APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PULLOUT CAGE MOUNTING AND ADJUSTMENT

Abstract

A pullout cage apparatus is provided which is comprised of a base frame removably mounted to a pair of robust drawer slides. The drawer slides are coupled to each other by a pair of cross braces, which are in turn mounted to the base of a cabinet frame. A retainer cage is rigidly mounted to the base frame. The retainer cage supports a plurality of adjustment brackets, which allow adjustment of a face plate.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to pullout drawers in cabinets. In particular, the disclosure relates to a pullout drawer systems having adjustable face plate panels.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Modern kitchens place a premium on both high quality cabinetry and efficient storage. In the past, traditional pullout drawers have been built into cabinets from cabinetry wood. However, wood drawers are both heavy and difficult to clean. Moreover, wooden drawers are difficult to adjust properly, which makes mounting them in a way which aligns with the cabinet face difficult and costly. Further, prior art wooden pullout drawers are not easily removable for cleaning, which makes them difficult to use for trash receptacles.

In an effort to overcome these difficulties, the prior art has responded by various pullout drawer systems.

For example, U.S. Publication No. US2013/0088134 to Varner, et al. discloses a storage and organization system for garbage cabinet including pullouts and accessories constructed to fit closely into differently sized storage spaces to increase efficiency and capacity. However, the system includes many solid pieces, making it heavy, difficult to install, and difficult to adjust.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,832,816 to Compagnucci discloses a frame used to support racks that slide out from a cabinet and rotate around a vertical axis. The frame comprises a rectangular structure formed of two uprights connected by upper and lower cross-pieces. The cross-pieces are coupled to telescopic sliding assemblies mounted within the cabinet. The cross-pieces are pinned to the sliding assemblies to allow the rack to rotate approximately 90° on a vertical axis such that the frame becomes parallel with the face of the cabinet only at a fully deployed position. Stops mounted to the cross-pieces prevent the frame from sliding to a stored position within the cabinet before the frame is rotated 90° such that the frame is parallel with the sliding assemblies. The device does not provide a lightweight structure.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,966 to Fulterer discloses a pullout device for a tall cupboard. The device comprises upper and lower sliding assemblies including telescopically sliding rails and running rollers. A vertically extending pullout frame, which is formed of vertical front and rear bars and horizontal upper and lower bars, is secured to the sliding assemblies. The front and rear bars and the upper and lower bars can be formed as telescopic members, permitting to adapt the device to the dimensions of the tall cupboard. A plurality of baskets can be hung between the vertical. A frontal screen is secured to the front vertical bar. The frontal screen is not easily adjustable.

U.S. Pat. No. RE41,725 to Walburn discloses a drawer slide system providing desired access and stability for a side access drawer. The system comprises a drawer having a front wall, a back wall, a base, and plurality of shelves connected between the front and back walls. The base includes a pair of vertical webs. The base is slidably mounted on a sliding assembly comprised of one horizontally oriented drawer slide and a pair of vertically oriented drawer slides mounted to vertical webs of the base. The device does not provide easy adjustment and is not removable.

Despite the advantages of the prior art, a major drawback has been that the pullout drawers disclosed are not easily installed, adjusted or cleaned. The prior art fails to disclose or suggest a pullout drawer that is lightweight and which is both easily adjustable to accommodate alignment with adjacent cabinets and easily removed for cleaning. Therefore, there is a need for a pullout drawer that is lightweight, easily adjustable to ensure a coordinated appearance with pre-existing cabinetry and easily removable for cleaning.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In preferred embodiment, a pullout retainer cage assembly is comprised of a base frame removably mounted to a pair of robust drawer slides. The drawer slides are coupled to each other by a pair of cross braces which are in turn, mounted to the base of a cabinet frame. The retainer cage is rigidly mounted to the base frame. The retainer cage includes several generally horizontal cage rails rigidly mounted by vertical stanchions in a particularly strong arrangement which forms three distinct top planes. The support rails and vertical stanchions support a plurality of adjustment brackets, which allow a novel aligned adjustment capability the face plate. The retainer cage assembly, base frame and drawer slides are moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. In a preferred embodiment, the drawer slides include automatic retraction and damping mechanisms to aid in control of movement between the retraced position and the extended position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosed embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like pieces in different drawings are referenced by the same number.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment in an extended position.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of preferred embodiment having the face plate removed.

