Drawer system and components of drawer system

Abstract

An integrated drawer side panel for a vehicle drawer system, the integrated drawer side panel comprising a drawer removably inserted into a box, the integrated drawer side panel comprising: an extruded member comprising: a side panel portion and one or more track elements wherein the side panel portion and the one or more track elements are integrally extruded, the one or more track elements comprise: a first track portion comprising a support surface for engaging at least one support wheel mounted to a sidewall of the box; and a second rail portion comprising a guide surface for engaging at least one guide wheel mounted to the side wall. Other aspects contemplated include integrated tray mounts for sliding trays, box sidewalls, and drawer slide assemblies, as well as assemblies, kits, and systems including all of the foregoing.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to priority application

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202310966382 filed on August 2, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2023258425 filed on November 3, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2024902162 filed on July 12, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to drawer systems and components of drawer systems, for example, vehicle drawer systems and components thereof. Background Art

[0004] A drawer system is a storage solution that includes a box that houses sliding drawers. A user can place items in the drawer so that the items are stored within the drawer and therefore within the box. Drawer systems are installed in vehicles to provide additional storage. Such systems may be installed behind the driving position in the cockpit of a vehicle, or may be mounted to a tray or bed of a utility vehicle.

[0005] In a simple form, the drawer may be supported on its underside by tracks extending inwardly from the sides of the box. The bottom of the drawer then slides along the track. Due to the high friction between the underside of the drawer and the track, movement of the drawer in this arrangement may be difficult. In addition, there is usually no appropriate arrangement to keep the drawer resting on the track, and the drawer may then move off the track. For example, if installed in a vehicle, such as a car, the drawer may "bounce" when the vehicle is driving on uneven terrain and cause excessive vibration.

[0006] The drawer can be arranged to be slidable relative to the case via a slide assembly. The slide assembly can include a plurality of separate components adapted to slide relative to each other. These separate components are attached (e.g., using screws or rivets, etc.) to any one of the case and the drawer to provide a sliding relationship between the drawer and the case. In this arrangement, the drawer system includes three different components: a drawer, a case, and a slide assembly. The slide assembly typically has a large tolerance between these components to reduce the manufacturing cost of the slide assembly. In certain applications, such as when installed in a vehicle, this may result in excessive movement or vibration between the drawer and the case. Using a separate slide assembly also increases the manufacturing cost and complexity of the drawer system.

[0007] Excessive vibrations that may exist in the above-mentioned drawer system may cause component failure and reduce the useful life of the drawer system.If the drawer system is installed in a vehicle, the vibrations may also cause noise in the cockpit, which is undesirable for the occupants.

[0008] A vehicle drawer system is described in WO 2016090406 A1. This document teaches a drawer system in which wheels are mounted on both the drawer and the case, which wheels engage a third movable slide member arranged between the drawer and the case. The main advantage of WO 2016090406 A1 is that the movable slide allows the drawer to be pulled outward from the case so that more of the interior space of the drawer is accessible. This arrangement increases the complexity and weight of the drawer system. Further, the movable slide between the drawer and the case may increase vibrations due to the interface between the components, which all require sufficient freedom of movement so that the components remain movable.

[0009] It is expected that the present disclosure will improve upon the above-mentioned drawer shortcomings of the prior art or at least provide a useful alternative.

[0010] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not an acknowledgement or representation that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction or that it could reasonably be understood, regarded as relevant, and / or used in combination with other prior art by a person skilled in the art. Summary of the invention

[0011] 1. Integrated drawer side panels

[0012] A first aspect provides an integrated drawer side panel for a vehicle drawer system, the integrated drawer side panel comprising a drawer removably inserted into a box body, the integrated drawer side panel comprising:

[0013] An extruded component, the extruded component comprising:

[0014] a side panel portion and one or more track elements, wherein the side panel portion and the one or more track elements are integrally extruded,

[0015] The one or more track elements include:

[0016] a first track portion including a support surface for engaging at least one support wheel mounted to a side wall of the housing;

[0017] A second track portion includes a guide surface for engaging at least one guide wheel mounted to the side wall.

[0018] The first track portion and the second track portion may be separate track elements (but each track element will be integrated with the side panel portion). For example, the first track portion may be formed on the first track element, and the second track portion may be formed on the second track element. The first track element and the second track element may be separate protrusions protruding from one side of the side panel portion. Preferably, this side defines an outer wall of the integrated drawer side panel facing the cabinet side wall, and the other side of the side panel portion defines an inner wall of the integrated drawer side panel.

[0019] Alternatively, the first track portion and the second track portion may be formed on a single track element, for example, the single track portion forms a protrusion protruding from one side of the side panel portion. Preferably, this side defines an outer wall of the integrated drawer side panel facing the box side wall, and the other side of the side panel portion defines an inner wall of the integrated drawer side panel.

[0020] The first track portion and the second track portion may be spaced apart from each other. Preferably, in the case where the side panel portion has a height dimension, the first track portion and the second track portion may be spaced apart from each other along the height dimension. Suitably, the height dimension of the side panel portion corresponds to the height dimension of the normal use orientation of the drawer. Accordingly, preferably, given the normal use orientation of the drawer panel, the first track portion and the second track portion are vertically spaced apart.

[0021] In embodiments with a single track element, preferably, the guide surface and the support surface face away from each other. Preferably, the support surface of the first track portion faces downward (considering the normal use orientation) so as to transfer the weight of the drawer to the at least one support wheel mounted to the side wall of the box. The guide surface of the second track portion may face upward (considering the normal use orientation) to engage with the at least one guide wheel mounted to the side wall of the box.

[0022] Accordingly, in case there is a single track element combining both the first track portion and the second track portion, the first track portion and the second track portion may be arranged on the lower side and the upper side of the single track element, respectively. Accordingly, the first track portion is below the second track portion.

[0023] In an embodiment with separate first and second track elements, the guide surface and the support surface may face each other. Each of the first and second track elements may be defined by a protrusion of the side plate portion. Preferably, the first and second track elements protrude from the same side of the side plate portion.

[0024] Preferably, the support surface of the first track portion faces downwards to transfer the weight of the drawer to the at least one support wheel. Preferably, the guide surface of the second track portion faces upwards to engage with the at least one guide wheel. Accordingly, the first track portion and the second track portion define a corridor along which both the support wheel and the guide wheel pass.

[0025] In an embodiment with a single protrusion, a web may extend between the first track portion and the second track portion to provide structural support. The web may at least partially define the track element or the protrusion as an at least partially hollow element. The web may be arranged to extend between the first track portion and the second track portion, where the load-bearing force on one or both of these track portions is the greatest. For example, a support surface (at a load bearing location) may be aligned with the web to structurally support the support surface. Most preferably, the web extends between the support surface and the guide surface. In addition, a second web may be present to support the side of the track element farthest from the side panel portion. Accordingly, three spaced-apart upright wall portions may be present in the extruded member: the second web, the first web, and a portion of the side panel portion.

