Insert assembly for storage combination

Abstract

An insert assembly (100) configured for integration within side walls (11) of a storage combination (10) is provided The insert assembly (100) comprises: a top panel (110), two side panels (120) configured to be vertically arranged at opposing sides of the insert 5 assembly (100), each side panel (120) having an upper edge (121) attached to the top panel (110) and a lower edge (122) attached to a bottom panel (130) that is connected to the storage combination (10). [To be published with Figure 8.] 0

Description

[0001] INSERT ASSEMBLY FOR STORAGE COMBINATION

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to an insert assembly for a storage combination and more precisely to an insert assembly for integration within side walls of a storage combination or cabinet.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] In the realm of home and office storage solutions, storage combinations have long served as a staple for organizing books, decorative items, and various other personal objects. Traditional storage combinations, while functional, often lack the flexibility and adaptability required to meet the evolving needs of modem users. Standard storage combination inserts, typically in the form of additional shelves, have been developed to enhance the adaptability of storage combinations.

[0006] One significant drawback of existing storage combination inserts is their lack of versatility. Most inserts are designed as fixed shelves that offer little to no adjustability in terms of height or configuration. Constructing a versatile storage combination suitable for integration with a wide variety of inserts may compromise the aesthetic appeal and increase manufacturing costs of the storage combination. Additionally, conventional inserts are often limited in their load-bearing capacity, making them unsuitable for heavier items.

[0007] In order to allow for an increased versatility of a storage combination, it is known to provide the side walls with a plurality of closely spaced pre-drilled holes. Using pairs of such holes, a user may choose to add additional shelves at desired locations since most likely at least one pair of pre-drilled holes meets the expectations in terms of height positioning of an additional shelf. However, such solution causes the majority of the pre-drilled holes to be unused, while still being visible and affecting the overall appearance of the storage combination negatively. Further, the majority of the production resources required to make the plurality of pre-drilled holes is superfluous for function and looks of the final storage combination.

[0008] From the above it is understood that there is room for improvements. SUMMARY

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a new type of insert assembly which is improved over prior art and which eliminates or at least mitigates the drawbacks discussed above. More specifically, an object of the invention is to provide an insert assembly that allows more versatility to existing storage combinations. These objects are achieved by the technique set forth in the appended independent claims with preferred embodiments defined in the dependent claims related thereto. A storage combination can refer to any storage means, such as a bookcase, cabinet or shelving unit.

[0010] According to a first aspect, an insert assembly is provided. The insert assembly is configured for integration within side walls of a storage combination and comprises: a top panel, and two side panels configured to be vertically arranged at opposing sides of the insert assembly, each side panel having an upper edge attached to the top panel and a lower edge attached to a bottom panel that is connected to the storage combination. This insert assembly is advantageous since it requires fewer or no attachment holes in the side walls of the storage combination, making the insert more versatile.

[0011] In one embodiment, the bottom panel is connected to the side walls of the storage combination. This is advantageous since the insert assembly becomes an integral part of the storage combination upon assembly.

[0012] In one embodiment, the bottom panel is attached to the side walls of the storage combination. This is advantageous since the insert assembly is efficiently attached to the storage combination and forms an integral part thereof.

[0013] In one embodiment, the bottom panel is attached to each side wall of the storage combination by multiple bottom panel attachment couplings. This is advantageous since a secure and simple attachment of the bottom panel and thereby the insert assembly is provided.

[0014] In one embodiment, the multiple bottom panel attachment couplings are spaced apart in the depth direction. This provides for an even more secure attachment. In one embodiment, the bottom panel is attached to each side wall of the storage combination by a front bottom panel attachment coupling and a rear bottom panel attachment coupling. This provides for an even more secure attachment.

[0015] In one embodiment, the top panel is connected to the side walls of the storage combination. This is advantageous since the insert assembly becomes an integral part of the storage combination upon assembly.

[0016] In one embodiment, the top panel is attached to the side walls of the storage combination. This is advantageous since the stability of the insert assembly within the storage combination can be increased.

[0017] In one embodiment, the top panel is attached to each side wall of the storage combination by multiple top panel attachment couplings. This is advantageous since a secure and simple attachment of the top panel and thereby the insert assembly is provided.

[0018] In one embodiment, the multiple top panel attachment couplings are spaced apart in the depth direction. This provides for an even more secure attachment.

[0019] In one embodiment, the top panel is attached to each side wall of the storage combination by a front top panel attachment coupling and a rear top panel attachment coupling. This provides for an even more secure attachment.

[0020] In one embodiment, the top panel can be attached to the side panels before the insert assembly is integrated within the side walls of the storage combination. This is advantageous since it can be more convenient to assemble at least some parts of the insert assembly outside the storage combination.