FIG. 3A is an exploded isometric view of a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 3B is an exploded isometric view of a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 3C is an exploded isometric view of a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 3D is an isometric detail view of a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 4A is an isometric detail view of a drawer slide of preferred embodiment.

FIG. 4B is an isometric detail view of a drawer slide of preferred embodiment.

FIG. 4C is an isometric detail view of a drawer slide of preferred embodiment

FIG. 5A is an isometric detail view of a preferred embodiment of a drawer slide clip.

FIG. 5B is an isometric detail view of a preferred embodiment of a drawer slide clip.

FIG. 5C is an isometric detail view of a preferred embodiment of a drawer slide clip.

FIG. 5D is an isometric assembly detail.

FIG. 6A is an isometric detail view of an abutment block.

FIG. 6B is an exploded isometric detail view of an abutment block.

FIG. 6C is an assembly detail view of a drawer catch and abutment block.

FIG. 6D is an exploded isometric detail view of an abutment block.

FIG. 7A is an exploded isometric view of a preferred embodiment of an angle bracket.

FIG. 7B is an isometric detail view of a preferred embodiment of an angle bracket.

FIG. 7C is an assembly view of a preferred embodiment of an angle bracket.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a preferred method of adjusting a face plate.

FIG. 9A is a flowchart of a preferred method of attaching a retainer cage assembly.

FIG. 9B is a flowchart of a preferred method of detaching a retainer cage assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, pullout cage 100 comprises retainer cage assembly 102, removably connected a pair of drawer slides (as will be further described). The drawer slides are rigidly mounted to the interior of drawer box 110. Drawer box 110 has front face 112. The retainer cage assembly adjustably supports face plate 108 in a position generally parallel to and abutting front face 112. The retainer cage is designed to removably support refuse container 111 and refuse container 114. In a preferred embodiment, the two refuse containers may be of different sizes, with refuse container 114 being of greater height than refuse container 111. As indicated by arrow 116, the retainer cage assembly is movable between a retracted position within the drawer box, and an extended position (as shown) in which access can be had to the refuse containers. The retainer cage can be removed completely from the drawer slides for cleaning and for ease of adjustment and maintenance.

Referring then to FIG. 2, retainer cage assembly 102 supports drip panel 202 and adjustment brackets 204, 206, 208 and 210. In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment brackets are positioned at the upper right, upper left, lower left and lower right corners of the retainer cage assembly. The drip panel may be removed for ease of cleaning. In a preferred embodiment, adjustment brackets 206 and 208 are mirror images of adjustment brackets 204 and 210, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment brackets are adjustably mounted on the retainer cage assembly and to a backside of face plate 108.

Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D, the retainer cage assembly and various mounting components will be described. As seen best in FIG. 3C, base frame 302 is comprised of right base channel member 304, and left base channel member 306. Right base channel member 304 is connected to left base channel member 306 by front support beam 308 and rear support beam 310. In a preferred embodiment, the base channel members are attached to the support beams by welding. In a preferred embodiment, right base channel member 304 and left base channel member 306 are “U” shaped channel members comprised of a light steel alloy, or stainless steel. Right base channel member 304 includes right box end 312, right access cutout 313 and right guide slot 315. Left base channel member 306 includes left box end 314, left access cutout 316 and left guide slot 318.

Right abutment block 380 is positioned at the rear right base channel member 304 directly adjacent right guide slot 315, as will be further described. Left abutment block 381 is positioned at the rear of left base channel member 306 directly adjacent left guide slot 318, as will be further described.

Right base channel member 304 further comprises right drawer slide clip 317, adjacent right box end 312 and right access cutout 313, as will be further described. Left base channel member 306 further comprises left drawer slide clip 320, adjacent left box end 314 and left access cutout 316, as will be further described. Right base channel member 304 is removably connected to right drawer slide 322, as will be further described. Left base channel member 306 is removably connected to left drawer slide 324, as will be further described. In a preferred embodiment, the drawer slides are Part No. USE 58-300-21 available from Hardware Resources, Inc. of Bossier City, La. Right drawer slide 322 and left drawer slide 324 are rigidly connected by rear cross brace 326 and front cross brace 328. In a preferred embodiment, the cross braces are connected to the drawer slide by removable machine screws. In another preferred embodiment, the drawer slides are connected to the cross braces by spot welding. The cross braces are positioned and attached to the drawer slides in such a way as to maintain the drawer slides generally parallel to each other. The cross braces are mounted to the interior of drawer box 110 by right side mount bracket 330 and left side mount bracket 332, by wood screws.

