EP1206666B1

EP1206666B1 - Convertible radiator cover

Info

Publication number: EP1206666B1
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: 2004-06-09
Anticipated expiration: 2020-07-14
Also published as: WO2001009554A1; AU5999400A; EP1206666A1; ATE268887T1; DE60011442T2; 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

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. A radiator cover according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from DE-A-2 833 530.

At the present time there is a premium on space and the present invention is intended to utilise what space there is more efficiently. 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 space occupied by the table to be re-utilised for other purposes when the table is not in use.

Prior art relates to the following:

i) Panel Mounting for a Heater (Borer Technik AO, DE 195 46 957 A, 27 June 1996) comprising a frame holding one or more panel elements in contact with a heater to radiate heat and may include a fixed seating frame.

ii) Versatile Wall Mount Folding Table (Groetzinger US Pat. No. 4998484) describes a wall mounted table which includes wall mounted brackets that can be fixed to internal or external wall studs.

Statement of Invention

A radiator cover in the form of a casing adapted to cover a radiator with which it is to be used, the radiator cover comprising a top (1), at least one side cover (9, 6), a front (2, 3, 4, 5, 6), support means (11 or 20) and openings for allowing heated air to escape from the radiator, characterized in that the radiator cover is a convertible radiator cover, wherein part of said from is a moveable portion (5) which can be moved from a substantialy vertically extending position, in which it can cover part of the radiator to a substantially horizontal position in which it can be engaged by the 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 portion 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 substantially vertically extending position to a Substantially horizontal 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 portion and thus reduce wear and tear on the unit. However use of a rigid casing that is able to bear at least the weight of the moveable portion will remove the need for an internal support, although such a support may still be employed for strengthening the casing.

The means employed for the pivotal attachment of the moveable portion to the internal support or casing varies from hinges and pivot pins to pivotable bracket members amongst other possibilities.

The means for supporting the moveable portion when horizontally 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 portion, the casing or to the internal support, although in the case of the collapsible supports they may be totally removable.

The unit looks like a radiator cover when the cover is vertically extended. To this end the unit has perforations and vents in most of the covers comprising the front, including the moveable portion. The moveable portion can be made so as to be thick and of a uniform cross section throughout in order that it can be immediately used as a table when horizontally extended and supported. Alternatively the moveable portion can be made with a possibly more attractive thinner grill that requires a separate table top adapted to fit over the grill, before a usable table is formed.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment

Some embodimenis of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

1. Figure 1 is a front view of a convertible radiator cover according to the present invention 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 isometric view of an internal support for use in the construction shown in figure 1

5. Figure 5 is a side elevation with the radiator cover shown in figure lin a position 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 isometric view of the radiator cover shown 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 11 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 alternative 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 position in which it provides a table, but with an alternative means for horizontally 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 invention.

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 strip 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 horizontal 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 (W) 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 invention can be used with a radiator which is adjacent a corner or where there is an existing shelf or ledge over the top. In the former situation the casing may only require one side panel 9 because the other side of the radiator is close to the adjoining wall. With the latter arrangement the top 1 will not be required because the existing shelf or ledge can be utilised to form part of the cover. Other situations may arise requiring only part of the radiator to be covered. However, such embodiments do not fall within the scope of the claims. In each situation the convertible radiator cover 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 partially 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 rigid 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 primary 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 described here under).

If an internal support is used for purposes other than securing 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 rigidly in position and improve the rigidity of the support. If desired however other means can be employed to connect the members together. The support 8 in the construction being described 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 additional 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 rigid enough.

The internal support can take many forms and can merely be in the form of brackets or other means that may or may not be attached to the casing and that are adapted to locate a member such as 8G, or to receive 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 strengthening 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 hinges 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 horizontal position and these means include fold-out legs 11 carried 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 horizontally and without shake when in position.

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 horizontal 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.

A strip 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 any suitable means and can be provided with hand holes or openings to assist removal and attachment. Again, the construction of the various panels and skirtings can be as desired to provide an attractive appearance.

The moveable front cover 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 in the form of a grill or a cover provided with a pattern of openings as shown in the drawings. In order to strengthen this grill or cover 5 a plate or plates 12 could be secured to the rear surface.

Preferably the 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 horizontal movement.

In the arrangement described 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 location 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 decorative 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 rigid.

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. However if the user prefers to see perforations on the table surface, then this table top may also have perforations or holes in it.

