Abstract:
A ball bearing roller and ball bearing slide assembly for use in an article of manufacture, for example a toolbox having drawers, is disclosed. The ball bearing slide assembly can comprise a first slide element, a second slide element and a carriage, wherein the carriage couples, in combination with a ball bearing roller, the first slide member to the second slide member such that the second slide member moves relative to both the first slide member and the carriage. The ball bearing roller is swaged on a side of the roller that is attachable to the article of manufacture. The ball bearing slide assembly can be used, for example, as a drawer slide assembly. The ball bearing slide assembly enhances lateral stability. The likelihood of bearing fatigue, and ultimate bearing failure, due to lateral movement is decreased. A cost effective way to align, for example, shelves or drawers, with respect to the article of manufacture is provided. The solution provides a way to accomplish these benefits while maintaining a minimal pull force during, for example, an open-close cycle of a drawer, regardless of whether a pull cycle is centered or off-center.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/197,122 filed Apr. 14, 2000. 
    
    
     FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a slide assembly, and more particularly, the invention relates to a ball bearing slide assembly that can be used, for example, as a drawer slide assembly. 
     Slide assemblies for particular use as drawer slide assemblies of various designs are known. Selection of a specific drawer slide assembly depends on the application at hand, and more particularly, on the size of the drawer and the applied loads, due to, for example, the contents that will ultimately be placed in the drawer. Content load means the total weight of the filling material contained in, for example, a drawer. 
     In a typical two-member drawer slide assembly, an inner slide member and an outer slide member can be used to form a single rail typically having a U-shaped cross-section. Here, each drawer slide member typically includes a runner, with the rail formed to have typically two or three raceways for receiving rolling elements (e.g., a ball bearing roller). Ball bearing rollers can be used in slide assemblies to facilitate insertion and retraction of a drawer from, or into, a box-like structure (e.g. a toolbox). 
     Two-part drawer slide assemblies typically permit less than full extension of the drawer, and usually about a three-quarters extension of the drawer. 
     Three-member drawer slide assemblies are also known, and such assemblies generally include an intermediate slide member that can form a separate component so that the drawer can be fully extended from a box or enclosure. 
     A common drawback of many slide assemblies heretofore has been the side-to-side movement of the drawer, compartment, platform or other content or load-bearing surface that is connected to an article of manufacture. This is particularly problematic in box-like structures, such as toolboxes, having box-like compartments or drawers. When the drawer is in a fully extended position, it can often shift laterally from side-to-side. 
     Many two and three-part drawer slide assemblies often provide insufficient lateral stability, especially for heavier load applications This can result in fatigue and/or failure of the slide assembly elements or parts. 
     Additionally, ball bearing rollers are generally connected or otherwise assembled by swaging (also called “staking”) a portion of one component, for example a bearing stud, to connect the remaining components of the bearing (e.g., the inner and outer races) together. Typically, the swaged side is located on the side of the bearing roller that is not attached to another structure (e.g., a slide assembly). Swaging in this way typically results in a bearing roller that is more susceptible to the lateral shifting that can cause ball bearing rollers to fail. 
     Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a ball bearing slide assembly having enhanced lateral stability. It would also be desirable to provide a ball bearing roller that decreases the likelihood of bearing fatigue, and potentially, ultimate bearing failure, due to lateral movement. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a ball bearing roller and ball bearing slide assembly that overcomes the aforementioned problems. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, a ball bearing slide assembly is disclosed, the slide assembly comprising: a first slide member; a second slide member; a carriage disposed between the first and second slide members; and a ball bearing roller, the ball bearing roller further comprising: an outer bearing race; a bearing stud to mount the ball bearing roller to the carriage, the bearing stud including a bearing hub lip and a side distal from the bearing hub lip; an inner bearing race adjacent the bearing stud, the inner bearing race including a chamfer and the portion abuts the carriage; and a bearing ball disposed in an area between the inner and outer races. The side distal from the bearing hub lip is swaged such that a swaged portion of the bearing stud is in compressive contact with the chamfer; and wherein the carriage couples, in combination with the ball bearing roller, the first slide member to the second slide member such that the second member moves relative to both the first slide member and the carriage. 
