Supports: cabinet structure – Knockdown or setup type – Foldable
Patent
1992-01-03
1994-05-03
Dorner, Kenneth J.
Supports: cabinet structure
Knockdown or setup type
Foldable
220 6, A47B 4300
Patent
active
053081579
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to foldable structures, which can be used as the basis for a wide range of domestic furniture items, office equipment, workshop and industrial units, freight containers and portable buildings, by way of example. An important principle in the construction and operation of the foldable structures of the invention is the ability to change a framework or foldable structure from a generally flat and essentially two-dimensional form into an erect three-dimensional form.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The present invention results from further development in the uses of swivel cleats as the connections between the relatively hingeable components of collapsible frameworks, such as are disclosed in GB-2055290B and GB-2179698B. These prior disclosures relate to collapsible structures which incorporate such frameworks and to swivel cleats used in their construction.
It has now been discovered that foldable structures of improved versatility and utility can be made on the basis of collapsible frameworks of the kind mentioned above, which have additional components of the frameworks and with any panel units attached to or incorporated in them. As will be made apparent below, the foldable structures of the present invention can include frame units, e.g. rectangular arrangements of bars or rods, panels attached to frames or panels per se, and carrying means for attachment to other frame units or other panels.
The foldable structures of the invention can be embodied in a wide variety of articles and systems, where there is a need for the structures to be stored, transported and delivered in a flat condition and then to be erected, in a very short time and very easily, into a three-dimensional configuration, to enable the articles or systems to be used.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide foldable structures which are space-saving, in that they can be folded flat. The foldable structures can be assembled quickly without the need for special tools, nuts, bolts or adhesives. Each foldable unit can be pulled into position with a concertina-like action to form a rigid structure. All the foldable structures can be manufactured in wood, metal or composites, with durable, high quality finishes. The foldable structures are robust, and easily stored when not required for use.
Among the products which can be made with the foldable structures of the present invention are desks, cabinets, racking systems, kitchen units, tables, security cages for construction equipment, access towers for construction sites, sheds for gardens and general storage, outdoor furniture and portable buildings for temporary or permanent use. These are examples only of the products which can be made with these foldable structures.
According to one aspect of the present invention, a foldable structure comprises a first pair of opposed frame units which are operatively interconnected by at least one further frame unit, which is hingedly attached to one of the first pair of frame units and hingedly and slidably attached to or associated with the other of the first pair of frame units, wherein a further component of the foldable structure is connected to at least one of the first pair of frame units by connection means, whereby the further component can be disposed in a first, out-of-use folded position adjacent to the first pair of opposed frame units when in their collapsed state and alternatively can be disposed in a second, ready-for-use position in a plane at an angle to the plane containing the frame unit to which it is attached.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, a foldable structure comprises at least a first pair of opposed frame units interconnected by at least one further frame unit hingedly connected to one of the first pair of frame units and hingedly and slidably interconnected with the other of the first pair of frame units, wherein the opposed pair of frame units are disposed generally vertically when the foldable
REFERENCES:
patent: 1487582 (1924-03-01), Latta
patent: 1534672 (1925-04-01), Stewart
patent: 1620143 (1927-03-01), Trimble
patent: 2305629 (1942-12-01), Magnuson et al.
Systeme D +Les Cahiers de Systeme D, No. 389, Jun. 1978 (Paris, FR), L. Houdayer: "Un buffet pliant", pp. 118-119, see the whole article.
Anderson Gerald
Dorner Kenneth J.
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