GB2557163A

GB2557163A - Door storage unit

Info

Publication number: GB2557163A
Application number: GB1613170.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Pullan Mark
Original assignee: Wren Living Ltd
Current assignee: Wren Living Ltd
Priority date: 2016-07-29
Filing date: 2016-07-29
Publication date: 2018-06-20
Anticipated expiration: 2036-07-29
Also published as: GB2557163B; GB201613170D0

Abstract

A method of installing a fitted cupboard to a surface is disclosed. The cupboard includes a base unit and a door unit. The method comprises the steps of removing the door from the base unit, storing the door in a storage block 100, attaching the base unit to a surface, and removing the door from the storage block and attaching it to the base unit. A storage block is also disclosed being arranged to receive and retain door units in a substantially vertical alignment and arranged in a spatially separated non-contacting arrangement relative to each other. The storage block may be formed from polystyrene and may comprise a series of parallel channels or grooves in a first surface for receiving door units.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Door storage unit

Abstract Title: A method of installing a fitted cupboard (57) A method of installing a fitted cupboard to a surface is disclosed. The cupboard includes a base unit and a door unit. The method comprises the steps of removing the door from the base unit, storing the door in a storage block 100, attaching the base unit to a surface, and removing the door from the storage block and attaching it to the base unit. A storage block is also disclosed being arranged to receive and retain door units in a substantially vertical alignment and arranged in a spatially separated non-contacting arrangement relative to each other. The storage block may be formed from polystyrene and may comprise a series of parallel channels or grooves in a first surface for receiving door units.

Figure 1

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

09 17

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Figure 1

Door Storage Unit

The present invention is directed towards a method of installing fitted cupboards.

Fitted cupboards typically comprise a base unit, which forms the interior space of the cupboard, and a door unit, which is attached thereto and covers the interior space allowing access thereto. Fitted cupboards may be, for example, fitted wardrobes, fitted bathroom units or fitted kitchen units. Typically, when fitted cupboards, such as kitchen units, are installed in a room, such a kitchen, the cupboards are provided with the door unit already attached to the base unit. During installation the door units are removed and the base units are then attached to a wall and/or floor of the room before the door units are reattached. When the door units are removed they are typically temporarily stored by being stacked against one another. This can lead to chipping of the doors, for example, to chipping of a coating that may be applied to the doors. Alternatively, the base unit and door unit may be provided separately. However, they must nevertheless be temporarily be stored prior to installation. The door units are typically temporarily stored by being stacked against one another. Again, this can lead to chipping of the doors, for example, to chipping of a coating that may be applied to the doors.

It is an object of aspects of the present invention to provide one or more solutions to one of the above mentioned or other problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing a fitted cupboard to a surface, the fitted cupboard comprising a base unit and a door unit attached thereto, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) optionally, removing the door unit from the base unit, (b) storing the door unit in a storage block, the storage block having a plurality of door receiving sections on a first surface thereof, (c) attaching the base unit to a surface, and (d) removing the door unit from the storage block and attaching the door unit to the base unit, wherein each of the plurality of door receiving sections are operable, in use, to receive and retain a door unit in a substantially vertical alignment and which door receiving sections are arranged relative to each other such that, when more than one door unit is stored in the storage block, a door received in one door receiving section is retained in a spatially separated non-contacting arrangement relative to a door received in an adjacent door receiving section.

By the term ‘fitted cupboard’, and like terms as used herein, is meant a cupboard that is installed and/or fixed at a particular position on a surface, such as within a room, typically against a wall and/or a floor of said room, and therefore cannot be moved to a different position within the room without being uninstalled and/or unfixed. For example, a fitted cupboard may be temporarily or permanently attached at a particular position against a wall and/or floor of the room. In contrast a ‘cupboard’, i.e. one which is not fitted, is free-standing, i.e. is not installed and/or fixed at a particular position within a room, and thus may be easily moved from one position in the room to another. For the avoidance of doubt, items of furniture such as, for example, a free-standing wardrobe or a chest of drawers, which are attached to a wall of a room only to prevent them from tipping over such as, for example, by an ‘anti-tip furniture strap’, are not encompassed under the definition of a fitted cupboard.

The room may be any suitable room. For example, the room may be a kitchens, a bathroom, a dining room, a residential or commercial office, a commercial outfit such as, for example, a shop interior or a bedroom. Suitably, the room may be a bedroom or a kitchen. More suitably, the room may be a kitchen.

