INNER SPACE ORGANIZER SYSTEM FOR DRAWERS

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001]The present invention relates to a system for organizing an inner space of a drawer. In particular, the present invention relates to a system for use in dividing an inner space of a drawer into multiple compartments.

BACKGROUND

[0002]One-piece inner spaces of drawers are generally difficult to use in storing small items. Therefore, ways to organize such inner spaces into smaller compartments attract attention of furniture manufacturers.

[0003]US 2009/255891 A1 exemplifies a magnetic divider system for forming one or more sub-compartments to isolate and organize articles therewithin in the interior region of a compartment having a ferruginous surface.

[0004]Solutions for organizing drawer inner spaces still require improvement. In some of the known solutions, the means for organizing the inner space is not stable, and easily move inside the compartment. In some other solutions, the compartments formed by the means for organizing the inner space do not have a stable geometry; therefore, geometric shapes of the compartments change when the drawer in use. In some further solutions, possible physical interactions between the items in the drawer and the means for organizing the inner space are not taken into consideration.

[0005]Accordingly, it is needed to develop a reliable, stabile, design-flexible, easy-to-use and low-cost modular system for use in dividing an inner space of a drawer into multiple compartments.

SUMMARY

[0006]A primary object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art. Another object of the present invention is to provide a reliable, stabile, design-flexible, easy-to-use and low-cost modular system for use in dividing an inner space of a drawer into multiple compartments. A further object of the present invention is to provide selection flexibility to a user from proposed embodiments, in accordance with ferromagnetic properties of items to be stored in compartments to be formed from the elements of the system.

[0007]The present invention achieves said objects with the combination of features proposed in the appended claims.

[0008]Accordingly, the present invention proposes a separator comprising a planar rigid body having two side ends parallel to each other. The side ends are provided with respective engaging means. The engaging means are arranged for a friction-induced engagement of the separator with respective opposing planar inner surfaces of a couple of parallel rigid side walls of a prismatic container. The engaging means comprises a first side at which the engaging means is attached to the body, and a second side that is distal to the first side.

[0009]In a possible embodiment, the one or more engaging means can be provided with one or more magnets.

[0010]Alternatively, the one or more engaging means can be arranged for storing mechanical potential energy when compressed towards the body by exerting pressure onto the second side.

[0011]In a possible embodiment, one or both of the engaging means on the separator include a resilient means (22) arranged for storing mechanical potential energy upon compression of the first side and second side towards each other.

[0012]In a possible embodiment, the engaging means includes one or more resilient means (22) in-between the first side and the second side.

[0013]In a possible embodiment, the resilient means (22) is formed from a metallic material and has a hollow structure to allow a reversible change in its size and/or shape upon compression.

[0014]In a possible embodiment, the resilient means (22) includes one or more elastomeric materials.

[0015]The second end on one or more of the engaging means preferably includes an elastomeric material. This measure provides an increased friction when the separator is engaged to the inner surface of a respective container side wall.

[0016]In a possible embodiment of the separator, the body is provided with one or more sockets at one or more of the side ends thereof. This allows a plug-socket type facilitated assembly to the separator. Preferably, such separator is formed from a sheet metal that is bent to a flat rectangular pipe form providing a through hole extending between the side ends thereof. This simplifies the production of a separator body that is provided with a socket.

[0017]Preferably, the socket that is provided with one or more sockets comprises one or more plug brackets attached at the first side of a respective engaging means. Here, the plug bracket has an extension side away from the first side. The extension side is arranged to engage with a respective socket at the side end of the body of the separator.

[0018]In a preferred embodiment, the body comprises a ferromagnetic material. More preferably, the body is formed from a ferromagnetic material.

[0019]Within the context of forming compartments inside a container (in particular, a drawer), the present invention also proposes a box comprising a plurality of planar box walls that define an inner space of the box. One or more of said box walls are arranged with one or more magnets for engagement with an inner surface of a ferromagnetic side wall of a container by magnetic attraction.

[0020]In an embodiment, box walls that are adjacent to each other are attached to each other by respective one or more edge brackets. Here, one or more of the magnets are provided on the edge one or more brackets.