     In one embodiment of the ball bearing slide assembly, the inner bearing race is a split inner bearing race. In another embodiment of the ball bearing slide assembly, the split inner bearing race comprises an extended inner bearing race adjacent the bearing stud, the extended inner bearing race including a chamfer and a side adjacent the chamfer that extends beyond a first side of the outer bearing race and a flush inner bearing race adjacent to and flush with the bearing stud. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a ball bearing roller is disclosed, the roller comprising: an outer bearing race; a bearing stud comprising a bearing hub lip and a side distal from the bearing hub lip; an inner bearing race adjacent the bearing stud, the inner bearing race including a chamfer; and a bearing ball disposed in an area between the inner and outer races; wherein the side distal from the bearing hub lip is swaged such that a portion of the bearing stud is in compressive contact with the chamfer. 
     In one embodiment, the inner bearing race is a split inner bearing race comprising an extended inner bearing race adjacent the bearing stud, the extended inner bearing race including a chamfer and a side adjacent the chamfer that extends beyond a first side of the outer bearing race and a flush inner bearing race adjacent to and flush with the bearing stud. 
     In another aspect, a bearing slide assembly is disclosed, the slide assembly comprising: a first slide member; a second slide member; a carriage disposed between the first and the second slide members; and a bearing attached to carriage; wherein the carriage couples, in combination with the bearing, the first slide member to the second slide member such that the second member moves relative to both the first slide member and the carriage. 
     In one embodiment, the bearing can be selected from one of the following: a ball bearing, a roller bearing, and a plane bearing. In another embodiment, the bearing comprises a rolling element. In yet another embodiment, the rolling element can be a bearing ball or a bearing roller. 
     The present invention benefits manufacturers, specifiers, and users of tool storage, transportation, file, furniture, food, medical, cabinet and related industries by providing the ball bearing roller and ball bearing slide assembly summarized above and detailed below. 
     In particular, with respect to tool storage boxes comprising, for example, platform-like or box-like structures, for example a toolbox having drawers, the invention provides a ball bearing roller and ball bearing slide assembly that is readily adaptable to a variety of applications, from light load applications to heavy load applications. The invention is readily applicable to both commercial and industrial applications. 
     The present invention provides a cost effective solution for achieving, for example, drawers that are self-aligning with respect to the toolbox to which they are mounted. The solution provides a way to accomplish the aforementioned benefits while maintaining a minimal pull force during, for example, an open-close pull/push cycle of a drawer—regardless of whether the pull/push cycle is centered or off-center. 
     Various other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The various features, objects and advantages of this invention are best understood with reference to the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the following drawings. In addition, the drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. 
     In the drawings: 
     FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of a ball bearing slide assembly in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the ball bearing slide assembly of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of part of the ball bearing slide assembly of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another part of the ball bearing slide assembly of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a ball bearing roller in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the ball bearing roller taken along line  6 — 6  of FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 7 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the ball bearing roller of FIG.  6 . 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a ball bearing slide system incorporating the slide assembly of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 9 enlarged partial cross-sectional view taken along line  9 — 9  of FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 10 enlarged partial cross-sectional view taken along line  10 — 10  of FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one article of manufacture, a toolbox, incorporating the ball bearing slide assembly of the present invention, the toolbox comprising a drawer, the drawer in a closed or retracted position. 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the toolbox shown in FIG. 11 with the drawer in an open or extended position. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the Figures, like numerals are employed to designate like parts through the drawings. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a ball bearing slide assembly  10  is shown. The ball bearing slide assembly of the present invention is a device that can support, guide, and reduce friction associated with motion between fixed and moving parts. Ball bearing slide assembly  10  includes a first slide member  12 , a second slide member  14  and a carriage  16 . Carriage  16  comprises a plurality of substantially identical ball bearing rollers  20 - 23  located at various positions along, and attached to, carriage  16 . In particular, carriage  16  includes substantially vertical segment  16   a  and substantially horizontal segment  16   b  connected to vertical segment  16   a,  to which rollers  20 - 23  are attached using bearing studs (not shown) via holes  30 - 33 , respectively. First slide member  12  (also referred to as a “track”) is mountable to a structure  18  (shown in phantom) via tabs  26   b-c  extending from the first slide member. Referring specifically to FIG. 2, ball bearing rollers  20  and  23  are located near front and rear ends  15   a-b,  respectively, and rollers  21  and  22  are centrally disposed along the carriage vertical segment, with roller  21  above and offset from roller  23 . Opening  24  in horizontal segment  16   b  permits roller  22  to roll below the horizontal segment. Also, segment  16   b  is shortened to end at edge  25  so as to permit similar roller movement for roller  20 . 
