GB2534574A

GB2534574A - An article of furniture

Info

Publication number: GB2534574A
Application number: GB1501345.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dunn Christopher
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-01-27
Filing date: 2015-01-27
Publication date: 2016-08-03
Also published as: GB201501345D0

Abstract

An article of furniture convertible between a first configuration in which it may be used as a table and a second in which it may be used as a cabinet wherein the article comprises first 10 and second 12 storage units each with opposed major faces 14 and 16 with four sides extending between them including two long sides 118 and 122 and two short sides 120 and 124 and a hinge means positioned along first long sides 118 of first major surfaces 14 of each of the storage units such that the first major surfaces 14 can move between a position where they are coplanar to one where they are in contact. Independently pivotally attached legs 28 and 30 may be attached to each unit and may be planar sheets support by struts. Doors 36 may be provided to allow access to shelves in the storage units.

Description

AN ARTICLE OF FURNITURE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to articles of furniture and in particular to foldable tables, and particularly to tables comprising internal storage; more particularly but not exclusively to tables providing equivalent storage space in a plurality of configurations.

Background

A range of designs for folding tables comprising storage space are known. Typically these comprise a storage unit from which one or more table tops can be extended, for example in the form of leaves that may fold upwards or slide outwards, or may be stored within the storage unit of the table. Such tables generally have a small volume of storage compared with the volume under the table top when that is extended, as there is a need for users to fit their legs under the table top when using it, and that is blocked by the storage part of the table. It would be advantageous to provide storage volume that is foldable or stable in respect to a reconfiguration of such a table. However, prior art devices are not adapted to achieve this readily.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve 25 the problem or similar, including the following: Chinese utility model CN202858368U discloses a piece of folding table and cabinet dual-purpose furniture, which comprises a folding table body extending in a first direction and provided with a first end part and a second end part opposite to each other, a supporting plate covering the first end part and extending in a second direction vertical to the first direction, and first and second supporting legs extending in the second direction from the lower side of the second end part, wherein the folding table body is uniformly divided into a first table body, a second table body and a third table body in the first direction; at least one first rotary part for enabling the first table body and the second table body to rotate each other is arranged below the joint of the first table body and the second table body; and at least one second rotary part for enabling the second table body and the third table body to rotate each other is arranged above the joint of the second table body and the third table body. Therefore, the folding table and cabinet dual-purpose furniture is smaller in occupied space and convenient for transportation and daily use.

This device is a folding table comprising a central first table portion with a second and third table portions attached to each end, the first end portion having a supporting plate structure on the end distal from the central portion, the right hand portion having four fixed legs. The two end portions have drawers under the table top and are hinged to the central portion to allow the second and third portions to be folded onto the central one in a concertina-like manner, with the drawers remaining in the same orientation. The cabinet so formed stands on fixed legs mounted on the third end portion. This device provides a table that may be transformed into a cabinet, but as in other prior art devices, the volume of storage provided is not great given the area of the table. Also, the design relies on an unorthodox and aesthetically unpleasing flat plate support on one end of the table, which is not suitable for use in a home environment for example.

GB2100975 discloses: A furniture unit adaptable between several alternative configurations to enable it to be used for a number of different functions comprises first and second box members and a bridging member, preferably in the form of a shallow tray, fitting between the two box members and pivotally connected to them at. The furniture unit may be used with the bridging member horizontal, when the unit may serve as a seat, a bed, a desk, a shop counter, a work surface or a sideboard, for example, or vertical, when the unit may serve as a cupboard, a wardrobe, a partition, a bar or a counter, for example. The box members are locked in the desired configuration by means of bolts passing through holes in the box members and bridging member respectively.

This device provides a multifunctional article of furniture that may be changed from a storage box to a table. However, the table does not provide space for a user's legs under it, and so is not useful for many purposes.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an article of furniture adapted to have a first configuration in which it may be used as a table and a second 5 configuration in which it may be used as a cabinet, the article comprising: a first and a second storage units, each comprising a first major surface, a second opposing major surface and four sides joining the major surfaces, the major surfaces being rectilinear and each having a first and a second long sides and a first and a second short sides, a hinge means joining the first and second storage units such that the first long sides of their first major surfaces are adjoining and the first major surfaces are moveable between a first configuration in which they are substantially coplanar and a second configuration in which they are in contact.

Typically the article has rigid or substantially rigid sides, which define a fixed internal storage space. Advantageously therefore the storage units are reconfigured without compromise of their storage function.

Preferably the article is adapted such that legs or supports are operable when the 20 article is in position for use as a table.

