DRAWER INSERT

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a drawer insert having a frame structure, which comprises several corner parts and several elongated side parts, and several elastic dividing elements, which are fastened displaceably on the frame structure.

Furthermore, the invention relates to an assembly kit for a drawer insert that can be assembled without tools.

Beyond that, the invention relates to a drawer unit having a drawer and a drawer insert, which is disposed in the drawer.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Generic drawer inserts are usually used to subdivide inside regions of drawers into several subcompartments separated from one another, so that objects can be positioned in organized and/or sorted relationship inside the drawer. Moreover, the frame structure and the elastic dividing elements of the drawer insert ensure that the inserted objects cannot tip over and fall out. Beyond that, such drawer inserts provide for improved organization of the inserted objects inside the drawer and thus increase the accessibility and reachability of the objects positioned inside the drawer.

The objects to be inserted may be different articles, such as kitchen aids, pots, food products, tableware or other consumable materials. By means of appropriate drawer inserts, the different object types can be stored in several regions of the drawer, in a manner separated by dividing elements. The designated advantages of such drawer inserts lead in practice to a considerable increase of comfort, especially for the storage of household articles in drawers.

Different organizational systems for separate storage of articles are already known in the prior art. For example, publication EP 1 457 138 A1 discloses a furniture element having flexible straps, wherein the flexible straps can be fastened at predetermined positions of a side wall. Because of the predetermined position for fastening the straps, however, the scope of application of the proposed furniture element is restricted, and so the positionability of the flexible straps is not adequate for some application situations.

Publication EP 2 818 078 A1 teaches a furniture fixture, which can be used to create an organizational system in a drawer. The separating partitions of one embodiment disclosed in that document are fastened displaceably on a frame structure. However, the frame structure is constructed as a one-piece body, and so the frame structure cannot be taken apart. This has the consequence that the furniture fixture has to be packaged in a large-volume package. Corresponding large packages lead to considerable transportation and storage expense for the manufacturer and the distributors, whereby the overall costs for the end consumers are significantly increased. Furthermore, because of the one-piece frame structure, the furniture fixture disclosed in the publication cannot be inserted in drawers having only partial extension. Because of the partial extension, such drawers have a reduced access region, and so drawer inserts having rigid frame structures become tilted during insertion. The alternative comprising complete removal of such a drawer is either not feasible for the end consumer or is rejected by the end consumer because of the great effort needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention consists in being able to equip drawers with an organizational insert that has freely displaceable elastic dividing elements, wherein the organizational insert is also intended to be insertable even in drawers having partial extension, without the need to remove the drawer.

The object is achieved by a drawer insert of the type mentioned in the introduction, wherein the corner parts and the side parts of the frame structure of the inventive drawer insert are joined to one another in nondestructively and reversibly detachable manner.

The invention makes use of the knowledge that, by means of a drawer insert capable of being taken apart, a compact package size as well as compatibility with partial extension drawers can be achieved. By the fact that the corner parts and the side parts of the frame structure are joined to one another in nondestructively and reversibly detachable manner, the package volume can be considerably reduced, and so transportation and storage costs for the manufacturer and the distributors of the drawer insert are considerably lowered. For example, the package can be designed as a so-called flat pack, in which the components of the drawer insert are placed in a flat and compact package, which is optimized for transportation and storage purposes. Because of the ability of the drawer insert to be taken apart, it can also be assembled inside the drawer. Thus the drawer insert can also be used directly in drawers that are provided with only partial extension and thus have restricted accessibility.

By means of the elastic dividing elements, sorting of the inserted objects is possible. The dividing elements are preferably set up to be adapted to the shape of the inserted objects. The inserted objects may be designated as stored goods and be articles of different type. For example, kitchen aids, pots, food products, tableware or other consumable materials may be inserted in the drawer insert.

