A MODULE FOR A MODULAR CHEST OF DRAWERS AND A BEARING SYSTEM FOR GUIDING AND SUPPORTING A DRAWER RELATIVE TO A DRAWER CABINET

Abstract: The present invention relates to a module (1) for a modular chest of drawers. The invention further relates to a bearing system (5) for guiding and supporting a drawer (8) relative to a drawer cabinet (3). The module (1) comprises a drawer (8), a drawer cabinet (3) and bearing means (5) for guiding and supporting the drawer cabinet (3). The bearing means (5) are adapted for offering low-friction support while substantially restraining the motion of the drawer (8) to a linear displacement. The bearing means (5) are further adapted for supporting forces applied to the drawer cabinet (3) directed substantially perpendicularly to the force of gravity without any substantial increase in friction resistance to drawer displacement. The bearing system (5) comprises linear drawer bearing surfaces (13, 14), linear cabinet bearing surfaces (7), and revolving means (6) such as wheels, rollers or balls. At least one of the linear bearing surfaces (7) comprises a hollow groove adapted for guiding the revolving means (6).

Description: A MODULE FOR A MODULAR CHESTOF DRAWERS ANDA BEARING SYSTEMFOR GUIDING AND SUPPORTING A DRAWER RELATIVE TO A DRAWER CABINET The present invention relates to a module for a modular chest of drawers. The invention further relates to a bearing system for guiding and supporting a drawer relative to a drawer cabinet. The publication DE 3435666 Al discloses a module comprising a drawer and a drawer cabinet which module is adapted for being stacked together with a similar module m order to assemble a chest of drawers. This module is suggested for fitting inside kitchen cabinets. German patent No. 838360 discloses a bearing system for guiding and supporting a drawer, which system comprises profiles defining effectively upper and lower rails with grooves for guiding balls, which balls are also restrained by a retainer. The object of the invention is to provide a module for a modular chest of drawers which utilizes the available space as much as possible, which is easy to assemble and easy to use, which offers a great flexibility in assembling the chest of drawers, and which may be manufactured at reasonable cost. This object is fulfilled by the module according to claim 1. A further object of the invention is to provide a bearing system for guiding and supporting a drawer relative to a drawer cabinet, which offers great versatility of uses, which occupies minimum of space, which may be installed m various orientations, which is capable of supporting forces applied from a range of different directions, which offers low friction guidance, and which may be manufactured at reasonable cost. This object is fulfilled by the bearing system according to claim 10. The module according to the invention permits the installation of the drawer cabinet in different orientations, as the bearing means will serve its function in all orientations. A cabinet of a rectangular outline might optionally be installed with the longer side extending horizontally or vertically, to be used, in the first case, together with a low and wide drawer or, in the latter case, together with a tall and narrow drawer. By designing the cabinet so that the long dimension equals a multiplum of the short dimension, it will be possible to combine modules of different orientations into one chest of drawers, which will accommodate different types of drawers. According to a preferred embodiment the drawer comprises a bottom panel extending between two laterally spaced, mutually parallel side panels, whereas the bearing means comprise at least two linear drawer bearing surfaces, one arranged adjacent each of the transition zones between the bottom panel and the respective side panel. In this embodiment the forces supporting the drawer are applied in the plane of the side panels whereby the structural rigidity of the side panels is utilized in an optimal way. Further the bearing means may be integrated inside the outline of the drawer in a manner where the space available is utilized to the maximum, as the drawer bottom panel and the drawer side panels only will need a small clearance to the adjacent portions of the drawer cabinet. According to the preferred embodiment the drawer is provided with four linear drawer bearing surfaces arranged m a rectangular pattern as viewed in a section perpendicular to the direction of the drawer displacement. By this layout the drawer will be guided and retained in a manner where it cannot tilt in case the center of gravity of the drawer including its contents is shifted outside the confinements of the supporting surfaces . According to a preferred embodiment the bearing means comprise revolving means, such as wheels, rollers or balls. This ensures low friction support m order to facilitate manipulation of the drawer. According to a preferred embodiment at least one of the linear bearing surfaces comprises a hollow groove with a reduced opening section. This groove may be used to trap the revolving means in order that these means may perform the intended function supporting and guiding the drawer while they will also stay in position in case the drawer is removed from the drawer cabinet. According to a preferred embodiment the bearing means comprise plugs fitted in at least one of the hollow grooves in order to constrain the travel of the revolving means. This provides a simple means of controlling the travel of the revolving means and indirectly the travel of the drawer. This also makes it easy to modify the constraints merely by substituting the plugs with plugs of other sizes. The plugs may also be utilized for structural anchoring of the grooves with the purpose of securing the cabinet to other structures. The bearing system provided according to the invention operates very effectively and has further advantages by being simple to manufacture, to install and to use. Retainers for the revolving means are not