Patent Publication Number: US-6902245-B1

Title: Drawer slide

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/818,319, filed Mar. 27, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,819 and as such claims priority to such co-pending application as to the matters disclosed therein. 

   BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY 
   This invention relates generally to drawer slides. More particularly, this invention relates to drawer slides having a rail mounted to a drawer, a rail mounted to a frame, a bearing mounting the drawer rail to the frame rail for longitudinal reciprocal movement of the drawer rail relative to the frame rail, and a rigid stop and flexible stop cooperating to limit outward movement of the drawer rail relative to the frame rail under normal forces, the flexible stop being configured to deform sufficiently to permit passage of the rigid stop thereby under higher forces to permit further outward movement of the drawer rail relative to the frame rail. 
   Drawer slides are known having components or rails for attachment to a drawer and components or rails for attachment to a frame within which the drawer is to be received. Often such drawer slides include retention and release mechanisms that retain the drawer component within the frame component or vice versa until the release mechanism is actuated. Often retention release means are difficult to operate or of complicated manufacture. 
   The drawer slide assembly disclosed herein is easily operable and of simple manufacture. The disclosed drawer slide assembly includes a drawer rail, a frame rail and a bearing. The bearing is configured to couple the drawer rail to the frame rail to permit longitudinal reciprocal movement of the drawer rail relative to the frame rail. The drawer assembly includes a rigid stop and a flexible stop configured to cooperate to limit outward movement of the drawer rail relative to the frame rail under a force. In the illustrated embodiment, the rigid stop is formed in the drawer rail and the flexible stop is formed in the bearing. The deformable stop is configured to deform under higher longitudinal forces to permit passage of the rigid stop thereby and further outward movement of the drawer rail relative to the frame rail. 
   Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a plan view of a drawer slide assembly showing a frame rail, a drawer rail, and a bearing (parts of which are shown in phantom lines coupling the drawer rail to the frame rail for longitudinal movement of the drawer rail relative to the frame rail; 
       FIG. 2  is a sectional view of the drawer slide assembly along the line  2 — 2  of  FIG. 1  showing a rigid stop extending downwardly from the drawer rail, a flexible stop extending upwardly from the bearing and a pair of detents securing the bearing to the frame rail; 
       FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the drawer rail of  FIG. 1  showing the rigid stop extending downwardly from a top surface of the drawer rail; 
       FIG. 4  is a end view of the drawer rail of  FIG. 1  showing an upwardly extending attachment flange facilitating attachment of the drawer rail to the back of a drawer, sidewalls extending downwardly and outwardly from the top wall of the drawer rail, lips extending outwardly from the bottom of each sidewall, and the rigid stop extending downwardly from the top wall; 
       FIG. 5  is a plan view of the bearing of  FIG. 1  showing spaced apart sidewalls joined together by a plurality of cross-members providing a bearing surface for the drawer rail to ride upon, a front and rear pair of clutches extending inwardly from the side wall to provide a bearing surface for the tops of the lips of drawer rail to ride against, a flexible stop extending between the first and second cross-members, and reinforcing structures formed on the third and fourth cross-members; 
       FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of the bearing of  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 7  is an end view of the bearing of  FIG. 5  received within the frame rail of  FIG. 1  showing how the inner surface of the frame rail and the outer surface of the bearing are conformably configured; 
       FIG. 8  is an end view of the bearing of  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a sectional view of the bearing taken along line  9 — 9  of  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a sectional view of the bearing taken along line  10 — 10  of  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 11  is a sectional view of the bearing taken along line  11 — 11  of  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 12  is a sectional view of the bearing taken along line  12 — 12  of  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 13  is a plan view of the frame rail of  FIG. 1  showing detents extending upwardly from the bottom surface to secure the bearing against longitudinal movement; 
       FIG. 14  is a sectional view of the frame rail and bearing of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 15  is a side view with parts broken away of the drawer slide assembly of  FIG. 1  attached to a drawer and a frame of a piece of furniture showing the drawer completely received within the frame of the furniture; 
       FIG. 16  is a sectional view of the drawer slide assembly of  FIG. 1  showing the drawer rail moved outwardly with respect to the frame rail to the point that the rigid stop has engaged the flexible stop to inhibit further outward movement of the drawer rail relative to the frame rail. 
       FIG. 17  is a sectional view similar to  FIG. 16  showing the flexible stop deformed to permit further outward movement of the drawer rail relative to the frame rail; 
       FIG. 18  is a sectional view similar to  FIG. 17  showing the drawer rail moved sufficiently outward relative to the frame rail so that the flexible stop has returned to its original shape and no longer inhibits outward movement of the drawer rail relative to the frame rail; 
       FIG. 19  is a sectional view of the drawer slide assembly similar to  FIG. 18  after the drawer rail has been completely removed from the frame rail; 
       FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a portion of the bearing; 
       FIG. 21  is an exploded view of the slide assembly showing a relative position of a channel, a carriage, and a rail; 
       FIG. 22  is a side sectional view along line  22 — 22  of  FIG. 23  of the carriage showing the base, the guides, a stop, and a flexible finger; 
       FIG. 23  is a bottom plan view of the carriage; 
       FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the slide assembly in an assembled state showing a relative position of the channel, the carriage, and the rail; 
       FIG. 25  is a partial sectional view taken along the line  25 — 25  of  FIG. 24  showing a position of the carriage relative to the channel, a tab, and the flexible finger; 
       FIG. 26  is a partial overhead plan view of the assembly showing the flexible finger in a first, natural position; 
       FIG. 27  is a sectional view taken along the line  27 — 27  of  FIG. 26  showing the tab; 
       FIG. 28  is a partial overhead plan view of the assembly showing the flexible finger in the first, natural position in contact with the tab; 
       FIG. 29  is a partial overhead plan view of the assembly showing the flexible finger moved to a second, flexed position; 
       FIG. 30  is a partial overhead plan view of the assembly showing the flexible finger moved to the second, flexed position and the tab moved in a proximal direction beyond the flexible finger; 
       FIG. 31  is a sectional view taken along the line  31 — 31  of  FIG. 30  showing the channel, carriage, stop, rail, tab, and the flexible finger in the second, flexed position; and 
       FIG. 32  is an exploded view of the slide assembly in combination with a drawer and a frame. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
   An illustrative embodiment of a drawer slide assembly  20  is shown in  FIG. 1 . Drawer slide assembly  20  includes an outer rail or frame rail  24  (shown more particularly in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  7 , and  13 – 19 ), a carriage or bearing  26  (shown more particularly in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  5 – 12 , and  14 – 20 ), and an inner rail or drawer rail  22  (shown more particularly in  FIGS. 1–4 , and  15 – 18 ), which cooperate to form assembly  20 . As shown for example, in  FIG. 15 , drawer slide assembly  20  is used in cooperation with a drawer  80  and a frame  90 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 15 , drawer slide assembly  20 , drawer  80 , and frame  90  are illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, outer rail or frame rail  24  is configured for attachment to frame  90  and inner rail or drawer rail  22  is configured for attachment to drawer  80 . Bearing  26  is received within frame rail  24  and provides a bearing surface for receipt of drawer rail  22 . Bearing  26  and drawer rail  22  are configured to permit longitudinal reciprocal movement of drawer rail  22  relative to bearing  26  and frame rail  24 . Bearing  26  is secured within frame rail  24  to prohibit longitudinal movement of bearing  26  with respect to frame rail  24  during longitudinal movement of drawer rail  22  with respect to bearing  26  and frame rail  24 . Drawer rail  22  rides in bearing  26  to facilitate movement of drawer  80  relative to frame  90 . 
