Sliding cabinet organizer

Abstract

A sliding cabinet organizer for mounting within a cabinet frame, the organizer comprising a front wall, a rear wall, an upper and a lower shelf attached to and extending longitudinally between the front and rear walls, and an upper sliding support mechanism. The upper sliding support mechanism includes a bracket attached to the frame, an arm connected to and extending outward from the bracket, and a track attached to the underside of the upper shelf of the organizer. The track is interconnected with an end of the arm to support and facilitate translational movement of the organizer.

Description

BACKGROUNDTechnical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the art of cabinetry. In particular, the present invention relates to cabinetry that utilizes sliding organizers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a sliding cabinet organizer utilizing an upper support mechanism attached to the inside of a cabinet frame or the back of the organizer to prevent cantilevering of the organizer, minimize or prevent transverse movement, react racking forces, and reduce binding and wear on organizer mounting components, increasing the service-life of the organizer and mounting components, while providing relatively greater flexibility in installation location and reducing the time and complexity of installation of the organizer.Background Art

[0002] Closed storage that provides concealed, efficient storage for, and easy access to, cooking utensils, dishes, knives, cutting boards, and the like, in modern kitchen design is well-known. Common types of closed storage typically include cabinets.

[0003] Cabinets are generally formed from a frame with a pair of opposing side panels arranged in parallel with one another. The side panels are each attached at a respective edge to and separated by a back panel disposed perpendicularly between the side panels. The frame also include a floor extending perpendicularly between and attached to the respective lower edges of the side and back panels. A face frame is typically attached to the front of the side panels and floor, creating a surround that defines a front opening of the cabinet. A top panel or countertop is typically attached to the respective top edges of the side and back panels and face frame of the cabinet and may span adjacent cabinets, as is known. In order to increase the efficiency and organization of the cabinets, shelves, drawers, or prior art sliding cabinet organizers have been utilized.

[0004] Prior art sliding cabinet organizers typically include a front wall and rear wall that are generally similar in shape to and dimensionally smaller than the cabinet opening. The front wall is typically centered within the front opening of the cabinet and disposed parallel or flush with the face frame of the cabinet. The rear wall of prior art organizers is typically disposed within the cabinet arranged parallel to and disposed a longitudinal distance from the front wall. More specifically, the front and rear walls of prior art organizers are separated by one or more shelves extending between and attached to the front and rear walls. The shelves of prior art organizers may include dividers or various other features, such as openings for receiving canisters, as is known. Prior art organizers are typically slidably mounted within the frame of the cabinet by a pair of drawer slides attached to the sides or bottom of the lowermost shelf of the organizer. Each drawer slide is generally composed of a cabinet-mounted track, attached to the inside of one of the side panels or to the floor of the frame, and an organizer-mounted slide, attached to the corresponding side or underside of the lowermost shelf of the prior art organizer. Each organizer-mounted slide slidably engages with a respective one of the cabinet-mounted tracks to provide translational movement of the organizer relative to the frame. More particularly, both the track and slide typically include lubrication or a plurality of nylon wheels or ball bearings that minimize friction, facilitating smooth relative movement between the slide and track, as is known.

[0005] During operation of prior art cabinet organizers, the organizer may be slidably translated along the drawer slides such that a majority of the organizer passes through the opening of the cabinet and is disposed outside of the frame for access to items held therein. This movement shifts the weight of the contents, or load of the prior art organizer, along the axis of the drawer slides, generating bending moments in the drawer slides and at the points of attachment with the frame of the cabinet that must be reacted to prevent bending and binding of the drawer slides. In addition, weight of prior art organizers may be unevenly distributed along the vertical and longitudinal axes of the organizer such that sliding of the organizers into and out of the frame may cause transverse movement and racking forces that must also be reacted to avoid instability.

[0006] In order to minimize transverse movement of and react racking forces in prior art organizers as well as prevent or minimize bending moments generated on the drawer slides and their attachment points with the frame when prior art organizers are fully loaded, an additional, upper drawer slide has been utilized. Typically, the upper drawer slide includes an organizer-mounted slide attached to an upper portion of the prior art organizer, such as the side or underside of an uppermost shelf. The upper drawer slide also includes a track that extends between and is attached to the front wall of the prior art organizer and the back panel of the frame. The upper drawer slide must generally be arranged parallel with the other drawer slides to prevent binding during operation of prior art cabinet organizers.

