초록 ▼

A modular drawer system provides a system of interchangeable components that are easy to assemble. The system requires few fasteners because most of the parts are slidably interconnected. Many parts perform dual functions. A removable lock tray and a tracking mechanism to provide easier steering of

A modular drawer system provides a system of interchangeable components that are easy to assemble. The system requires few fasteners because most of the parts are slidably interconnected. Many parts perform dual functions. A removable lock tray and a tracking mechanism to provide easier steering of a rolling cart are provided. A lock bar assembly with few moving parts is easily assembled. In addition, an accessory track provides two types of attachments for accessories, a more flexible, snap-on attachment and a more permanent, bolted attachment.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A modular drawer system comprising: a frame including a substantially rectangular base and at least four support columns extending from the base; at least four corner column trim pieces, each being slidably connected to one of said support columns, said corner column trim pie

What is claimed is: 1. A modular drawer system comprising: a frame including a substantially rectangular base and at least four support columns extending from the base; at least four corner column trim pieces, each being slidably connected to one of said support columns, said corner column trim pieces being separable from one another and individually removable; a top attached to said frame; at least one drawer bay including two drawer guide panels connected to said frame, at least one of said drawer panels being slidably connected to said frame by a corresponding one of said corner column trim pieces; and, a plurality of drawers supported by at least one of said two drawer guide panels. 2. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 1 further comprising: at least two additional support columns disposed on either side of the length of said base and forming a plane that is perpendicular to the length of said base and, at least one additional drawer guide panel slidably connected to said additional support columns, said additional drawer guide panel providing a first bay and a second bay. 3. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 2 further comprising a side panel slidably connected to at least one of said support columns and covering at least one of said bays. 4. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 1 further comprising at least four caster assemblies attached to said base. 5. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 4 wherein each caster assembly comprises a caster with a mounting stem and at least one wheel. 6. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 5 further comprising a bumper that surrounds said base and wherein at least one of said caster assemblies includes a means of attaching said bumper to said base. 7. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 6 wherein said attaching means comprises said mounting stem and a perforation in said bumper, wherein said mounting stem is inserted through said perforation into said base, thereby attaching said bumper to said base. 8. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 5 wherein at least one of said caster assemblies comprises two wheels that are disposed on either side of said caster assembly. 9. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 5 further comprising a releasable tracking mechanism for preventing the caster of at least one caster assembly from rotating and aligning the at least one wheel of said caster assembly parallel to the direction of travel of said drawer system. 10. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 9 wherein said releasable tracking mechanism comprises: a foot pad for activating said tracking mechanism; a locking plate, rotatably connected to said foot pad; the caster of the at least one caster assembly; and, means for releasably contacting the locking plate and the caster so as to prevent the rotation of the caster. 11. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 10 wherein said releasable tracking mechanism prevents the rotation of two casters, wherein said two casters are located in a plane that is perpendicular to the direction of travel of said drawer system. 12. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 9 further comprising a wheel lock on at least one of the caster assemblies. 13. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said drawer guide panels each comprise at least two components. 14. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 1, further comprising at least one lock bar assembly comprising a lock column, a lock bar which slides within said lock column, and at least one substantially horizontally flexible locking stem attached to said lock bar, said locking stem having a part attached thereto which engages at least one of said drawers. 15. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 14 wherein said engaging part of said locking stem interferes with a capture mechanism disposed on said at least one of said drawers. 16. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 14 wherein one of said drawer guide panels has at least one hole through which said engaging part of said locking stem extends to contact said at least one of said drawers. 17. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 16 wherein said drawer guide panel has two sets of holes and wherein one set of holes is near one vertical edge of said drawer guide panel and the other set of holes is near the other vertical edge of said drawer guide panel. 18. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 14 wherein said at least one of said drawers has at least one capture mechanism disposed thereon. 19. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 18 wherein at least one of said drawers has a height, a first side with a first drawer slide disposed thereon, and a second side with a second drawer slide disposed thereon, said first and second drawer slides being disposed on said first and second sides at differing vertical levels relative to said height. 20. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a retractable means of providing information. 21. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one end panel is slidably connected to two support columns. 22. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said corner column trim pieces are extruded profiles with channels to slidably connect said support columns to said drawer guide panels. 23. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 22 wherein said extruded profiles are polyvinyl chloride. 24. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said plurality of drawers opens on one side of said drawer system only and further comprising a back panel slidably connected to said support columns. 25. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 24 further comprising at least one drawer that extends the full width of the drawer system and wherein said drawer comprises at least one telescoping drawer slide that allows the drawer to be fully opened. 26. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 1 further comprising at least two transverse support rods connecting the support columns disposed along a length of said frame. 27. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 26 wherein said top is attached to said transverse support rods. 28. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said top has reinforcing ribs and wherein said top is attached to said support columns. 29. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one of said drawers has a height, a first side with a first drawer slide disclosed thereon, and a second side with a second drawer slide disposed thereon, said first and second drawer slides being disposed on said first and second sides at differing vertical levels relative to said height. 30. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one of said drawers is adapted for receiving at least one interchangeable tub. 31. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one of the plurality of drawers has a body and a lockable lid covering at least a portion of said body. 32. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 31 wherein said lockable lid comprises at least two metal strips held together by a frame. 33. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 1 having disposed thereon at least two opposing accessory tracks, said accessory tracks each having disposed thereon means for engaging and holding accessories. 34. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 33 wherein said at least two opposing accessory tracks are each disposed along the length of one of said support columns. 35. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a cart top organizer. 36. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 35 wherein said cart top organizer has at least one recess for holding an attachment. 37. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 36 wherein said attachment comprises a stem with a slidably connected medication platform that can be adjusted to varying heights. 38. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one of said plurality of drawers further comprises a drawer face, said drawer face having means for protectably and removably attaching labels to said drawer face. 39. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 38 wherein said attaching means comprise a clear plastic sheet configured so as to follow the contour of said drawer face and prevent liquid from running between said attaching means and said face. 40. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one of said plurality of drawers has a drawer pull that has an opening therein which is largest and most protruded approximately in the center of said at least one drawer. 41. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said drawers includes a drawer face, said drawer system further comprising: a label holder for removably attaching labels to said drawer face of one of said drawers, said label holder including a clear face portion and a lid portion connected to said face portion, said lid portion shaped to wrap over a top edge of said drawer face of said one of said drawers. 42. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 1, wherein; each of said corner column trim pieces extend continuously from said base to said top. 43. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 1, wherein; each of said corner column trim pieces is devoid of transversely extending seams. 44. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 43, wherein; each of said corner column trim pieces extend continuously from said base to said top. 45. A modular drawer system comprising: a frame including a substantially rectangular base and at least four support columns extending from the base; at least four corner column trim pieces, each being slidably connected to one of said support columns; a top attached to said frame; at least one drawer bay comprising two drawer guide panels slidably connected to said frame by said corner column trim pieces; at least one drawer supported by said two drawer guide panels; at least four caster assemblies attached to said base, wherein each caster assembly includes a caster with a mounting stem and at least one wheel; a releasable tracking mechanism for preventing the caster of at least one caster assembly from rotating and for aligning the at least one wheel of said caster assembly parallel to the direction of travel of said drawer system, said releasable tracking mechanism including: a foot pad for activating said tracking mechanism; a locking plate rotatably connected to said foot pad; the caster of the at least one caster assembly; and, means for releasably contacting the locking plate and the caster so as to prevent the rotation of the caster, said contacting means including means for allowing the caster to rotate into a locked position after the tracking mechanism is engaged. 46. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 45 wherein said allowing means comprises a detent with an angled approach. 47. A modular drawer system comprising: a frame, comprising a substantially rectangular base and at least four support columns extending from the base; at least four corner column trim pieces, each being slidably connected to one of said support columns; a top, which is attached to said frame; at least one drawer bay comprising two drawer guide panels which are slidably connected to said frame by said corner column trim pieces; at least one drawer supported by said two drawer guide panels; at least four caster assemblies attached to said base, wherein each caster assembly comprises: a caster with a mounting stem and at least one wheel; a releasable tracking mechanism for preventing the caster of at least one caster assembly from rotating and for aligning the at least one wheel of said caster assembly parallel to the direction of travel of said drawer system, said releasable tracking mechanism including: a foot pad for activating said tracking mechanism; a locking plate rotatably connected to said foot pad; the caster of the at least one caster assembly; a locking pin on said locking plate; and a detent on said caster, said locking pin being movable for releasably contacting the detent on said caster so as to prevent the rotation of said caster. 48. A modular drawer system comprising: a frame including a substantially rectangular base and at least four support columns extending from the base; at least four corner column trim pieces, each being slidably connected to one of said support columns; a top attached to said frame; at least one drawer bay including two drawer guide panels connected to said frame, at least one of said drawer panels being slidably connected to said frame by a corresponding one of said corner column trim pieces; and, a plurality of drawers supported by at least one of said two drawer guide panels; and wherein said drawer guide panels each include two components that are screwed together, wherein each component is individually a 4 guide rail component or a 5 guide rail component. 49. A modular drawer system comprising: a frame, comprising a substantially rectangular base and at least four support columns extending from the base; at least four corner column trim pieces, each being slidably connected to one of said support columns; a top, which is attached to said frame; at least one drawer bay comprising two drawer guide panels which are slidably connected to said frame by said corner column trim pieces; at least one drawer supported by said two drawer guide panels; at least one lock bar assembly located within said drawer system such that it can lock and unlock a plurality of drawers on one side of said drawer system, said at least one lock bar assembly being attached to one of said drawer guide panels, said lock bar assembly including a lock column, a locking platform attached to the top of the lock column, a lock cam that is housed in said locking platform, and at least one lock bar including a locking stem that can flex in one direction and a locking tab that interferes with a capture mechanism on a drawer slide for locking said at least one drawer and for allowing said at least one drawer to close if it is open when the lock bar assembly is activated. 50. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 49 wherein said lock cam and said lock platform are made of different materials. 51. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 49 wherein said lock bar assembly further comprises a lock that is flexibly connected to the lock cam. 52. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 51 wherein said lock is a plunger type lock. 53. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 51 wherein said lock is contained in a lock tray. 54. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 53 wherein said flexible connection means further connects said lock tray to said drawer system. 55. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 54 wherein said flexible connection means comprises a cable assembly. 56. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 55 wherein said cable assembly comprises a wire and a conduit. 57. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 53 wherein said lock tray includes two drawer slides that are inserted between the drawer guide panels. 58. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 53 wherein said lock tray has an underside, and wherein said lock tray can be removed from the drawer system only by accessing said underside. 59. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 51 wherein said lock is locked and unlocked by mechanical key means or by electronic means. 60. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 53 wherein said lock tray further comprises a retractable means of providing information. 61. A modular drawer system comprising: a frame including a substantially rectangular base and at least four support columns extending from the base; at least four corner column trim pieces, each being slidably connected to one of said support columns; a top attached to said frame: at least one drawer bay comprising two drawer guide panels slidably connected to said frame by said corner column trim pieces; a drawer supported by said two drawer guide panels, said drawer having a drawer body and a lockable lid covering at least a portion of said drawer body, wherein said lockable lid includes at least two metal strips held together by a frame, said lockable lid being removably attached to a drawer divider plate and said drawer divider plate being removably attached to said drawer body. 62. A modular drawer system comprising: a frame including a substantially rectangular base and at least four support columns extending from the base; at least four corner column trim pieces, each being slidably connected to one of said support columns; a top attached to said frame; at least one drawer bay including two drawer guide panels slidably connected to said frame by said corner column trim pieces; at least one drawer supported by said two drawer guide panels; at least two opposing accessory tracks disposed along the length of said support columns, said at least two opposing accessory tracks each having a first attachment means and a second attachment means disposed thereon for attaching accessories to said accessory tracks, said first attachment means including tabs and said second attachment means including at least one pair of nuts. 63. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 62 further comprising an accessory bar for attaching accessories to said drawer system, wherein said accessory bar comprises a spring loaded locking mechanism. 64. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 62 further comprising a handle that is bolted to said nuts of said second attachment means. 65. A modular drawer system in accordance with claim 62 wherein said second attachment means comprises at least four pairs of nuts, wherein each pair is located at a different vertical location along the accessory track and further comprising a shelf that can be bolted to any one of said four pairs of nuts, thereby providing four different heights for said shelf. 66. A lock bar assembly for locking a plurality of drawers, comprising a lock column, a lock bar which slides within the lock column, a locking platform disposed at a top of said lock column, and a substantially horizontally flexible locking stem attached to said lock bar, said locking platform including a wedge shaped lock cam, said lock cam being operatively effective for moving said column down, said locking stem having a part attached thereto for engaging a drawer. 67. A lock tray comprising: a tray; a lock contained within said tray; means for locking a device; means for holding the tray in the device; means for connecting the lock to said locking means; and means for flexibly connecting said tray to the device. 68. A modular drawer system comprising: a frame, comprising a substantially rectangular base and at least four support columns extending from the base; at least four corner column trim pieces, each being slidably connected to one of said support columns; a top, which is attached to said frame; at least one drawer bay comprising two drawer guide panels which are slidably connected to said frame by said corner column trim pieces; a plurality of drawers supported by said two drawer guide panels, at least one of said drawers having a body and at least one of said drawers having a face; a plurality of caster assemblies attached to said system; a releasable tracking mechanism comprising: a means for activating said tracking mechanism; a means for preventing at least one of said caster assemblies from rotating about a vertical axis while allowing said at least one caster assembly to rotate about a horizontal axis; and, a means for connecting said activating means to said preventing means; a lock bar assembly for locking a plurality of drawers comprising a lock column, a lock bar which slides within the lock column, and a means for allowing an open drawer to be closed, while locking a closed drawer, when the lock bar assembly is activated; a lock tray comprising: a tray; a lock contained within said tray; and means for connecting the lock to said lock bar assembly; a lockable lid covering at least a portion of said at least one drawer body comprising: a lid and a means for removably attaching said lid to said at least one drawer body wherein said means and lid is interchangeable with other similarly sized drawers; an apparatus for attaching accessories to said system, comprising: at least two opposing accessory tracks; and, an accessory bar; wherein said at least two accessory tracks comprise more than one means for attaching accessories, and wherein said accessory bar comprises means for detachably connecting accessories to said accessory tracks; an adjustable liquid dispensing platform comprising: a support mounted on said system; a stem held by said support; and a platform slidably connected to said stem; a drawer pull that encourages one to pull at least one of said drawers open from the center of said at least one drawer, comprising a drawer pull with an opening approximately in the center of said at least one drawer that is larger and more protruded than the opening along the balance of the length of the drawer pull; and, a clear label holder for removably attaching labels to said at least one drawer face and for preventing spilled liquid from running between said drawer face and the label holder comprising a lip that clips over said drawer face and is contoured to substantially match the contour of said drawer face closely enough so that a label will be held between the label holder and said drawer face.