   Illustratively, drawer rail  22  and bearing  26  are configured to limit outward longitudinal movement of drawer rail  22  relative to bearing  26  and frame rail  24  when a first level of force is applied to drawer rail  22 . Thus, drawer  80 , to which drawer frame  22  is attached, is inhibited from moving out of frame  90  beyond an initial stop point when a normal outward pull is exerted on the drawer  80 . Drawer rail  22  and bearing  26  are configured to permit additional outward movement of drawer rail  22  relative to bearing  26  and frame rail  24  when a greater level of force is applied to drawer rail  22 . Thus, by pulling harder on the drawer  80 , drawer  80  can be moved farther outwardly, and even be removed, from frame  90 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is within the scope of the present disclosure for outer rail or frame rail  24  to be attached to drawer  80  and inner rail or drawer rail  22  to be attached to frame  90 . 
   Drawer  80  includes a bottom panel  81 , side panels  86  and  88 , face panel  83 , and rear panel  85  cooperating to form an upwardly opening cavity. Frame  90  includes a drawer opening defined by upwardly facing surfaces  91 , opposed inwardly facing side surfaces  96  (only one of which is shown in  FIG. 15 ), and a downwardly facing surface  97 . Drawer opening is sized to receive bottom panel  81 , first side panel  86 , second side panel  88 , and rear panel  85  of drawer  80  therein. 
   Those skilled in the art will recognize that drawer slide assembly  20  is depicted having frame rail  24  attached to upwardly facing surface  91  of frame  90  and drawer rail  22  attached to underside of bottom panel  81  of drawer  80 . By such arrangement, drawer slide assembly  20  is illustrated as being mounted as an under drawer slide. The terms upwardly, downwardly, inwardly and outwardly, and similar adverbial or adjectival terms will be used herein in describing drawer slide assembly  20  with the understanding that those terms accurately reflect the orientation of components of drawer slide assemblies mounted as under drawer slides. However, the usage of such directional terms is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to under drawer slides, since it is within the scope of the disclosure as presently perceived to mount drawer slide assembly  20  to drawer  80  and frame  90  in different fashions, e.g. mounting a single drawer slide assembly to a side panel  86  or  88  of drawer  80 , mounting a drawer slide assembly to each side panel  86  and  88  of drawer  80 , etc. 
   As shown, for example, in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  7 , and  13 – 19 , frame rail  24  has a first end  32 , a second end  34 , a bottom portion  36 , a first side flange  38 , and a second side flange  40 . Bottom portion  36  is formed to include a front detent  42  and a rear detent  44 . Referring to  FIG. 15 , first end  32  of frame rail  24  is attached to an outward, proximal portion  92  of frame  90  by screws or other appropriate fasteners or fastening arrangements. Second end  34  of frame rail  24  is attached to an inward, distal portion  94  of frame  90  by screws or other appropriate fasteners or fastening arrangements. 
   Illustratively, frame rail  24  is formed from a metallic material which is formed and stamped to create the features of frame rail  24 . The illustrated frame rail  24  is configured to permit roll-forming of the component. First side flange  38  and second side flange  40  are spaced-apart with bottom portion  36  extending therebetween. Bottom portion  36  is substantially planar along its length and width to facilitate secure fastening of frame rail  24  to frame  90 . Bottom portion  36  is formed to include attachment holes  37  extending therethrough within which fasteners ( FIG. 15 ) are received for fastening frame rail  24  to frame  90 . 
   Illustratively, bottom portion  36  of frame rail  24  is formed to include two upwardly extending detents  42  and  44  adjacent first end  32  of frame rail  24 . Illustratively, detents  42  and  44  are stamped in bottom portion  36 . Front detent  42  inclines rearwardly while rear detent  44  inclines forwardly. 
   In the illustrated embodiment, the metallic material of frame rail  24  is bent to form first side flange  38  and second side flange  40 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , first and second side flanges  38  and  40 , respectively, include a first portion  39  extending laterally outwardly and upwardly (assuming frame rail  24  is mounted to an upwardly facing surface of frame  90 ) from side edges of bottom portion  36  and a second portion  41  extending inwardly and upwardly from first portion  39 . Thus, first side flange  38  and second side flange  40  can be considered angled blades. As shown for example in  FIG. 7 , frame rail  24  has a substantially diamond C-shaped cross-section. 
   As shown for example in  FIG. 7 , bearing  26  and frame rail  24  are conformally shaped so that bearing can be retained within frame rail  24 . When bearing  26  is received in frame rail  24  and properly positioned adjacent first end  32  of frame rail  24 , reverse edge  46  of front detent  42  engages a portion of bearing  26  to prohibit longitudinal forward movement of bearing  26  with respect to frame rail  24 . Similarly, when bearing  26  is received in frame rail  24  and properly positioned adjacent first end  32  of frame rail  24 , front edge  48  of rear detent  44  engages a portion of bearing  26  to prohibit longitudinal rearward movement of bearing  26  with respect to frame rail  24 . Side flanges  38  and  40  prohibit upward and downward movement of bearing  26  with respect to frame rail  24 . Thus, bearing  26  is securely held within frame rail  24  in a fixed position. 
   Drawer rail  22  has a first end  50 , a second end  52 , a top portion  54 , an upwardly extending attachment flange  53 , a first side wall  56 , a second side wall  58 , and outwardly extending lips  60  and  62 . First side wall  56  and second side wall  58  are spaced-apart with top portion  54  extending therebetween. Illustratively, top portion  54  is substantially planar to facilitate attachment of drawer rail  22  to the underside of bottom panel  81  of drawer  80 . First end  50  of drawer rail  22  is attached to an outward, proximal portion  82  of drawer  80  and second end  52  of drawer rail  22  is attached to an inward, distal portion  84  of drawer  80 . In the illustrated embodiment, attachment flange  53  extends upwardly from top portion  54  and is attached by screws or other fasteners or fastening methods to rear panel  85  of drawer  80 . 