[0021]Preferably, the one or more magnets are provided on a plug of the edge brackets, and said magnets are positioned distal side of the plug with regard to the inner space of the box; and one or more of the respective box walls include one or more windows arranged to receive a respective one of said one or more magnets.

[0022]More preferably, the one or more magnets and respective one or more windows are arranged in size and shape to result in a levelled outer surface on the box wall. Here, said outer surface is distal to the inner space with regard to the inner surface.

[0023]In an embodiment, a couple of box walls are arranged to have respective opposing planar inner surfaces. Here, said inner surfaces are arranged for the friction-induced engagement of the one or more of the separators.

[0024]The present invention further proposes a system comprising a prismatic drawer with one or more couples of rigid side walls that are parallel to each other. The system further comprising one or more of the separator embodiments that are discussed above. Alternatively, or furthermore, the system further comprises one or more containers embodiments that are discussed above.

[0025]An embodiment of the system comprises one or more of the separators, wherein the one or more engaging means are provided with one or more magnets, and the side walls include ferromagnetic material. Another embodiment of the system comprises one or more separators, wherein the one or more engaging means are arranged for storing mechanical potential energy when compressed towards the body by exerting pressure onto the second side.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0026]The figures, a brief explanation of which is herewith provided, are solely intended for providing a better understanding of the present invention and are as such not intended to define the scope of protection or the context in which said scope is to be interpreted in the absence of the description.

[0027]FIG. 1a shows perspective view of an embodiment of the system according to the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 1b shows perspective view of another embodiment of the system according to the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 2a shows perspective view of an exemplary separator embodiment according to the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 2b is exploded view of the separator shown in FIG. 2a.

[0031]FIG. 3a shows side view of an exemplary separator embodiment according to the present invention.

[0032]FIG. 3b is detailed view of the separator from FIG. 3a, showing a non-compressed state of the engaging means.

[0033]FIG. 3c shows a compressed state of the engaging means in the separator from 3a.

[0034]FIG. 3d is exploded view of an exemplary separator in accordance with the embodiment that is shown in FIG. 3a.

[0035]FIG. 3e is a schematic planar view showing an operation of placement of an exemplary separator according to the present invention into a suitable container in terms of size and shape.

[0036]FIG. 3f shows the resulting layout of the engaging operation shown in FIG. 3e.

[0037]FIG. 4a is perspective view of an exemplary plug bracket for use in a separator according to the present invention.

[0038]FIG. 4b is perspective view of an exemplary engaging means for being employed with the plug bracket shown in FIG. 4a.

[0039]FIG. 4c is perspective view of an exemplary engaging means for being employed with the plug bracket shown in FIG. 4a.

[0040]FIG. 4d is an exploded detail view around the side end of the body in a separator according to the present invention.

[0041]FIG. 4e shows a cutaway side view of the separator of FIG. 4d.

[0042]FIG. 5a is perspective view of an exemplary box according to the present invention.

[0043]FIG. 5b is an exploded perspective view of the box shown in FIG. 5a.

[0044]FIG. 6a is a schematic planar view showing the operation of engaging the separator to the box shown in FIG. 5a.

[0045]FIG. 6b is a schematic planar view showing a state in which the separator is engaged to the box shown in FIG. 5a.

[0046]FIG. 7a is perspective view of an exemplary edge bracket for a box according to the present invention, that is provided with one or more magnets.

[0047]FIG. 7b is exploded perspective view of the exemplary edge bracket shown in FIG. 7a.

[0048]FIG. 8a shows perspective view of an exemplary separator that can be used with a box as discussed in relation with FIG. 5a to FIG. 6b.

