GB2459246A

GB2459246A - Furniture comprising foldable frame

Info

Publication number: GB2459246A
Application number: GB0802493A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Edward Wills
Original assignee: Croydex Ltd
Current assignee: Croydex Ltd
Priority date: 2008-02-11
Filing date: 2008-02-11
Publication date: 2009-10-21
Anticipated expiration: 2028-02-11
Also published as: GB2459246B; GB0802493D0

Abstract

An item of furniture comprises a foldable frame 35 defined by a plurality of frame parts which are movably connected together, wherein in the folded state there is a continuous stack of frame parts from one surface to an opposite surface in at least part of the frame. The frame parts may be connected by hinges 47. The item may be a bath panel, a folding cabinet, a wall cabinet, or a freestanding cabinet. The item may comprise side elements 41, 42, 45, 46 which are configured to fold into a space between a front part 39 and a rear part 48. Also disclosed are a bath panel comprising two panel parts and a sliding door mounted in an opening (Figs. 1-3), a cabinet defined by a lower carcass part movably mounted to an upper carcass part (Figs. 4-7), an item of furniture comprising first and second frame parts with engagement surfaces which part align in an unfolded state (Figs. 8-10), and a mounting for a shelf (Fig. 15).

Description

FURNITURE

The present invention relates to furniture. In particular, the invention relates to furniture to the type which can be sold in a folded form and assembled by a user into a form in which the furniture will remain during the greater part of its life. This type of furniture is typically referred to as a "flat-pack" furniture.

Flat-pack furniture of this type is well known and has particular advantages for storage and transportation in the manufacture and distribution stages. The volume of items of furniture can be significantly reduced in the folded form compared to the use form.

Some types of flat-pack furniture are provided to be assembled by a user and fixed in final configuration with the use of bolts, screws and other types of fixing.

The final assembly stage, to be carried by a non-specialist in many cases, can be time consuming.

Accordingly, it has been proposed to provide types of furniture in which parts of the furniture are joined together by hinges so that, in the folded state, the parts of the furniture can be folded together to occupy less space.

An example can be found in US6574805 which describes a collapsible sink device. This is a successful and well designed article but the inventors have discovered that certain improvements may be made.

In the design of US6574805, a frame is provided which will hold the sink top.

The frame comprises a front face and a rear face which are joined by permanently hinged double side panels which collapse in a concertina fashion for storage. A bottom surface for the internal space is defined by a plank which, in storage form folds down from the rear, onto a ridge formed on the front face.

The bottom plank has the affect of stabilising and fixing the frame in its unfolded position.

The present inventors have realised that, during storage and transportation, heavy loads may be applied to the folded furniture. As such, the inventors have realised that it is necessary to make the folded form relatively strong. In US6574805, in the folded state, there is at least one gap between the rear face and the leaves of the side faces, which could lead to compression and strain on the hinges and folded parts. The present invention sets out to overcome these problems. The inventors have realised that the furniture should be designed so that, in the folded state, there is a substantially continuous stack of furniture elements from the front surface to the rear surface in at least part of the frame, with no intervening gaps.

According to the present invention there is provided an item of furniture, at least a frame of which is defined by a plurality of frame parts which are movably connected together, and which frame has a folded state and an unfolded state, wherein in the folded state, there is a continuous stack of frame parts from a front surface to a rear surface in at least part of the frame.

The continuous stack of frame parts provides a rigid structure which can bear considerable loads compared to a structure in which there are gaps, increasing the strength and stability of the furniture in its folded state.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a mounting for a shelf, comprising a panel for mounting in a vertical position, the panel defining at least one opening extending from a front surface of the panel, a shelf being provided having a part for engagement in the opening so that the shelf is held on the front surface of the panel, locking means being provided, for engaging a rear surface of the panel and the part of the shelf to fix them together.

Referred and optional features of the present invention will be described further below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The item of furniture of the present invention is preferably of the "flat-pack" type, that is, furniture which is intended to be used for the majority of its use lifetime in its unfolded state. This is different to folding furniture, such as deck chairs and other types of furniture, which are expected to be folded and unfolded regularly.

The present invention is particularly suitable for carcass or cabinet furniture, which have, in the unfolded state, a substantial empty volume.

The furniture may be for use in any environment, for example, the home or office. It may be for any part of the home or office, for example, bathroom, reception, kitchen, storage room, bedroom or any other space.

For example, the furniture may comprise an item of furniture selected from panelling (for example, a bath panel), a cabinet (for example a bathroom cabinet or a wash stand cabinet), a freestanding structure, such as a bed side cabinet, a cupboard, a bookcase, a sideboard, a desk or any similar structure.

