WO2022189804A1 - Kit or assembly for extending height of walls of a drawer - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a kit or assembly for extending an effective height of walls of a container so as to increase the useable volume of the container. The present invention provides a (drawer liner) wall member 12 which has a simple construction comprising two extruded panels 20, 22 which are connected to only allow relative movement along a single longitudinal axis to allow the length of the wall member 12 to be adjusted precisely to fit within a wall of a drawer 2. The invention provides strengthening/reinforcement means which are provided along the full longitudinal length of the wall member 12 which protects the device during routine use over a long period of time. The invention may also be reusable and is provided with securement means which may be releasable from a first drawer and then enables the wall member 12 to be secured in a second drawer which may have different dimensions. Accordingly, the drawer assembly increases the capacity of a drawer. The drawer attachment comprises a wall member 12 and securement means 76 wherein the securement means is arranged to secure the wall member 12 to a wall of the drawer 2 in order for the wall member 12 to project upwardly above a top edge of the wall of the drawer 2. The wall member 12 comprising a first panel 20 and a second panel 22. The drawer attachment provides retaining means 30 to retain the first panel 20 to the second panel 22 and guide means 46 to guide movement of the first panel 20 relative to the second panel 22. The retaining means 30 enables the first panel 20 to be slidably movable relative to the second panel 22 in order to adjust and set a longitudinal length of the wall member 12.

Description

KIT OR ASSEMBLY FOR EXTENDING HEIGHT OF WALLS OF A DRAWER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a drawer assembly for increasing the capacity of a drawer and a method of increasing the capacity of a drawer.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Drawers and pull-out shelves are widely used to provide convenient storage of articles. Generally, a drawer comprises a container, in the form of an open box or tray, which is mounted in an item of furniture such that the container can be moved horizontally to provide or restrict access to the contents of the container. In this way, the contents can be kept concealed from view and protected from contamination (e.g. dust) when the drawer is stowed in the item of furniture, whilst being readily accessible when the drawer is opened.

Drawers may be mounted in a variety of furniture items, such as kitchen units, desks and office furniture, workbenches, or a chest of drawers. Generally, drawers are mounted on runners or slides which provide a bearing to allow the drawers to be pulled out from, and pushed into, the furniture. Drawer units are generally provided in typical static residential and commercial buildings, and are also provided in temporary and mobile residential and commercial places such as motorhomes, caravans, trailer and site offices, garden buildings etc.

In some applications, a front wall of the drawer is taller than side walls and/or a rear wall, such that the contents of the drawer are fully concealed by the front wall when the drawer is closed, but easier access to the contents is provided by the reduced height of the side walls. This may be advantageous when fewer, larger objects (e.g. saucepans) are stored in the drawer. However, in some instances, the reduced height of the walls may be inadequate to contain the contents of the drawer, for example when the drawer contains more numerous smaller objects (e.g. utensils, numerous small items of household or commercial equipment). To overcome this issue, kits or assemblies may be fitted to drawers to modify the effective height of the walls. Generally, such assemblies comprise panels or rails which may be connected to a frame of the drawer and/or to the walls. These assemblies may comprise numerous parts which may be difficult and time consuming to fit, and may be compatible only with specific types and/or sizes of drawers.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art, whether referred to herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a drawer assembly for increasing the capacity of a drawer, the drawer assembly comprising a drawer attachment, the drawer attachment comprising a wall member and securement means wherein the securement means is arranged to secure the wall member to a wall of the drawer in order for the wall member to project upwardly above a top edge of the wall of the drawer, the wall member comprising: a first panel; a second panel; and retaining means to retain the first panel to the second panel; and guide means to guide movement of the first panel relative to the second panel; wherein the retaining means enables the first panel to be slidably movable relative to the second panel in order to adjust and set a longitudinal length of the wall member.

Preferably the retaining means enable the first panel to be (slidably) movable along a longitudinal axis only relative to the second panel. Preferably the longitudinal axis extends from a first longitudinal end of the wall member to a second longitudinal end of the wall member. The retaining means may only/solely allow relative movement between the first panel and the second panel in both longitudinal directions and preferably prevents any relative movement of the two panels in either lateral direction (an upwards or downwards direction) and/or any relative rotational movement between the first panel and the second panel and/or any relative separation movement between the first panel and the second panel.

Preferably, in use, the retaining means prevents the first panel being disconnected from the second panel. The retaining means may prevent disconnection of the first panel from the second panel in either lateral direction (an upwards or downwards direction) and/or in a relative separation direction.

The retaining means may comprise a first bearing surface for facilitating movement of the first panel relative to the second panel. The guide means may comprise a second bearing surface for facilitating movement of the first panel relative to the second panel.

The retaining means may comprise a first retaining mechanism and a second retaining mechanism. The first retaining mechanism may comprise a first bearing surface for facilitating movement of the first panel relative to the second panel The second retaining mechanism may comprise a third bearing surface for facilitating movement of the first panel relative to the second panel. The second retaining mechanism may comprise a fourth bearing surface for facilitating movement of the first panel relative to the second panel.

The or each bearing surface may transfer part of the weight of an innermost panel to the outermost panel which is thereby transferred to the drawer through the securement means.

Preferably the cross-section of the first panel is uniform along a longitudinal length. Preferably the first panel comprises an extruded panel. Preferably the cross-section of the second panel is uniform along a longitudinal length. Preferably the second panel comprises an extruded panel.

Preferably the securement means secures a face of the wall member to a face of the wall of the drawer. Preferably the securement means secures an outer face of the wall member to an inner face of the wall of the drawer. The securement means may secure a lower face of the wall member to an upper face of the wall of the drawer.

Preferably the securement means secures a face of the second panel to the wall of the drawer. Preferably the securement means secures an outer face of the second panel to an inner face of the wall of the drawer. Preferably the securement means secures a face of the first panel to the wall of the drawer. Preferably the securement means secures an outer face of the first panel to an inner face of the wall of the drawer.

Preferably the securement means secures a face of the wall member to an inner (internal) face of the wall of the drawer.

The securement means may secure a face of the wall member to an upper face of the wall of the drawer.

Preferably the securement means is arranged to support the full weight of the wall member. Preferably the securement means solely supports the weight of the wall member.

The securement means may be arranged to secure the wall member with a lower edge of the wall member spaced from an internal base of the drawer.

Preferably the securement means comprise re-usable securement means such that the wall member can be removed from the wall of the drawer and repositioned without removing the securement means. The securement means may comprise permanent securement means and the securement means may comprise permanent adhesive pads or tape.