[0049]FIG. 8b is exploded view of the separator that is shown in FIG. 8a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050]Referring to the figures outlined above, the present invention proposes a separator (1) for being removably placed into a prismatic container (3). Thus, the separator (1) can be considered to be arranged for reversibly dividing an inner space of the container (3) into compartments (4). By means of one or more separators (1) according to the present invention, a flexible organization can be arranged in the inner space of the container (3). Within the present context, it can be considered that a container (3) comprises a plurality of rigid side walls (30) with respective inner surfaces (31) opposing each other; and that an inner space of a container (3) is defined in-between said inner surfaces (31). One or more separators (1) according to the present invention are used for forming a plurality of compartments (4) in the inner space of a respective container (3), that is suitable in shape and size to be divided by the separator(s) (1). Considering the separator(s) (1) include respective bodies (10); when the separator(s) (1) are in use, respective inner volumes of such plurality of compartments (4) can be defined in-between the bodies (10) of the separator(s) (1) and the inner surfaces (31) of the container (3) side walls (30). In the case where such container (3) is employed in a drawer, or where a drawer itself is considered as the container (3), one or more separators (1) according to the present application can be employed as an inner space organizer system for drawers.

[0051]The separator (1) according to the present development comprises a planar rigid body (10) having two side ends (11) parallel to each other. The side ends (11) are provided with respective engaging means (12) that are arranged for a friction-induced engagement of the separator (1) with respective opposing planar inner surfaces (31) of a couple of parallel rigid side walls (30) of a prismatic container (3).

[0052]The engaging means (12) comprises a first side (121) at which the engaging means (12) is attached to the body (10), and a second side (122) that is distal to the first side (121) with regard to the body (10). Thus, the engaging means (12) are arranged to effect a mechanical contact between the separator (1) and a respective inner surface (31), at the respective second sides (122).

[0056]FIG. 1b shows perspective view of another system (100) embodiment according to the present invention. Here, a drawer is taken as a container (3) within the present context, and compartments (4) are formed inside the drawer by using boxes (33) according to the present invention that also serve as (sub-) containers (8). The boxes (33) are further divided into sub-compartments (41) using separators (1) according to the present invention.

[0057]In a possible embodiment, the separator (1) is arranged for effecting the friction-induced engagement based on magnetic forces. FIG. 2a shows perspective view of an example to such separator (1) embodiment. FIG. 2b is exploded view of the separator shown in FIG. 2a. The separator (1) in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b has a fixed-length, and side ends (11) thereof are equipped with engaging means (12) that are provided with magnets (20). In such embodiment, one or more of the engaging means (12) are provided with one or more magnets (20) for inducing magnetic attraction on a side wall (30) that includes a ferromagnetic material. When the separator (1) according to the present embodiment is in use, the engaging means (12) with resides adjacent to an inner volume of a compartment (4) formed inside an inner space of a respective container (3). Inevitably, the one or more magnets (20) also reside adjacent to, or in close proximity with said inner volume. Ferromagnetic items that may be placed into such compartment (4) of the inner space of the container (3) are attracted by magnetic forces towards respective corner(s) or edge(s) of the compartment. The ferromagnetic items can be removably engaged at such corner(s) or edge(s) as respective places determined by a user, and maintain their pre-determined places under attraction of magnetic forces exerted by magnet(s) at said corner(s) or edge(s).

[0058]In another possible embodiment, the separator (1) is arranged for effecting the friction-induced engagement based on mechanical pressure forces instead of magnetic forces. When the separator (1) is in use, the engaging means (12) resides in the inner space of a respective container (3). In the absence of magnets (20) at the engaging means (12), ferromagnetic items that may be placed into any compartment (4) of the inner space of the container (3) are not attracted by magnetic forces, and thus they can maintain their original places that are determined by a user, notwithstanding whether said places are close to a corner or edge of the compartment. In such embodiment, the engaging means (12) are arranged for storing mechanical potential energy when compressed towards the body (10) by exerting pressure onto the second side (122). As a result, a distance between the second sides (122) reduces upon said compression; thus, a length of the separator (1) is reversibly reducible from a first length (L1) to a second length (L2). In such embodiment, the separator (1) can be engaged to a container (3) that is sized and shaped accordingly, by reducing the length of the separator (1) from the first length (L1) to (or below) a value (second length (L2)) that is equal to the perpendicular distance between respective opposing inner surfaces (31) of the container (3). Length reduction in the separator (1) is effected upon loading potential energy to the engaging means (12) at the side ends (11), by decreasing the distance between the first side (121) and second side (122) of each engaging means (12). FIG. 3a shows side view of an example to such separator (1). Here, the separator (1) is arranged for effect the friction-induced engagement based on compression-related length change. FIG. 3b is detailed view of the separator (1) from FIG. 3a, showing a non-compressed state of the engaging means (12). FIG. 3c shows a compressed state of the engaging means (12) in the separator (1) from FIG. 3a. As a result, the length of the separator is reduced to orthogonally fit in-between two side walls (34) that are parallel to each other in a container (3). FIG. 3d is exploded view of an exemplary separator (1) according to the present embodiment. Here, the separator (1) includes an exemplary plug bracket (14), and the engaging means includes a resilient means (14) (here: with a hollow structure).