[0021] In one embodiment, each side panel is provided with a plurality of attachment points. This is advantageous since other structures such as additional shelves can be attached to the side panels, thereby increasing the versatility of the storage combination without requiring further attachment holes in the side walls.

[0022] In one embodiment, each attachment point is a pre-drilled attachment hole. This is advantageous since the attachment points can be easily provided and be used efficiently for attachment of additional shelves.

[0023] In one embodiment, the upper edge and / or the lower edge of each side panel is attached to the top panel or the bottom panel at least via one or more dowels, bolts, L- brackets, screws and / or cam locks. This is advantageous since it allows for a secure and robust attachment of the side panels that enhances the structural integrity of the insert assembly. Preferably both of the upper edge and the lower edge of each side panel is attached to the top panel and the bottom panel, respectively.

[0024] In one embodiment, the insert assembly further comprises the bottom panel. This is advantageous since the bottom panel does not have to be readily available in the storage combination.

[0025] In one embodiment, the bottom panel forms a support part of the storage combination. This is advantageous since the insert assembly can be integrated into an existing support structure of the storage combination.

[0026] In one embodiment, the extension of the top panel exceeds the extension of each side panel in the depth direction of the storage combination at least at one of the rear side and the front side of the storage combination, preferably at both the rear and the front end of the storage combination. This is advantageous since it creates additional space at the front and / or back of the insert, which can be used for additional storage or to accommodate other structures.

[0027] In one embodiment, the side panels leave a free space under the top panel at a front end of the insert assembly. This is advantageous since the free space can be used to accommodate other structures, such as drawer fronts, sliding doors, etc.

[0028] In one embodiment, the side panels leave a free space under the top panel at a rear end of the insert assembly. This is advantageous since it facilitates cable management or the placement of objects that require rear access.

[0029] In one embodiment, the extension of each side panel exceeds half the extension of the top panel as seen in the depth direction. This is advantageous since it provides sufficient support to the top panel while still allowing for an open space at the front and / or rear end.

[0030] In one embodiment, the side panels have substantially the same extension as the top panel as seen in a depth direction of the storage combination. This is advantageous since it provides maximum support without increasing the overall depth of the storage combination and provides a uniform and streamlined appearance. In one embodiment, the insert assembly further comprises one or more drawers, at least two guiding rails attached to opposing inward facing sides of the side panels, and at least two drawer rails attached to each drawer, wherein each drawer rail is movably received in an associated guiding rail, thereby allowing the drawer to be moved into and out of the insert. This is advantageous since it allows drawers to be added to the storage combination without requiring any additional attachment holes or drilling into the storage combination itself.

[0031] In one embodiment, the extension of the guiding rails is confined within the extension of the side panels as seen in a depth direction of the storage combination. This is advantageous since the guiding rails are fully supported by the side panels, increasing the stability of the sliding mechanism.

[0032] In one embodiment, the guiding rails extend substantially over the entire extension of the side panels in the depth direction. This is advantageous since it allows smooth and secure drawer operation across the entire depth of the storage combination.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment, the guiding rails extend less than 90% of the extension of the side panels as seen in the depth direction.

[0034] In one embodiment, a front panel of the drawer occupies at least some of the free space formed at the front of the insert assembly under the top panel when the drawer is in a closed position. This is advantageous since the drawer front can take up less or no additional space outside the front of the storage combination when the insert is integrated therein.

[0035] In one embodiment, the insert assembly further comprises a vertical panel having an upper edge attached to a central portion of a bottom side of the top panel. This is advantageous since storage under the top panel can be divided into two compartments, and the vertical panel may provide additional support to the top panel, enhancing the overall stability of the insert assembly.

[0036] According to a second aspect, a storage combination is provided. The storage combination comprises any insert assembly described herein. This storage combination is advantageous since it requires fewer or no attachment holes in the side walls of the storage combination, making the solution more versatile. In one embodiment, the side panels are arranged adjacent to the side walls of the storage combination. This is advantageous since it maximizes the storage space within the insert.

[0037] In one embodiment, the side panels are non-attached to the side walls of the storage combination. This is advantageous since fewer or no attachment holes are required in the side walls of the storage combination, enabling a more versatile and cost efficient solution.

[0038] In one embodiment, the top panel is dimensioned in a width direction of the storage combination to fit within the side walls of the storage combination. This is advantageous since the top panel does not increase the overall size of the storage combination in a width direction.

[0039] In one embodiment, the side walls of the storage combination are separated in the width direction by an internal width, and the extension of the top panel in the width direction corresponds to 90-100%, preferably 95-100%, of the internal width. This is advantageous since it provides a precise fit that minimizes gaps and maximizes the usable storage area between the side panels.

