U.S. patent application number 13/218703 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-28 for foldable drawer assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jack Liu. Invention is credited to Jack Liu.
Application Number | 20130049560 13/218703 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47742642 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130049560 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Liu; Jack |
February 28, 2013 |
Foldable Drawer Assembly
Abstract
A foldable drawer assembly includes a side plate association and
a bottom plate selectively connecting with the side plate
association. The side plate association includes a plurality of
plates pivotally connected with one another. A storage space is
enclosed with the plurality of plates of the side plate
association. The side plate association is operable between an
operative state and a stored state. When the side plate association
is in the operative state, a shape of cross-section of the storage
space corresponded to a shape of cross-section of the bottom plate.
When the side plate association is in the storage state, a measure
of area of cross-section of the storage space is less than a
measure of area of the bottom plate.
Inventors: |
Liu; Jack; (Taichung City,
TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Liu; Jack |
Taichung City |
|
TW |
|
|
Family ID: |
47742642 |
Appl. No.: |
13/218703 |
Filed: |
August 26, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/348.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 2088/902 20170101;
A47B 2210/097 20130101; A47B 2230/0096 20130101; A47B 88/9412
20170101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/348.1 |
International
Class: |
A47B 88/04 20060101
A47B088/04 |
Claims
1. A foldable drawer assembly comprising: a side plate association
including a plurality of plates pivotally connected with one
another, wherein a storage space is enclosed with the plurality of
plates of the side plate association; and a bottom plate
selectively connecting with the side plate association; wherein the
side plate association is operable between an operative state and a
stored state, wherein the side plate association is in the
operative state, with the plurality of plates of the side plate
association pivoted with respect to one another to make a shape of
cross-section of the storage space corresponded to a shape of
cross-section of the bottom plate, with the bottom plate mounted to
the side plate association; wherein the side plate association is
in the storage state, wherein the bottom plate is dismounted from
the side plate association, with the plurality of plates of the
side plate association pivoted with respect to one another to make
a measure of area of cross-section of the storage space less than a
measure of area of the bottom plate.
2. The foldable drawer assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
side plate association includes first, second, third, and fourth
plates, with the first plate including first and second ends
defined at two opposite ends thereon, with the second plate
including first and second ends defined at two opposite ends
thereon, with the third plate including first and second ends
defined at two opposite ends thereon, with the fourth plate
including first and second ends defined at two opposite ends
thereon, with the first end of the first plate pivotally connecting
with the first end of the second plate, with the second end of the
second plate pivotally connecting with the second end of the third
plate, with the first end of the third plate pivotally connected
with the first end of the fourth plate, with the second end of the
fourth plate pivotally connected with the second end of the first
plate.
3. The foldable drawer assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein a
first pivoting device is connected between the first and third
plates to provide the first and third plates pivotable with each
other, wherein a second pivoting device is connected between the
second and fourth plates to provide the second and fourth plates
pivotable with each other, with the first end of the first plate
pivotally connected with the first pivoting device, with the first
end of the second plate pivotally connected with the first pivoting
device opposite to the first end of the first plate, with the first
end of the third plate pivotally connected with the second pivoting
device, with the first end of the fourth plate pivotally connected
with the second pivoting device opposite to the first end of the
third plate.
4. The foldable drawer assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the
first pivoting device includes a first body and a second body
pivotally connected with the first body therein, wherein the first
and second bodies of the first pivoting device are formed a first
hole, respectively, with a first shaft engaged in the first hole
and connecting between the first and second bodies of the first
pivoting device; wherein the second pivoting device includes a
first body and a second body pivotally connected with the first
body therein, wherein the first and second bodies of the second
pivoting device are formed a second hole, respectively, with a
second shaft engaged in the second hole and connecting between the
first and second bodies of the second pivoting device.
5. The foldable drawer assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the
first plate includes a first pivoting portion disposed at the
second end of the first plate, wherein the second plate includes a
second pivoting portion disposed at the second end of the second
plate, wherein the third plate includes a third pivoting portion
disposed at the second end of the third plate, wherein the fourth
plate includes a fourth pivoting portion disposed at the second end
of the fourth plate; wherein the first pivoting portion is engaged
with the fourth pivoting portion, with a pivoting shaft connecting
between the first and fourth pivoting portions, with the first
plate pivotally connected with the fourth plate; wherein the second
pivoting portion is engaged with the third pivoting portion, with
another pivoting shaft connecting between the second and third
pivoting portions, with the second plate pivotally connected with
the third plate.