[0062]FIG. 3e is a schematic planar view showing an operation of placement of an exemplary separator (1) according to the present invention into a suitable container (3) in terms of size and shape. The separator (1) is placed at an acute angle with respect to a couple of opposing side wall (30) inner surfaces (31) that are parallel to each other. The separator (1) is then subjected to lateral forces (symbolised with bold arrows) with respect to the body (10), to be brought into a position in which the separator (1) extends orthogonal to both of the respective side walls (30) opposing each other. FIG. 3f shows the resulting layout of the engaging operation shown in FIG. 3e.

[0063]In any of the separator (1) embodiments discussed above, the second end (122) on one or more of the engaging means (12) can include an elastomeric material (e.g., rubber, for instance, silicone rubber). Such second end (122) having an elastomeric material provides an increased friction coefficient on a respective inner surface (31) of a side wall (30) when the separator (1) is engaged with a container (3). Thus, an increased extent of lateral forces is required to be exerted onto the separator (1) for disengaging the same from the container (3). As a result, this embodiment provides an enhanced geometric stability to the compartments (4). Preferably, such engaging means (12) can be formed from an elastomer.

[0064]Any of the separator (1) embodiments discussed above can include a body (1) that is provided with sockets (13) at one or more of the side ends (11) thereof. For instance, the separator (1) can be formed from a sheet metal that is bent to a flat rectangular pipe form providing a through hole extending between the side ends (11). FIG. 4a is perspective view of an exemplary plug bracket (14) for use in such separator (1).

[0065]FIG. 4b is perspective view of an exemplary engaging means (12) for being employed with the plug bracket (14) shown in FIG. 4a. Here, the engaging means (12) is adapted to be provided with one or more magnets (20).

[0066]FIG. 4c is perspective view of an exemplary engaging means (12) for being employed with the plug bracket (14) shown in FIG. 4a. Here, the engaging means (12) is arranged for storing mechanical potential energy when compressed towards the body (10) by exerting pressure onto the second side (122). In particular, in the exemplary embodiment shown here, the engaging means (12) includes a resilient means (22) arranged for storing mechanical potential energy upon compression of the first side (121) and second side (122) towards each other. The resilient means (22) embodiment shown here has a hollow structure to allow a reversible change in its size and/or shape upon compression. The resilient means (22) can include an elastomeric material such as rubber or silicone rubber; or a relatively rigid polymeric material (such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, etc.) yet the hollow structure allows the reversible size and shape change.

[0067]FIG. 4d is an exploded detail view around the side end (11) of the body (10) in a separator (1) according to the present invention. FIG. 4d exemplifies a plug bracket (14) for use in the attaching of the engaging means (10), and a respective socket (13) at the side end (11) of the body (10). FIG. 4e shows a cutaway side view of the separator of FIG. 4d.

[0068]A separator (1) that includes one or more sockets (13) can further include respective one or more plug brackets (14) attached at the first side (121) of a respective engaging means (12). The bracket (14) has an extension side away from the first side (121). Said extension side is arranged to engage with a respective socket (13) at the side end (11) of the body (10) of the separator (1); for instance, via a snap-fit connection.