[0040] In one embodiment, the extension of the side walls of the storage combination exceeds the extension of the top panel of the insert assembly as seen in a depth direction of the storage combination. This is advantageous since there is more free space within the storage combination in the front or rear of the top panel.

[0041] In one embodiment, the extension of the side walls of the storage combination and the extension of the top panel of the insert assembly as seen in a depth direction of the storage combination differs no more than 5%, and preferably no more than 1%. This is advantageous since it ensures a uniform and balanced appearance, and maximizes the usable surface area of the top panel.

[0042] In one embodiment, the side panels and optionally the top panel and / or the bottom panel of the insert assembly leaves a free space within the side walls of the storage combination at the front end of at least some of the panels. This is advantageous since the free space can be used to accommodate other structures, such as drawer fronts, or provide additional storage space. In one embodiment, a front panel of the drawer occupies at least some of the free space formed within the side walls of the storage combination in front of at least some of the panels when the drawer is in a closed position. This is advantageous since the drawer front can take up less or no additional space outside the front of the storage combination when the drawer is closed.

[0043] In one embodiment, the bottom panel forms a support part of the storage combination. This is advantageous since the insert can be integrated into an existing support structure of the storage combination. In other words, the insert assembly borrows an existing structural part of the storage combination, which is advantageous since there is no need to provide an additional part for this purpose.

[0044] In one embodiment, the top panel is connected to the side walls of the storage combination. This is advantageous since it adds an additional layer of security that further increases stability and load bearing capacity.

[0045] In one embodiment, the top panel is connected to each side wall via at least one connecting element attached to the side wall. Optionally, the connecting element comprises a stopper portion for preventing a downward motion of the top panel. This is advantageous since it allows for an easy assembly and disassembly of the top panel.

[0046] According to a third aspect, a kit of parts is provided. The kit of parts are configured to, upon assembly, form any insert assembly or storage combination described herein. This kit is advantageous since it requires fewer or no attachment holes in the side wall of the storage combination to assemble, making the kit more versatile.

[0047] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Embodiments of the invention will be described in the following; references being made to the appended diagrammatical drawings which illustrate non-limiting examples of how the inventive concept can be reduced into practice.

[0049] FIG. 1 A is an isometric view of a storage combination according to one example.

[0050] FIG. IB is an isometric view of an insert assembly according to one example. FIG. 1C is an isomeric view of a storage combination comprising an insert assembly according to one example.

[0051] FIG. 2A is an exploded isometric view of an insert assembly according to one example.

[0052] FIG. 2B is an isometric view of an insert assembly according to one example.

[0053] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an insert assembly comprising drawers, according to one example.

[0054] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a storage combination comprising an insert assembly according to one example.

[0055] FIG. 5A is an exploded isometric view of an insert assembly comprising a vertical panel, according to one example.

[0056] FIG. 5B is an isometric view of an insert assembly comprising a vertical panel, according to one example.

[0057] FIG. 6 is an isometric view showing some parts of a storage combination and insert assembly according to one example.

[0058] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an insert assembly according to one example.

[0059] FIG. 8 is a front view of a storage combination comprising a plurality of insert assemblies according to one example.

[0060] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0061] Hereinafter, certain embodiments will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention, such as it is defined in the appended claims, to those skilled in the art.

[0062] Two or more items that are “coupled” or “connected” may be integral with each other. Alternatively, the items may be attached or fixed to each other in one or more planes. For instance, if item A is “connected” to item B, this can mean that item A is connected to item B such that item A cannot move downwards in relation to item B. Further, if item A is “attached” to item B this means that item A is attached to item B through some means which prevent movement in one or more directions, such as downwards and / or sidewards. An attachment between items may for example be realized by dowels, bolts, L-brackets, screws, cam locks and / or other couplings.

[0063] The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise. The terms “substantially”, “approximately” and “about” are defined as largely, but not necessarily wholly what is specified, as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The terms “comprise” (and any forms thereof), “have” (and any forms thereof), “include” (and any form thereof) and “contain” (and any forms thereof) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a storage combination or insert assembly that “comprises”, “has”, “includes” or “contains” one or more components, possesses those one or more components, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more components. A storage combination can refer to any storage means, such as a bookcase, cabinet or shelving unit.

[0064] FIG. 1A shows an example of a storage combination 10 without an insert assembly 100. FIG. IB shows an insert assembly 100, to be mounted to the storage combination 10 shown in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C shows the same storage combination 10 but with the insert assembly 100 of FIG. IB mounted to it. The storage combination 10 has left and right sidewalls 11. Although illustrated with three shelf panels 12a-c, the storage combination 10 can have any suitable number of shelf panels 12 as long as the insert assembly 100 may fit. In the shown example the storage combination 10 has a bottom shelf panel 12a, a center shelf panel 12b, and an upper shelf panel 12c. These bottom, center, and upper shelf panels 12a-c may or may not be configured to add stability to left and right sidewalls 11 of the storage combination 10.