Advantageously, the storage volume itself is foldable, so as to maximise the volume of storage that may be provided, while maintaining the ability of a user to fit their legs under the table, while providing an easy means to change the article of furniture from 25 a table supported on legs to a compact storage unit.

In preferred embodiments one or more legs is advantageously mounted on the second major surface of each storage unit, the one or more legs each being hinged to the second major surface so as to be movable between a folded position in which the leg lies substantially parallel to the second major surface and an open position in which the leg is at an angle to the second major surface to support the article in the first configuration.

In this way the article of furniture comprises two storage units, which may be the 35 same dimensions and shape, that may be aligned together in the first configuration to form a table supported by the legs, and may be folded into the second configuration such that the first surfaces contact each other to provide an smaller article of furniture that still presents the storage units for use. The article may for example be placed standing on one end while in the second, folded configuration, such that the short sides of two of the major surfaces, and their adjacent sides of the storage units, and bottom-most. In this configuration the article may be usable as a standing cabinet. Feet may be provided on the shorter sides of the storage units to allow the article to stand readily on the floor.

The article may further comprise struts and/or locking means to retain the legs in the 10 open position such that the article is supported by the legs.

The storage units may be adapted such that they are usable in a horizontal orientation when the article is in the first configuration used as a table, and in a vertical orientation when the article is in the second configuration, used as a cabinet.

A storage unit may comprise shelves and one or both long sides of the unit may comprise doors openable to access the interior space within the unit. The shelves may be removable, and may be aligned with the major surfaces, so as to be usable as shelves when the article is in the first configuration, in use as a table, or may be aligned with the short sides of the unit, so as to be useable as shelves when the article is in the second, folded configuration, in use as a cabinet. The units may comprise runners to support the shelves.

The article may comprise a first and second leg mounted at opposing ends of the second major surface of each storage unit, each hinged independently to the second 25 major surface.

A leg may comprise a substantially planar sheet configured to fold flat against the second major surface when in the folded position.

A leg may comprise a support member and a foot member hinged to the support member and movable between a folded position in which the foot member is aligned with the support member and an open position in which the foot member lies at an angle to the support member. In this way the support for the base of the leg may be increased. The leg may comprise a support member in the form of a first substantially planar sheet having a length extending from the hinge to the second major surface, and a foot member in the form of a second substantially planar sheet, the foot member being hinged to the support member along the length of the support member.

The second major surface may comprise a recess into which the leg fits when in the 5 second, folded configuration. In this way the leg and the second major surface may be substantially coplanar when in the folded configuration.

The article may be formed from materials as used in the art of furniture making, such as wood, wood composite, plywood, chipboard or fibreboard, metal, or moulded polymer. The article may be provided in a range of colours as suits the environment in which they may be used, such as a natural wood finish, a lacquer or polymer surface layer having a colour or pattern as known in the art.

The article may be sized so as to be usable as a dining table, a side table, a coffee table, or a desk, and so may have major surface dimensions for each unit of around half the standard dimensions for the surface of such articles of furniture. A long dimension may be in the range 0.5m to 2m, for example 1m. A short dimension may be in the range 0.5m to 1m, for example 0.75m. The storage units may have a height perpendicular to the major surface in the range 0.1m to 0.4m, for example 0.2m.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the invention in the first, open 25 configuration to be used as a table.

Figure 2 shows a front view of the embodiment as shown in figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a side view of the embodiment as shown in figure 1.

Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the embodiment as shown in figure 1.

Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the embodiment as shown in figure 1 in the 30 second, folded configuration to be used as a cabinet. The article is shown on its side, with a second major surface of a storage unit lowermost, but may also stand upright on its end as shown in figures 6 to 9.

Figure 6 shows a front view of the embodiment as shown in figure 5, in the second, folded configuration, standing upright on two short sides of the storage units.

Figure 7 shows a rear view of the embodiment as shown in figure 6.

Figure 8 shows a side view of the embodiment as shown in figures 6 to 7, showing the second major surface of one of the storage units and the leg mounted on it. Figure 9 shows a bottom view of the embodiment as shown in figures 6 to 8. Figure 10 shows an exploded view of the embodiment as shown in figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

Referring to figures 1 to 9, an embodiment of an article of furniture according to the invention comprises: a first storage unit 10 and a second 12, each comprising a first major surface 14a, 14b, a second opposing major surface 16a, 16b and four sides 18a, 20a 22a, 24a, 18b, 20b, 22b, 24b, joining the major surfaces, the major surfaces being rectilinear and each having a first and a second long sides 118a, 122a, 118b, 122b and a first and a second short sides 120a, 124a, 120b, 124b, A hinge means 26 joining the first and second storage units such that the first long 118a, 118b sides of their first major surfaces 14a, 14b are adjoining and the first major surfaces are moveable between a first configuration in which they are substantially coplanar and a second configuration in which they are in contact, One or more legs 28a, 30a, 28b, 30b mounted on the second major surface of each storage unit, the one or more legs each being hinged to the second major surface by a hinge 32 so as to be movable between a folded configuration in which the leg lies substantially parallel to the major surface and an open configuration in which the leg is at an angle to the major surface, and Struts 34 to retain the leg in the open configuration such that the article is supported by the legs.