[0026] A first cavity may be defined in the track element. The first cavity may be defined by the web portion, the support surface, the guide surface, and the side panel portion. A second cavity may be defined in the track element. The second cavity may be defined at least in part by the second web portion. The second cavity may be defined by the web portion, the support surface, the guide surface, and the second web portion.

[0027] The guide surface may include a groove. The guide surface may be configured to engage a guide wheel mounted to the side wall of the box via the groove. The groove of the guide surface may have a curved profile, for example, the groove is curved when viewed in cross section. The curved profile of the groove may be a circular curve, such as a segment of a circle, and have a constant radius. The radius of the circular curved groove of the guide surface may be 2 mm to 10 mm, preferably 3 mm to 6 mm, most preferably about 4.6 mm. The curved profile of the groove may be a curve with a varying radius. The curved profile of the groove may be a parabolic curve.

[0028] The support surface may include a groove. The support surface may be configured to engage a support wheel mounted to the side wall of the box via the groove. The groove of the support surface may have a curved profile, for example, the groove is curved when viewed in cross section. The curved profile of the groove of the support surface may be a circular curve, such as a segment of a circle, and have a constant radius. The radius of the circular curved groove of the support surface may be 2mm to 10mm, preferably 3mm to 6mm, most preferably about 4.6mm. The curved profile of the groove of the support surface may be a curve with a varying radius. The curved profile of the groove of the support surface may be a parabolic curve.

[0029] The integrated drawer side panel may include a drawer bottom mounting portion. The drawer bottom mounting portion may be an integrally formed protrusion extending from the side panel portion. The integrally formed protrusion may protrude from the side panel portion in a direction opposite to the one or more track elements.

[0030] According to a related aspect (1A) of the present invention, there is provided a drawer assembly, the drawer assembly comprising:

[0031] The first integrated drawer side panel as described above in conjunction with the first aspect, the first integrated drawer side panel is arranged on one side of the drawer;

[0032] The second integrated drawer side panel as described above in conjunction with the first aspect, the second integrated drawer side panel is arranged on the other side of the drawer; and

[0033] A bottom plate extends from the first integrated drawer side plate to the second integrated drawer side plate.

[0034] Preferably, the first integrated drawer side panel and the second integrated drawer side panel have the same cross-section. Accordingly, the extruded components of the first integrated drawer side panel and the second integrated drawer side panel can be cut from the same extrusion.

[0035] Any features described below in conjunction with other aspects of the invention may be applicable to the above aspects.

[0036] 2. Integrated sliding tray mount

[0037] A second aspect provides an integrated tray mounting member for a sliding tray of a vehicle drawer system, the vehicle drawer system comprising a box body and a sliding tray, the integrated tray mounting member comprising:

[0038] An extruded component, the extruded component comprising:

[0039] a tray support portion and one or more track elements, wherein the tray support portion and the one or more track elements are integrally extruded,

[0040] The one or more track elements include:

[0041] a first track portion including a support surface for engaging at least one support wheel mounted to a side wall of the housing;

[0042] A second track portion includes a guide surface for engaging at least one guide wheel mounted to the side wall.

[0043] The tray support portion may include an eave that is substantially horizontal in a normal use orientation. The tray support portion may further include a connector between the eave and the one or more track elements. Accordingly, the eave may be arranged at a first end of the connector portion, and the one or more track elements may be arranged at a second end of the connector portion. The eave may be substantially perpendicular to the connector portion. For example, the connector portion may be substantially vertical in a normal use orientation.

[0044] The integrated tray mount may include a channel portion. The channel portion may have a substantially U-shaped or C-shaped profile. The channel portion may be a T-slot channel. The channel portion may be arranged at the same end of the connector portion as the eaves. The channel portion may include two flange portions and a web portion in the middle of the flange portions. The web portion may be substantially horizontal in a normal use orientation. In the normal use configuration, the two flange portions may be substantially perpendicular to the web portion. Accordingly, the flange portions may be substantially vertical in the normal use configuration. The two flange portions may each include a lip folded toward the other flange portion. The lip may partially close the channel portion.

[0045] The first track portion and the second track portion may be separate track elements (although integrated with the tray support portion in the extruded member). For example, the first track portion may be arranged on the first track element and the second track portion may be formed on the second track element. Alternatively, the first track portion and the second track portion may be formed on a single track element, for example forming a protrusion protruding from one side of the tray support portion, preferably a protrusion on the connector portion. The features described above in relation to the one or more track elements as described in conjunction with the first aspect of the invention may apply to this aspect of the invention.

[0046] The first track portion and the second track portion may be spaced apart from each other. Preferably, given the normal use orientation of the tray mount, the first track portion and the second track portion are vertically spaced apart. Preferably, the guide surface and the support surface face away from each other. This is desirably a feature of embodiments having a single track element. In embodiments having a first track element and a second track element, the guide surface and the support surface may face towards each other.

[0047] The connector portion may connect the first track portion and the second track portion. The one or more track elements may be located on one side of the connector portion. For example, the track element may be shaped as a protrusion of the connector portion, wherein the first track portion and the second track portion are formed on the protrusion. Accordingly, the first track portion and the second track portion may be part of a single protruding track element formed integrally with the tray support portion.

[0048] A web may extend between the first track portion and the second track portion to provide structural support. The web may at least partially define the track element or protrusion as an at least partially hollow element. The web may be arranged to extend between the first track portion and the second track portion to support a side of the track element furthest from the connector portion.

[0049] A cavity may be defined in the track element.The cavity may be defined by the web portion, the support surface, the guide surface and the connector portion.

[0050] The guide surface may include a groove. The guide surface may be configured to engage a guide wheel mounted to the side wall of the box via the groove. The groove of the guide surface may have a curved profile, for example, the groove is curved when viewed in cross section. The curved profile of the groove may be a circular curve, such as a segment of a circle, and have a constant radius. The curved profile of the groove may be a curve with a varying radius. The curved profile of the groove may be a parabolic curve.

[0051] The support surface may include a groove. The support surface may be configured to engage a support wheel mounted to a side wall of the case via the groove. The groove of the support surface may have a curved profile, for example, the groove is curved when viewed in cross section. The curved profile of the groove of the support surface may be a circular curve, such as a segment of a circle, and have a constant radius. The curved profile of the groove of the support surface may be a curve with a varying radius. The curved profile of the groove of the support surface may be a parabolic curve.

[0052] According to a related aspect (2B) of the present invention, there is provided a tray assembly for a vehicle drawer system, the vehicle drawer system comprising a box body and a sliding tray, the tray assembly comprising:

[0053] The first integrated pallet mounting member as described above in conjunction with the second aspect, which is arranged on one side of the pallet;

[0054] A second integrated tray mounting member as described above in conjunction with the second aspect, which is disposed on the other side of the drawer; and

[0055] A pallet plate extends between the first integrated pallet mount and the second integrated pallet mount.