[0065] The insert assembly 100 comprises a top panel 110 and two side panels 120 arranged at opposing sides of the insert assembly 100. Each side panel 120 is attached to the top panel 110. The insert assembly 100 is configured for integration within side walls 11 of the storage combination 10, as illustrated in FIG. 1C. The two side panels 120 of the insert assembly 100 are configured to be attached to a bottom panel 130 connected to the storage combination 10. In the shown example, the bottom panel 130 corresponds to the bottom shelf 12a. The bottom panel 130 is typically connected to side walls 11 of the storage combination using any known means. While in this example the bottom panel 130 constitutes the lowest shelf panel 12a of the storage combination 10, it should be noted that any shelf panel 12a-c of the storage combination 10 can form the bottom panel 130, provided that the insert assembly 100 can be mounted within the side walls 11 of the storage combination 10. Alternatively, the insert assembly 100 can comprise the bottom panel 130 as well. In that case, the bottom panel 130 may be added as a new panel in the storage combination 10 along with the rest of the insert assembly 100.

[0066] The depth direction D, height direction H and width direction W are defined in relation to the assembled storage combination 10, as illustrated in FIG. 1 A. The same directions are used as reference directions in the description of the insert assembly 100. For the insert assembly 100, the directions D, H, W are defined according to the intended orientation of the insert assembly 100 when mounted to the storage combination 10, regardless of whether the insert assembly 100 has been mounted to the storage combination yet. Accordingly, as an example all references made to the “front end” and “rear end” refers to different ends of the insert assembly 100 or storage combination 10 in the depth direction D.

[0067] In some embodiments, the side panels 120 are configured for integration adjacent to the side walls 11 of the storage combination 10. The top panel can be dimensioned in a width direction W of the storage unit to fit within the side walls 11 of the storage combination 10. The side walls 11 of the storage combination 10 are separated in the width direction W by an internal width Wi and the extension of the top panel in the width direction can correspond to 90-100%, preferably 95-100% of the internal width Wi. In some embodiments, the extension of the top panel 110 may exceed the extension of each side panel 120 in the depth direction D of the storage combination 10. This leaves a free space under the top panel 110, either at a front end or rear end of the insert assembly 100, or both. This free space can be at least partially occupied by other components, such as drawer fronts 158 (see FIG. 3), hinged doors, sliding doors 190 (see FIG. 7), bi-fold doors, roll-up doors, flap doors, rotating panels, accordion doors, rotating shelves, etc. Alternatively, the top panel 110, the side panels 120 and optionally the bottom panel 130 can leave a free space in front of the panels 110, 120, 130 within the side walls 11 of the storage combination 10 when mounted to the storage combination 10. This space may also be at least partially occupied by the above mentioned components.

[0068] In some embodiments, the side panels 120 are non-attached to the side walls 11 of the storage combination 10. Herein, non-attached is defined as lacking any type of attachment means, such as screws, nails, adhesive, brackets, dowels, that directly connects the side panel to the side wall 11 of the storage combination 10.

[0069] FIGS. 2 A and 2B illustrate how the insert assembly 100 can be assembled according to one embodiment. The details concerning the top panel 110, side panels 120, bottom panel 130, etc. explained above with reference to FIGS. 1 A-C may readily be considered also with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B. Each side panel 120 has an upper edge 121 that is attached to the top panel 110 and a lower edge 122 attached to the bottom panel 130. The upper edge 121 of the side panel 120 is attached to a bottom side 111 of the top panel 110 and the lower edge 122 of a side panel 120 is attached to an upper side 131 of the bottom panel 130. Although not shown in these figures, the bottom panel 130 may already be connected to, and may form part of, the storage combination 10 as a shelf panel 12a-c.

[0070] In this example, the upper and lower edges 121, 122 of each side panel 120 is attached to the top and bottom panel 110, 130 respectively, via dowels 140. One end of a respective dowel 140 is inserted into a hole provided in the upper or lower edge 121, 122 of the side panel 120 and an opposite end of the dowel 140 is inserted into a hole provided on the top or bottom panel 110, 130. Accordingly, it is only necessary for the bottom panel 130 to be connected to the storage combination 10, since the top panel 110 is connected to the bottom panel 130 via the side panels 120. This makes the solution more versatile since it is not necessary to provide attachment points such as attachment holes or similar in the side walls 11 at the desired height of the top panel 110. Instead, the height at which the top panel 110 is arranged can be determined by the height of the side panels 120. However, in some embodiments, the top panel 110 can also be connected to the side walls 11 of the storage combination 10 to further increase stability. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0071] As previously mentioned, the bottom panel 130 is generally connected or attached to the side walls 11 of the storage combination 10. This attachment can be realized by multiple bottom panel attachment couplings 133, which are preferably spaced apart in the depth direction. As illustrated in Fig. 2B, the bottom panel 130 can be attached to each side wall 11 of the storage combination 10 (of Fig. 1 A) by a front bottom panel attachment coupling 133a and a rear bottom panel attachment coupling 133b.

