WO2022053966A1

WO2022053966A1 - Divider device for drawers and drawer

Info

Publication number: WO2022053966A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/058200
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roger Reichert
Original assignee: Synapse Brainware S.R.L.
Priority date: 2020-09-09
Filing date: 2021-09-09
Publication date: 2022-03-17
Also published as: EP4210541A1

Abstract

A divider device for drawers comprises a shockproof mat (2) made of soft material and a frame (3) resting on the shockproof mat (2). The frame comprises a perimetral structure (4) provided with two longitudinal sides (5) and two transverse headers (6) connected together so as to define a quadrilateral and a plurality of longitudinal separating elements (10, 11) arranged inside the perimetral structure (4) to divide the internal space thereof into a plurality of compartments. At least one of the transverse headers (6) comprises a plurality of notches (12) for receiving an end (10a, 11a) of a respective separating element (10, 11), wherein each notch (12) comprises a retention portion (13) and at least one elastic element (14) configured to exert a longitudinal thrust, away from the transverse header (6), on the end (10a, 11a) of the separating element (10, 11).

Description

DIVIDER DEVICE FOR DRAWERS AND DRAWER

The present invention relates to a divider device for drawers and a drawer. Therefore, the present invention finds application in the field of furniture and furniture accessories.

More precisely, the present invention finds main application in the creation of drawer partitioning and organization systems, in particular kitchen drawers and, more specifically, cutlery drawers.

In fact, it is a long-standing need to provide systems for partitioning drawers which are simultaneously efficient and qualitative.

In fact, in recent years the kitchen has assumed an increasingly central role within a home not only from the functional point of view, but also from the aesthetic point of view, which has led manufacturers to create increasingly qualitative and expensive systems.

Such a process has also included accessories, including partitioning systems for drawers and, in particular, for the cutlery drawer.

In this regard, the most common, currently known solutions range from highly economical models, defined by removable trays in moulded or formed plastic, and high-end solutions, with modular devices combining various materials.

Among the latter, the separation device shown in patent document DE202016 106831 is of particular interest for the present invention, in which a reticular, metallic-septa frame resting on a shockproof mat is described which is adaptable to different drawer sizes also thanks to the presence of pads or thicknesses which are interposed between the rear wall of the drawer and the frame.

Disadvantageously, such a solution is not very "elegant" and subject to deterioration which, over time, could generate relative sliding or noise inside the drawer.

Further known solutions are shown in documents DE202011004717 or EP3033969, in which the frame is defined by a plurality of "L" or "T"- shaped septa, all provided with at least one adapted to overlap, after positioning a non-slip tab, the horizontal wall of the adjacent septum.

Such a solution also has considerable drawbacks, mainly related to the production cost and assembly complexity, which to date has led to little commercial success.

There are clearly also dedicated solutions, therefore not modular or universal, which despite having very high quality levels, involve costs which are difficult for the manufacturer to sustain.

In the light of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a divider device for drawers and drawer which are able to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a divider device for drawers which is versatile and simultaneously high quality.

Again, it is an object of the present invention to provide an easy-to- assemble and cost-effective divider device for drawers.

Said objects are achieved by a divider device for drawers and by a drawer having the features of one or more of the following claims.

In particular, the divider device comprises a frame having a perimetral structure and a plurality of separating elements.

The frame is an element insertable inside the compartment of a drawer, therefore distinct from the drawer itself and separable therefrom.

The perimetral structure comprises two sides, preferably longitudinal, and two headers, preferably transverse.

The longitudinal sides are connected to the headers (at the respective ends) so as to define a quadrilateral.

It should be noted that in the present discussion the terms "longitudinal" and "transverse" are used as relative references which indicate two extension directions which are transverse to each other, preferably orthogonal, but do not necessarily determine a specific or absolute placement of the elements inside the drawer.

The separating elements, also preferably longitudinal, are placed inside the perimetral structure to subdivide the internal space into a plurality of compartments.