necessary and the revolving means will stay in place also when the bearing surfaces are separated. Further objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear from the following detailed description given with reference to the enclosed drawings wherein Fig. 1 illustrates a module according to a first embodiment of the invention in a perspective view, Fig. 2 illustrates a module according to second embodiment of the invention in a perspective view, Fig. 3 illustrates a vertical section in a plane parallel to the direction of drawer displacement of the module according to the second embodiment of the invention, Fig. 4 shows a detail of a chest of drawers assembled by modules according to the invention, viewed in a vertical longitudinal section, Fig. 5 shows a detail similar to the one depicted in Fig. 4 but in a vertical transverse section, Fig. 6 shows a detail of a chest of drawers in vertical transverse section, Fig. 7 shows another detail of a chest of drawers in a vertical transverse section, Fig. 8 shows a detail similar to the one depicted in Fig. 7 but in an vertical longitudinal section, Fig. 9 shows a chest of drawers in vertical rear view. All drawings are schematic illustrating only features essential to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, whereas other features are omitted from the drawings for the sake of clarity. Throughout the drawings the same references are used to designate identical or similar features. Reference is first made to Fig. 1 illustrating a module according to a first embodiment of the invention. The module, which is designated by reference 1 as a whole, basically comprises a drawer cabinet 3 and a drawer 8 according to a first embodiment. The drawer 8 according to the first embodiment is formed as a conventional drawer with a rather low and wide outline. The drawer cabinet 3 is depicted as a box-like structure with an outline conforming to that of the drawer, which is illustrated in a position where it has been removed from the drawer cabinet . The broken arrow 4 designates the direction of drawer displacement. Where nothing else is indicated, the terms longitudinal and transverse in this text refer to the directions parallel to and transverse to the direction of drawer displacement . The guiding and supporting of the drawer relative to the cabinet is obtained by bearing means 5 comprising basically four parallel linear races 7 arranged along respective edges of the cabinet, linear races 13 arranged along the longitudinal lower edges of the drawer in the transition zones between the drawer bottom panel 9 and the drawer side panels 10, short linear upper races 14, arranged along the longitudinal upper edges of the drawer, parallel to drawer lower races but extending only adjacent drawer front panel 11 and drawer rear panel 12, and balls 6 restrained to roll along the cabinet races 7. Reference is now made to Fig. 2 illustrating a second embodiment of the module according to the invention. The embodiment according to Fig. 2 comprises drawer cabinet 3 identical to the drawer cabinet depicted in Fig. 1 but merely tilted through 90°, and drawer 21 according to the second embodiment. The drawer 21 according to the second embodiment features a tall and narrow outline which fits inside the cabinet when in the position shown in Fig. 2. All other features are identical to those of Fig. 1 wherefore reference may be made to the description given in that context. Reference is now made to Fig. 3 illustrating a module according to the second embodiment of the invention, the upper half of Fig. 3 illustrating this module in a situation where the drawer has been pulled out as far as normally permitted while the lower half of Fig. 3 illustrates the same module but with the drawer in the closed position. Fig. 3 thus illustrates drawer front panel 11, drawer bottom panel 9, and drawer rear panel 12 in section. Fig. 3 further illustrates three balls 6 which may roll along the cabinet race 7 within the constraints set by the plugs 15. The plugs 15 may be sized according to particular requirements, Fig. 3 illustrating a short plug to the left and a longer plug to the right. The number of balls may vary depending on the circumstances. Balls may be installed in all or in some of the races. In one exemplary embodiment, balls are installed in the cabinet lower races only. Fig. 3 also illustrates in the upper half a peg 16 which interacts with the drawer rear panel 12 to provide a stop for the outwards displacement of the drawer. Fig. 3 illustrates in phantom how the drawer may be tilted in order to make the top of the rear panel clear the peg 16 in order that the drawer may be removed completely from the cabinet. Reference is now made to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 for an explanation of some details adjacent corners of two modules according to the invention one module being placed on top of the other one to form a modular chest of drawers 2. Fig. 4 shows these details in vertical longitudinal view, whereas Fig. 5 shows similar details in a vertical transverse view. As may be seen from these figures, the lower module is fitted with a plug 15 which limits the travel of the ball 6, and the upper module comprises a similar plug 15 limiting the travel of the ball 6 in the respective cabinet race 7. The plugs 15 each have a longitudinal through bore 17 and spaced, mutually perpendicular transverse bores 20. The transverse bores are used for the insertion of respective pegs 16 which are sized to form a bridge from the plug in one module to an adjacent plug in a neighboring module. Assembly is secured by the insertion of a threaded bolt 19 through the plug longitudinal bore 17, to be held by threads in transverse bores in the pegs. As illustrated in Fig. 5 a peg 16 is used to connect the two modules by the plugs and similar peg 16 is used to provide a stop for the drawer. In a preferred embodiment the plugs are generally cylindrical, adapted to mate m the cabinet races 7 but with a diameter which is