The securement means may comprise one or more securement members. Preferably the or each securement member comprises a surface securement member. The or each securement member may comprise a planar and/or substantially flat securement member to locate between two surfaces and secure two surfaces without penetration into the respective member (wall of the drawer and/or panels of the drawer attachment).

Preferably the securement means comprises adhering means. The adhering means may comprise an adhesive pad or strip and preferably comprises a plurality of adhesive pads or strips.

The first panel may be slidably movable to adjust and set the length of the wall member to correspond with a length of the wall of the drawer. The adjusted/set length of the wall member may correspond with the full length of the wall of the drawer.

The retaining means may extend along the longitudinal length of the wall member.

The retaining means may extend along an upper edge of the wall member.

The retaining means may comprise a first retaining portion provided on the first panel and a second retaining portion provided on the second panel.

The first retaining portion may be provided along an upper (top) edge of the first panel. The second retaining portion may be provided along an upper (top) edge of the second panel.

The first retaining portion may provide a channel portion along which the second retaining portion is engaged (and may be encapsulated) and which may enable the second retaining portion to slide within the channel portion. The second retaining portion may comprise a shaped upper edge of the second panel.

The retaining means may comprise auxiliary retaining means which may locate along a lower edge of the wall member.

The auxiliary retaining means may comprise a first auxiliary retaining portion provided on the first panel and a second auxiliary retaining portion provided on the second panel.

The first auxiliary retaining portion may be provided along a lower a (bottom) edge of the first panel. The second auxiliary retaining portion may be provided along a lower (bottom) edge of the second panel.

The first auxiliary retaining portion may provide a channel portion along which the second auxiliary retaining portion is engaged (and may be encapsulated) and which may enable the second auxiliary retaining portion to slide within the channel portion. The second auxiliary retaining portion may comprise a shoulder.

Preferably the drawer attachment is arranged to extend an effective height of a container (drawer).

Preferably a length of the wall member is adjustable in a direction perpendicular to a height of the drawer.

Preferably the drawer attachment extends an effective height of at least one side wall of a drawer and may extend a height of two opposing side walls of a drawer. The drawer attachment may extend a height of a rear wall of the drawer.

Preferably the second panel is slidably engaged with the first panel such that a length of the wall member can be adjusted to fit a length of the side (and or rear) wall of the drawer.

Preferably the drawer attachment comprises locking means to lock the (longitudinal) position of the second panel relative to the first panel to set/retain the length of the wall member, for example, after the wall member has been adjusted to fit a length of the side (and or rear) wall of the drawer.

The guide means may comprise an elongate projection (guide ridge/corrugation/rib) on one panel which may engage within a guide channel provided on the other panel.

The first panel may comprise a guide channel to guide the slidable movement of the second panel relative to the first channel.

The second panel may comprise a rib (guide ridge/or corrugation) to guide the slidable movement of the first panel relative to the second panel.

The rib (guide ridge/corrugation) and guide channel may prevent or inhibit relative vertical movement of the first panel and the second panel.

The guide means may provide the locking means. The guide means may comprise a shaped surface of the first panel and may comprise a corresponding shaped surface on the second panel. The locking means may comprise sawtooth profiles on the first panel and/or the second panel.

The drawer assembly may comprise two or three drawer attachments. A first drawer attachment may be secured to a first side wall of the drawer, a second drawer attachment may be secured to a second side wall of the drawer and a third drawer attachment may be secured to a rear wall of the drawer.

The drawer assembly may comprise one or more securement brackets. The or each securement bracket may locate adjacent to a corner of the drawer. The or each corner bracket may secure adjacent drawer attachments to each other. The or each securement bracket may secure a first wall member to an adjacent second wall member. The or each securement bracket may secure a first panel of a first wall member to a second panel of an adjacent second wall member.

The or each securement bracket may comprise an L-shaped plate.

The first panel and/or the second panel may comprise a series of apertures provided thereon. The series of apertures may be arranged in a symmetrical pattern. The series of apertures may significantly decrease the weight of the panel(s).

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of increasing the capacity of a drawer comprising attaching a drawer assembly to the drawer, the drawer assembly comprising a drawer attachment, the drawer attachment comprising a wall member and securement means, the wall member comprising: a first panel; a second panel; retaining means to retain the first panel to the second panel; and guide means to guide movement of the first panel relative to the second panel; the method further comprising: slidably moving the first panel relative to the second panel in order to adjust and set a longitudinal length of the wall member and. securing the wall member with the securement mean to a wall of the drawer in order for the wall member to project upwardly above a top edge of the wall of the drawer.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a drawer comprising drawer assembly for increasing the capacity of the drawer, the drawer assembly comprising a drawer attachment, the drawer attachment comprising a wall member and securement means wherein the securement means is arranged to secure the wall member to a wall of the drawer in order for the wall member to project upwardly above a top edge of the wall of the drawer, the wall member comprising: a first panel; a second panel; retaining means to retain the first panel to the second panel; and guide means to guide movement of the first panel relative to the second panel; wherein the retaining means enables the first panel to be slidably movable relative to the second panel in order to adjust and set a longitudinal length of the wall member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used for like features, and in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a wall assembly according to the present invention, together with a drawer to which the wall assembly may be mounted;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the wall assembly of Figure 1 mounted to the drawer;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a wall member of the wall assembly of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of first and second panels of the wall member of Figure 3;

Figure 5a is a cross-sectional view of the first panel of Figure 4;

Figure 5b is a cross-sectional view of the second panel of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the wall member of Figure 3;

Figure 7a is a perspective view of a corner bracket of the wall assembly of Figure 1 ;

Figure 7b is a cross-sectional view of the corner bracket of Figure 7a;

Figure 8a is a perspective view of a corner bracket and securing members of the wall assembly of Figure 1 ;

Figure 8b is a cross-sectional view of the corner bracket and securing members of Figure 8a;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a part of another embodiment of a wall assembly according to the present invention mounted to a drawer, in which the rear wall is removed for clarity;

Figure 10 is a perspective exploded view of part of another embodiment of a wall assembly according to the present invention, together with a drawer to which the wall assembly may be mounted, in which the rear wall is removed for clarity;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a wall member of the wall assembly of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a wall member of the wall assembly of Figure 10;

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the wall member of Figurel 1 and Figure 12;

Figure 14 is a cross sectional exploded view showing the first panel and the second panel of the wall member of Figure 11 and Figure 12;

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a wall member of the present invention; Figure 16 is a perspective view of part of a further embodiment of a wall member of the present invention; and

Figure 17 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a wall member of the present invention together with part of a drawer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a kit or assembly for extending an effective height of walls of a container so as to increase the useable volume of the container.