[0007] Prior art cabinet organizers, while generally suitable for their intended purpose, have disadvantages, drawbacks, and limitations. For instance, as discussed above, prior art organizers are typically mounted within the frame of the cabinet using both lower drawer slides and an upper drawer slide that must be installed such that they are arranged in parallel to avoid binding. This adds complexity and time to the installation of the prior art organizer within the frame of the cabinet. More specifically, the lower drawer slides must first be installed in a manner that ensures that the prior art organizer is centered within the front opening of the cabinet. Then the prior art organizer must be loaded into the frame to begin installation of the upper drawer slide. The upper drawer slide must be marked out to determine the anchor points for mounting the track on the back panel of the frame and the front wall of the prior art organizer. The prior art organizer must then be removed from the frame to attach the track to the back panel of the frame. Finally, the prior art organizer must be loaded back into the frame in order to complete installation of the upper drawer slide.

[0008] However, due to the load that prior art organizers typically carry when fully loaded and the complexity and weight of upper drawer slides of prior art organizers translational movement of the prior art organizers into and out of the frame may continue to cause transient transverse vibrations, or wobble, that could create additional racking loads on the mounting components, potentially resulting in greater strain on the prior art organizers as well as the mounting components, thereby causing binding or sticking of the mounting components, reducing translational movement of the prior art organizers, and increasing wear on and reducing the service-life of the prior art organizers and / or the mounting components.

[0009] Thus, there is a need in the art for a sliding cabinet organizer that utilizes an upper support mechanism that prevents cantilevering, minimizes and / or prevents transverse movement, and reacts racking forces generated by translational movement of the organizer, reducing binding and wear on and increasing the service-life of the organizer and mounting components while providing relatively greater flexibility in installation location and reducing the time and complexity of installation of the organizer.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Objectives of the present invention include providing a sliding cabinet organizer having an upper sliding support mechanism that prevents cantilevering, minimizes and / or restricts transverse movement, and reacts racking forces generated during translational movement of the organizer.

[0011] A further objective of the present invention is to provide a sliding cabinet organizer having an upper sliding support mechanism that is more flexible in its installation location and reduces the time and complexity of installation.

[0012] These objectives and advantages are obtained by the sliding cabinet organizer, according to the present invention, for mounting within a cabinet frame, the organizer comprising a front wall, a rear wall, an upper and a lower shelf attached to and extending longitudinally between the front and rear walls, and an upper sliding support mechanism. The upper sliding support mechanism includes a bracket attached to the frame, an arm connected to and extending outward from the bracket, and a track attached to the underside of the upper shelf of the organizer. The track is interconnected with an end of the arm to support and facilitate translational movement of the organizer.

[0013] These objectives and advantages are also obtained by the sliding cabinet organizer, according to the present invention, for mounting within a cabinet frame, said organizer comprising a front wall, a rear wall, at least one shelf attached to and extending longitudinally between the front and rear walls, and an upper sliding support mechanism. The upper sliding support mechanism includes a bracket attached to a rear surface of the rear wall and a track attached to the underside of a top panel or countertop attached to the frame. The track is interconnected with the bracket to support and facilitate translational movement of the organizer.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrative of the best mode in which Applicants have contemplated applying the principles, is set forth in the following description, shown in the drawings, and particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment sliding cabinet organizer, according to the present invention, showing the organizer incorporated into a frame of a cabinet and in an extended position;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view, partially in section, of the exemplary embodiment sliding cabinet organizer shown in FIG. 1, showing the organizer in a retracted position within the frame; &p FIG. 2A is a greatly enlarged fragmentary view, partially in section, of the circled portion of the exemplary embodiment sliding cabinet organizer shown in FIG. 2;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the exemplary embodiment sliding cabinet organizer shown in FIG. 2, showing the organizer utilizing an alternative bracket and mounting track location for the upper sliding support mechanism;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of the exemplary embodiment sliding cabinet organizer shown in FIG. 3, showing the organizer in an extended position;

[0019] FIG. 4A is a greatly enlarged fragmentary view of the circled portion of the exemplary embodiment sliding cabinet organizer shown in FIG. 4;

[0020] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the upper sliding support mechanism of the exemplary embodiment sliding cabinet organizer shown in FIGS. 1-2A;

[0021] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the upper sliding support mechanism of the exemplary embodiment cabinet organizer shown in FIGS. 3-4A, showing the utilization of the alternative bracket;

[0022] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the upper sliding support mechanism of the exemplary embodiment sliding cabinet organizer shown in FIGS. 1-2A and 5A;