[0056] Preferably, the first integrated pallet mounting component and the second integrated pallet mounting component have the same cross-section. Accordingly, the extruded components of the first integrated pallet mounting component and the second integrated pallet mounting component may be cut from the same extrusion.

[0057] Any features described above or below in conjunction with other aspects of the invention may be applicable to the aspects under the above subheadings.

[0058] 3. Box side wall

[0059] A third aspect provides a box side wall for a vehicle drawer system, the box side wall having a length direction and a height direction and comprising:

[0060] a side wall portion having a length and a height;

[0061] a support wheel mounted to the sidewall portion, the support wheel having a first radius and a first axis of rotation; and

[0062] a guide wheel mounted to the side wall portion, the guide wheel having a second radius and a second axis of rotation,

[0063] The support wheel and the guide wheel are spaced apart from each other in the height direction and in the length direction;

[0064] Wherein, the distance between the first axis and the second axis in the length direction is greater than the combination of the first radius and the second radius, and the distance between the first axis and the second axis in the height direction is less than the combination of the first radius and the second radius.

[0065] Accordingly, the support wheel and the guide wheel are not aligned in the height direction of the side wall portion. Since the distance between the first axis and the second axis in the height direction is less than the combination of the first radius and the second radius, the support wheel and the guide wheel can be configured to operate in a corridor, the height of which is less than the combined diameter of the support wheel and the guide wheel. The corridor can be defined by the first and second separate track elements as explained in conjunction with the first aspect of the invention.

[0066] Preferably, the first radius and the second radius are identical. Thus, the support wheel and the guide wheel have substantially the same diameter. However, the first radius and the second radius may be different.

[0067] The support wheels may be configured to engage with a support surface of a drawer side panel or a tray mount. The guide wheels may be configured to engage with a guide surface of a drawer side panel or a tray mount.

[0068] The side wall of the box body can be an extrusion. The side wall portion can include a thick portion and a thin wall portion. When in the normal use position, the thick portion can be arranged towards the bottom of the side wall portion.

[0069] Accordingly, another aspect of the present invention may be a vehicle drawer system, which includes a box body composed of two spaced-apart box body side walls as defined above in combination with the third aspect of the present invention, and a drawer assembly as defined above in combination with the above aspect (1A) of the present invention, each integrated drawer side panel of the drawer assembly includes a separate first track element and a second track element, and the first track element and the second track element define a corridor, wherein the support wheels and guide wheels of adjacent box body side walls are configured to operate within the corridor of adjacent drawer side panels.

[0070] Preferably, there are a plurality of support wheels and a plurality of guide wheels on each cabinet side wall, the plurality of support wheels and guide wheels being configured to operate within an associated corridor.

[0071] The support wheel may have a circumferential edge profile complementary to the support surface of the drawer side panel (according to the first aspect of the invention) or the tray mount (according to the second aspect of the invention). The support wheel may have a circumferential edge profile complementary to the shape of the groove in the support surface. The support wheel may have a flat circumferential edge profile. The support wheel may have a curved circumferential edge profile, for example, when viewed from a diameter section, the circumferential edge profile of the support wheel is curved. The curved circumferential edge profile may be a circular curve, such as a segment of a circle, and has a constant radius. The radius of the circular curved circumferential edge profile of the support wheel may be 2mm to 10mm, preferably 3mm to 6mm, most preferably about 4.5mm. The curved circumferential edge profile may be a curve with a varying radius. The curved circumferential edge profile may be a parabolic curve.

[0072] The guide wheel may have a circumferential edge profile complementary to the guide surface of the drawer side panel (according to the first aspect of the invention) or the tray mount (according to the second aspect of the invention). The guide wheel may have a circumferential edge profile of a shape complementary to the groove in the guide surface. These guide wheels may have a flat circumferential edge profile. The guide wheel may have a curved circumferential edge profile, for example, the circumferential edge of the guide wheel is curved in a diameter section. The curved circumferential edge profile may be a circular curve, such as a segment of a circle, and has a constant radius. The radius of the circular curved circumferential edge profile of the guide wheel may be 2 mm to 8 mm, preferably 3 mm to 6 mm, most preferably about 4.5 mm. The curved circumferential edge profile may be a curve with a varying radius. The curved circumferential edge profile may be a parabolic curve.

[0073] Features described above or below in relation to any other aspect of the invention may apply equally to those aspects under this sub-heading.

[0074] 4. Drawer slide assembly

[0075] A fourth aspect provides a drawer slide assembly for a vehicle drawer system, the vehicle drawer system having a drawer removably inserted into a box, the drawer slide assembly comprising:

[0076] An integrated drawer side panel, the integrated drawer side panel comprising a track element formed integrally with the drawer side panel, the track element comprising:

[0077] a first track portion including a support surface;

[0078] a second track portion comprising a guide surface, wherein the guide surface and the support surface face away from each other; and

[0079] Wherein, the support surface can be engaged with at least one support wheel that can be mounted to the side wall of the box body, and the guide surface can be engaged with at least one guide wheel that can be mounted to the side wall of the box body, and the position is such that the drawer side panel can slide relative to the side wall of the box body.

[0080] Another related aspect (4B) provides a drawer slide assembly for a vehicle drawer system having a drawer removably insertable into a box, the drawer slide assembly comprising:

[0081] An integrated drawer side panel, the integrated drawer side panel comprising a track element formed integrally with the drawer side panel, the track element comprising:

[0082] a first track portion including a support surface;

[0083] a second track portion comprising a guide surface, wherein the guide surface and the support surface face each other; and

[0084] Wherein, the support surface can be engaged with at least one support wheel that can be mounted to the side wall of the box body, and the guide surface can be engaged with at least one guide wheel that can be mounted to the side wall of the box body, and the position is such that the drawer side panel can slide relative to the side wall of the box body.

[0085] Features described above or below in relation to any other aspect of the invention may apply equally to those aspects under this sub-heading.

[0086] 5. Vehicle drawer system

[0087] A fifth aspect provides a vehicle drawer system, the vehicle drawer system comprising:

[0088] A box body, the box body comprising a box body side wall having a length direction and a height direction, the box body side wall comprising:

[0089] a side wall portion, a support wheel mounted to the side wall portion, and a guide wheel mounted to the side wall portion; and

[0090] A drawer comprising an integrated drawer side panel, the integrated drawer side panel comprising an extruded member, the extruded member comprising:

[0091] A side panel portion and one or more rail elements, wherein the side panel portion and the one or more rail elements

[0092] The track element is an integral extrusion, the one or more track elements comprising:

[0093] a first track portion including a support surface for engaging a support wheel; and

[0094] A second track portion includes a guide surface for engaging a guide wheel.