     FIGS. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views taken along line  3 — 3  and line  4 — 4  of FIG. 8, respectively. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a ball bearing slide system incorporating the slide assembly of FIG.  1 . Referring to FIG. 3 a cross-sectional view is shown of first slide member  12  and carriage  16  with ball bearing roller  23  attached thereto via bearing stud  33 . First slide member  12  is mountable to a structure  18  (shown in phantom) via tab  26   b  extending from the first slide member. Structure  18  is generally representative of a variety of structures or articles of manufacture and, by way of example, can include a box structure  200  (shown in FIGS.  11 - 12 ), such as a toolbox, and the structure drawn in phantom is labeled with numerals  18  and  200  to so indicate. First slide member  12 , as shown, includes a substantially vertical segment  12   a.  Top bent segment  12   b  and bottom bent segment  12   c  extend from and are connected to substantially vertical segment  12   a,  from which track tab  26  extends to connect slide member  12  to structure  18  (shown in phantom). Carriage  16  includes substantially vertical segment  16   a  and substantially horizontal segment  16   b  connected to vertical segment  16   a.  Attached to carriage  16  are ball bearing rollers, for example as shown, ball bearing roller  21  and  22 . Specifically, rollers  21  and  22  are connected to substantially vertical segment  16   a  using bearing studs (not shown) via holes  31 ,  32  (see FIG.  8 ), respectively. It will be understood that the number of bearings can vary to convenience depending on the application at hand. 
     Still referring to FIG. 3, top and bottom bent slide member segments  12   b  and  12   c  create “V-shaped” upper and lower slide member surfaces  13   a  and  13   b.  Surface  13   a  provides a rolling surface for a ball bearing roller, for example, ball bearing roller  23 . Similarly, surface  13   b  provides a rolling surface having minimized contact for a ball bearing roller (shown in phantom), for example, roller  20  or roller  21 . Surfaces  13   a  and  13   b  also serve to align the ball bearing rollers and aid in distribution of any load that is carried along, in this case slide member  12  via the ball bearing rollers (e.g., a drawer and its contents in a toolbox). The V-shape of segment  12   c  surface  13   b  functions similarly. The reduced contact effectively reduces the force that is required to move the carriage within first slide member  12 . Yet another benefit of the V-shape is that it can function to substantially reduce, and potentially eliminate, overall deflection in first slide member  12 . 
     Turning to FIG. 4, again a cross-sectional view taken along line  4 — 4  of FIG. 8, second slide member  14  is shown to comprise a vertical segment  14   a.  Upper and lower bent segments  14   b  and  14   c  extend from and are connected to vertical segment  14   a.  Segments  14   b  and  14   c  create V-shaped slide surfaces  17   a  and  17   b,  which can provide the same benefits as V-shaped surfaces  13   a, b  described above with respect to slide member  12  in FIG.  3 . Again, carriage  16  is shown comprising horizontal segment  16   b  and vertical segment  16   a.  Ball bearing rollers  21  and  22  can now be seen, the rollers attached using bearing studs via holes  31  and  32  (FIG.  8 ), respectively. Second slide member  14  can be attached via mounting tab  100  to structure  19  (shown in phantom). Structure  19  is intended to represent a structure that can move with respect to article of manufacture  18 . The structure can comprise, by way of example, a drawer  201  that can be inserted into a box structure  200  (both of which are shown in FIGS.  11  and  12 ). Thus, the structure is labeled with both numerals  19  and  201  accordingly. 
     In another preferred embodiment, second slide member  14  can be used as a slide assembly independently of first slide member  12  and carriage  16  for appropriate attachment to an article of manufacture. One of skill shall recognize that in this embodiment, bearing rollers, for example rollers  20 - 23  can be used and mounted to the article of manufacture (e.g., a box-like structure). 