Each frame part may comprise any of a post (that is, a member which extends in a direction which, in use, is intended to be substantially vertical), a composite structure such as a box, a door or a beam (that is, a component which extends longitudinally in a direction, which, in the unfolded state, is intended to be substantially horizontal or on a diagonal).

At least some of the frame parts are movably connected to one another. For example, a frame part may be movably connected to at least one, and preferably at least two other frame parts. Some of the frame parts need not be movably connected to other frame parts.

Suitably, frame parts are connected by a connection which allow relative rotation of the frame parts, for example a hinge. In a particularly preferred embodiment the frame parts are connected by at least two hinges which are spaced apart from one another along the notional line about which the frame parts fold with respect to one another.

The furniture may consist of the frame parts, but it may also include other parts which are added to the frame, once the frame is in its unfolded state, to complete the article. The item of furniture may be sold with or without such additional parts. For example, if the item of furniture comprises a wash stand, it may be supplied as a frame defining an open topped cabinet, the top of which may be engaged by another element, which may be supplied with the folding cabinet or separately, for example a worktop or sink element. Preferably, the frame is engageable with a plurality of different types of top, which are

selectable.

The frame may additionally or alternatively be engageable with other components selected from a top part, a bottom part, a shelf part, a support for a shelf, (or a plurality of supports for a shelf or shelves).

The other components are preferably engaged with eh frame after the frame is unfolded. Shelf supports are preferably inserted to the frame after the frame is unfolded, as they can interfere with the folding of the frame.

The additional components, may be fixable to the frame by fixing means, such as nuts, bolts, screws etc. In a preferred embodiment, engaging surfaces are provided on at least part of the frame and part of component for engagement with the frame, the engagement surfaces being configured to hold the component in position on the frame. For example, the engagement surfaces may comprise surfaces which engage frictionally. Preferably they comprise sliding surfaces on the component and on the frame whereby the component can be slid with respect to the frame to occupy the position in which it will be located in use.

This is found to give the frame additionally stability.

Further, the direction of insertion of the component may be configured such that it is either horizontal or in a downward direction, so that gravity will not cause it to come out of engagement during normal use.

The item of furniture may be configured to engage with other items of furniture or with the surfaces of a place where it is mounted. For example, means may be provided for mounting the item of furniture to a wall, for example as described in British patent application no. GB24271 19. A face of the item of furniture for placing against a wall may be suitably configured, for example, to fit around skirting boards or other architectural features.

In a preferred embodiment, there is at least one frame part hingedly mounted with respect to a second frame part, an engagement surface for engaging a furniture component such as a top or bottom part, being provided on each of the first frame part and the second frame part, the engagement surfaces of the first frame part and second frame part aligning in the unfolded state. This helps to further strengthen the structure when it is complete.

This is considered to be inventive in its own right and in a further aspect, the present invention provides an item of furniture comprising a frame which is defined by a plurality of frame parts which are movably connected together, and a furniture component which is removably engageable with the frame, the frame having a folded state and an unfolded state, wherein there is at least one frame part hingedly mounted with respect to a second frame part, an engagement surface for engaging the furniture component, being provided on each of the first frame part and the second frame part, the engagement surfaces of the first frame part and second frame part aligning in the unfolded state.

Preferably, in the folded state, there is a continuous stack of frame parts located in at least two parts which are extending parallel to two different edges. The parts may be continuous with one another or they may be separate from one another. Preferably, there is a continuous stack of frame parts extending around substantially the whole periphery of the frame in its folded state.

The frame, in its folded state, will typically have a shape which has a smallest dimension which is significantly smaller than the extent of the frame in other dimensions. This will give the frame in its folded state the appearance of being substantially flat. For example, the least dimension may be at least half, preferably at least a third of and more preferably at least a quarter of the extent in dimensions at right angles to the least dimension.

The least dimension is considered to extend from the front surface to the rear surface.

In one embodiment, the frame comprises at least two frame parts which can be folded together to lie adjacent to one another.

In one embodiment with two frame parts, the item of furniture comprises a bath panel.

Bath panels are required to cover the gap between the edge of a bath and the floor. The bath panel for the long side of a bath needs, in its use configuration, to be long. By providing a folded bath panel, particularly one which folds at or near the centre, the size for storage can be significantly reduced.

According to the invention, the panel may comprise more than two panel parts which can be folded together.