Preferably, at least one of said transverse headers comprises a plurality of notches for receiving an end of a respective separating element.

In other words, the transverse header extends with a substantially vertical flat face oriented along the transverse direction.

Such a face has a plurality of (vertical) notches spaced from each other and each sized to receive the end of a respective separating element. Preferably, moreover, both transverse headers comprise said notches.

According to an aspect of the invention, each notch comprises a retention portion slidably constrained to the respective end of the separating element and configured to prevent a relative movement between the transverse header and along an extension direction of the notch itself (i.e., to prevent a vertical sliding between the header and the separating element).

Advantageously, thereby, the entire frame can be lifted without the risk of disassembly, facilitating both the assembly of the system and the maintenance (e.g., cleaning) of the drawer.

According to a further aspect of the invention, complementary or alternative to the foregoing, each notch comprises at least one elastic element configured to exert a longitudinal thrust, away from the transverse header, on the end of the separating element.

In other words, the elastic element is placed in the notch and configured to exert a pushing action parallel to the extension direction of the separating element itself.

Advantageously, thereby, the small dimensional differences which persist between drawers of different manufacturers are compensated, always keeping the separating elements centred and the transverse headers abutted to the walls of the drawer.

It should be noted that each notch of the transverse header has a bottom wall and two side walls. The retention portion is preferably placed on at least one of the side walls.

Said at least one elastic element is preferably constrained/placed on the bottom wall.

Preferably, said at least one elastic element comprises an oscillating tab extending between a first end portion, constrained to said bottom wall, and a second end portion raised with respect to said bottom wall and elastically movable towards and away therefrom.

More preferably, the elastic element (and in particular the tab) is made in a single piece with the transverse header; this clearly contributes to significantly reducing the cost of the piece and increasing the ease of assembly thereof.

In this regard, preferably the transverse header (i.e., the transverse headers) are made of plastic material, made by moulding.

Preferably, moreover, the retention portion of each notch comprises a bulge slidably coupled to a corresponding groove made on one side of the respective separating element, or vice versa.

Advantageously, this maximizes the seal and, at the same time, allows to define a stretch with a reduced-section stretch (or narrowing) in the notch allows, if necessary, to generate an effect of slight interference with the separating element, benefiting the rigidity of the structure.

It should be noted that, preferably, each longitudinal side extends between a first and a second end portion each connected to a respective end of a transverse header.

The first end portions of the longitudinal sides are preferably constrained to the respective transverse header at a connection area provided with longitudinal adjustment means.

Such adjustment means are preferably configured to allow a variation of a relative fixing position between the longitudinal side and the transverse header.

Advantageously, such an arrangement also allows the device to be adapted to the different sizes of the drawers of different manufacturers, which, net of similar nominal sizes, have small differences related to a different thickness and/or conformation of the walls.

Preferably, the longitudinal adjustment means comprise a plurality of oblong slots extending longitudinally and each aligned with a respective hole obtained on the first end portion of the longitudinal side.

Preferably, moreover, the device comprises a transverse wall (i.e., substantially parallel to the headers) interposed between said two transverse headers.

Such a transverse wall preferably has a smaller transverse extension than the transverse headers. In other words, the length (evaluated in the transverse direction) of the transverse wall is shorter with respect to that of the headers.

Therefore, the transverse wall divides the space inside said quadrilateral into at least:

- at least one long compartment extending longitudinally between said transverse headers;

- a plurality of short compartments each extending longitudinally between a transverse header and the transverse wall.

Advantageously, the drawer can thereby be divided into compartments of different sizes, adapted to receive objects of different nature.

Preferably, the transverse wall also has a plurality of notches, each aligned with a corresponding notch of a transverse header to receive the other end of the same separating element.

More preferably, the transverse wall has two flat faces, each facing a respective transverse header, both provided with said notches.