Base frame 302 is rigidly attached to right longitudinal stanchion 334, central support stanchion pair 336, and left longitudinal stanchion 338. Right longitudinal stanchion 334 further comprises longitudinal right front vertical section 349, right longitudinal section 385 and longitudinal right rear vertical section 352. Central support stanchion pair 336 further comprises longitudinal central front vertical section pair 386, central longitudinal section pair 387, and longitudinal central rear vertical section pair 343. Left longitudinal stanchion 338 further comprises longitudinal left front vertical section 351, left longitudinal section 345, and longitudinal left rear vertical section 346. In a preferred embodiment, rear support beam 310 and front support beam 308 are spot welded to each of right longitudinal section 385, central longitudinal section pair 387, and left longitudinal section 345. In a preferred embodiment, right longitudinal stanchion 334 central support stanchion pair 336, and left longitudinal stanchion 338 are all integrally formed of drawn steel wire, rectangular in cross section and having approximately one quarter (¼) inch width and one quarter (¼) inch height.

Retainer cage assembly 102 further comprises front latitudinal stanchion 347 and rear latitudinal stanchion 348. Front latitudinal stanchion 347 further comprises latitudinal right front vertical section 390, front latitudinal section 350, and latitudinal left front vertical section 391. Rear latitudinal stanchion 348 further comprises latitudinal right rear vertical section 392, rear latitudinal section 353, and latitudinal left rear vertical section 391. In a preferred embodiment, front latitudinal stanchion 347 and rear latitudinal stanchion 348 are each integrally formed from drawn steel wire, having a rectangular cross section with approximately one quarter (¼) inch height and one quarter (¼) inch width.

Front latitudinal stanchion 347 and rear latitudinal stanchion 348 are each welded to right longitudinal stanchion 334, central support stanchion pair 336 and left longitudinal stanchion 338 and form supports for drip panel 202.

Right longitudinal stanchion 334, central support stanchion pair 336, left longitudinal stanchion 338, front latitudinal stanchion 347 and rear latitudinal stanchion 348 are all connected to and held in place by lower perimeter rail 355, lower buttress rail 356, upper buttress rail 357, and upper perimeter rail 358.

Lower perimeter rail 355 forms an integrated rectangle comprised of one quarter (¼) inch by three sixteenths ( 3/16) inch rectangular drawn steel wire. Lower perimeter rail 355 contacts and is welded to each of right longitudinal stanchion 334, central support stanchion pair 336, left longitudinal stanchion 338, front latitudinal stanchion 347 and rear latitudinal stanchion 348. Likewise, lower buttress rail 356 forms an integrated rectangle comprised of one quarter (¼) inch by three sixteenths ( 3/16) inch rectangular drawn steel wire. Lower buttress rail 356 contacts and is welded to right longitudinal stanchion 334, central support stanchion pair 336, left longitudinal stanchion 338, front latitudinal stanchion 347 and rear latitudinal stanchion 348. In a preferred embodiment, lower perimeter rail 355 is positioned generally coplanar to lower buttress rail 356. Together, lower perimeter rail 355 and lower buttress rail 356 form lower buttress box 389. The lower buttress box is important because it adds great strength and rigidity to the retainer cage assembly. In a preferred embodiment drip panel 202 is sized to fit within and be sealingly bounded by lower perimeter rail 355 and be supported by front latitudinal section 350 and rear latitudinal section 353.