Preferably, the panel parts are hinged together so that they fold together, with the faces which will be facing outwards in the open configuration and in use lying adjacent to one another in the folded configuration. This helps to protect the outer surfaces from damage during storage. Further, the hinge or hinges can be formed so that they are not visible from the outside when the panel is in the unfolded configuration, the hinge or hinges being configured to allow the panel parts to rotate about a line which is coincident with the edge of each panel part. In the open configuration, all that is visible from the outside is the thin line of the edges of the panel parts which are adjacent to one another.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one panel part comprises an opening for a door. Preferably, both panel parts have an opening for a door. Preferably, the door is sliding door but maybe a hinged, pivoted or cantilevered type door. A catch or lock may be provided to hold a door closed. The sliding door may comprise two sliding parts which are configured, in use, to slide past one another. The panel part may comprise at least one sliding surface such as a slot in which the sliding door or doors may slide. In a preferred embodiment, at least one sliding door is longer than the opening in the panel part in which it is mounted. This means that, in the unfolded configuration, the sliding doors can overlap one another, forming a well sealed closure to the space under the bath.

This construction is considered to be inventive in its own right and the present invention further provides a bath panel comprising a first panel part and a second panel part movably connected to the first panel part so that the panel parts can be folded together, at least one panel part comprising an opening for a door and a sliding door mounted in the opening, the sliding door being longer than the opening in the panel part in which it is mounted.

Preferably, there is a first sliding door in a first panel part, which sliding door is longer than the opening in the first panel part, so that the door projects beyond an edge of the first panel part, the first panel part being hingedly connected to a second panel part at the same edge, a sliding surface, in which the first door part is configured to slide from the first panel into the second panel, being provided on the second panel, and configured so that it starts at a position which is displaced from the edge of the second panel part by a distance equal to or greater than the distance by which the first door part projects beyond the edge of the first panel part. In this way, the projected part of the first door part does not jam against the sliding surfaces on the second panel part when it is desired to fold the panel parts.

For example, the slot may be cut away at the end of the second panel part closest to the edge. Alternatively, the sliding part may comprise brackets or similar structures which extend up to the position defined above, but no further.

The embodiment with at least two frame parts which fold together may be a tall cabinet. By "tall" it is meant that there is at least one dimension which, in use, is intended to be vertical, and which is at least twice any other dimension. By providing a fold at or near the centre of the tall unit, the relatively inconvenient unit can be made much more convenient for transport and storage. This embodiment particularly applies where the longest dimension is at least 1.5 metres, being typically in the range 1.5-2.5 meters. Preferably, there is a first carcass part, preferably defining a first storage volume, which is movably connected to a second carcass part, preferably defining a second storage volume. Each carcass part may be formed of rigidly connected panels in a manner known in the art. One or each of the carcass parts may comprise a movable door panel.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the carcass parts comprises a fold-out shelf. The shelf may be held in the infolded position by a catch.

The hinge between the first carcass part and the second carcass part is preferably located adjacent an edge which, in use, will be adjacent the wall.

Where there is fold out shelf, the fold out shelf is preferably, in the infolded state, at the top, extending up to the edge of the carcass part in which the shelf is mounted, a gap being formed between the upper edge of the fold-out shelf and the adjacent edge of the carcass part, in the unfolded state.

This feature is considered to be inventive in its own right, and in a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an item of furniture comprising a cabinet defined by a lower carcass part and upper carcass part which is movably mounted with respect to the lower carcass part so that the carcass parts can adopt an assembled configuration and a disassembled configuration, at least one of the upper and lower carcass parts comprising a fold out shelf, the fold out shelf being configured so that it has an upper surface which, in the folded state, extends up to the face of the respective carcass part which, in the assembled configuration, abuts a surface of the other carcass part, a gap being formed between the edge of fold out shelf and the surface of the carcass part.

It should be noted in this case that the upper carcass part and the lower carcass part are not necessarily hingedly mounted with respect to each other -they could be removably mounted with respect to each other. They may have engagement surfaces which are configured to slot together to define the assembled configuration.

In a further refinement of this aspect of the invention the top carcass part is replaceable by another furniture component, for example a decorative top.

In a further preferred embodiment the frame comprises three frame parts which fold together. Preferably, the frame parts comprise a rear face and two side faces. Preferably, other faces, such as a top and bottom can be fixed to the rear and side faces in the unfolded configuration. Preferably, a door can be fitted to at least one of the side faces.

At least one shelf element may be provided which, in the folded configuration of the frame lie adjacent to the rear face or to at least one side face, Preferably, the shelf element is configured to largely extend between the side faces in the unfolded state. Preferably, the shelf element is configured to hold the side faces in the desired configuration in the unfolded state. Stop surfaces may be provided against which the shelf element rests in the unfolded state.

