BASE FOR A DRAWER

Description

The present application is a continuation of International Application PCT/AT2024/060039 filed on Feb. 8, 2024. Thus, all of the subject matter of International Application PCT/AT2024/060039 is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a drawer base for a drawer. Furthermore, the invention relates to an arrangement of two drawer side walls for a drawer, each comprising a fastening device for connecting a drawer base to the drawer side wall, and such a drawer base. Furthermore, the invention relates to a drawer with such an arrangement and a method for manufacturing such a drawer base, as well as a method for assembling such an arrangement.

In the furniture sector, it is usually necessary to define the drawer base according to the requirements profile—in particular load-bearing capacity for the selected material—and the drawer side wall—in particular with regard to the recess for the drawer base—according to the dimensions of the drawer base. This results in an undesirably wide range of types, both in terms of varying drawer bases and different drawer side walls.

A drawer base that differs from a drawer base conventionally used in the furniture industry is already known from document WO 2012/122575 A1, wherein the drawer base has a lower base plate and an upper base plate with a reduced thickness of the drawer base in the area of a side surface for bearing on a web of a drawer side wall.

The disadvantage of the current state of the art is that the resource requirements—both in terms of the necessary production lines and the material requirements—are very high.

The document EP 2 597 997 A1 discloses a drawer side wall that differs from a conventional drawer side wall in the furniture industry, wherein tabs connected to the frame via webs are provided in the fastening devices for the drawer base in order to compensate for tolerance variations in drawer bases with reduced thickness. However, for a given drawer base, the tab must be dimensioned specifically to the thickness of the drawer base, which does not reduce the range of types, whereby the dimensioning of the tab is limited by the sheet thickness of the drawer side wall. In addition, the tabs must be adapted to the thickness of the drawer base, which may not be known at the time of production of the drawer side wall, in an additional manufacturing step, whereby in particular no flexible retrofitting can be guaranteed. In addition, the dimensions of the tab must be precisely adapted to the thickness of the drawer base, whereby there is a risk of insufficient play compensation and undesirable deformation due to the clamping process, which makes disassembly difficult or prevents the drawer base from being reused.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objective technical task of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved drawer base compared to the prior art, as well as an arrangement, a drawer, and methods for manufacturing or assembling them, in which the disadvantages of the prior art are at least partially eliminated and which are characterized in particular by a reduction in the resources required and the range of types required.

Accordingly, the invention provides that the drawer base comprises at least one spacer which is arranged on the drawer base, preferably by at least one fixing means, in such a way that a first thickness of the drawer base in the vertical direction when the drawer base is in use is increased by the at least one spacer in the region of at least two, in particular three or four, side surfaces of the drawer base in a central region, preferably in the region of a center point of the drawer base, and the second thickness is less than 16 mm, preferably less than 12 mm, and particularly preferably less than 8 mm.

This makes it possible to adjust the drawer base in the area of the side surfaces, which are intended for connection to the drawer side wall, to the dimensions of existing types with a specific internal spacing of fastening devices via the at least one spacer. This allows, for example, existing drawer side walls to be retrofitted with drawer bases that require less material in their manufacture. Thanks to the underlay, drawer bases can be continuously adapted to any drawer side walls by means of continuous thickening and flexibly adjusted by varying spacers, whereby conventional—possibly oversized—material thicknesses of 16 mm can be optimized as a second thickness to suit the respective requirements.

For example, the drawer base can be supplied with a set consisting of a plate-shaped material or the previous drawer base together with the at least one spacer in order to carry out the assembly of the drawer base on site. The at least one spacer can, for example, have the dual function of edge protection for the plate-shaped material of the drawer base in the transport position. Conventional drawer base thicknesses of 16 mm for the first and second thicknesses can be used variably where the drawer base has to withstand a high degree of stress, whereby a lower second thickness can be used for other requirements without having to provide a new drawer side wall or change the drawer side wall. The drawer base is particularly preferred for containers such as drawers with at least one side wall and/or rear wall and/or front wall.

Although the at least one spacer is part of the drawer base to be arranged on the drawer side wall, the at least one spacer does not have to be connected to a fixing means with a plate-shaped material of the drawer base, whereby a permanent connection or a connection that can be released with the aid of tools is not mandatory. For example, the at least one spacer—preferably as a clamping means—can rest on the plate-shaped material of the drawer base during the assembly process of the drawer, or vice versa. For example, the at least one spacer (or the plate-shaped material) can be arranged at least in some areas in a fastening device of the drawer side wall and then the plate-shaped material (or the at least one spacer) can be arranged at least in some areas within the fastening device below or above the at least one spacer.

