A mounting bracket to be connected to a slide member for mounting a sliding element

Abstract

The invention relates to a mounting bracket (1, 1:1) to be connected to a slide member (50) for mounting a sliding element, for example a drawer, wherein the mounting bracket (1, 1:1) comprises a mounting bracket body (1, 3) having a first side (5) directed or to be directed to the sliding element and an opposite second side (7), wherein the second side (7) is provided with at least one protruding connector (10, 10a) adapted for insertion / removal in a hole (55) of the slide member (50) in a first orientation of the mounting bracket (1, 1:1) with respect to the slide member (50). The invention further relates to an assembly comprising a mounting bracket (1, 1:1) and a slide member (50) having at least one hole (55).

Description

[0001] Title: A mounting bracket to be connected to a slide member for mounting a sliding element

[0002] Description:

[0003] The invention relates to a mounting bracket to be connected to a slide member for mounting a sliding element, for example a drawer, wherein the mounting bracket comprises a mounting bracket body having a first side directed or to be directed to the sliding element and an opposite second side, wherein the second side is provided with at least one protruding connector adapted for insertion / removal in a hole of the slide member in a first orientation of the mounting bracket with respect to the slide member.

[0004] The invention further relates to an assembly comprising a mounting bracket and a slide member having at least one hole.

[0005] WO98 / 47411 discloses a drawer slide mounting bracket comprising a mounting tab (31) and horizontal flanges extending from vertical arms. The mounting tab is inserted into an aperture in a vertical web of a slide member and the horizontal flanges engage the slide member to securely attach the mounting bracket to the slide member. The known drawer slide mounting bracket has relatively large dimensions, in particular with respect to the slide member to which the drawer slide mounting bracket has to be attached. In addition, assembling the bracket on the slide member is relatively cumbersome.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a mounting bracket which is relatively compact and / or is relatively easy to install.

[0007] This object is achieved by the mounting bracket as defined in claim 1.

[0008] The mounting bracket is a mounting bracket to be connected to a slide member for mounting a sliding element, for example a drawer. The mounting bracket comprises a mounting bracket body having a first side directed or to be directed to the sliding element and an opposite second side, wherein the second side is provided with at least one protruding connector adapted for insertion / removal in a hole of the slide member in a first orientation of the mounting bracket with respect to the slide member. The connector comprises at least one connector surface providing a locking space between the connector surface and the second side, wherein the locking space is designed to mechanically connect the slide member in a second orientation of the mounting bracket, wherein the connector is rotatable around a rotation axis between the first orientation and the second orientation with respect to the slide member.

[0009] The mounting bracket no longer requires components to be positioned completely over opposite ends of the slide member for attachment by means of the connector, such that the mounting bracket of this disclosure is relatively compact. In addition, the connector of the mounting bracket facilitates a relatively operator-friendly installation, i.e. connection between the mounting bracket and the slide member. In addition, the connector providing the connection enables a compact design of the mounting bracket. In the first orientation of the mounting bracket with respect to the slide member, the connector is able to be moved / inserted into the hole of the slide member. After insertion of the connector, the mounting bracket is rotated around a rotation axis with respect to the slide member, for example over approximately 90 degrees. This connector to be rotated for secure attachment with the slide member is relatively operator-friendly and thus relatively easy to install. The connector is rotated by rotating the mounting bracket. By means of the connector a locking space is provided between the connector surface and the second side of the mounting bracket for mechanically connecting the mounting bracket to the slide member. A reversible by rotation or a non-reversible attachment is achieved by mechanically connecting the mounting bracket to the slide member in the second orientation of the mounting bracket. The mechanical connection relies on the physical interaction between the locking space and the slide member. The mechanical connection at least prevents translational motion of the mounting bracket with respect to the slide member. Hence, a sliding element, such as a drawer of an enclosure, such as a cabinet, can be connected to the mounting bracket connected to slide member by means of the mechanical connection. Such a drawer can then be used by means of for example telescopic slides including the slide member to maintain the drawer in a horizontal position regardless of how far the drawer is withdrawn from a cabinet / enclosure.

