Patent Abstract:
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations an expandable or adjustable snap-in cam or other friction device having a mechanically lockable drawer, shelf or divider in a cabinet, pantry, kitchen cupboard mount includes no screws or other permanent mounting.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/555,074 filed 3 Nov. 2011 under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The field of the invention is a pressure mounted storage system with a locking friction clamp and a sliding container. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
       [0003]    A pressure mounted storage system (PMSS) is a kitchen space optimization solution that reclaims unused storage space, reduces clutter, and delivers high-end functionality—without tools—at fraction of the price of existing systems. The PMSS is particularly beneficial in households that desire more kitchen storage space and improved organization, in contrast to professional kitchen remodeling which is expensive, and do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement kits which are messy, time-consuming and require specific expertise, without nailing, screwing, drilling or expensive contractors—making kitchen upgrading a snap. The pressure mounting provides a friction mounting or a friction and pressure mounting of a storage apparatus to the inside of an existing kitchen cabinet or other enclosure. The drawer is one example of a shelf or other form of storage. 
         [0004]    In one aspect, a pressure mounting apparatus comprises a platform and a locking friction clamp having at least two snap arms that are pivotally coupled at first ends to each other through a push/pivot buckle and each of the at least two snap arms being pivotally attached at second ends to a snap compression pad, wherein the plurality of snap arms have a locked position and an unlocked position wherein the locking friction clamp being mounted on the platform. 
         [0005]    In a further aspect, an enclosure comprises a plurality of walls comprising an exterior of the enclosure, the plurality of walls forming an interior of the enclosure, a platform attached to the interior of the walls and having faces comprising a side, a front and a rear, and a plurality of locking bars protruding from at least one of the faces of the platform, wherein the plurality of locking bars have a locked position and an unlocked position wherein the plurality of locking bars being pivotally mounted on the platform, and wherein the locking bars create friction in the locked position against the plurality walls to hold the platform in place. 
         [0006]    In another aspect, an enclosure comprises a platform, a plurality of walls coupled to the platform and at least one pivoting lever member that is mounted on the platform and operable to pivot into a position that creates force and friction against the walls. 
         [0007]    Pressure mounting apparatuses of varying scope are described herein. In addition to the aspects and advantages described in this summary, further aspects and advantages will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by reading the detailed description that follows. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is an isometric diagram of a pressure mounted storage apparatus, according to an implementation; 
           [0009]      FIG. 1B  is an isometric diagram of a locking friction clamp integrated into a platform of a pressure mounted storage apparatus, according to an implementation; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a bottom view of a block diagram of a pressure mounted apparatus  100  of a pressure mounted storage system in an unlocked configuration, according to an implementation; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of a block diagram of a pressure mounted apparatus of a pressure mounted storage system in a locked configuration, according to an implementation; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view of a block diagram of a pressure mounted apparatus of a pressure mounted storage system in an unlocked configuration, according to an implementation; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a bottom view of a block diagram of a pressure mounted apparatus of a pressure mounted storage system in an unlocked configuration, according to an implementation; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a bottom view of a block diagram of a pressure mounted storage apparatus of a pressure mounted storage system in an unlocked configuration, according to an implementation; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of a block diagram of a pressure mounted storage apparatus of a pressure mounted storage system in a locked configuration, according to an implementation; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a bottom view of a block diagram of a lateral pressure mounted storage apparatus of a pressure mounted storage system in an unlocked configuration, according to an implementation; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a bottom view of a block diagram of a lateral pressure mounted storage apparatus of a pressure mounted storage system