[0023] FIG. 7A is a top elevational view of the horizontal leg of the bracket of the upper sliding support mechanism shown in FIGS. 1-2A, 5A, and 6 with the fasteners removed;

[0024] FIG. 7B is a side elevational view of the vertical leg of the bracket of the upper sliding support mechanism shown in FIGS. 1-2A, 5A, and 6-7A with the fasteners removed;

[0025] FIG. 7C is a top elevational view of the arm of the upper sliding support mechanism shown in FIGS. 1-2A, 5A, and 6 with the fasteners and bushing removed;

[0026] FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the alternative bracket for the upper sliding support mechanism of exemplary embodiment sliding cabinet organizer shown in FIGS. 3-4A and 5B;

[0027] FIG. 9A is a top elevational view of the horizontal leg of the alternative bracket for the upper sliding support mechanism shown in FIGS. 3-4A, 5B, and 8 with the fasteners and bushing removed; and

[0028] FIG. 9B is a side elevational view of the vertical leg of the alternative bracket of the upper sliding support mechanism shown in FIGS. 3-4A, 5B, 8, and 9A with the fasteners and bushing removed.

[0029] Similar characters refer to similar parts throughout.DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0030] An exemplary embodiment sliding cabinet organizer 100 (FIGS. 1-9B), according to the present invention, may be incorporated into or installed within a cabinet frame 5, as is known.

[0031] Frame 5 may be formed by a pair of opposing side panels 7 arranged in parallel and disposed a transverse distance from each other. Each side panel 7 is attached along a respective edge to a back panel 9 using any suitable means, such as fasteners (not shown), adhesive, or the like, such that the back panel is disposed perpendicularly between and separates the side panels. Frame 5 also includes a floor 11 (FIGS. 2, 4) extending perpendicularly to and attached, using any suitable means, such as fasteners, adhesive, or the like, to respective lower portions of side panels 7 and back panel 9. A face frame 13 formed with at least one opening 15 may be attached to a front edge of side panels 7 and floor 11. Opening 15 may be any suitable shape, such as rectangular, and may provide access to the interior of frame 5. A top panel or countertop (not shown) may be perpendicular to and attached, using any suitable means, such as fasteners, adhesive, or the like, to the respective top edges of side panels 7, back panel 9, and face frame 13 of frame 5, as is known. It is also contemplated that the top panel or countertop may span more than one frame 5 disposed adjacent each other, as is known. Side panels 7, back panel 9, floor 11, face frame 13, and the top panel of frame 5 may be formed from any suitable material, such as plywood, wood, MDF, or the like, as is known. It is also contemplated that side panels 7, back panel 9, floor 11, and face frame 13 may be made from different materials.

[0032] Exemplary embodiment sliding cabinet organizer 100 may be formed from a similar material as frame 5 or any other suitable material, such as plywood, wood, MDF, composite, or the like. Organizer 100 may include a front wall 102, a rear wall 104, and one or more shelves, such as a lower shelf 106 and an upper shelf 108. Front wall 102 may have a shape and size that generally corresponds to, but may be dimensionally smaller than, opening 15 in face frame 13 of frame 5. Rear wall 104 may be disposed parallel to and separated a longitudinal distance from front wall 102. More particularly, upper and lower shelves 108, 106, respectively, may extend longitudinally between and separate front and rear walls 102, 104. Upper and lower shelves 108, 106, respectively, may be attached using any suitable means, such as fasteners (not shown), adhesives, mechanical engagement, or the like, to front and rear walls 102, 104. Each of upper and lower shelves 108, 106, respectively, may include various organizational features, such as dividers (not shown), openings for receiving canisters (not shown), and the like, as is known. Organizer 100 may be slidably mounted within frame 5 utilizing any suitable hardware that allows translational motion and supports the intended loads of the organizer, such as drawer slides 110 (FIGS. 2, 3, 4). Slides 110 may be arranged in parallel; separated a transverse distance from each other; and attached to the bottom surface of lower shelf 106 of organizer 100 and floor 11 of frame 5. Slides 110 cooperate to provide relative translational movement between organizer 100 and frame 5 such that the organizer can move smoothly from a retracted position where it is entirely disposed within the frame and front wall 102 may be centered within opening 15 of face frame 13 and flush with the outer surface of the face frame, to an extended position where the organizer is at least partially disposed outside of the frame.