[0010] In one aspect, the connector comprises at least two spaced connector elements, wherein the two spaced connector elements are adapted for insertion / removal in a hole of the slide member in the first orientation, and each connector element provides a locking sub-space of the locking space adapted to securely attach with the slide member in the second orientation. These spaced locking sub-spaces of the locking space may provide a relatively reliable mechanical connection between the mounting bracket and the slide member. The two spaced connector elements may be diametrically aligned. Such a configuration of the two spaced connector elements is relatively easy to manufacture to provide a reliable mechanical connection.

[0011] The mounting bracket may be designed to be mechanically connected to each of the two slide members of an enclosure such as a cabinet. Such a mounting bracket is operator friendly and reduces time to install the mounting bracket with the slide member. It no longer matters on which side of the cabinet an operator is installing slides, for each side the same (universal) mounting bracket can be used.

[0012] In a further aspect, the second side of the mounting bracket further comprises a locking protrusion spaced from the connector. By means of the locking protrusion the risk of unintentional rotational movement the mounting bracket after installation can be further reduced or even excluded.

[0013] The locking protrusion may comprises two spaced aligned locking protrusion elements. The locking protrusion may be adapted to be moved over a surface of the slide member during rotation from the first orientation to the second orientation, wherein in the second orientation of the clamping bracket an additional locking effect may be achieved with the locking protrusion. In addition or alternatively, the locking protrusion may comprise at least one flexible projection. During rotation, the flexible projection may be designed to be flexed towards the second side of the mounting bracket to facilitate movement, for example over a surface of the slide member, such that the flexible projection projects less. In the second orientation the flexible projection may be designed to project maximally, such that the flexible projection may snap into a connection position with respect to the slide member in the second orientation.

[0014] In another aspect, the locking protrusion and the connector are designed to cooperate with each other in the second orientation for clamping at least a slide member wall portion between the locking protrusion and the connector.

[0015] In this manner it is possible to clamp a portion of the slide member between the locking protrusion and the connector in a relatively simple and reliable manner to mechanically connect the mounting bracket to the slide member in a manner preventing translational and rotational motion. This clamping effect also enables to produce a relatively compact mounting bracket.

[0016] The invention also relates to an assembly which can be assembled in a relatively efficient, easy and fast manner. Such an assembly comprises a mounting bracket of this disclosure and a slide member having at least one hole. For the sake of brevity and to avoid duplication, reference is made to the features and advantages of the mounting bracket as described herein. The hole of the slide member may have asymmetric and / or non-circular features, for example a slotted hole, wherein the at least one hole is configured to cooperate with the at least one connector in at least the first and second orientations. The slide member may comprise a central plate shaped wall section, wherein the minimal distance between the connector surface and the second side defining the locking space is smaller than the thickness of the central plate shaped wall section. In addition, the assembly may further comprise a sliding member, such as a drawer, to be connected to the mounting bracket on the first side of the mounting bracket.

[0017] The above-described aspects will be explained below by means of exemplary embodiments in combination with the figures. However, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described below. Rather, a number of variants and modifications are possible which also use the inventive idea and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the possibility of combining the features / aspects which have only been mentioned in the description and / or been shown in the figures with the features of the claims, in so far as they are compatible, is mentioned.