[0069]The body (10) can comprise a ferromagnetic material. The body (10) comprising ferromagnetic material allows further division of a compartment into sub-compartments by introduction and perpendicular engagement of one or more further separator (1) that is provided with one or more magnets (20) at the engaging means (12) in-between two separators (1) parallel to each other, or in-between a separator (1) and a side wall (30) parallel to each other. Preferably, the body (10) can be formed from a ferromagnetic material; this embodiment provides an enhanced magnetic attraction at engagement, thereby providing an increased geometric stability to the sub-compartments.

[0070]The present invention further proposes a container (3) provided with one or more separators (1) according to any of the embodiments disclosed above, that are sized and shaped suitably to effect the above-mentioned friction-induced engagement. The container (3) is prismatic and has a couple of rigid side walls (30) that are parallel to each other. For instance, the container (3) can be in the form of a rectangular prism. Said couple of side walls (30) have respective opposing planar inner surfaces (31) on which the friction-induced engagement takes place with one or more separators (1).

[0071]For the embodiment in which the friction-induced engagement is based on magnetic forces, (i.e., the one or more engaging means (12) are provided with one or more magnets (20)), the side walls (30) include ferromagnetic material (for instance, iron); and a distance between the second sides (122) (that is, the length of the separator (1)) is equal to a perpendicular distance between the opposing inner surfaces (31) on the respective couple of side walls (30). Hence, the separator (1) is sized and shaped suitably to effect the friction-induced engagement.

[0078]At the step (e), reactions of the inner surfaces (31) to said lateral force correspond to respective force components that are directed towards the body (10) of the separator (1). Thereby, the compression is effected to reduce the length of the separator (1) from the first length (L1) to the second length (L2) that is equal to the orthogonal distance (D) between the opposing inner surfaces (31) of the side walls (30) that are parallel to each other. Hence, it can be considered that, to effect the friction-induced engagement, the separator (1) and a the size and shape of a respective container (3) can be selected in accordance with each other.

[0079]The container (3) can be a drawer, or a box (33) that comprises four or more planar rigid box walls (34). Within the context discussed above, the box walls (34) can be considered as side walls (30) having inner surfaces (31) defining an inner space of the box (33) as a container (3). Each couple of box walls (34) (as side walls (30)) that are adjacent to each other can be attached to each other at respective right angles by edge brackets (35).

[0080]FIG. 5a is perspective view of an exemplary box (33) according to the present invention. Here, the box (33) is divided into two sub-compartments (41) by a separator (1). FIG. 5b is an exploded perspective view of the box (33) shown in FIG. 5a. Here, the separator (1) has a ratio (W/D) between a width (W) of engagement means (12) (parallel to the inner surface (31) and orthogonal to the body (10) plane), and the distance (D) between the respective opposing inner surfaces (31), that is large enough to hold in place without disengaging under rather small lateral forces applicable onto the separator (1) when engaged. Said W/D ratio can be preferably 1/10 or higher, more preferably 1/7 or higher.

[0081]In this embodiment, when compared to the separator length that corresponds to the orthogonal distance (D) between opposing inner surfaces (31) of respective side walls (30) of the box (33); also, a greater length can be taken from an edge in one of the two engaging means (12) at a first side of the body (10), to an opposite edge in the other one of the two engaging means (12) at a second side of the body (10); wherein said second side is opposite to the first side. Initial contact between the separator (1) and respective inner surfaces (31) takes place at said edges of the two engaging means (12) at two distal side ends (11), taken at opposite sides of the body (10). The separator (1) is brought into an engaged position by applying lateral forces thereonto. Here, the length of such separator (1) corresponds to the orthogonal distance (D) between opposing inner surfaces on side walls (30) parallel to each other. The engaging means (12) can be resilient, e.g., by having have a hollow structure to allow a reversible change in its size and/or shape upon compression by inner surfaces (31) of two respective opposing side walls (30). Therefore, with this separator (1), the engagement with said side walls can also be considered as friction-induced.

[0082]FIG. 6a is a schematic planar view showing the operation of engaging the separator to the box shown in FIG. 5a. FIG. 6b is a schematic planar view showing a state in which the separator is engaged to the box shown in FIG. 5a. FIG. 6b can be considered to show the result of the operation that is depicted in FIG. 6a.