[0095] The vehicle drawer system may further comprise an integrated tray mount for the sliding tray. The integrated tray mount may be as described in conjunction with the second aspect of the invention.

[0096] The side wall of the box body may be an extrusion. The support wheel mounted to the side wall portion may have a first radius and a first rotation axis. The guide wheel mounted to the side wall portion may have a second radius and a second rotation axis. The support wheel and the guide wheel may be spaced apart from each other in the height direction and the width direction. The distance between the first axis and the second axis in the length direction may be greater than the combination of the first radius and the second radius. The distance between the first axis and the second axis in the height direction may be less than the combination of the first radius and the second radius. The side wall of the box body may be according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0097] The support wheel and the guide wheel can be spaced apart from each other only in the height direction. Accordingly, the support wheel and the guide wheel can be aligned in the height direction.

[0098] Features described above or below in relation to any other aspect of the invention may equally apply to this aspect.

[0099] 6. Kits for vehicle drawer systems

[0100] A sixth aspect provides a kit for a vehicle drawer system or a kit for a drawer of a vehicle drawer system, the kit comprising:

[0101] Two integrated drawer sides according to the first aspect.

[0102] The kit may further comprise two cabinet side walls according to the third aspect.

[0103] The kit may further comprise two tray mounts according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0104] Features described above in relation to any of the preceding aspects may equally apply to this aspect.

[0105] Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be provided in part in the description that follows, and some of them will be obvious from the description that follows, or may be learned by practice of the present disclosure.

[0106] As used herein, the term "comprise" and variations thereof, such as "include", "comprising" and "including", do not mean to exclude other additions, components, integers or steps unless the context requires otherwise.

[0107] Further aspects of the invention and further embodiments of the aspects described in the preceding paragraphs will become apparent from the following description given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0108] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an assembled drawer system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0109] Figure 2 Depicted Figure 1 A drawer system wherein the drawer is in an extended position, such as an open position;

[0110] Figure 3 Picture shows Figure 1 A drawer system wherein a sliding tray assembly in the form of a sliding tray top is in an extended position;

[0111] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the case of the drawer system with the drawers and sliding top removed;

[0112] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the left side box side wall panel;

[0113] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A cross section of the right side wall of the box is shown;

[0114] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the left side wall of the box body on which the wheel is mounted;

[0115] Figure 8 It is an isolated stereogram of a drawer;

[0116] Fig. 9 It is an exploded view of the drawer;

[0117] Fig.10 This is a cross section of the left drawer side panel;

[0118] Fig.11a It is a cross section of the left sliding tray mounting;

[0119] Fig.11b This is a cross section of the right side fixed top bracket;

[0120] Fig.11c yes Fig.11b A perspective view of a fixed top bracket attached to a side wall of the box;

[0121] Fig.12 is a perspective view showing the underside of the top of the sliding tray;

[0122] Fig.13 yes Figure 1 a cross section of the right side of the assembled drawer system shown;

[0123] Fig.14 shows an assembled drawer system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0124] Fig.15 Depicted Fig.14 A drawer system wherein the drawer is in an extended position, such as an open position;

[0125] Fig.16 Picture shows Fig.14 A drawer system wherein the sliding tray top is in an extended position;

[0126] Fig.17 is a perspective view of the case with the drawers and sliding top removed;

[0127] Fig.18 is a cross-sectional view of the left side box side wall panel;

[0128] Fig.19 yes Fig.17 a cross section of the right side wall of the box shown;

[0129] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the left side wall of the box body on which the wheel is mounted;

[0130] Fig.21 It is an isolated stereogram of a drawer;

[0131] Fig. 22 It is an exploded view of the drawer;

[0132] Fig.23 This is a cross section of the left drawer side panel;

[0133] Fig.24 yes Fig.14 a cross section of the right side of the assembled drawer system shown;

[0134] Fig.25 is a perspective view of an assembled drawer system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0135] Fig.26 Depicted Fig.25 A drawer system wherein the drawer and the sliding tray top are in an extended position;

[0136] Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the case with the drawers and sliding top removed to aid understanding;

[0137] Fig.28 It is an isolated stereogram of a drawer;

[0138] Fig.29 It is an exploded view of the drawer;

[0139] Fig.30 It is a perspective view of the top of the sliding tray;

[0140] Fig.31 yes Fig.25 a cross-section of the right side of the assembled drawer system shown; and

[0141] Fig.32 yes Fig.31 Detailed cross section of a drawer rail and cabinet wheel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0142] exist Figure 1 An embodiment of a drawer system 10 is depicted in FIG. The drawer system 10 includes a box 12 and a drawer 14 that can be slid into the interior of the box 12 and can be pulled outward to extend the drawer to a position such as Figure 2 The drawer system 10 includes a sliding tray assembly in the form of a sliding tray top 16, which can also be pulled outward from the box 12 to extend the sliding top and gain access to the drawer interior, such as Figure 3 shown.

[0143] Figure 4 The box 12 is depicted with the drawers and sliding tray top 16 removed to aid understanding. The box 12 may also be referred to as a cabinet. The box 12 is a generally rectilinear hollow box that includes box sidewalls 18, a back panel 20, an upper cross member 22, and a plurality of lower cross members 24. It should be appreciated that in embodiments without the sliding top tray 16, the box 12 may also be provided with a top panel fixed to the box sidewalls.

[0144] Figure 5 The figure shows the profile of the box side wall 18, in particular the left side wall. It should be understood that the right side wall 18, such as Figure 6 As shown, it is a mirror image of the left side wall 18 .

[0145] Figure 6The right side wall 18 of the assembled case 12 is shown. Accordingly, the case side wall 18 can be made from a single extrusion because the left side wall can simply be turned over (i.e., rotated about a vertical axis) to form the right side wall. In other words, the left side wall and the right side wall can be cut from the same extrusion. They only change in orientation within the assembled case 12.

[0146] refer to Figure 5 , the box sidewall 18 includes a box sidewall portion 26, an upper flange 28 and a lower flange 30. The upper flange 28 and the lower flange 30 are formed together with the box sidewall portion 26, for example, as part of the same extrusion. The box sidewall portion 26 includes a thicker portion 32 and a thinner portion 34, and when the box sidewall 18 is in the normal use configuration, the thinner portion 34 is located above the thicker portion 32. The thicker portion 32 provides additional rigidity to the box sidewall 18.

[0147] The upper lip 28 and the lower lip 30 both protrude substantially perpendicularly from the box sidewall portion 26. When the box sidewall 18 is in the normal use configuration, the upper lip 28 is positioned toward the top of the box sidewall portion 26. The upper lip 28 provides an overhang covering the space between the sidewall portion 18 of the box 12 and the sliding top tray 16, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 Best seen in the components shown.

