EP1206666A1

EP1206666A1 - Convertible radiator cover

Info

Publication number: EP1206666A1
Application number: EP00946109A
Authority: EP
Inventors: George Onyeka
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-07-31
Filing date: 2000-07-14
Publication date: 2002-05-22
Anticipated expiration: 2020-07-14
Also published as: EP1206666B1; AU5999400A; DE60011442T2; ATE268887T1; WO2001009554A1; DE60011442D1

Abstract

A convertible radiator cover comprising a top and side covers and a front, a portion (5) of which is moveable between a substantially vertically extending position in which it covers part of the radiator to a substantially horizontal position where it is engaged by adjustable height folding legs (11) (figure 7) to provide a table. The folding legs are pivotally attached to the underside of the moveable portion. The moveable portion (5) is pivotally attached by hinges (7) to an internal support (8). Additional strength and rigidity is provided by means of optional plates (12) on the underside of the moveable portion (5). The hinge (7) is concealed by means of a facing (4). The table surface may be strengthened if necessary by means of a separate table top (25), that may sit within the frame of the moveable portion (5). The underside of the moveable portion (5) may be insulated as may the supporting means (11).

Description

Convertible Radiator Cover

This invention relates to a convertible radiator cover which, in normal use acts to cover a radiator but which can be converted to provide a table top

At the present time there is a premium on space and the present invention is intended to utilise what space there is more effϊcientlv The invention therefore enables individuals, especially those who live in cramped accommodation to enjoy meals with others together at a communal table, but allows the table occupied by the space to be re-utihsed for other purposes when the table is not in use.

Statement of Invention

According to the present invention a convertible radiator cover adapted to cover at least part of a radiator with which it is to be used is provided with a moveable portion which can be moved between a substantialh vertically extending position in which it covers part of the radiator to a substanually honzontal position in which it can be engaged by support means to provide a table.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention as mentioned above is a convertible radiator cover adapted to cover at least part of a radiator with which it is to be used The moveable poruon usually forms at least part of the front and is pivotally attached to an internal support or to the casing. This pivotal attachment of the moveable portion enables it to be moved between a substanually vertically extending position to a substantially honzontal position where it is engaged by support means to provide a table

An internal support may be provided to bear the weight of the moveable cover and thus reduce wear and tear on the unit. However use of a πgid casing that is able to bear at least the weight of the moveable pomon will remove the need for an internal support, although such a support may sull be employed for strengthening the casing

The means employed for the pivotal attachment of the moveable portion to the internal support or casing vanes from hinges and pivot pins to pivotable bracket members amongst other possibihues The means for supporting the moveable cover when hoπzontally extended vary from adjustable folding legs, hinged flaps and collapsible supports to pivotable bracket members that lock out when extended These support means may be connected to the moveable cover, the casing or to the internal support, although in the case of the collapsible supports they may be totally removable To the uninitiated the unit looks like a radiator cover when the cover is vertically extended To this end the unit normally has perforations in the covers compπsing the front, including the moveable portion The moveable portion can be made so as to be thick and of a uniform cross secuon throughout in order that it can be immediateh used as a table when hoπzontally extended and supported. the moveable portion can be made with a possibly more attractive thinner gnll that requires a separate table top adapted to fit over the gnll, before a usable table is formed

Description of the Preferred Embodiment

The invention can be performed in vaπous ways and some embodiments will now be descnbed by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which-

1. Figure I is a front view of a convertible radiator cover according to the present invenuon when in its normal closed position.