Upper buttress rail 357 further comprises upper buttress right top section 359, upper buttress right midsection 360, upper buttress right bottom section 361, upper buttress rear section 362, upper buttress left bottom section 363, upper buttress left midsection 364, upper buttress left top section 365 and upper buttress front section 366. In a preferred embodiment, upper buttress rail 357 is integrally formed of rectangular drawn steel wire having a rectangular cross section approximately one quarter (¼) inch height by three sixteenths ( 3/16) inch width. Upper buttress front section 366 further comprises right upper buttress rail extension 367 and left upper buttress rail extension 368. Right upper buttress rail extension 367 forms an angular bracket extending forward of upper buttress front section 366 and includes threaded hole 369. Left upper buttress rail extension 368 also forms an angular bracket extending forward of upper buttress front section 366 and includes threaded hole 370. Right upper buttress rail extension 367 is welded to longitudinal right front vertical section 349 at connection point 395. Left upper buttress rail extension 368 is welded to longitudinal left front vertical section 351 at connection point 396. Lower brace 371 is welded to upper buttress right midsection 360 and upper buttress left midsection 364. Likewise, upper brace 372 is welded to upper buttress right midsection 360 and upper buttress left midsection 364. The upper brace and lower brace strengthen the structure of the retainer cage assembly 102 and serve to separate refuse containers 111 and 114 when in use. Upper buttress rail 357, in general, forms three intersecting planes. The first intersecting plane is bounded by upper buttress right top section 359, upper buttress front section 366 and upper buttress left top section 365. The second intersecting plane is bounded by upper buttress right midsection 360 and upper buttress left midsection 364. The third intersecting plane is bounded by upper buttress right bottom section 361, upper buttress rear section 362 and upper buttress left bottom section 363. In a preferred embodiment, the second intersecting plane is formed at an approximate forty-five degree (45°) angle (±10°) to both the first intersecting plane and the third intersecting plane. Upper buttress rail 357 contacts and is welded to each of latitudinal right front vertical section 390, latitudinal left front vertical section 391, latitudinal left rear vertical section 392, longitudinal left rear vertical section 346, longitudinal central rear vertical section pair 343, longitudinal right rear vertical section 352, and latitudinal right rear vertical section 392.

Upper perimeter rail 358 further comprises upper perimeter rail right top section 373, upper perimeter rail right midsection 374, upper perimeter rail right bottom section 375, upper perimeter rail rear section 376, upper perimeter rail left bottom section 377, upper perimeter rail left midsection 378, upper perimeter rail left top section 379 and upper perimeter rail front section 397. Upper perimeter rail front section 397 further comprises left connector section 398, left slope section 383, front horizontal section 393, right slope section 382 and right connector section 399. Both sloped sections are at approximately forty-five degree (45°) angles (±10°) to front horizontal section 393. In a preferred embodiment, upper perimeter rail 358 is integrally formed of drawn steel wire, rectangular in cross section of approximately three quarters (¾) inch in height, and three sixteenths ( 3/16) inch width. Upper perimeter rail right top section 373 is welded to the top of latitudinal right front vertical section 390. Upper perimeter rail right bottom section 375 is welded to the top of latitudinal right rear vertical section 392. Upper perimeter rail rear section 376 is welded to the top of longitudinal right rear vertical section 352, the top of each of longitudinal central rear vertical section pair 343, and the top of longitudinal left rear vertical section 346. Upper perimeter rail left bottom section 377 is welded to the top of latitudinal left rear vertical section 321. Upper perimeter rail left top section 379 is welded to the top of latitudinal left front vertical section 391. Upper perimeter rail front section 397 is welded to the top of longitudinal right front vertical section 349 and the top of longitudinal left front vertical section 351. In general, upper perimeter rail 358 forms three intersecting planes. The first intersecting plane is bounded by upper perimeter rail right bottom section 375, upper perimeter rail rear section 376 and upper perimeter rail left bottom section 377. The second intersecting plane is bounded by upper perimeter rail right midsection 374 and upper perimeter rail left midsection 378. The third intersecting plane is bounded by upper perimeter rail right top section 373 and upper perimeter rail left top section 379. The difference in height between the first intersecting plane and the third intersecting plane is provided to accommodate refuse containers of different heights and is important. Together, upper perimeter rail 358 and upper buttress rail 357 form upper buttress box 394. Upper buttress box 394 is important because it adds great strength and rigidity to the retainer cage assembly. In other preferred embodiments, retainer cage assembly 102 can comprise further buttress rails of structure similar or identical to the upper buttress rail and/or the lower buttress rail for additional strength and rigidity.