Another positive feature is that less material is required for the drawer base, and the second thickness can be optimized in the center area. For example, a standard second thickness of 16 mm for fastening devices on drawer side walls with an internal spacing of 16 mm can be achieved with a second thickness of only 8 mm and a fold as a spacer in the side wall area to the previous 16 mm. In addition, by means of a further (alternating) fold in the area of the side surface, the drawer base can be used with internal distances of 24 mm. The internal distance of 24 mm can be achieved in a similar manner by folding a drawer base with a material thickness of 12 mm. This saves costs and material.

On the other hand, increasing the initial thickness in the area of the side surface ensures a more stable and secure attachment to the drawer side wall. In general, any deficits in the hardness or strength of the drawer base in the center area (without adjusting the connection point to the drawer side wall) can be compensated for, for example, by a decorative layer with different material characteristics or struts/reinforcements.

This means that the second thickness can be individually adjusted to the requirements of the drawer, and the first thickness can be variably adjusted by dimensioning the spacers or by the number of folds (generally a multiple of the material thickness). For example, adhesives (such as glue), screw connections, or plug connections (such as dowels) can be provided as fasteners for drawer base segments of any thickness—especially in the area of the side surfaces—whereby the edge thicknesses of the drawer base can be increased in steady or continuous steps by means of the material pieces. The advantage here is that the pieces of material can have a material thickness that differs from that of the (unfolded) drawer base, so that the first thickness is generally not limited to a multiple of the second thickness.

In addition, the drawer base can be stacked particularly efficiently for transport purposes, which reduces both the transport weight and the transport storage space required in relation to conventional drawer bases due to the compact transport position. Furthermore, packaging and assembly are made easier, with the drawer base offering both economic and ecological advantages over solutions known from the prior art.

Furthermore, the range of types can be reduced particularly favorably with regard to the drawer side walls, whereby, for example, only one type of drawer side wall is required to cover different load ranges or drawer weight classes.

Despite the thin material thickness in the center area, a sufficiently secure connection to the drawer side wall can be ensured with regard to fixation. The type of fastening of the drawer base is generally arbitrary, whereby, for example, screw connections, plastic deformations (such as necking, clinching, toxing, or the like) etc. can be used.

The drawer base is preferably made of wood-like materials or wood, although other materials—such as plastic or similar materials—can also be used. The drawer base may have various coatings or applied/bonded layers, although these are not essential.

The area of the side surface can be defined, for example, by the thickness and is preferably essentially twice the material material thickness. The relative difference in thickness between an edge area or peripheral area and a center of the drawer base in the state of use in a position installed in the drawer can be considered relevant, whereby the center point can be defined by symmetrical lines of the drawer base. In general, it is sufficient for the central area to be closer to the center of gravity of the drawer base than the peripheral area or for the area of the side surface to be closer to a front outer contour of the drawer base than the central area. For stability reasons, bracing or thickening may be provided at the center point, whereby the first thickness can be defined as the material thickness of the drawer base without the bracing or thickening or in the adjacent area.

As stated at the outset, protection is also sought for an arrangement comprising two drawer side walls for a drawer, preferably U-shaped and/or metal frames, each comprising a preferably U-shaped fastening device for connecting a drawer base to the drawer side panel and a drawer base which is arranged at least in part within the fastening devices.

The fastening devices can be formed, for example, by the drawer side wall itself or the frame as such (e.g., by means of a profile) or by a furniture fitting arranged on the drawer side wall (or at least integrated in some areas).

An internal distance of 16 mm has become established as the standard internal distance between the fastening devices for drawers. A second thickness of 8 mm with a first thickness of 16 mm has proven to provide sufficient stability. The drawer base according to the invention allows conventional drawer side walls to be equipped with a large number of different drawer bases. Drawer bases with a second thickness of 13 mm are also common, whereby the internal spacing essentially corresponds to the 13 mm of the drawer base. Preferably, a second thickness is a maximum of 10 mm or 8 mm, whereby a spacer can be, for example, 3 mm or 5 mm n order to be used with such a fastening device. Second thicknesses of a maximum of 5 mm are also possible. According to the invention, for example, in addition to the advantage of retrofitability, the stability of a 13 mm drawer base can be increased with a spacer for a fastening device with 16 mm, and material can be saved with a fastening device with 16 mm by reducing the second thickness. The second thickness is particularly preferred to be essentially 13 mm or essentially 10 mm or essentially 5 mm.