     Referring to FIGS. 1-4, it can be seen that ball bearing slide assembly  10  comprises first slide member  12 , second slide member  14  and carriage  16 , and a plurality of bearing rollers  20 - 23  attached to the carriage via bearing studs  30 - 33 . The carriage couples, in combination with the ball bearing rollers, the first slide member to the second slide member such that the second member moves relative to both the first slide member and the carriage. Bearing rollers  20 - 23  comprise curved outer surfaces  20   a  (not shown),  21   a,    22   a,  and  23   a.  With respect to bearing  22  of FIG. 1, and as noted generally above, curved surface  22   a  contacts V-shaped segment  17   b  of slide member segment  14   c  to minimize frictional forces-namely, and similarly, V-shaped segment  13   b  of slide member segment  12   c.  These minimum contacts are indicated for roller  22 , by way of example, with four hash marks, shown in FIG.  1 . 
     Typically, each slide member and the carriage can be made of steel, however, other material types are contemplated, for example, plastic or aluminum. If the materials used are metal, typical manufacturing processes can comprise stamping, roll forming, die casting, cold drawing, among others. If the materials utilized include plastics, typical manufacturing processes can comprise extrusion and molding processes. Methods for manufacturing components of the inventive ball bearing slide assembly are well-known to those of skill in the art. 
     Referring to FIGS. 5-7, ball bearing roller  22  comprises bearing stud  75 , inner bearing races  51  and  52 , outer bearing race  54  and typically a plurality of ball bearings  56 . A race (also called a “raceway”) is a groovelike part of the bearing in which a moving part, such as a bearing ball, rolls. Bearing races  51  and  52  can also be termed “bearing race segments” making up a complete inner bearing race  55 , also known as a “split inner race.” It is contemplated that the present inventive bearing can comprise a single or one-piece inner race to accommodate a “caged” or “retained” ball complement. 
     It shall be understood that the ball bearing rollers used in the present invention, that is, rollers  20 - 23 , are typically substantially identical. The bearing roller can comprise a variety of bearing ball types and can be selected so as to vary to the convenience of the user. Selection of an appropriate ball bearing roller is typically based on the quantity of rollers desired, as well as roller size, material, and grade. The bearing rollers described herein are typically made of steel. As shown the ball bearing rollers are designed as a “full ball complement” (or “cageless”) bearing roller. Full ball complement bearings may be suitable for speeds up to 1200 rpm. It is contemplated that the ball bearing roller can also be designed as a semi-precise or caged roller and the cage itself can comprise a molded, steel, or nylon/elastomeric cage. Such semi-precise bearings typically utilize nylon ball retainer/ cages, and may be suitable for speeds up to 1800 rpm. The bearings described here are typically of the commercial unground type and they are typically customized to the particular application. However, it is contemplated that the inventive bearing can also be a precision (ground) or semi-precise bearing. 
     Further still, the ball bearing rollers described in this application, for example, ball bearing roller  22  (see FIG. 5) can be constructed as an independent article of manufacture without regard to a particular end use. However, additional steps can be taken to connect, mount, rivet, weld, or otherwise attach (e.g., using a threaded nut and stud, or the like) the ball bearing roller to an article of manufacture to facilitate rolling contact. By way of specific example and not limitation, described herein is a ball bearing roller that can be made for use with the ball bearing slide assembly described above, and is attached to the slide assembly carriage using a swaged bearing stud. 
     Referring to FIGS. 6-7, again, ball bearing roller  22  comprises bearing stud  75  and split inner bearing race  55 , which again comprises inner bearing race  51  and inner bearing race  52 . Again, the inventive bearing can also comprise a caged inner race (not shown). Ball bearing roller  22  also comprises outer bearing race  54 . Outer bearing race  54  comprises a curved surface  22   a  and a substantially flat side surface  54   a.  Curved surface  22   a  can contact rolling surfaces (for example the V-shaped rolling surfaces of a ball bearing assembly shown in phantom) as described above so as to reduce frictional contact, which in turn reduces the required force to move the bearing rollers for a given load. Inner bearing race  51  includes surface  51   a  that is flush or substantially flush with side  53  of bearing stud  75  and outer race surface  54   a.  As such, it is also referred to in this application as “flush inner bearing race”. Inner bearing race  52  includes side  58  that extends beyond side  70  of outer race surface  54   a  and so it is also referred to herein as an “extended inner bearing race”. 
     A plurality of balls  56  that are substantially identical are placed between outer and inner races  52  and  51 , respectively, in an area defined by flush inner race  57 , extended inner race  60  and outer bearing race  61 . Such balls are typically made of steel. Extended inner bearing race  52  includes a surface  58  that extends beyond side  54   a  of outer bearing race  54  so as to provide a clearance space  59 . Space  59  can function to prevent contact between ball bearing roller components (e.g., outer bearing race, inner bearing race, etc.) and the ball bearing assembly slide on which it can roll and more generally, to any object or article of manufacture to which the ball bearing can be attached. 
     Still referring to FIGS. 6-7, bearing stud  75  includes bearing hub lip  65  and a side distal from the bearing hub lip to lock on flush inner bearing race  51  via counterbore  67 . Extended inner bearing race  52 , as shown, includes chamfer  62 . Bearing stud mount  75  can be staked (also called “swaged”) along chamfer  62  so as to secure, in conjunction with hub lip  65 , the ball bearing roller components, and in particular inner races  51 - 52 , together to form fully assembled, connected ball bearing roller  22 . More specifically, distal side  47  is contoured or shaped to include sides  47   a  and  47   b.  As shown, side  47   a  is swaged such that a portion  63  of the bearing stud, also called a swaged portion  63 , is in compressive contact with the chamfer  62 . Once secured together, ball bearing roller  22  is ready for use (i.e, rolling contact along a defined path, for example, the path created by surface  13   b  of segment  12   c  of slide member  12 —all of which is shown in phantom lines). 
     Typically, in a split inner race unground bearing, a staked (also called “swaged”) shoulder, rather than a bearing hub lip (also called a “shoulder lock”) is used to secure ball bearing roller components together. However, the amount of material that can be staked, again, for example, swaged portion  63  of bearing mount  75 , is small in thickness relative to the thickness of bearing hub lip  65 . This, in addition to manufacturing inconsistencies associated with the staking process, previous bearing rollers have been susceptible to improper fitting and securing of bearing roller components and premature bearing roller failure. 
     Referring to FIG. 6, roller  22  can be attached to an article of manufacture, for example, ball bearing slide assembly  10  (shown in phantom) which itself can be connected to a structure, for example, structure  200  (shown in FIG.  11 ). In particular, the connection between carriage  16  and roller  22  can be accomplished by sizing bearing stud  75  so that it can pass through carriage  16  as shown. The roller can then be attached by staking a portion of material, illustrated by curved lines  28   b,  of bearing stud  75  to carriage  16 . This staking action results in the bearing roller being fixedly held to the carriage, or more generally, to any other structure to which the bearing might be attached. Staking the bearing roller to the carriage anchors the roller to its place on the carriage. 
     The inventive bearing roller provides for a bearing that can be staked, via material  28   b,  to a carriage  16  or other structure. With the roller adjacent the carriage, swage material portion  63  preferably abuts the carriage or other structure (which is shown in phantom). In this way, a significant feature of the inventive roller design is that it can provide for the protection of the swaged portion  63 . In particular, the swaged portion is protected against shock loads, overloads and thrust loads that can otherwise cause the roller to disassemble into its component parts. 
     The inventive bearing roller, and in particular its components (e.g., outer bearing race  54 , inner bearing races  51 - 52 , and the bearing stud can be made from a variety of materials. Typically, the preferred material for the bearing races is carbon or stainless steel, however, polymers can also be incorporated if desired for noise reduction. Carbon steel components are commonly plated and available in any finish that may be required. Depending on the end application (e.g., a slide assembly for a box structure), the material can be heat-treated for added durability and strength. The ball bearing components can be machined, coined, and metal pressed. Such manufacturing processes are well-known and are included by way of example only. 
     Those skilled in the art shall understand that the ball bearing roller can be used in a variety of applications, not all of which are described here, and that the description with respect to the ball bearing slide assembly and box structure (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10) is by way of illustration and example only, and not for purposes of limiting potential applications for the ball bearing roller. 