Right drawer slide 322 is comprised of right bearing race 323, integrally formed with right side mount bracket 330. Right mid slide rail 325 includes linear bearings (not shown), which ride on right bearing race 323. Right mid slide rail 325 also forms an external bearing race on its upper surface. Right forward slide rail 327 includes internal linear bearings (not shown) which ride on right mid slide rail 325. Integrally formed in right forward slide rail 327 is right engagement block 329, as will be further described. Right damper 331 is positioned adjacent to right bearing race 323 and is designed to engage right forward slide rail 327 when the drawer slide is transitioned between an extended and a retracted position. Right forward slide rail 327 further comprises right drawer slide catch 333. Right drawer slide catch 333 is integrally formed with right forward slide rail 327 and forms an angular hook, as will be further described.

Likewise, left drawer slide 324 includes left bearing race 335. Left bearing race 335 in a preferred embodiment is integrally formed with left side mount bracket 332. Left mid slide rail 384 includes linear bearings (not shown), which ride on left bearing race 335. Left mid slide rail 384 also includes an external bearing race on its upper surface. Left forward slide rail 337 includes linear bearings (not shown), which ride on left mid slide rail 384. Left forward slide rail 337 further comprises left engagement block 341, as will be further described. Left damper 342 is positioned adjacent left side mount bracket 332 and designed to engage left forward slide rail 337 to provide motion control when left forward slide rail 337 transitions between an extended position and a retracted position. Left forward slide rail 337 further comprises left drawer slide catch 388. Left drawer slide catch 388 is integrally formed with left forward slide rail 337 and forms and angular hook, as will be further described.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, an example of right engagement block 329 will be described. Right engagement block 329 includes clip receiver 402 positioned vertically with respect to right forward slide rail 327. Clip receiver 402 is a rectangular hole integrally formed with right forward slide rail 327 and further comprises forward catch 404 and rearward catch 406. Forward catch 404 is a vertical edge of clip receiver 402. Rearward catch 406 is also a vertical edge of clip receiver 402. Right engagement block 329 further comprises an engagement clip stop 408 formed at the end of right forward slide rail 327. Engagement clip stop 408 forms a right angle face with the longitudinal axis of right forward slide rail 327. Right engagement block 329 further comprises engagement clip guide channel 410 and adjacent engagement clip stop 408, as will be further described.

In a preferred embodiment, left engagement block 341 comprises a mirror image of right engagement block 329, and will not be described further.

Referring to FIG. 4C, right drawer slide catch 333 is shown. Right drawer slide catch 333, in a preferred embodiment, forms a right angle hook, which is secured to the top side of right forward slide rail 327 by rivets or spot welding.

In a preferred embodiment, left drawer slide catch 388 is a mirror image of right drawer slide catch 333 and is positioned at the rear of left forward slide rail 337.

Referring then to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D, right drawer slide clip 317 will be described. Right drawer slide clip 317 comprises support body 502. Support body 502 is attached to right base channel member 304 by screws 503, which pass through holes 591 and are secured in threaded holes 599. Support body 502 is integrally formed with spring arm 506. Spring arm 506 includes latch 508. Latch 508 is triangular in shape and is designed to engage clip receiver 402 of right engagement block 329. Integrally formed with spring arm 506 also is access knob 510. Access knob 510 can be seen to be positioned directly adjacent right access cutout 313. In use, access knob 510 can be moved to engage or disengage latch 508 from clip receiver 402, thereby allowing attachment or removal of the retainer cage assembly from the drawer slide. Support body 502 further comprises centering pin 504. Centering pin 504 is positioned parallel to the central longitudinal axis of right base channel member 304, and is designed to engage engagement clip guide channel 410 adjacent engagement clip stop 408. In its proper position, engagement clip stop 408 is directly adjacent to and abuts support body 502.

In a preferred embodiment, left drawer slide clip 320 is a mirror image of right drawer slide clip 317 and is attached to left base channel member 306 in similar fashion. Left drawer slide clip 320 also functions in a similar way to the right drawer slide clip 317 in that it may be moved to attach and detach the left drawer slide from the retainer cage assembly.

Referring then to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D, right abutment block 380 will be further described. Right base channel member 304 includes upward channel tang 602. In a preferred embodiment, upward channel tang 602 is right angle extension which is integrally formed with right base channel member 304 and is comprised of a light metal alloy or stainless steel. Right abutment block 380 includes threaded hole 604. Right abutment block 380 further includes mounting slot 612. Mounting slot 612 is positioned on upward channel tang 602 and secured by screw 307 through threaded hole 604. In a preferred embodiment, right abutment block 380 is comprised of neoprene, polyvinyl chloride or Teflon. Right abutment block 380 is designed to fit against and underneath right drawer slide catch 333.