As stated at the outset, protection is also sought for a method for manufacturing such a drawer base, wherein the following method steps are carried out: A plate-shaped starting material is provided and the at least one spacer is arranged in the region of at least two side surfaces of the drawer base so that the drawer base becomes thicker in the region of the at least two side surfaces relative to a central region.

Manufacturing methods for drawer bases are also conceivable which have a thickening of the material thickness in the edge area on only one side, for example in order to reduce the range of drawer fronts or drawer rear walls. In general, increases in thickness in the peripheral area of different side surfaces may vary in order to combine different types of drawer side walls, drawer fronts, or drawer rear walls, for example.

As stated at the outset, protection is also sought for a method for assembling such an arrangement, wherein the following method steps are carried out:

• • the drawer base is provided, preferably by such a method for manufacturing the drawer base
  • the two drawer side walls are each provided with a fastening device
  • the drawer base is arranged at least in some areas within the fastening devices

It is particularly preferred that the at least one spacer:

• • is made of wood-like, plastic-like, or metal-like material, and/or
  • is designed in a strip-like manner, and/or
  • is formed separately from the drawer base, and/or
  • has essentially a cuboid shape or a U-shape or an L-shape or a T-shape or an X-shape, and/or
  • has at least one chamfer on a surface facing or turning away from the drawer base, and/or
  • is hollow, preferably with at least one stiffening strut, and/or
  • is a molded part or is formed by machining, and/or
  • has a third thickness, wherein the third thickness is at least one third, preferably at least one half, and particularly preferably at least the material thickness of the second thickness.

It is preferred that the at least one spacer is in the form of at least two folds, with which the drawer base can be transferred or is transferred from a transport state to a state of use in such a way that, in the area of at least two, in particular three or four, side surfaces of the drawer base in the state of use of the drawer base, the first thickness in the vertical direction in the state of use of the drawer base is greater than the second thickness in the vertical direction in the state of use of the drawer base in the central region, preferably in the region of the center point, of the drawer base.

The state of use is defined by the folded position in which the drawer base can be mounted on a drawer side wall. An unfolded position (generally essentially a flat panel) can be defined as the transport state. If the folds are fixed to the drawer base, the drawer base has been transferred from the transport state to the state of use. If the folds are unfolded or can be unfolded, the transport state can be transferred to the state of use. This allows a particularly favorable transport position to be achieved.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least two folds are designed as 180° folds or as 90° folds, wherein preferably a plurality of alternating 180° folds are provided per side surface and/or the at least two folds are fixed to each other or to the drawer base by means of an adhesive bond.

A 180° fold can ensure a particularly secure connection to the drawer side wall. A 90° fold can be used to generate a large increase in the first thickness compared to the second thickness with a single fold, while also achieving consistent or continuous first thicknesses, regardless of the material thickness of the drawer base.

The adhesive bond prevents unwanted unfolding of the layers and also effectively inhibits movement between layers.

Advantageously, the at least two folds are designed as hinged connections, preferably without hinges, in the form of a film hinge, preferably an adhesive hinge or adhesive layer, particularly preferably a hot melt adhesive or PU-based hot melt adhesive, and/or in the form of a flexible layer, preferably an elastic film, and/or in the form of residual material of the drawer base formed by milling or recessing in the drawer base. Preferably, at least one articulated connection is arranged on the outside on the side surface of the drawer base or between layers of the drawer base formed by the fold.

In this context, the term “hingeless” means that no mechanical component such as a metal hinge is required, but rather that the articulated connection can be generated by the layer structure itself—via the film hinge, the flexible layer, or the milled joint as an articulated connection.

If there are several folds, one of the hinged connections can also be oriented toward the center point. With a 90° fold, the hinged connection can also be designed transversely—especially at 45°—away from the drawer base.

It has proven advantageous that the drawer base has a projection or a chamfer or a groove in the area of at least two folds, on which the hinged connection is arranged at least in some areas.