     Those of skill in the art will understand that the bearing type for use in the slide assembly can vary, depending on the project at hand. For example, suitable bearings can include ball bearings (at least one embodiment of which is described in detail herein), roller bearings, and plane bearings. Where the bearing comprises a rolling element, the rolling element can be, for example, a bearing ball or bearing roller. Bushings could also be used in place of bearings in the inventive slide assembly. 
     Various fasteners (other than a bearing stud) can be used to secure or attach the bearing to a structure (for example, a slide assembly, or a box), depending on the type of bearing that is used. Suitable fasteners can include threaded studs, rivets, retaining ring grooves, and welded studs. 
     Referring to FIG. 8 a ball bearing system  90  is shown comprising two ball bearing assemblies  10  that are in accordance with the present invention. The ball bearing assemblies are connected in a conventional manner, for example, using cross braces  80 ,  81  as shown, to assemble the system. As shown, assemblies  10  include mounting tabs  26   a-c  for mounting the assemblies to a structure, such as structure  200  (shown in FIGS.  11 - 12 ). The spacing and positioning of the tabs can vary to convenience depending on the application at hand. Carriage  16  couples, in combination with the ball bearing rollers (shown in FIG.  2 ), the first slide member  12  to the second slide member  14  such that the second member moves relative to both the first slide member and the carriage. 
     FIG. 9 illustrates an enlarged view taken along line  9 — 9  of FIG.  8  and illustrates one way in which a plurality of ball bearing slide assemblies can be interconnected or otherwise attached using cross brace  80 . As shown cross brace  80  connects to carriage  16  via tab  82  and is stabilized using stops  83  and  84 . Cross brace  80  is kept in position by stops  83 ,  84 , and tab  82 . Brace  80  can be selected to have a width that can vary to convenience. Referring to FIG. 10 an enlarged view of the area defined by line  10 — 10  of FIG. 8 is shown. Second slide member  12  includes push tab  86  which can engage an extension  88  having an open area  89 , thereby stopping second slide member  12  from disengaging from carriage  16 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, one application, a toolbox  200 , is shown incorporating the ball bearing slide assembly of the present invention. The toolbox is essentially a specialized cabinet or case comprising, or capable of comprising, a fill complement of drawers that can be box like structures. As shown, the toolbox  200  includes drawer  201 , shown in closed (FIG. 11) and open (FIG. 12) positions. One drawer is shown—the rest are removed for the convenience of the reader. Although a toolbox is shown and preferred, those skilled in the art shall also recognize that other applications incorporating the present invention are possible and contemplated. Examples of suitable applications for the bearing slide mechanism described herein include: toolboxes, storage cabinets (e.g., file storage cabinets), platforms, baking and bakery shelves, medical cabinets, and food storage applications, among others. Examples of suitable uses for the ball bearing described herein include: toolboxes, casters, storage cabinets (e.g., file storage cabinets), trolleys, overhead conveyor systems, swivel/glider rockers, sliding doors/mobile partitions, miscellaneous tool applications, mobile electrification/ festoon systems, roller conveyors, storage cabinets, overhead crane systems, idler pulleys platforms, baking and bakery shelves, medical cabinets, and food storage applications, among others. 
     Toolbox  200  comprises a housing  202  defining an interior  204  therein. The housing, as shown, includes a base  205 , left and right side walls  206 ,  208 , respectively, and back wall  210 . The left and right side walls can more precisely be referred to as “false walls” in that they are designed primarily to receive, via holes  212 , slide assemblies  10 . In the embodiment shown, holes  212  are arranged in three, substantially vertical and parallel rows. This pattern can vary to convenience as well as the overall quantity of holes so as to accommodate, for example, drawers of varying sizes. Indeed, the drawers can be of varying sizes, with the accompanying ball bearing slide assemblies and all components thereof (e.g., first element, second element, etc.) sized appropriately. The present invention also contemplates those applications where drawers are replaced by flat or curved structures of varying dimensions in place of standard box-like drawers. The toolbox can comprise a front wall or surface (not shown). It is understood that false walls  206 ,  208  can be covered with finished walls (not shown). 
     In conclusion, although the invention has been described in considerable detail through the preceding specification and drawings, this detail is for the purpose of illustration only. Many variations and modifications, including the addition, subtraction and placement of various components of the invention, can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in following claims.