[0018] Figs. 1a, 1 b show perspective views of telescopic slides including a slide member with a mounting bracket of this disclosure connected thereto;

[0019] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of an assembly of this disclosure comprising a slide member and a mounting bracket connected thereto;

[0020] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a slide member;

[0021] Figs. 4a-c show various views of an embodiment of a mounting bracket;

[0022] Figs. 5a-c show various views of another embodiment of a mounting bracket;

[0023] In the figures similar components / features are denoted with the same reference signs. The (drawer) slide 100 as shown in figures 1a,b is a three member telescopic slide. A slide 100 does not need to be a three member slide, a slide with any number of members may be used. The slide has an outer slide member 101 with a vertical wall portion 103 and upper and lower inward facing bearing raceways 105a, b extending from the wall portion 103. The slide has an intermediate slide member 107 (fig. 1a) with a vertical wall portion 109 and upper and lower inward and outward facing arcuate bearing raceways 111a,b. The intermediate slide member 107 is slidably connected to the outer slide member 101 by bearings. Such a configuration of a (drawer) slide 100 so far is known to the skilled person.

[0024] The slide 100 also has an (inner) slide member 50 with a vertical central plate shaped wall section 51 and outward facing arcuate bearing raceways 53a, b, with additional bearings slidably connecting the slide member 50 with the intermediate slide member 107. Slidably connecting the slide members allows a slide member to extend longitudinally with respect to the other slide members as is shown in figure 1a.

[0025] The mounting bracket 1 is attached to the slide member 50. The mounting bracket 1 may for example be a shelf mounting bracket. See also figure 2 showing an assembly comprising a mounting bracket 1 of this disclosure and a slide member 50.

[0026] In figure 3 the slide member 50 is shown in more detail. The length extending in the direction indicated with double arrow L of the slide member 50 may for example be in the range of 200-1000 mm. The slide member 50 as shown comprises four identical holes 55 adapted for the mounting bracket. More or less holes 55 than shown may be provided in the slide member 50. Each hole 55 has non-circular features, for example in the embodiment shown a rectangular shaped hole-section combined with a circular hole section. Other asymmetric or non-circular shapes of the hole 55 are possible. The hole 55 is configured to cooperate with at least one connector 10 of the mounting bracket 1 .

[0027] The mounting brackets 1 ; T as shown in figures 4a-5c are almost identical. The main difference between these mounting brackets 1 ; T is that they have a locking protrusion 25; 25’ with a different configuration. For identical, or from technical point of view, identical parts the same reference signs will be used in the mounting brackets 1 ; T.

[0028] The mounting bracket 1 ; T is adapted to be connected to the slide member 50 for mounting a sliding element, for example a drawer (not shown). The mounting bracket 1 ; 1’ comprises a mounting bracket body 3 having a first side 5 directed or to be directed to the sliding element and an opposite second side 7. The second side 7 is provided with at least one protruding connector 10 adapted for insertion / removal in a hole 55 of the slide member 50 in a first orientation of the mounting bracket 1 ; T with respect to the slide member 50. The connector 10 comprises at least one connector surface 17 providing a locking space 19 between the connector surface 17 and the second side 7. The connector 10 is rotatable around a rotation axis, for example the central axis 30 between the first orientation and a second orientation with respect to the slide member 50, wherein the locking space 19 is designed to mechanically connect the slide member 50 in the second orientation of the mounting bracket 1 ; T.

[0029] The mounting bracket 1 ; T is L-shaped defined by the mounting bracket body 3 and a mounting bracket flange 21. The mounting bracket flange 21 has at least one or a number of connecting apertures 23a, b. The connecting apertures 23a, b may for example be used to connect a sliding element, such as a drawer, to the mounting bracket 1 ; T. The mounting bracket 1 ; T is a sheet metal mounting bracket, in particular a L-shaped sheet metal mounting bracket with a sheet metal thickness for example smaller than 5 mm, preferably smaller than 3 mm. Such a sheet metal mounting bracket is cost effective from material perspective. The mounting bracket 1 ; T is a universal mounting bracket in that it is designed to be mechanically connected to each of the two (right and left) slide members 50 of an enclosure, such as a cabinet. 12. The mounting bracket 1 ; T has a height H and a length L defined by the mounting bracket body 3 and a width W extending traverse to the mounting bracket body 3. The width W is substantially defined by the mounting bracket flange 21 of the mounting bracket 1 ; T. The height H of the mounting bracket 1 ; T is at least the length L. In the mounting bracket 1 ; T shown the height H is the largest dimension and the width W is the smallest dimension. The height H is for example 10-250 mm. The mounting bracket body 3 has an optional aperture 27, wherein on the circumference of the aperture 27 on the second side 7 the connector 10 is provided. The first side 5 of the mounting bracket body 1 ; T is a flat surface without protrusions.