2. Figure 2 is a side view of the radiator cover shown in figure 1

3 Figure 3 Is a part cross-sectional side elevation of the radiator cover shown in figure 2

4 Figure 4 is an isometnc \ lew of an internal support for use in the construction shown in figure 1

5 Figure 5 is a side ele\ auon with the radiator cover shown in figure 1 in a posiuon in which it provides a table

6 Figure 6 is a plan view from below of the radiator cover shown in figure 1 in its partially extended position

7 Figure 7 is an isometnc view of the radiator cover sho n in figure 5 with the table ready for use

8 Figure 8 is a diagrammatic front view of an alternative construction

9 Figure 9 is a diagrammatic side view of the construction shown in figure 8

10 Figure 10 is a diagrammatic front view of another alternative construction 11 Figure 1 1 shows part of an alternative construction to pivot the front cover of a radiator cover according to the invention

12 Figure 12 shows a diagrammatic view from the rear of another alternative construction

13 Figure 13 is a front view showing how support legs can be attached to the internal support of the construction

14 Figure 14 is a plan view of the structure shown in figure 13 with the legs folded out.

15 Figure 15 is a diagrammatic side elevation of another alternauve construction.

16 Figure 16 is a diagrammatic side elevation of the construction shown in 15 with the table extended in its ready for use position

17 Figure 17 is a diagrammatic cross sectional side elevation of a moveable portion showing a separate table top in place, and.

18. Figure 18 shows a plan view of the moveable portion shown in Figure 17.

19. Figure 19 is a side elevation with the radiator cover shown in figure 1 in a posiϋon in which it provides a table, but with an alternative means for hoπzontally supporting the tabletop.

Figures 1 -7 show a first embodiment of a convertible radiator cover which is adapted to cover at least part of a radiator and which can be converted into a table according to the invenuon.

The cover is in the form of a casing having a top. side and front which are provided by a top 1, side covers provided by panels 9, a lower skirting 6 and an upper front cover provided by a panel 2. Additional front panels or covers 3 are also provided together with a removable front stnp or facing 4 A moveable portion in the form of a front cover 5 is also included and which can be moved from a substantially vertically extending position in which it covers part of the radiator with which it is to be used, as shown in figures 1-3 to a substantially honzontal position in which it can be engaged by support means to provide a table as shown in figures 5 and 7

The casing is usually attached to the wall and could be further secured to the supporting medium or floor The radiator cover is constructed so that it can surround a radiator (R) which is located on a wall ( ) and it will be seen that the cover is therefore adapted to cover the tops, sides and front of the radiator with which it is to be used

The in ention can be used with a radiator which is adjacent a corner or where there is an exisung shelf or ledge over the top In the former situation the casing may onlv require one side panel 9 because the other side of the radiator is close to the adjoining wail With the latter arrangement the top 1 will not be required because the existing shelf or ledge can be uulised to form part of the cover Other situations mav aπse requiπng only part of the radiator to be covered In each situauon the convertible radiator er employed to cover the radiator must include at least the moveable portion as well as supporting means

An internal support 8 consists of a framework which at least partiallv surrounds the radiator with which it is to be used The construction of the preferred internal support 8 is most clearly shown in figure 4 and is made from twelve πgid and hollow members numbered 8A to 8L It is designed to be adjustable in terms of the number of members which can be used and in the manner in which the moveable front cover can be attached to it The pnmary role of the support 8 is to locate the front cover 5 which is pivoted to it and the vertical location of member 8G is determined to ensure that a normal table height for the moveable front cover 5 is achieved (as descnbed here under)

If an internal support is used for purposes other than secuπng the moveable cover then such purposes might include providing an internal fixture from which the supporting legs 11 (see below) may be attached

As shown in figure 4 internal support 8 is constructed using two-way and three-way joints to connect the members 8A through to 8L Holes can be provided in the members to bolt them together to hold them ngidly in position and improve the ngidity of the support If desired however other means can be employed to connect the members together The support 8 in the construcϋon being descnbed is intended to be secured to the wall (W) by member 8A It is also possible to directly connect the internal support to the casing

The Internal support can be designed so that it can be adjusted For example if there are no obstructing pipes to the radiator it may be possible to add two addiuonal members at the back of the support to link members 8A-8D and 8K-8J, and 8A and 8B to 8J and 8L Alternatively if for other reasons the number of members have to be reduced then such a construction can also be used provided it is πgid enough The internal support can take manv forms and can merely be in the form of brackets or other means that or mav not be attached to the casing and that are adapted to locate a member such as 8G. or to receι\e the pivot pins 16 or to aid in the pivotal attachment of the moveable cover 5 by some other means that do not involve a direct attachment of the cover 5 to the casing