[0148] Alternatively, in a version without a sliding top tray 16, the upper lip 28 can be configured so that the top panel is mounted to the upper lip 28. When the cabinet sidewalls 18 are in the normal use configuration, the lower lip 30 is located at or toward the bottom of the cabinet sidewall portion 26. The lower cross member 24 of the cabinet 12 is connected to the lower lip 30.

[0149] The cabinet sidewalls 18 have wheels mounted thereto which engage with track elements located on the drawers and sliding top panels, as discussed further below. Figure 7 As more clearly shown in FIG. 1 , the cabinet side wall 18 includes a track element 56 for engaging with the drawer 14 (see FIG. Fig.10 ) and a second set of wheels 38 for engaging with the track elements of the sliding tray top 16. Each set of wheels 36, 38 includes a row of support wheels 40 and a row of guide wheels 42 located above the support wheels 40. The weight of the drawer 14 or the sliding tray top 16 (as the case may be) is supported by the corresponding support wheels 40. The guide wheels 42 help to hold the drawer 14 and the sliding tray top 16 in the correct orientation, especially when the drawer 14 or the sliding tray top 16 is extended. For example, when extended, the center of mass of the drawer 14 can be located outside the box 12, which may cause the front of the drawer 14 to fall downward. These guide wheels 42 prevent this from happening by holding the drawer track elements 56 between the guide wheels 42 and the support wheels 40. The support wheels 40 and the guide wheels 42 are preferably of the same size and shape.

[0150] like Figure 8 As depicted, drawer 14 includes side panels 44, rear panel 46, front panel 48, and bottom panel 50. Front panel 48 is connected to side panels 44 using corner brackets 52, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown. The back panel 46 is directly connected to the side panels 44. The bottom panel 50 is directly connected to the side panels 44. The front panel 48 has a lockable latch with a handle that holds the drawer 14 in the closed position. The handle can be pulled to release the latch 54 and allow the drawer 14 to be pulled outward from the box 12 to the extended position.

[0151] Fig.10 4 shows the side panel 44 on the left side of the drawer 14. It should be understood that the right side panel 44 is substantially the same as the left side panel 44, but is mirrored about the vertical axis. This allows both the left side panel of the drawer and the right side panel of the drawer to be cut from one extrusion. Depending on whether it is for the left side panel or the right side panel, the extruded profile can be simply flipped. These side panels 44 are integrally formed extrusions. In other words, the drawer side panel 44 is an integral piece. Therefore, the track element 56 is integrally formed with the side panel portion 58. The track element 56 extends or protrudes away from the side panel portion 58 in a substantially vertical direction. The side panel 44 also includes one or more eaves 60 for mounting the bottom panel 50 to the side panel 44. The eaves 60 are substantially perpendicular to the side panel portion 58 and extend from the side of the side panel 44 opposite to the track element 56. Since the side panel 44 is an integral extrusion, it should be understood that the integrated track element 58 has a constant cross-section along the length of the side panel 44. The integrated track element 58 also extends the entire length of the side panel 44. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the eave 60 also has a constant cross-section along the length of the side panel and extends the entire length of the side panel 44. However, post-extrusion machining steps may modify the integrated rail element 58 and / or the eave 60.

[0152] The track element 56 includes a first track portion 62 and a second track portion 64 connected by a first web 66 and a second web 68. The track element 56 is partially hollow and has a first elongated cavity defined by the first track portion 62, the second track portion 64, the first web 66 and the adjacent walls of the side plate portion 58. A second elongated cavity is defined by the first track portion 62, the second track portion 64, the first web 66 and the second web 68. The first track portion 62 has a support surface 70, which includes an elongated groove with a curved cross section, which engages a corresponding support wheel 40 on the box side wall 18. The second track portion 64 has a guide surface 72, which includes an elongated groove with a curved cross section, which engages a corresponding guide wheel 42 on the box side wall 18. The support surface 70 and the guide surface 72 face away from each other.

[0153] In this exemplary embodiment, the curves of the grooves of both the support and guide surfaces have a diameter of about 9.2 mm (4.6 mm radius), but the diameter may be in the range of about 4 mm to about 20 mm (2 mm to 10 mm radius). It will be appreciated that the peripheral edge profiles of the support and guide wheels are complementary to the grooves of the support and guide surfaces, respectively. Accordingly, when the diameter section of the wheel (e.g. Figure 6 and Fig.13 The radius of curvature of the peripheral edge profile of the support and guide wheels can be substantially the same as the radius of curvature of the groove when viewed in FIG. 1 ( FIG. 1 ). In this exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the curve of the support and guide wheels is about 9 mm (radius of curvature is 4.5 mm), but the diameter can be in the range of about 4 mm to about 20 mm (radius of curvature is 2 mm to 10 mm). The slight difference between the diameter of the groove (9.2 mm) and the curvature of the edge profile of the wheel (9 mm) is preferred because it provides a small amount of clearance between the wheel and the groove to reduce the wheel from getting stuck in the groove.

[0154] When in normal use orientation, the support surface 70 and the guide surface 72 and therefore the first track portion 62 and the second track portion 64 are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The first track portion 62 is located below the second track portion 64. Most of the weight of the drawer 14 is supported on the grooves of the support surface 70 of the first track portion 62. The first web portion 66 extends between the first track portion 62 and the second track portion 64, centered on the curvature of these grooves, to provide additional strength and support to the grooves. The second web 68 also provides additional strength and support, and extends between the far ends of the first track portion 62 and the second track portion 64 (far in the sense of being spaced apart from the side panel portion 58). This construction allows the drawer side panel 44, especially the integrated track element 56, to be formed with less material and high dimensional accuracy with a single extrusion. In addition, since there is no wheel mounted on the side panel 44, manufacturing is simplified.

[0155] exist Fig.12 1, the sliding tray top 16 is depicted, showing the underside of the sliding tray top 16 and the sliding tray mounting member 74 extending on the second set of wheels 38 of the box side panel 18. The left sliding tray mounting member 74 is Fig.11a 80 and includes a track element 76, a connector portion 78, an eave portion 80, and a channel 82. The connector portion 78 connects the track element 76 to the eave portion 80 and the channel 82. In a normal use orientation, such as when the sliding tray top 16 is installed in the drawer system 10, the connector portion 78 is substantially upright. It should be understood that the right side sliding tray mount is a mirror image of the left side sliding tray mount. This allows a single extrusion profile to be used for both the left side sliding tray mount and the right side sliding tray mount.