This makes it possible to achieve folds with the desired relative alignment of segments of the drawer base. It is also possible to ensure that layers of the drawer base lie flat, especially when in use. Alternatively, or in addition, projections, chamfers, or grooves can be used to securely connect or wedge the layers together, for example, using separate fixing devices such as T-nuts.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first thickness in a drawer base plane extending from the side surface toward the center of the drawer base extends at most 15%, preferably at most 10%, particularly preferably at most 5%, of a width of the drawer base and/or at most 10 cm, preferably a maximum of 5 cm, and particularly preferably a maximum of 2 cm.

The extension of the layers generated by the spacer toward the center point is generally arbitrary, whereby shorter layer lengths result in greater material savings and longer layer lengths ensure secure connection to the drawer side wall. For example, the width of the drawer base can be between 400 mm and 800 mm, whereby widths are usually adapted to the internal dimensions of 600 mm of a furniture carcass. The spacer can generally be designed as a single piece (across several side surfaces) or as multiple pieces (relative to one side surface).

The spacer can, for example, be a metal bracket or a wooden strip, whereby the drawer base is preferably made of hardboard, chipboard, or wood.

It is preferable that the increase in the first thickness relative to the second thickness is limited locally to the edge area—in the area of the side surface—whereby, for example, a folding of the drawer base into the middle area or over an extension at approximately the height of the drawer side wall preferably does not correspond to the edge area of the drawer base.

An advantageous variant of the present invention consists in the drawer base comprising a carrier layer and a decorative layer, preferably arranged in areas and/or glued on, and/or an adhesive layer or film layer, preferably arranged in areas.

The material thickness or second thickness of the drawer base does not generally include any decorative layer, adhesive layer or film layer that may be present, as these can be regarded as separate component parts. The thickness of these layers (in particular to enable the hingeless articulated connection) should preferably be many times thinner than the material thickness of the drawer base.

The decorative layer can be used to create an aesthetically appealing look in the interior of a drawer. The decorative layer can also have different material characteristics to the drawer base, such as hardness or strength, in order to increase the service life of the drawer through increased stability, for example.

It is particularly preferred that the first thickness is substantially 100%, preferably 200% or 300%, greater than the second thickness and/or the first thickness is between 10 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 15 mm and 20 mm, and/or the second thickness is between 5 mm and 16 mm, preferably between 8 mm and 12 mm.

However, thickness increases of less than 100% or, for example, between 100% and 200% are also possible, particularly with 90° folds or glued pieces of material.

A spacer can generally be used to increase the second thickness by 3 mm or 5 mm or between 30% and 60% of the material thickness.

In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one spacer or at least one of the at least two folds, preferably in the case of two adjacent folds or spacers of adjacent side surfaces in the region of a corner edge of the drawer base, extends only partially across a side surface of the drawer base.

This prevents spacers (such as folds) from colliding during use or with other components such as furniture fittings, coupling devices for guide mechanisms, etc.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first thickness is adapted via the at least one spacer to correspond to the drawer side walls in such a way that the drawer base essentially corresponds to a vertically oriented internal spacing of the fastening devices when the arrangement is in use.

The term “essentially” should be interpreted here as meaning that there is excess material for a force- or form-fitting connection (e.g., due to barbs for fixing) or play for user-friendly installation on the drawer side panel (e.g., compensatable by fastening means or plastic deformation). Preferably, excess or play shall not exceed 10% or 5% of the material thickness of the drawer base at the center point.

Preferably, the fastening device comprises a bearing web for the at least one spacer and a stop, preferably oriented substantially parallel to the bearing web and/or spaced apart from the bearing web in the vertical direction, arranged in the vertical direction above the support web in the state of use, for securing the drawer base in the vertical direction. The internal distance can be defined as the vertical spacing between the support web and the stop.

Furthermore, preferably a drawer front and/or a drawer rear wall is provided, which comprises a further fastening device, preferably U-shaped, and the drawer base is arranged at least in part within the further fastening device.

This allows the drawer base to be secured and supported particularly effectively in all degrees of spatial freedom when the arrangement is in use.

In a further embodiment, the drawer base can be fixed to the drawer side walls by at least one fastening means and/or is connected to the drawer side walls in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner by at least one plastic deformation, wherein it is preferably provided that the at least one fastening means and/or the at least one plastic deformation:

• • penetrates at least one layer of the drawer base formed by the at least one spacer or the fold, if present, in areas or completely, and/or
  • presses the drawer base against one of the two fastening devices, particularly preferably in the vertical direction when the arrangement is in use, and/or
  • is arranged in the vertical direction when the arrangement is in use completely to the side of the layer formed by the at least one spacer or the fold, if present.

This prevents unwanted slipping of the drawer base in the arrangement by a local securing device by pressing via the at least one fastening means or the at least one plastic deformation.

It is particularly preferred that the at least one spacer, preferably by elastic deformation and/or form-fitting, can be snapped into the fastening devices and/or preferably by a force-fitting connection, and/or the drawer side walls have at least one retaining device, preferably pivotable relative to the fastening devices and/or releasably arranged or arrangeable on the fastening devices, with which the at least one spacer can be secured within the fastening devices.

This effectively prevents the drawer base from slipping or falling out relative to the drawer side walls. The retaining device can, for example, be in the form of a dowel inserted in certain areas of the drawer base or in the form of a (flexible or swiveling) hook that can be pressed into or pressed against the drawer base or the drawer side wall.

Preferably:

• • the drawer base is provided from a plate-shaped starting material by cutting, the drawer base is connected in an articulated manner by a film hinge or a flexible layer or a milled recess, and the drawer base is folded via the articulated connection to a multiple of its material thickness in the area of the center, or
  • a plate-shaped starting material is provided with a film hinge or a flexible layer, the plate-shaped starting material is machined in areas, in particular up to the film hinge or the flexible layer, to form the hinged connection and the drawer base, and the drawer base is folded to a multiple of its material thickness in the area of the center.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, in a preparatory process step, preferably computer-assisted, the first thickness is adjusted to an internal distance of the fastening devices and/or an internal distance of the fastening devices is adjusted to the first thickness and/or the second thickness is adjusted to a minimum load threshold value and/or a maximum load threshold value.

For example, the dimensions of the drawer base can be individually adjusted via the folds to suit the dimensions of the drawer side walls and flexibly adapted to boundary conditions such as a minimum weight, which must be absorbed at the center by the strength of the drawer base in the drawer (without significant elastic deformation) (minimum load threshold value), or a maximum weight that can be absorbed in the center by the stability of the drawer base in the drawer without breaking (maximum load threshold value).

If a second thickness is defined, the first thickness can be varied by changing the number of folds or the type of fold; if the first thickness is specified, the second thickness can be changed by changing the material thickness. For example, the ideal configuration can be selected using templates on a computer or by means of a computer-implemented algorithm using a computing unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further details and advantages of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1a, 1b show a piece of furniture with drawers comprising a drawer base and an arrangement according to a preferred embodiment in perspective views with an isolated drawer,

FIG. 2 shows the drawer according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1b in a perspective view with a view of the underside of the drawer base with an enlarged detail section,

FIG. 3a-3d show a drawer with preferred embodiments of a drawer base in sectional view and with enlarged detailed views in the area of the connection between the drawer base and the drawer side wall,

FIG. 4a-4c show the drawer base according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3a in perspective views and in exploded view,

FIG. 5a-5d show preferred embodiments of spacers for a drawer base in perspective view with enlarged detailed views,

FIG. 6a-6c show a further preferred embodiment of a drawer base with folds as spacers in two perspective views looking from above and from below, as well as in two orthogonal views with enlarged detail section in the area of the folds, and

FIG. 7a-7d show enlarged detail sections of further preferred embodiments of drawer bases in sectional view with varying embodiments of articulated connections of the drawer base for use in a piece of furniture according to FIG. 1a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1a shows a piece of furniture with a large number of drawers 2. The drawers 2 can be moved relative to a furniture carcass by means of a guide device. Each drawer 2 has a drawer base 1, whereby the drawer base 1 can generally also be used in other containers.

FIG. 1b shows a drawer 2 in isolation, wherein the drawer 2 comprises an arrangement of two drawer side walls 25 for the drawer 2 in the form of U-shaped and metallic frames. The drawer 2 comprises a drawer front 28 and a drawer rear wall 29.

FIG. 2 differs from FIG. 1b only in that the drawer 2 is shown with a view of the underside of the drawer base 1. The drawer side walls 25 comprise coupling devices for connection to the guide device, wherein in general one of the drawer side walls 25 may comprise container rails for supporting the drawer base 1 and/or for connection to drawer rails of the guide device, or may be designed without container rails, wherein the drawer base 1 can be arranged in profiles of the drawer side walls 25 and/or a coupling with the drawer rails can be effected via a furniture fitting (which can be inserted into the drawer side wall 25).