6. The foldable drawer assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the
first, second, third, and fourth pivoting portions are formed in
the shape of a rectangular teeth structure generally.
7. The foldable drawer assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the
first plate includes a first recess extending from the first end to
the second end therein, wherein the second plate includes a second
recess extending from the first end to the second end therein,
wherein the third plate includes a third recess extending from the
first end to the second end therein, wherein the bottom plate is
rectangular in shape, with the bottom plate including a first side,
a second side, a third side disposed opposite to the first side,
and a fourth side disposed opposite to the second side; wherein the
side plate association is in the operative state, wherein the first
side is engaged in the first recess, wherein the second side is
engaged in the second recess, wherein the third side is engaged in
the third recess.
8. The foldable drawer assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the
first plate is defined with a first height, wherein the second
plate is defined with a second height, wherein the third plate is
defined with a third height, wherein the fourth plate is defined
with a fourth height, with the fourth height less than the first
height, with the first height equaling to the second and third
heights.
9. The foldable drawer assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the
fourth plate is selectively mounted with a front panel, wherein the
front panel is defined with a panel height, with the panel height
greater than or equaling to the first height, wherein the side
plate association is in the operative state, with the front panel
mounted on a surface of the fourth plate and disposed opposite to
the second plate, with the bottom plate restricted by the front
panel, wherein the plurality of plates of the side plate
association can not be pivoted with respect to one another.
10. The foldable drawer assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the
side plate association is in the storage state, with the first and
fourth plates parallel approximately, with the second and third
plates parallel approximately.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a drawer assembly and, in
particular, to a drawer assembly that is operable between an
operative state and a stored state.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Various stated conventional drawers, in which, the drawers
each has its side plates which form therein a receiving space for
receiving articles, and can be inserted into the divided spaces to
resemble a desk. However, such a drawer still has the disadvantages
which are mainly induced from the fact that the drawers are
integrally injection moulded, hence the manufacturers must pay high
cost for manufacturing the mold. Furthermore, the drawer occupies
high volume to increase the transport cost as well as the storage
cost.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,648 shows a drawer assembly that
includes a container and a front panel. The container is provided
with a horizontal bottom plate, two vertical lateral plates and a
rear vertical stop plate and includes the front thereof opened. The
front panel is made in the shape of a sheet, can be assembled on
the front side of the container and is provided with four edges.
Although the container and the front panel are formed individually
and can reduce the manufacture cost, but the container still
occupies high volume to increase the transport cost and the storage
cost.
[0006] Further, U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,650 discloses a drawer
assembly, which includes a bottom plate, two side plates, a front
plate, and a rear plate. Hooks are provided on the bottom plate,
the front plate, and the rear plate. Each side plate includes
openings defined in each of a bottom member, a front side member,
and a rear side member thereof. Each hook extends through an
associated opening. A protrusion is formed adjacent to each opening
for engagement with a hole defined in the associated hook. However,
the drawer assembly has the disadvantages which are mainly induced
from the fact that the drawer has too many elements, so that it is
unreasonable and inconvenient for assembling, and the manufacture
cost is increased.
[0007] The present invention is, therefore, intended to obviate or
at least alleviate the problems encountered in the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to the present invention, a foldable drawer
assembly includes a side plate association and a bottom plate
selectively connecting with the side plate association. The side
plate association includes a plurality of plates pivotally
connected with one another. A storage space is enclosed with the
plurality of plates of the side plate association. The side plate
association is operable between an operative state and a stored
state.
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a drawer
assembly that the side plate association is in the operative state,
a shape of cross-section of the storage space corresponded to a
shape of cross-section of the bottom plate, and the side plate
association is in the storage state, a measure of area of
cross-section of the storage space less than a measure of area of
the bottom plate to reduce volume of the drawer assembly.
[0010] Other objects, advantages, and new features of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of the invention when considered in conjunction with
the accompanied drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The illustrative embodiment may best be described by
reference to the accompanying drawings where:
[0012] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a foldable drawer
assembly in accordance with the present invention in an operative
state.
