U.S. patent application number 13/573751 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-25 for automatic deployable, foldable furniture system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Leo Paper Bags Manufacturing (1982) Limited. The applicant listed for this patent is Leo Paper Bags Manufacturing (1982) Limited. Invention is credited to Christine McAdam.
Application Number | 20130099547 13/573751 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48044060 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130099547 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McAdam; Christine |
April 25, 2013 |
Automatic deployable, foldable furniture system
Abstract
Auto-deployable furniture having a top panel and a collapsible
base movable between collapsed and deployed positions. The base has
opposing side panels spaced apart when in the deployed position and
are adjacent to each other when in the collapsed position. A top
brace spans between the opposing sidewalls and is fixed to the top
panel at an off-center portion. Movement of the base between the
deployed and collapsed positions causes the top brace to
automatically fold or unfold at the intermediate portion, thereby
automatically pivoting the top panel relative to the base. In the
deployed position, the top panel is substantially perpendicular to
the longitudinal axis of the base, and in the flat, collapsed
position, the top panel is parallel to the longitudinal axis.
Inventors: |
McAdam; Christine; (Redondo
Beach, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Leo Paper Bags Manufacturing (1982) Limited; |
Kowloon |
|
HK |
|
|
Assignee: |
Leo Paper Bags Manufacturing (1982)
Limited
Kowloon
HK
|
Family ID: |
48044060 |
Appl. No.: |
13/573751 |
Filed: |
October 3, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61542368 |
Oct 3, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/452.1 ;
108/115 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 43/02 20130101;
A47C 4/00 20130101; A47B 3/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/452.1 ;
108/115 |
International
Class: |
A47B 3/00 20060101
A47B003/00; A47C 4/00 20060101 A47C004/00 |
Claims
1. An auto-deployable, foldable furniture unit, comprising: a top
panel that defines a first plane; a collapsible base having a
longitudinal axis and being movable between a collapsed position
and a deployed position, the base having opposed side panels
oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis, each of the side panels
having an upper portion and a lower portion, the side panels being
spaced apart from each other when in the deployed position, and the
side panels being immediately adjacent to each other at the upper
and lower portions when in the collapsed position; and a top brace
having an intermediate portion between first and second end
portions, the intermediate portion having an attachment portion
adjacent to the first end portion, the first and second end
portions being fixedly attached to the upper portions of the side
panels and being movable with the side panels as a unit when the
base moves between the collapsed and deployed positions, the top
brace end portions being spaced apart from each other when the base
is in the deployed position and being substantially immediately
adjacent to each other with the top brace being folded at the
intermediate portion when in the collapsed position, the attachment
portion being fixed to the top panel at an off-center portion of
the top panel, wherein movement of the base between the deployed
position and the collapsed position causes the top brace to
automatically fold at the intermediate portion automatically
pivoting the top panel relative to the base between a first
position, wherein with the first plane is substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a second position
wherein the first plane is substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis, and wherein the top panel is supported by the
upper portions of the base when the base is in the deployed
position.
2. The furniture unit of claim 1 wherein the top brace has a
folding portion between one end portion of the top brace and the
attachment portion, wherein the top brace folds at the folding
portion when the base moves from the deployed position to the
collapsed position.
3. The furniture unit of claim 1 wherein the top brace has a first
folding portion between one end portion of the top brace and the
attachment portion, and a second folding portion positioned with
the attachment portion between the first and second folding
portions, wherein the top brace folds at the first and second
folding portions when the base moves from the deployed position to
the collapsed position.
4. The furniture unit of claim 1 wherein the base is a collapsible
tubular member that defines a column when in the deployed
position.
5. The furniture unit of claim 1 wherein the base is a unitary
member with end portions secured to each other and a plurality of
fold lines intermediate the end portions and configured to fold and
define the side panels when the base is in the deployed
position.
6. The furniture unit of claim 1, further comprising a bottom brace
fixedly attached to the lower portions of the side panels and
folding at a bottom brace intermediate portion when the base moves
between the collapsed and deployed positions, the end portions of
the bottom brace being spaced apart from each other when the base
is in the deployed position and being substantially immediately
adjacent to each other when in the base is in the collapsed
position.