In the absence of an internal support, brackets or other means can be employed to strengthen the casing and to secure the pivoting means to the casing One of these other means for strengthemng the casing may include using a thicker casing that is better constructed to bear the weight of the moveable cover

In the construction shown in figures 1-7 the front cover 5 is pivoted to the member 8G by means of a hinge or lunges 7. A single piano type hinge can be employed as can any other suitable pivotal means

The rear side of the front cover 5 is provided with means for supporting it in a substantially honzontal position and these means include fold-out legs 11 earned on brackets 10 The brackets are arranged on the rear side of the front cover 5 so that they can be folded parallel with the inner surface of the cover in the manner shown in figure 6 The legs 11 can be provided with feet 13 which can be vertically adjustable to ensure that the cover rests honzontally and without shake when in posiuon

Figure 1 shows the general external appearance of the cover in normal use When table space is required it is only necessary to raise the front cover 5 and extend the legs 11 so that a honzontal extending table top is produced as shown in figures 5 and 7 After use the table top can be simply folded away again thus providing additional space

Many vaπations on the general shape, number of covers employed and construction of the cover can be incorporated. Thus, a stπp 4 can be employed which will cover any gap between the upper edge of the moveable cover 5 and the bottom edge of the upper front panel or cover 2, This strip can be held in place by am suitable means and can be provided with hand holes or openings to assist removal and attachment Again, the construction of the vanous panels and skirtings can be as desired to provide an attractive appearance

The mo\eable front co\er 5 can have openings as can the upper front cover 2 or alternatively it may be substantially solid, heated air escaping from the radiator through the upper front cover 2 or by any other suitable openings The moveable cover 5 could be m the form of a gnll or a cover provided with a pattern of openings as shown in the drawings In order to strengthen this gnll or cover 5 a plate or p.lates 12 could be secured to the rear surface PreferabK (he front part of the skirt 6 is removable to assist when raising the cover 5 or hand holes 27 (figure 1 and 6) or other suitable means could be provided on the skirting 6 or cover 3 to enable the edge of 5 to be grasped and raised If desired additional locks can be provided to ensure that the legs 11 are secured against honzontal movement

In the arrangement descnbed above four fold out legs 11 are shown but it will be appreciated that a construction (not shown) could be used which only employs a single leg which extends from the lower end of the cover 5 (when substantially vertical) and which can have two or more feet to provide the necessary stability The hinge 7 will provide the necessary locauon at the end of the cover adjacent to support 8

The construction of the front cover 5 can vary but a particularly suitable construction is shown in Figures 17 and 18 This construction includes a frame 22 to the underside of which is attached a perforated or plain panel 15 In this type of design the panel 15 is merely decorauve and has insufficient strength to provide a usable table surface The frame 22 is therefore recessed to provide a support ledge 24 which will accept a flat table top member 25 which is similarly recessed to nest on the ledge 24 Thus, it will be seen that this will provide a flat table top which will be strong enough to carry the necessary loads

A reinforcing plate or plates 12 are provided around the lower edge of the frame 22 to ensure that the cover is sufficiently πgid.

Pockets or handholds 26 or other suitable means can be provided in the edge of the table top member 25 to assist removal

It will be appreciated that this table top member 25 not only covers any perforations in the panel 15, but provides a useable table surface within the frame 22 of the cover 5 and so completes the table surface Howev er if the user prefers to see perforations on the table surface, then this table top may also ha\ e perforations or holes in it

Many other constructions can be used, for example the cover 5 could be of solid cross-section without a frame so the separate table top 25 would not be required

In another table top construction (not shown), a suitably sized table top cover can be used to protect the moveable front cover 5 or to cover any perforations or gnll and can have a downwardly projecϋng rim w ich extends over the edges of the cover 5 Catches or other suitable means can be employed to hold it in place

The legs 1 1 can be telescopic with appropnate locking means so as to provide adjustment. Releasable means such as catches mav also be provided on the casing or internal support and moveable cover 5 to enable the end of 5 adjacent to the floor to be further secured when vertically extended.

In the constructions descnbed above the fold out leg or legs 11 are attached to the moveable cover 5 Figures 13 and 14 show an alternative construction in which the fold out leg or legs are attached to the internal support 8 In the construction shown in figures 13 and 14 two gate type legs 20 are employed which arc formed from U shaped members each having substantially vertical arms 20A. 20B and honzontal portion 20C Each of the arms 20B is connected to the appropnate part of the internal support 8 by hinges 21 The legs are provided with the adjustable feet 13 to enable them to be directly located on the supporting surface and if desired the arms 20A and 20B could be telescopic to again provide for unevenness in the supporting surface. To avoid using additional screw on legs 14 (figure 16) the honzontal leg portion 20C could also be telescopic.

Studs can be provided on the underside of the moveable cover 5 which are adapted to align with openings 23 in the legs 20 to lock them in position (figure 14).

The employment of telescopic legs mean that they can be lifted clear of any skirting 6 but can extend to the supporting surface, suitable means being employed to lock telescopic legs in the extended position The feet 13 can be replaced by casters to assist operation of the folding in and out of the legs 20 or 11.

When the legs 20 are folded away they sit within the dimensions of the internal support 8 and the attachment of the legs to the internal support 8 reduces the weight of the moveable top 5

Although two legs are shown in figures 13 and 14 sufficient support could be achieved by the use of a single leg if desired.

In the construction descnbed above the moveable cover 5 is attached to the internal support 8 but alternatively it could be attached directly to the casing providing it was sufficiently ngid.

If this construction is used then the internal support could be employed merely to strengthen the ngidity of the casing or. as mentioned above if the casing itself was strong enough the internal support could either be used to locate the gate legs 20 or be dispensed with, the moveable cover 5 carrying the supporting fold-out leg or legs being attached directly to the casing itself. The legs could also be attached to the casing rather than the moveable cover.

Figures 8- 12 show alternative ways of pivoting the moveable cover 5 As shown in figures 8 and 9 the cover 5 which is in the form of a gnll. is provided with pivot pins 16 which engage appropπately into the internal support 8 If gate legs of the kind shown in figures 13 and 14 are used however it will be necessary to provide additional members 8M as shown in figure 9, behind the members 8H and 81 to receive the hinges or pivots of the gate legs 20

Figure 10 shows the pivot pins 16 directly engaging the casing. With this arrangement the gate legs 20 or folding legs 11 could be used and the gate legs could be attached to an internal support 8 or casing if desired It will be appreciated that any combinauon of hinges, pivots and legs with or without an internal support 8 can be employed.

Figure 11 shows a construction which can be used to enable the moveable cover 5 to be located at different heights. In this construction the support 8 is uuhzed and is provided with a seπes of guiding grooves 17 or the grooves could be provided on a separate bracket connected to the internal support 8 or even to the casing. The pivot pins 16 engage in the guide grooves 17 and they can be moved up and down in the grooves so as to vary the pivot height, it will be seen that there are three vertically spaced apart pivoting positions. However more or less positions can be employed by choice.

Appropnate adjustable means are provided on the legs 20 or 11 to take up the differences in height.

Figure 12 shows another construction for pivoting the moveable cover 5 and could be used on, for example, a front cover 5 which extends over the whole of the front of the casing. The construcuon includes a linkage means 18 pivotally mounted to the cover 5 and to the internal support 8 or the casing. The linkage arm means 18 is pivotally secured to the front cover 5 by brackets 19 and the pivoted ends of the linkage 18 are pivoted to the internal support 8 or the casing at a predetermined height which will be the normally required table height. The crank in the pivot means 18 enables the table to be swung out as it is raised and any form of leg construction can be used with this arrangement

In order to protect the user, insulating mateπal (not shown) may be provided on the underside of the moveable front cover 5 and secured so that it does not impede any fixtures on the under side of the cover or co er any perforations or openings. The legs can also be covered in a similar way. The intention is to reduce the chances of burns to the user who employs the unit shortly after or dunng the penod that the radiator is or has been on

In all constructions descnbed above the front cover 5 provides at least part of the vertically extending outer surface of the casing but if desired an additional outer casing cover could be employed which extended o\ er the whole of the vertical portion of the front of the casing to provide a more attractive appearance (not shown)

Figures 15 and 16 show another construction according to the invenuon in which the same reference numerals are used to indicate similar parts In this construcuon one or more gate legs 20 are again employed and are attached to an inner support 8 but in this construction the moveable cover 5 extends over the whole vertical height of the casing and is aligned with the top 1 of the casing when in its substantially honzontal position The cover operates in a similar way to that descnbed with regard to the other embodiments, but is more suitable for smaller radiators and where the top 1 of the casing is at a suitable height to provide a useable table It will also be seen that this construcuon provides a larger table surface area and that the front cover 5 is fixed to the casing, that is to the top 1 and that the leg or legs 20 is secured to the internal support 8 Reference numeral 14 indicates optional screw in legs which may also be provided if desired. Any other combinauons of workable attachments of cover 5 to casing and or internal support may also be employed.

The fold-out legs could alternatively be attached to the moveable cover or the casing.

Figure 15 shows alternative means for hoπzontally supporting the moveable cover 5 other than by a fold out leg or legs The means employed may be jointed arm means 28 which are pivotally attached to either side of the moveable cover 5 and also to the casing or internal support 8 Each of these jointed arms 28 consists usually of at least two members that are pivotally attached or jointed to each other Means are provided on each arm 28 to enable the joint to lock in position when the moveable cover 5 is hoπzontally extended When the moveable cover 5 is folded down towards its vertically extending position, the joint moves upwards towards the hinge 7 At the same time the upper member of the jointed arm 28 moves towards a position that is parallel to the side edge of the moveable cover 5 Similarly the lower member of the jointed arm 28 moves to a position that is parallel to the upper

arm member This alternative means employed would need to be used in conjunction with hinges 7 that permanently locate the moveable cover to the internal support and or casing

Other means may be employed for horizontally supporting the moveable cover 5 when in its honzontalK extended position These may include pivotable bracket members (attaching the moveable cover to the casing or internal support) that lock out, preventing collapse when the moveable cover 5 is hoπzontally extended These bracket members may be used as both the means for locaung the moveable co er to the internal support and or casing and for supporting the moveable cover 5 when hoπzontally extended

Other alternatives may include ngid members that support the moveable cover in a similar manner to the arms 28. These rigid members being piv otally attached to the underside of the moveable cover 5. The other end of the πgid members then connects releasablv to the casing or internal support 8. These ngid members could also be pivotally attached to the casing and or internal support and releasablv attached to the moveable cover 5 Supporting flaps hinged or pivotally attached to the casing and or internal support 8 in a similar manner to the legs 20 might also be employed.. These would have the advantage of folding neatly into the dimensions of the casing as well as providing more space for the user^'s feet under the table, since the flaps do not extend to the floor

Of course a mixture of such pivotable bracket members, hinged flaps, jointed and ngid arm means and folding table legs 11 or 20 could be employed as the designer sees fit. The supporting means could also consist of collapsible supports that may be permanently or releasablv attached to the moveable cover 5 and or casing and or internal support 8. In the case of totally removable supporting means, these would be stored separately from the convertible radiator cover.