[0156] The sliding tray top track element 76 includes a first track portion 84 and a second track portion 86, both of which extend from one side of the connector portion 78. The ends of the first track portion 84 and the second track portion 86 are connected by a web portion 88. Accordingly, the track element is substantially hollow. The first track portion 84 includes a support surface 90, and the second track portion 86 includes a guide surface 92. The support surface 90 includes an elongated groove with a curved cross-section. Similarly, the guide surface 92 includes an elongated groove with a curved cross-section. The curved groove of the support surface 90 of the first track portion 84 engages the support wheel 40 in the second set of wheels 38 mounted on the box side wall 18. The curved groove of the guide surface 92 of the second track portion 86 engages the guide wheel 42 in the second set of wheels 38 mounted on the box side wall 18.

[0157] The second set of wheels 38 and the grooves 90 , 92 of the sliding tray mount 74 are preferably of similar size and complementary shape as described with respect to the drawer panel sidewalls 44 and the first set of wheels 36 .

[0158] The eave portion 80 extends in a direction opposite to the rail element 76. The top panel is connected to the sliding tray top mount 74 via the eave portion 80. The channel 82 can be used to connect optional attachments and accessories to the drawer system 10. The channel 82 has an upwardly open C-shape and has a substantially horizontal web portion 94 and two substantially vertical flange portions 96 when in a normal use orientation. Each flange portion 96 has a lip 98 that folds inwardly toward the channel 82 to at least partially close the channel opening and form a slotted opening 100. The slotted opening 100 can be provided with holes 102 along the length of the channel to assist in the attachment of accessories, similar to Fig.11c , which relates to the fixed top bracket discussed below. The channel may also be referred to as a T-slot channel.

[0159] In an embodiment, the top of the drawer system 10 can be a fixed top rather than a sliding tray top. In this embodiment, the top panel is connected to the cabinet side wall 18 via brackets 104, such as Fig.11b The bracket 104 may include a ledge portion 80 and a channel 82 that function similarly to corresponding features of the sliding tray mount 74. The bracket 104 is attached directly to the upper ledge 28 of the cabinet sidewall 18, as shown in FIG. Fig.11c It will be appreciated that the brackets may be omitted and the top panel may simply be connected directly to the cabinet side walls 18 .

[0160] Fig.13A cross section of the assembled drawer system 10 is shown. As can be seen, the track elements 56 of the drawer side panels 44 engage the first set of wheels 36 mounted to the cabinet sidewalls 18. The track elements 76 of the sliding tray mount 74 engage the second set of wheels 38 mounted to the cabinet sidewalls 18.

[0161] exist Fig.14 Another embodiment of a vehicle drawer system 10' is shown in FIG. Figures 1 to 13 The first embodiment described, but with a lower overall height (eg, low height drawer system 10). Similar reference numerals are used in the following description where appropriate. The addition of a prime (') indicates that the component is adapted for use with that additional embodiment.

[0162] The drawer system 10' includes a box 12' and a drawer 14', which can slide relative to the box 12' so that it can be withdrawn from the box 12' to Fig.15 The drawer system 10' also includes a sliding top tray 16' that is also slidable and can be pulled outward from the box 12' to a position such as Fig.16 Shown in extended position.

[0163] Fig.17 The box 12' is shown with the drawer 14' and the sliding top 16' removed. This box 12' is similar in many respects to Figure 4 The box 12' shown in FIG. 1 is mainly different in the height of the box side panels 18' and the arrangement of the first set of wheels 36' on which the drawer 14' slides. Accordingly, the box 12' is a generally rectilinear hollow box that includes the box side walls 18', the back panel 20', the upper cross member 22', and the plurality of lower cross members 24'. It should be understood that in embodiments without the sliding tray top 16', the box 12' can also be provided with a top panel fixed to the box side walls 18'.

[0164] Fig.18 The profile of the box side wall 18' is shown, which is basically the box side wall 18' of the first embodiment. Obviously, Fig.18 The overall height of the case side wall 18' is less than that of the first embodiment and therefore the proportions of the various elements are slightly different, but the overall function remains the same. Fig.19 The right side case side wall 18' of the lower height drawer in the assembled case 12' is shown.

[0165] The cabinet sidewalls 18' have wheels mounted thereto which are supported on track elements located on the drawer 14' and the sliding top panel 16'. Fig. 20As more clearly shown in FIG. 1 , these box side walls include a first set of wheels 36' for engaging with the track elements of the drawer 14' and a second set of wheels 38' for engaging with the track elements of the sliding tray top 16'. Preferably, these wheels are of substantially the same size and diameter. The first set of wheels and the second set of wheels preferably have the same dimensions as described with respect to the first embodiment.

[0166] Each set of wheels 36', 38' includes support wheels and guide wheels. The weight of the drawer 14' or sliding top 16' is supported by the corresponding support wheels 40'. These guide wheels 42' assist in holding the drawer 14' and sliding tray top 16' in the correct orientation, especially when the drawer 14' or sliding tray top 16' is extended.

[0167] In the second set of wheels 38', the guide wheels 42' are located above the support wheels 40'. However, in this embodiment, the arrangement of the first set of wheels 36' is different. Fig. 20 As shown, guide wheel 1 42a and guide wheel 2 42b are located beside support wheel 1 40a and support wheel 2 40b, preferably between them, and toward the front of the box 12'. Guide wheel 1 42a and guide wheel 2 42b are mounted to the box side wall 18', slightly lower than support wheel 40', especially slightly lower than support wheel 1 40a and support wheel 2 40b. Guide wheel 1 42a and guide wheel 2 42b are not aligned with support wheel 1 40a and support wheel 2 40b in the vertical direction (e.g., the height direction of the box side wall), just as in the first embodiment.

[0168] To illustrate, Fig. 20 As shown, guide wheel 1 42a and support wheel 1 40a are at similar but different heights on the box side wall 18'. The distance between the rotation axes of support wheel 1 40a and guide wheel 1 42a in the height direction is less than the sum of the radii of support wheel 1 40a and guide wheel 1 40a. In other words, these wheels overlap in the height direction.

[0169] However, the distance in the length direction of the box side wall 18' between the rotation axes of the support wheel 1 40a and the guide wheel 1 42a is greater than the sum of the radii of the support wheel 1 40a and the guide wheel 1 42a. In other words, these wheels do not overlap in the length direction. This must be the case so that these wheels do not interfere with each other. The same applies to the guide wheel 2 42b and the support wheel 2 40b.

[0170] For a lower height drawer 14', this arrangement of guide wheels 42' and support wheels 40' (eg Fig.21 ) requires lower height rail elements (see Fig.23 ). The lower height drawer 14' has a Figure 8 The drawers shown are of substantially similar construction, except for the drawer side panels 44'. Fig. 22 An exploded view of the lower height drawer is shown in FIG.

[0171] exist Fig.23 4 ' of the drawer side panel 44' of the lower height drawer 14' is shown. Similar to the first embodiment, Fig.23 4 'is shown on the left side of the drawer. It should be understood that the right side panel is substantially identical to the left side panel, but is mirrored about the vertical axis. This allows one extrusion profile to be used for the drawer side panel 44', as the extrusion can be simply flipped over.