   A lip  60 ,  62  extends outwardly from the bottom end of each of first and second walls  56  and  58 , respectively. Drawer rail  22  is substantially symmetrical about a vertical plane intersecting its longitudinal axis  64 . Top portion  54  and attachment flange  53  are formed to include attachment holes  66  through which fasteners (not shown) extend to attach drawer rail  22  to drawer  80 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , drawer rail  22  has a substantially box U-shaped or box Ω-shaped cross section. Like frame rail  24 , drawer rail  22  is illustratively formed of a metallic material to facilitate forming of the part through standard stamping, cutting and bending operations. The illustrated drawer rail  22  is configured to permit roll-forming of the component. Those skilled in the art will recognize that drawer rail  22  and frame rail  24  can be made from non-metallic materials within the scope of the invention. 
   Top portion  54  is formed to include a downwardly projecting rigid stop  28 . Illustratively, rigid stop  28  is formed by cutting two spaced apart parallel slots on opposite sides of longitudinal axis  64  of drawer rail  22  and stamping the longitudinally extending strip of material between the slots so that rigid stop  28  extends downwardly adjacent longitudinal axis  64 . Rigid stop  28  has a inclined front wall  68 , a bend  70  and a inclined front wall  72 . Bend  70  is the lowermost extending point of rigid stop  28  and is spaced vertically downwardly apart from top portion  54  by a displacement  74 . Inclined front wall  68  extends downwardly and rearwardly from top portion  54  to bend  70 . An angle  76  is formed between top portion  54  and inclined front wall  68 . Similarly an angle  78  is formed between top portion  54  and inclined front wall  72 . In the illustrated embodiment of drawer slide assembly  20 , angle  76  is less than angle  78  so that it is easier deflect flexible stop  30  during insertion of drawer rail  22  into bearing  26  than it is to deflect flexible stop  30  during removal of drawer rail  22  from bearing  26 . 
   Bearing  26  includes flexible stop  30 , a front cross-member  118 , to contact the front detent  42  and a forward middle cross-member  120  to contact rear detent  44  whereby the longitudinal travel of bearing  26  relative to frame rail  24  is prohibited. Drawer rail  22  is disposed within bearing  26  and is longitudinally moveable therein. Flexible stop  30  limits the outward travel of drawer rail  22  by contacting rigid stop  28 . Thus, when used in cooperation with drawer  80  and frame  90  as shown in  FIG. 15 , drawer  80  may slide freely within frame  90  but flexible stop  30  in cooperation with rigid stop  28  stops drawer  80  from inadvertently traveling beyond the confines of frame  90 . Although the illustrated embodiment shows assembly  20  in an undermount position relative to drawer  80 , it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is envisioned to be equally applicable to mounting on sides  86 ,  88  of drawer  80  and sides  96  and  98  of frame. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  5 – 12 , and  14 – 19 , bearing  26  is illustrated. The illustrated embodiment of bearing  26  is formed to include a base  100 , a front pair of clutches  102 , a rear pair of clutches  104  and flexible stop  30 . Base  100  includes a bottom portion  106 , and a top portion  108 . Illustratively, bottom portion  106  of base  100  has a top surface  110  and a bottom surface  112  and is formed from longitudinally extending first and second sides  114  and  116 , respectively, and cross-members  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124  and  126 . Front cross-member  118 , forward middle cross-member  120 , first side  114 , and second side  116  define a front rectangular opening  128 . Forward middle cross-member  120 , center middle cross-member  122 , first side  114 , and second side  116  define a front central opening  130 . Center middle cross-member  122 , rearward middle cross-member  124 , first side  114 , and second side  116  define a rear central opening  132 . Rearward middle cross-member  124 , rear cross-member  126 , first side  114 , and second side  116  define a rear rectangular opening  134 . 
   Flexible stop  30  extends between front cross-member  118  and forward middle cross-member  120  spanning front rectangular opening  128  which provides free space within which flexible stop  30  may be flexed. Thus, the rectangular shape of the opening  128  should not act as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Front central opening  130 , rear central opening  132  and rear rectangular opening  134 , and certain areas of front rectangular opening  128 , serve to reduce the material requirements of bearing  26 . However, because the lateral rigidity of bearing  26  is compromised by the elimination of the material in front central opening  130 , rear central opening  132  and rear rectangular opening  134 , and certain areas of front rectangular opening  128 , stiffening elements  136  are added to the upper surface of center middle cross-member  122  and rearward middle cross-member  124 . Stiffening elements  136  reduce the tendency of bearing  26  to twist and become dislodged from frame rail  24 . 
   Front cross-member  118  of base  100  includes a forwardly facing wall  138  extending between top surface  110  and bottom surface  112  of bottom portion  106 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , forwardly facing wall  138  is preferably formed to have a sharp lower edge to engage front detent  42  to limit the outward travel of bearing  26  within frame rail  24 . Similarly, front middle cross-member  120  of base  100  includes a rearwardly facing wall  140  extending between top surface  110  and bottom surface  112  of bottom portion  106 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , rearwardly facing wall  140  is preferably formed to have a sharp lower edge to engage rear detent  44  to limit the inward travel of bearing  26  within frame rail  24 . Forwardly facing wall  138  and rearwardly facing wall  140  are spaced apart by a displacement  144  substantially equal to, or slightly less than, the displacement  142  between rear edge  46  of front detent  42  and front edge  48  of rear detent  44 . Thus, when held in frame rail  24 , bearing  26  is prevented from moving inwardly or outwardly with respect to frame rail  24 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is within the scope of the disclosure for displacement  142  between front edge  48  of rear detent  44  and rear edge  46  of front detent  42  to be greater than displacement  144  between front facing wall and rear facing wall to permit bearing  26  to slide inwardly and outwardly, within limits, with respect to frame rail  24 . 