7. The furniture unit of claim 6 wherein the base has an interior
area between the side panels, and the bottom brace has a folding
portion in the intermediate portion, and the bottom brace folds at
the intermediate portion when the base moves from the deployed
position to the collapsed position.
8. The furniture unit of claim 6 wherein the base has an interior
area between the side panels, and the bottom brace folds and
projects into the interior area of the base when the base is in the
collapsed position.
9. The furniture unit of claim 6 wherein the base has an interior
area between the side panels, and wherein the bottom brace folds
and projects away from the interior area of the base when the base
is in the collapsed position.
10. The furniture unit of claim 1 wherein the top panel is a planar
member defining a table top or seat.
11. The furniture unit of claim 1 wherein the top panel and base
are made of corrugated cardboard.
12. The furniture unit of claim 1, further comprising a first
retention member connected to the top panel and a second retention
member connected to the top brace, the first and second retention
members being in engagement with each other when the base is in the
deployed position securely retaining the top panel in engagement
with the top brace, and the first and second retention members
being out of engagement with each other when the base is in the
collapsed position.
13. The furniture unit of claim 12 wherein the first and second
retention members are hook-and-loop fastener elements.
14. The furniture unit of claim 1, wherein the top brace is adhered
to the base and to the top panel while allowing the top panel to
pivot relative to the base.
15. An auto-deployable furniture unit, comprising: a top panel that
defines a first plane; a collapsible base having a longitudinal
axis and being movable between a collapsed position and a deployed
position, the base having opposed side panels oriented parallel to
the longitudinal axis, each of the side panels having an upper
portion and a lower portion, the side panels being spaced apart
from each other when in the deployed position, and the side panels
being immediately adjacent to each other at the upper and lower
portions when in the collapsed position; and a folding top brace
having a first intermediate portion between first and second end
portions, the first intermediate portion having an attachment
portion adjacent to the first end portion, the first and second end
portions being secured to the side panels to move with the side
panels when the base moves between the collapsed and deployed
positions, the top brace being folded at the first intermediate
portion with the end portions adjacent to each other when in the
collapsed position, the attachment portion being secured to a
surface of the top panel wherein movement of the base between the
deployed and collapsed positions causes the top panel to
automatically pivot between first and second positions,
respectively, the top panel in the first position is positioned
with the first plane substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis and with the top panel supported by the base, and
the top panel in the second position is positioned with the first
plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis; and a bottom
brace fixedly attached to lower portions of the side panels and
configured to fold at a second intermediate portion when the base
moves between the collapsed and deployed positions.
16. The furniture unit of claim 15 wherein the top brace has a
first folding portion between one end portion of the top brace and
the attachment portion, and a second folding portion positioned
with the attachment portion between the first and second folding
portions, wherein the top brace folds at the first and second
folding portions when the base moves from the deployed position to
the collapsed position.
17. The furniture unit of claim 15 wherein the base is a
collapsible tubular member that defines a column when in the
deployed position.
18. The furniture unit of claim 15 wherein the base is a unitary
member with end portions secured to each other and a plurality of
fold lines intermediate the end portions and configured to fold and
define the side panels when the base is in the deployed
position.
19. The furniture unit of claim 15 wherein the base has an interior
area between the side panels when in the deployed position, and the
bottom brace has a folding portion in the intermediate portion, and
the bottom brace folds at the intermediate portion when the base
moves from the deployed position to the collapsed position.
20. The furniture unit of claim 15 wherein the base has an interior
area between the side panels, and the bottom brace folds and
projects into the interior area when the base is in the collapsed
position.
21. The furniture unit of claim 15, further comprising a first
retention member connected to the top panel and a second retention
member connected to the top brace, the first and second retention
members being in engagement with each other when the base is in the
deployed position securely retaining the top panel in engagement
with the top brace, and the first and second retention members
being out of engagement with each other when the base is in the
collapsed position.