According to a further aspect of the invention, alternative or complementary to those described herein, the device comprises a shockproof mat arranged below the frame,

The frame is then placed resting on the shockproof mat. Preferably, the shockproof mat is, in use, interposed between a bottom wall of the drawer and the frame. Preferably, said longitudinal sides and/or said separating elements have one or more gripping bodies departing from a respective lower edge and configured to couple with said shockproof mat in order to counteract a relative horizontal sliding between the frame and the shockproof mat.

More preferably, the shockproof mat comprises one or more longitudinal and/or transverse grooves each coupled with a lower edge of the respective longitudinal side or separating element.

It should be noted that such a lower edge defines the gripping body.

An object of the present invention is also a kit for partitioning drawers, comprising the divider device described thus far, preferably disassembled and packaged in an extremely advantageous manner in terms of size and stackability.

The kit comprises:

- a parallelepiped casing;

- a plurality of structural elements comprising at least a pair of transverse headers, a pair of longitudinal sides and a plurality of longitudinal separating elements;

- a plurality of fixing bodies;

- a shockproof mat in soft material,

The structural elements are packed parallel with each other

The shockproof mat is preferably wound so as to define a tubular body.

Said structural elements and said shockproof mat are housed in said casing and placed side-by-side so that a central axis of the "tubular body" is parallel to a main extension axis of the structural elements.

These and other features with the related technical advantages will become more apparent from the following exemplary, therefore nonlimiting, description of a preferred, therefore not exclusive, embodiment of a divider device for drawers and a kit for partitioning drawers according to what is illustrated in the attached figures, in which:

- figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the divider device according to the present invention - figures 2 and 2a show an exploded view and the relative detail of a portion of the divider device of figure 1 ;

- figures 3, 3a, 3b, 3c and 3b show a front view and an operating sequence inherent to a detail of the divider device of figure 1 ;

- figure 4 shows a perspective view of a component of the divider device of figure 1 ;

- figures 5a and 5b show the component of figure 4 assembled to another component in two different operating positions

- figures 6 to 10 show the divider device of figure 1 in different applications insider a drawer;

- figure 11 shows a kit for partitioning drawers.

With reference to the attached figures, number 1 indicates a divider device for drawers "D" according to the present invention.

Therefore, the device 1 is a set of components which, in assembled configuration, is inserted inside a drawer to divide the internal volume thereof into a plurality of separate housings.

In other words, the drawer "D" comprises a quadrilateral perimetral enclosure having at least two parallel and spaced apart sides and a bottom wall anchored to the perimetral enclosure to define a receiving volume, in addition to two guide members associated with said sides to allow the drawer to slide in the furniture.

The divider device 1 , in use, is therefore inserted in said receiving volume and resting on said bottom wall, resulting in a separate element from the drawer itself.

The main application of the divider device 1 is therefore inside kitchen drawers and, preferably, cutlery drawers, for which the division of space is decisive.

The device 1 therefore comprises a frame 3 which, preferably but not necessarily, rests on a shockproof mat 2.

The frame 3 is a structurally and functionally distinct element from the enclosure of the drawer "D", as well as, if present, the shockproof mat 2 constitutes a different element from the bottom wall of the drawer "D".

In fact, the function of the drawer enclosure is to delimit and support the drawer itself and the contents thereof, also allowing the sliding thereof.

The function of the frame is, on the contrary, to support the divider device 1 inside the receiving volume of the drawer, without any sliding or contentsupporting function.

The shockproof mat 2 is preferably made of soft and non-slip material, such as neoprene, rubber or other rubbery material with a non-slip effect.

In the preferred embodiment, such a shockproof mat 2 has a thickness between 1 and 3 mm, more preferably about 2 mm.

In the preferred embodiment, as will be better clarified below, the shockproof mat 2 has a ribbed structure (i.e., a plurality of transverse and/or longitudinal grooves).

Advantageously, such a range of thicknesses allows to optimize the damping/shock absorption effect while making it easy to package and transport the mat.

Preferably, in use, the shockproof mat 2 is cut "to size" with the drawer "D", i.e., it precisely occupies the surface area of the bottom wall of the drawer "D".