[0013] FIG. 2 shows an exploded, perspective view of the drawer
assembly of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of
FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 4 shows how a bottom plate disengaged from the side
plate association.
[0016] FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view of the drawer assembly
from the operative state changed to a storage state.
[0017] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a foldable drawer
assembly in accordance with the present invention in the storage
state.
[0018] FIG. 7 shows a cross sectional view of the drawer assembly
accordance with the present invention in the storage state.
[0019] All figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic
teachings of the present invention only; the extensions of the
figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and
dimensions of the parts to form the preferred embodiments will be
explained or will be within the skill of the art after the
following teachings of the present invention have been read and
understood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional
proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, and
similar requirements will likewise be within the skill of the art
after the following teachings of the present invention have been
read and understood.
[0020] Where used in the various figures of the drawings, the same
numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the
terms "first", "second", "third", "inner", "outer", "side", "end",
"portion", "section", "longitudinal", "clockwise",
"counterclockwise", and similar terms are used herein, it should be
understood that these terms have reference only to the structure
shown in the drawings as it would appear to a person viewing the
drawings and are utilized only to facilitate describing the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0021] A foldable drawer assembly according to the preferred
teachings of the present invention is shown in the drawings. In the
preferred forms shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the drawer assembly includes
a side plate association 10 and a bottom plate 20 selectively
connecting with the side plate association 10. The side plate
association 10 includes a plurality of plates pivotally connected
with one another. A storage space S is enclosed with the plurality
of plates of the side plate association 10. The side plate
association 10 is operable between an operative state and a stored
state. When the side plate association 10 is in the operative
state, the plurality of plates of the side plate association 10 are
pivoted with respect to one another to make a shape of
cross-section of the storage space S corresponded to a shape of
cross-section of the bottom plate 20. The bottom plate 20 is
mounted to the side plate association 10. When the side plate
association 10 is in the storage state, the bottom plate 20 is
dismounted from the side plate association 10. The plurality of
plates of the side plate association 10 pivoted with respect to one
another to make a measure of area of cross-section of the storage
space S less than a measure of area of the bottom plate 20.
[0022] In the embodiment, the side plate association 10 includes a
plurality of plates, i.e., first, second, third, and fourth plates
11, 12, 13, and 14. The structures of the plurality of plates 11,
12, 13, and 14 are generally similar. The bottom plate 20 is made
in the shape of a rectangular sheet generally. A first pivoting
device 30a connected between the first and third plates 11 and 13
to provide the first and third plates 11 and 13 pivotable with each
other. A second pivoting device 30b is connected between the second
and fourth plates 12 and 14 to provide the second and fourth plates
12 and 14 pivotable with each other.
[0023] The first plate 11 includes first and second ends 111 and
112 defined at two opposite ends thereon. The first end 111 of the
first plate 11 is pivotally connected with the first pivoting
device 30a. The first plate 11 includes a first pivoting portion
113 disposed at the second end 112 of the first plate 11. The first
pivoting portion 113 of the first plate 11 is formed in the shape
of a rectangular teeth structure generally. The first plate 11
further includes a first recess 114 extending from the first end
111 to the second end 112 therein.
[0024] The second plate 12 includes first and second ends 121 and
122 defined at two opposite ends thereon. The first end 121 of the
second plate 12 is pivotally connected with the first pivoting
device 30a. The second plate 12 includes a second pivoting portion
123 disposed at the second end 122 of the second plate 12. The
second pivoting portion 123 is formed in the shape of a rectangular
teeth structure generally. The second plate 12 further includes a
second recess 124 extending from the first end 121 to the second
end 122 therein.
[0025] The third plate 13 includes first and second ends 131 and
132 defined at two opposite ends thereon. The first end 131 of the
third plate 13 is pivotally connected with the first pivoting
device 30b. The third plate 13 includes a third pivoting portion
133 disposed at the second end 132 of the third plate 13. The third
pivoting portion 133 is formed in the shape of a rectangular teeth
structure generally. The third plate 13 further includes a third
recess 134 extending from the first end 131 to the second end 132
therein.
[0026] The fourth plate 14 includes first and second ends 141 and
142 defined at two opposite ends thereon. The first end 141 of the
fourth plate 14 is pivotally connected with the first pivoting
device 30b. The fourth plate 14 includes a fourth pivoting portion
143 disposed at the second end 142 of the fourth plate 14. The
fourth pivoting portion 143 is formed in the shape of a rectangular
teeth structure generally. The fourth plate 14 selectively mounted
with a front panel 40.