The fitted cupboard may be any suitable type of fitted cupboard. For example, the fitted cupboard may be a fitted wardrobe, a fitted bathroom units or a fitted kitchen unit. Suitably, the fitted cupboard may be a fitted wardrobe or a fitted kitchen unit. More suitably, the fitted cupboard may be a fitted kitchen unit.

The fitted cupboard comprises a base unit. For the avoidance of doubt, by the term ‘base unit’, and like terms as used herein, is meant the part of the fitted cupboard that forms the interior space thereof. For example, the base unit may comprise a back section and four side sections attached perpendicularly thereto. Suitably, the base unit may comprise a back section and four side sections attached perpendicularly thereto to form an open ended box. Suitably, the back section of the base unit may be attached to the wall of a room during installation of the fitted cupboard. The back section may have any suitable shape. For example, the back section may be square or rectangular in shape. Suitably, the back section may be rectangular in shape. The four side sections may or may not be attached to a wall and/or floor of a room. For example, the base unit may be attached to a wall of a room only via the back section, the base unit may be attached to more than one wall, such as two walls, of a room via the back section and a side section, the base unit may be attached to a wall and floor of a room via the back section and a side section or the base unit may be attached to more than one wall, such as two walls, and floor of the room via the back section and more than one side section. The four side sections may have any suitable shape. For example, the four side sections may each individually be square or rectangular in shape. Suitably, the four side sections may each individually be rectangular in shape.

The base unit may have any suitable dimensions. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the dimensions of the base unit will typically depend on the type of fitted cupboard that is to be installed. The base unit may further comprise an additional component or components. For example, the base unit may comprise one or more shelves, one or more drawers, one or more plate racks or combinations thereof.

The fitted cupboard comprises a door unit attached to the base unit. For the avoidance of doubt, by the term ‘door unit’, and like terms as used herein, is meant the part of the fitted cupboard that may be opened, in order to cover the interior space thereof, and closed, in order to reveal the interior space thereof. The door unit may comprise any suitable component or components. For example, the door unit may comprise a door leaf and, optionally, one or more hinges, one or more handles or combinations thereof. One or more of the components of the door unit may be coated such as, for example, with paint lacquer, varnish, a laminate or combinations thereof. Suitably, the door leaf of the door unit may be coated such as, for example, with paint lacquer, varnish, a laminate or combinations thereof. The door unit may be attached to the base unit by any suitable means. For example, the door unit may be attached to the base unit using one or more hinge(s).

The door unit may have any suitable dimensions. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the dimensions of the door unit will typically depend on the type of fitted cupboard that is to be installed. Suitably, the door unit may be the same size as the back section of the base unit.

The method of the present invention optionally comprises the step of (a) removing the door unit from the base unit. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that step (a) will typically be required when the fitted cupboard is provided in a form wherein the base unit is attached to the door unit prior to installation. Suitably, therefore, in certain embodiments, when the fitted cupboard is provided in a form wherein the base unit is attached to the door unit prior to installation, the method comprises the step of (a) removing the door unit from the base unit. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that step (a) will typically not be required when the fitted cupboard is provided in a form wherein the base unit is detached from the door unit prior to installation, for example, when the fitted cupboard is provided in a form where in the base unit and door unit are provided as separate components.

The step of (a) removing the door unit from the base unit, when present, may be performed by any suitable method. Suitable methods will be known to a person skilled in the art. For example, only the door leaf of the door unit may be removed from the base unit or the door leaf and hinge(s), when present, may be removed from the base unit.

The method of the present invention comprises the step of (b) storing the door unit in a storage block.

The storage block may be formed from any suitable material. For example, the storage block may be formed from plastic such as, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate or polystyrene, wood, metal or combinations thereof. Suitably, the storage block may be formed from plastic. More suitably, the storage block may be formed from polystyrene. It is an advantage of the present invention that when the storage block is formed from polystyrene, the material is such that damage to a door unit received in a door receiving section thereof is reduced or is even substantially prevented.

In one preferred embodiment, therefore, there is provided a method of installing a fitted cupboard to a surface, the fitted cupboard comprising a base unit and a door unit attached thereto, the method comprising the steps of: (a) optionally, removing the door unit from the base unit, (b) storing the door unit in a polystyrene storage block, the storage block having a plurality of door receiving sections on a first surface thereof, (c) attaching the base unit to a surface, and (d) removing the door unit from the storage block and attaching the door unit to the base unit, wherein each of the plurality of door receiving sections are operable, in use, to receive and retain a door unit in a substantially vertical alignment and which door receiving sections are arranged relative to each other such that, when more than one door unit is stored in the storage block, a door received in one door receiving section is retained in a spatially separated non-contacting arrangement relative to a door received in an adjacent door receiving section.