In the folded state, there is a preferably a continuous stack of frame parts at the edges. Preferably, there is a continuous stack of frame parts at a part of the rear face and the adjacent edge of a side face. Preferably also at least one side face is defined at its edge which, in the unfolded state, is located furthest from the rear face, by a post (for example to provide a secure mounting for the door), the post being configured to lie flat against the rear surface or against a shelf element folded flat against the rear surface.

This embodiment of the invention suitably comprises a cabinet, for example a wall mountable cabinet. Preferably, it comprises means for mounting adjacent a wall which may be as known in the art. Preferably, the means for mounting adjacent the wall comprises a hanging device as described in British patent application number GB2427119.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the frame comprises six frame elements.

Preferably, the frame element comprise: a first, front part, for example a first beam, a second, rear part, for example a rear beam a first and second side panel element, the first side panel element being hingedly mounted on the front part and hingedly mounted with respect to the second side panel element, the second side panel element being additionally hingedly mounted to the rear part, third and fourth side elements, the third side element being hingedly mounted with respect to the front part and the fourth side element, the fourth side element being additionally hingedly mounted with respect to the rear part, whereby, in the folded state, the first and second side elements are configured to fold into a space between the front and rear parts and the third and fourth side elements are configured to fold into a space between the front and rear parts.

The front part may comprise an entire front face or part of a.front face, preferably, the front part, the edge of one of side elements, or both of them may comprise a mounting for hingedly mounting a front door.

Preferably, the front part comprises a top beam and a lower beam. Preferably, the rear part comprises a top beam and a lower beam. A base panel may be provided. The base panel may be hingedly mounted to at least one of the front or rear lower beams. Typically, it may be provided lose so that it can be received on the front and rear lower beams in the unfolded state.

In a preferred embodiment, the first, second, third and fourth side elements each comprise a leg part for contacting the floor in the unfolded state. The leg parts may be formed particularly simply by simply cutting the first, second third and fourth side parts out of sheet-shaped material into the desired configuration.

This is considered to be inventive in its own right, and in a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an item of furniture comprising a cabinet, defined by a front part, a rear part, first and second side panel elements, the first side panel element being hingedly mounted with respect to the front part and hingedly mounted with respect of the second side panel element, the second side panel element being additionally hingedly mounted to the rear part, third and fourth side elements, the third side element being hingedly mounted with respect to the front part and the fourth side element, the fourth side element being additionally hingedly mounted with respect to the rear part, whereby, in the fold state, the first and second side elements are configured to fold into a space between the front and rear parts and the third and fourth side elements are configured to fold into a space between the front and rear parts, the first, second, third and fourth side parts each comprising a leg part for contacting the floor in the unfolded state.

Preferably, in the unfolded state, the front part lies between the first and third side elements.

The item of the furniture of the present invention may comprise further fixings to secure the frame and, optionally, other components in either the folded or the unfolded state. For example, screws, bolts, nuts, mechanical fixings or any other device may be used. The frame parts and/or other furniture components may be further fixed using adhesives.

The item of furniture of the present invention may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the frame parts may be each formed of wood, wood derived material (such as MDF), cardboard, synthetic materials such as synthetic polymeric materials, for example plastic, composite materials, metal or any combination of these materials. The frame parts may each be assembled out of a plurality of sub parts which are connected together, for example by mechanical fixings, adhesives or any other suitable means. Decorative finishes, such as veneer, paint, varnish, etc may be applied to surfaces of the frame parts and components.

The opening of the shelf mounting of the present invention preferably comprises a slot. Preferably the slot extends from the front to the rear of the panel.

Preferably the part of the shelf for fitting in the opening is of a size corresponding to the size of the slot.

Preferably, the opening is defined at least partly by a wall, a surface of which opposite to the surface for contacting the shelf being located at the rear of the panel. Preferably, the fixing means engages the panel and the shelf by extending through the wall. IThe fixing means may be a screw or bolt.

Preferably,, the wall lies in a plane which is normal to the plane of the panel.

Preferably the panel is defined by frame members defining top, bottom and sides of the panel and at least one cross frame which is substantially parallel to the top or bottom frame, the opening being defined between the cross frame and at least one of the top frame and the bottom frames, or between two cross frames.

The present invention will be further described by way of example only with reference to the following drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a sketch isometric view of a bath panel according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a sketch isometric view at reduced scale of the rear face of the bath panel of figure 1.