[0172] The drawer side panels 44' are integrally formed extrusions. That is, the drawer side panels are one-piece pieces. Therefore, the track elements 106, 110 are integrally formed with the side panel portions 58'. The track elements 106, 110 extend or protrude from the side panel portions 58' in a substantially vertical direction. The side panels 44' also include integrally formed eaves 60' that are used to mount the bottom panel 50' to the side panels 44'. The eaves 60' are substantially perpendicular to the side panel portions 58' and extend from the side of the side panel opposite the one or more track elements.

[0173] The drawer side panel 44' comprises a first track element 106 having a first track portion 108 and a second track element 110 having a second track portion 112. The first track portion 110 has a support surface 114, which includes an elongated groove having a curved surface in cross section, which engages the corresponding support wheel 40' on the box side wall 18'. The second track portion 112 has a guide surface 116, which includes an elongated groove having a curved surface in cross section, which engages the corresponding guide wheel 42' on the box side wall 18'. The support surface 114 and the guide surface 116 face each other. When in the normal use orientation, the support surface 114 and the guide surface 116 and therefore the first track portion 108 and the second track portion 112 (and therefore the first track element 106 and the second track element 110) are spaced apart in the vertical direction. Accordingly, the first track portion 108, the second track portion 112 and the side panel portion 58' form a channel that opens on the side facing the box side wall 18'. The majority of the weight of the drawer 14 ′ is supported on the grooved surface of the support surface 114 of the first rail portion 108 .

[0174] It should be appreciated that in this arrangement of support wheels 40', guide wheels 42', and track elements 108 and 112, the first track portion 108 is located above the second track portion 112, which is opposite to the arrangement of the first embodiment. Arranging the first track portion 108 and the second track portion 112 in this manner allows the drawer side panel 44' to engage with the guide wheels 42' and support wheels 40' having the arrangement discussed above, which in turn allows an overall lower height drawer to be obtained. This lower height drawer also has the same advantages as the first embodiment.

[0175] In the depicted embodiment of a lower height drawer, a drawer having a height of 100 mm and a height of 100 mm is provided. Fig.11a and Fig.12 The system may alternatively be configured with a sliding tray top 16' substantially identical to the first embodiment depicted. Fig.11b and Fig.11c A fixed top is provided in a similar manner to the first embodiment depicted in FIG.

[0176] Fig.24 A cross section of the assembled lower height drawer system 10' is shown. As can be seen, the track elements 106, 108 of the drawer side panels 44' engage the first set of wheels 36' mounted to the box sidewalls 44'. The track elements 76' of the sliding tray mount 74' engage the second set of wheels 38' mounted to the box sidewalls 18'.

[0177] exist Fig.25 Another embodiment of a vehicle drawer system 10" is shown in FIG. This embodiment is similar in many respects to the above-mentioned embodiments. Figures 1 to 13 and Figures 14 to 24 A first and second embodiment are described. The main difference of this embodiment compared to the previous embodiment is the configuration of the side walls of the box. Where appropriate, similar reference numerals are used in the following description. The addition of a double prime (") indicates that the component is adapted for use with this further embodiment.

[0178] The drawer system 10" includes a box 12" and a drawer 14", which can slide relative to the box 12" so that it can be withdrawn from the box 12". Fig.26 The drawer system 10" also includes a sliding top tray 16", which is also slidable and can be pulled outward from the box 12" to a position such as Fig.26 Position shown.

[0179] Fig. 27 A box 12" is shown with the drawer 14" and the sliding top 16" removed. This box 12" is similar in many respects to Figure 4The illustrated box 12 differs primarily in the arrangement of the second set of wheels 38" on which the sliding tray top 16" slides, and in the arrangement of the side walls 18" of the box. Accordingly, the box 12" is a generally rectilinear hollow box comprising the box side walls 18", a rear panel 20", and a plurality of lower cross members 24". It should be appreciated that in embodiments without the sliding tray top 16', the box 12' may also be provided with a top panel fixed to the box side walls 18'.

[0180] like Fig.28 As depicted, drawer 14" includes side panels 44", back panel 46", front panel 48", and bottom panel 50". Front panel 48" is connected to side panels 44" using corner brackets 52", as shown. Fig.29 As shown. The back panel 46" is directly connected to the side panels 44". The bottom panel 50" is directly connected to the side panels 44". The front panel 48" can have a lockable latch (not shown) with a handle that holds the drawer 14" in the closed position. The handle can be pulled to release the latch and allow the drawer 14" to be pulled outward from the box 12" to the extended position.

[0181] exist Fig.30 1 and 2. A sliding tray top 16" is shown in the drawings. The sliding tray top 16" is substantially the same as the sliding tray top of the first and second embodiments. Accordingly, it includes left and right sliding tray mounts 74", which are connected to the top plate 118 and slidingly engage corresponding wheels on the cabinet side walls 18" via track elements 76".

[0182] like Fig.31 As shown, the box side walls 18" have wheels mounted thereto, which are supported on track elements located on the drawer 14" and the sliding tray top 16". These box side walls include a first set of wheels 36" for engaging with the track elements 56" of the drawer 14" and a second set of wheels 38" for engaging with the track elements 76" of the sliding tray top 16". Preferably, these wheels have substantially the same size and diameter. The first set of wheels and the second set of wheels preferably have the same dimensions as described with respect to the first embodiment.

[0183] Each set of wheels 36", 38" includes a support wheel 40" and a guide wheel 42". The weight of the drawer 14" or sliding top 16" is supported by the corresponding support wheel 40". These guide wheels 42" assist in holding the drawer 14" and sliding tray top 16" in the correct orientation, particularly when the drawer 14" or sliding tray top 16" is extended.

[0184] In this embodiment, the top portion of the box side wall 18" includes a curved portion 120, which is substantially perpendicular to the side wall portion 26" and extends toward the interior of the box 12". The box side wall 18" also includes an upper side wall portion 122, which extends upward from the curved portion 120 and extends parallel to the main side wall portion 26". The guide wheels 42" in the second set of wheels 38" are mounted to the upper side wall portion 122 so that they face outward, i.e., away from the interior of the box 12". In contrast, the guide wheels 42" in the first set of wheels 36" and the support wheels 40" in both sets 36", 38" are mounted to the box side wall 18" so that they point inward, i.e., toward the interior of the box 12". This arrangement of the second set of wheels 38" positions the sliding tray top 16" outside the interior of the box 12". Additionally, the upper wall portion 122 is positioned closer to the drawer side panels 44", which reduces the ability of items or debris to fall between the drawer 14" and the box 12", and potentially hinder the sliding of the wheels 40", 42" on the drawer rail members 56".