   Top portion  108  extends upwardly from top surface  110  of first and second sides  114  and  116 , respectively. Top portion  108  includes front pair of clutches  102  and rear par of clutches  104  extending laterally inwardly toward longitudinal axis  146 . Each pair of clutches  102 ,  104  includes an upper wall  148 , a bottom wall  152 , an inwardly facing wall  154 , a forwardly facing wall  156  and a rearwardly facing wall  158 . Each clutch of pairs of clutches  102 ,  104  is positioned to be in spaced-apart and confronting relationship to its associated clutch of pairs of clutches  102 ,  104  on opposite sides of the bearing  26 . Inwardly facing walls  154  of associated pairs of clutches  102 ,  104  are spaced apart from each other to define a gap  150  therebetween within which side walls  56  and  58  and top portion  54  of drawer rail  22  are slidably received for longitudinal movement relative to bearing  26 . 
   Outwardly extending lips  60 ,  62  of drawer rail  22  are slidably disposed within bearing  26 . Top surface  110  of bottom portion  106  acts to limit downward movement of drawer rail  22  with respect to bearing  26  and acts as a surface against which the bottom surface  160  of outwardly extending lips  60 ,  62  may ride during longitudinal movement of drawer rail  22  with respect to bearing  26 . Bottom walls  152  of clutches  102 ,  104  provide a surface against which upper surface  162  of outwardly extending lips  60 ,  62  of drawer rail  22  may ride during longitudinal movement of drawer rail  22  with respect to bearing  26 . In the illustrated embodiment, front pair of clutches  102  extend into front rectangular opening  128 . In the illustrated embodiment, rear pair of clutches  104  extend into rear central opening  132 . Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom walls  152  of front and rear pairs of clutches  102 ,  104  are not positioned immediately vertically above top surface  110  of bottom portion  106  of base  102  of bearing  26 . Nevertheless, bottom walls  152  of clutches  102 ,  104  are vertically displaced from top surface  110  of bottom portion  106  of base  100  by a displacement  164 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that displacement  164  is approximately equal to, or slightly greater than, the thickness  166  of the material from which outwardly extending lips  60 ,  62  of drawer rail  22  are formed. Thus, bottom walls  152  of clutches  102 ,  104  and top surface  110  of sides  114 ,  116  of bottom portion  106  of base  100  form a track  168  for receipt of outwardly extending lips  60 ,  62  of drawer rail  22 . 
   Bearing  26  is configured to be disposed in a fixed position within frame rail  24  in the illustrated embodiment. Illustratively, bearing  26  is embraced by angled blades of side flanges  38  and  40  to prohibit lateral movement of bearing  26  with respect to frame rail  24 . As shown, for example, in  FIG. 7 , bearing  26  has a diamond C-shaped cross section facilitating receipt of bearing  26  within frame rail  24 . 
   In the illustrated embodiment, when bearing  26  is disposed within frame rail  24 , bearing  26  is fixed longitudinally within frame rail  24  between limits. Forwardly facing wall  138  of front cross-member  118  engages rear edge  46  of front detent  42  to limit the outward movement of bearing  26  relative to frame rail  24 . Rearwardly facing wall  140  of front middle cross-member  120  engages front edge  48  of rear detent  42  to limit the inward movement of bearing  26  relative to frame rail  24 . The engagement between forwardly facing wall  138  of front cross-member  118  and rear edge  46  of front detent  42  also acts to prevent deformation of front cross-member  118  when flexible stop  30  is being flexed. The engagement between rearwardly facing wall  140  of front middle cross-member  120  and front edge  48  of rear detent  44  also acts to prevent deformation of front middle cross-member  120  when flexible stop  30  is being flexed. Those skilled in the art will recognize that longitudinal movement of bearing  26  with respect to frame rail  24  may be limited by other properly configured structural elements of bearing  26  and frame rail  24 . 
   As previously stated, bearing  26  is further formed to include flexible stop  30  which cooperates with rigid stop  28  of drawer rail  22  to selectively limit outward movement of drawer rail  22  with respect to bearing  26 . Illustratively, flexible stop  30  includes a fixed front end  170 , a fixed rear end  172 , and an arch-shaped body  174 . Fixed front end  170  is attached to top surface  110  of front cross-member  118  to be symmetric about a vertical plane running through longitudinal axis  146 . Fixed rear end  172  is attached to top surface  110  of front middle cross-member  120  to be symmetric about a vertical plane running through longitudinal axis  146 . Arch-shaped body  174  extends longitudinally between fixed front end  170  and fixed rear end  172 . Illustratively, arch-shaped body  174  is formed from a strip of material extending between fixed front end  170  and fixed rear end  172 . The upper most portion  176  of arch-shaped body  174  is displaced from top surfaces  110  of front and front middle cross-members  118 ,  120 , respectively, by a distance  178  sufficient to allow uppermost portion  176  to engage bend  70  of rigid stop  28 . Arch-shaped body  174  is configured to allow flexible stop  30  to assume a first, natural position wherein flexible stop  30  inhibits outward movement of drawer rail by engaging rigid stop  28  and a second, deformed position wherein rigid stop  28  does not engage flexible stop  30 . Arch-shaped body  174  is designed to return to the first, natural position after deformation to the second, deformed position. Those skilled in the art will recognize that flexible stop  30  can be formed to have shapes other than arch-shaped which permit flexible stop  30  to assume a first natural position wherein flexible stop inhibits outward movement of drawer rail by engaging rigid stop  28  and a second, deformed position wherein rigid stop  28  does not engage flexible stop  30  and flexible stop  30  returns to the first, natural position after deformation to the second, deformed position. 
   Flexible stop  30  is disposed above front rectangular opening  128  to permit flexible stop  30  to be flexed vertically. In the illustrated embodiment, when flexible stop  30  is in the first natural position  180 , and drawer rail  22  is slidably received in bearing  26 , arch-shaped body  174  has a convex upwardly facing surface  182  and a concave downwardly facing surface  184 . In the illustrated embodiment convex upwardly facing surface  182  exhibits a concavity  185  across the lateral axis. Arch-shaped body  174  is symmetrical about a vertical plane passing through longitudinal axis  146 . Flexible stop  30  and rigid stop  28  are each symmetrical about the vertical plane passing through longitudinal axes  64  and  146 . 
