GB2353945A

GB2353945A - Convertible radiator cover

Info

Publication number: GB2353945A
Application number: GB0015838A
Authority: GB
Inventors: George Chidumam Onyeka
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-07-31
Filing date: 2000-06-27
Publication date: 2001-03-14
Anticipated expiration: 2020-06-27
Also published as: GB0015838D0; GB2353945B

Abstract

A convertible radiator cover has a front cover, part 5 of which is moveable, being pivotally attached, and which converts into a tabletop by means of supporting legs.

Description

2353945 Converfible 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 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 table occupied by the space to be re-utilised 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 from 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.

Descrb)tion of the Preferred Embodiment The invention can be performed in various ways and some embodiments will now be described 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 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 I in 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 I I 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.

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.

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 vertical 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 comer 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. 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 3 of the support to link members 8A-8D and 8K-8J, and 8A and 8B Ito 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 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 I 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, Many variations on the general shape, number of covers employed and construction of the cover can be incorporated, Thus, 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 I and 6) or other suitable means could be provided on the skirting 6 or cover 3 to enable this to occur.

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 fi-ame 22 to the underside of which is attached a 4- perforated or plain panel 15. In this type of design the panel 15 is merely decorative and has insufficient strength to provide a 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.

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 suitable size 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 I I 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 9 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 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 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 I I 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 bums 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 I 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,

Claims

Claims 6

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 from 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 having a top, sides and 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 I or claim 2 including an internal support to which the moveable portion and/or the casing is pivotally attached.

4. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim I or claim 2 where the moveable portion is pivotally attached to the casing

5. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 3 in which the internal support is adapted for attachment to a wall.

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

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

8. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any of the preceding claims I to 7 in which the support means for the moveable portion include a foldout leg.

9. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 8 in which the leg is vertically and or horizontally adjustable.

10. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9 including means for preventing horizontal movement of the leg when supporting the moveable portion.

11. As claimed in any of the preceding claims 8, 9 and 10 when dependent on claim 3 and claim 5 in which the fold out leg is attached to the internal support.

12. As claimed in any of the preceding claims 8, 9 and 10 in which the fold-out leg is attached to the moveable portion.

13. As claimed in any of the preceding claims 8, 9 and 10 in which the fold-out leg is attached to the casing.

14. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13 including a removable bottom central front panel which can be removed to allow access to said fold-out leg.

15. A 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 rigidity.

16. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 15 in which the means to strengthen the moveable portion comprises plates affixed to its underside.

I

17. A convertible radiator cover 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 substantially horizontal position-

18. 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.

19. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including means to releasably secure the end of the movable portion adjacent the supporting medium.

20. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including insulating means for covering the underside of the moveable portion;.

21. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims 8 to 19, including insulating means for covering the fold-out leg.

22. A convertible radiator cover substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 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 from 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 I in the form of a casing having a top, sides and 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 2 including an internal support attachable to the casing, the moveable portion being pivotally attached to said internal support.

4. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 2 including an internal support attachable to the casing, the moveable portion being pivotally attached to the casing 5. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 2 where the moveable portion is pivotally attached to the casing 6. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 3 or 4 in which the internal support is adapted for attachment to a wall.

7. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6 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 preceding claims I to 8 in which the support means for the moveable portion include a foldout leg.

10. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 9 in which the leg is vertically or horizontally adjustable.

11. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 including means for preventing horizontal movement of the leg when supporting the moveable portion.

12. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any of the preceding claims 9, 10 and I I when dependent on claim 3 or claim 4 in which the fold out leg is attached to the internal support.

13. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any of the preceding claims 9, 10 and I I when dependent on claim 3, 4 or 5 in which the fold- out leg is attached to the moveable portion.

14. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any of the preceding claims 9, 10 and I lwhen dependent on claims 3,4 or 5 in which the fold- out leg is attached to the casing.

15. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 9 to 14 including a removable bottom central front panel which can be removed to allow access to said fold-out leg.

16. A 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 rigidity.

17. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in claim 16 in which the means to strengthen the moveable portion comprises plates affixed to its underside.

18. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including a separee table top adapted for location on the upper surface of the moveable portion when in the substantially horizontal position.

19. 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 to its horizontally extending position.

20. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including means to releasably secure the end of the movable portion adjacent the floor when said moveable portion is in the vertically extending position.

21. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including insulating means for covering the underside of the moveable portion; 22. A convertible radiator cover as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims 9 to 15, including insulating means for covering the fold-out leg.

23. A convertible radiator cover substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings