IES20070119A2 - Height adjustable cabinet - Google Patents

Abstract

A mechanism for height adjusting a cabinet with a moveable framework with a first mount for securing to a wall, a second mount for securing to the rear of a cabinet and a pivotal arm connecting the first and second mounts so as to move the cabinet between a raised position and a lowered position by pivotal movement of the arm. An extendable actuator moves the cabinet between the first and second positions by pivotal movement of the arm, the actuator retracting when moving from the first position to the second position and extending when moving from the second position to the first position. Out of reach cabinets can be brought to a more accessible level for those whose reach does not allow access to high wall mounted cabinets.

Description

The invention relates to cabinets, and in particular overhead cabinets which are height adjustable. In particular the present invention relates to cabinets that can be accessed by people who are restricted in some way from reaching to overhead cabinets. The invention also provides a means by which existing standard cabinets may be modified so that they are convenient for use for those for whom such cabinets are normally out of reach such as by disabled persons, elderly, children.

Background to the Invention Many cabinet assemblies often found in modern day kitchens provide various lower (floor) cabinets and vertically offset (higher) wall cabinets with a planar working surface above the lower cabinets. The cabinets are almost invariably fixed at respective, predetermined heights. While some kitchens will have upper and lower cabinet units separated to allow access to a working area therebetween there are also full height cabinets which extend from a floor height to Although this height will be fairly standard throughout most residential homes, the reach (for example height) of individuals utilizing the cabinets can vary greatly. More specifically, the elderly, and people who are shorter than normal adult height or are disabled in some way (for example constrained to a wheelchair) may not find the standard height convenient for their particular requirements.

This means that in a kitchen or other area where cabinets are employed, the storage space available to certain people is severely restricted, possibly due to floor cabinet access, due to their inability to reach the shelves of conventional wall storage units fitted high up on the kitchen wall. Often then they have to depend on floor standing units to meet all their storage requirements.

Storage units place conveniently for disabled persons are often inconvenient and unsuitable for use by an abled-bodied person. There is a need for storage units that provide convenient access for both able-bodied and disabled bodied persons.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide a cabinet that can be easily access by both able-bodied and disabled persons. The inefficient utilisation of floor space is another disadvantage of floor standing units. For example in kitchens, floor standing units take up much needed floor space which could otherwise be used for access. This especially poses a problem to wheel chair users who require much floor area to manoeuvre the wheelchair. Cabinets located high on the wall allow for more floor space and therefore allows more freedom of movement to any person confined to a wheelchair.

While height adjustable cabinets are known, many existing height adjustable furniture is not aesthetically pleasing. Existing mechanisms consist of actuators that are accommodated within the cabinet and thus take up space or which protrude out of the furniture and is thus aesthetically unpleasing JP 2000-333742 describes a cabinet within a cabinet and a mechanism for moving the inner cabinet out of the outer cabinet and to a lower elevation. JP 7303536 and JP 2002-159352 show similar arrangements.

WO 00/54628 describes a complex stepless vertical and horizontal system of adjustment of upper and lower cupboards. GB 2 061 700 describes a linear actuator system for height adjustment of furniture. Other systems are commercially available, such as those are available at barrierfree.org (last accessed 9 November 2006).

Summary of the Invention The invention provides a mechanism for height adjusting a cabinet comprising: (i) a moveable framework with a first mount for securing to a vertical support substrate such as a wall, a second mount for securing to the rear of a cabinet and at least one pivotable arm connecting the first and second mounts so as to allow adjustment in height between the second mount and the first mount and to move the cabinet between a first raised position and a second lowered position by pivotal movement of the arm; (ii) at least one extendable actuator arranged to move the cabinet between the first and second positions by pivotal movement of the arm, the actuator retracting when moving from the first position to the second position and extending when moving from the second position to the first position.

The present invention allows existing kitchens to be modified so that the storage units can be conveniently accessed by both able-bodied and disabled persons.

The present invention also provides storage cabinets that allow efficient use of space and to provide a storage means that does not clutter and use up floor space that could otherwise be used to increase accessibility to the room, while at the same time offering the similar accessibly as if the cabinet was located at a lower level.