22. The furniture unit of claim 21 wherein the first and second
retention members are hook-and-loop fastener elements.
23. The furniture unit of claim 21, wherein the top brace is
adhered directly to the base and to the top panel while allowing
the top panel to pivot relative to the base.
24. An auto-deployable furniture unit, comprising: a corrugated top
panel that defines a first plane and that has opposing top and
bottom surfaces; a corrugated collapsible base fixedly
interconnected to the top panel for pivotal movement relative to
the base, the base having a longitudinal axis and being movable
between a flat, collapsed position and a deployed position, the
base having first and second side panel portions oriented parallel
to the longitudinal axis, each of the first and second side panel
portions having an upper portion and a lower portion, the first and
second side panel portions being spaced apart from each other at
the upper and lower portions when in the deployed position, and the
first and second side panel portions being immediately adjacent to
each other at the upper and lower portions when in the flat,
collapsed position, the base having an interior area between the
first and second side panel portions when in the deployed position;
a corrugated bottom brace having a first intermediate portion
between opposing bottom brace end portions, the bottom brace end
portions being fixedly attached to the lower portions of the first
and second side panels of the base and being movable with the first
and second side panels as a unit when the base moves between the
flat, collapsed position and the deployed position, the bottom
brace end portions being spaced apart from each other when the base
is in the deployed position and being substantially immediately
adjacent to each other with the bottom brace being folded
substantially at the first intermediate portion when in the folded,
collapsed position; and a corrugated top brace having a second
intermediate portion between opposing top brace end portions, the
second intermediate portion having an attachment portion adjacent
to one of the top brace end portions, the top brace end portions
being fixedly attached to the upper portions of the first and
second side panels and being movable with the first and second side
panels as a unit when the base moves between the flat, collapsed
position and the deployed position, the top brace end portions
being spaced apart from each other when the base is in the deployed
position and being substantially immediately adjacent to each other
with the top brace being folded at the intermediate portion when in
the folded, collapsed position, the attachment portion being fixed
to the bottom side of the top panel at an off-center location,
wherein movement of the base from the deployed position to the
collapsed position causes the top brace end portions to move toward
each other and causing the top brace to fold at the intermediate
portion automatically pivoting the top panel relative to the base
from a first position wherein the first plane is substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, to a second position
wherein the first plane is substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis, and wherein movement of the base from the
collapsed position to the deployed position causes the top brace
end portions to move away from each other, thereby automatically
pivoting the top panel from the second position parallel to the
longitudinal axis to the first position perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis with the top panel being supported by the
deployed base.
25. The auto-deployable furniture unit of claim 24 wherein the top
brace has a first fold line between the one end portion of the top
brace and the attachment portion, and a second fold line positioned
with the attachment portion between the first and second fold
lines, wherein the top brace folds at the first and second fold
lines when the base moves from the collapsed position to the
deployed position.
26. The auto-deployable furniture unit of claim 24 wherein the base
is a tubular member made of corrugated material that defines a
column when in the deployed position.
27. The auto-deployable furniture unit of claim 24 wherein the base
is a unitary folded member with end portions attached to each other
and a plurality of fold lines intermediate end portions and
configured to fold and define side panels when the base is in the
deployed position.
28. The auto-deployable furniture unit of claim 24 wherein the
bottom brace folds and projects into the interior area of the base
when the base is in the collapsed position.
29. The auto-deployable furniture unit of claim 1, further
comprising a first retention member connected to the top panel and
a second retention member connected to the intermediate portion of
the top brace, the first and second retention members being in
engagement with each other when the base is in the deployed
position securely retaining the top panel in engagement with the
top brace, and the first and second retention members being out of
engagement with each other when the base is in the flat, collapsed
position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This non-provisional patent application hereby claims the
benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/542,368, titled "Automatic Deployable, Foldable Furniture
System," filed Oct. 3, 2011, which is incorporated herein in its
entirety by reference thereto.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to
furniture systems, and more particularly to deployable furniture
systems.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Foldable, deployable furniture has been developed and used
in the prior art.. Such furniture typically has limitations. For
example, conventional foldable, deployable furniture typically must
be manually assembled or disassembled. Other conventional foldable,
conventional furniture has other limitations and there is a need
for improved foldable, deployable furniture.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present disclosure is directed to an automatically
deployable, foldable furniture system that overcomes drawbacks of
the prior art and provides other benefits. One embodiment of the
present disclosure provides an auto-deployable furniture unit
having a top panel that defines a first plane, and a collapsible
base that has a longitudinal axis and is movable between a
collapsed position and a deployed position. The base has opposing
side panels oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis, and each
side panels has upper and lower portions. The side panels are
spaced apart from each other when in the deployed position, and the
side panels are immediately adjacent to each other at the upper and
lower portions when in the collapsed position. A top brace is
connected to the base and has an intermediate portion between first
and second end portions. The first and second end portions are
fixedly attached to the upper portions of the side panels and are
movable with the side panels when the base moves between the
collapsed and deployed positions. The top brace end portions are
spaced apart from each other when the base is in the deployed
position and are substantially immediately adjacent to each other,
with the top brace being folded at the intermediate portion, when
in the collapsed position. The intermediate portion of the top
brace has an attachment portion adjacent to the first end portion.
The attachment portion is fixed to the top panel at an off-center
portion. Movement of the base between the deployed and collapsed
positions causes the top brace to automatically fold or unfold at
the intermediate portion, thereby automatically pivoting the top
panel between first and second positions. In the first position,
the top panel is oriented with the first plane substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, with the top panel being
supported by the upper portions of the base when the base is in the
deployed position. In the second position, the top panel is
oriented with the first plane substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis.
[0005] In selected embodiments, the top brace has a fold line
between one end portion of the top brace and the attachment
portion, wherein the top brace folds at the fold line when the base
moves from the deployed position to the collapsed position. A
second fold line is positioned with the attachment portion between
the first and second fold lines, wherein the top brace folds at the
first and second fold lines when the base moves from the deployed
position to the collapsed position. The base can be a collapsible
tubular member that defines a column when in the deployed position.
The base can be a unitary member with end portions secured to each
other and a plurality of fold lines intermediate the end portions
and configured to fold and define the side panels when the base is
in the deployed position. The furniture unit can include a bottom
brace fixedly attached to the lower portions of the side panels and
folding at an intermediate portion when the base moves between the
collapsed and deployed positions, with the end portions of the
bottom brace spaced apart from each other when the base is in the
deployed position and are substantially immediately adjacent to
each other when in the base is in the collapsed position.
[0006] The furniture unit can include a first retention member
connected to the top panel and a second retention member connected
to the top brace. The retention members are in engagement with each
other when the base is in the deployed position securely retaining
the top panel in engagement with the top brace. The retention
members are out of engagement with each other when the base is in
the collapsed position.
[0007] Another aspect of the disclosure provides an auto-deployable
furniture unit that has a top panel that defines a first plane, and
a collapsible base having a longitudinal axis is movable between
collapsed and deployed positions. The base has opposing side panels
oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis, and each side panel has
upper and lower portions. The side panels are spaced apart from
each other when in the deployed position, and the side panels are
immediately adjacent to each other at the upper and lower portions
when in the collapsed position.
[0008] A folding top brace is connected to the base. The folding
top brace has an intermediate portion between first and second end
portions. The intermediate portion has an attachment portion
adjacent to the first end portion. The first and second end
portions are secured to the side panels to automatically move with
the side panels when the base moves between the collapsed and
deployed positions. The top brace is folded at the intermediate
portion with the end portions adjacent to each other when in the
collapsed position. The attachment portion is secured to the top
panel, wherein movement of the base between the deployed and
collapsed positions causes the top panel to automatically pivot
between first and second positions, respectively. The top panel in
the first position is positioned with the first plane substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and with the top panel
supported by the base. The top panel in the second position is
configured with the first plane substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis. A bottom brace is fixedly attached to lower
portions of the side panels and configured to fold at a second
intermediate portion when the base moves between the collapsed and
deployed positions.