     FIGS. 16–19  illustrate a drawer rail  22  being removed from bearing  26  received in frame rail  24 . The drawer  80  to which drawer rail  22  is attached and frame  90  to which frame rail  24  is attached are removed for clarity in  FIGS. 16–19 . As drawer rail  22  is moved outwardly with respect to bearing  26 , bend  70  and lower portions of inclined front wall  68  of rigid stop  28  engages uppermost portion  176  of flexible stop  30  when flexible stop  30  is in the first natural position  180  to limit outward motion of drawer rail  22  with respect to bearing  26 , as shown for example in  FIG. 16 . The frictional engagement between flexible stop  30  and rigid stop  28  is sufficient to inhibit further outward movement of drawer rail  22  with respect to bearing  26  when a moderate pulling force is applied to drawer  80  to which drawer rail  22  is attached. When a greater pulling force is applied to drawer  80  to which drawer rail  22  is attached, flexible stop  30  is deformed to a second deformed position  188 , as shown, for example, in  FIG. 17 . In second deformed position  188 , flexible stop  30  is deformed sufficiently to permit bend  70  of rigid stop  28  to pass over uppermost portion  176  of flexible stop  30 . Once bend  70  of rigid stop  28  has passed outwardly beyond uppermost portion  176  of flexible stop  30 , as shown, for example, in  FIG. 18 , drawer  80  to which drawer rail  22  is attached can be completely removed from frame  90  by continuing to pull outwardly on drawer  80 , as shown, for example, in  FIG. 19 . Also, once bend  70  of rigid stop  28  has passed outwardly beyond uppermost portion  176  of flexible stop  30 , flexible stop  30  returns to first natural position  180 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 17 , during deformation of flexible stop  30  between the first natural position  180  and the second deformed position  188 , uppermost portion  176  of arch-shaped body  174  is flexed downwardly. Additionally, slight deformation may occur in the laterally concave surface  185  of upper convex surface  182  to facilitate passage of rigid stop  28  over flexible stop  30 . The entire bearing  26  may be somewhat deformed during passage of rigid stop  28  over flexible stop  30 . It may be that pressure exerted by upper surface  162  of outwardly extending lips  60 ,  62  on the bottom wall  152  of the pairs clutches  102 ,  104  causes clutches  102 ,  104  to deform slightly to permit passage of rigid stop  28  over flexible stop  30 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is within the scope of the disclosure for flexible bearing  30  to have some other shape than that shown in the illustrated embodiment. Similarly, rigid stop  28  could be configured differently than in the illustrated embodiment within the scope of the present disclosure. 
   In the illustrated embodiment, each of front pair of clutches  102  includes a chamfered edges  190 . (Best seen in  FIG. 20 .) In the illustrated embodiment chamfered edges  190  are formed from a compound angle on the front wall  156  of forward clutches  102 . The compound angle chamfered edge  190  aids in funneling lips  60 ,  62  into track  168  during insertion of drawer rail  22  into bearing  26 . In the illustrated embodiment, front wall  156  of rear clutches  104  includes a less funneled chamfered edge  191  than front set of clutches  102 . The chamfered edge  191  in rear set of clutches  104  can be less funneled because upward and sideways movement of lips  60 ,  62  is substantially restricted by bottom surface  152  of front pair of clutches  102  and top surface  110  of bottom portion  106  of bearing  26  by the time that the rear edge  52  of drawer rail  22  reaches rear clutches  104  during insertion. Those skilled in the art will recognize that rear clutches  104  could be formed with a compound angle chamfered edge  190  similar to front pair of clutches  102  within the scope of the disclosure. 
   In the illustrated embodiment, bearing  26  is formed from high density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is especially suited to this application since it is a relatively inexpensive material, easily formed, durable and self-lubricating in the instant application. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that bearing  26  may be manufactured from other materials within the scope of the invention. 
   In use, frame rail  24  is attached to frame  90  by nails, screws, staples, or other suitable fasteners ( FIG. 15 ). In use, drawer rail  22  is attached to drawer  80  by nails, screws, staples, or other suitable means ( FIG. 15 ). Drawer rail  22  is positioned on drawer  80  such that rigid stop  28  faces downward when drawer  80  is in its normal position. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 16–19 , bearing  26  is received in frame rail  24  and drawer rail  22  is slidably received within gap  150  with outwardly extending lips  60 ,  62  held in track  168  formed between bottom surfaces  152  of pairs of clutches  102 ,  104  and top surface  110  of bottom portion  106  of bearing  26 . In the preferred embodiment, front surface  138  of front cross-member  118  of bearing  26  engages rear edge  46  of first detent  42  of frame rail  24  and rear surface  140  of forward middle cross-member  120  of bearing  26  engages front edge  48  of rear detent  44  of frame rail  24 . Bearing  26  is securely held in a fixed position relative to frame rail  24 . Outward movement of bearing  26  with respect to frame rail  24  is limited by the engagement of front surface  138  of front cross-member  118  of bearing  26  with rear edge  46  of first detent  42  of frame rail  24 . Inward movement of bearing  26  with respect to frame rail  24  is limited by the engagement of rear surface  140  of forward middle cross-member  120  of bearing  26  with front edge  48  of rear detent  44  of frame rail  24 . 
   To mount the drawer  80  within the frame  90 , drawer rail  22  is slidably disposed within gap  150  defined between respective pairs of clutches  102 ,  104  of bearing  26 . As drawer  80  with attached drawer rail  22  is slid into gap  150 , outwardly extending lips  60 ,  62  of drawer rail  22  are slid into the front portion of track  168  formed between top surface  110  of bottom portion  106  of bearing  26  and bottom walls  152  of front pair of clutches  102 . Front pair of clutches  102  and top surface  110  of bottom portion  106  of bearing  26  align outwardly extending lips  60 ,  62  vertically for receipt in back portion of track  168  formed by bottom walls  152  of rear clutches  104  and top surface  110  of bottom portion  106  as drawer rail  22  is slid inwardly. After rear portions of outwardly extending lips  60 ,  62  are received in track  168  further inward movement of drawer rail  22  causes inclined front wall  72  of rigid stop  28  to engage flexible stop  30 . Further inward movement of drawer rail  22 , with an increased force, causes rigid stop  28  to urge flexible stop  30  from its first, natural position  180  to its second, flexed position  188 . When flexible stop  30  is in its flexed position  188 , rigid stop  28  passes over flexible stop  30 . After passage of rigid stop  28  over flexible stop  30 , flexible stop  30  returns to its first natural position  180 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that the differences between angle  76  and  78  allows less force to be exerted on drawer rail  22  to deflect flexible stop  30  during insertion of drawer rail  22  into bearing  26  than is required to deflect flexible stop  30  during removal drawer rail  22  from bearing  26 . 
   In operation, assembly  20  provides a smooth mechanism for aligning drawer  80  in frame  90  and maintaining the position of drawer  80  within frame  90 . When installed, drawer  80  is constrained from traveling outwardly by contact between flexible stop  30  and rigid stop  28 . Conveniently, when it is desirous to remove the drawer  80  from frame  90 , the exertion of additional outward force on the drawer  80  induces deformation of flexible stop  30  from first, natural position  180  wherein it extends upwardly in longitudinal alignment with rigid stop  28  to the second, flexed position  188  wherein, while it is in longitudinal alignment with rigid stop  28 , it does not prohibit rigid stop  28  from passing thereover thereby enabling drawer  80  to be removed from frame  90 . 