in a locked configuration, according to an implementation; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a bottom view of a block diagram of a pressure mounted storage apparatus of a pressure mounted storage system having a single actuating bar in an unlocked configuration, according to an implementation; 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a bottom view of a block diagram of a pressure mounted storage apparatus of a pressure mounted storage system having a single actuating bar in a locked configuration, according to an implementation; 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is a bottom view of a block diagram of a lateral pressure mounted storage apparatus of a pressure mounted storage system in an unlocked configuration, according to an implementation; 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is a bottom view of a block diagram of a lateral pressure mounted storage apparatus of a pressure mounted storage system in a locked configuration, according to an implementation; 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  is an isometric diagram of a pressure mounted child-proof lockable storage apparatus, according to an implementation; 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  is an isometric diagram of a pressure mounted spice storage apparatus, according to an implementation; 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  is an isometric diagram of a pressure mounted crisper storage apparatus, according to an implementation; 
           [0025]      FIG. 17  is an isometric diagram of a pressure mounted wrap storage apparatus, according to an implementation; 
           [0026]      FIG. 18  is an isometric diagram of a pressure mounted platform apparatus with no drawer, according to an implementation; 
           [0027]      FIG. 19  is a top view of a block diagram of a lateral pressure mounted storage apparatus of a pressure mounted storage system in a closed configuration, according to an implementation; 
           [0028]      FIG. 20  is a top view of a block diagram of a lateral pressure mounted storage apparatus of a pressure mounted storage system in an open configuration, according to an implementation; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 21  is a flowchart of a method of installing the pressure mounted storage apparatus, according to an implementation. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific implementations that may be practiced. These implementations are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the implementations, and it is to be understood that other implementations may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the implementations. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. 
         [0031]    The detailed description is divided into three sections. In the first section, apparatus described. In the second section, a method is described. In the third section, a conclusion of the detailed description is provided. 
       APPARATUS 
       [0032]      FIG. 1  is an isometric diagram of a pressure mounted storage apparatus  100 , according to an implementation. Apparatus  100  includes two notable features and attributes: a locking friction clamp  102  and a sliding container  104 . The sliding container  104  is moveably mounted or moveably attached to the locking friction clamp  102  through a platform  106 . In the example shown in  FIG. 1-9  the sliding plastic container  104  is a sliding drawer, but in other examples shown in  FIG. 14-13 , the sliding plastic container  104  is a lockable “child-proof” lockable drawer, a spice drawer, a crisper drawer, or a wrap drawer. In some implementations of the sliding drawer shown in  FIG. 1 , the sliding drawer is collapsible container. Some implementations of the pressure mounted storage system include a level that is integrated into the apparatus that can be used during installation to determine if the pressure mounted storage system is positioned level along an axis. 
         [0033]    One particular benefit of pressure mounted storage apparatus  100  is that the pressure mounted storage apparatus  100  is not attached to the inside of a cabinet enclosure with screws, nails, tape, adhesive, or any other common attachment device. Instead, the pressure mounted storage apparatus  100  is simply “snapped” into place using an integrated clamp system of the locking friction clamp  102  (shown in  FIG. 1-9 ). The integrated clamp system places outward pressure against opposing inside wall(s) of the cabinet, securely holding pressure mounted storage apparatus  100  in place within and inside the cabinet. 
         [0034]    All cabinets in North America have standard sizes. Standard base kitchen cabinet sizes uniform in terms of depth and height (24″ deep, 34 1/2″ tall). The widths are also predictable and standardized, with stock cabinets available in 3″ increments (9″, 12″, 15″, etc., usually up to 36″). The dimension makes ordering the right size no different than specifying a preferred size of shirt. Thus, the pressure mounted storage apparatus  100  is also manufactured in predictable and standardized dimensions, well-suited for mass production. 