The present invention provides a (drawer liner) wall member which has a simple construction comprising two extruded members(panels) which are connected to only allow relative movement along a single longitudinal axis to allow the length of the wall member to be adjusted precisely to fit within a wall of a drawer. The invention provides strengthening/reinforcement means which are provided along the full longitudinal length of the wall member which protects the device during routine use over a long period of time. The invention may also be reusable and is provided with securement means which may be releasable from a first drawer and then enables the wall member to be secured in a second drawer of which may have different dimensions. Furthermore, the securement means may be surface securement means (a laminar adhesive pad) which does not penetrate or otherwise damage the drawer such that the drawer is left undamaged after removal of the wall member. In addition, the two extruded members (panels) incorporate movement guides and bearing surfaces. The guides constrain and guide the movement of one panel relative to the other panel. The bearing surfaces facilitate the movement and also distribute the loads transferred between the two extruded members and any loads are not transferred through localised points which would increase the associated stresses and facilitate the development of failures/weaknesses. Adjacent wall members may also be connected to each other to further strengthen the overall assembly. The use of present invention does not interfere with the existing mechanism of the drawer and is secured on an inner face(s) of the drawer to avoid the movement system (e.g. rails etc.) of the drawer. The wall members are also spaced from the internal base of the drawer in order to maintain the existing internal foot print of the drawer. For example, made to fit trays may be located within the drawer such that an internal wall supported on the base would interfere with such trays.

In use, the wall assembly is arranged to be mounted to walls of a container such as a drawer, above a supporting base of the container on which items may be placed for storage. Accordingly, throughout this specification, the terms “top”, “upper”, “upwardly” and related terms refer to a position furthest above the base of the container in use, or a direction extending from the base towards such a position. Correspondingly, the terms “bottom”, “lower”, “downward” and related terms refer to a position closest to the base, or an opposite direction. The terms ‘inner’, ’inwardly’ and related terms refer to a position or direction towards an interior of the container, and the terms ‘outer’, ‘outwardly’ and related terms refer to a position or direction away from the interior.

A wall assembly 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 1 to 8b. Figures 1 and 2 show the wall assembly 10 together with a drawer 2 to which the wall assembly 10 can be fitted or mounted. The drawer 2 comprises a generally rectangular rigid box or frame comprising a base 4, a front wall 5, a rear wall 6, and side walls 7, 8. The wall assembly 10 is arranged to be mounted to the walls of the drawer 2 in order to extend the height of the walls of the drawer 2.

The wall assembly 10 comprises a plurality of wall members 12 and a plurality of connecting members or corner brackets 14, 15.

Referring also to Figure 3, each wall member 12 is generally rectangular and extends between a first end 16 and a second end 18. Each wall member comprises a first panel 20 and a second panel 22. The first and second panels 20, 22 are arranged to overlap and move relative to one another such that the length of each wall member 12 can be adjusted, as described in more detail below.

As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, each first panel 20 comprises a generally rectangular panel or plate, having a length that extends substantially parallel to a length of the wall member 12. In this embodiment the first panel comprises an extruded panel. The first panel extends between a first end 24 and a second end 26 along a longitudinal axis A of the first panel 20. The first panel 20 comprises a generally rectangular wall portion 28, and a retaining portion 30. The wall portion 28 extends from the first end 24 to the second end 26 of the first panel 20 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A. The retaining portion 30 extends along an upper edge of the wall portion 28 substantially parallel to the axis A.

Referring additionally to Figure 5a, the retaining portion 30 extends from the upper edge of the wall portion 28. The retaining portion is bent or curved and comprises a first portion 32, a second portion 34, a third portion 36 and a fourth portion 38. The first portion 32 extends from the upper edge of the wall portion 28 in a direction upwardly and away from a first, outer side 40 of the first panel 20. The second portion 34 extends from the first portion 32 in a direction downward and away from the outer side 40 of the first panel 20. The third portion 36 extends from the second portion 24 downward and towards the wall portion 28. The fourth portion 38 extends from the third portion 36 towards the first portion 32. The fourth portion 38 extends from a lower edge of the third portion 36, part way towards the first portion 32. In this way, the retaining portion 30 provides a hooked rim.

The retaining portion 30 partially encloses a retaining channel 42 which extends between the first and second ends 24, 26 of the first panel 20. A gap 44 between the fourth portion 38 and the first portion 32 provides a generally downwardly facing opening of the retaining channel 42. The retaining channel 42 is open at the first and second ends 24, 26 of the first panel 20. The retaining portion 30 is arranged to retain part of the second panel 22, as described further below.

The first panel 20 is provided with a corrugation 46 which extends along the length of the first panel 20. The corrugation 46 extends fully along the wall portion 28 substantially parallel to the axis A. The corrugation 46 is disposed between a lower edge of the first panel 20 and the retaining portion 30. In this way, the corrugation provides an alignment channel 48 which extends along the outer side 40 of the first panel 20. The alignment channel 48 is arranged to engage with part of the second panel 22. The cross-sectional profile of the first panel 20 is substantially uniform along the length of the first panel 20.

Referring again to Figures 3 and 4, each second panel 22 comprises a generally rectangular panel or plate, having a length that extends substantially parallel to a length of the wall member 12. In this embodiment the second panel 22 comprises an extruded panel. The second panel 22 extends between a first end 50 and a second end 52 along a longitudinal axis B of the second panel 22. The second panel comprises a generally rectangular wall portion 54, and a retaining lip 56. A length of the wall portion 54 extends along the length of the second panel 22. The retaining lip 56 extends along an upper edge of the wall portion 54.

Referring additionally to Figure 5b, the retaining lip 56 comprises a first portion 58 and a second portion 60. The first portion extends from the upper edge of the wall portion 54 in a direction upwardly and away from a first, outer side 62 of the second panel 22. The second portion 60 extends from the first portion 58 in a direction downward and away from the outer side of the second panel. In use, the retaining lip 56 is arranged to be retained by the retaining portion 30 of the first panel 20.

The second panel 22 is provided with a corrugation 64 which extends along the length of the second panel 22. The corrugation 64 extends fully along the wall portion 54 substantially parallel to the length of the second panel 22. The corrugation 64 is disposed between a lower edge of the second panel 22 and the retaining lip 56. In this way, the corrugation 64 provides a projecting ridge or rib 66 which extends along a second, inner side 68 of the second panel 22. The ridge 66 is arranged to engage with the alignment channel 48 of the first panel 20. The cross-sectional profile of the second panel 22 is substantially uniform along the length of the second panel 22.