[0072] Similarly, the top panel 110 can also be connected or attached to the side walls 11 of the storage combination 10. This attachment can be realized by multiple top panel attachment couplings 134, which are preferably spaced apart in the depth direction. As illustrated in Fig. 2B, the top panel 110 can be attached to each side wall 11 of the storage combination 10 (of Fig. 1 A) by a front top panel attachment coupling 134a and a rear top panel attachment coupling 134b.

[0073] It should be noted that Figs. 2A and 2B only show the parts of the couplings 133, 133a, 133b, 134, 134a, 134b belonging to the bottom- or top panel 110, 130 and a complete coupling is realized between both a top or bottom panel 110, 130 and corresponding coupling parts of the side wall 11 of the storage combination 10. One example of how a coupling 134 between the top panel 110 and one of the side walls 11 can be realized will be provided in reference to Fig. 6. A similar mechanism could also be used to provide the coupling 133 between the bottom panel 130 and the side walls 11.

[0074] A benefit with the insert assembly 100 is that it can be adapted for different storage solutions without requiring a great number of attachment points, such as attachment holes or similar, in the side walls 11 of the storage combination 10. Instead, attachment points 125 such as pre-drilled attachment holes or similar, can be provided on inward facing sides 123 of the side panels 120 of the insert assembly 100, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 A and 2B. These attachment points 125 can be used to attach additional components. Such components can for instance include additional shelves and / or guiding rails 154 for a drawer 150.

[0075] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment where drawers 150 are added to the insert assembly 100. The details concerning the top panel 110, side panels 120, bottom panel 130, etc. explained above with reference to the figures above may readily be considered also with respect to FIG. 3. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the insert assembly 100 comprises two drawers 150, but any number of drawers, including one single drawer, are equally possible. The insert assembly 100 further comprises at least two guiding rails 154 for each drawer. The guiding rails 154 are attached to opposing inward facing sides 123 of the side panels 120. At least two drawer rails 156 are attached to each drawer 150 and each drawer rail 156 is movably received in an associated guiding rail 154. Thereby, the drawer 150 can be moved into and out of the insert assembly 100, and, after mounting to the storage combination 10, into and out of the storage combination 10. Note that the guiding rails 154 attached to the inward facing side 123 of the leftmost side panel 120 and the drawer rails 156 attached to the hidden side of the drawers 150 are not visible in the figure, but only indicated by the reference arrows.

[0076] Instead of, or in addition to, drawers 150, the insert assembly 100 could comprise other means for creating a desirable storage space, including but not limited to hinged doors, sliding doors, bi-fold doors, roll-up doors, flap doors, rotating panels, accordion doors, rotating shelves, etc. Mechanisms for such solutions, such as hinges, guide tracks, etc. can be attached to or provided in the insert assembly 100 itself, such as on inward facing sides 123 of the side panels 120, on a bottom side 111 of the top panel 110 and / or on a top side 131 of the bottom panel 130. The mechanisms can be attached to the side panels 120 via the attachment points 125, such as drilled holes, that may be provided on the inner side 123 of the side panels 120.

[0077] FIG. 4 shows a storage combination 10 comprising an insert assembly 100 with drawers 150 according to one example. The details concerning the storage combination 10, insert assembly 100, drawers 150 etc. described with reference to the above figures may readily be considered also with respect to FIG. 4. The side panels 120 and optionally the top panel 110 and / or the bottom panel 130 of the insert assembly can leave a free space within the side walls 11 of the storage combination 10 at the front end of at least some of the panels 110, 120, 130. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, a free space is formed at the front end of the side panels 120, below the top panel 110 and over the bottom panel. The free space may be at least partially occupied by structures such as front panels 158 of drawers 150 or sliding doors. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the free space is occupied by the front panels 158 of two drawers 150. Note that in the zoomed in frame, one of the drawers 150 have been omitted to increase visibility. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the front panels 150 can be arranged to be substantially in flush with the side walls 11 of the storage combination 10 when the drawers 150 are in a closed position.