         [0035]    In some implementations, the sliding plastic container  104  includes an integrated pull stop (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) so that the sliding plastic container  104  may not be completely pulled out of its housing (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0036]      FIG. 1B  is an isometric diagram of a locking friction clamp integrated into a platform of a pressure mounted storage apparatus  150 , according to an implementation; Apparatus  150  includes two notable features and attributes: the locking friction clamp  102  is integrated into the platform  106  and the sliding container  104 . The sliding container  104  is slideably mounted or slideably attached to the locking friction clamp  102  through the platform  106 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 2  is a bottom view of a block diagram of a pressure mounted apparatus  100  of a pressure mounted storage system in an unlocked configuration, according to an implementation. The pressure mounted apparatus  100  includes a platform  106  and a locking friction clamp  102 . The locking friction clamp  102  includes at least one snap arm  202  that is pivotally coupled to at least one of the platform  106  (as shown in  FIG. 4-5  and at least one other snap arm  204 . The at least one snap arm  202  has an unlocked (and an unlocked position as shown in  FIG. 3 ). The at least one snap arm  202  is operable to hold the platform  106  in position in a cavity  206  by creating friction against at least on side of the cavity in the locked position, as shown in  FIG. 3 . In some implementations of the snap arm, the snap arm is extendable or adjustable in reach. In one example of the extendable or adjustable snap arm, the snap arm  202  is adjustable through screws, where some portion of the snap arm  202  is threaded onto a base of the snap arm  202  or onto a lead screw and threading out the screw makes the snap arm  202  longer. In another example of the extendable or adjustable snap arm, the snap arm  202  is adjustable through discrete position adjustment, wherein the snap arms  202  are snapped into different positions using a spring loaded ball or pin and holes in a sliding outer member. 
         [0038]    In some implementations, the platform  106  is adjustable or extendable in width, such as by a sleeve that is a part of platform  106 , and by a center piece that fits inside the sleeve and slides out to extend the width of the platform  106 . In some implementations, the adjustable or extendable platform  106  does not lock into a given width because the platform  106  takes only vertical loads. The locking friction clamp  102  is attached to the bottom of the adjustable or/extendable platform  106  and the snap arm(s)  202  are adjustable in length, but the locking friction clamp  102  is fixed in width and has a width that is not adjustable or extendable. 
         [0039]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of a block diagram of a pressure mounted apparatus  100  of a pressure mounted storage system in a locked configuration, according to an implementation. The at least one snap arm  202  is in a locked position as shown in  FIG. 3 . The at least one snap arm  202  holds the platform  106  in a position in a cavity  206  by creating friction against at least on side of the cavity in the locked position 
         [0040]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view of a block diagram of a pressure mounted apparatus  100  of a pressure mounted storage system in an unlocked configuration, according to an implementation. The pressure mounted apparatus  100  includes a platform  106  and a locking friction clamp  102 . The locking friction clamp  102  includes at least one snap arm  202  that is pivotally coupled to at least one of the platform  106  (as shown in  FIG. 4-5 . The at least one snap arm  202  has an unlocked (and an unlocked position as shown in  FIG. 5 ). The at least one snap arm  202  is operable to hold the platform  106  in position in a cavity  206  by creating friction against at least one side of the cavity in the locked position, as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 5  is a bottom view of a block diagram of a pressure mounted apparatus  100  of a pressure mounted storage system in a locked configuration, according to an implementation. The pressure mounted apparatus  100  includes a platform  106  and a locking friction clamp  102 . The locking friction clamp  102  includes at least one snap arm  202  that is pivotally coupled to at least one of the platform  106 . The at least one snap arm  202  is a locked position as shown in  FIG. 5 . The at least one snap arm  202  is operable to hold the platform  106  in position in a cavity  206  by creating friction against at least one side of the cavity in the locked position. 
         [0042]      FIG. 6  is a bottom view of a block diagram of a pressure mounted storage apparatus  100  of a pressure mounted storage system in an unlocked configuration, according to an implementation. The pressure mounted storage apparatus  100  is shown in  FIG. 6  in an unlocked configuration. 
         [0043]    Each locking friction clamp  102  includes at least 2 snap arms (such as  202  and  204 ; or  602  and  604 ) that are rigid arms. When the snap arms are pushed outward by a push/pivot buckle  210  and  604 , the snap arms apply pressure through snap compression pads  614 ,  616 ,  606  and  608  upon and onto the inner walls of the cabinet enclosure  814 . Each pair of snap arms (such as pair  202  and  204 ) are identical in structure and function. The push/pivot buckles  610  and  604  rotatably connect the snap arms together and serve as the central connection and rotation point to the snap arms. The snap compression pads  614 ,  616 ,  606  and  608  are attached at the end of each snap arm to ensure snug and lasting fit. 