[0009] Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides an
auto-deployable furniture unit having a top panel that defines a
first plane and that has opposing top and bottom surfaces. A
collapsible base is fixedly interconnected to the top panel for
pivotal movement relative to the base. The base has a longitudinal
axis and is movable between a flat, collapsed position and a
deployed position. The base has first and second side panel
portions oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.
Each side panel portion has upper and lower portions, and the side
panel portions are spaced apart from each other at the upper and
lower portions when in the deployed position. The side panel
portions are immediately adjacent to each other at the upper and
lower portions when in the flat, collapsed position.
[0010] The base has an interior area between the side panel
portions when in the deployed position. A bottom brace spans the
interior area and has a first intermediate portion between opposing
bottom brace end portions. The bottom brace's end portions are
fixedly attached to the lower portions of the side panel portions
and are automatically movable with the side panel portions when the
base moves between the collapsed position and the deployed
position. The bottom brace end portions are spaced apart from each
other when the base is in the deployed position and are
substantially immediately adjacent to each other with the bottom
brace being folded substantially at the first intermediate portion
when in the folded, collapsed position.
[0011] A top brace has an intermediate portion between opposing end
portions. The top brace's intermediate portion has an attachment
portion adjacent to one of the end portions. The top brace's end
portions are fixedly attached to the upper portions of the side
panel portions and are movable with the side panel portions when
the base moves between the collapsed and deployed positions. The
top brace's end portions are spaced apart from each other when the
base is in the deployed position and are substantially immediately
adjacent to each other, with the top brace being folded at the
intermediate portion, when in the folded, collapsed position. The
attachment portion is fixed to the bottom side of the top panel.
Movement of the base to the collapsed position causes the top
brace's end portions to automatically move toward each other,
causing the top brace to fold at the intermediate portion and
causing the top panel to automatically pivot relative to the base
between first and second positions. When in the first position, top
panel's first plane is substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis, and in the second position the top panel's first
plane is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. Movement
of the base from the collapsed position to the deployed position
causes the top brace's end portions to move away from each other,
thereby automatically pivoting the top panel from the second
position parallel to the longitudinal axis to the first position
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, with the top panel being
supported by the deployed base.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of automatically
deployable, foldable furniture, in the form of a table assembly in
a deployed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a top view of the table assembly of FIG. 1 in a
flat, collapsed position.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the table assembly of
FIG. 1 shown in an intermediate position between the deployed and
collapsed positions.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the table assembly of FIG. 1 when
in the deployed position, showing the bottom brace within the
column of the table.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a top view of two pieces of the automatically
deployable, foldable furniture system, including table assemblies
with round top panels shown in the collapsed position.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the automatically deployable,
foldable table assembly of FIG. 5 with a base brace shown in an
extended position.
[0018] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the bottom of the
table assembly of FIG. 6 in the intermediate position, showing the
bottom brace extending from the table's base.
[0019] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the bottom of the
table assembly of FIG. 6 in an intermediate position, showing the
bottom brace extending into the base.
[0020] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the table assembly
of FIG. 6 in the collapsed position with the bottom brace folded
within the base.
[0021] FIG. 10 is an exploded schematic plan view of the table
assembly of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The present disclosure describes and illustrates an
automatically deployable, foldable furniture system 10 in
accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.
Several specific details of the embodiments are set forth in the
following description and the Figures to provide a thorough
understanding of certain embodiments of the invention. One skilled
in the art, however, will understand that the present invention may
have additional embodiments, and that other embodiments of the
invention may be practiced without several of the specific features
described below.
[0023] The automatically deployable, foldable furniture system 10
of the illustrated embodiment includes an automatically deployable,
foldable table assembly 12. While the following discussion refers
to the illustrated table assembly 12, the automatically deployable,
folding furniture system 10 can include coffee tables, end tables,
dining tables, other tables of different shapes, foot stools,
stools, chairs, pedestals, display structures, support structures,
etc.