The present invention is not restricted to shelved cabinets, the height adjustable tool may be applied to other enclosed units including shelving units and any other articles of furniture so as to locate the item of furniture at a convenient height for use by persons who can stand and a second and lower position which the article of furniture is at a convenient height for use by persons who are restricted or disabled.

The invention desirably includes a safety stop function that causes the cabinet to stop moving if it engages an obstacle while moving from the first position to igft '0119 the second position. This prevents injury by the moving cabinet. In one embodiment the safety stop function that causes the cabinet to stop moving if it engages an obstacle while moving from the second position to the first position. The mechanism may also include a reverse mechanism that reverses the direction of movement of the cabinet when an obstacle is encountered.

A further advantage of the present invention is that the height of the cabinet in the first and second positions can be preset by the user. io The cabinet will be moved in an arcuate fashion sweeping down and out from the supporting substrate when moving from the raised to the lowered position.

In one simple construction the first mount comprises a frame having at least two spaced-apart frame members interconnected by at least one transverse frame member. This is a simple to make, and also an inexpensive construction. The first mount may additionally comprise two spaced-apart substantially parallel frame members interconnected by at least one transverse frame member. The first mount may be a rectangular frame.

The second mount may also comprise a frame having at least two spaced-apart frame members interconnected by at least one transverse frame member such as two spaced-apart substantially parallel frame members interconnected by at least one transverse frame member. The second mount may also be a rectangular frame.

In one arrangement the mechanism comprises at least two spaced apart and substantially parallel arms and may comprise four spaced apart and substantially parallel arms. Again this is a simple construction.

In one simple construction both the first and second mounts are rectangular frames and the four arms join the respective frames to form respective quadrilateral arrangements between a first two of the arms and the first and second mounts and a second two of the arms and the first and second mounts.

Jl® 70 1 19 This allows for a simple winging action of the arms that can be controlled by the actuator.

The actuator may be any suitable extendible cylinder, for example hydraulic or pneumatic. In any event it is desirable that the actuator can be powered by electric power (e.g. by powering a motor which drives the cylinder).

For greater rigidity in the system (and smoother movement) it is desirable that the spaced apart arms are connected by a transverse member. A smoother io action is also achieved if the actuator acts between the first mount and the transverse member connecting the arms.

Each of the arms may be formed by a pair of opposing elongate flat frame members arranged to accommodate the first mount therebetween. The opposing frame members are not connected to each other (except through their connection to the first and second mount). The arms will be pivotable at one end relative to the first mount and at the other end relative to the second mount.

The invention also relates to an assembly comprising the mechanism of any one of the preceding claims and a cabinet attached to the assembly. The cabinet is desirably a cabinet of the type that would be otherwise directly mounted above floor units.

In such an assembly the mechanism may extend through the top of the cabinet but remain substantially concealed between the rear of the cabinet and the support substrate when the cabinet is in the raised position. Even though it may protrude to a small extent (for example less than 50 cm, more desirably less then 40 cm for example less than 30 cm) it will not generally be visible in the raised position of the cabinet (it will be out of the line of sight of someone standing on a floor for example on the floor of a kitchen.

Controls for controlling height adjustment will generally be located in a position such that it is convenient to all users. The present invention provides a control JgB I 0 1 19 panel that will allow the automatic adjustment ofthe height ofthe cabinet. The controls are simple such as to allow ease of operation. It is a further objective of the present invention to provide height adjustable furniture with a concealed actuator so as to improve the furniture’s overall appearance.

The cabinet itself will have two main compartments, a storage compartment (accessible through one or more doors) which is the user’s storage area, and a mechanism accommodating compartment. The accommodating compartment is designed to accommodate the height adjusting mechanism and substantially conceal it from view. The accommodating compartment is such that the mechanism may extend through the top ofthe cabinet (through apertures or recesses) but remains substantially concealed between the rear ofthe cabinet and the support substrate when the cabinet is in a raised position. Recess in the cabinet will facilitate free movement ofthe mechanism arms as the cabinet is moved between its first and second positions. A further recess will facilitate an actuator power cable.