In a preferred embodiment, left abutment block 381 is a mirror image of right abutment block 380 and is attached to an upward channel tang on left base channel member 306 in a similar fashion.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the angle brackets will be further described. Adjustment bracket 204 comprises angle bracket 204A and rectangular bracket 204B. Likewise, adjustment bracket 206 comprises angle bracket 206A and rectangular bracket 206B. In a preferred embodiment, angle bracket 206A is a mirror image of angle bracket 204A, likewise, rectangular bracket 206B is a mirror image of rectangular bracket 204B. In a similar way, adjustment bracket 210 is an identical copy of adjustment bracket 204 and adjustment bracket 208 is an identical copy of angle bracket 206. All four adjustment brackets cooperate to move the face plate in an aligned fashion in a depth direction, a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, as will be further described. The aligned movement of the face plate during adjustment is important to maintain the face plate in a plane parallel to the front of the retainer cage assembly and the front face of the drawer box.

Rectangular bracket 204B further comprises horizontal adjustment slot 702, and vertical adjustment slot 704. As can be seen, the horizontal adjustment slot is horizontally oriented and vertical adjustment slot 704 is vertically oriented. Rectangular bracket 204B further comprises stop 706. In a preferred embodiment, rectangular bracket 204B is comprised of stainless steel, or a light cast alloy. Angle bracket 204A comprises lower section 708 adjacent forward section 710. Lower section 708 is bounded by limit edge 714 and clearance corner 712. Lower section 708 is integrally formed with forward section 710 and rearward section 716. Rearward section 716 further comprises depth adjustment slot 718. Depth adjustment slot 718, as can be seen, is longitudinally oriented. Rearward section 716 further comprises upper channel wall 720 and lower channel wall 722. Together, upper channel wall 720 and lower channel wall 722 form guide channel 723. In a preferred embodiment, guide channel 723 is about three sixteenths ( 3/16) inch in height (±10%). As can be seen best on FIG. 7B, angle bracket 204A includes guide stanchions 724 and 726. Guide stanchion 724 includes threaded hole 728. Guide stanchion 726 includes threaded hole 730. Guide stanchions 724 and 726, in a preferred embodiment, are separately formed cylindrical brass bushings press fit into mounting holes 735 and 737 in lower section 708 and extend outward from lower section 708. The distance that the brass bushings extend from the lower section 708 cannot be greater than the depth of the horizontal slot, such that horizontal set screw 734 can fix the rectangular bracket 204B to the angular bracket 204A, when tightened. When adjustment bracket 204 is assembled, guide stanchions 724 and 726 fit within horizontal adjustment slot 702. The brass bushings, which comprise guide stanchions 724 and 726 are important to reduce noise and accommodate easy sliding motion as the face plate is adjusted horizontally. The brass composition is also important because it reduces wear of the horizontal adjustment slot.

Horizontal set screw 734 is designed to proceed through horizontal adjustment slot 702 and into threaded hole 730. Depth set screw 736 is designed to proceed through depth adjustment slot 718 and into threaded hole 369. Upper channel wall 720 engages the upper side of right upper buttress rail extension 367. Lower channel wall 722 engages the lower side of right upper buttress rail extension 367. The orientation and alignment of the upper channel wall, lower channel wall is important because, in operation, they maintain the vertical orientation of lower section 708 with respect to the entire retainer cage assembly and provide an aligned depth adjustment motion for the face plate.

As can be seen, limit edge 714 is designed to engage stop 706 and form a limit of maximum horizontal travel for the lower section in the rectangular bracket. Likewise, the interference between guide stanchion 726 and horizontal adjustment slot 702 forms a limit of horizontal travel for the lower section in a rectangular bracket. Likewise, the length of depth adjustment slot 718 and the interference between it and depth set screw 736 forms a limit on the depth adjustment provided by the bracket. Likewise, the interference between vertical set screw 752 and vertical adjustment slot 704 forms a vertical limit of travel for the angle bracket. In practice, each of adjustment brackets 204, 206, 208, and 210 are adjusted simultaneously in the manner just described, in order to allow adjustment of face plate 108. The adjustment of the face plate is important because it allows the face plate to be oriented correctly within the drawer box without the need for repeated adjustment of the drawer slides.