[0078] FIGS. 5 A and 5B illustrates the assembly process of an insert assembly 100 comprising a further vertical panel 170. Although not shown, this embodiment may comprise a bottom panel 130. The details concerning the top panel 110, side panels 120, bottom panel 130, etc. explained above with reference to the above figures may readily be considered also with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0079] The vertical panel 170 is attached to a central portion of a bottom side 111 of the top panel 110. This central portion may be located within a distance from the center of the top panel 110 corresponding to between 0-40% of the extension of the top panel 110 in a width direction W of the bookshelf 10, preferably between 0-25% of the extension and more preferably between 0-10% of the extension. In the embodiment of Figs. 5A-5B the vertical side panel is a central vertical panel 170, meaning the distance from the center of the top panel 110 is in this embodiment 0%. Embodiments with more than one vertical panel 170, such as two, three or four vertical panels, are also possible. In that case, the vertical panels 170 may be arranged to divide the space under the top panel 110 into substantially even portions. Although not illustrated, the vertical panel(s) 170 can also be attached to the bottom panel 130. In this way, the vertical panel(s) 170 can also contribute to supporting the top panel 110 and may increase the overall stability and load bearing capacity. The vertical panel(s) 170 can be attached to the top panel 110 and / or bottom panel 130 by any means described in reference to the attachment of the side panels 120, such as dowels 140, or any other known means.

[0080] Alternatively or additionally, guiding rails 154 for drawers 150, or mechanism used for other types of storage solutions as described above, could be attached to or provided in sides of the vertical panel 170. In such embodiments, a pair of guiding rails 154 for a drawer 150 could be attached to the inward facing side 123 of a side panel 120 and a side of the vertical panel 170 that faces the side panel 120, or, in embodiments with more than one vertical panel 170, to opposing sides of two vertical panels 170. The drawer 150 would then be dimensioned to fit between the side panel 120 and the vertical panel 170 or between two vertical panels 170. More than one drawer 150 could be arranged on top of one another in the space formed between a side panel 120 and a vertical panel 170 or between two vertical panels 170. The one or more drawers 150 could be provided on either, or both, sides of the vertical panel 170, making the solution even more versatile and adaptable to specific user needs. The alternatives described in reference to the drawers 150 can be equally applied to other storage means and mechanism, such as those mentioned above.

[0081] FIG. 6 illustrates how the top panel 110 can be attached to side walls 11 of the storage combination 10, i.e. an example of a top panel attachment coupling 134. Other elements of the storage combination 10 and insert assembly 100, such as the side panels 120, have been omitted to increase visibility. In this example, connecting elements 195 are attached to the side walls 11 of the storage combination 10, in this example by a screw 196. A hole 116for receiving a part of the connecting element 195 is provided in the bottom side 111 of the top panel 110. The top panel 110 is lowered so that the hole 116 receives the connecting element 195. The connecting element 195 can further comprise a stopper portion 197 that prevents further downward motion of the top panel 110 relative to the side walls 11 of the storage combination 10. Alternatively or additionally, the hole 116 in the top panel 110 can be dimensioned so that the connecting element 195 abuts against the end of the hole 116 in order to prevent downward motion of the top panel 110 relative to the side walls 11 of the storage combination 10. Preferably, at least one connecting element 195 is attached to each side wall 11 and even more preferably, two connecting elements 195 are attached to each side wall 11 for connection with the top panel 110.

[0082] The bottom panel 130 can also be connected / attached to the side walls 11 of the storage combination 10 in a similar way as described for the top panel 110. It is also possible that only the bottom panel 130 and not the top panel 110 is attached in this or any other way. An advantage of this type of attachment of the top and / or bottom panel 110, 130 is simplified assembly and disassembly of the insert assembly 100 into and out of the storage combination 10, since the insert assembly 100 or some of its components can be lowered to mate with the connecting element 195 and lifted up in order to release the insert assembly / component. For example, the insert assembly 100 may be assembled into the storage combination 10 by first attaching the side panels 120 to the bottom panel 130, then (optionally) attaching the connecting elements 195 at a position where the top panel 110 is to be attached, and then attaching the top panel 110 with the side panels 120 and optionally with the connecting elements 195. If the bottom panel 130 is not jet connected to the storage combination 10, this may be done first, for instance using connecting elements 195 as described above.

[0083] Alternatively, the top panel 110 and the side panels 120 could be assembled and subsequently attached to a bottom panel which is already connected to the storage combination 10. In other words, the insert assembly 100 could allow the top panel 110 to be attached to the side panels 120 before the insert assembly 100 is integrated within the side walls 11 of the storage combination 10.