The corner parts of the frame structure may also be designated as corner connectors. The side parts of the frame structure may also be designated as longitudinal connectors or as cross connectors. For example, the frame structure of the drawer insert has four corner parts, wherein the corner parts disposed next to one another are respectively joined to one another via one or more side parts. The corner parts may be made, for example, of plastic, metal or a metal alloy. The corner parts are preferably plastic injection-molded parts. The side parts may be made of plastic, metal or a metal alloy. The side parts are preferably constructed as rods or struts, especially metal rods or metal struts. Thus a drawer insert is preferred that does not have any flat side walls. Preferably the side regions of the drawer insert have several, for example two or three rods or struts disposed one above the other and/or extending substantially parallel to one another. The rods or struts are preferably disposed in such a way that objects inserted into the drawer insert cannot fall sideways out of the drawer insert.

The elastic dividing elements may be formed, for example, as elastic tapes or elastic straps. Preferably, the elastic dividing elements are taut in the assembled condition, so that a tensioning effect is derived from the elastic dividing elements. Therefore the elastic dividing elements may be formed as tensioning tapes or tensioning straps. The elastic dividing elements may also have a loop. Furthermore the elastic dividing elements may be formed at least in portions from a textile.

In a preferred embodiment of the inventive drawer insert, the frame structure is constructed without a bottom. In particular, the entire drawer insert is constructed without a bottom. Due to the bottomless construction of the frame structure or of the drawer insert, the contact surface for the inserted objects is provided by the drawer in which the drawer insert is inserted. Due to the bottomless design of the frame structure or of the drawer insert, the material costs are lowered and the manufacturing expense is significantly reduced.

In another preferred embodiment of the inventive drawer insert, the corner parts and the side parts of the frame structure are joined to one another without tools in a manner detachable from one another. The corner parts and the side parts of the frame structure are preferably plugged together. For example, the corner parts may be plugged into the side parts. For example, the side parts may also be plugged into the corner parts.

Moreover, an inventive drawer insert is preferred in which the outside dimensions of the frame structure define a necessary rack space, wherein the corner parts and the side parts of the frame structure can be joined as a frame structure within the rack space. During joining of the corner parts and the side parts of the frame structure, preferably no space outside the rack space is needed, so that assemblability of the drawer insert inside the drawer is created. Furthermore, an ability of the drawer insert to be taken apart inside the drawer is achieved in this way. This permits in particular the use of the drawer insert in combination with drawers that have only partial extension. In such drawers with partial extension, the assemblability of the drawer insert inside the drawer makes removal of the drawer unnecessary.

In another preferred embodiment of the inventive drawer insert, at least one corner part has one or more clamping regions. Preferably all corner parts respectively have one or more clamping regions. Preferably respectively one side part can be clamped and/or clipped in a clamping region. The clamping regions may have elastically deformable clamping struts or snap-in hooks. The clamping struts or snap-in hooks are elastically deformed during clamping or clipping of a side part in a clamping region. Such clamping regions permit assembly and disassembly of the frame structure without tools, whereby setup and breakdown of the drawer insert by the end user is made possible. The clamping regions may respectively have a stop face for the end side of a side part. If a corner part has several clamping regions, the stop faces of the respective clamping regions may be located in different stop planes. Depending on the clamping regions used, different widths and/or lengths of the drawer insert can therefore be achieved. For example, a clamping region or several clamping regions with a stop face may be used within a first stop plane, in order to create a drawer insert with a total width of approximately 520 mm. By using the same corner and side parts, a clamping region or several clamping regions with a stop face may be used within a second stop plane, in order to create a drawer insert with a total width of approximately 472 mm. Thus the dimensions of the drawer insert can be adapted to different drawer sizes.

In another embodiment of the inventive drawer insert, the one or more clamping regions respectively defines or define a seating and withdrawal path for a side part, wherein the seating and withdrawal path extends at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the inserted side part. For example, the seating and/or withdrawal of a side part may take place from inside, outside, above and/or below. In particular, when the seating and withdrawal path extends within the rack space defined by the frame structure, comfortable and smooth assembly and disassembly of the drawer insert is possible inside the drawer.