[0030] The connector 10 comprises two spaced connector elements 10a, b, wherein the two spaced connector elements 10a, b are adapted for insertion / removal in the hole 55 of the slide member 50 in the first orientation of the mounting bracket 1 ; T. The first orientation of the mounting bracket 1 ; T is obtained by rotating the mounting bracket 1 ; T as shown in the figures with 90 degrees around rotation axis 30. By means of the rectangular shaped hole-section of the hole 55 the connector 10 is insertable in the hole 55 in the first orientation of the mounting bracket 1 ; T. After insertion the second orientation (fig. 2) of the mounting bracket 1 ; T is obtained by rotating the mounting bracket 1 ; 1’ again or back with 90 degrees around rotation axis 30. In the second orientation (fig. 2) of the mounting bracket 1 ; T as shown in figure 2 the mounting bracket 1 ; 1 ’ is connected with the slide member 50 by means of the circular hole section of the hole 55. Each connector element 10a, b provides a locking subspace of the locking space 19 adapted to securely attach the slide member in the second orientation of the mounting bracket 1 ; 1’. As shown in the figures 2, 4a-5c the two spaced connector elements 10a, b are diametrically aligned.

[0031] The locking space 19 or each locking sub-space is defined by a notch provided by the connector 10 and a portion of the second side 7 of the mounting bracket 1 : T.

[0032] Each connector 10a, b comprises a connector part 12a, b protruding with respect to the second side 7 of the mounting bracket 1 ; T and an edge 14a, b provided on an end of the connector part 12a, b away from the second side 7 of the mounting bracket 1 : T. The edge 14a, b provides the connector surface 17 which is an edge surface facing the second side 7 of the mounting bracket 1 ; T.

[0033] In the assembly of this disclosure as shown in figure 2, the slide member 50 comprises a central plate shaped wall section 51 , wherein the minimal distance between the connector surface 17 and the second side 7 defining the locking space 17 is smaller than the thickness of the central plate shaped wall section 51. In this manner it is possible to frictionally engage a portion of the central plate shaped wall section 51 in the locking space 19. The central plate shaped wall section 51 may be made of a sheet metal, for example having a thickness smaller than 5 mm, preferably smaller than 3 mm.

[0034] As already mentioned the (main) difference between the mounting brackets 1 ; T as shown in figures 4a-c and 5a-c is that the second side 7 of the mounting bracket 1:1’ comprises a different locking protrusion 25; 25’. In both mounting brackets 1 ; T the locking protrusion 25; 25’ is spaced from the connector 10.

[0035] The locking protrusion 25 (figs. 4a-c) comprises two spaced aligned locking protrusion elements 25a, b. The locking protrusion elements 25a, b protrude with respect to the side wall 7, wherein the maximum protruding size corresponds to the thickness of the metal sheet. The locking protrusion elements 25a, b as shown protrude approximately 0, 5-2,0 mm with respect to the side wall 7. The locking protrusion elements 25a, b are adapted to cooperate with the vertical central plate shaped wall section 51 , for example an edge of the vertical central plate shaped wall section 51 or an indent in the vertical central plate shaped wall section 51 , in the second orientation of the mounting bracket 1. The locking protrusion elements 25a, b may be adapted to be moved over a surface of the vertical central plate shaped wall section 51 during rotation from the first orientation to the second orientation or vice versa, wherein in the second orientation of the clamping bracket 1 ; T an additional locking effect is achieved with the locking protrusion elements 25a, b.