The corrugation 64/rib 66 may comprise any suitable shape/profile and in the example show, the alignment channel is convex shaped with two converging walls and an end face connected therebetween. The corrugation 64/rib 66 could be a round corrugation or square shaped or s-shaped or any suitable combination. The corresponding alignment channel 48 would have a complementary shape/profile.

The drawer attachment may comprise locking means to lock the position of the first panel 20 relative to the second panel 22. In one embodiment, the rib 66 may be provided with a sawtooth surface (for example, on an upper surface) which engages within a complementary sawtooth surface provide on the alignment channel 48. This may enable the longitudinal length of the wall member 12 and the relative longitudinal position of the two panels 20, 22 to be set and/or retained. The locking means may be provided on any suitable surface(s) and may be provided on the retaining means or may be provided on dedicated locking rib and locking channel.

The upper surface of the retaining lip 56 provides a bearing surface on which the retaining portion can slidably move.

Referring additionally to Figure 6 the second panel 22 has a cross-sectional profile complementary to the cross-sectional profile of the first panel 20. Accordingly, the first and second panels 20, 22 are arranged to be aligned and engaged with one another in an overlapping or telescopic arrangement. In use, each wall member 12 comprises first and second panels 20, 22 arranged substantially parallel to one another, such that the longitudinal axes A and B are substantially parallel to one another. The first and second panels 20, 22 are arranged such that the outer side 40 of the first panel 20 faces the inner side 68 of the second panel 22. The lower edges of the first and second panels 20, 22 are aligned.

In this arrangement, shown most clearly in Figures 3 and 6, the ridge 66 of the second panel 22 engages with the alignment channel 48 of the first panel 20 and the retaining lip 56 is engaged with the retaining portion 30. The first and second portions 58, 60 of the retaining lip 56 are disposed adjacent the first and second portions 32, 34, respectively, of the retaining portion 30. The first portion 58 of the retaining lip 56 extends in the gap 44 in the retaining portion 30. The second portion 60 of the retaining lip extends 56 in the retaining channel 42. The retaining lip 56 is retained by the retaining portion 30. In this way, the second panel 22 is retained by the first panel 20. Relative movement of the first and second panels 20, 22 is therefore constrained and the panels 20, 22 may only be moved relative to one another in a direction substantially parallel to the axes A and B. With this arrangement, the first and second panels 20, 22 are slidably or telescopically engaged, such that the length of each wall member 12 may be adjusted by relative sliding of the first and second panels 20, 22. In this way, the wall members 12 are extendable but the panels 20, 22 are coupled to each other.

Since the cross-sectional profiles of the first and second panels 20, 22 are substantially uniform along their respective lengths, the first and second panels 20, 22 are arranged to slide relative to another in either opposing direction parallel to the axes A and B. In this way, the first and second panels 20, 22 can be engaged or disengaged by moving the second panel 22 into or out of engagement with the first panel 20 from either end 24, 26 of the first panel 20. In this embodiment, the first and second panels 20, 22 are of substantially the same length, such that when the panels 20, 22 are fully overlapped, the first and second ends 24, 26 of the first panel 20 are aligned with the first and second ends 50, 52 respectively of the second panel 22. Accordingly, the first end 16 of each wall member 12 may be provided by either or both of the first ends 24, 50 of the panels, and the second end 18 of each wall member 12 may be provided by either or both of the second ends 26, 52 of the panels. In other embodiments the first and second panels may have different lengths. The corrugations 46, 64 of the first and second panels 20, 22 provide a strengthening feature which increase the stiffness or rigidity of the first and second panels 20, 22. In some embodiments, relative movement of the first and second panels may be limited. For example, a stop may prevent the second panel from being fully separated from the first panel. In this way, the panels may be conveniently held together in use. The corrugation also provides a further bearing surface which facilitates the movement of the corrugation 64.

Referring to Figures 7a and 7b, each corner bracket 14 comprises a plate having a generally L-shaped cross-sectional profile. The plate comprises a pair of generally rectangular plate portions 70 extending in substantially perpendicular planes to one another and connected along a long edge of each plate portion. In this way, each corner bracket 14 comprises a pair of substantially perpendicular inner faces 72 and a pair of substantially perpendicular outer faces 74. Each corner bracket 14 is arranged to fit in a corner of the drawer 2, as can be seen in Figure 2. In use, the corner brackets 14 are arranged to connect the wall members 12 to one another and/or to the walls of the drawer 2, as described further below.

The wall assembly 10 is arranged to be mounted to an inner surface of the walls of the drawer 2. Accordingly, the wall members 12 and corner brackets 14, 15 may be fastened or secured to the drawer walls. To this end, the wall assembly 10 further comprises a plurality of securing members. The securing members are arranged to secure the wall members 12 and corner brackets 14, 15 to the drawer 2. In this embodiment, the securing members comprise generally rectangular adhesive pads or strips 76, as can be seen in Figures 1 , 8a and 8b. Securing members may be attached or secured to any of the inner or outer faces 72, 74 of each corner bracket 14. Figures 8a and 8b show a corner bracket 14 with adhesive strips 76 attached to both inner faces 72 and outer faces 74 to secure the corner bracket 14 to an adjacent panel and to the drawer 2. The adhesive strips 76 are double-sided strips, having an adhesive layer on opposing faces. The adhesive strips 76 comprise a resilient material. A plurality of thicknesses of adhesive strips 76 are provided. The adhesive strips 76 may be initially secured to either of the bracket 14, panel 20,22 or drawer 2 prior to being adhered to the further surface.

The wall assembly 10 may be used to extend the height of one or more walls 5, 6, 7, 8 of the drawer 2. Each wall member 12 is arranged to be mounted to the inner face of a respective drawer wall. The wall assembly 10 may be fitted to drawers of different dimensions. Accordingly, the length of each wall member 12 may be adjusted as described above, to fit the length of the respective drawer wall. In this embodiment, the wall assembly 10 comprises three wall members 12.

Referring again to Figure 2, in use, each wall member 12 is mounted to the inner face of a respective drawer wall. In this embodiment, the wall members 12 are mounted to the rear wall 6 and side walls 7, 8 of the drawer 2.