         [0044]    Unlike conventional approaches which require tools and precision measurement, the pressure mounted storage apparatus  100  takes advantage of the rigidity and predictability of the size and space of standard kitchen cabinets in which the dimensions of the pressure mounted storage apparatus  100  is reasonably calculated to have a tight snug fit in a specifically sized cabinet when the snaps arms  202 ,  204 ,  602  and  604  are locked (such as in  FIG. 7 ) yet the pressure mounted storage apparatus  100  is reasonably calculated to have a loose fit in the same specifically sized cabinet when the snaps arms  202 ,  204 ,  602  and  604  are unlocked (such as in  FIG. 6 ). 
         [0045]    The snap arms (e.g.  202 ,  204 ,  602  and  604 ) are also known as pivoting lever members. The snap compression pad (e.g.  614 ) is also known at a locking bar. 
         [0046]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of a block diagram of a pressure mounted storage apparatus  100  of a pressure mounted storage system in a locked configuration, according to an implementation. The pressure mounted storage apparatus  100  shown in  FIG. 7  is a locked configuration. 
         [0047]    The locking friction clamp  102  includes snap arms  202 ,  204 ,  602  and  604  that are rigid arms that when pushed outward by the push/pivot buckle  610  and  604 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , applies pressure through snap compression pads  614 ,  616 ,  606  and  608  upon the outer walls of the cabinet enclosure  814 . The snap compression pads  614 ,  616 ,  606  and  608  is attached at the end of each snap arm to ensure snug and lasting fit. Note that in the locked configuration or position as shown in  FIG. 7 , the snap arms  202 ,  204 ,  602  and  604  are not aligned in a straight line to each other, but have in fact been moved from the position as shown in  FIG. 6  to a position further beyond straight alignment to each other to a position in which the push/pivot buckle  610  is closer to closest end  222  of the platform  106  than are the snap compression pads  614  and  616  and to a position in which the push/pivot buckle  604  is closer to closest end  702  of the platform  106  than are the snap compression pads  606  and  608 . The location of the snap arms  202 ,  204 ,  602  and  604  when not aligned in a straight line to each other after having been moved from the position as shown in  FIG. 6  to a position further beyond straight alignment to each other is known as “negative space” helps ensure position of the locking friction clamp  102  remains locked in place, without risk of unintentional release. The negative space is an area on one side of the snaps arms  202 ,  204 ,  602  and  604  in which the snap arms move past 90 degrees into a locked position of about 3 degrees past 90 or so. 
         [0048]    The snap arms can be positioned either from side-to-side as shown in  FIG. 6-3  or from front-to-back as shown in  FIG. 8-5 . In another example of the extendable or adjustable snap arm, each snap arm is adjustable through caps or compression pads  606 ,  608 ,  614  and  616  of different thicknesses can be placed on the ends of the snap arms,  202 ,  204 ,  602  and  604 , respectively. In some implementations, the snap arms (e.g.  202 ,  204 ,  602  and  604 ) have a threaded end that allows adjustment of the length of the snap arms. 
         [0049]      FIG. 8  is a bottom view of a block diagram of a lateral pressure mounted storage apparatus  800  of a pressure mounted storage system in an unlocked configuration, according to an implementation. The pressure mounted storage apparatus  800  is shown in  FIG. 8  in an unlocked configuration. 