The frame 3 is, as mentioned, resting on the shockproof mat 2 and, preferably, connected thereto so as to avoid a relative sliding between the two.

The frame 3 comprises a perimetral structure 4 provided with two longitudinal sides 5 and two transverse headers 6 connected together so as to define a quadrilateral.

The two longitudinal sides 5 therefore extend parallel along a longitudinal direction "A" and are transversely spaced apart.

The two transverse headers 6 instead extend parallel along a transverse direction "B" and are longitudinally spaced apart.

In this regard, it should be recalled that, in the present discussion, the terms "longitudinal" and "transverse" are used as relative references which indicate two extension directions which are transverse to each other, preferably orthogonal, but do not necessarily determine a specific or absolute placement of the elements inside the drawer.

Preferably, the longitudinal sides 5 have a strip shape, i.e., they are flat elements which have two substantially vertical flat faces and a predominant extension along the longitudinal direction "A".

The longitudinal sides 5 extend between a first 5a and a second end portion 5b and have an upper edge 5c and a lower edge 5d.

The flat faces of the longitudinal sides 5 are therefore delimited at the top and bottom by the upper edge 5c and the lower edge 5d, respectively.

It should be noted that the relative terms "upper" and "lower" also refer in this text to the elements of the invention in use, i.e., inside a drawer "D" in which the upper and lower references are unique.

The transverse headers 6 extend in turn along the transverse direction "B" between two ends 6a.

Such transverse headers 6 therefore have at least one substantially flat face 7 facing the inside of the quadrilateral (i.e., the perimetral structure 4) and delimited by the two ends 6a.

Preferably, the transverse headers 6 have a thickness greater than the longitudinal sides.

In particular, at the ends 6a each transverse header 6 has a longitudinal face 8 which defines the thickness "s" thereof.

Therefore, the longitudinal face 8 has an orientation substantially parallel to the longitudinal side 5 to which it is connected.

In this regard, in order to define the perimetral structure 4, each first 5a or second end portion 5b of the lateral sides 5 is connected to a respective end 6a of a transverse header 6.

In particular, the end portions 5a, 5b of the lateral sides 5 are connected at a connection area 8a.

Preferably, the end portions 5a, 5b of the lateral sides 5 are each connected (i.e., fixed) to a longitudinal face 8 of a transverse header 6. Each longitudinal face 8 of a transverse header 6 is thus provided with a connection area 8a.

Preferably, at least the connection areas 8a of a transverse header 6 are provided with longitudinal adjustment means 9 configured to allow a variation of a relative fixing position between the longitudinal side 5 and the transverse header 6.

Preferably, both transverse headers 6 are provided with said adjustment means 9. In other words, preferably all the connection areas 8a are provided with the adjustment means 9.

The adjustment means 9 are configured to allow a longitudinal sliding between the longitudinal side 5 and the transverse header 6 useful to adapt the dimension (in particular the depth) of the perimetral structure 4 to the size of the drawer "D".

In the preferred embodiment, the longitudinal adjustment means 9 comprise a plurality of oblong slots 9a extending longitudinally and each aligned with a respective hole 9b obtained on the first end portion 5a of the longitudinal side 5.

The hole 9b and the oblong slot 9a can therefore be aligned along a transverse direction to allow the fixing between the longitudinal side 5, for example by means of screws, rivets or other fixing means known per se. Advantageously, it is thereby easy to adjust the position of the transverse header 6 with respect to the longitudinal sides 5 during the installation of the divider device 1 in the drawer "D".

It should also be noted that, preferably, each end 6a of a transverse header 6 has a protrusion of tops 6b adapted to surmount the upper edge 5c of the respective longitudinal side 5 at the connection area 8a.

Advantageously, thereby, the connection area is hidden and the product is more aesthetically pleasing.

The frame 3 also comprises a plurality of separating elements 10, 11 preferably longitudinal.

The separating elements 10, 11 are placed inside the perimetral structure 4 to divide the internal space thereof into a plurality of compartments.

