US3271914A

US3271914A - Collapsible mantel

Info

Publication number: US3271914A
Application number: US338902A
Authority: US
Inventors: Maxie F Boyett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1964-01-20
Filing date: 1964-01-20
Publication date: 1966-09-13
Anticipated expiration: 1983-09-13

Description

p 1966 M. F. BOYETT 3,271,914

COLLAPS IBLE MANTEL Filed Jan. 20, 1964 I NVENTOR.

A framg/s United States Patent 3,271,914 COLLAPSIBLE MANTEL Maxie F. Boyett, 412 Tuscaloosa Ave., Birmingham, Ala. Filed Jan. 20-, 1964, Ser. No. 338,902 1 Claim. (1. 52-36) This invention relates to a collapsible mantel and more particularly to a fireplace mantel which is adapted to move from a collapsed or knock-down position to an extended position whereby the mantel requires a minimum of space for storage and shipping and at the same time may be erected for use in a minimum of time.

An object of my invention is to provide a mantel of the character designated which shall include a front panel having a fireplace opening therein and side panels hingedly connected along opposite sides of the front panel, together with a top panel which is hingedly connected to the front panel and adapted to move inwardly alongside the outer surface of the side panels while the side panels are in collapsed position.

A further object of my invention is to provide a mantel of the character designated in which the various parts thereof are held in proper relationship to each other in the erected position by merely unfolding the various elements to extended position, thereby assuring proper installation of the panel at all times.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a panel of the character designated which shall include a sheet-like backing member which may be readily snapped into place along the inner edges of the fireplace opening, thereby further facilitating the packaging and installation of the mantel.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a mantel of the character designated which shall be simple of construction, economical of manufacture and one which may be formed of various sizes, shapes and colors whereby it is adapted for use with various type surroundmgs.

A mantel embodying features of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, forming a part of this application, in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view showing the mantel in erected position;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken generally along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2 but showing the mantel in collapsed position for shipping and storage;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmental view showing an upper, inner corner of the erected mantel, the backing member being omitted for the sake of clarity; and

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmental view taken generally along the line 55 of FIG. 4.

Referring now to the drawing for a better understanding of my invention, my improved mantel comprises a front panel having a fireplace opening 11 therein. Hingedly connected to opposite sides of the front panel 10 are side panels 12 and 13. Suitable hinge members 14 connect the side panels 12 and 13 to the front panel 10, as clearly shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. Preferably, the side panels 12 and 13 extend generally perpendicular to the front panel 10, while in the erected position as shown, whereby the free edges of the side panels 12 and 13 are adapted to engage the wall of a room indicated generally at 16. The side panels 12 and 13 are thus adapted to move from an extended position, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 to a collapsed position, as shown in FIG. 3.

Extending in a generally horizontal direction in position to be supported by the upper edge of the front panel 10 and the upper edges of the side panels 12 and 13 is a top panel 17. Preferably, the top panel 17 pro- "ice jects forwardly of the front panel 10, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. Secured to the under surface of the top panel 17 inwardly of the front panel 10 is a hinge bracket 18. Secured to the inner surface of the front panel 10 in alignment with the hinge bracket 18 is a hinge bracket 19. The

hinge brackets

18 and 19 are pivotally connected to opposite ends of link members 21 by suitable pivot pins 22. The composite hinge defined by the

brackets

18 and 19 and the links 21 is of a length to hold the top panel 17 in a generally horizontal position while the panel is erected. On the other hand, upon moving the top panel 17 to the collapsed position, as shown in FIG. 3, the upper edge of the top panel 17 is at the same level as the upper edge of the front panel 10, thereby providing a compact unit for storage and shipping.

