GB2338406A - Collapsible furniture - Google Patents

Abstract

An item of collapsible furniture comprises a top surface A and two lateral supporting frames C pivotally attached to the underside thereof which, in use, support the top surface, wherein each supporting frame is hinged at an intermediate region thereof to facilitate pivoting about a horizontal axis. A locking member B is further provided to prevent the supporting frames from collapsing when in the erected position, the locking member being pivotally connected between the two supporting frames to the underside of the top surface. In use, the locking member engages a cross member D which connects the ends of the supporting members remote from the top surface, thereby rigidly locking the assembly.

Description

1 1 1 Collapsible load-supporting mechanism This invention relates to the

folding structure for a load-supporting mechanism.

All collapsible structures with working platforms (eg. tables/workbenches, ironingboards, chairs etc) by definition have to collapse into a lesser space. Assuming they are not made up of separate or multiple parts, they therefore all rely on certain moving parts - legs, props or struts - which may or may not need to be locked into position in order for the device to remain rigid.

Some folding devices however, necessitate a certain working knowledge of the technology employed in their construction, which causes them to be difficult to erect, sometimes leaving them unstable and even dangerous.

According to the present invention the means of erection of the collapsible loadsupporting mechanism is by such a method that makes both erecting and collapsing extremely simple. By using a tapered diagonal cross-leg mechanism that tightens incrementally, the mechanism can only be erected into the correct formation and collapses just as easily. Also by means of the slight taper on the cross-leg, complete rigidity is assured, thereby wedging the weight supporting side legs into a locked/erected configuration, and unable to spread by means of the base connecting bar, completing a geometric rhomboid.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which for the purpose of illustration only, the device has a flat work top:- Figure 1 shows in perspective, the erected load-support mechanism with the central cross-leg in position.

Figure 2 shows elevation views from the front of the load-support mechanism in three stages of erection.

Position 1 shows the load-support mechanism in flat, collapsed position.

Position 2 shows the load-support mechanism with weight support legs, central cross-leg and base connecting bar unfolding.

Position 3 shows the load-support mechanism fully erected, with the slightly tapered central cross-leg locking the two outer weight supporting legs and base connecting bar into a rigid rhomboid configuration.

2 Referring to the drawing:- the collapsible load-support mechanism is illustrated with a flat work top A, secured by means of screws, glue, rivets etc. depending upon mode of manufacture.

In order to erect the collapsed structure - Position 1 - it is placed flat on the ground resting on its base D. The flat top A alone is lifted, thus under the weight of the mechanism it begins to unfold - Position 2. The base connecting bar D fails vertically, the two weight supporting legs C start to unfold and spread outwards - hinged at the centres - and the cross-leg B begins to drop diagonally, being hinged from the long edge. It begins to erect automatically.

Finally, the collapsible load-support mechanism is fully erected Position 3 - when the cross-leg B has completely dropped and being slightly tapered has pushed out the two weight supporting legs. Thus ensuring it is locked into a rigid rhomboid configuration, made up of the parallel top and base and tapered weight supporting legs.

To collapse the structure, the steps described above are carried out in the reverse sequence.

Also depending upon type of manufacture/modus operandi, four small feet (one at each corner) may need to be suitably attached for ground clearance.

3

Claims (3)

1 The means of erection of the collapsible load-supporting mechanism is by such a method that makes both erecting and collapsing extremely simple. By using a tapered diagonal cross-leg mechanism that tightens incrementally, the mechanism can only be erected into the correct formation and collapses just as easily. Also by means of the slight taper on the cross-leg, complete rigidity is assured, thereby wedging the weight supporting side legs into a locked/erected configuration, and unable to spread by means of the base connecting bar, completing a geometric rhomboid.

2 The collapsible load-supporting mechanism as claimed in Claim 1 wherein a further locking device is provided on the underside of the same, facilitating a locked/closed configuration.

3 The collapsible load-supporting mechanism as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 can be fitted to a variety of products whose uses facilitate the need to be collapsed or folded for ease of storage, lightness of weight, or transportation.