The storage compartment will generally be provided with shelves. A dividing wall will separate the two compartments so that the height adjusting mechanism is concealed when the storage compartment is open.

The cabinet may be of any suitable dimension. Larger cabinets may require a larger height adjustable mechanism.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 shows a perspective view ofthe mechanism, according to this invention, for adjusting the height of a cabinet.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view from one side and to the rear of the cabinet and mechanism of figure 1 interconnected in a working assembly.

Figure 3 shows a part sectional view of the cabinet in a first raised position and in a second lowered position.

Detailed Description ofthe Drawings Figure 1 shows a mechanism 1 for adjusting the height a cabinet, the mechanism 1 is seen to comprise a moveable framework 2 with a first mount 3 for securing to a vertical support substrate such as a wall, a second mount 4 for securing to the rear of a cabinet. Four pivotable arms 5,6,7,8 connecting the first and second mounts so as to allow adjustment in height between the second mount 4 and the first mount 3 and to move the cabinet between a first raised position and a second lowered position by pivotal movement of the arms. The mechanism is not restricted to having four pivotable arms, any number of arms may be used. io The mechanism may further comprise two or more actuators all of which move in unison to move a number of adjacent cabinets . Optionally one actuator may be used to adjust the height of a number of cabinets simultaneously. These actuators may be extendable actuators or rotational actuators. Figure 1 displays (in dashed outline) one extendable actuator 9 arranged to move the cabinet between the first and second positions by pivotal movement of the arm, the actuator retracting when moving from the first position to the second position and extending when moving from the second position to the first position. The actuator 9 may be remotely, electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically operated.

In many cases a switch may operate the actuator. Preferably the switch may be hand held (for example remotely controlled) however the switch may also be a fitted switch.

The mechanism 1 further comprises a safety stop function incorporated a control box 90 that causes the cabinet to stop moving if it engages an obstacle while moving from the first position to the second position or while moving from the second position to the first position. This safety stop function may be built into the actuator 9 to form an intelligent actuator. Optionally a more advanced safety stop function can be used. The more advanced safety stop function may incorporate a reverse mechanism that reverses the direction of movement of the cabinet when an obstacle is encountered. j|i) ?0 1 1» The first mount 3 comprises a frame having at least two spaced-apart vertical frame members 10 and 11. These spaced apart frame members are preferably interconnected by at least one transverse frame member and in the present embodiment three transverse frame members are employed 12,13 and 14. The frame members 10 and 11 are usually of parallel orientation. Likewise the transverse frame members 12,13 and 14 preferably are arranged in a parallel orientation, however they may also be diagonal or curved. Figure 1 shows the two spaced apart frame members 10 and 11, interconnected by three transverse frame members 12,13 and 14. Frame members 10 and 11 are seen io to run in a parallel vertical orientation while the transverse frame members 12,13 and 14 run in a parallel horizontal orientation. The frame members are not restricted to these orientations. The first mount 3 is arranged so as to form a rectangular frame.

The second mount 4 has a similar construction to that of the first mount 3. The second mount preferably comprises a frame having at least two spaced-apart frame members interconnected by at least one transverse frame member. Figure 1 shows the second mount 4 comprising a frame with two spaced apart frame members 15 and 16. Frame members 15 and 16 run in a parallel vertical orientation. The frame members 15 and 16 are interconnected by two transverse frame members 17 and 18 which run in a parallel horizontal orientation. The frame members of the second mount 4 are not restricted to these orientations. The frame members of the second mount 4 may be arranged so that the second mount is a rectangular frame.