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 grill and can have a downwardly projecting rim which extends over the edges of the cover 5. Catches or other suitable means can be employed to hold it in place.

The legs 11 can be telescopic with appropriate locking means so as to provide adjustment. Releasable means such as catches may 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 described 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 are formed from U shaped members each having substantially vertical arms 20A, 20B and horizontal portion 20C. Each of the arms 20B is connected to the appropriate 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 horizontal 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 described 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 rigid.

If this construction is used then the internal support could be employed merely to strengthen the rigidity 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 grill, is provided with pivot pins 16 which engage appropriately 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 8I 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 combination 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 utilized and is provided with a series 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.

Appropriate 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 construction 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 material (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 cover 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 during the period that the radiator is or has been on.

In all constructions described 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 over 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 invention in which the same reference numerals are used to indicate similar parts. In this construction 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 horizontal position. The cover operates in a similar way to that described 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 construction 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 combinations 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 horizontally 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 horizontally 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 horizontally 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 horizontally extended. These bracket members may be used as both the means for locating the moveable cover to the internal support and or casing and for supporting the moveable cover 5 when horizontally extended.

Other alternatives may include rigid members that support the moveable cover in a similar manner to the arms 28. These rigid members being pivotally attached to the underside of the moveable cover 5. The other end of the rigid members then connects releasably to the casing or internal support 8. These rigid members could also be pivotally attached to the casing and or internal support and releasably 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 rigid 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 releasably 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

A radiatar cover in the form of a casing adapted to cover a radiator with which it is to be used, the radiator cover comprising a top (1), at least one side cover (9, 6), a front (2; 3, 4, 5, 6), support means (11 or 20) and openings for allowing heated air to escape from the radiator, characterized in that the radiator cover is a convertible radiator cover, wherein part of said front is a moveable portion (5) which can be moved from a substantially vertically extending position, in which it can cover pan of the radiator to a substantially horizontal position in which it can be ungaged by the support means to provide a table.
A convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 1 inclucling an internal support (8) attachable to the casing, the moveable portion (5) being pivotally attached to said internal support (8).
A convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 1 where the moveable portion (5) is pivotally attached to the casing.
A couvertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 2 in which the internal support (8) is adapted for attachment to a wall.
A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any one or the preceding claims where tho casing is adapted for attachment to a wall.
A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any one of the proceding claims where the table height is variable.
A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any of the claim 1 to 6 in which the support means for the moveable portion (5) include one or more fold-out legs (11 or 20).
A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 6 in which the support means for the moveable portion (5) include at least one pivotable bracket member.
A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 6 in which the support means for the moveable portion (5) include at least one jointed arm means (28).
A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 6 in which the support means for the movable portion (5) include at least one pivotally attached rigid member.
A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 6 in which the support means for the moveable portion (5) include at least one pivotally attached support flap.
A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 6 in which the support means for the moveable portion (5) include collapsible means that are permanently attached to the moveable portion (5) and/or casing and/or internal support (8).
A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 6 in which the support means for the moveable portion (5) include collapsible means that are releasably attached to the convertible radiator cover.
A convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 7 in which the leg (11 or 20) is vertically and or horizontally adjustable.
A convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 7 or claim 14 including means for preventing horizontal movement of the leg (11 or 20) when supporting the moveable portion (5).
A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any of the claims 7, 14 and 15 when dependent on claim 2 and claim 4 in which the fold out leg (11 or 20) is attached to the internal support (8).
A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any of the claims 7, 14 and 15 in which the fold-out leg (11 or 20) is attached to the moveable portion (5).
A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any of the claims 7, 14 and 15 in which the fold-out leg (11 or 20) is attached to the casing.
A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any one of the claims 7, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18, including a removable bottom central front panel which can be removed to allow access to said fold-out leg (11 or 20) or legs.
A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which means are provided to strengthen the moveable portion (5) to improve its rigidity.
A convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 20 in which the means to strengthen the moveable portion (5) comprises plates (12) affixed to its underside.
A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including a separate table top (25) adapted for location on the upper surface of the moveable portion (5) when in the substantially horizontal position.
A 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 it.
A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including means to releasably secure the end of the movable portion (5) adjacent the support means when vertically extended.
A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including insulating means for covering the underside of the moveable portion (5) and or the supporting means.
A radiator and convertible radiator cover wherein the convertible radiator cover is according to any of claims 1 to 25.