GB2604316A

GB2604316A - Compactable portable bar

Info

Publication number: GB2604316A
Application number: GB2017023.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Pinson Ronald
Original assignee: Nicholas Truelove
Current assignee: Nicholas Truelove
Priority date: 2020-10-27
Filing date: 2020-10-27
Publication date: 2022-09-07
Anticipated expiration: 2040-10-27
Also published as: GB202017023D0; GB2604316B

Abstract

A compactable bar 100 comprising a first outer bar section 110, and a second inner bar section 120. The bar having a first compact configuration wherein the inner bar section is nested with and releasably held within the outer bar section, and at least one deployed configuration wherein the inner bar sits outside the outer bar, the space between the inner and outer bar defining an area for a bar attendant. The outer bar may comprise a back panel 111, two side panels 112 and a roof section 113 defining a cavity. There may also be a hinged front panel 114 which can transition between a closed position and an open position providing a small canopy in front of the outer bar section. The outer bar may further comprise a hinged countertop (133, Figure 2) held within the cavity, the counter moveable between a first position parallel with the back panel and a deployed position perpendicular to the back and side panels. A countertop (121, Figure 2) of the inner bar and the counter of the outer bar may be connected to form a continuous U-shaped counter surface. Wheels 131 may be provided on the underside of both bar sections.

Description

Compactable Portable Bar [1] The present invention relates to a bar for serving beverages and the like.

Particularly the invention relates to compactable bar. More particularly the invention relates to a compactable portable bar suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Even more particularly the invention relates to a compactable portable bar which can be deployed in a plurality of functional arrangements.

Background of the Invention

[2] It is an object of the current invention to provide a bar vvhich is compact, portable and versatile and at the same time adaptable. With the ability to be used to as many configurations as possible, potentially to suit the needs of end users of domestic properties with limited outside space, for example small to average size patios or gardens. The bar being compact in design is effortless with minimal manoeuvres to unfold into an operational position. It has storage areas for various refreshments, spirits, botded beers and glasses. Also, it will have a suitable area for permanent storage within the bar for a small refrigerator. It will be mobile with the ease of movement on any hard surface for the purpose of positioning in any part of the available outside space, away from prevailing wind, breezes, shade and or sun. The structure is versatile, sectional and easily demountable for ease of transportation if necessary. It has the ability to be used in any configuration to suit the end user, it's waterproof and able to be used through the four seasons.

Statement of Invention

[003] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a compactable bar comprising: a first outer bar section, and a second inner bar section; the compactable bar having a first compact configuration wherein the inner bar section is nested with and releasably held within the outer bar section, and at least one deployed configuration wherein the inner bar sits outside the outer bar, the space between the inner and outer bar defining an area for a bar attendant.

[004] An embodiment of the aspect wherein the outer bar comprises: a back panel, two side panels and a roof section defining a cavity; there also being a hinged front panel which can transition between a closed position and an open position where the hinged front panel provides a small canopy in front of the outer bar section. The outer bar further comprises a hinged countertop held within the cavity of the outer bar, the hinged counter movable between a first position where it is substantially parallel with the back panel of the outer bar and a deployed position where the counter is substantially perpendicular to the back and side panels for use by a bar attendant.

[005] An embodiment of the aspect wherein the inner bar section comprises a base panel, front panel, two side panels and a countertop defining a storage cavity accessible via at least one hinged door.

[6] An embodiment of the aspect wherein the countertop of the inner bar and the counter of the outer bar can be connected to one another to form a continuous counter surface.

[7] An embodiment of the aspect further comprising an additional counter segment capable of connecting the countertop of the inner bar and the counter of the outer bar to form a continuous counter surface. The continuous counter surface may be U-shaped in either direction depending on which side of the bar the additional counter segment is placed. The additional counter segment may also be hinged to allow passage of a bar attendant.

[8] An embodiment of the aspect wherein the inner and outer bar sections both comprise wheels on their underside for ease of movement.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[9] The invention will be described in more detail, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings: [10] Figures 1A-E depict an embodiment of the invention in a "compact" configuration; [11] Figures 2A-F depict an embodiment of the invention transitioning from a compact configuration to a first deployed configuration; [012] Figures 3A-I depict an embodiment of the invention in a second and third deployed configuration.

Detailed Description

[013] The bar consists of 6 sectional pieces, two sides, rear panel, front hinged canopy, flat roof section and an inner bar complete with storage cupboard.

All sections are preferably of profiled redwood shiplap boarding fixed to a treated structural timber framework, but any suitable constructional materials could be used. The roof is preferably of structural plywood fixed on treated timber framework, although again, any suitable material can be used. All sides are preferably bolted together along the vertical edges, this forms the main cabinet, with exception of the inner bar which remains unfixed for deployment. The cabinet preferably has heavy duty castors, one to each corner, as with the inner bar. A fold down counter top to the main cabinet, fixed counter to the inner bar and a hinged flat that links the two bars together which can be disconnected and stored under the main bar in a purpose made pocket when not required.

[014] A specific embodiment shall now be described with reference to the figures. The bar 100 comprises two main sections, an outer bar section 110 and an inner bar section 120.

[015] Best shown in figure 1 there is a compactable bar 100 in a first compact configuration. In the compact configuration the bar 100 has a generally monolithic appearance, predominantly only the outer bar section 110 is visible with the exception of one panel of the inner bar section 120. As seen in figure 1 the outer bar section 110 comprises a back panel 111, two side panels 112, a roof section 113 and a hinged front panel 114 all secured to a support frame.