[0083]One or more box walls (34) can be arranged with one or more magnets (20), for instance, at an outer surface (32). Such box (33) is thus attachable to a ferromagnetic side wall (30) of a further, larger container (3) such as a drawer.

[0084]In a preferred embodiment of such box (33), one or more of the brackets (35) can be provided with one or more magnets (20) positioned distal with regard to the inner space of the box (33); and preferably extending away from the inner space. Preferably, one or more respective box walls (34) include one or more windows (36) arranged to receive a respective magnet (20). This embodiment provides a snap-fit connection between the bracket (35) and the box wall (34) when one or more magnets (20) are received by respective one or more windows (36). For instance, the one or more magnets (20) are provided on a plug of the edge brackets (35), and said magnets (20) are positioned distal side of the plug with regard to the inner space of the box (33); and one or more of the respective box walls (34) include one or more windows (36) arranged to receive a respective one of said one or more magnets (20).

[0085]FIG. 7a is perspective view of an exemplary edge bracket (35) for a box (33) according to the present invention, that is provided with one or more magnets (20). Here, the magnets (20) are secured to the bracket (35) using magnet holders (21) that are preferably formed from an elastomeric material such as rubber or silicone rubber. The magnet holders (21) are arranged to extend out from respective windows (36), in order to contact with an inner surface (31) of a respective side wall (30) of a container (3). The elastomeric material provides an enhanced friction coefficient, to prevent from slipping on the inner surface (31). FIG. 7b is exploded perspective view of the exemplary edge bracket (35) shown in FIG. 7a.

[0086]More preferably, such magnet (20) and window (36) are arranged in size and shape to result in a levelled outer surface (32) on the box wall (34). That is, when such box wall (34) is mounted with such bracket (35), the magnet(s) (20) do not extend out from the respective window(s) (36) at the outer surface (32) away from the inner space.

[0087]FIG. 8a shows perspective view of an exemplary separator (1) that can be used with a box (33) as discussed in relation with FIG. 5a to FIG. 6b. FIG. 8b is exploded view of the separator that is shown in FIG. 8a. Here, the separator (1) further has engaging means (12) that are arranged for storing mechanical potential energy when compressed towards the body (10) by exerting pressure onto the second sides (122) thereof. When in a disengaged position as shown here, the distance between the second sides of engaging means at different (distal) side ends (11), is considered as the first length (L1) of the separator (1). Said distance at such uncompressed state is reducible when said pressure is exerted towards the body (10), in order to fit in-between inner surfaces (31) of two opposing box walls (34) (that is, side walls (30) of the box (33)). By proper selection/arrangement of the separator (1) in accordance with the size and shape of a respective box (33), said uncompressed distance between the second sides (122) is at least slightly larger than the orthogonal distance (D) between the inner surfaces (31) of said two respective opposing box walls (34). The second length (L2) obtainable by compression in-between the opposing inner surfaces of said respective parallel side walls of the box, corresponds to the orthogonal distance (D) between said inner surfaces (31) of two opposing box walls (34).

[0088]Within the context of the present application, the term “rigid” corresponds to being substantially non-flexible under out-of-plane forces exerted to the planes of the respective items (here, body (10) or side walls), when in use. Such rigidity can be considered as being deformable under out-of-plane forces that are at an extent substantially exceeding those normally encountered when in use, instead of reversibly flex to automatically recover the original planar shape when the exertion of the out-of-plane force is ceased. Several elements considered here including the body (10), box walls (34) and side walls (30) being rigid means that said elements do not tend to bend against lateral force components (that is, forces transverse to planes defined by planar said elements) when in normal use, engagement and disengagement.

[0089]Further within the context of the present application, elastomeric materials such as rubber and silicone rubber are considered as soft plastic materials that are responsive to compressive forces by reversibly changing shape and size thereunder.

[0090]The present invention further proposes a system (100) comprising one or more prismatic containers (3) and/or one or more separators (1) according to any of the embodiments that are discussed above, for use in diving a drawer into a plurality of compartments within the context discussed in the present specification.

REFERENCE SIGNS