[0084] FIG. 7 shows an example of an insert assembly 100 comprising a back panel 180. The back panel 180 is configured to be vertically arranged at a rear end of the insert assembly 100. Similarly to the side panels 120, the back panel 180 can be attached to the top panel 110 and to the bottom panel 130. The attachment can be provided by similar means such as dowels as described in reference to the side panels 120. Although not shown, this insert assembly 100 may also comprise side panels 120. In this case, the back panel 180 may further be attached to the side panels 120 by any known means. The details concerning the top panel 110, side panels 120, bottom panel 110, etc. explained above with reference to the above figures may readily be considered also with respect to FIG. 7. The back panel 180 may increase the overall stability and load bearing capacity of the insert assembly 100. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the insert assembly 100 further comprises two sliding doors 190, but it is also possible for an insert assembly 100 with a back panel 180 to further comprise any other components mentioned herein, such as hinged doors, sliding doors 190, bi-fold doors, roll-up doors, flap doors, rotating panels, accordion doors, rotating shelves, etc. or no such components. To support the sliding doors 190, upper and lower guide rails 192 may be provided at the front end of the bottom panel 130 and the top panel 110, respectively.

[0085] It is also possible for the insert assembly 100 to comprise the back panel 180 and not the side panels 120. In this case, the back panel 180 may provide a similar function as the side panels 120 by providing support and aid in securing the top panel 110 at the desired height. It can however still be beneficial to also connect the top panel 110 directly to the side walls 11 of the storage combination 10 to further increase stability, for instance using the means described above. Since the back panel 180 supports the top panel 110 at a rear end, the top panel 110 could be attached to the side walls 11 only at a front end. This can also apply to embodiments where the side panels 120 are included.

[0086] More than one insert assembly 100 can be mounted to the same storage combination 10 and accordingly, a storage combination 10 can comprise more than one insert assembly 100. This is illustrated in FIG. 8 showing a storage combination 10 comprising two different embodiments of the insert assembly 100, one insert assembly according to FIG. 3 and one according to FIGS. 5A-5B. However, any number of insert assemblies 100 are possible, as long as they can fit within the side walls 11 of the storage combination 10. The storage combination 10 can comprise one or more insert assemblies 100 according to any embodiment described herein, including more than one insert assembly of the same or different embodiments.

[0087] Modifications and other variants of the described embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art having benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the specific example embodiments described in this disclosure and that modifications and other variants are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. For example, while embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to inserts for a storage combination, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the invention can equivalently be applied to inserts for other storage solutions. Furthermore, although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Therefore, a person skilled in the art would recognize numerous variations to the described embodiments that would still fall within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, although individual features may be included in different claims (or embodiments), these may possibly advantageously be combined, and the inclusion of different claims (or embodiments) does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. Finally, reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An insert assembly (100) configured for integration within side walls (11) of a storage combination (10), the insert assembly (100) comprising: a top panel (110), two side panels (120) configured to be vertically arranged at opposing sides of the insert assembly (100), each side panel (120) having an upper edge (121) attached to the top panel (110) and a lower edge (122) attached to a bottom panel (130) that is connected to the storage combination (10).

2. The insert assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the bottom panel (130) is connected to the side walls (11) of the storage combination (10).

3. The insert assembly (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the bottom panel (130) is attached to the side walls (11) of the storage combination (10).

4. The insert assembly (100) of claim 3, wherein the bottom panel (130) is attached to each side wall (11) of the storage combination (10) by multiple bottom panel attachment couplings (133).

5. The insert assembly (100) of claim 4, wherein the multiple bottom panel attachment couplings (133) are spaced apart in the depth direction (D).

6. The insert assembly (100) of claim 4 or 5, wherein the bottom panel (130) is attached to each side wall (11) of the storage combination (10) by a respective front bottom panel attachment coupling (133a) and a respective rear bottom panel attachment coupling (133b).

7. The insert assembly (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the top panel (110) is connected to the side walls (11) of the storage combination (10).

8. The insert assembly (100) of claim 7, wherein the top panel (110) is attached to the side walls (11) of the storage combination (10).

9. The insert assembly (100) of claim 8, wherein the top panel (110) is attached to each side wall (11) of the storage combination (10) by multiple top panel attachment couplings (134).

10. The insert assembly (100) of claim 9, wherein the multiple top panel attachment couplings (134) are spaced apart in the depth direction (D).

11. The insert assembly (100) of claim 9 or 10, wherein the top panel (110) is attached to each side wall (11) of the storage combination (10) by a respective front top panel attachment coupling (134a) and a respective rear top panel attachment coupling (134b).

12. The insert assembly (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the top panel (110) can be attached to the side panels (120) before the insert assembly (100) is integrated within the side walls (11) of the storage combination (10).

13. The insert assembly (100) of any preceding claim, wherein each side panel(120) is provided with a plurality of attachment points (125).

14. The insert assembly (100) of claim 13, wherein each attachment point (125) is a pre-drilled attachment hole.

15. The insert assembly (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the upper edge(121) and / or the lower edge (122) of each side panel (120) is attached to the top panel (110) or the bottom panel (130) at least via one or more dowels (140), bolts, L-brackets, screws and / or cam locks.