To fit the wall assembly 10 to the drawer 2, each wall member 12 is oriented such that the first and second panels 20, 22 extend substantially parallel to the inner surface of the drawer wall. Each wall member 12 is positioned such that the outer sides 40, 62 of the first and second panels 20, 22 face outwards and are disposed proximate the inner surface of the drawer wall. The length of each wall member 12 is adjusted so as to correspond to the length of the drawer wall. The length of each wall member 12 is adjusted such that an end of the first panel 20 is disposed adjacent an end of the respective drawer wall and an end of the second panel 20 is disposed adjacent an opposite end of the respective drawer wall. In this way, opposite ends 16, 18 of each wall member 12 are disposed proximate corners of the drawer 2. The wall members 12 are arranged to extend substantially perpendicular to one another. The wall members 12 may be mounted adjacent an upper edge of the drawer walls, such that the wall members 12 overlap the drawer walls and extend upwards above the drawer walls, so as to extend the effective height of the drawer walls.

The wall members 12 are secured to the drawer 2 using the adhesive strips 76. In this embodiment, the adhesive strips 76 are adhered or secured to the outer side 40, 62 of the first and second panels 20, 22, adjacent the lower edges of the first and second panels 20, 22, as can be seen in Figure 1 . To mount the wall members 12 to the drawer 2, the adhesive strips 76 are adhered to the inner surface of a drawer wall such that the adhesive strips secure the wall members 12 to the drawer 2. The adhesive strips 76 may be adhered adjacent an upper edge of the drawer wall, such that the lower edges of the first and second panels 20, 22 are disposed adjacent the upper edge of the drawer wall. In this arrangement, a lower part of the wall members 12 overlaps an upper part of the drawer walls and the wall members 12 extend upwards above the drawer walls. At least half of a height of each wall member 12 may extend above an upper edge of a respective drawer wall. A height above the drawer walls to which the drawer assembly 10 extends may be varied by adjusting the position of the wall members 12 and/or the securing members 76 when fitting the drawer assembly 10.

As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, a corner bracket 14, 15 is secured between adjacent ends of adjacent wall members 12. Each corner bracket 14, 15 overlaps end parts of the adjacent wall members 12 and is arranged to be secured to the adjacent wall members 12. Each corner bracket 14, 15 connects the adjacent ends of the wall members 12. The corner brackets 14, 15 are disposed between the wall members 12 and the drawer walls. In this way, a corner bracket 14, 15 is secured to the wall members adjacent each corner of the drawer 2. In this way, each corner bracket 14, 15 is arranged to connect neighbouring wall members 12 which are arranged substantially perpendicular to one another. Each corner bracket 14, 15 may be secured to a first panel 20 or a second panel 22. The corner brackets 14, 15 are secured to the wall members using the adhesive strips 76 The corner brackets 14, 15 may provide rigidity to the drawer assembly 10 by connecting adjacent wall members 12 together.

In the present embodiment, first and second corner brackets 14 are secured to opposite ends of a rearward wall member mounted to the rear wall 6 of the drawer 2. The first and second corner brackets connect the rearward wall member to wall members mounted to the side walls 7, 8 of the drawer 2. In this embodiment, an adhesive strip 76 is disposed on each inner face 72 of the first and second corner brackets 14, as seen in Figures 8a and 8b. The adhesive strips 76 are adhered to the wall members to secure the corner brackets to the wall members.

As can be seen also in Figures 1 and 2, third and fourth corner brackets 15 (identical to the first and second corner brackets, 14) are secured to the wall members 12 adjacent the front wall 5 of the drawer 2. An adhesive strip (not visible in Figure 1 ) is provided on an inner face 72 of each of the third and fourth corner brackets to secure the corner brackets to the wall members 12. An adhesive strip 76 is also provided on an outer face 74 of each of the third and fourth corner brackets 15 facing the front wall 5 of the drawer 2. In this way, the third and fourth corner brackets 15 secure the wall members 12 to the front wall 5 of the drawer 2.

Conveniently, the drawer assembly 10 may be fitted to a variety of drawers of different dimensions, by adjusting the length of the wall members 12 and the number of wall members 12 and/or corner brackets 14, 15 used, as described above. When fitting a wall member 12 to the drawer, the second panel 22 of the wall member 12 may be secured to the drawer wall first, before securing the first panel 20. In this way, the second panel 22 may support the first panel 20, such that the first panel 20 may be slid relative to the second panel 22 and drawer wall, to adjust the length of the wall member 12. In this arrangement, the first panel 20 is supported adjacent the drawer wall by the second panel 22 and so need not be secured to the drawer wall. However, the first panel 20 may be secured to the drawer wall following adjustment of the wall member 12. Additionally, or alternatively, the first panel may be secured to a corner bracket.

It will be appreciated that spacing between the surface of a drawer wall and different parts of the installed drawer assembly may vary. Accordingly, adhesive strips 78 having different thicknesses may be used to secure different parts of the drawer assembly to the drawer. For example, as can be seen in Figure 2, the first panel 20 of each wall member 12 is spaced apart from a respective drawer wall by the thickness of the second panel 22. Accordingly, thicker adhesive strips may be used to secure the first panels 20 to the drawers. The thickness of the thicker adhesive strips may span between the first panels 20 and the drawer walls such that the first and second panels 20, 22 are mounted substantially parallel to the surface of the drawer wall.

Additionally or alternatively, the securing members may be compressible, such that each securing member may be compressed to a suitable thickness in use.

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 9 to Figure 14. The drawer 2 again may comprise a generally rectangular rigid box or frame comprising a base 4, a front wall 5, a rear wall 6, and side walls 7, 8. The wall assembly 10 is again arranged to be mounted to the walls of the drawer 2 in order to extend the height of the walls of the drawer 2.

The wall assembly 10 comprises a plurality of wall members 112 and a plurality of connecting members or corner brackets although these are not shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10 for clarity purposes.

Each wall member 112 is generally rectangular and extends between a first end 116 and a second end 118. Each wall member comprises a first panel 120 and a second panel 122. The first and second panels 120, 122 are arranged to overlap and move relative to one another such that the length of each wall member 112 can be adjusted.

The first panel 120 comprises a generally rectangular panel or plate, having a length that extends substantially parallel to a length of the wall member 112. The first panel extends between a first end 124 and a second end 126. The first panel 120 comprises a generally rectangular wall portion 128, and at least a first retaining means or retaining mechanism comprising a retaining portion 130 and, in this embodiment also comprises auxiliary retaining means/mechanism comprising a second retaining portion 131. The first retaining portion 130 is provided along an upper edge of the first panel 120 and the second retaining portion 131 is provided along a lower edge of the first panel 120. The wall portion 128 extends from the first end 124 to the second end 126 of the first panel 120.