In a further development of the inventive drawer insert, it is advantageous that at least one corner part, preferably all corner parts has or have a corner-part base and a corner-part top, wherein the corner-part base comprises the one or more clamping regions, which can be covered with the corner-part top after clamping or clipping of the side part. The corner part is therefore of multi-piece, especially two-piece construction. By the possibility of being able to cover the one or more clamping regions, contamination of the clamping regions is prevented, especially of the seating and withdrawal path for the side parts. Moreover, a bracing and/or stabilizing effect may also be derived from the corner-part top, whereby the stability of the frame structure is increased. Moreover, the covering of the clamping regions by means of a corner-part top reduces inadvertent detachment or withdrawal of a side part, for example due to improper use of the drawer insert.

Beyond that, a drawer insert is preferred in which at least one corner part, preferably all corner parts, respectively has or have one or more seats, into which respectively one side part can be pushed. Preferably an end region at the long end of a side part can be plugged into the one or more seats. Preferably the corner parts have not only one or more clamping regions but also one or more seats, via which joining with side parts can be achieved.

In another preferred embodiment of the inventive drawer insert, the one or more seats respectively defines or define a plug-in and extraction path for a side part, wherein the plug-in and extraction path extends parallel to or flush with the longitudinal axis of the plugged-in side part. Preferably the one or more plug-in and extraction paths of a side part runs or run parallel to the one or more seating and withdrawal paths of the corner part.

Preferably the corner parts respectively have two wings, wherein a first wing extends in the longitudinal direction of the drawer insert and a second wing extends in the transverse direction of the drawer insert. Preferably the first wing and the second wing are disposed at right angles to one another. In particular, the first wing has one or more clamping regions for respectively one side part. In particular, the other wing has one or more seats for respectively one side part.

In another embodiment of the inventive drawer insert, the elastic dividing elements are joined to sliding elements, wherein the respective sliding elements are displaceable along a side part in longitudinal direction of the side part. Due to the displaceability of the sliding elements along a side part, infinitely variable positioning of the sliding elements and thus also infinitely variable positioning of the elastic dividing elements is possible. Thus the elastic dividing elements are joined via the sliding elements with the side parts of the frame structure. Preferably the sliding elements respectively comprise one or more slide recesses, through which respectively one side part extends. The slide recess and the side part extending through the slide recess have substantially the same cross section. The cross section of the slide recess is made only slightly larger than the cross section of the side part, so that a sliding movement of the sliding element along the side part is permitted.

In another preferred embodiment of the inventive drawer insert, the dividing elements can be separated nondestructively from the frame structure without disassembly of the frame structure and can be joined nondestructively with the frame structure. The elastic dividing elements and the sliding elements are able to form a keder system, in which end portions of the elastic dividing elements can be plugged respectively into a sliding element. The sliding elements may also be joined with the dividing elements via a zipper system or another nondestructively detachable connection.

In an advantageous further development of the inventive drawer insert, the sliding elements respectively have a push-in slot, into which an end portion of the elastic dividing element can be nondestructively pushed in and reversibly withdrawn. The sliding elements may be constructed, for example, as keder rails. Furthermore, the end portions of the elastic dividing element may comprise a keder that can be inserted into a keder rail. A clamping device that clamps the end portion of a pushed-in elastic dividing element may be disposed in the region of the push-in slot. Via the clamping, stabilization of the end portion of the pushed-in elastic dividing element in the push-in slot is achieved. Hereby the necessary pull-out force for withdrawal of the elastic dividing element is increased.

Moreover, an inventive drawer insert is preferred in which the dividing elements are designed to be transparent at least in portions. The transparency of the dividing elements at least in portions increases the visibility of the inserted objects for the observer. The dividing elements may be designed to be transparent or partly transparent at least in portions. If the dividing elements are made from a textile material, the fibers may be spaced apart from one other in such a way that transparency is achieved. The dividing elements may also be designed to be nontransparent, i.e. opaque, in portions or completely.

The object underlying the invention is further achieved by an assembly kit of the type mentioned in the introduction, wherein the drawer insert that can be assembled with the assembly kit is a drawer insert according to one of the embodiments described in the foregoing. As regards the advantages and modifications of the inventive assembly kit, reference is made to the advantages and modifications of the inventive drawer insert.

