MODULAR DRESSER

Abstract

A modular dresser of drawers includes first and second drawer units configured for stacking. The drawers include security features, such as a false bottom and a false front for concealing items in the drawers. Modular construction enables convenient assembly, disassembly and moving. Dressers of drawers can be configured with various sizes, configurations and numbers of drawer units.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to storage furnishings, and in particular to a modular dresser configured for disassembly and drawer removal for convenient relocation. The dresser drawer modules can comprise various configurations and can be fabricated from various suitable materials.

2. Description of the Related Art

Dressers of drawers are commonly used in residences and commercial structures for conveniently storing various articles, such as clothing. However, conventional multi-drawer dressers tend to be relatively bulky and can require multiple movers for relocation.

The present invention provides modular drawers, which can be conveniently disassembled, relocated and reassembled in new locations. The individual drawers can be placed in protective bags.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,120 issued to Frank J. Ray shows a stackable bureau and rack furniture piece. However, the dresser shown therein lacks the features and functions of the present invention.

Heretofore there has not been available a modular dresser with the advantages and features of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally provides a modular dresser with multiple modules that can be conveniently disassembled, transported and reassembled. Each module includes a drawer. Moving and relocation can normally be accomplished by a single individual.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof.

FIG. 1 is an upper, front, left side perspective view of a modular dresser of drawers embodying an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an upper, front, left side exploded perspective view showing the individual drawer units separated.

FIG. 3 is an upper, front, left side perspective view of a top thereof.

FIG. 4 is a lower, front, right side perspective view of the top.

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the top.

FIG. 6 is a front elevation of the top.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation of the top.

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of a top drawer unit frame.

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view thereof.

FIG. 10 is a side elevation thereof.

FIG. 11 is a front elevation thereof.

FIG. 12 is an upper, front, side perspective view of a drawer unit frame.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view thereof.

FIG. 14 is a front elevation thereof.

FIG. 15 is a side elevation view thereof.

FIG. 16 is an upper, front, left side perspective view of a top drawer.

FIG. 17 is an upper, front, left side view of a drawer.

FIG. 18 is a top plan view thereof.

FIG. 19 is a front elevation thereof.

FIG. 20 is a side elevation thereof.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a drawer front, showing a beveled edge thereof.

FIG. 22 is an exploded, perspective view showing a fastening system for the drawer units.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged, cross-section of a drawer, particularly showing a false bottom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

I. Introduction and Environment

As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.

II. Preferred Embodiment Modular Dresser

FIG. 1 shows a dresser of drawers 2 comprising an embodiment or aspect of the present invention. Without limitation, the dresser of drawers 2 includes an upper, relatively flat, shallow drawer unit 4, a middle drawer unit 6 and a bottom drawer unit 8. The middle and bottom drawers 6, 8 are identical in this configuration, but can be sized differently to accommodate various applications and user preferences. Each drawer unit 4, 6, 8 includes a respective frame 10, 12 and 14 slidably receiving a respective drawer 16, 18, 20.

A top panel 22 (FIGS. 4-6) includes a flat upper surface 24 and sub frames 26 depending downwardly for engagement with the upper frame 10. As shown in FIG. 16, the upper drawer 16 can be relatively shallow with an inconspicuous front 17 for security. In its closed position, the upper drawer front 17 can be flush with the upper frame 10. The upper drawer front 17 and the upper frame 10 can be finished similarly to further avoid detection. The middle frame 12 includes upper openings 28, which receive the top panel sub frames 26. Positioning members 30 of the frames 10, 12, 14 protrude downwardly therefrom for positioning the drawer unit frames for supporting the bottom drawer unit 8 on a floor surface. Each drawer frame 10, 12, 14 includes braces 42 extending front-to-back approximately midway between the respective drawer unit sides.

Drawer slide rails 32 extend front-to-back along the opposite sides of the middle and lower drawers 18, 20 and are slidingly received in channels 34 formed in the sides of the middle and lower frames 12, 14. Alternatively, drawer slides can be used for slidably mounting the drawers in their respective frames. Such drawer slides can include ball bearings and other friction-minimizing components. “Soft Close” drawer slides are commercially available, which facilitate sliding and include closure cushions, which absorb impact and minimize drawer closing impact noise.

FIG. 21 shows a front 36 for the middle and lower drawers 18, 20. As shown, the front 36 includes an upper edge 38, which is rearwardly and downwardly beveled to provide a finger grip. As shown in FIG. 22, the drawer units 4, 6, 8 can be secured together with thumbscrew assemblies 44 connecting respective braces 42. Each thumbscrew assembly 44 can include a threaded anchor 46 embedded in a respective brace 42 and threadably receiving a thumbscrew 48. The thumbscrew assemblies 44 facilitate assembly and disassembly of the dresser of drawers 2 in curious configurations about tools. Suitable locking mechanisms can be installed on the drawers. Drawer closures can include spring-loaded push/pop mechanisms for convenience and hands-free operation. FIG. 23 shows drawer false bottom 40 panel configured for placement in the middle and lower drawers 18, 20 and concealing valuables (e.g., jewelry, cash, etc.) thereunder.

The modular dresser can be configured from various suitable materials, including plywood, particle board, laminate-covered substrates, plastics, metals, etc. Such materials can be finished to accommodate users' tastes and for coordination with other furniture pieces. Hardware can include drawer handles mounted on the drawer fronts. Moreover, the modular dresser is scalable and configured for convenient enlargement and down-sizing.

It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.

Claims

1. A modular drawer assembly, which includes: first and second drawer units, each including a drawer frame with a top, a bottom, a front with a drawer opening, a back and opposite sides; a drawer removably received in said frame front opening;said first drawer unit including a subframe depending downwardly from;said second drawer frame including a top opening removably receiving said subframe;said drawer units being movably stackable; anda security system including: a drawer false bottom configured for removable placement in a drawer bottom for concealing contents thereunder; and a false trim on said first drawer unit front configured for visually concealing the presence of a drawer behind same.