The first retaining portion 130 extends from the upper edge of the wall portion 128. The first retaining portion 130 comprises a bent or curved or arcuate portion. The first retaining portion 130 may comprise an evenly (uniformly) and/or smooth arcuate portion which may have a C-shaped cross-section. The first retaining portion 130 extends from the upper edge of the wall portion 128 in a direction upwardly and outwardly and away from the first panel 120. The retaining portion 130 provides at least a partially hooked rim.

The first retaining portion 130 partially defines a retaining channel 142 which extends between the first and second ends 124, 126 of the first panel 120. A gap provides a generally downwardly facing opening of the retaining channel 142. The retaining channel 142 is open at the first and second ends 124, 126 of the first panel 120. The first retaining portion 130 is arranged to retain part of the second panel 122.

The first panel 120 is provided with a corrugation in the form of a rib 146 which extends along the length of the first panel 120. The rib 146 extends fully along the wall portion 128. The rib 146 is disposed between the lower edge (and second retaining portion 131) of the first panel 120 and the upper edge (and the first retaining portion 130). The rib 146 is arranged to locate within an alignment channel 148 or groove which extends along the outer side 140 of the second panel 122. The cross-sectional profile of the first panel 120 is substantially uniform along the length of the first panel 120.

The second panel 122 comprises a generally rectangular panel or plate, having a length that extends substantially parallel to a length of the wall member 112. The second panel 122 extends between a first end 150 and a second end 152 along a longitudinal axis of the second panel 122. The second panel comprises a generally rectangular wall portion 154, and a retaining lip 156. A length of the wall portion 154 extends along the length of the second panel 122. The retaining lip 156 extends along an upper edge of the wall portion 154.

The retaining lip 156 comprises a bent or curved or arcuate portion. In use, the retaining lip 156 is arranged to be retained by the first retaining portion 130 of the first panel 120. Accordingly, the outer surface of the retaining lip 156 cooperates and corresponds with the inner surface of the first retaining portion 130 of the first panel 120. The upper surface of the retaining lip 156 provides a bearing surface on which the first retaining portion may move.

The second panel comprises a retaining flange 157 located along the lower edge of the wall portion 154. The retaining flange 157 comprises a relatively thin (with respect the main wall portion 154) lower edge region. In use, the retaining flange 157 is arranged to be retained by the second retaining portion 131 of the first panel 120 and to be able to slide therewithin. Accordingly, the outer surface of the retaining flange 157 cooperates and corresponds with the inner surface of the second retaining portion 131 of the first panel 120. The retaining flange 157 also provides a shoulder portion 159 which engages and may be supported on a surface provided by the upwardly facing surface 161 at the end of the second retaining portion 131 .

The auxiliary/second retaining means/mechanism comprises a second retaining portion 131 providing a bearing surface in the bottom of the channel on which the lower end of the retaining flange 157 is supported and this facilitates the movement of the retaining flange 157 over the bearing surface provided by the second retaining portion 131 . Furthermore, the upwardly facing surface 161 of the second retaining portion 131 provides a bearing surface on which the shoulder portion 159 of the retaining flange 157 is supported on which further enhances the smooth movement and the uniform distribution of forces/loads between the two panels 120, 122.

The second panel 122 is provided with a corrugation 164 which extends along the length of the second panel 122. The corrugation 164 extends fully along the wall portion 154 substantially parallel to the length of the second panel 122. The corrugation 164 is disposed between the lower retaining flange 157 along the lower edge of the second panel 122 and the retaining lip 156 or rim along the upper edge of the second panel 122. The corrugation 164 defines a channel 148 which extends along a second, inner side 168 of the second panel 122. The alignment channel 148 is arranged to engage with the rib 146 of the first panel 20. The cross-sectional profile of the second panel 122 is substantially uniform along the length of the second panel 122.

As above, the second panel 122 has a cross-sectional profile which is complementary to the cross-sectional profile of the first panel 120. Accordingly, the first and second panels 120, 122 aligned and engaged with one another in an overlapping or telescopic arrangement. In use, each wall member 112 comprises first and second panels 120, 122 arranged substantially parallel to one another. The outer side 140 of the first panel 120 faces the inner side 168 of the second panel 122.

As described above, the rib 146 of the first panel 120 engages with the alignment channel 148 of the second panel 122, the retaining lip 156 engages with the first retaining portion 130 and the retaining flange 157 engages in the second retaining portion 131. Since both the upper and lower edges of the second panel 122 are engaged within respective retaining portions 130, 131 of the first panel 120, the two panels 120, 122 are retained to each other and only relative sliding movement is possible. More specifically, the two panels 120, 122 are constrained and the panels 120, 122 may only be moved relative to one another in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes of the panels 120, 122. With this arrangement, the first and second panels 120, 122 are slidably or telescopically engaged, such that the length of each wall member 112 may be adjusted by relative sliding of the first and second panels 120, 122. In this way, the wall members 112 are extendable.

Since the cross-sectional profiles of the first and second panels 120, 122 are substantially uniform along their respective lengths, the first and second panels 120, 122 are arranged to slide relative to another in either opposing direction parallel to the longitudinal axes. When not mounted/fixed within a drawer 2, the first and second panels 120, 122 can be engaged or disengaged by relatively moving the second panel 122 into or out of engagement with the first panel 120 from either end 124, 126 of the first panel 120. The first and second panels 120, 122 are of substantially the same length, such that when the panels 120, 122 are fully overlapped, the first and second ends 124, 126 of the first panel 120 are aligned with the first and second ends 150, 152 respectively of the second panel 122.

The rib 146 and the shaped groove 164 of the first and second panels 120, 122 provide a strengthening feature which increase the stiffness or rigidity of the first and second panels 120, 122. The shaped groove 164 also provides a bearing surface on which the rib 146 may move.

As described above for the earlier embodiment, corner brackets 14 comprising L- shaped plates may be used to aid the securement of the panels 120, 121 within the drawer 2.

The wall assembly 110 is arranged to be mounted to an inner surface of the walls of the drawer 12. The outer surface 140, 169 of each panel 120, 122 are secured to an inner face of the drawer 2 using generally rectangular adhesive pads 176 or strips 76.