Pivotable arms connect the first 3 and second 4 mounts. The mechanism usually comprises at least two spaced apart pivotable arms which run substantially parallel to one another. Figure 1 shows four pivotable arms 5,6,7 and 8 which run substantially parallel to one another. Arms 5,6,7 and 8 join the first 3 and second 4 rectangular mounts to form a quadrilateral arrangement between the first two arms 5;6 and the first 3 and second 4 mounts and the second two arms 7;8 and the first 3 and second 4 mounts. »0 701 19 Optionally the arms 5,6,7 and 8 maybe formed by respective pair of opposing elongate flat frame members 23 and 24, 25 and 26, 27 and 28, 29 and 30 respectively arranged to accommodate the first mount 3 and the second mount therebetween. Arms 5,6,7 and 8 are fixed to the first 3 and second 4 mount using a plurality of independent pivot pin arrangements 31. These pivot pin arrangements31 allow the arms 5,6,7 and 8 to pivot about their attachment points 32,33,34 and 35 where the arms 5,6,7 and 8 attach to the second mount 4 and at attachment points 36,37,38 and 39 where the respective arms attach to the first mount 3. The pivot pin arrangements31 ensure that the cabinet remains io in an upright position and that the contents of the cabinet do not spill or fall over as the cabinet is moved between the raised and lowered positions.

The spaced apart pivotable arms may be connected by a transverse member. The transverse member will act as a stabiliser for the pivotable arms and will transmit the linear movement of the extendable actuator to the pivotable arms. Figure 1 shows transverse member 19 connecting pivotable arms 6 and 7. In general the mechanism of the present invention can fold tightly and can take up less than a depth of 120 mm more particularly less than 100 mm such as less than about 95 mm.

The transverse member 19 will transmit the actuator linear movement to the pivotable arms ultimately resulting in the arcuate movement of the cabinet as it moves between its first and second positions.

In Figure 1 the actuator acts between the first mount 3 and the transverse member 19 connecting the arms.

The actuator is pivotably attached at on end 22 to the transverse member 19 by a pivot point 20. The base of the actuator maybe fixed to the support substrate or alternatively may be fixed to the first mount 3. Figure 1 shows the actuator 9 attached to the first mount 3 by an anchor bracket 21. The first mount 3 has a mounting plate 50 that is adapted to receive the anchor bracket 21. The anchor bracket 21 may be any suitable means for securing the actuator to the first mount or the support substrate. The anchor bracket may be of any suitable type including, a mounting plate, a screw, a nut or bolt or a combination thereof.

Support struts 51 and 52 are flanked on either side of the mounting plate. The support struts 51 and 52 give support to the area of the first mount 3 that bears the weight of the actuator.

Figure 2 shows an assembly comprising the mechanism described above (without the actuator) and attached to a cabinet 40. The assembly is shown with a cabinet 40 attached to the second mount 4. The cabinet has two main compartments, a storage compartment 53 (accessible through one or more doors) which is the user’s storage area, and a mechanism accommodating compartment 41. The accommodating compartment is designed to accommodate the height adjusting mechanism 1 and substantially conceal it from view. The accommodating compartment 41 is such that the mechanism 1 may extend through the top of the cabinet (through apertures or recesses 43A and 43B) but remains substantially concealed between the rear of the cabinet 42 and the support substrate when the cabinet is in a raised position. The storage compartment 53 will generally be provided with shelves 54. A dividing wall 56 will separate the two compartments so that the height adjusting mechanism is concealed when the storage compartment is open.

The cabinet 40 is has recesses 43A, 43B and 43C. Recess 43A and 43B are to facilitate free movement of the arms 6 and 7 as the cabinet is moved between its first and second positions. Recess 43C is to facilitate an actuator power cable.

The cabinet may be of any suitable dimension. Larger cabinets may require a larger height adjustable mechanism 1.

Fig 3 shows the cabinet 40 attached to a wall 49 as a securing means. The cabinet 40 is shown in two orientations, in a raised position 45 and in a lowered position 46. In the raised position 45 the extendable actuator 9 is fully extended and the cabinet is raised a height “A” from a fixed surface 47. The fixed surface maybe the floor or counter top that is positioned under the movable cabinet.

Fig 3 also shows the cabinet 40 in a second lowered position 46. In the lowered position the extendable actuator 9 is fully retracted and the cabinet it raised a height “B” from a fixed surface 47 such as a worktop.

The height of the cabinet 40 in the first 45 and second 46 positions may be preset by the user by securing the cabinet 40 to the vertical support substrate at io a position so as to obtain the desired values for heights A and B.