[0033] In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, organizer 100 also includes an upper sliding support mechanism 120 (FIGS. 2-2A, 5A, 6-7C). Upper sliding support mechanism 120 may include a bracket 122, as best shown in FIG. 6, having a generally L-shaped cross-section. In particular, bracket 122 may be formed as a single unit or multiple subunits joined using any suitable means, such as welds. More particularly, bracket 122 may include an elongated, flat vertical leg 124 and a flat horizontal leg 126 that is relatively shorter than and extends perpendicularly from an upper end of the vertical leg. Horizontal and vertical legs 126, 124, respectively, may be any suitable shape, such as rectangular or oblong. Vertical leg 124 may include a plurality of openings 125 (FIGS. 5A, 7B), some of which may be elongated, formed in a spaced arrangement through the vertical leg for receiving fasteners (not shown) for attaching the vertical leg of bracket 122 against the inner surface of one of the side panels 7 of frame 5. It is also contemplated that vertical leg 124 may include a plurality of sharp projections or spikes (not shown) extending in a direction opposite of horizontal leg 126 for engaging the inner surface of side panel 7. Horizontal leg 126 may be formed with a pair of transversely-spaced openings 127, 129 (FIG. 7A) extending through the horizontal leg for receiving a pair of suitable fasteners as described in more detail below.

[0034] Upper sliding support mechanism 120 may also include an adjustable arm 140 (FIGS. 2A, 5A, 6, 7C). In particular, arm 140 may be adjustably attached to and generally extend within a plane parallel to horizontal leg 126. Arm 140 may be formed with any suitable shape, but is preferably triangular or pyriform, such that the arm has a wider end similar in dimension to horizontal leg 126 of bracket 122 and tapers as it extends transversely. The wider end of arm 140 may be formed with an arcuate or semi-circular opening or slot 142 (FIG. 7C) extending through the arm. Another opening 144 may be formed adjacent slot 142 such that the opening is at least partially surrounded by and spaced a radial distance from the semi-circular slot. Slot 142 and opening 144 of arm 140 may generally correspond to and be aligned with openings 127, 129 of horizontal leg 126. More particularly, opening 144 of arm and opening 129 of horizontal leg 126 of bracket 122 may be aligned for receiving a fastener 130 to rotatably attach the arm to the bracket, acting as a pivot point of the arm. Fastener 130 may be any suitable type of fastener, such as a bolt or the like. Slot 142 of arm 140 and opening 127 of horizontal leg 126 may also be aligned for receiving another fastener 130 such that the fastener may ride along the slot to vary the angle of the arm relative to bracket 122. Moreover, when fastener 130 passing through opening 127 and slot 142 is tightened, rotation of arm 140 about the pivot point is reduced and / or eliminated, locking the arm into a chosen angular position.

[0035] In accordance with another important aspect of the present invention, arm 140 may include another opening 146 (FIG. 7C) formed through the arm adjacent the end opposite slot 142 and opening 144. A cylindrical bearing or bushing 148 (FIGS. 2A, 5A, 6) may be disposed vertically over opening 146 and retained to arm 140 by any suitable means, such as a fastener 147. More specifically, bushing 148 may be formed using any suitable method, such as molding or casting, from any suitable material, such as metal, composite, or nylon. Fastener 147 may be any suitable type of fastener, such as a screw, bolt, or the like, passed through opening 146. A capped sleeve 149 (partially shown) may be disposed at least partially through bushing 148. Sleeve 149 may be threaded for receiving fastener 147 passing through opening 146 to rotatably attach bushing 148 to arm 140.

[0036] It is also contemplated that upper sliding support mechanism 120 may utilize an alternative bracket 222 (FIGS. 4A, 5B, 8-9B). Bracket 222 may be similar in structure and arrangement to bracket 122. As such the description below will be directed to the differences between bracket 122 and bracket 222. In particular, bracket 222 may include an elongated, flat vertical leg 224 and a flat horizontal leg 226. Vertical leg 224 may have dimensions similar to or greater than those of vertical leg 124. Horizontal leg 226 may be relatively shorter than horizontal leg 126 and vertical leg 224 and may extend perpendicularly from the vertical leg. Horizontal and vertical legs 226, 224, respectively, may be any suitable shape, such as rectangular or oblong. More preferably, horizontal leg 226 may be generally triangular. Vertical leg 224 may include a plurality of openings 225 (FIGS. 5B, 9B), some of which may be elongated, formed in a spaced arrangement through the vertical leg for receiving fasteners (not shown) for attaching the vertical leg of bracket 222 against the outer surface of rear wall 104 of organizer 100 adjacent the upper edge of the wall. It is contemplated that vertical leg 224 may have fewer or more openings 225 than vertical leg 124. It is also contemplated that vertical leg 224 may include a plurality of sharp projections or spikes (not shown) extending in a direction opposite of horizontal leg 226 for engaging the outer surface of rear wall 104. Horizontal leg 226 may be formed with an opening 229 (FIG. 9A) extending through the horizontal leg for receiving fastener 147 and rotatably attaching bushing 148 to the horizontal leg in a similar fashion as described above.