The storage block may be any suitable shape. For example, the storage block may be a cube or may be a cuboid. Suitably, the storage block may be a cuboid.

The storage block may have any suitable dimensions. The storage block may have any suitable length. For the avoidance of doubt, by the term ‘length’ when used in relation to the storage block is meant the longest dimension of the storage block which, in use, lies in a horizontal plane. However, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the width, length and height of the storage block may be equal. In certain embodiments, the storage block may have a length of at least about 400mm, suitably at least about 500mm, such as at least about 600mm, such as at least about 700mm, or even at least about 750mm. Suitably, the storage block may have a length of about 800mm. The storage block may have any suitable width. For the avoidance of doubt, by the term ‘width’ when used in relation to the storage block is meant the shortest dimension of the storage block which, in use, lies in a horizontal plane. However, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the width, length and height of the storage block may be equal. In certain embodiments, the storage block may have a width of at least about 200mm, suitably at least about 300mm, such as at least about 400mm, such as at least about 500mm, or even at least about 550mm. Suitably, the storage block may have a width of about 600mm. The storage block may have any suitable height. For the avoidance of doubt, by the term ‘height’ when used in relation to the storage block is meant the dimension of the storage block which, in use, lies in a vertical plane and includes the distance from the bottom of the storage block, i.e. from the surface on which it is placed, to the highest point of the storage block. However, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the width, length and height of the storage block may be equal. In certain embodiments, the storage block may have a height of at least about 60 mm, suitably at least about 70mm, such as at least about 80mm, such as at least about 90mm, or even at least about 100mm. Suitably, the storage block may have a height of about 120mm.

The storage block of the present invention has a plurality of door receiving sections on a first surface thereof.

The first surface of the storage block may be of any suitable shape. Suitably, the first surface of the storage block may be rectangular or square in shape. More suitably, the first surface of the storage block may be rectangular in shape. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the first surface of the storage block typically corresponds to one of the faces of the cube or cuboid, suitably cuboid, of the storage block. Suitably, the first surface of the storage block may correspond to one of the faces of the cube or cuboid, suitably cuboid, of the storage block which, in use, lies in a horizontal plane. The first surface may have any suitable dimensions. Suitably, the first surface may have the same length and width as the storage block. The first surface of the storage block may have any suitable length. For the avoidance of doubt, by the term ‘length’ when used in relation to first surface of the storage block is meant the longest dimension of the first surface of the storage block. However, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the width and length of the first surface of the storage block may be equal. In certain embodiments, the first surface of the storage block may have a length of at least about 400mm, suitably at least about 500mm, such as at least about 600mm, such as at least about 700mm, or even at least about 750mm. Suitably, the first surface of the storage block may have a length of about 800mm. The first surface of the storage block may have any suitable width. For the avoidance of doubt, by the term ‘width’ when used in relation to the first surface of the storage block is meant the shortest dimension of the first surface of the storage block. However, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the width and length of the first surface of the storage block may be equal. In certain embodiments, the first surface of the storage block may have a width of at least about 200mm, suitably at least about 300mm, such as at least about 400mm, such as at least about

500mm, or even at least about 550mm. Suitably, the first surface of the storage block may have a width of about 600mm.

The storage block may have any suitable number of door receiving sections. In certain embodiments, the storage block may have at least two (2), suitably at least four (4), such as at least five (5), such as at least six (6), such as at least seven (7), or even at least eight (8) door receiving sections. Suitably, the storage block may have eight (8) door receiving sections.

Each of the plurality of door receiving sections may be of any suitable form. For example, each of the plurality of door receiving sections may each be in the form of channels or grooves in the first surface of the storage block. Each of the plurality of door receiving sections may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the each of the plurality of door receiving sections may individually be square or rectangular in cross-sectional shape, optionally with rounded or chamfered edges. Suitably, each of the plurality of door receiving sections may individually be rectangular in cross-sectional shape, optionally with rounded or chamfered edges. More suitably, each of the plurality of door receiving sections may individually be rectangular in cross-sectional shape with chamfered edges. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the cross-sectional shape of each of the plurality of door receiving sections will typically correspond to the shape of the edges of the door units which are to be inserted into said door receiving sections.