Each separating element 10, 11 preferably extends along the longitudinal direction "A" between two ends 10a, 11 a.

In the preferred embodiment, the separating elements are shaped like a strip (similar to the longitudinal sides 5) and have two substantially vertical faces.

More precisely, the separating elements 10, 11 extend longitudinally between the respective ends 10a, 11 a thereof and are delimited by an upper edge 10b, 11 b and a lower edge 10c, 11 c.

In the preferred embodiment, the separating elements 10, 11 (and the longitudinal sides 5) are made of valuable materials, such as aluminium, steel, wood etc. .

According to an aspect of the invention, at least one of the transverse headers 6 comprises a plurality of notches 12 for receiving an end 10a, 11 a of a respective separating element 10, 11.

Preferably, both transverse headers 6 each comprise a plurality of said notches 12.

More preferably, the notches 12 are obtained, as an indentation, on at least one of said transverse headers 6.

The notches 12 are preferably grooves obtained in the substantially flat face 7 of the transverse header 6, preferably oriented along the vertical direction to internally house an end 10a, 11 a of a respective separating element 10, 11.

Preferably, each notch 12 of the transverse header 6 has a bottom wall 12a and two side walls 12b, 12c.

The bottom wall 12a is preferably parallel to the substantially flat face 7, while the two side walls 12b, 12c are substantially vertical, parallel to each other and orthogonal to the substantially flat face 7.

Preferably, each notch 12 comprises a retention portion 13 slidably constrained to the respective end 10a, 11a of the separating element 10, 11. The retention portion 13 is configured to prevent a relative movement between the transverse header 6 and the separating element 10, 11 along an extension direction of the notch (i.e., along the vertical direction). Advantageously, thereby, the frame is robust and can be easily handled.

In the preferred embodiment, the retention portion 13 being placed on at least one of said side walls 12b, 12c, more preferably on both.

Preferably, the retention portion 13 of each notch 12 comprises a bulge 18a slidably coupled to a corresponding groove 18b made on one side of the respective separating element 10, 11 (at the end 10a, 11 a), or vice versa.

In other words, the retention portion comprises a shoulder slidably coupled to a corresponding undercut (or more generally recess) made respectively in the notch 12 and in the separating element 10, 1 1.

The shoulder (or bulge) and the undercut (or recess) have respective sliding and abutment surfaces oriented at least partially horizontally, in order to prevent a relative movement of the two components along the vertical direction.

In the illustrated embodiment, each notch 12 comprises two bulges 18a facing each other and defining a reduced-section stretch 12d of the notch 12.

Each bulge 18a is therefore slidably associated with a respective groove 18b 18b18b made on a side of the respective separating element 10, 11.

In this regard, therefore, also the separating element 10, 11 has, at the end thereof, a reduced-section stretch 10b, 11 b.

It should be noted that in certain alternative embodiments, the bulges and grooves could be reversed, thus defining an enlarged-section stretch of both the notch and the separating element.

Preferably, moreover, the notch 12 comprises at least one elastic element 14 configured to exert a longitudinal thrust (i.e., along said longitudinal direction "A"), away from the transverse header 6, on the end 10a, 11a of the separating element 10, 11. Advantageously, thanks to the elastic element 14, the divider elements always maintain a central position inside the perimetral structure 4.

Preferably, each notch 12 comprises a plurality of elastic elements 14, more preferably two, so as to keep the thrust action on the separating element 10, 11 balanced.

Moreover, in the preferred embodiment, said at least one elastic element 4 is constrained to the bottom wall 12a.

Preferably, the elastic element 14 comprises an oscillating tab 15 extending between a first end portion 15a, constrained to said bottom wall 12a, and a second end portion 15b raised with respect to said bottom wall 12a and elastically movable towards and away therefrom.

It should be noted that the elastic element 14 is preferably made in a single piece with the transverse header 6.

In this regard, the header 6 is, as mentioned, preferably made of plastic material, facilitating the integration of one or more elastic elements by moulding.

