GB2314255A

GB2314255A - Furniture unit

Info

Publication number: GB2314255A
Application number: GB9712716A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark David Wozencroft
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-06-18
Filing date: 1997-06-18
Publication date: 1997-12-24
Also published as: GB9712716D0; GB9612735D0

Abstract

A furniture unit has a storage part (1), a member (2) movable between a closed position in which the storage part (1) is closed and an open position in which the member (2) forms a supported work surface. The movable member (2) is pivotally mounted on a mounting member (11) by substantially U-shaped cooperating formations (36, 37) (Fig 2) on adjacent edges of the movable member (2) and the mounting member (11). The member (2) may be supported by support means (3) in the open position, the support means (3) being movable into an inoperative position when support is not required.

Description

FURNITURE UNIT This invention relates to a furniture unit.

Storage space and work surfaces are of course needed in many places, but particularly in the home, where there is often no room to accommodate them. For example, although collapsible work benches are extremely useful, they are not sufficiently sturdy for some tasks, and so in many households there is need for a solid work bench, but not enough space for a permanent one.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a furniture unit comprises a storage part, a member movable between a closed position, in which the storage part is closed, and an open position in which the member forms a supported work surface, and a mounting member on which the movable member is pivotally mounted along one edge for movement between the two positions, the movable member being mounted by substantially U-shaped co-operating formations on adjacent edges of the movable member and the mounting member.

The unit therefore provides a closable storage space, as well as a sturdy work surface which is stored when not in use, thus saving space.

It is particularly useful as a tool storage box and work bench. The Ushaped formations ensure that the mounting is secure, and that the member is firm in its opening position.

The furniture unit may also include support means movable between an operative position in which the member in the open position is supported on the ground, and an inoperative position when such support is not required. This ensures good support for the movable member in its open position, for use as a work surface.

The storage part is preferably adapted for attachment to a wall, and comprises a box provided with shelves, racks or other storage means as appropriate.

The storage part is preferably of metal, having two side members adapted to be attached to the wall, and upper and lower members attached to the side members to form a secure box.

A locking mechanism may be provided to lock the member in its closed position to the storage part, to ensure secure storage.

In the closed position the member is preferably substantially vertical, and in the open position it is substantially horizontal. The mounting member may comprise the lower member of the storage part, or on a separate mounting member attached to the wall.

The member may be removably mounted, so that it can be removed for use as a separate surface. Preferably however it is permanently attached, to ensure the unit is secure when it is closed and locked. The U-shaped formations are then arranged such that the mounting is secure against tampering.

The support means conveniently comprises one or more legs pivotally mounted for movement between the operative and inoperative positions. The leg or legs may be attached to the member. In the inoperative position they may be secured together by a sleeve. They may support only the front edge of the member, that is, the edge opposite the rear edge. If the member is removable, both the front and rear edges may be supported. The legs may be attached at the corners of the member, and are preferably adjustable.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a furniture unit comprises a storage part, a member movable between a closed position in which the storage part is closed and an open position in which the member forms a work surface, support means movable between an operative position in which the member in the open position is supported on the ground and an inoperative position when such support is not required, and a mounting member on which the movable member is pivotally mounted along one edge for movement between the two positions, the movable member being mounted by substantially U-shaped co-operating formations on adjacent edges of the movable member and the mounting member.

Some embodiments of the invention are illustrated, by way of example, in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a furniture unit in the open position; Figure 2 shows a cross section through a pivotal mounting in the open position; Figure 3 shows the mounting of Figure 2 in the closed position; Figure 4 shows a detail of a support leg in an inoperative position; Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 1 of a modified unit; and Figure 6 shows a detail of Figure 5 with two support legs in the inoperative position.

The furniture unit shown in Figures 1 to 4 is designed for use as a tool storage box and work bench, and comprises a storage part 1, and a member 2 movable between a closed position in which the storage part 1 is closed, and an open position (as shown) in which the member 2 forms a supported work surface. It also has support means 3 movable between an operative position in which the member 2 is supported on the ground 4 (Figure 1), and an inoperative position (Figure 4) when such support is not required.