Figure 3 shows the bath panel of figure 1 in a folded configuration.

Figure 4 shows a tall cabinet according to the present invention.

Figure 5 shows the tall cabinet in the unfolded configuration.

Figure 6 shows the tall cabinet of figure 4 with a shelf folded out.

Figure 7 is a detail of part of figure 5.

Figure 8 shows a wall cabinet according to the present invention, in a folded state.

Figure 9 shows the wall cabinet of figure 8, being unfolded.

Figure 10 shows the wall cabinet unfolded and with top, bottom and shelves.

Figure 1 Oa shows another embodiment of the frame of a wall cabinet.

Figure 11 shows a freestanding cabinet according to the invention Figure 12 shows the frame of the freestanding cabinet, at reduced scale, in a folded state.

Figure 13 shows the frame of figure 12 completely unfolded.

Figure 14 shows the frame of figure 12, partially unfolded.

Figure 15 is a view of a mounting for a shelf according to the invention.

Figure 16 is a partial rear view of the panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

Figure 1 shows a bath panel according to the present invention. It comprises two panel parts, 1, 2 which are hinged together. The hinge cannot be seen in figure 1, because it is on the rear face, for aesthetic reasons. Each panel part 1, 2 includes an opening in which a sliding door part 3, 4 respectively is received.

Bottom trim parts 5, 6 are also seen, at the bottom of the panel.

As can be seen in figure 2, the opening in each panel part 1, 2 is braced by a metal brace 7 which is fixed to the respective panel part. There is a further brace 8 which extends across the join between the panel parts 1, 2. The brace 8 is fixed in position, for example by screwing, by the person assembling the bath panel, after the panel parts are unfolded.

Each bath panel 1, 2 has a rebated top, to fit around frame parts which may be present at the edge of the bath itself Figure 3 shows the bath panel in a folded state.

The first panel part 1 includes the sliding door part 3 which is entirely slid into the panel part 1 so that it does not project beyond the end thereof. The sliding door part 3 is received in a longitudinally extending groove, the end 9 of which can be seen at the left hand side. The groove is wide enough to receive both the sliding door part 3 and the sliding door part 4 so that the doors can slide along side one another. The width of the groove is therefore the sum of the widths of the doors 3 and 4 plus a certain tolerance.

A rebate 10 can be seen at the top of panel part 1 on the left hand side, for receiving the brace 8 when the panel is unfolded.

Hinges 11 and 12 can be seen between the panel parts I and 2. It can be seen that in panel part 2, the sliding door part 4 extends beyond the end of panel part 2. In order to allow the bath panel to be smoothly unfolded, the edge of the groove 9 is cut away in the region 13 at the front. This means that the foot 14 of the sliding door part 4 can slide over the end of the panel part I into a position in which it overlaps the sliding panel door part 3, as shown in figure 2. The slot 9 extends up to a point which is displaced from the end of the panel part I by distance which is equal to or greater than the amount by which the sliding door part 4 projects from the end of the panel part 2.

The same arrangement is shown at the top, in the position 15.

It can be seen that, in the folded configuration as shown in figure 3, in many parts of the periphery of the panel parts I and 2, there is a continuous stack of parts from front face to rear face, which show excellent resistance to crushing and damage during manufacture and storage.

Figures 4 to 7 show a second embodiment of the invention, comprising a tall cabinet, which is of a height in the range 1.5 -2.5 meters. The cabinet comprises two frame parts which are shown folded together in figure 4. As shown in figure 4, the folded configuration is much more convenient for storage and transport. The tall cabinet comprises a lower carcass part 16, which defines a first storage volume defined by a door (not shown). There is a second carcass part 17 which is hingedly mounted to the first carcass part 16 at hinges which are located along an edge which will be at the back of the cabinet when in use, so that the hinges cannot be seen from the front.

A door or removable panel may be provided in the upper or lower carcass parts.

The second carcass part comprises a second storage volume 18 which may be configured, for example, with shelves, a door or any other suitabte arrangement.

A step 19 can be seen at the tower rear part of the lower carcass part 16, for fitting over skirting boards. It can be seen that the lower carcass part 16 also comprises a fold out shelf 20. The shelf 20 is pivoted around pivots (not shown) located inside the first carcass part 16. In the folded down configuration, a lower edge of the fold out shelf 20 comes to rest against an edge 21 which prevents further downward rotation when the shelf 20 is in a horizontal position.

The shelf is held in its in-folded position by a catch such as a spring loaded ball bearing engaging in a recess.

A door or removable panel may be provided in a surface of the fold out panel.