   During insertion or removal of drawer rail  22  from bearing  26 , fixed stop  28  engages flexible stop  30 . Inclined front wall  68  and inclined front wall  72  of fixed stop  30  and arch shaped body  174  of flexible stop  30 , when in contact, cooperate to urge drawer rail  22  upwardly with respect to bearing  26 . Thus, upper surfaces  162  of outwardly extending lips  60 ,  62  are urged against bottom surfaces  152  of pairs of clutches  102 ,  104  when fixed stop  28  is in engagement with flexible stop  30 . The force exerted on bottom surfaces  152  of clutches  102 ,  104  creates a torque about an axis extending through each side wall  114 ,  116  of bearing  26 . This torque is counteracted by the material forming side walls  114 ,  116  of bearing  26  as well as cross-members  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126  extending between side walls  114 ,  116 . The torque tends to cause cross-members  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126  to flex allowing side walls  114 ,  116  to rotate about the axes extending longitudinally therethrough. As mentioned previously, in the illustrated design, cross-members  122 ,  124  are provided with stiffeners  136 . These stiffeners  136  strengthen cross-members  122 ,  124  to inhibit deformation of cross-members  122 ,  124  by the torque created when the flexible stop  30  is in engagement with the fixed stop  28 . To some extent, front end  170  of flexible stop  30  stiffens front cross-member  118  to inhibit deformation of front cross-member  118  by the torque created when the flexible stop  30  is in engagement with the fixed stop  28 . Likewise, to some extent, rear end  172  of flexible stop  30  stiffens forward middle cross-member  120  to inhibit deformation of forward middle cross-member  120  by the torque created when the flexible stop  30  is in engagement with the fixed stop  28 . 
   In the illustrated embodiment, front pair of clutches  102  and rear pair of clutches  104  are displaced from each other by a displacement  192 . Each clutch of front pairs of clutches  102  has a length  194 . The rear edge of inclined rear wall  72  of fixed stop  28  is displaced from the distal end  52  of drawer rail  22  by a displacement  196 . Front pair of clutches  102  is concurrent with flexible stop  30 . This helps to prevent drawer rail  22  from riding out of bearing  26  during deformation of flexible stop  30 . The upper most point  176  of flexible stop  28  is located longitudinally rearwardly from the front walls  156  of front pair of clutches  102 . Thus, the longitudinal displacement  198  between upper most point  176  of flexible stop  30  and front walls  156  of rear pair of clutches  104  is less than the sum of the length  194  of front clutches  102  and the displacement  192  between front clutches  102  and rear clutches  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, displacement  196  between distal end  52  of drawer rail  22  and rear end of inclined rear wall  72  of fixed stop  28  is slightly greater than the sum of displacement  192  between rear pair of clutches  104  and front pair of clutches  102  and the length  194  of front pair of clutches  102  so that the distal end  52  of outwardly extending lips  60 ,  62  is located below bottom surfaces  152  of rear pair of clutches  104  before fixed stop  28  engages flexible stop  30  during insertion of drawer rail  22  into bearing  26 . 
   Additionally, because of the arrangement and positioning of clutches  102 ,  104  and flexible stop  30  in bearing  26  and the arrangement and positioning of fixed stop  28  relative to distal end  52  of drawer rail  22 , as drawer  80  is pulled out from frame  90 , portions of outwardly extending lips  60 ,  62  remain below bottom surfaces  152  of both front and rear pairs of clutches  102 ,  104  until fixed stop  28  passes over flexible stop  30 . The load exerted by the drawer rail  22  on bearing  26  is greatest when the drawer  80  is cantilevered. Thus, when the drawer  80  is extended to the stop position it is highly cantilevered and exerts a high load on bearing  26 . The illustrated arrangement of components counteracts this load by having the outwardly extending lips  60 ,  62  below both the front and rear pair of clutches  102 ,  104  when drawer  80  is in the stop position. 
   An alternative embodiment of a drawer slide assembly  210  in accordance with the present invention is shown in  FIG. 21 . Drawer slide assembly  210  includes a channel  220 , a carriage  260 , and a rail  240 , which cooperate to form assembly  210 . Further reference is made to  FIG. 32  which shows assembly  210  in cooperation with a drawer  80  and a frame  90 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 32 , drawer slide assembly  210 , drawer  80 , and frame  90  are illustrated in an exploded view. Rail  240  of drawer slide assembly  210  slides within carriage  260 . Drawer  80  includes a bottom panel  81 , first and second side panels  86 ,  88 , respectively, face panel  83 , and rear panel  85  cooperating to form an upwardly opening cavity. Frame  90  includes a drawer opening defined by upwardly facing surfaces  91 , opposed inwardly facing side surfaces  96 ,  98 , and a downwardly facing surface  97 . Drawer opening is sized to receive bottom panel  81 , first side panel  86 , second side panel  88 , and rear panel  85  of drawer  80  therein. As shown, in  FIG. 32 , channel  220  is configured for attachment to frame  90  and rail  240  is configured for attachment to drawer  80 . Carriage  260  rides within channel  220  and rail  240  rides in carriage  260  to facilitate movement of drawer  80  relative to frame  90 . 
   Carriage  260  includes flexible finger  262 , a stop  264  to contact at least one of the detents  226 ,  228 ,  230  whereby the travel of carriage  260  is limited relatively to channel  220 . Rail  240  is disposed within carriage  260  and is longitudinally moveable therein. Flexible finger  262  limits the outward travel of rail  240  by contacting tab  246 . Thus, when used in cooperation with drawer  80  and frame  90  as shown in  FIGS. 21 and 32 , drawer  80  may slide freely within frame  90  but flexible finger  262  in cooperation with tab  246  stops drawer  80  from inadvertently traveling beyond the confines of frame  90 . Although the illustrated embodiment shows assembly  210  in an undermount position relative to drawer  80 , it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is envisioned to be equally applicable to mounting on sides  86 ,  88  of drawer  80  and sides  96  and  98  of frame. 
   Those skilled in the art will recognize that drawer slide assembly  210  is depicted having channel or first track  220  attached to upwardly facing surface  91  of frame  90  and rail or second channel  240  attached to underside of bottom panel  81  of drawer  80 . By such arrangement, drawer slide assembly  210  is illustrated as being mounted as an under drawer slide. The terms upwardly, downwardly, inwardly and outwardly, and similar adverbial or adjectival terms will be used herein in describing drawer slide assembly  210  with the understanding that those terms accurately reflect the orientation of components of drawer slide assemblies mounted as under drawer slides. However, the usage of such directional terms is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to under drawer slides, since it is within the scope of the disclosure as presently perceived to mount drawer slide assembly  210  to drawer  80  and frame  90  in different fashions, eg mounting a single drawer slide assembly to a side panel  86  or  88  of drawer  80 , mounting a drawer slide assembly to each side panel  86  and  88  of drawer  80 , etc. 