The drawer side walls 25 comprise openings for inserting fastening means 31, which are not absolutely necessary, whereby, for example, an opening can be made in the course of a fixing process step of the drawer base 1 with the drawer side wall 25.

The drawer side walls 25 each comprise a U-shaped fastening device 26 (see FIG. 9a) for connecting the drawer base 1 to the drawer side wall 25, wherein the drawer base 1 is arranged within the fastening device 26.

The drawer front 28 and the drawer rear wall 29 each comprise a further U-shaped fastening device 30, wherein the drawer base 1 is arranged within the further fastening devices 30. However, the further fastening devices are generally not absolutely necessary.

FIG. 3a shows a drawer 2 in sectional view, wherein the enlarged detail section in the area where the drawer base 1 is connected to a drawer side wall 25 shows that the drawer base 1 comprises a spacer 33 which is arranged on the drawer base 1 by means of a fixing means 34 in the form of gluing or bonding. A further spacer 33 is arranged in mirror symmetry on the opposite side of the drawer base 1, whereby in general at least one further spacer 33 may be provided on the adjacent side surfaces 4.

The dotted line indicates that it may be provided that the spacer 33 can be snapped into the fastening devices 36 by elastic deformation and form-fitting. The drawer side wall 25 can have one (preferably two or three) retaining devices 37 that can be pivoted relative to the fastening devices 26 or can be detached from the fastening devices 26, with which the spacer 33 can be secured within the fastening device 26. In this embodiment, the retaining device 37 is designed as an inclined plane for snapping in and securing the spacer 33. Alternatively, or in addition, the spacer 33 can be clamped in the fastening devices 36 in a force-fitting manner if the holding device 37 in the form of the inclined plane extends, for example, into the area of the positioning of the spacer 33.

The spacer 33 is arranged on the drawer base 1 in such a way that a first thickness 5 of the drawer base 1 in the vertical direction 6 in the state of use 7 of the drawer base 1 through the spacer 33 in the region of the side surface 4 of the drawer base 1 is greater than a second thickness 8 in the vertical direction 6 in the state of use 7 of the drawer base 1 in a central region in the region of a center point 9 of the drawer base 1.

The second thickness 8 is less than the usual 16 mm of standard drawer base designs, whereby the second thickness 8 can be reduced to below 8 mm, for example.

With two spacers 33 or one spacer 33 extending across at least two side surfaces 4, the thickening or underlaying of the drawer base 1 in the area of connection to the drawer side wall 25 is carried out across at least two side surfaces 4 of the drawer base 1.

In this embodiment, the drawer base 1 is precisely adapted to an internal distance 27 of the fastening device 26, whereby in general a clearance (compensatable via fastening means 31) may be provided for easier assembly. It is also conceivable to provide a (slight) oversize in order to ensure a secure fit.

The spacer 33 is designed as a wooden strip with a rectangular shape and is separate from the plate-shaped material of the drawer base 1.

FIGS. 3b, 3c, and 3d differ from FIG. 3a only in that different spacers 33 are provided in the area of the side surface 4 of the drawer base 1 for connection to the drawer side wall 25. Features—such as geometry or material—of one of the spacers 33 may be provided alternatively or in addition to other spacers 33.

The spacer 33 in FIG. 3b is made of metal and has a U-shape. Other geometries such as T-shape or X-shape are generally possible.

The spacer 33 in FIG. 3c is formed from wood-like material by cutting and has a chamfer 35 on the surface facing away from the drawer base 1, which can generally be provided on the side facing the drawer base 1.

The spacer 33 in FIG. 3d is formed as a molded plastic part, has an L-shape, and is hollow with a plurality of stiffening struts 36.

A third thickness 38 of the spacer 33 is greater than the material thickness 32 of the second thickness 8, wherein the third thickness 38 of the spacer 33 may also be less than the material thickness 32.

FIG. 4a shows spacers 33 extending in areas across side surfaces 4, whereby spacers 33 extending across the entire extent of side surface 4 may also be provided in general.

FIG. 4b shows four spacers 33 before being attached to the plate-shaped material of the drawer base 1 by means of fixing means 34 in the form of screws. In general, the fixing means 34 can be designed to have a dual function as fastening means 31 for connecting the drawer base 1 to the drawer side wall 25. The drill holes in the spacers for the fixing means 34 are not absolutely necessary.

FIG. 4c differs from FIG. 4b only in that the drawer base 1 is shown from below when installed.

FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d show the spacers 33 according to FIGS. 3a to 3d in perspective view with enlarged detail section to illustrate the geometry, wherein the respective spacer 33 can be snapped into the fastening devices 36 by elastic deformation or form-fitting, or can be clamped into the fastening devices 36 by a force-fitting connection, or can be secured by a retaining device 37 of the drawer side wall 25 or the drawer base 1.

A method for manufacturing the drawer base 1 by means of a spacer may be based on providing a plate-shaped starting material and arranging a spacer 33 in the area of at least two side surfaces 4 of the drawer base 1 so that the drawer base 1 becomes thicker in the area of the at least two side surfaces 4 relative to a central area.

The following figures show spacers 33 based on folds 3, whereby the folds 3 can generally be replaced by a spacer 33 as shown in FIGS. 5a-5d, for example.

FIG. 6a shows the drawer base 1 of drawer 2 in isolation, viewed from above. The drawer base 1 comprises two folds 3 on each of the four side surfaces 4 as spacers 33, so that, in the area of the side surfaces 4 of the drawer base 1, a first thickness 5 in the vertical direction 6 in the state of use 7 of the drawer base 1 is greater than a second thickness 8 in the vertical direction 6 in the state of use 7 of the drawer base 1 in the central area (in the area of the center point 9) of the drawer base 1. The number of folds 3 per side surface 4 is generally arbitrary. In general, folds 3 can also be arranged on only two opposite side surfaces 4.

Below are four schematic illustrations of possible sub-areas of the drawer bottom 1:

On the left, the drawer base 1 has a carrier layer 20 and a decorative layer 21, which can generally be arranged in areas between the drawer side walls 25 and can be positioned securely on the drawer base 1, for example by gluing. A decorative layer 21 completely covering the carrier layer 20 on one side is also possible, whereby the decorative layer 21 can be folded together with the carrier layer 21. As a separate material layer, the decorative layer 21 does not refer to the second thickness 8 with a lateral extension of a material thickness 32. However, the decorative layer 21 is not absolutely necessary.

On the center left, a film layer 23 is applied to the drawer base 1, which acts as an articulated connection 13 in the form of a flexible layer 15. The flexible layer 15 can, for example, be an elastic film.

On the center right, a layer of adhesive 22 is arranged on the drawer base 1, which acts as a hinged connection 13 in the form of a film hinge 14. The film hinge 14 can, for example, be an adhesive hinge or an adhesive layer—preferably a PU-based hot melt adhesive.

On the right, the drawer base 1 has an articulated connection 13 in the form of a milled recess 16 and residual material 17. Alternatively, or in addition to the milled recess 16, a recess may be provided in drawer base 1.

The four schematic examples of layer structures of the drawer base 1 can be used alternatively or in combination to generate the at least two folds 3 of the carrier layer 21.

An example of a method for manufacturing the drawer base 1 can be explained as follows: The drawer base 1 is prepared from a plate-shaped starting material by machining, the drawer base 1 is connected in an articulated manner by the film hinge 14 or the flexible layer 15 or the milled recess 16, and the drawer base 1 is folded via the articulated connection 13 to a multiple of its material thickness 32 in the area of the center point 9. If the film hinge 14 or the flexible layer 15 is used, segments of the drawer base 1 can be hinged to the foldable drawer bottom 1 at a later stage.

Alternatively, or in addition, a plate-shaped starting material can be provided with a film hinge 14 or a flexible layer 15, the plate-shaped starting material can be machined in areas, in particular up to the film hinge 14 or the flexible layer 15, to form the hinged connection 13 and the drawer base 1, and the drawer base 1 is folded to a multiple of its material thickness 32 in the area of the center point 9. In this case, the hinged connection is generated by the machining process step, for example sawing or milling. If residual material 17 is used for the hinge connection 13, the film hinge 14 or the flexible layer 15 can be omitted.

FIG. 6b shows that an articulated connection 13 is arranged on the outside of the side surface 4 of the drawer base 1 and that a further articulated connection 13 is arranged oriented toward the center point 9. Alternatively, or in addition, it is possible to arrange the articulated connection between the layers 18 formed by the fold 3.

The folds 3 are designed as 180° folds 10, with two alternating 180° folds 10 provided per side surface 4.

In general, a fold 3 can be fixed to the drawer base 1 or a fold 3 can be fixed to an adjacent fold 3 by means of an adhesive bond.