[0037] In accordance with yet another important aspect of the present invention, upper sliding support mechanism 120 may also include a track 150 (FIGS. 2A, 4-6, 8). In particular, track 150 may be formed from any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, or composite, but is preferably formed from aluminum, with a general U-or C-shaped cross-section. More particularly, track 150 may be formed with a pair of sidewalls 152 and a top wall 154 defining a groove or channel 156 for receiving bushing 148. In a configuration of upper sliding support mechanism 120 utilizing bracket 122, track 150 may be attached to the underside of upper shelf 108 adjacent one of the longitudinal edges of the upper shelf such that channel 156 opens downwardly. Alternatively, and as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A, when upper sliding support mechanism 120 is utilized with bracket 222, track 150 may be attached to the underside of the top panel (not shown) or countertop (not shown) attached to frame 5 such that the track is generally transversely centered within the frame and over organizer 100. Track 150 may be any suitable length corresponding to the longitudinal dimensions of upper shelf 108 or frame 5 depending on the configuration of upper sliding support mechanism 120. Track 150 may have a width or dimension W1 in the range of from about 0.50 inches to about 0.75 inches, more preferably of about 0.64 inches such that the track may be relatively narrower than the upper slides of prior art cabinet organizers. Channel 156 may have a width or dimension W2 extending between sidewalls 152 that is less than dimension W1 of track 150 and may be in the range of from about 0.43 inches to about 0.69 inches, more preferably about 0.515 inches. As a result, track 150 occupies less space within upper shelf 108 than the prior art, increasing the available space for organizational elements to be installed.

[0038] A plurality of openings 158 (FIGS. 5A-B) may be formed through top wall 154 of track 150 for receiving fasteners, such as screws or the like, to attach track 150 to the underside of upper shelf 108 or the top panel or countertop of frame 5.

[0039] During installation of exemplary embodiment sliding cabinet organizer 100, according to the present invention, front and rear walls 102, 104, respectively, may be attached to upper and lower shelves 108, 106. Track 150 of upper sliding support mechanism 120 may then be attached to the underside of upper shelf 108 such that the track is parallel to the longitudinal edge of the upper shelf. Slides 110 may be placed in a parallel, spaced-apart arrangement transversely-centered along floor 11 of frame 5 and attached to the floor. Slides 110 may then be attached to organizer 100 and floor 11 of frame 5 before slidably mounting the organizer within the frame.

[0040] Alternatively, slides 110 may be attached to organizer 100 before positioning the organizer within frame 5 to attach the slides to floor 11. Ideally organizer 100 may be slidably mounted within frame 5 such that the organizer is transversely centered within opening 15 and able to translationally move along slides 110 in the longitudinal direction without the slides binding so that at least a portion of the organizer passes through the opening of face frame 13 to be disposed outside of the frame.

[0041] In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, installation of upper sliding support mechanism 120 minimizes or eliminates potential transverse movement and better reacts racking forces of organizer 100. More particularly, bracket 122, arm 140, and bushing 148 may be pre-assembled into a subunit utilizing fasteners 130, 147, as described above, such that arm may be pivotable about the fastener disposed through openings 129, 144. Once organizer 100 is slidably mounted within frame 5, the subunit with bracket 122, arm 140, and bushing 148 may be positioned along and attached to one of side panels 7 such that bushing 148 is received within or engages channel 156 of track 150. As a result, bushing 148 may provide an interconnection between upper shelf 108 and bracket 122 of upper sliding support mechanism 120 such that the upper sliding support mechanism supports the upper shelf and upper portion of organizer 100 and minimizes and / or restricts transverse movement of the organizer, thereby reducing wear and increasing the service-life of the attachment hardware and organizer.

[0042] Similarly, where bracket 222 is utilized with upper sliding support mechanism 120, track 150 may be attached to the underside of the top panel or countertop of frame 5 such that the track is transversely centered between and parallel to side panels 7. Bracket 222 and bushing 148 may be pre-assembled into a subunit utilizing fastener 147, as described above, and the subunit positioned along and attached to the outer surface of rear wall 104 of organizer 100 such that bushing 148 is received within or engages channel 156 of track 150. Slides 110 may then be attached between floor 11 and organizer 100 in a spaced-apart arrangement such that the organizer is slidably mounted within frame 5 and transversely centered within opening 15, enabling longitudinal translational movement along the slides without the slides binding. As a result, upper sliding support mechanism 120 provides organizer 100 with greater installation flexibility where the organizer may only include lower shelf 106.