Vertical, under-cut grooves 23 are provided along the inner edges of the fireplace opening 11, as clearly shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, for receiving the free edges of a platelike backing member 24. That is, the backing member 24 is formed of a sheet-like material which is provided with suitable creases 25 therein which simulate the back of a conventional fireplace. The edges of the backing member 24 are beveled, as shown in FIG. 5, to correspond to the under-cut 23 whereby the backing member may be snapped in place in the vertically extending under-cut grooves 23. A suitable base member 26 may be provided for the mantel, as shown in FIG. 1.

To limit forward movement of the top panel 17 relative to the front panel 10, while the mantel is assembled, I secure a stop member 27 to the under surface of the top panel in position to engage the upper, inner surface of the front panel, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. The link 21 is of a length to hold the under surface of the top panel 17 firmly against the upper edge of the front panel 10 while the stop 27 is in contact with the inner surface of the front panel. Suitable stops 28 are carried by the base member 26 in position to engage the lower inner surfaces of the side panels 12 and 13, as shown in FIG. 2, whereby the side panels are held in assembled position.

From the foregoing description, the assembly and disassembly of my improved mantel will be readily understood. While the mantel is in storage or is shipped, it is in the collapsed position, as shown in FIG. 3. In this position, the side panels 12 and 13 are folded inwardly alongside the inner surface of the front panel while the top panel 17 is folded inwardly into engagement with the outer surface of the side panels.

To erect the mantel, the top panel 17 is moved from the position shown in FIG. 3 to the position shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 whereby the stop 27 engages the upper inner surface of the front panel 10. The side panels 12 and 13 are then folded outwardly from the position shown in FIG. 3 to the position shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. With the side panels 12 and 13 thus folded outwardly, the upper edges of the side panels support the under surface of the top panel 17, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. The backing member 24 is inserted in the fireplace opening 11, as shown, whereby the side edges of the backing member snap into the under-cut portions 23 to thus retain the backing member in place. With the mantel thus assembled, it is placed against the wall 16, as shown in FIG. 1.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that I have devised an improved collapsible mantel which may be readily moved from a collapsed position to an erected position with a minimum of time and effort. By providing a mantel which may be fully collapsed, when not in use, the mantel requires a minimum of space for shipment and storage. Furthermore, by providing a mantel having improved means associated therewith for retaining the mantel positively in an erected position, the mantel is sturdy and has the general appearance of a mantel formed as an integral part of the wall adjacent thereto.

While I have shown my invention in but one form, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptible of various changes and modifications Without departing from the spirit thereof, and I desire, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereupon as are specifically set forth in the appended claim.

What I claim is:

A collapsible mantel comprising:

(a) a front panel having a fireplace opening therein,

(b) side panels at opposite sides of said front panel,

(0) means hingedly connecting each of said side panels along one edge thereof to an adjacent side edge of said front panel in position for each side panel to move from a collapsed position alongside and inwardly of said front panel to an extended position generally perpendicular to said front panel,

((1) a top panel,

(e) hinge means connecting the inner surface of said top panel to the inner surface of said front panel above said fireplace opening in position for said top panel to extend in a generally horizontal position perpendicular to said front panel and be supported by said side panels while said side panels are in said extended position and upon movement of said side panels to collapsed position said top panel is disposed to move inwardly and downwardly alongside the collapsed side panels,

(f) means limiting forward movement of said top panel relative to said front panel while said top panel is held in a generally horizontal position by said side panels,

(g) there being vertically extending under-cut grooves along the inner sides of the fireplace opening, and (h) a flexible sheet-like fireplace backing member adapted to fit within said fireplace opening with the edges of said sheet-like backing member engaging said under-cut grooves, whereby said backing mem bet is held in place.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,853,116 4/1932 Erickson 46-12 1,891,157 12/1932 Heuer 312-140.-2 2,219,507 10/1940 Apgar 46-l2 2,506,319 5/1950 Paul 312l40.2 3,009,752 11/1961 Margulis 31214.2

FOREIGN PATENTS 10,256 1901 Great Britain. 121,823 1919 Great Britain.

FRANK L. ABBOTT, Primary Examiner.

R. A. STENZEL, Assistant Examiner.