Each of the plurality of door receiving sections may be of any suitable width. For the avoidance of doubt, by the term ‘width’ when used in relation to each of the plurality of door receiving sections is meant the shortest dimension of each of the door receiving sections. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the width of each of the plurality of door receiving sections corresponds to the thickness, i.e. depth, of the door unit which is to be received therein. Therefore, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the width of each of the door receiving sections will typically depend on the type of door unit that is to be received therein. In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of door receiving sections may individually have a width from about 10mm to 100mm, suitably from about 10mm to 50mm, such as from about 15mm to 40mm, or even from about 20mm to 30mm. Suitably, each of the plurality of door receiving sections may individually have a width from about 20mm to 25mm. More suitably, each of the plurality of door receiving sections may individually have a width of about 23mm.

Each of the plurality of door receiving sections may be of any suitable length. For the avoidance of doubt, by the term ‘length’ when used in relation to each of the plurality of door receiving sections is meant the longest dimension of each of the door receiving sections.

Each of the plurality of door receiving sections may individually run a portion of the length of the first surface of the storage block or may run substantially the whole length of the first surface of the storage block. Suitably, each of the plurality of door receiving sections may run substantially the full length of the first surface of the storage block. More suitably, each of the plurality of door receiving sections may run the full length of the first surface of the storage block. In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of door receiving sections may individually have a length from about 400mm to 1,000mm, suitably from about 500mm to 900mm, such as from about 500mm to 800mm, or even from about 600mm to 800mm. Suitably, each of the plurality of door receiving sections may individually have a width from about 700mm to 800mm. More suitably, each of the plurality of door receiving sections may individually have a length of about 800mm.

The plurality of door receiving sections are operable, in use, to receive and retain a door unit in a substantially vertical alignment. By the term ‘substantially vertical alignment’, and like terms as used herein, is meant that, in use, the door unit is retained in a position that is substantially parallel to the vertical plane. For example, the door unit may be retained in a position which is about ±20°, suitably about ±15°, such as about ±10°, such as about ±5°, such as about ±2°, such as about ±1°, or even about ±0° of the vertical plane, wherein the vertical plane is defined as 0°. Suitably, the door unit may be retained in a position that is about ±0° of the vertical plane, wherein the vertical plane is defined as 0°.

The plurality of door receiving sections are arranged relative to each other such that, when more than one door unit is stored in the storage block, a door received in one door receiving section is retained in a spatially separated non-contacting arrangement relative to a door received in an adjacent door receiving section. By the term ‘spatially separated non-contacting arrangement’, and like terms as used herein, is meant that the door units are held in a position in which they do not touch one another. For example, a door unit received and retained in one door receiving section may be held in a position such that it does not touch another door unit received and retained in an adjacent door receiving section.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the storage block should typically be formed from a material which has sufficient structural rigidity to retain door units in both a substantially vertical alignment and a spatially separated non-contacting arrangement, particularly when the door receiving sections are in the form of grooves or channel therein. However, in certain embodiments, the door receiving sections may be reinforced.

The plurality of door receiving sections may be arranged in any suitable arrangement, provided that the above criteria are satisfied. For example, the plurality of door receiving sections may be arranged substantially parallel relative to each other or may be arranged at an angle relative to each other. Suitably, the plurality of door receiving sections may be arranged substantially parallel relative to each other. Suitably, the plurality of door receiving sections may be arranged substantially parallel relative to each other. More suitably, the plurality of door receiving sections may be arranged parallel to each other.

It is an advantage of the present invention that the arrangement of the plurality of door receiving sections allows multiple door units to be retained therein such that they do not contact each other. This reduces or even prevents the door units form becoming damaged due to, for example, chipping of the door unit itself or to any coating thereon such as, for example, paint lacquer, varnish or laminate.

The plurality of door receiving sections, when arranged parallel to each other, may have any suitable gap or space between adjacent door receiving sections. In certain embodiments, the plurality of door receiving sections, when arranged parallel to each other, may have a gap or space from about 20mm to 100mm, suitably from about 20mm to 80mm, such as from about 30mm to 60mm, or even from about 40 to 50mm between adjacent door receiving sections. Suitably, the plurality of door receiving sections, when arranged parallel to each other, may have a gap or space from about 45 to 50mm between adjacent door receiving sections. More suitably, the plurality of door receiving sections, when arranged parallel to each other, may have a gap or space of about 46mm between adjacent door receiving sections.

The door unit may be stored in the storage block for any suitable length of time. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the door unit may be stored in the storage block for a length of time equivalent to, or longer than, the time taken for the base unit to be attached to a surface.

