector is molded and has a height selected to combine with the fences of the half-basket portions to form a continuous fence around the combined half floors.

6. The apparatus defined in claim 5, wherein the connector bracket also includes a molded retainer panel that clamps against the molded component to fixedly retain the half-basket portions together.

7. The apparatus defined in claim 1, including at least two different storage accessories with feet shaped to selectively frictionally releasably engage the right and left half-basket portions.

8. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein the expandable frame includes front and rear sets of the cross members and uprights, a rear one of the sets being adjustable in a forward direction away from a rear of the pullout module so that the rear one avoids interfering engagement with an existing permanent half shelf in the existing cabinet.

9. A method of installing functional and customized storage into an existing cabinet defining a storage space, comprising:

providing an expandable frame adjustably expandable to fit the storage space, the frame having cross members and uprights defining U-shapes, the cross members being adjustable in length to at least a narrow-width position and a wide-width position;

providing extendable glides attached to the uprights at top and bottom positions on each side;

providing a laterally-expandable pullout module operably mounted on the glides for movement, the pullout module having right and left half-basket portions connected by connectors, each half-basket portion having a half floor and a fence extending around three sides of the half floor, and the connectors permitting lateral adjustment of the basket portions selectively to the narrow-width position and the wide-width position;

assembling the expandable frame into the existing cabinet including expanding the expandable frame to fit the defined storage space;

attaching the glides at a desired height to the expandable frame; and

adjusting a width of the pullout module and then attaching the pullout module to the glides to provide a pullout storage function.

10. The method defined in claim 9, wherein the connectors define at least two discrete width-adjusted positions for the half-basket portions, and wherein the step of adjusting the width of the pullout module includes adjusting the width between two different discrete width positions.

11. The method defined in claim 9, wherein the connectors define an infinite number of width-adjusted positions within a range of positions for the half-basket portions, and wherein the step of adjusting the width of the pullout module includes selecting a particular one of the width-adjusted positions.

12. The method defined in claim 9, wherein the half-basket portions include wires with inwardly-extending wire ends and tubes matably telescopingly engaging the wire ends, and the step of adjusting the width of the pullout module includes telescopingly adjusting the wire ends.

13. The method defined in claim 9, including forming a continuous fence around the combined half floors of the pullout module.

14. The method defined in claim 13, wherein the connectors include a molded retainer panel that clamps against the molded component to fixedly retain the half-basket portions together.

15. The method defined in claim 9, including providing at least two different storage accessories with feet shaped to selectively frictionally releasably engage the right and left half-basket portions, and including a step of frictionally attaching at least one of the different storage accessories to the pullout module in a selected orientation.

16. The method defined in claim 9, wherein the expandable frame includes front and rear sets of the cross members and uprights, and wherein the step of installing the expandable frame includes adjusting the rear one of the sets in a forward direction away from a rear of the pullout module so that the rear set avoids interfering engagement with an existing permanent half shelf in the existing cabinet.