As can be seen in figure 4, the edge of the shelf 20 which is at the top in the folded-in configuration extends up to the upper periphery of the lower carcass part 16. There is no frame member located between the top of the shelf 20 and the bottom 23 of the upper carcass part 17 when the upper carcass part 17 is folded into the position shown in figure 5.

As shown in figure 7, which shows an enlarged partial view of figure 5, there is a small gap between the lower edge 23 of the upper carcass part 17 and the upper edge 22 of the fold out shelf 20. This has a number of advantages. In the first place, it allows sufficient clearance for the fold out shelf to fold out without jamming on the lower edge 23. It protects the upper edge 22 of the fold out shelf 20 from damage during storage and manufacture, which is important, because this part of the shelf will be very visible in normal use.

Figures 8 to 10 show a third embodiment of the invention, comprising a wall mountable cabinet. The means for mounting the cabinet onto a wall are as described in GB2427119 and are not shown.

As shown in figure 8, in its folded state, the cabinet comprises a rear face 24 and two side faces 25, 26. The rear face 24 is defined along its edges by posts 27, 28, onto the front faces of which the side faces 25, 26 respectively are hinged. At least two hinges (not shown) are provided between each post and the respective side face.

The side faces 25 and 26 terminate at their edges which will be at the front in the unfolded state in posts 29 and 30 respectively. The posts form a secure mounting for hinges for a door (not shown). They are also of greater thickness than the thickness of the panel of the side faces 25, 26. The combined thickness of the panel of the side face 25 and of the post 27 is substantially equal to the combined thickness of the post 29 and the rear face 24 so that, in the folded configuration, the post 29 lies smoothly against the rear face 24 so that there is a continuous stack of frame parts from front to rear, forming a strong stable structure which is secure in manufacture and storage.

In order to assemble the cabinet, the side faces 25 and 26 are first of all rotated outwards as shown in figure 9. Figure 9 also shows positioning holes 31, for pegs for supporting a shelf, in a manner known in the art.

Once the side faces 25 and 26 have been folded outwards, the top part 32 and the bottom part 33 can be secured in place, for example using screws or locking means (not shown). The top and bottom parts fix the side faces 25 and 26 in the unfolded position. A shelf 33 can be included, in a manner known in the art which further serves to keep the side faces 25 and 26 in the unfolded position.

A door (not shown) can be included as well if desired.

Figure lOa shows an alternative embodiment of wall cabinet according to the present invention. It comprises a rear face 24A and two side faces 26A which are hingedly mounted to the rear face 24A. An engagement surface 26B is provided at the top of each of the side faces 26A. A further section of engagement surface is present at each end of the rear face 24A, 24B. It can be seen that engagement surface 26B aligns with the respective section of engagement surface 24B which is on the part of rear face to which the respective side wall 26A is hinged. A top panel 32A is provided which has corresponding engagement surfaces 32B formed in an underside thereof. The top panel 32A is configured so that engagement surfaces 32B line up with the engagement surfaces 26B and 24B and can be slid into engagement with them to form a strong, secure bond. The surfaces can additionally be glued in position, if desired.

Figures 11 to 14 show a freestanding cabinet according to the present invention.

Figure 11 shows the cabinet in its completed state, comprising a frame 35, which will be described further below, doors 36, 37 and a top 38.

Figure 12 shows the frame 35 in its folded state.

It can be seen that the frame 35 comprises the following components.

There is a front part which is defined by a top beam 39 and a lower beam 40.

These are mounted by hinges, at their ends (not shown) to a first side element 41 and at the other end to a third side element 42. The first and third side elements 41 and 42 are each hingedly mounted at their inner edge (for example 43) to a corresponding inner edge 44 of a third side element at 45 and a fourth side element 46 respectively. The second and fourth side elements 45 and 46 are each mounted at hinges (for example as shown at 47), to an upper rear beam 48 and a lower rear beam 49 (just visible in figure 12) which corresponds in design to the lower front beam 40.

It can be seen that there is continuous stack of frame parts over the greater part of the extent of the front beam 39, rear beam 48 and the lower beams 40 and 49, making a stable stack for storage.

It can also been seen that the side elements 41, 42, 45, and 46 each comprise a leg 49 so that the assembled structure has four legs. The legs are each formed as part of the panel from which the side panel elements are formed, thereby simplifying manufacture. It also means that the legs stack neatly against one another in the folded state.