A further embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 15, Figure 16 and Figure 17. In this embodiment, the wall member 212 is arranged to be secured to the top peripheral edge/face of the drawer rather than solely being secured to an inner face of the drawer 2. The wall member 212 is provided with a lower securing surface which is arranged to face the upper surface of the peripheral wall of the drawer 2. In particular, the first panel 220 and/or the second panel 222 have lower flanges 280, 282 to aid the securement of the panels 220, 222 to the top supporting surface. According, each panel 220, 222 comprise an L-shaped profile. Any suitable securing methods may be used, for example adhesive pads as previously described.

The bases of the panels 220, 220 have an L shaped profile, in order that the wall member may ‘sit’ or locate on top of an existing drawer box side (typically wooden drawer sides fit this drawer box description). This would enable the same function but with the extender panels fixed away from the interior wall surfaces of the drawer box, making a more seamless transition. The fixing means remains the same as the previous versions. This L profile version may also be used if there is an extra drawer panel at the front of the drawer box. The dimensions of the panels 220, 222 may vary relative to the size of the drawer 2.

In some applications, the wall assembly may not extend an overall height of a drawer, but may still extend a useable or effective height of the drawer by covering openings in at least one drawer wall. For example, some drawers may include a rail or frame disposed above the walls of the drawer for containing larger objects, but which may not be suitable for containing smaller objects due to the presence of openings (e.g. a gap between an upper edge of the drawer wall and a rail). The wall assembly of the present invention may be mounted to extend upwards from the walls to cover such openings.

In some embodiments, the wall assembly may be mounted to a drawer or pull-out tray which does not have walls. For example, each wall member and/or corner bracket may comprise a foot portion arranged to extend over part of a base of the drawer such that the wall assembly may be secured to the base.

In further embodiments of the invention, more or fewer wall members may be provided. For example, four wall members may be provided, such that a wall member is mounted to each wall of the drawer. In this case, each of the corner brackets is connected to two wall members.

It will be appreciated that each wall member may comprise more or fewer wall panels. For example, each wall member may comprise three wall panels (one first panel and two second panels or vice versa) slidably engaged as described above. In this way, the wall members may be fitted to larger drawers. Wall members may be assembled having larger numbers of slidably engaged, alternating first and second panels.

In other embodiments, each wall member may comprise a third wall panel, differing from the first and second panels. The third wall panel may have a cross-sectional profile complementary to that of the first panel, and have a retaining portion sized to receive the retaining portion of the first panel such that the first panel may be slidably or telescopically engaged with the third panel.

In some embodiments, any of the corner brackets may be secured to the drawer walls. For example, adhesive strips may be provided on each outer face of each corner bracket. In other embodiments, a corner bracket may be integrally formed at end of each wall member, for example by a bent portion of one of the wall panels. In further embodiments, the corner brackets may not be present. In yet further embodiments, the corner brackets may comprise a hinge, such that an angle between the plate portions may be varied. In this way, when adjacent wall members are secured to a corner bracket, the wall members can be pivoted relative to one another about the hinge, such that the wall assembly can be folded for storage.

The adhesive strips may comprise a reusable adhesive, such that the drawer assembly can be repositioned or fitted to another container. In some embodiments, the securing members may comprise magnets. In such embodiments, the wall panels may comprise a ferromagnetic material, and the drawer assembly may be mounted to a drawer having ferromagnetic parts.

In other embodiments, the securing members may comprise fasteners, such as screws, bolts, clips, or similar. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the wall members may comprise apertures through which fasteners may extend to secure the wall members to the drawer. In further embodiments, fasteners may be used to secure the wall assembly to a rail or framework or the drawer instead of, or in addition to walls of the drawer. The panels may include enlarged hooks on the (upper parts) of the panels to enable them to be secured over any associated rails.

In the embodiments described above, the first and second panels are extruded panels. This method of manufacture may reduce the cost of the wall assembly. In some embodiments, the panels are formed from an extruded plastics material, or extruded aluminium. In other embodiments, the panels are formed by folding and/or pressing a sheet material, or are moulded.

The panels 20, 22, 120, 122, 220, 222 may be made in different lengths and heights to accommodate different drawer lengths and depths/heights. In particular, the panels 20, 22, 120, 122, 220, 222 may be made out of extruded or injection moulded plastic, preferably in recycled/recyclable plastic. Alternatively, the panels 20, 22, 120, 122, 220, 222 may be made out of metal (folded or pressed or similar) and may comprise a lightweight metal, e.g. aluminium. The panels 20, 22, 120, 122, 220, 222 can be of differing colours or finishes in either material to correspond and coordinate with existing drawer colours and finishes.

In some embodiments, the material may include apertures and, specifically the panels may be punctuated with a series of apertures in order to save weight or produce a more featured/individual design. In particular, the panels 20, 22, 120, 122, 220, 222 may have a symmetrical pattern of holes. This feature and the pattern/arrangement of apertures may depend on the material in use. For example, the arrangement of the apertures may be particularly beneficial on relatively larger metal panels. This feature may create a visual feature of the products as well as having the functional advantages.

The panels 20, 22, 120, 122, 220, 222 made be also constructed in a taller version, with a larger/expanded upper most retaining portion (or hook) to sit on or hook over an existing upper drawer rail (those that are cylindrical or square in shape on existing deep drawers), to provide the same function of keeping items in a drawer as described above. The base of the panel will be affixed the same way i.e. by adhesive means.

The adhesive pads can be applied in horizontal or vertical aspect onto each panel 20, 22, 120, 122, 220, 222. Figures 12 shows the adhesion pad to be vertical in one area only. Typically, the adhesion items would be horizontal to sit below the level of the existing drawer side when the panel 20, 22, 120, 122, 220, 222 is affixed, and may cover more area on the panel 20, 22, 120, 122, 220, 222. Therefore, flexibility can be had and the above description and accompanying Figures just provide examples.

The present invention is able to be supplied in a modular form for easy installation by a user. The adaptability of the present invention together with the strengthening and bearing surface features enable a professionally fitted result to be easily and reliably achieved. The present invention in the form of a kit can be provided in different general sizes to enable a user to order a small, medium, large, extra-large version for example. Each of these would cover a range of drawer lengths/sizes.

The present invention is able to specifically raise the height of a drawer side as a standalone product for varied drawer provision and adjustable in length as described above. The present invention aims to solve the issue of providing full enclosure of items in a drawer (certainly increasing the height) rather than just division or partial containment or compartmentalisation. The invention offers the use of the fuller depth of a drawer, rather than any division tools or compartmentalisation tools that are typically of low height resting on the inside base of the drawer box. The invention can be a permanent or non permanent fix, and transferable between varied types of drawers. The invention offers a quick solution rather than dismantling of existing drawer units in order to replace shallow side walls, and at low cost.

In some instances, drawers/drawer boxes are fixed and cannot be easily extracted and modified. In addition, drawer users themselves may not have the appropriate skill, tools or authority to replace drawer boxes or sides in various locations and situations. The invention enables a rapid and non-detrimental fix to achieving more space with these existing restrictions, in various and numerous types of drawers and drawer construction by varied manufacturers.

Claims

1. A drawer assembly for increasing the capacity of a drawer, the drawer assembly comprising a drawer attachment, the drawer attachment comprising a wall member and securement means wherein the securement means is arranged to secure the wall member to a wall of the drawer in order for the wall member to project upwardly above a top edge of the wall of the drawer, the wall member comprising: a first panel; a second panel; and retaining means to retain the first panel to the second panel; and guide means to guide movement of the first panel relative to the second panel; wherein the retaining means enables the first panel to be slidably movable relative to the second panel in order to adjust and set a longitudinal length of the wall member.

2. A drawer assembly according to Claim 1 in which the retaining means enable the first panel to be movable along a longitudinal axis only relative to the second panel and wherein the longitudinal axis extends from a first longitudinal end of the wall member to a second longitudinal end of the wall member.

3. A drawer assembly according to Claim 2 in which the retaining means solely allows relative movement between the first panel and the second panel in both longitudinal directions and prevents any relative movement of the two panels in either lateral direction and any relative rotational movement between the first panel and the second panel and any relative separation movement between the first panel and the second panel.

4. A drawer assembly according to any preceding claim in which, in use, the retaining means prevents the first panel being disconnected from the second panel.

5. A drawer assembly according to Claim 4 in which the retaining means prevent disconnections of the first panel from the second panel in either lateral direction and in a relative separation direction.

6. A drawer assembly according to any preceding claim in which the retaining means comprises a first bearing surface for facilitating movement of the first panel relative to the second panel.

7. A drawer assembly according to Claim 6 in which the guide means comprises a second bearing surface for facilitating movement of the first panel relative to the second panel.

8. A drawer assembly according to Claim 7 in which the retaining means comprises a first retaining mechanism and a second retaining mechanism and, in which, the second retaining mechanism comprise a third bearing surface for facilitating movement of the first panel relative to the second panel.

9. A drawer assembly according to Claim 8 in which the second retaining mechanism comprises a fourth bearing surface for facilitating movement of the first panel relative to the second panel.

10. A drawer assembly according to any one of Claim 7 to Claim 9 in which the or each bearing surface transfers part of the weight of an innermost panel to the outermost panel which is thereby transferred to the drawer through the securement means.

11. A drawer assembly according to any preceding claim in which a cross-section of the first panel is uniform along a longitudinal length and the first panel comprises an extruded panel, and the cross-section of the second panel is uniform along a longitudinal length and the second panel comprises an extruded panel.

12. A drawer assembly according to any preceding claim in which the securement means secures a face of the wall member to a face of the wall of the drawer.

13. A drawer assembly according to Claim 12 in which the securement means secures an outer face of the wall member to an inner face of the wall of the drawer.

14. A drawer assembly according to any preceding claim in which the securement means is arranged to support the full weight of the wall member.

15. A drawer assembly according to any preceding claim in which the securement means is arranged to secure the wall member with a lower edge of the wall member spaced from an internal base of the drawer.

16. A drawer assembly according to any preceding claim in which the securement means comprises re-usable securement means such that the wall member can be removed from the wall of the drawer and repositioned without removing the securement means.

17. A drawer assembly according to any preceding claim in which the securement means one or more surface securement members and in which the or each surface securement member comprises a planar securement member to locate between two surfaces and secure two surfaces without penetration into the respective member.

18. A drawer assembly according to any preceding claim in which the securement means comprises adhering means which comprises a plurality of adhesive pads.

19. A drawer assembly according to any preceding claim in which the retaining means extends along the longitudinal length of the wall member and extends along an upper edge of the wall member, the retaining means comprises a first retaining portion provided on the first panel and a second retaining portion provided on the second panel wherein the first retaining is provided along an upper edge of the first panel and the second retaining portion is provided along an upper edge of the second panel, the first retaining portion provides a channel portion along which the second retaining portion is engaged and which enables the second retaining portion to slide within the channel portion.

20. A drawer assembly according to any preceding Claim 19 in which the retaining means comprises auxiliary retaining means which locates along a lower edge of the wall member, the auxiliary retaining means comprises a first auxiliary retaining portion provided on the first panel and a second auxiliary retaining portion provided on the second panel, the first auxiliary retaining portion is provided along a lower edge of the first panel and the second auxiliary retaining portion is provided along a lower edge of the second panel, the first auxiliary retaining portion provides a channel portion along which the second auxiliary retaining portion is engaged and which enables the second auxiliary retaining portion to slide within the channel portion.

21. A drawer assembly according to any preceding claim in which the guide means comprises an elongate projection on one panel which engages within a guide channel provided on the other panel.

22. A drawer assembly according to Claim 21 in which the elongate projection and the guide channel prevent or inhibit relative vertical movement of the first panel and the second panel.

23. A drawer assembly according to any preceding claim in which the drawer assembly may comprise one or more securement brackets, the or each securement bracket is arranged, in use to locate adjacent to a corner of the drawer and wherein the or each securement bracket secure a first wall member to an adjacent second wall member.

24. A method of increasing the capacity of a drawer comprising attaching a drawer assembly to the drawer, the drawer assembly comprising a drawer attachment, the drawer attachment comprising a wall member and securement means, the wall member comprising: a first panel; a second panel; retaining means to retain the first panel to the second panel; and guide means to guide movement of the first panel relative to the second panel; the method further comprising: slidably moving the first panel relative to the second panel in order to adjust and set a longitudinal length of the wall member and. securing the wall member with the securement mean to a wall of the drawer in order for the wall member to project upwardly above a top edge of the wall of the drawer.

25. A drawer comprising drawer assembly for increasing the capacity of the drawer, the drawer assembly comprising a drawer attachment, the drawer attachment comprising a wall member and securement means wherein the securement means is arranged to secure the wall member to a wall of the drawer in order for the wall member to project upwardly above a top edge of the wall of the drawer, the wall member comprising: a first panel; a second panel; retaining means to retain the first panel to the second panel; and guide means to guide movement of the first panel relative to the second panel; wherein the retaining means enables the first panel to be slidably movable relative to the second panel in order to adjust and set a longitudinal length of the wall member.