Claims

Claims1 Λ convertible radiator cover adapted to cover at least part of a radiator with which it is to be used, provided with a moveable portion which can be moved between a substantially vertically extending position in which it covers part of the radiator to a substantially honzontal position in which it can be engaged by support means to provide a table2 A conv ertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 1 in the form of a casing including one or more side co ers and a front and in which the moveable portion provides at least part of the front when in its substanually vertically extending position3 A convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 1 in the form of a casing including at least one or more side covers, having a top and front and in which the moveable portion provides at least part of the front w hen in its substanually vertically extending position4 A conv ertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 1 or 2 or claim 3 including an internal support to which the moveable portion and/or the casing is pivotally attached.5 A convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 1, 2 or claim 3 where the moveable portion is pivotally attached to the casing6 A convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 4 in which the internal support is adapted for attachment to a wall7 A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims where the casing is adapted for attachment to a wall8 A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims where the table height is vaπable9 A con ertible radiator cover as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 8 in which the support means for the mov eable portion include one or more fold-out legs10 A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 8 in which the support means for the moveable portion include at least one pivotable bracket member A convertible radiator co er as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 8 in which the support means for the moveable portion include at least one jointed arm meansA conv ertible radiator cover as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 8 in which the support means for the moveable portion include at least one pivotallv attached ngid memberA convertible radiator cover as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 8 in which the support means for the moveable portion include at least one pivotallv attached support flapA con ertible radiator cover as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 8 in which the support means for the moveable portion include collapsible means that are permanently attached to the moveable cover and or casing/ internal supportA convertible radiator cover as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 8 in which the support means for the moveable portion include collapsible means that are releasablv attached to the convertible radiator coverA convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 9 in which the leg is vertically and or honzontally adjustableA convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 9 or claim 16 including means for prevenung honzontal movement of the leg when supporting the moveable portionAs claimed in anv of the claims 9. 16 and 17 when dependent on claim 4 and claim 6 in which the fold out leg is attached to the internal supportAs claimed in any of the claims 9 16 and 17 in which the fold-out leg is attached to the moveable portionAs claimed in any of the claims 9 16 and 17 in which the fold-out leg is attached to the casingA convertible radiator cover as claimed in any one of the claims 9. 16, 17. 18, 19 or 20 including a removable bottom central front panel hich can be removed to allow access to said fold-out leg or legsA convertible radiator cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which means are provided to strengthen the moveable portion to improve its πgidity A convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 22 in which the means to strengthen the moveable portion compπses plates affixed to its undersideA convertible radiator co er as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including a separate table top adapted for location on the upper surface of the moveable portion when in the substantiallv honzontal positionA convertible radiator cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including means to enable the moveable portion to be grasped when vertically extended in order to raise itA conv ertible radiator cov er as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including means to releasablv secure the end of the movable portion adjacent the supporting medium when vertically extendedA convertible radiator cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including insula ng means for coveπng the underside of the moveable portionA convertible radiator cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including insulaung means for coveπng the supporting meansA convertible radiator cover substantially as descnbed herein with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings AMENDED CLAIMS[received by the International Bureau on 30 November 2000 (30.11.00); original claim 4 amended ; remaining claims unchanged (1 pages)]Claims

1. A convertible radiator cover adapted to cover at least part of a radiator with which it is to be used, provided with a moveable portion which can be moved between a substantially vertically extending position in which it covers part of the radiator to a substantially horizontal position in which it can be engaged by support means to provide a table.

2. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 1 in the form of a casing including one or more side covers and a front and in which the moveable portion provides at least part of the front when in its substantially vertically extending position.

3. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 1 in the form of a casing including at least one or more side covers, having a top and front and in which the moveable portion provides at least part of the front when in its substantially vertically extending position.

4. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 1 or 2 or claim 3 including an internal support attachable to the casing, the moveable portion being pivotally attached to said internal support.

5. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 1, 2 or claim 3 where the moveable portion is pivotally attached to the casing

6. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 4 in which the internal support is adapted for attachment to a wall

7. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims where the casing is adapted for attachment to a wall.

8. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims where the table height is variable.

9. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 8 in which the support means for the moveable portion include one or more fold-out legs.

10. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 8 in which the support means for the moveable portion include at least one pivotable bracket member.