In the preferred embodiment, each tab 15 has a flat end portion 15c, preferably oriented vertically, shaped to abut an end wall of the end 10a, 11 a of the separating element 10, 11.

Advantageously, thereby, the thrust action is better distributed and more uniform.

It should be noted that, preferably, the divider device 1 comprises a transverse wall 16 interposed between said two transverse headers 6 and configured to divide, together with the separating elements 10, 11 , at least a part of the internal space of said quadrilateral into a plurality of short compartments SV each extending longitudinally between a transverse header 6 and the transverse wall 16.

Preferably, the transverse wall 16 has a smaller transverse extension with respect to the transverse headers 6.

Advantageously, thereby, the space inside said quadrilateral has at least one long compartment LV extending longitudinally between said transverse headers 6.

Preferably, in fact, the difference between the transverse length of the transverse wall 16 and that of the transverse headers 6 corresponds to the (transverse) width of said long compartment LV.

Preferably, therefore, the separating elements 10, 11 are also divided into two different types, namely:

- at least one long separating element 10 facing and parallel to a longitudinal side 5 of the perimetral structure 4 and delimiting at least in part the long compartment LV;

- a plurality of short separating elements 11 each extending longitudinally between a transverse header 6 and the transverse wall 16. Moreover, in the preferred embodiment, the short separating elements 11 are divided into two groups with different longitudinal extension (i.e., length), so as to allow a further differentiation in the size of the short compartments.

As illustrated in the appended figures, in fact, preferably the divider device 1 comprises first short compartments SV’ and second short compartments SV”, the latter having greater longitudinal extension than the first short compartments SV’.

The transverse wall 16 is therefore a divider septum between the first short compartments SV’ and second short compartments SV”.

Preferably, in order to fit between the short separating elements 11 , the transverse wall 16 has a plurality of notches (not illustrated in detail), each shaped to receive an end 11 a of a respective separating element 11 .

Such notches have a shape and features similar to those described so far in relation to the notches 12 of the transverse headers 6.

Thus, the features and advantages connected thereto cited in relation to the notches 12 apply mutatis mutandis to the notches of the transverse wall 16.

It should be noted that the transverse wall has two substantially flat faces opposite each other and each facing a respective transverse header 6. The notches 17 are made substantially flat on both sides.

Preferably, each notch 17 of a flat face is aligned along the longitudinal direction to a corresponding notch on the other flat face.

Furthermore, like the transverse headers 6, the transverse wall 16 also has two ends 18a each provided with a protrusion of tops 6b adapted to surmount the upper edge 5c, 10b, 11 b of the respective longitudinal side 5 or separating element 10.

Preferably, moreover, in the embodiments in which the presence of a shockproof mat 2 is envisaged, gripping bodies 19 are provided adapted to counteract the sliding between the frame 3 and said shockproof mat 2. Preferably, the longitudinal sides 5 and/or the separating elements 10, 11 (preferably both) have one or more gripping bodies 19 departing from a respective lower edge and configured to couple with said shockproof mat 2 in order to counteract a relative horizontal sliding between the frame 3 and the shockproof mat 2.

In the preferred embodiment, the shockproof mat 2 comprises one or more longitudinal and/or transverse grooves each coupled with a lower edge of the respective longitudinal side 5 or separating element 10, 11 , defining the gripping body 19.

Advantageously, this increases the stability of the assembly and provides the user with a high-quality impression.

In certain alternative embodiments, the gripping bodies 19 are configured to penetrate inside the shockproof mat 2.

In such embodiments, illustrated for example in figure 2a, such gripping bodies 19 are each defined by a narrowed or tapered bottom edge 5d, 10c, 11 c of the longitudinal side 5 or the separating element 10, 11.

Alternatively, the gripping bodies can be defined by teeth or wedges protruding below the longitudinal sides 5 or the separating elements 10, 11.

In a further alternative, possibly complementary to those mentioned above, the gripping bodies could be made on a lower edge of the transverse headers 6 and/or of the transverse wall.