The object underlying the invention is further achieved by drawer unit of the type mentioned in the introduction, wherein the drawer insert of the inventive drawer unit is constructed according to one of the embodiments described in the foregoing. As regards the advantages and modifications of the inventive drawer unit, reference is made firstly to the advantages and modifications of the inventive drawer insert.

The drawer of the drawer unit may have a lateral rail system, via which the drawer can be extracted from a cabinet body and/or pushed into a cabinet body. The drawer may be coupled, for example, with a pull-out system, which permits only partial extension of the drawer. Since the drawer insert can be assembled and disassembled inside the drawer, such a drawer insert may also be put together in the drawer and taken apart in the drawer without demounting the drawer. The drawer insert can therefore be designed to be assembled inside the drawer and taken apart in the drawer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be explained and described in more detail hereinafter with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the inventive drawer insert in a perspective diagram;

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of the inventive assembly kit in a perspective diagram;

FIG. 3 shows a corner part of an inventive drawer insert without corner-part top in a perspective diagram;

FIG. 4 shows parts of an inventive drawer insert in an assembled condition in a perspective diagram;

FIG. 5 shows parts of an inventive drawer insert in a further assembled condition in a perspective diagram;

FIG. 6 shows parts of an inventive drawer insert in a further assembled condition in a perspective diagram;

FIG. 7 shows an inventive drawer insert after completion of assembly in a perspective diagram;

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of the inventive drawer insert in a side view;

FIG. 9 shows an elastic dividing element of an inventive drawer insert during insertion into a sliding element in a perspective diagram;

FIG. 10 shows an elastic dividing element of an inventive drawer insert during insertion into a sliding element in side view;

FIG. 11 shows a detail diagram of the elastic dividing element depicted in FIG. 10 during insertion into the sliding element;

FIG. 12 shows an inventive drawer insert during assembly inside the drawer in a perspective diagram;

FIG. 13 shows a plan view of the drawer insert depicted in FIG. 12 during assembly inside the drawer; and

FIG. 14 shows a detail diagram of the drawer insert depicted in FIGS. 12 and 13 during assembly inside the drawer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a bottomless drawer insert 10. Drawer insert 10 comprises a frame structure 12, which has several corner parts 14a-14d and several elongated side parts 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b, 20a-20c, 22a-22c. The four corner parts 14a-14d in total are disposed in the four corner regions of rectangular drawer insert 10. Corner parts 14a-14d may also be designated as corner connectors, wherein corner parts 14a-14d are formed as plastic injection-molded parts. Corner parts 14a, 14b are joined to one another via side parts 20a-20c, which are formed as struts. Corner parts 14b, 14c are joined to one another via side parts 18a, 18b, which are formed as struts. Corner parts 14c, 14d are joined to one another via side parts 22a-22c, which are formed as struts. Corner parts 14d, 14a are joined to one another via side parts 16a, 16b, which are formed as struts. Side parts 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b extend parallel to one another and may also be designated as cross connectors. Side parts 20a-20c, 22a-22c likewise extend parallel to one another and may be designated as longitudinal connectors.

Frame structure 12 defines a storage space, into which objects may be inserted. Several elastic dividing elements, especially five 24a-24e in total in the present case, extend through the storage space. Via sliding elements 26a, 26b, elastic element 24a is fastened displaceably on frame structure 12. Via sliding elements 28a, 28b, elastic element 24b is fastened displaceably on frame structure 12. Via sliding elements 30a, 30b, elastic element 24c is fastened displaceably on frame structure 12. Via sliding elements 32a, 32b, elastic element 24d is fastened displaceably on frame structure 12. Via sliding elements 34a, 34b, elastic element 24e is fastened displaceably on frame structure 12.

Dividing elements 24a-24e are designed to be transparent in portions. In the present case, dividing elements 24a-24e are made from a textile material, wherein the fibers of the textile material are spaced apart from one other in such a way that transparency is achieved. Consequently, elastic dividing elements 24a-24e are designed to be transparent or partly transparent in portions. In other embodiments, elastic dividing elements 24a-24c may also be designed to be nontransparent, i.e. opaque.