All components described with respect to adjustment bracket 206 are mirror images of adjustment bracket 204 and perform in a likewise manner. All components of adjustment brackets 204 and 206 are identical to adjustment brackets 210 and 208, respectively, and perform in a likewise manner.

Referring then to FIG. 7C, the face plate adjustment feature will be further described. Adjustment bracket 206 is shown properly mounted to face plate 108 and retainer cage assembly 102. Loosening depth set screw 740 allows depth adjustment 750. Loosening vertical set screw 752 allows vertical adjustment 754. Loosening horizontal set screw 756 allows horizontal adjustment 758. Tightening the screws fixes the adjustments in place. Each of the adjustment brackets functions in the same way.

Turning then to FIG. 8, preferred method 800 of adjusting the face plate relative to the cabinet face will be described.

At step 802, the depth set screw on each adjustment bracket is loosened. At step 804, each angle bracket is adjusted by sliding along a channel adjacent a cage rail. At step 806, each depth set screw on each angle bracket is tightened to accomplish a depth adjustment. At step 808, each horizontal set screw on each rectangular bracket is loosened. At step 810, each adjustment bracket is adjusted relative to each rectangular bracket in a horizontal direction. At step 812, each horizontal set screw is tightened to accomplish a horizontal adjustment. At step 814, each vertical set screw on each rectangular bracket is loosened. At step 816, the face plate is adjusted relative to each rectangular bracket in a vertical direction. At step 818, each vertical set screw is tightened to accomplish a vertical adjustment of the face plate.

Referring then to FIG. 9A, flow chart 900 comprises of the steps of a preferred embodiment of the method of attaching the retainer cage assembly to the drawer slides will be described. At step 902, starting with the retainer cage assembly detached from the drawer slides, each of the right and left abutment blocks are simultaneously lodged between each of the right and left drawer slide catches, respectively. At step 904, each of the spring arms of the right and left drawer slide clips are expanded by manipulating each of the access knobs inwardly toward the center of the retainer cage assembly. At step 906, each of the right and left retainer clips is positioned adjacent each of the right and left clip receivers, respectively. At step 908, each of the spring arms is released, thereby allowing each of the latches to enter its respective clip receiver. At step 910, the drip panel is inserted into the retainer cage and fitted adjacent the front latitudinal section and the rear latitudinal section and sealed against the lower perimeter rail, thereby creating a barrier between refuse and the drawer slides beneath.

Referring then to FIG. 9B, the retainer cage assembly may be removed from the drawer slides by following the steps in flow chart 915.

At step 920, the drip panel is removed from the retainer cage by pressing upward from the bottom. At step 922, each of the spring arms of the right and left drawer slide clips are expanded by manipulating each of the access knobs inwardly toward the center of the retainer cage assembly. At step 924, each of the right and left retainer clips is removed from each respective clip receiver. At step 925, each of the spring arms is released. At step 926, the abutment blocks are removed from beneath each of their respective catches.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. A removable pullout cage slidably positioned in a drawer box and supporting a face plate, the removable pullout cage comprising: a base frame removably attached to a first drawer slide and a second drawer slide;a retainer cage assembly fixed to the base frame;a first adjustable bracket;a second adjustable bracket;a third adjustable bracket;a fourth adjustable bracket, all the adjustable brackets adjustably positioned between the retainer cage assembly and the face plate;wherein the first adjustable bracket comprises: a base bracket having a horizontal adjustment slot, a vertical adjustment slot and a bi-level stop;an angle bracket slidably retained in the horizontal adjustment slot;the angle bracket comprising: a rearward section having a depth adjustment slot bounded by a lower channel wall and an upper channel wall; and,wherein the depth adjustment slot is slidably attached to the retainer cage assembly between the lower channel wall and the upper channel wall; and,wherein the vertical adjustment slot is slidably attached to the face plate.