         [0050]    The locking friction clamp  102  includes snap arms  802 ,  804 ,  806  and  808  that are rigid arms. When the snap arms are pushed outward by a push/pivot buckle  810  and  812 , the snap arms apply pressure through snap compression pads  614 ,  616 ,  606  and  608  upon and onto the inner walls of the cabinet enclosure  814 . Each pair of snap arms (such as pair  802  and  804 ) are identical in structure and function. The push/pivot buckles  810  and  812  connect the snap arms together and serve as the central connection and rotation point to the snap arms. The snap compression pads  614 ,  616 ,  606  and  608  are attached at the end of each snap arm to ensure snug and lasting fit. Negative space ensures position of the locking friction clamp  102  remains locked in place, without risk of unintentional release. 
         [0051]      FIG. 9  is a bottom view of a block diagram of a lateral pressure mounted storage apparatus  800  of a pressure mounted storage system in a locked configuration, according to an implementation. The pressure mounted storage apparatus  800  shown in  FIG. 9  in a locked configuration. 
         [0052]    The locking friction clamp  102  includes snap arms  802 ,  804 ,  806  and  808  that are rigid arms that when pushed outward by the push/pivot buckle  810  and  812 , as shown in  FIG. 9 , applies pressure through the snap compression pads  614 ,  616 ,  606  and  608  upon the outer walls of the cabinet enclosure  814 . The snap compression pads  614 ,  616 ,  606  and  608  is attached at the end of each snap arm to ensure snug and lasting fit. Negative space ensures position of the locking friction clamp  102  remains locked in place, without risk of unintentional release. 
         [0053]      FIG. 10  is a bottom view of a block diagram of a pressure mounted storage apparatus  1000  of a pressure mounted storage system having a single actuating bar in an unlocked configuration, according to an implementation. The pressure mounted storage apparatus  100  is shown in  FIG. 6  in an unlocked configuration. 
         [0054]    The single actuating bar  1002  provides a mechanism to apply mechanical pressure to all of the snap arms  202 ,  204 ,  602  and  604  simultaneously. 
         [0055]      FIG. 11  is a bottom view of a block diagram of a pressure mounted storage apparatus  1100  of a pressure mounted storage system having a single actuating bar in a locked configuration, according to an implementation. The pressure mounted storage apparatus  100  is shown in  FIG. 11  in a locked configuration. 
         [0056]    The single actuating bar  1002  applies mechanical pressure to all of the snap arms  202 ,  204 ,  602  and  604  simultaneously. In another implementation of pressure mounted storage apparatus  1000  in  FIG. 10  and pressure mounted storage apparatus  1100  in  FIG. 1100 , at least two actuating bars are implemented, one actuating bar positioned towards the left side of the pressure mounted storage apparatus  1000  and  1100  and a second actuating bar positioned towards the right side of the pressure mounted storage apparatus  1000  and  1100 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 12  is a bottom view of a block diagram of a lateral pressure mounted storage apparatus  1200  of a pressure mounted storage system in an unlocked configuration, according to an implementation. The pressure mounted storage apparatus  1200  is shown in  FIG. 12  in an unlocked configuration. 
         [0058]    The locking friction clamp  102  includes snap arms  202  and  204  that are rigid arms. When the snap arms  202  and  204  are pushed outward by a push/pivot buckle  610 , the snap arms  202  and  204  apply pressure through snap compression pads  614 ,  616 ,  606  and  608  upon and onto snap arms  802 ,  804 ,  806  and  808  that are rigid arms. When the snap arms are pushed outward by a push/pivot buckle  810  and  812 , the snap arms apply pressure through a snap compression pads  614 ,  616 ,  606  and  608  upon and onto the inner walls of the cabinet enclosure  814 . Each pair of snap arms (such as pair  802  and  804 ) are identical in structure and function. The push/pivot buckles  810  and  812  connect the snap arms together and serve as the central connection and rotation point to the snap arms. The snap compression pads  614 ,  616 ,  606  and  608  are attached at the end of each snap arm to ensure snug and lasting fit. Negative space ensures position of the locking friction clamp  102  remains locked in place, without risk of unintentional release. 