sliqhtly smaller than the diameter of the balls 6. This ensures that the drawer would not touch the plugs during normal use, except for the occasion where the drawer was pulled to the outermost position . Reference is now made to Fig. 6 illustrating a view similar to Fig. 5 but of a corner between four modules according to the invention, assembled to form a chest of drawers 2. The details illustrated in Fig. 6 are similar to those illustrated in Fig. 5. Fig. 6 illustrates a case where balls are installed m all of the cabinet races, wherein they are held, the races providing bearing surfaces extending peripherally over more than half of a circle but less than H of a circle. Fig. 6 also illustrates the outlines of drawer lower races 13 of the two upper module drawers and of the drawer upper races 14 of the lower module drawers. With this design the balls are free to support forces applied vertically or horizontally or in fact from any angular direction within approximately a quarter of a circle. Reference is now made to Fig. 7 which illustrates a detail around the lower corners of two modules placed side by side and installed on a supporting surface. Fig. 7 illustrates how these modules are mutually secured by means of a peg 16 as explained above, while two pegs 16 extend downward to be guided by corresponding bores in the supporting surface. Reference is now made to Fig. 8 which illustrates a detail similar to that of Fig. 7 but in a vertical longitudinal view. Fig. 8 illustrates the position of the downwardly oriented pegs. Fig. 8 further shows a stay 18 secured to the plug 15 by the threaded bolt 19. Reference is also made to Fig. 9 which illustrates a rear view of a part of a chest of drawers comprising four modules according to the invention. Fig. 9 illustrates in the right half the positioning of the stays in an X pattern in order to enhance the stability of the cabinet. The module and the bearing means according to the invention may be manufactured from a variety of materials. For instance the cabinets and the drawers could be manufactured from plastics, from aluminum or from steel. It is envisaged that the balls of the bearing means might be manufactured from plastics, glass, steel, etc. It is envisaged that the module according to the invention is so simple to put together that it could be marketed as a kit to be assembled by the consumer. Although various components and systems have been explained, in particular combinations above, this is not to exclude that such components and systems might be configured differently. The particular examples mentioned have only been explained with the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the invention and not with the purpose of limiting the scope thereof which is defined exclusively by the appended patent claims.

Claims: PATENT CLAIMS 1. A module for a modular chest of drawers, which module comprises a drawer, a drawer cabinet and bearing means for guiding and supporting the drawer relative to the drawer cabinet, said bearing means being adapted for offering low-friction support while substantially restraining the motion of the drawer to a linear displacement, said bearing means being further adapted for supporting forces applied to the drawer cabinet directed substantially perpendicularly to the force of gravity without any substantial increase in friction resistance to drawer displacement. 2. The module according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the bearing means comprise inclined, linear cabinet bearing surfaces fixed to the drawer cabinet and extending along the direction of drawer displacement. 3. The module according to claim 1 or 2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the drawer cabinet is provided with four parallel linear cabinet bearing surfaces arranged in a rectangular pattern as viewed in a section perpendicular to the direction of drawer displacement . 4. The module according to any of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the drawer comprises a bottom panel extending between two laterally spaced, mutually parallel side panels, whereas the bearing means comprise at least two linear drawer bearing surfaces, one arranged adjacent each of the transition zones between the bottom panel and the respective side panel. 5. The module according to any of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the drawer is provided with four linear drawer bearing surfaces, arranged in a rectangular pattern as viewed in a section perpendicular to the direction of drawer displacement. 6. The module according to any of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the bearing means comprise revolving means such as wheels, rollers or balls. 7. The module according to claim 6, c h a r a c t e r i z e d m that at least one of the linear bearing surfaces comprises a hollow groove with a reduced opening section. 8. The module according to claim 7, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the bearing surface of the hollow groove as viewed in a transverse section extends for more than half but less than three quarters of a circle. 9. The module according to claim 7 or 8, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the bearing means comprise plugs fitted in at least one of the hollow grooves in order to constrain the travel of the revolving means. 10. A bearing system for guiding and supporting a drawer relative to a drawer cabinet, said bearing system comprising - linear drawer bearing surfaces fixed to the drawer, - linear cabinet bearing surfaces fixed to the drawer cabinet, and - revolving means such as wheels, rollers or balls, - wherein at least one of the linear bearing surfaces comprises a hollow groove adapted for guiding the revolving means in bearing engagement with a respective, mating linear bearing surface.

Inventors: GALSTER ANNA, LESTER JOHN, GALSTER, ANNA, LESTER, JOHN
Applicants: GALSTER ANNA, LESTER JOHN, GALSTER, ANNA, LESTER, JOHN
Application year: 1997
Main classification: A47B88
IPC codes: A47B87, A47B88