Corner parts 14a-14d and side parts 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b, 20a-20c, 22a-22c of frame structure 12 are joined to one another in nondestructively and reversibly detachable manner. Corner parts 14a-14d and side parts 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b, 20a-20c, 22a-22c are plugged one into the other, so that assembly and disassembly of frame structure 12 can be carried out without tools.

Due to the ability of drawer insert 10 to be taken apart, it is possible to provide assembly kit 100, which is illustrated in FIG. 2 and by means of which drawer insert 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 can be assembled without tools. By virtue of the ability of drawer insert 10 to be taken apart, assembly kit 100 has extremely compact dimensions, and so assembly kit 100 may be packaged in space-saving condition. In this way, transportation and storage costs can be considerably lowered. Due to the ability of drawer insert 10 to be assembled and disassembled without tools, it may be put together by the user himself or herself.

Corner parts 14a-14d of the illustrated assembly kit 100 respectively comprise a corner-part base 36a-36d and a corner-part top 38a-38d, wherein a corner-part top 38a-38d can be clamped or clipped in each corner-part base 36a-36d. Thus corner parts 14a-14d of assembly kit 100 are respectively of two-piece construction.

FIG. 3 shows a corner-part base 36a of a corner part 14a. Corner-part base 36a has several, especially four clamping regions 40a-40d spaced apart from one another, into which respectively one side part 16a, 16b constructed as a strut can be clamped. Clamping struts, between which a side part 16a, 16b can be clamped, are disposed spaced apart from one another inside clamping regions 40a-40d. The clamping struts become elastically deformed during insertion and removal of a side part 16a, 16b. Stop faces 66a-66d, which define the maximum seating length of the respective clamping regions 40a-40d, are disposed inside the clamping regions. Stop faces 66a, 66b of the outer clamping regions 40a, 40b are situated in a common first stop plane. Stop faces 66c, 66d of the inner clamping regions 40c, 40d are situated in a second common stop plane. The first and second stop planes extend parallel to one another and are spaced apart from one another.

Clamping regions 40a-40d respectively define a seating and withdrawal path 42a-42d for a side part 16a, 16b. Seating and withdrawal paths 42a-42d extent at right angles to the longitudinal axis of inserted side parts 16a, 16b. In the present case, seating and withdrawal of side parts 16a, 16b take place from inside.

Furthermore, corner-part base 36a of corner part 14a has several, especially three seats 44a-44c spaced apart from one another, into which respectively one side part 20a-20c can be pushed. Seats 44a-44c respectively define a plug-in and extraction path 46a-46c for a side part 20a-20c, wherein plug-in and extraction path 46a-46c extends parallel to or flush with the longitudinal axis of plugged-in side parts 20a-20c. Seating and withdrawal paths 42a-42d and plug-in and extraction paths 46a-46c extend parallel to one another.

Corner-part base 36a has two wings 68a, 68b, wherein wing 68a extends in transverse direction of assembled drawer insert 10. Wing 68b extends in longitudinal direction of assembled drawer insert 10. Wing 68a and wing 68b are disposed at right angles to one another. Wing 68a has clamping regions 40a-40d for side parts 16a, 16b. Wing 68b has seats 44a-44c for side parts 20a-20c.

FIG. 4 shows a corner-part base 36a, in seats 44a-44c of which side parts 20a-20c constructed as struts are inserted. Two sliding elements 26a, 26b have already been pushed onto inserted side parts 20a-20c.

In the assembled condition of drawer insert 10 illustrated in FIG. 5, two longitudinal units 64a, 64b have already been preassembled. Longitudinal unit 64a comprises corner-part bases 36a, 36b of corner parts 14a, 14b, side parts 20a-20c and sliding elements 26a, 28a, 30a, 32a, 34a. Longitudinal unit 64b comprises corner-part bases 36c, 36d of corner parts 14c, 14d, side parts 22a-22c and sliding elements 26b, 28b, 30b, 32b, 34b.