The arcuate path 48 followed by the cabinet is also outlined in Fig 3. The cabinet will follow path 48 as it moves from its raised position to its lowered position and it will follow the same path in the reverse direction as it moves from the lowered position to its raised position.

The assembly comprising the height adjusting mechanism 1 and the cabinet 40 may also be designed to be a free standing height adjustable cabinet.

The words “comprises/comprising” and the words “having/including” when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

Claims (21)

1. A mechanism for height adjusting a cabinet comprising; (i) a moveable framework with a first mount for securing to a 5 vertical support substrate such as a wall, a second mount for securing to the rear of a cabinet and at least one pivotable arm connecting the first and second mounts so as to allow adjustment in height between the second mount and the first mount and to move the cabinet between a first raised position io and a second lowered position by pivotal movement of the arm; (ii) at least one extendable actuator arranged to move the cabinet between the first and second positions by pivotal movement of the arm, the actuator retracting when moving from the first is position to the second position and extending when moving from the second position to the first position.

2. The mechanism of Claim 1 further comprising a safety stop function that causes the cabinet to stop moving if it engages an obstacle while moving 20 from the first position to the second position.

3. The mechanism of Claim 1 or Claim 2 further comprising a safety stop function that causes the cabinet to stop moving if it engages an obstacle while moving from the second position to the first position.

4. The mechanism of any preceding Claim further comprising a reverse mechanism that reverses the direction of movement of the cabinet when an obstacle is encountered. 30 5. The mechanism of any preceding Claim wherein the height of the cabinet in the first and second positions can be preset by the user. lie ί ίί 6. The mechanism according to any preceding claim wherein the first mount comprises a frame having at least two spaced-apart frame members interconnected by at least one transverse frame member.

5. 7. The mechanism according to Claim 6 wherein the first mount comprises two spaced-apart substantially parallel frame members interconnected by at least one transverse frame member.

6. 8. The mechanism as claimed in Claim 6 or Claim 7 wherein the member is io angular.

7. 9. The mechanism as claimed in claim 8 wherein attachment ofthe actuator to the member allows the mechanism to take up a depth in the range from about 80 to about 120mm.

8. 10. The mechanism according to Claim 7 wherein the first mount is a rectangular frame.

9. 11 .The mechanism according to any preceding claim wherein the second mount 20 comprises a frame having at least two spaced-apart frame members interconnected by at least one transverse frame member.

10. 12. The mechanism according to Claim 11 wherein the second mount comprises two spaced-apart substantially parallel frame members interconnected by at 25 least one transverse frame member.

11. 13. The mechanism according to Claim 12 wherein the second mount is a rectangular frame. 30

12. 14. The mechanism according to any preceding claim wherein the mechanism comprises at least two spaced apart and substantially parallel arms.

13. 15. The mechanism according to Claim 14 wherein the mechanism comprises four spaced apart and substantially parallel arms.

14. 16. The mechanism according to Claim 15 wherein the first and second mounts 5 are rectangular frames and the four arms join the respective frames to form respective quadrilateral arrangements between a first two of the arms and the first and second mounts and a second two of the arms and the first and second mounts. io

15. 17. A mechanism according to any one of Claims 14 to 16 wherein the spaced apart arms are connected by a transverse member.

16. 18. A mechanism according to Claim 17 wherein the actuator acts between the first mount and the transverse member connecting the arms.

17. 19. A mechanism according to any preceding claim wherein the arm(s) are formed by a pair of opposing elongate flat frame members arranged to accommodate the first mount therebetween.

18. 20 20. An assembly comprising the mechanism of any one of the preceding claims and a cabinet attached to the assembly.

19. 21. An assembly according to Claim 20 wherein the mechanism extends through the top of the cabinet but remains substantially concealed between 25 the rear of the cabinet and the support substrate when the cabinet is in the raised position.

20. 22. A mechanism substantially as described herein with reference to and/or as illustrated in the drawings.

21. 23. An assembly substantially as described herein with reference to and/or as illustrated in the drawings.