The storage part 1 comprises a rectangular cabinet 5 open at one end, and attached to a wall 6 by the face 7 opposite the open end by any suitable means, such as bolts 8 in each corner. The cabinet 5 has shelves 9 for tool storage, and the shelves 9 may be adapted for storing particular types of tool. The cabinet 5 may be of metal, or other suitable material to provide a sturdy construction.

The member 2 is also of sturdy construction, with its inner face, the upper face in the open position being of suitable material for the work surface. The member 2 is of rectangular outline, and is substantially the same size as the end of the cabinet 5. The member 2 is pivotally mounted at its rear edge 10 to the lower front edge 11 of the cabinet 5 by hinge means 12 allowing movement between the closed, substantially vertical position and the open, substantially horizontal position. The cabinet 5 and member 2 also have a locking mechanism 13 to enable the member 2 to be locked in the closed position.

The hinge means 12 comprises co-operating formations 36, 37 on adjacent edges of the member 2 and edge 11. The formations 36, 37 are shown in detail in Figures 2 and 3, and are provided all along the edges.

Each formation 36, 37 comprises a substantially U-shaped flange formed integrally with the member.

The flange for the formation 36 on the member 2 is bent at right-angles to the member 2, to form a first flange portion 38, again at right-angles to form a second shorter flange portion 39 and again at right-angles to form a final flange portion 40 extending towards the member 2. The length of the final portion 40 is about half that of the first portion 38.

The flange for the formation 37 on the edge 11 has a first portion 41 at right-angles to the edge 11, a second portion 42 bent at right-angles, and terminates in an angled portion 43. The angle between the portions 42 and 43 is about 45".

In the open position shown in Figure 2 the bend between the portions 42 and 43 on the edge 11 is accommodated in the bend between the member 2 and its first flange portion 38. The end of the angled portion 43 engages the final portion 40 to prevent the member 2 moving downwardly, so that the member 2 is held firmly in the open position. It is however easy to pivot the member 2 upwardly to the closed position of Figure 3, where the first flange portion 38 rests on the edge 11. The formations 36, 37 are arranged so that they cannot be disengaged, except by sliding the members 2, 11 sideways relative to each other. It will be apparent from Figures 1 to 3 that the arrangement of the storage part 1 and member 2 normally precludes this sliding movement. The formations 36, 37 therefore provide a secure mounting to permanently attach the member 2 to the storage part 1, with the member 2 being held firmly in use. It will also be appreciated that the members 1, 2 and the formations 36, 37 could be arranged for easy disengagement if necessary.

The support means 3 comprises four legs 14, one on each corner of the member 2, the construction being shown in Figure 4. Each leg 14 is mounted on the outer or lower face of the member 2, and consists of a pair of outer members 15, 16 and a central member 17. The upper end 18 of each outer member 15, 16 is pivotally mounted to the edge of the member 2 at a point spaced from the corner, while their lower ends 19 are connected, the connection including an adjuster nut 20. The nut 20 is adapted to receive a screw-threaded part 21 of the lower end 22 of the central member 17. The lower end 22 of the member 17 terminates in a ground-engaging foot 23, while the upper end has a hook 24, which is engageable with an eye 25 provided at the corner of the member 2 to lock the leg 14 in the operative position of Figure 1, in which the length of the leg 14 can be adjusted by means of the nut 20. In the inoperative position of Figure 4, the hook 24 is disengaged from the eye 25, allowing the outer members 15, 16 to pivot inwardly and lie against the member 2.

Thus, when the work surface is not required, the member 2 is moved into its closed position, with the legs 14 folded as shown in Figure 4. The member 2 can then be locked to the cabinet 5 to provide a secure storage cabinet, which does not take up a great deal of space.

When the work surface is required, the member 2 is unlocked and pulled down into its open position, and the legs 14 are moved into their operative position by swinging down the outer members 15, 16 and engaging the hook 24 on the central member 17 with the eye 25 to form a stable supporting leg. If necessary the length of the legs 14 can be adjusted to ensure that the member 2 is horizontal.