Figure 13 shows the frame 35 in the partially unfolded state. It can be seen that side panel elements are being moved from the flat folded state into a state in which the side panel elements 41 and 45 are aligned with one another and the side panel elements 42 and 46 are aligned with one another. They are rotating about hinges (for example 47) with respect to the upper and lower front and rear beams 39, 40, 48 and 49.

Figure 14 shows the frame 35 in the completely unfolded state. It can also be seen that a base 50 has been inserted, which rests on the lower beams 40 and 49 and holds the frame 35 in the open position.

Releasable locking means may be provided for fixing the frame 35 in the open position.

In order to complete the assembly of the cabinet, doors 36 and 37 are fitted to the panel elements 41 and 42, in a manner known in the art, The top 38 is engaged with the top of the frame 35. For example, there may be a rebate or a projection on the underside of the top 38 (not shown) which, in use, slots into or around the upper edge of the frame 35.

In a preferred embodiment, the top comprises sliding surfaces formed on an underside thereof which are engageable with corresponding sliding surfaces formed at the top of the frame 35. In this way, the top can be slid in a horizontal direction into position on top of the frame where it will be held securely by the frictional engagement of the sliding surfaces, further helping to hold the frame in its open position.

Figure 15 is a view of a panel and shelf according to the invention.

The mounting for a shelf comprises a panel 51 for mounting in a vertical position, the panel defining at least one opening 52 extending from a front surface 53 of the panel to the rear surface 54. The panel 51 can be used for example to mount a mirror. A shelf 55 is provided having a part 56 for engagement in the opening 52 so that the shelf is held on the front surface of the panel.

Locking means in the form of a bolt 57 and nut 58 is provided, for engaging the rear surface 54 of the panel and the part of the shelf to fix them together.

The panel is defined by frame members defining top, bottom (61) and sides of the panel and two cross frames 59 and 60 which are substantially parallel to the top and bottom frames. The opening 52 is defined between the cross farmes59 and 60.

The bolt 57 engages the panel and the shelf by extending through holes 62 and 63 which are formed in surfaces of the cross frames which are normal to the plane of the panel.

The present invention has been described by way of example only and modifications can be made within the invention.