   Channel or outer track  220  has a first end  222 , a second end  224 , a bottom portion  236 , a first side flange  232 , and a second side flange  234 . Bottom portion  236  is formed to include at least one detent  230 . In the illustrated embodiment, two additional detents  226  and  228  are shown but it is to be understood that multiple detents are not necessary. Referring to  FIG. 32 , the exploded view indicates that in use, first end  222  of channel  220  is attached to an outward, proximal portion  92  of frame  90  and second end  224  of channel  220  is attached to an inward, distal portion  94  of frame  90 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 21 and 31 , channel or outer track  220  is illustrated. Illustratively, channel  220  is formed from a metallic material which is formed and stamped to create the features of channel  220 . First side flange  232  and second side flange  234  are spaced-apart with bottom portion  236  extending therebetween. Bottom portion  236  is substantially planar along the length and width of channel  220  to facilitate secure fastening of channel  220  to frame  90 . Bottom portion  236  is formed to include attachment holes  237  extending therethrough within which fasteners (not shown) are received for fastening channel  220  to frame  90 . 
   Illustratively, bottom portion  236  of channel  220  is formed to include two upwardly extending outward detents  228  and  230  adjacent first end  222  of channel  220  and an upwardly extending medial detent  226  disposed between outward detents  228  and  230  and second end  224 . Illustratively, detents  226 ,  228 ,  230  are stamped in bottom portion  220 . Outward detents  228 ,  230  incline rearwardly while medial detent  226  inclines forwardly. 
   In the illustrated embodiment, the metallic material of channel  220  is bent to form first side flange  232  and second side flange  234 . As shown in  FIG. 31 , first and second side flanges  232  and  234 , respectively, include a first portion  229  extending laterally outwardly and upwardly (assuming channel  220  is mounted to an upwardly facing surface of frame  90 ) from side edges of bottom portion  220  and a second portion  231  extending inwardly and upwardly from first portion  229 . As shown for example in  FIG. 31 , channel has a substantially diamond C-shaped cross-section. 
   Slide member, inner track, or rail  240  has a first end  242 , a second end  244 , a top portion  252 , a first side wall  248 , a second side wall  250 , and outwardly extending lips  249  and  251 . First side wall  248  and second side wall  250  are spaced-apart with top portion  252  extending therebetween. Illustratively, top portion  252  is substantially planar to facilitate attachment of rail  240  to the underside of bottom panel  81  of drawer  80 . First end  242  of rail  240  is attached to an outward, proximal portion  82  of drawer  80  and second end  244  of rail  240  is attached to an inward, distal portion  84  of drawer  80 . Carriage  260 , also shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , is disposed within the channel  220  and is longitudinally moveable therein. 
   A lip  249 ,  251  extends outwardly from the bottom end of each of first and second walls  248  and  250 , respectively. Rail  240  is substantially symmetrical about its longitudinal axis  241 . Top portion  252  is formed to include attachment holes  258  through which fasteners (not shown) extend to attach rail  240  to drawer  80 . As shown in  FIG. 31 , rail  240  has a substantially box U-shaped or box Ω-shaped cross section. Like channel  220 , rail  240  is illustratively formed of a metallic material to facilitate forming of part through standard stamping, cutting and bending operations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that rail  240  and channel  220  can be made from non-metallic materials within the scope of the invention. 
   Top portion  252  is formed to include a downwardly projecting tab  246 . Illustratively, tab  246  is formed by cutting or stamping a laterally extending strip in top portion  252 , cutting strip near second side wall  250  and bending strip near longitudinal axis  241  so that tab  246  extends downwardly adjacent longitudinal axis  241 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 22 ,  23 , and  31  in one embodiment carriage  260  is formed to include a base  272 , pairs of guide tabs  274 , and a flexible finger  262 . Base  272  includes a bottom portion  276 , a top portion  278 , and a stop  274  projecting from bottom portion  276 . Illustratively, bottom portion  276  of base  272  has a top surface  275  and a bottom surface  277  and is formed from longitudinally extending first and second sides  263  and  265 , respectively, and cross-members  267 ,  269 ,  271 ,  273 . Front cross-member  267 , forward middle cross-member  269 , first side  263 , and second side  265  define a front rectangular opening  310 . Forward middle cross-member  269 , rearward middle cross-member  271 , first side  263 , and second side  265  define a middle rectangular opening  312 . Rearward middle cross-member  271 , rear cross-member  273 , first side  263 , and second side  265  define a rear rectangular opening  314 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that front rectangular opening  310  provides free space within which finger  262  may be flexed and thus the rectangular shape of the opening should not act as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Middle and rear rectangular openings  312  and  314 , respectively and areas of front rectangular opening  310 , serve merely to reduce the material requirements of carriage  260 . 
   Base  272  is formed to include a stop  264  projecting downwardly from bottom surface  277  of bottom portion  276 . As shown in  FIG. 25 , Stop  274  is preferably formed to have sharp edges to engage detent  230  to limit the travel of carriage  260  within channel  220 . In the illustrated embodiment, stop  264  is a transverse ridge extending downwardly from forward middle cross-member  269 . 
   Top portion  278  extends upwardly from top surface  275  of first and second sides  263  and  265 , respectively. Top portion  278  includes a plurality of pairs of guide tabs  274  extending laterally inwardly toward longitudinal axis  261 . Each pair of guide tabs  274  are positioned to be in spaced-apart and confronting relationship to one another on opposite sides of the carriage  260  to define a track  275  therebetween within which side walls  248  and  250  and top portion  252  of rail  240  are slidably received for longitudinal movement relative to carriage  260 . Outwardly extending lips  249 ,  251  of rail  240  are slidably disposed within carriage  260  between the bottom surface of associated guide tabs  274  and top surface  277  of sides  263  and  265  of bottom portion  276 . The pairs of guide tabs  274  are positioned to define a track  275  for receipt of rail  240 . 
   Carriage  260  is configured to be disposed within channel  220  for longitudinal movement therein. Illustratively, carriage  260  is slidably embraced by angled blades  233  and  235  of side flanges  232  and  234 . As shown, for example, in  FIG. 31  carriage  260  has a diamond C-shaped cross section facilitating receipt of carriage  260  within channel  220 . 