[0185] Fig.32 A first set of wheels 36" and a track element 56" of a drawer side panel are shown. The track element 56" is substantially the same as the track element described with respect to the first embodiment. The track element includes a first track portion 62" and a second track portion 64", which have a support surface and a guide surface, respectively, which are supported by a first web portion 66" and a second web portion 68", which also define a first and a second cavity. However, the box side wall includes thick wall portions 124, and the wheels 40", 42" are mounted at these thick wall portions. The thick wall portions 124 are spaced apart from each other along the height of the side wall portion 26". The walls between the thick portions 124 are thinner and define thin wall portions 126. The track element 56" is partially arranged in a recess or channel formed by the thicker portion 124 and the thin portion 126. This arrangement allows the drawer side wall portion 58" to be closer to the box side wall 18", and reduces the overall width of the combined drawer side panel 44" and the box side wall 18".

[0186] The above-mentioned drawer system can include components made of different materials such as aluminum, steel and plastic as needed. Preferably, the drawer side panels, sliding tray mountings, and / or the box side walls are made of aluminum (due to its light weight). Preferably, these components are formed by an extrusion process. However, the same components can also be formed by machining or casting processes. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be applied to drawer systems made of a range of materials. Materials can be selected based on the desired use and implementation of the drawer. For example, a drawer intended to accommodate a larger load will obviously require a stronger material than a drawer intended to accommodate a lighter weight.

[0187] In all of the above embodiments, the extruded drawer side panels have better dimensional tolerances when compared to the prior art (e.g., drawer systems made of folded metal sheets). This allows the support wheels and guide wheels to be placed more accurately on the side walls of the box, so that the engagement between the wheels and the track elements can have smaller tolerances and therefore less movement between the drawer and the box. This is beneficial because it can reduce vibration noise inside the vehicle and can also reduce wear on the components of the drawer system. Further, the drawer side panels having the described arrangement have a simpler manufacturing process because once the extruded board is completed, the extruded board can simply be cut to the desired length and installed in the drawer.

[0188] Another advantage is that the described drawer system can be flat packed and assembled by the end user. This is because the dimensional tolerances are better, which enables the end user to assemble the drawer system without having to make adjustments after assembly. Prior art folded sheet metal systems typically require adjustments after assembly due to poor tolerances. This is typically done in the factory where they are assembled, which results in an overall increase in assembly costs and also results in increased costs for shipping to the end user or reduced market access opportunities due to shipping costs.

[0189] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All these different combinations constitute different alternative aspects of the invention.

Claims

1. An integrated drawer side panel for a vehicle drawer system, the integrated drawer side panel comprising a drawer removably inserted into a box, the integrated drawer side panel comprising: An extruded component, the extruded component comprising: a side panel portion and one or more track elements, wherein the side panel portion and the one or more track elements are extruded integrally, The one or more track elements include: a first track portion including a support surface for engaging at least one support wheel mounted to a side wall of the enclosure; and A second track portion includes a guide surface for engaging at least one guide wheel mounted to the side wall.

2. The integrated drawer side panel according to claim 1, wherein: The first track portion and the second track portion are formed on a single track element.

3. The integrated drawer side panel according to claim 2, wherein: The guide surface and the support surface face away from each other.

4. The integrated drawer side panel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: A first web extends between the first and second track portions to provide structural support, and wherein the first web at least partially defines the track element as an at least partially hollow element.

5. The integrated drawer side panel according to claim 4, wherein: The first web extends between the support surface and the guide surface.

6. The integrated drawer side panel according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein: A second web extends between the first rail portion and the second rail portion to support a side of the rail element farthest from the side plate portion.

7. The integrated drawer side panel according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: A first cavity is defined in the rail element by the first web portion, the support surface, the guide surface and the side plate portion.

8. The integrated drawer side panel according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein: A second cavity is defined in the rail element by the first web portion, the support surface, the guide surface and the second web portion.

9. The integrated drawer side panel according to claim 1, wherein: The first rail portion is formed on a first rail element, and the second rail portion is formed on a second rail element, wherein the first rail element and the second rail element are separate protrusions protruding from one side of the side plate portion.

10. The integrated drawer side panel according to claim 9, wherein: The guide surface and the support surface face each other.

11. The integrated drawer side panel according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The guide surface and / or the support surface comprises a groove configured to engage the respective at least one guide wheel or the at least one support wheel.

12. The integrated drawer side panel according to claim 11, wherein: The groove of the guide surface and / or the groove of the support surface has a curved profile with a constant radius.

13. A drawer assembly, comprising: The first integrated drawer side panel according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first integrated drawer side panel is arranged on one side of the drawer; The second integrated drawer side panel according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the second integrated drawer side panel being arranged on the other side of the drawer; and A bottom plate extends from the first integrated drawer side plate to the second integrated drawer side plate.

14. A vehicle drawer system, comprising: A box body, the box body comprising a box body side wall having a length direction and a height direction, the box body side wall comprising: a side wall portion, a support wheel mounted to the side wall portion, and a guide wheel mounted to the side wall portion; and A drawer comprising an integrated drawer side panel according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. The vehicle drawer system of claim 14, wherein: The side wall portion is an extrusion.

16. An integrated tray mount for a sliding tray of a vehicle drawer system, the vehicle drawer system comprising a box and a sliding tray, the integrated tray mount comprising: An extruded member comprising: a tray support portion and one or more track elements, wherein the tray support portion and the one or more track elements are extruded integrally, The one or more track elements include: a first track portion including a support surface for engaging at least one support wheel mounted to a side wall of the housing; A second track portion includes a guide surface for engaging at least one guide wheel mounted to the side wall.

17. A pallet support portion according to claim 16, comprising an eave and a connector between the eave and the one or more rail elements.

18. A vehicle drawer system, comprising: A box body, the box body being composed of two spaced-apart box body side walls, the box body side walls having a length direction and a height direction and comprising: a side wall portion having a length and a height; a support wheel mounted to the sidewall portion, the support wheel having a first radius and a first axis of rotation; and a guide wheel mounted to the side wall portion, the guide wheel having a second radius and a second axis of rotation, The support wheel and the guide wheel are spaced apart from each other in the height direction and in the length direction; wherein a distance between the first axis and the second axis in the length direction is greater than a combination of the first radius and the second radius, and a distance between the first axis and the second axis in the height direction is less than a combination of the first radius and the second radius; and According to the drawer assembly of claim 13, each integrated drawer side panel of the drawer assembly includes a separate first track element and a second track element, and the first track element and the second track element define a corridor, wherein the support wheels and guide wheels of adjacent box side walls are configured to operate within the corridor of adjacent drawer side panels.

19. A kit for a vehicle drawer system or a kit for a drawer of a vehicle drawer system, the kit comprising: Two integrated drawer sides according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

20. A kit according to claim 19, comprising two integrated tray mounts according to claim 16 or 17.

Images