The invention also resides in any individual features described or implicit herein or shown or implicit in the drawings or any combination of any such features or any generalisation of any such features or combination.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. An item of furniture, at least a frame of which is defined by a plurality of frame parts which are movably connected together, and which frame has a folded state and an unfolded state, wherein in the folded state, there is a continuous stack of frame parts from a front surface to a rear surface in at least part of the frame.
2. The item of furniture of claim 1, comprising carcass or cabinet furniture.
3. An item of furniture according to any preceding claim, being selected from panelling, a cabinet, a freestanding structure, a cupboard, a book case, a side board or a desk.
4. An item of furniture according to any preceding claim, wherein frame parts of the frame are connected by a connection which allows relative rotation of the frame parts.
5. An item of furniture according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one frame part is connected to another frame part by a hinge.
6. An item of furniture according to any preceding claim, comprising a frame and other parts engageable with the frame in the unfolded state of the frame.
7. An item of furniture according to any preceding claim, wherein, in the folded state, there is a continuous stack of frame parts in at least two parts which are located extending parallel to two different edges.
8. An item of furniture according to any preceding claim, further comprising fixing means for fixing the frame in the folded or unfolded state.
9. An item of furniture, wherein the frame comprises two frame parts.
10. An item of furniture according to claim 9, comprising a bath panel
11. A bath panel according to claim 10, comprising two panel parts which are hinged together so that they fold together, with the faces which will be facing outwards in the open configuration and in use, lying adjacent to one another in the folded configuration.
12. A bath panel according to claim 10 or 11, wherein at least one panel part comprises an opening for a sliding door.
13. A bath panel according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein both panel parts have openings for a sliding door.
14. A bath panel according to claim 13, wherein at least one sliding door is longer than the opening in the panel part in which it is mounted.
15. A bath panel according claim 13 or 14, comprising a sliding surface in which a sliding door may slide between the bath panels, the sliding door being longer than the opening in the panel part in which it is mounted.
16. A bath panel according to claim 14 or 15, wherein there is a first sliding door in the first panel part, which sliding door is longer than the opening in the first panel part, so that the door projects beyond an edge of the first panel part, the first panel part being hingedly connected to a second panel part at the same edge, a sliding surface, in which the first door part is configured to slide from the first panel part into the second panel part being provided on the second panel and configured so that it starts at a position which is displaced from the edge of the second panel part by a distance equal to or greater than the distance by which the first door projects beyond the edge of the first panel part.
17. An item of furniture according to any of claims I to 9, comprising a cabinet in which at least one dimension which, in use, is intended to be vertical, is at least twice any other dimension of the cabinet, the cabinet being configured to fold at or near the centre of the cabinet.
18. The item of furniture of claim 17, comprising a first carcass part hingedly connected to a second carcass part at a hinge which is located adjacent an edge, which, in use, will be adjacent a wall.I 9.. An item of furniture according to claims 17 or 18, further comprising a fold-out shelf.20. An item of furniture according to claim 19, wherein an edge of the fold-out shelf, which, in the infolded state is at the top, extends up to the edge of the carcass part in which the shelf is mounted, a gap being formed between the upper edge of the fold out shelf and the adjacent edge of the other carcass part, in the unfolded state.21. An item of furniture according to any claims I to 9, comprising three frame parts which fold together.22. An item of furniture according to claim 21, wherein the frame parts comprise a rear face and two side faces.23. An item of furniture according to claim 21 or 22, further comprising at least one of a top part and a bottom part, fixable to the frame in the unfolded configuration.24. An item of furniture according to any of claims I to 9, comprising: a first front part a rear part, first and second side panel elements, the first side panel element being hingedly mounted to the front part and hingedly mounted with respect to the second side panel element, the second side panel element being additionally hingedly mounted to the rear part, third and fourth side elements, the third side element being hingedly mounted with respect to the front part and the fourth side element, the fourth side element being additionally hingedly mounted with respect to the rear part, whereby, in the folded state, the first and second side parts are configured to fold into a space between the front and rear parts and the third and fourth side elements are configured to fold into a space between the front and rear parts.25. An item of furniture according to claim 24, further comprising at least one of a top, a base and at least one door, engageable with the frame in the unfolded state.26. An item of furniture according to any of claims 24 and 25, wherein the front part comprises a top beam and a lower beam 27. An item of furniture according to any of claims 24 to 26, wherein the first, second, third and fourth side elements each comprise a leg for contacting the floor in the unfolded state.28. An item of furniture according to claim 27, wherein each of the first, second, third arid fourth side elements comprises a panel of sheet shaped material which has been cut in such a way as to define a side part and a leg extending from the side part 29. A bath panel, comprising a first panel part and a second panel part movably connected to the first panel part so that the panel parts can be folded together, at least one panel part comprising an opening for a door and a sliding door mounted in the opening, the sliding door being longer than the opening in the panel part in which it is mounted.30. A bath panel according to claim 29, further comprising a sliding surface, in which the sliding door is configured to slide from the first panel part into the second panel part, the sliding surface being configured so that it starts at a position which is displaced from the edge of the second panel part by a distance equal to or greater than the distance by which the sliding door projects beyond the edge of the first panel part.31. An item of furniture, comprising a cabinet defined by a lower carcass part and upper carcass part which is movably mounted with respect to the lower carcass part so that the carcass parts can adopt an assembled configuration and a disassembled configuration, at least one of the upper and lower carcass parts comprising a fold out shelf, the fold out shelf being configured so that it has an upper surface which, in the folded state, extends up to the face of the respective carcass part which, in the assembled configuration, abuts a surface of the other carcass part, a gap being formed between the edge of the fold out shelf and the surface of the other carcass part.32. An item of furniture, comprising a cabinet, defined by a front part, a rear part, first and second side elements, the first side element being hingedly mounted on the front part and hingedly mounted with respect to the second side element, the second side element being additionally hingedly mounted to the rear part, third and fourth side elements, the third side element being hingedly mounted with respect to the front part and the fourth side element, the fourth side element being additionally hingedly mounted with respect to the rear part, whereby, in the folded state, the first and second side elements are configured to fold into a space between the front and rear parts and the third and fourth side elements are configured to fold into a space between the front and rear parts, the first, second, third and fourth side elements each comprising a leg part for contacting the floor in the unfolded state.33. An item of furniture comprising a frame which is defined by a plurality of frame parts which are movably connected together, and a furniture component which is removably engageable with the frame, the frame having a folded state and an unfolded state, wherein there is at least one frame part hingedly mounted with respect to a second frame part, an engagement surface for engaging the furniture component, being provided on each of the first frame part and the second frame part, the engagement surfaces of the first frame part and second frame part aligning in the unfolded state.34. A mounting for a shelf, comprising a panel for mounting in a vertical position, the panel defining at least one opening extending from a front surface of the panel, a shelf being provided having a part for* engagement in the opening so that the shelf is held on the front surface of the panel, locking means being provided, for engaging a rear surface of the panel and the part of the shelf to fix them together.35. An item of furniture, substantially as herein described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.