[0036] The locking protrusion 25’ (figs. 5a-c) comprises at least one flexible projection 25’. It is possible to provide more than one flexible projection 25’ (not shown). During rotation from the first orientation to the second, the flexible projection may flex towards the second side 7 of the mounting bracket T to facilitate movement, for example over a surface of the vertical central plate shaped wall section 51 . In the second orientation the flexible projection 25’ projects maximally. For example the flexible projection 25’ may snap into a connection position, which may be provided by an indent or an edge of the vertical central plate shaped wall section 51 , with respect to the slide member 50 in the second orientation.

[0037] The locking protrusion 25; 25’ and the connector 10 in the example of the mounting bracket 1 : T shown are designed to cooperate with each other in the second orientation for clamping at least a slide member wall portion 51a (figure 3) between the locking protrusion 25; 25 and the connector 10.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A mounting bracket to be connected to a slide member for mounting a sliding element, for example drawer, wherein the mounting bracket comprises a mounting bracket body having a first side directed or to be directed to the sliding element and an opposite second side, wherein the second side is provided with at least one protruding connector adapted for insertion / removal in a hole of the slide member in a first orientation of the mounting bracket with respect to the slide member, characterised in that the connector comprises at least one connector surface providing a locking space between the connector surface and the second side, wherein the locking space is designed to mechanically connect the slide member in a second orientation of the mounting bracket, wherein the connector is rotatable around a rotation axis between the first orientation and the second orientation with respect to the slide member.

2. The mounting bracket according to claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises at least two spaced connector elements, wherein the two spaced connector elements are adapted for insertion / removal in a hole of the slide member in the first orientation, and each connector element provides a locking sub-space of the locking space adapted to securely attach with the slide member in the second orientation.

3. The mounting bracket according to claim 2, wherein the two spaced connector elements are diametrically aligned.

4. The mounting bracket according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting bracket is L-shaped defined by the mounting bracket body and a mounting bracket flange.

5. The mounting bracket according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting bracket is designed to be mechanically connected to each of the two slide members of an enclosure, such as a cabinet.

6. The mounting bracket according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking space is defined by a notch provided by the connector and a portion of the second side of the mounting bracket.

7. The mounting bracket according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connector comprises a connector part protruding with respect to the second side of the mounting bracket and an edge provided on an end of the connector part away from the second side of the mounting bracket, wherein the edge provides the connector surface which is an edge surface facing the second side of the mounting bracket.

8. The mounting bracket according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second side of the mounting bracket further comprises a locking protrusion spaced from the connector.

9. The mounting bracket according to claim 8, wherein the locking protrusion comprises two spaced aligned locking protrusion elements.

10. The mounting bracket according to claim 8, wherein the locking protrusion comprises at least one flexible projection.

11. The mounting bracket according to claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein the locking protrusion and the connector are designed to cooperate with each other in the second orientation for clamping at least a slide member wall portion between the locking protrusion and the connector.

12. The mounting bracket according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting bracket has a height and a length defined by the mounting bracket body and a width extending traverse to the mounting bracket body, wherein the height of the mounting bracket is at least the length.

13. The mounting bracket according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first side of the mounting bracket body is a flat surface without protrusions.

14. An assembly comprising a mounting bracket according to any of the preceding claims and a slide member having at least one hole.

15. The assembly according to claim 14, wherein the hole has asymmetric and / or non-circular features, for example a slotted hole, wherein the at least one hole is configured to cooperate with the at least one connector in at least the first and second orientations.

16. The assembly according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the slide member comprises a central plate shaped wall section, wherein the minimal distance between the connector surface and the second side defining the locking space is smaller than the thickness of the central plate shaped wall section.

17. The assembly according to claim 14, 15 or 16, wherein the assembly further comprises a sliding element, for example a drawer, to be connected to the mounting bracket on the first side of the mounting bracket.

Images