Preferably, the divider device 1 also has a pair of longitudinal profiles (not shown) which can be coupled to the upper edge 5c of the longitudinal sides to compensate for any discrepancies between the width of the device 1 and the width of the drawer "D".

In any case, it should be noted that the divider device 1 must not necessarily be inserted into a drawer "D" of equal nominal width, but the presence of the shockproof mat 2 (this is cut to size with the drawer "D") together with the presence of the gripping bodies 19 allows the frame to be placed even in drawers "D" of larger dimensions, obtaining further compartments, for example, between a longitudinal side 5 and the side wall of the drawer.

This results in a significant advantage for manufacturers, who with a single (modular) device can cover a whole range of drawers "D".

In this regard, the storage and packaging methods allowed by the modular structure of the divider device 1 are not of secondary importance.

Also described below is a kit 100 for partitioning drawers containing the components for assembling a divider device 1 for drawers, preferably but not exclusively the divider device 1 described above.

The kit 100 comprises a parallelepiped casing 101 containing all the components.

The casing 101 preferably has a main extension dimension corresponding to a length of the longitudinal sides 5.

Inside the casing 101 , a plurality of structural elements 102 is placed, comprising at least a pair of transverse headers 6, a pair of longitudinal sides 5 and a plurality of longitudinal separating elements 10, 11.

Preferably, the transverse wall 16 is also present inside the casing.

The features of the transverse headers 6 of the longitudinal sides 5 and of the longitudinal separating elements 10, 11 (as well as possibly of the transverse wall 16) are preferably those described so far.

Inside the casing are also placed a plurality of fixing bodies (e.g., screws, couplings or the like) and the shockproof mat 2 in soft material.

The structural elements are packaged parallel with each other and the shockproof mat 2 is wound so as to define a tubular body 103.

It should be noted that the shockproof mat 102 has an axial length (i.e., along the central axis of the tubular body 103) equal to that of the longitudinal sides 5 (therefore of the casing 101 ) and a transverse extension corresponding to the maximum width for drawers on the market. Thereby, given the standard depth of the kitchen drawers (i.e., 450/480 mm) it is possible to adapt the divider device 1 to all sizes of drawers on the market simply by cutting the shockproof mat to size.

In the preferred embodiment, all the structural elements are packaged with the respective planar faces overlapped/abutted to that of the adjacent structural element 102.

More preferably, only the side wall 16 is placed transversely, more preferably orthogonally to the other structural elements 102 so as to define an "L"-shaped body.

In any case, the structural elements 102 and the shockproof mat 2 are housed in said casing and placed side-by-side so that a central axis "A" of said tubular body 103 is parallel to a main extension axis "B" of the structural elements 102.

Advantageously, thereby, the arrangement of the kit is highly compact and rational, limiting the dimensions and facilitating the stacking of the product. The invention achieves the intended objects and offers important advantages.

In fact, the provision of a modular and universal divider device, able to easily adapt to a plurality of drawer sizes, greatly reduces the costs borne by the manufacturer even in the presence of qualitative materials such as aluminium, steel or wood for the components.

Moreover, the use of a shockproof mat of standard size and which can be cut to the size of the drawer greatly increases the adaptability and universality of the product. Furthermore, the presence of headers provided with elastic elements and retention bodies makes the structure of the device solid and easy to handle, both by the assemblers and by the user during ordinary maintenance of the kitchen.

Claims

1 . A drawer divider device, comprising: a frame (3) comprising a perimetral structure (4) provided with two longitudinal sides (5) and two transverse headers (6) connected together so as to define a quadrilateral insertable in a receiving volume of a drawer (D) and a plurality of longitudinal separating elements (10, 11 ) arranged inside said perimetral structure (4) to divide the internal space thereof into a plurality of compartments; wherein at least one of said transverse headers (6) comprises a plurality of notches (12) for receiving an end (10a, 11a) of a respective separating element (10, 11 ), characterized in that each notch (12) comprises:

- at least one elastic element (14) configured to exert a longitudinal thrust, away from the transverse header (6), on the end (10a, 11 a) of the separating element (10, 11 ).