         [0059]      FIG. 13  is a bottom view of a block diagram of a lateral pressure mounted storage apparatus  1200  of a pressure mounted storage system in a locked configuration, according to an implementation. The pressure mounted storage apparatus  1200  is shown in  FIG. 13  in a locked configuration. 
         [0060]    The locking friction clamp  102  includes snap arms  202  and  204  that are rigid arms. When the snap arms  202  and  204  are pushed outward by a push/pivot buckle  610 , the snap arms  202  and  204  apply pressure through snap compression pads  614 ,  616 ,  606  and  608  upon and onto snap arms  802 ,  804 ,  806  and  808  that are rigid arms. When the snap arms are pushed outward by a push/pivot buckle  810  and  812 , the snap arms apply pressure through a snap compression pads  614 ,  616 ,  606  and  608  upon and onto the inner walls of the cabinet enclosure  814 . Each pair of snap arms (such as pair  802  and  804 ) are identical in structure and function. The push/pivot buckles  810  and  812  connect the snap arms together and serve as the central connection and rotation point to the snap arms. The snap compression pads  614 ,  616 ,  606  and  608  are attached at the end of each snap arm to ensure snug and lasting fit. Negative space ensures position of the locking friction clamp  102  remains locked in place, without risk of unintentional release. 
         [0061]      FIG. 14  is an isometric diagram of a pressure mounted child-proof lockable storage apparatus  1400 , according to an implementation. The pressure mounted child-proof lockable storage apparatus  1400  includes a sliding child-proof lockable drawer  1402 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 15  is an isometric diagram of a pressure mounted spice storage apparatus  1500 , according to an implementation. The pressure mounted spice storage apparatus  1500  includes a sliding plastic spice drawer  1502 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 16  is an isometric diagram of a pressure mounted crisper storage apparatus  1600 , according to an implementation. The pressure mounted crisper storage apparatus  1600  includes a crisper drawer with a top  1602 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 17  is an isometric diagram of a pressure mounted wrap storage apparatus  1700 , according to an implementation. The pressure mounted wrap storage apparatus  1700  includes a drawer that is suitable for storing packages of aluminum foil wrap and plastic wrap. Some implementations of the pressure mounted wrap storage apparatus  1700  include dividers that separate the packages of aluminum foil wrap and plastic wrap. 
         [0065]      FIG. 18  is an isometric diagram of a pressure mounted platform apparatus  1800  with no drawer or container, according to an implementation. 
         [0066]      FIG. 19  is a top view of a block diagram of a lateral pressure mounted storage apparatus  800  of a pressure mounted storage system in a closed configuration, according to an implementation. 
         [0067]    The locking friction clamp  102  includes the snap compression pads  614 ,  616 ,  606  and  608  that are attached at the end of each snap arm (not shown n  FIG. 19 ) to ensure snug and lasting fit. The sliding plastic container  104  is in a retracted (closed) position. 
         [0068]      FIG. 20  is a top view of a block diagram of a lateral pressure mounted storage apparatus  800  of a pressure mounted storage system in an open configuration, according to an implementation. The sliding plastic container  104  is in an extended (opened) position. 
       METHOD 
       [0069]      FIG. 21  is a flowchart of a method  2100  of installing the pressure mounted storage apparatus, according to an implementation. Method  2100  includes positioning the pressure mounted storage apparatus inside a cabinet at block  2102  and locking the pressure mounted storage apparatus in the position by snapping the snap bars in a locked position. 
         [0070]    In particular, one of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the names of the methods and apparatus are not intended to limit implementations. Furthermore, additional methods and apparatus can be added to the components, functions can be rearranged among the components, and new components to correspond to future enhancements and physical devices used in implementations can be introduced without departing from the scope of implementations. One of skill in the art will readily recognize that implementations are applicable to future drawers, different pivots, and new moveable mounts. 
       CONCLUSION 
       [0071]    The terminology used in this application is meant to include all pivot arms and compression pads and alternate technologies which provide the same functionality as described herein.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5