Armoire with built in desk

Details Armoire with built in desk Armoire with built in desk

1999-07-15

2001-04-24

Wilkens, Janet M. (Department: 3636)

Supports: cabinet structure

With auxiliary closure in a closure

C312S325000, C312S238000, C312S315000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06220681

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to furniture construction, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an armoire.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There is a continuing need for multi-functional furniture. This is particularly true in environments such as health care rooms or hotel rooms where space is at a premium.
One such typical prior art device is the conventional “secretary” which has a flat front usually made of glass or wooden doors, with a flat table which can be tilted up to a sloped closed position covering a portion of a desktop, and which can be tilted down to a flat desk top position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a furniture apparatus including an enclosure having an opening defined therein. One particular such furniture apparatus is furniture of the type commonly referred to as an armoire, which has a door which opens to provide access to an interior closet.
The present invention provides a door located in the opening of the enclosure. A door hinge connects the door to the enclosure so that the door pivots on the door hinge about a generally vertical axis relative to the enclosure.
A desk panel is mounted in the outside of the door, and a desk hinge connects the desk panel to the door so that the desk panel pivots relative to the door between a retracted position wherein the desk panel is received in the door, and an extended position wherein the desk panel extends outwardly from the door.
The front surface of the piece of furniture has a convex curved outer surface. Both the door and the desk panel include convex curved outer surfaces, such that when the desk panel is in its retracted position and the door is closed, the convex outer surfaces of the desk panel, the door and the overall piece of furniture are substantially co-extensive thus presenting an aesthetically pleasing piece of furniture with a convexly curved outer surface.
Preferably the desk hinge comprises a pair of four-bar linkage hinge mechanisms located on opposite sides of the desk panel so that the desk panel pivots about a varying horizontal axis as the desk panel moves from its retracted position to its extended position. The use of such a hinge solves the problem of how to provide a horizontal axis of rotation for a hinged connection of a component which has a convexly curved lower edge.
The apparatus also may include a hidden light fixture for illuminating the desk when the desk is in an open position.
The apparatus also includes a leveler mechanism connected between the desk panel and the door for adjusting a tilt of the desk panel when the desk panel is in its open position.
It is therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an improved furniture structure.
Another object of the present invention is the provision of a multi-functional furniture structure comprising both an armoire and a desk.
Another object of the present invention is the provision of a retractable desk having a convexly curved outer surface when the desk is in its retracted position, and utilizing a four-bar linkage hinge mechanism to allow pivotal movement about the arcuate lower outer edge of the desk panel.
Other and further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


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