In this way the article of furniture comprises two storage units, which may be the same dimensions and shape, that may be aligned together in the first configuration to form a table supported by the legs as shown in figures 1 to 4, and may be folded into the second configuration such that the first surfaces contact each other to provide an smaller article of furniture that still presents the storage units for use as shown in figures 5 to 9. Feet may be provided on the short sides 20a, 20b, 24a, 24b of the storage units to allow the article to stand readily on the floor.

The storage units 10, 12 comprise doors 36 on the long sides of the unit, openable to access the interior space within the unit. The storage units may comprise shelves 206.

The embodiment comprises a first and second leg mounted at opposing ends of the second major surface of each storage unit, each hinged independently to the second major surface.

The legs comprise a substantially planar sheet configured to fold flat against the second major surface when in the second, folded configuration, and the second major surface comprises a recess 38 into which the leg fits when in the folded configuration. In this way the leg and the second major surface are substantially coplanar when in the folded configuration.

Referring to figure 10, the embodiment comprises: a first and second storage unit 12, 14 comprising a first and second table top 200a, 200b, side components to form the sides 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, 24a and 24b, and base component 202a, 202b, joined to form an open storage unit, and doors 36 mounted on each unit to form the sides 22a and 22b. The interior of each unit comprises shelves 206. The units have legs 28a, 30a, 28b, 30b, mounted on the base components 202a, 202b by hinges 32 and locking struts 34 are provided to lock the legs in position to support the table as known in the art. Four struts 34 are provided, one for each of the legs. The legs have rubber feet 204.

The embodiment may be formed from materials as used in the art of furniture making, such as wood, wood composite, plywood, chipboard or fibreboard.

The embodiment may be sized so as to be usable as a dining table, a side table, a coffee table, or a desk, and so may have major surface dimensions for each unit of around half the standard dimensions for the surface of such articles of furniture. For example in one embodiment, a standard small dining table as known in the art may have dimensions of the table surface of around 115cm length and 70cm width. The long sides 118a, 118b of the first major surface may therefore be around 62.5cm long, and the short sides 120a, 120b, may be around 35cm long.

These are example dimensions only and it will be understood that other dimensions are possible.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. An article of furniture adapted to have a first configuration in which it may be used as a table and a second configuration in which it may be used as a cabinet, the article comprising: a first and a second storage units, each comprising a first major surface, a second opposing major surface and four sides joining the major surfaces, the major surfaces being rectilinear and each having a first and a second long sides and a first and a second short sides, a hinge means joining the first and second storage units such that the first long sides of their first major surfaces are adjoining and the first major surfaces are moveable between a first configuration in which they are substantially coplanar and a second configuration in which they are in contact.
2. An article of furniture according to claim 1 wherein one or more legs are mounted on the second major surface of each storage unit.
3. An article of furniture according to claim 2 wherein the one or more legs are hinged to the second major surface so as to be movable between a folded position in which the or each leg lies substantially parallel to the second major surface and an open position in which the or each leg is at an angle to the second major surface to support the article in the first configuration.
4. An article of furniture according to claim 2 or 3 further comprising struts and/or locking means to retain the legs in the open position such that the article is supported by the legs.
5. An article of furniture according to any preceding claim wherein the storage units are adapted such that they are usable in a horizontal orientation when the article is in the first configuration used as a table, and in a vertical orientation when the article is in the second configuration, used as a cabinet.
6. An article of furniture according to any preceding claim wherein one or both long sides of the unit comprise doors openable to access the interior space within the unit.
7. An article of furniture according to any preceding claim comprising a first and second leg mounted at opposing ends of the second major surface of each storage unit, each hinged independently to the second major surface.
8. An article of furniture according to any preceding claim wherein the sides are substantially rigid, and maintain an equivalent storage volume in a plurality of configurations.
9. An article of furniture according to any preceding claim wherein the leg comprises a substantially planar sheet configured to fold flat against the second major surface when in the folded position.
10. An article of furniture substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.