   In the illustrated embodiment, when carriage  260  is disposed within channel  220 , carriage  260  is free to move longitudinally within channel  220  between limits. Stop  264  of carriage  260  and both front detents  230  and  228  of channel  220 , upon contact, cooperate to limit the outward movement of carriage  260  relative to channel  220 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that outward movement of carriage  260  within channel  220  may be limited by transverse ridge contacting a single front detent or by other properly configured structural elements of carriage  260  and channel  220 . Stop  264  of carriage  260  and medial detent  226  of channel  220 , upon contact, cooperate to limit inward movement of carriage  260  with respect to channel  220 . 
   As previously stated, carriage  260  is further formed to include flexible finger  262  which cooperates with tab  246  of rail  240  to selectively limit outward movement of rail  240  with respect to carriage  260 . Illustratively, flexible finger  262  includes a fixed end  320  and a free end  322 . Fixed end  320  is attached to front cross-member  267  so as to be offset from longitudinal axis  261  toward first side  263  by a distance  326  sufficient to allow tab  246  of rail  240  to slide past fixed end  320  without interference from fixed end  320  when rail  240  is inserted into track  275  of carriage  260 . Finger  262  extends upwardly from bottom portion  276  a distance  328  sufficient to allow a portion of free end  322  to engage a portion of tab  246 . Finger  262  extends longitudinally from fixed end  320  to free end  322  which is displaced toward second end  224  of channel  220  when the carriage  260  is disposed within channel  220 . Finger  262  extends laterally inward toward longitudinal axis  261  from fixed end  320  toward free end  322  so that free end  322  is disposed adjacent longitudinal axis  261  when finger  262  is in its natural, first position  266 . 
   Finger  262  is disposed within front rectangular opening  310  to permit finger  262  to be flexed laterally. Illustratively, a stop  330  extends from second side  265  of bottom portion  276  inwardly into front rectangular opening  310  to restrict flexation of finger  262  so that finger  262  can only be flexed toward first side  263 . Raised tactile indicators  332  are formed on the bottom  335  and second side  336  of finger  262  to provide a user with a tactile indicator of the side of finger  262  which should be pushed to flex finger  262  toward first side  263  of bottom portion  276 . 
   In the illustrated embodiment, when finger  262  is in the first natural position  266 , and rail  240  is slidably received in carriage  260 , free end  322  of the finger  262  lies along a common longitudinal axis  241 ,  261  with tab  246 . As rail  240  is moved outwardly with respect to carriage  260 , tab  246  engages free end  322  of flexible finger  262  when finger  262  is in the first natural position  266  to limit outward motion of rail  240  with respect to carriage  260 . When finger  262  is in flexed position  268 , tab  246  moves freely beyond the finger  262  to allow rail  240  to be removed from carriage  260  and thus allow drawer  80  to be removed from frame  90 . 
   In a preferred embodiment, guide tabs  274  include chamfered edges  277 . (Best seen in  FIG. 2 .) Also in a preferred embodiment, carriage  260  is formed from high density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is especially suited to this application since it is a relatively inexpensive material, easily formed, durable and self-lubricating in the instant application. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that carriage may be manufactured from other materials within the scope of the invention. 
   In use, channel  220  is attached to frame  90  by nails, screws, staples, or other suitable fasteners (not shown). Channel  220  is positioned on frame  90  such that detents  226 ,  228 ,  230  face upward. Detents  228 , and  230  which are formed at the first end  222  of the channel  220 , are at the outward, proximal position  92  of the frame  90 . In a preferred embodiment, a third detent  226  is formed between first end  222  and second end  224  of channel  220 . 
   In use, rail  240  is attached to drawer  80  by nails, screws, staples, or other suitable means (not shown). Rail  240  is positioned on drawer  80  such that tab  246  faces downward when drawer  80  is in its normal position. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 26–30 , carriage  260  is slidably received in channel  220  and rail  240  is slidably received within guide tabs  274 . In the preferred embodiment, stop  264  rides up over the inclined portion of detents  228 ,  230  formed at first end  222  of channel  220 . Carriage  260  is slidably and limitedly disposed within the channel  220  to move between an outer limit and an inner limit. When the carriage  260  slides outwardly, stop  264  strikes detents  228 ,  230  and outward travel of carriage  260  is limited. When carriage  260  slides inwardly, stop  264  strikes detent  226  and the inward travel of the carriage  260  is limited. 
   To mount the drawer  80  within the frame  90 , rail  240  is slidably disposed within track  275  defined by guide tab pairs  274  of carriage  260 . As drawer  80  with attached rail  240  is slid into track  275 , tab  246  urges flexible finger  262  from its first, natural position  266  to its second, flexed position  268 . When finger  262  is in its flexed position  268 , finger  262  passes beyond tab  246 . After tab  246  passes beyond flexible finger  262 , flexible finger  262  returns to its first, natural position  266 . It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that the placement of detents  226 ,  228 ,  230  in combination with the dimensions of carriage  260  and the placement of stop  264  and flexible finger  262  may be designed to control the degree of travel of drawer  80  relative to frame  90 . 
   In operation, assembly  210  provides a smooth mechanism for aligning drawer  80  in frame  90  and maintaining the position of drawer  80  within frame  90 . When installed, drawer  80  is constrained from traveling outwardly by contact between flexible finger  262  and tab  246 . Conveniently, when it is desirous to remove the drawer  80  from frame  90 , manual movement of flexible finger  262  from first, natural position  266  where it is in longitudinal alignment with tab  246  to the second, flexed position  268  where it is not in longitudinal alignment with tab  246  enables drawer  80  to be removed from frame  90 . 
   Those skilled in the art will recognize that during insertion of drawer  80  into frame  90 , lips  249 ,  251  of rail  240  are inserted into a gap  334  between bottom surface of guides  274  and top surface  263  of bottom portion of carriage  260 , and rail  240  is slid rearwardly within carriage  260 . Initially carriage  260  slides rearwardly within channel until stop  264  engages medial detent  226  while lips  249 ,  251  of rail  240  slide within guide gaps  334 . During insertion of rail  240  into track  275  of carriage  260 , tab  246  eventually engages second side  336  of finger between fixed end  320  and free end  322 . Upon further insertion, tab  246  urges finger  262  to flex toward first side  263  of carriage  260  until tab  246  passes inwardly beyond free end  322  of flexible finger  262 . Upon tab  246  passing inwardly beyond free end  322  of flexible finger  262 , flexible finger  262  returns to its natural first position  266 . 
   Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to a certain preferred embodiment, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the present invention as described and defined in the following claims.