In the area of a corner edge 24, the second thickness 8 is equal to the first thickness 5, as there is a recess in the folds 3 in the corner area. The two adjacent folds 3 of neighboring side surfaces 4 extend only partially across the side surfaces 4. In general, this arrangement can only be provided for one side surface 4 or for folds 3 of opposite side surfaces 4.

FIG. 6c shows the drawer base 1 in an enlarged sectional view, wherein two folds 3 are provided on the side surface 4 so that three layers 18 of the drawer base 1 are formed.

It may generally be provided that the drawer base 1 has a projection or a chamfer or a groove in the area of a fold 3, on which the articulated connection 13 is arranged in areas or completely.

In a drawer base plane 19, the first thickness 5 extends from the side surface 4 toward the center point 9 of the drawer base 1 between 2% and 15% and over a maximum of 5 cm.

The first thickness 5 is—apart from a slight spacing generated by the articulated connection—200% greater than the second thickness 8, since the material thickness 32 of the drawer base 1 is folded twice at the center point 9.

In this embodiment, the first thickness 5 is 24 mm and/or the second thickness 8 is 8 mm.

FIG. 7a shows the drawer 2 with the drawer base 1 in the assembled state as shown in FIG. 3c in sectional view, where the first thickness 5 is adjusted over the folds 3 in such a way that it corresponds to the drawer side walls 25 so that the drawer base 1 essentially corresponds to a vertically oriented inner distance 27 of the fastening devices 26 in the arrangement's state of use 7.

There may be a clearance (for example, a maximum of 10% or 5% of the internal distance 27) between the internal distance 27 and the first thickness 5, which facilitates mounting of the drawer base 1 on the drawer side wall 25 and can be compensated for by a fastening means 31. The inner distance 27 can be regarded as the minimum distance between opposite contours of the fastening device 26.

FIG. 7b differs from FIG. 7a only in that the intersection line is guided by a fastening means 31 for secure fixing of the drawer base 1 to the drawer side wall 35. The drawer base 1 is fixed to the drawer side walls 25 via the fastening means 31 (the number of which is generally arbitrary and can be predefined depending on the load-bearing requirements of the drawer 2). Alternatively, or in addition to the fastening means 31, a plastic deformation (for example, a neck-in or indentation of metal material of the drawer side wall 25 into wood-like material of the drawer base 1) can be used to connect the drawer base 1 to the drawer side walls 25 in a force-fitting or form-fitting manner.

The fastening means 31 penetrates two of the three layers 18 of the drawer base 1 formed by the fold 3 completely and the third layer 18 in some areas. In general, the uppermost layer 18 in the vertical direction 6 can be pressed against the fastening device 26 by the fastening means. In the state of use 7, pressing can take place in the vertical direction 6 upwards or by tensile forces in the vertical direction 6 downwards (see FIG. 7d).

FIG. 7c shows an example of an arrangement with a drawer base 1 comprising 90° folds 11—ensured by the articulated connection 13. A front edge of the side surface 4 can be used here for support on the fastening device 26.

In the state of use 7 of the arrangement, the fastening means 31 is arranged completely laterally adjacent to the layer 18 formed by the fold 3 in the vertical direction 6.

FIG. 7d shows an arrangement with a drawer base 1 folded once on the side surface 4, wherein two layers 18 are formed by the fold 3, which are securely connected to the fastening device 26 via the fastening means 31.

An exemplary method for assembling the arrangement can be carried out as follows: The drawer base 1 is provided by a method for manufacturing the drawer base 1, the two drawer side walls 25 are each provided with a fastening device 26 during the manufacturing process, and the drawer base 1 is then arranged within the fastening devices 26.

The drawer base 1 can be fixed within the fastening device 26 by means of the fastening means 31. Alternatively, or in addition, fixation can be ensured by a force fit or form fit between the drawer base 1 and the fastening device 26, wherein the fastening device 26 can, for example, have a geometry that tapers toward the drawer base 1. A shape tapering towards the center point 9 of the drawer base 1 can also help to press the drawer base 1 against the drawer side wall 25.

In a preparatory process step, for example using an algorithm of a computing unit, the first thickness 5 can be adjusted to an inner distance 27 of the fastening devices 26, or an inner distance 27 of the fastening devices 26 can be adjusted to the first thickness 5, or the second thickness 8 can be adjusted to a minimum load threshold value or a maximum load threshold value.