2. The divider device according to claim 1 , wherein said notches (12) are made, as an indentation, on at least one of said transverse headers (6).

3. The divider device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each notch (12) of the transverse header (6) has a bottom wall (12a) and two side walls (12b, 12c); said retention portion (13) being placed on at least one of said side walls (12b, 12c) and said at least one elastic element (14) being constrained to said bottom wall (12a).

4. The divider device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each notch (12) of the transverse header (6) has a bottom wall (12a) and two side walls (12b, 12c) and wherein said at least one elastic element (14) comprises an oscillating tab (15) extending between a first end portion (15a), constrained to said bottom wall (12a), and a second end portion (15b) raised with respect to said bottom wall (12a) and elastically movable towards and away therefrom.

5. The divider device according to claim 4, wherein said transverse header (6) is made of plastic material and said elastic element (14) is made in a single piece with the transverse header (6).

6. The divider device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each said notch (12) comprises a retention portion (13) slidably constrained to the respective end (10a, 11 a) of the separating element (10, 11 ) and configured to prevent a relative movement between the transverse header (6) and the separating element (10, 11 ) along a direction of extension of the notch (12).

7. The divider device according to claim 6, wherein the retention portion (13) of each notch (12) comprises a bulge (18a) slidably coupled to a corresponding groove (18b18b18b) made on one side of the respective separating element (10, 11 ), or vice versa.

8. The divider device according to claim 7, wherein the retention portion (13) of each notch (12) is defined by two bulges (18a) facing each other and defining a reduced-section stretch (12d) of the notch; each bulge (18a) being slidably associated with a respective groove (18b18b18b) obtained on one side of the respective separating element (10, 11 ).

9. The divider device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein both transverse headers (6) comprise said notches (12).

10. The divider device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each longitudinal side (5) extends between a first (5a) and a second end portion (5b) each connected to a respective end (6a) of a transverse header (6); said first end portions (5a, 5b) of the longitudinal sides (5) being constrained to the respective transverse header (6) at a connection area (8a) provided with longitudinal adjustment means (9) configured to allow a variation of a relative fixing position between the longitudinal side (5) and the transverse header (6).

11. The divider device according to claim 10, wherein each end (6a) of at least one transverse header (6) comprises a longitudinal face (8) parallel to the relative longitudinal side (5) and facing the first (5a) or second end portion (5b) of said longitudinal side (5); said adjustment means (9) comprising a plurality of oblong slots (9a) made in said longitudinal face (8) and extending longitudinally, each aligned with a respective hole (9b) obtained on the first end portion (5a) of the longitudinal side (5).

12. The divider device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a transverse wall (16) interposed between said two transverse headers (6) and having less transverse extension with respect thereto so as to divide a space inside said quadrilateral into at least:

- at least one long compartment (LV) extending longitudinally between said transverse headers (6);

- a plurality of short compartments (SV) each extending longitudinally between a transverse header (6) and the transverse wall (16).

13. The divider device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a shockproof mat (2) made of soft material on which said frame (3) rests.

14. The divider device according to claim 13, wherein said longitudinal sides (5) and/or said separating elements (10, 11 ) have one or more 22 gripping bodies (19) departing from a respective lower edge and configured to couple with said shockproof mat (2) in order to counteract a relative horizontal sliding between the frame (3) and the shockproof mat (2).

15. The separator device according to claim 13, wherein said shockproof mat (2) comprises one or more longitudinal and/or transverse grooves each coupled with a lower edge of the respective longitudinal side (5) or separating element (10, 11 ); said lower edge defining said gripping body (19).

16. A drawer (D) comprising:

- a quadrilateral perimetral enclosure having at least two parallel and spaced apart sides and a bottom wall anchored to the perimetral enclosure to define a receiving volume;

- two guide members associated with said sides, characterized in that it comprises a divider device (1 ) inserted in said receiving volume and resting on said bottom wall.