3. The removable pullout cage of claim 2 wherein: the first drawer slide comprises a first clip receiver;the second drawer slide comprises a second clip receiver;the base frame comprises:a first base channel member and a second base channel member;a first drawer clip having a first clip body rigidly attached to the first base channel;a first resilient spring arm with a first latch integrally formed with the first clip body;a second drawer clip having a second clip body rigidly attached to the second base channel;a second resilient spring arm with a second latch integrally formed with the second clip body;wherein the first latch releasably engages the first clip receiver; and,the second latch releasably engages the second clip receiver.

4. The removable pullout cage of claim 3 wherein: the first drawer slide further comprises a first drawer catch;the second drawer slide further comprises a second drawer catch;the first base channel member comprises a first channel tang;the second base channel member comprises a second channel tang;the removable pullout cage further comprising: a first abutment block removably positioned on the first channel tang;a second abutment block removably positioned on the second channel tang;wherein the first abutment block is removably lodged beneath the first drawer catch; and,the second abutment block is removably lodged beneath the second drawer catch.

5. The removable pullout cage of claim 2 further comprising: a first cross-brace and a second cross brace rigidly connecting the first drawer slide and the second drawer slide in a generally parallel orientation.

6. The removable pullout cage of claim 2 wherein the retainer cage comprises: a first longitudinal support stanchion;a central longitudinal support stanchion pair;a second longitudinal support stanchion;a first latitudinal support stanchion;a second latitudinal support stanchion;a lower buttress box rigidly attached to the first longitudinal support stanchion, the central longitudinal support stanchion pair, the second longitudinal support stanchion, the first latitudinal support stanchion, the second latitudinal support stanchion; and,an upper buttress box rigidly attached to the first longitudinal support stanchion, the central longitudinal support stanchion pair, the second longitudinal support stanchion, the first latitudinal support stanchion and the second latitudinal support stanchion.

7. The removable pullout cage of claim 6 wherein: the lower buttress box comprises a lower perimeter rail and a lower buttress rail; and,the upper buttress box comprises an upper perimeter rail and an upper buttress rail.

8. The removable pullout cage of claim 7 wherein: the upper perimeter rail forms a first intersecting plane, a second intersecting plane and a third intersecting plane; and,wherein the first intersecting plane intersects the second intersecting plane and the third intersecting plane intersects the second intersecting plane.

9. The removable pullout cage of claim 8 wherein: the second intersecting plane is formed at about a 45° angle to the first intersecting plane and the third intersecting plane.

10. The removable pullout cage of claim 8 wherein: the upper buttress rail forms a fourth intersecting plane, a fifth intersecting plane, and a sixth intersecting plane; and,wherein the fourth intersecting plane intersects the fifth intersecting plane and the sixth intersecting plane intersects the fifth intersecting plane.

11. The removable pullout cage of claim 10 wherein: the first intersecting plane is generally parallel to the fourth intersecting plane;the second intersecting plane is generally parallel to the fifth intersecting plane; and,the third intersecting plane is generally parallel to the sixth intersecting plane.

12. A removable pullout cage slidably positioned in a drawer box and supporting a face plate, the removable pullout cage comprising: a base frame removably attached to a first drawer slide and a second drawer slide;a retainer cage assembly fixed to the base frame;a first adjustable bracket;a second adjustable bracket;a third adjustable bracket; and,a fourth adjustable bracket, all the adjustable brackets adjustably positioned between the retainer cage assembly and the face plate;wherein the retainer cage comprises: a first longitudinal support stanchion;a central longitudinal support stanchion pair;a second longitudinal support stanchion;a first latitudinal support stanchion;a second latitudinal support stanchion;a lower buttress box rigidly attached to the first longitudinal support stanchion, the central longitudinal support stanchion pair, the second longitudinal support stanchion, the first latitudinal support stanchion, the second latitudinal support stanchion; and,an upper buttress box rigidly attached to the first longitudinal support stanchion, the central longitudinal support stanchion pair, the second longitudinal support stanchion, the first latitudinal support stanchion and the second latitudinal support stanchion;wherein the lower buttress box further comprises a lower perimeter rail and a lower buttress rail; and,the upper buttress box further comprises an upper perimeter rail and an upper buttress rail; and,the upper buttress rail comprises a transverse upper brace and a transverse lower brace.

13. The removable pullout cage of claim 7 further comprising: a removable drip panel supported by the first latitudinal support stanchion and the second latitudinal support stanchion and bounded by the lower perimeter rail.

14-20. (canceled)