The method of the present invention comprises the step of (c) attaching the base unit to a surface, which may be a wall and/or floor of a room. The base unit may be attached to a wall and/or floor of the room by any suitable method. Suitable methods will be well known to a person skilled in the art. For example, the base unit may be attached to a wall and/or a floor of the room by an adhesive, nails, screws or other suitable fixing means.

The method of the present invention comprises the step of (d) removing the door unit from the storage block and attaching the door unit to the base unit. The door unit may be attached to the base unit by any suitable method. Suitable methods will be well known to a person skilled in the art. For example, the door unit may be attached to the base unit by one or more hinge(s). Suitably, the door unit may be attached to the base unit by one or more hinge(s) using an adhesive, nails, screws or other suitable fixing means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a storage block during a method of installing a fitted cupboard to a surface, the fitted cupboard comprising a base unit and a door unit attached thereto, the method comprising the steps of:

Preferred features of the second aspect of the present invention are as hereinbefore described in relation to the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a storage block for use in a method of installing a fitted cupboard to a surface, the fitted cupboard comprising a base unit and a door unit attached thereto, the method comprising the steps of:

Preferred features of the third aspect of the present invention are as hereinbefore described in relation to any of the first or second aspects of the present invention.

All of the features contained herein may be combined with any of the above aspects and in any combination.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a storage block according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a plan view of a storage block according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 shows a side view of a storage block according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a storage block (100) which is a cuboid and is made from polystyrene. The storage block (100) has 8 (eight) door receiving sections (102a to h) in the form of grooves on a first surface thereof (104). The doo receiving sections (102a to h) are in a parallel arrangement relative to one another. The first surface (104) of the storage block is the face of the cuboid which is, in use, uppermost and in the horizontal plane.

As shown in figure 2, in which like features are shown with the same reference numerals as figure 1, the storage block (100) has a width, A, of 600mm and length, B, of 800mm. The first surface (104) of the storage block (100) therefore also has a width, A, of 600mm and length, B, of 800mm.

As shown figure 3, in which like features are shown with the same reference numerals as figures 1 and 2, the storage block (100) has a depth, C, of 100mm. Each of the door receiving sections (102a to h) has a depth, D, of 50mm and a width, E, of 23 mm. The distance between the edge of the first surface (104) and the two outermost door receiving sections (102a, 102h), F, is 47mm. The distance between each door receiving section (102a to h) and the door receiving section (102a to h) adjacent to it, G, is 46mm.

In use, a door unit (not shown) of a fitted cupboard (not shown) having a width of about 23mm is removed from the base unit (not shown) of the fitted cupboard (not shown) and placed in a door receiving section (102a to h). When two door units (not shown) are placed in adjacent door receiving sections (102a, 102b) each door unit (not shown) is retained in a position which is substantially vertical and are spaced about 46mm apart from each other, such that they are not in contact.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous 5 to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All ofthe features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract 10 and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and 15 drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention 20 extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, ofthe steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A method of installing a fitted cupboard to a surface, the fitted cupboard comprising a base unit and a door unit attached thereto, the method comprising the steps of:

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the fitted cupboard is a fitted kitchen unit.

3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the surface is a wall and/or floor of a room.

4. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage block is formed from polystyrene.

5. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage block has eight door receiving sections.

6. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of door receiving sections are in the form of channels or grooves in the first surface of the storage block.

7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of door receiving sections are rectangular in cross-sectional shape with chamfered edges.

8. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of door receiving sections run substantially the full length of the first surface of the storage block.

9. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of door receiving sections are arranged substantially parallel relative to each other

10. Use of a storage block during a method of installing a fitted cupboard to a surface, the fitted cupboard comprising a base unit and a door unit attached thereto, the method comprising the steps of:

11. Use according to claim 10, wherein the storage block is formed from polystyrene.

12. A storage block for use in a method of installing a fitted cupboard to a surface, the fitted cupboard comprising a base unit and a door unit attached thereto, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) optionally, removing the door unit from the base unit, (b) storing the door unit in a storage block, the storage block having a plurality of door receiving sections on a first surface thereof, (c) attaching the base unit to a surface, and (d) removing the door unit from the storage block and attaching the door unit to the base unit, wherein each of the plurality of door receiving sections are operable, in use, to receive and retain a door unit in a substantially vertical alignment and which door receiving sections are arranged relative to each other such that, when more than one door unit is stored in the storage block, a door received in one door receiving section is retained in a

5 spatially separated non-contacting arrangement relative to a door received in an adjacent door receiving section.

13. A storage block according to claim 12, wherein the storage block is formed from polystyrene.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1613170.8 Examiner: Mr David McWhirter