16. The insert assembly (100) of any preceding claim, further comprising the bottom panel (130).

17. The insert assembly (100) of claim 16, wherein the bottom panel (130) is configured to form a support part of the storage combination (10) when the insert assembly (100) is integrated into the storage combination (10).

18. The insert assembly (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the extension of the top panel (110) exceeds the extension of each side panel (120) in the depth direction (D) of the storage combination (10) at least at one of the rear side and the front side of the storage combination (10), preferably at both the rear and the front end of the storage combination (10).

19. The insert assembly of claim 18, wherein the side panels (120) leave a free space under the top panel (110) at a front end of the insert assembly (100).

20. The insert assembly of claim 18 or 19, wherein the side panels (120) leave a free space under the top panel (110) at a rear end of the insert assembly (100).

21. The insert assembly (100) of any of claims 18-20, wherein the extension of each side panel (120) exceeds half the extension of the top panel (110) in the depth direction (D).

22. The insert assembly (100) of any of claims 1-17, wherein the side panels (120) have substantially the same extension as the top panel (110) in a depth direction (D) of the storage combination (10).

23. The insert assembly (100) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more drawers (150), at least two guiding rails (154) attached to opposing inward facing sides (123) of the side panels (120), and at least two drawer rails (156) attached to each drawer (150), wherein each drawer rail (156) is movably received in an associated guiding rail (154), thereby allowing the drawer (150) to be moved into and out of the insert assembly (100).2224. The insert assembly (100) of claim 23, wherein the extension of the guiding rails (154) is confined within the extension of the side panels (120) as seen in a depth direction (D) of the storage combination (10).

25. The insert assembly (100) of any of claims 23 and 24, wherein the guiding rails (154) extend less than 90% of the extension of the side panels (120) as seen in the depth direction (D).

26. The insert assembly (100) of claim 24, wherein the guiding rails (154) extend substantially over the entire extension of the side panels (120) in the depth direction (D).

27. The insert assembly (100) of claim 19 and any one of claims 23-26, wherein a front panel (158) of a drawer (150) occupies at least some of the free space formed at the front of the insert assembly (100) under the top panel (110) when the drawer (150) is in a closed position.

28. The insert assembly (100) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a vertical panel (170) having an upper edge (171) attached to a central portion of a bottom side (111) of the top panel (110).

29. A storage combination (10) comprising the insert assembly (100) according to any of the preceding claims.

30. The storage combination (10) of claim 29, wherein the side panels (120) are arranged adjacent to the side walls (11) of the storage combination (10).

31. The storage combination (10) of claim 29 or 30, wherein the side panels (120) are non-attached to the side walls (11) of the storage combination (10).

32. The storage combination (10) of any of claims 29-31, wherein the top panel (110) is dimensioned in a width direction (W) of the storage combination (10) to fit within the side walls (11) of the storage combination (10).2333. The storage combination (10) of claim 32, wherein the side walls (11) of the storage combination (10) are separated in the width direction (W) by an internal width (Wi), and wherein the extension of the top panel (110) in the width direction (W) corresponds to 90-100%, preferably 95-100%, of the internal width (Wi).

34. The storage combination (10) of any of claims 29-33, wherein the extension of the side walls (11) of the storage combination (10) exceeds the extension of the top panel (110) of the insert assembly (100) as seen in a depth direction (D) of the storage combination (10).

35. The storage combination (10) of any of claims 29-34, wherein the extension of the side walls (11) of the storage combination (10) and the extension of the top panel (110) of the insert assembly (100) as seen in a depth direction (D) of the storage combination (10) differs no more than 5%, and preferably no more than 1%.

36. The storage combination (10) of any of claims 29-35, wherein the side panels (120) and optionally the top panel (110) and / or the bottom panel (130) of the insert assembly leaves a free space within the side walls (11) of the storage combination (10) at the front end of at least some of the panels (110, 120, 130).

37. The storage combination (10) of claim 36 comprising the insert assembly (100) of any of claims 23-27, wherein a front panel (158) of a drawer (150) occupies at least some of the free space formed within the side walls (11) of the storage combination (10) in front of at least some of the panels (110, 120, 130) when the drawer (150) is in a closed position.

38. The storage combination (10) of any of claims 29-37, wherein the bottom panel (130) forms a support part of the storage combination (10).

39. The storage combination (10) of any of claims 29-38, wherein the top panel (110) is connected to the side walls (11) of the storage combination (10).

40. The storage combination (10) of claim 39, wherein the top panel (110) is connected to each side wall (11) via at least one connecting element (195) attached to the side wall (11), wherein optionally the connecting element (195) comprises a stopper portion (197) for preventing a downward motion of the top panel (110).

41. A kit of parts configured to, upon assembly, form the insert assembly of any of claims 1-28 or the storage combination of any of claims 29-40.

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