If appropriate, the member 2 can be removed from the cabinet 5 by disengaging the hinge means 12, so that it can be used as a separate table or work surface.

In a modification (not shown), the member 2 is hinged not to the cabinet 5 but to separate bracket members attached to the wall.

Figures 5 and 6 show a modification of the furniture unit of Figures 1 to 4, and corresponding reference numerals have been applied to corresponding parts.

In Figure 5 the storage part 1 is a frame of metal, having a pair of side members 30, 31 each having a bracket 32 with holes 33 adapted to take screws (not shown) to attach the members 30, 31 to a wall. The frame also has upper and lower members 34, 35 respectively, each having brackets enabling them to be attached to the side members 30, 31.

The member 2 is also of metal, and is pivotally mounted to the lower member 35 by co-operating formations 36, 37 on their adjacent edges. The formations 36, 37 are the same as those in Figures 2 and 3.

The support means 3, shown in Figure 6, comprises two legs 44, one at each front corner of the member 2. Each leg 44 comprises a single member, pivotally mounted by a pin 45 in a pair of brackets 46 attached to the member 2. Each leg 44 is adjustable in length, by means not shown. Each leg 44 also has a stop member 47 at its lower end. The member 47 comprises a spring-loaded peg. A sleeve 48 is mounted on the legs 44 to maintain them in the inoperative position shown in Figure 6, the members 47 preventing the sleeve 48 from coming off. When the legs 44 are to be moved into their operative position, one of the members 47 is moved inwardly to allow passage of the sleeve 48, which allows the legs 44 to be separated. The sleeve 48 is retained on one of the legs 44.

The reverse operation is performed when the legs 44 are to be moved back into the inoperative position.

It will be appreciated that in the unit of Figures 5 and 6 the member 2 is not designed to be removed to be used as a separate table or work surface.

Claims

1. A furniture unit comprising a storage part, a member movable between a closed position, in which the storage part is closed, and an open position in which the member forms a supported work surface, and a mounting member on which the movable member is pivotally mounted along one edge for movement between the two positions, the movable member being mounted by substantially U-shaped co-operating formations on adjacent edges of the movable member and the mounting member.

2. A furniture unit as claimed in claim 1, including support means movable between an operative position in which the member in the open position is supported on the ground, and an inoperative position when such support is not required.

3. A furniture unit as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the storage part is adapted for attachment to a wall.

4. A furniture unit as claimed in claim 2, in which the storage part has two side members adapted to be attached to the wall, and upper and lower members attached to the side members to form a secure box.

5. A furniture unit as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a locking mechanism is provided to lock the member in its closed position to the storage part.

6. A furniture unit as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the member is substantially vertical in the closed position and substantially horizontal in the open position.

7. A furniture unit as claimed in any of claims 4 to 6, in which the mounting member comprises a lower member of the storage part.

8. A furniture unit as claimed in any of claims 4 to 6, in which the mounting member comprises a separate member attached to the wall and separate from the storage part.

9. A furniture unit as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the member is removably mounted.

10. A furniture unit as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, in which the member is permanently attached to its mounting member.

11. A furniture unit as claimed in any of claims 2 to 10, in which the support means comprises one or more legs pivotally mounted for movement between the operative and inoperative positions.

12. A furniture unit as claimed in claim 11, in which the leg or legs are attached to the member.

13. A furniture unit as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, in which the legs are adjustable.

14. A furniture unit as claimed in any of claims 11 to 13, in which the legs are secured together by a sleeve in the inoperative position.

15. A furniture unit comprising a storage part, a member movable between a closed position, in which the storage part is closed, and an open position in which the member forms a work surface, support means movable between an operative position in which the member in the open position is supported on the ground and an inoperative position when such support is not required, and a mounting member on which the movable member is pivotally mounted along one edge for movement between the two positions, the movable member being mounted by substantially Ushaped co-operating formations on adjacent edges of the movable member and the mounting member.

16. A furniture unit substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.

17. A furniture unit substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 of the accompanying drawings.