[0027] The first plate 11 is defined with a first height H1. The
second plate 12 is defined with a second height H2. The third plate
13 is defined with a third height H3. The fourth plate 14 is
defined with a fourth height H4. The fourth height H4 is less than
the first height H1. The first height H1 equals the second height
H2, and the second height H2 equals the third height H3. The front
panel 40 is defined with a panel height H5. The panel height H5 is
greater than or equals to the first height H1.
[0028] The bottom plate 20 is rectangular in shape. The bottom
plate 20 is defined a first side 21, a second side 22, a third side
23 disposed opposite to the first side 21, and a fourth side 24
disposed opposite to the second side 22.
[0029] The first pivoting device 30a includes a first body 31a and
a second body 32a pivotally connected with the first body 31a
therein. The first and second bodies 31a, 32a of the first pivoting
device 30a are formed a first hole 33a, respectively. A first shaft
34a is engaged in the first hole 33a and connects between the first
and second bodies 31a, 32a of the first pivoting device 30a.
[0030] The structure of the second pivoting device 30b is similar
to the first pivoting device 30a. The second pivoting device 30b
includes a first body 31b and a second body 32b pivotally connected
with the first body 31b therein. The first and second bodies 31b,
32b of the second pivoting device 30b are formed a second hole 33b,
respectively. A second shaft 34b is engaged in the second hole 33b
and connects between the first and second bodies 31b, 32b of the
second pivoting device 30b.
[0031] The first end 111 of the first plate 11 connects with the
first body 31a of the first pivoting device 30a, and the first end
121 of the second plate 12 connects with the second body 32a of the
first pivoting device 30a. Therefore, the first plate 11 is
pivotally connected with the second plate 12. The first end 131 of
the third plate 13 connects with the first body 31b of the second
pivoting device 30b, and the first end 141 of the fourth plate 14
connects with the second body 32b of the second pivoting device
30b. Therefore, the third plate 13 is pivotally connected with the
fourth plate 14.
[0032] The first pivoting portion 113 is engaged with the fourth
pivoting portion 143. A pivoting shaft 90 connects between the
first and fourth pivoting portions 113 and 143. Therefore, the
first plate 11 is pivotally connected with the fourth plate 14.
[0033] The second pivoting portion 123 is engaged with the third
pivoting portion 133. Another pivoting shaft 90 connects between
the second and third pivoting portions 123 and 133. Therefore, the
second plate 12 is pivotally connected with the third plate 13.
[0034] When the side plate association 10 is in the operative
state, the shape of cross-section of the storage space S is
corresponded to the shape of cross-section of the bottom plate 20.
The bottom plate 20 is mounted with the side plate association 10.
The first side 21 is engaged in the first recess 114. The second
side 22 is engaged in the second recess 124. The third side 23 is
engaged in the third recess 134. The front panel 40 is mounted on a
surface of the fourth plate 14 opposite to the second plate 12. The
bottom plate 20 is restricted by the front panel 40, so that the
plurality of plates 11, 12, 13, and 14 of the side plate
association 10 can not be pivoted with respect to one another. The
first and second plates 11 and 12 are perpendicular approximately.
The third and fourth plates 13 and 14 are perpendicular
approximately.
[0035] When the side plate association 10 is in the storage state,
the bottom plate 20 is dismounted from the side plate association
10. The first side 21 is disengaged from the first recess 114. The
second side 22 is disengaged from the second recess 124. The third
side 23 is disengaged from the third recess 134. The first, second,
third, and fourth plates 11, 12, 13, and 14 are pivoted with
respect to one another. The measure of area of cross-section of the
storage space S is less than a measure of area of the bottom plate
20. The first and fourth plates 11 and 14 are parallel
approximately. The second and third plates 12 and 13 are parallel
approximately. The plurality of plates 11, 12, 13, and 14 are
pivoted with one another to reduce volume of the drawer
assembly.
[0036] Thus since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in
other specific forms without departing from the spirit or general
characteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated,
the embodiment described herein is to be considered in all respects
illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is to
be indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing
description, and all changes which come within the meaning and
range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced
therein.
* * * * *