FIG. 6 shows that longitudinal units 64a, 64b are joined with one another via side parts 18a, 18b during assembly of drawer insert 10. Side parts 18a, 18b are pressed into the clamping regions of corner-part bases 36b, 36c. After insertion of side parts 18a, 18b, open corner-part base 36c is closed with corner-part top 38c. For this purpose, corner-part top 38c is to be moved along movement path 48c. The fixation of corner-part top 38c on corner part base 36c takes place via fixation strut 50 on corner-part base 36 and fixation struts 52a, 52b on corner-part top 38c.

FIG. 7 shows drawer insert 10 after completion of assembly.

FIG. 8 shows that sliding elements 26a, 28a, 30a, 32a, 34a are freely displaceable along side parts 20a-20c in longitudinal direction of side parts 20a-20c. Sliding elements 26a, 28a, 30a, 32a, 34a as well as elastic dividing elements 24a-24e fastened on sliding elements 26a, 28a, 30a, 32a, 34a may be displaced either in direction 54a or in direction 54b. Due to the displaceability of sliding elements 26a, 28a, 30a, 32a, 34a, infinitely variable positionability of the end regions of dividing elements 24a-24e is made possible.

FIG. 9 shows, by way of example, a sliding element 26a and an elastic dividing element 24a to be inserted into sliding element 26a. Sliding element 26a is made from plastic and comprises three slide recesses 60a-60c spaced apart from one another, wherein sliding element 26a is guided in longitudinal direction via slide recesses 60a-60c on side parts 20a-20c constructed as struts. Sliding element 26a has a push-in slot 56, into which an end portion 58 of elastic dividing element 24a can be pushed in nondestructively and reversibly detachable manner. This sliding element 26a is constructed as a keder rail, wherein end portion 58 of elastic dividing element 24a comprises a keder, which can be inserted into the keder rail. Elastic dividing element 24a may be constructed, for example, as an elastic tape or as an elastic strap.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show that a clamping device 62 is disposed inside push-in slot 56, wherein clamping device 62 has two oppositely disposed material projections. Clamping device 62 is set up to clamp end portion 58 of the pushed-in elastic dividing element. Hereby end portion 58 of the pushed-in elastic dividing element is stabilized in push-in slot 56 and the necessary pull-out force for withdrawal of the elastic dividing element is increased.

FIGS. 12 to 14 show how a drawer insert 10 is assembled inside the drawer. The resulting drawer unit 200 comprises a drawer 202, in the seating area of which the assembly of drawer insert 10 takes place.

The dimensions of frame structure 12 define a necessary rack space, wherein corner parts 14a-14d and side parts 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b, 20a-20c, 22a-22c of frame structure 12 can be joined as the frame structure 12 within the rack space, without the need to use installation space outside the rack space during assembly. Thus drawer insert 10 can be designed to be assembled inside the drawer and taken apart inside the drawer. Thus drawer insert 10 may be used without problems even in drawers 202 that are capable of only partial extension. By virtue of the ability of drawer insert 10 to be assembled and disassembled inside the drawer, the usability of drawer insert 10 is not limited by the fact that the accessibility of a drawer 202 is restricted due to the partial extension.

REFERENCE SYMBOLS

10 Drawer insert

12 Frame structure

14
a-14d Corner parts

16
a,
16
b Side parts

18
a,
18
b Side parts

20
a-20c Side parts

22
a-22c Side parts

24
a-24e Dividing elements

26
a,
26
b Sliding elements

28
a,
28
b Sliding elements

30
a,
30
b Sliding elements

32
a,
32
b Sliding elements

34
a,
34
b Sliding elements

36
a-36d Corner-part bases

38
a-38d Corner-part tops

40
a-40d Clamping regions

42
a-42d Seating and withdrawal paths

44
a-44c Seats

46
a-46c Plug-in and extraction paths

48
c Movement path

50 Fixation strut

52
a,
52
b Fixation struts

54
a,
54
b Displacement directions

56 Push-in slot

58 End portion

60
a-60c Slide recesses

62 Clamping device

64
a,
64
b Longitudinal units

66
a-66d Stop faces

68
a,
68
b Wings

100 Assembly kit

200 Drawer unit

202 Drawer

DRAWER INSERT

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Abstract

Description

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Priority Claims (1)

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