[0043] Thus, exemplary embodiment sliding cabinet organizer 100 includes upper sliding support mechanism 120 that provides the organizer with additional support for the upper portion of the organizer preventing cantilevering, minimizing and / or restricting transverse movement, and reacting racking forces generated during translational movement of the organizer, preventing binding of slides 100, thereby reducing wear and increasing the service-life of the slides and the organizer. Moreover, upper sliding support mechanism 120 provides exemplary embodiment sliding cabinet organizer 100 with greater installation flexibility while reducing the time and complexity of the installation.

[0044] It is contemplated that exemplary embodiment sliding cabinet organizer 100, according to the present invention, could be utilized with all types of cabinets and storage cupboards other than those shown and described above, without affecting the overall concept or operation. It is also contemplated that upper sliding support mechanism 120 could be used with other types of cabinet organizers than those shown and described, without affecting the overall concept or operation. Moreover, brackets 122, 222 and arm 140 of upper sliding support mechanism 120 could be formed with shapes and / or sizes other than those shown and described and / or may be mounted at other suitable relative positions within frame 5 or on organizer 100 without affecting the overall concept or operation of the invention.

[0045] Accordingly, exemplary embodiment sliding cabinet organizer 100 is simplified; provides an effective, safe, inexpensive, and efficient structure and method, which achieve all the enumerated objectives; provides for eliminating difficulties encountered with prior cabinet organizers; and solves problems and obtains new results in the art.

[0046] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding, but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is by way of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

[0047] Having now described the features, discoveries, and principles of the invention; the manner in which the sliding cabinet organizer is used and installed; the characteristics of the construction, arrangement, and method steps; and the advantageous, new, and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, process, parts, and combinations are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sliding cabinet organizer for mounting within a cabinet frame, said organizer comprising:a front wall;a rear wall;an upper shelf and a lower shelf, said upper and lower shelves attached to and extending longitudinally between said front and rear walls; andan upper sliding support mechanism including:a bracket attached to said frame;an arm connected to and extending outward from said bracket; anda track attached to the underside of said upper shelf of said organizer, said track being interconnected with an end of said arm to support and facilitate translational movement of the organizer.

2. The sliding cabinet organizer of claim 1, said bracket further comprising a generally L-shaped cross-section with a vertical leg and a horizontal leg.

3. The sliding cabinet organizer of claim 2, said arm being connected to said horizontal leg of said bracket at a longitudinal end of said arm.

4. The sliding cabinet organizer of claim 3, said horizontal leg of said bracket further comprising an opening that aligns with a respective opening formed through said arm;said aligned openings receiving a fastener that provides a pivotal connection between the bracket and the arm.

5. The sliding cabinet organizer of claim 4, said arm further comprising an arcuate slot spaced a radial distance from said opening formed through the arm;said arcuate slot receiving a fastener for providing adjustability to said pivotal connection between the arm and said horizontal leg of said bracket.

6. The sliding cabinet organizer of claim 5, said arm further comprising a bushing rotatably attached to said arm at another end opposite said longitudinal end attached to said horizontal leg.

7. The sliding cabinet organizer of claim 6, said bushing being disposable within and engaging said track to interconnect said track with said arm and provide support to said upper shelf of said organizer.

8. A sliding cabinet organizer for mounting within a cabinet frame, said organizer comprising:a front wall;a rear wall;at least one shelf attached to and extending longitudinally between said front and rear walls; andan upper sliding support mechanism including:a bracket attached to a rear surface of said rear wall; anda track attached to the underside of a top panel or countertop attached to said frame, said track being interconnected with said bracket to support and facilitate translational movement of the organizer.

9. The sliding cabinet organizer of claim 8, said bracket further comprising a generally L-shaped cross-section with a vertical leg and a horizontal leg.

10. The sliding cabinet organizer of claim 9, said horizontal leg of said bracket further comprising an opening;wherein a bushing is rotatably attached to said horizontal leg by a fastener received through said opening.

11. The sliding cabinet organizer of claim 10, said bushing being disposable within and engaging said track to interconnect said track with said bracket and provide support to said organizer.

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