The hinged front panel 114 is hinged at an upper edge proximate the roof section 113, such that it can pivot between a closed position seen in figure 1 and an open position (best seen in figures 2 and 3). When in the closed position as in figure 1 the hinged front panel 114 covers substantially the top half of the front of the bar 100. Substantially the bottom half of the bar 100 when in the compact configuration is covered by a front panel 124 of inner bar section 120, which when in the compact configuration is nested within and detachably secured to outer bar portion 110. Both outer and inner bar sections 110,120 have heavy duty caster wheels 131 under each bottom conner respectively such that the bar 100 when in the compact configuration can be easily moved around on any suitably hard surface such as a garden patio etc.

S

[16] The inner bar section 120 is essentially in the form of a wheeled counter/cupboard comprising an upper countertop 121, two side panels 122, a bottom panel 123, a front panel 124, and two back door panels 125. The door panels being hinged on an outer edge proximate their respective side panels 122. The panels, counter and doors are mounted to a support frame and define an internal storage space accessible through doors 125.

[17] With reference to figures 2A-F transition of the bar 100 from the compact position to a first deployed position shall be described. As seen in figure 2A the bar 100 starts in its compact position. First, front hinged panel 114 of outer bar section 110 is pivoted from its closed position to its open position, panel 114 is held in the open position by support arms 132 as shown in figure 1B-D. Support arms 132 are mounted on opposing inner surfaces of side panels 112 and can be of any suitable means such as pivot arms which engage with a support catch on an inner surface of front panel 114, or pistons etc. [18] Once hinged front panel 114 is secured in the open position inner bar section can be unsecured from outer bar section 110 and wheeled out to a position in front of outer bar section 110 as seen in figure 2C. Inside outer bar section 100 there is a hinged counter 133 hinged along an edge proximate the inner surface of back panel 111. The hinged counter 133 movable between a compact/stowed position as best seen in figure 213 where it is folded up and parallel with the plane defined by back panel 111, and a deplo),Ted position as best seen in figure 2C where hinged counter 133 is perpendicular to the plane defined by back panel 111 and substantially in the same plane as countertop 121 of inner bar section 120.

[019] There is also a linking section 130, held within one of either the outer bar section 110 or the inner bar section 120 when in the compact configuration, preferably in a designated pocket. The linking flap 130 is a segment of countertop and can be detachably connected to both countertops 121 and 133 respectively. Such that when in the first deployed configuration of bar 100, as best seen in figures 2C,D and F, linking section 130 connects countertops 121 and 133 together to form a continuous U-shaped counter with space for a bar attendant to stand within the U-shaped counter, as seen in figure 21; the linking section 130 can be attached at either end of the counters. One or both connecting edges of linking flap 133 may also comprise a hinge such that the linking section 133 can be pivoted in and out of position as shown in figure 2C.

[20] When in the first deployed position, an optional feature is the one of the doors 125 (in first deployed position this would be the door under the linking flap 13(J) can be opened to link inner bar section side panel 122 to respective outer bar section side panel 112 to form a continuous outer side panel as best seen in figures 2D and 2E [21] Two alternate deployed configurations are disclosed in figure 3A-I. In these deployed configurations the inner bar 120 after being removed from the outer bar section 110, does not remain parallel with the outer bar but instead is positioned to be perpendicular to the outer bar 110. In this configuration one end the inner bar countertop 121 secures to the outer bar countertop 133 without use of linking flap 130. This forms an L-shaped counter and space for a bar attendant to stand.

[22] Preferably all countertops, doors and movable parts are releasably detachable from one another so as to maximise the possible number of configurations the bar can deployed in, and therefore maximising its versatility. Although only transitioning the bar 100 from a compact configuration to a deployed position has been discussed. The bar can easily be transitioncd into a compact configuration by following the steps above in reverse.

[23] The bar 100 may also have electrical outlets and wiring, having energy in an internally stored battery, capability to be plugged into mains electricity, or preferably both. The access to electrical power can be used to power for example a refrigerator held writhing the outer or inner bar. As can be seen in figure 3E the electrical power may also be used to power downlighting elements 134 located on the underside of roof section 113 and inner/lower surface of the hinged front panel 114.

[24] The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. The description is intended to enable a skilled person to make the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A compactable bar comprising: a first outer bar section, and a second inner bar section; the compactable bar having a first compact configuration wherein the inner bar section is nested with and releasably held within the outer bar section, and at least one deployed configuration wherein the inner bar sits outside the outer bar, the space between the inner and outer bar defining an area for a bar attendant.
2 A compactable bar according to claim 1 wherein the outer bar comprises: a back panel, two side panels and a roof section defining a cavity; there also being a hinged front panel which can transition between a closed position and an open position where the hinged front panel provides a small canopy in front of the outer bar section.
3 A compactable bar according to claim 2 wherein the outer bar further comprises a hinged countertop held within the cavity of the outer bar, the hinged counter movable between a first position where it is substantially parallel with the back panel of the outer bar and a deployed position where the counter is substantially perpendicular to the back and side panels for use by a bar attendant.
4. A compactable bar according to any preceding claim wherein the inner bar section comprises a base panel, front panel, two side panels and a countertop defining a storage cavity accessible via at least one hinged door.
A compactable bar according to claims 3 and 4 wherein the countertop of the inner bar and the counter of the outer bar can be connected to one another to form a continuous counter surface.
6 A compactable bar according to claims 3 and 4 further comprising an additional counter segment capable of connecting the countertop of the inner bar and the counter of the outer bar to form a continuous counter surface.
7. A compactable bar according to claim 6 wherein the continuous counter surface is U-shaped.
8. A compactable bar according to either of claims 6 or 7 wherein the additional counter segment is hinged to allow passage of a bar attendant.
9. A compactable bar according to any preceding claim wherein the inner and outer bar sections both comprise wheels on their underside for ease of movement.