[0024] FIG. 1 shows the table assembly 12 in a deployed position
with a top panel 14 positioned atop a base 16. In this deployed
position, the top panel 14 defines a plane substantially
perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 18 of the base 16. The table
assembly 12 is automatically moveable between the deployed position
(FIG. 1) and a collapsible position (FIG. 2). For example, the
table assembly 12 is configured to automatically open and setup on
its own by its weight as it touches the ground or other support
surface, causing the hexagon configuration of the base 16 to expand
into its open, deployed configuration, and to pivot the top panel
14 and set in place on the base 16. The table assembly 12 can be
automatically collapsed under its own weight by tilting the table
onto its side or by lifting the top panel to automatically draw the
base to a flat, collapsed position, wherein the table assembly 12
is substantially flat with the base 16 in a generally planar
orientation. In this flat, collapsed position, the top panel 14 is
oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 18 of the
base 16. As discussed in greater detail below, as the table
assembly 12 moves between the deployed and collapsed positions,
through an intermediate position (FIG. 3), the top panel 14
automatically pivots relative to the base 16 to properly position
the top panel 14 relative to the base 16.
[0025] The top panel 14 of the illustrated embodiment is a
substantially planar member with a top surface 20 facing away from
the base 16 (when in the deployed position), and an opposite bottom
surface 22 facing the base 16. When the table assembly 12 is in the
deployed position, the top panel 14 is structurally supported on a
top portion 24 of the base 16, with the top panel's bottom surface
22 engaging the top edge 30 of the base's top portion 24. The top
panel 14 is shown in FIGS. 1-3 as a hexagonal panel, although the
top panel can have other shapes, including circular (see, FIG. 5),
oval, square, rectangular, polygonal, or other flat geometric
shape. In other embodiments, the top panel 14 can include contoured
top and/or bottom surfaces 20 and 22 that still allow the top panel
14 to automatically pivot relative to the base as the table
assembly moves between the deployed and collapsed positions. In at
least one embodiment, the top surface 20 of the top panel 14 is
contoured to define a seat bottom on which a user can sit
comfortably.
[0026] The base 16 of the illustrated embodiment is formed by a
plurality of interconnected, hinged panels 26 that define a
foldable support movable between a flat, collapsed position (FIG.
3) and an expanded position. In the collapsed position, a first set
of the panels 26 is coplanar and stacked atop the other set of
coplanar panels. In the expanded position, the panels 26 are spaced
apart from each other so as to define a column that structurally
supports the top panel 14 when the table assembly 12 is in the
deployed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 16 is
formed by six interconnected, flat panels 26 arranged in a
hexagonal configuration when the base 16 is in the expanded
position. In other embodiments, the base 16 can be formed by more
or fewer hinged panels, which can result in a base with a different
polygonal or geometric configuration. In at least one embodiment,
the base 16 is formed of a unitary sheet 27 of corrugated
paper-based laminate, such as cardboard, that has a plurality of
folds or hinge lines 28 that delineate the panels 26 and that
extend between top and bottom edges 30 and 32 of the base 16. The
corrugated cardboard sheet 27 is arranged with the flutes
substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 18 of the base 16.
Free ends 34 and 36 of the unitary sheet 27 are adhered or
otherwise fixedly connected to each other to facilitate formation
of the column when the base 16 is in the expanded position. While
the plurality of panels 26 are integrally connected to each other
and foldable relative to each other at the hinge lines 28 in the
illustrated embodiment, the base 16 of other embodiments can
include a plurality of separate panels 26 interconnected to each
other with hinge or other folding mechanisms that allows the base
16 to smoothly move between the collapsed position and the deployed
position.
[0027] As seen in FIGS. 4 and 10, the table assembly 12 of the
illustrated embodiment includes a bottom brace 40 securely
connected to a pair of opposing panels 26 of the base 16. When the
base 16 is in the expanded position, the bottom. brace 40 spans
across the base's interior area 42 adjacent to the bottom portion
44 of the base 16. The bottom brace 40 is formed by a sheet of
corrugated cardboard with free end portions 46 adhered or otherwise
fixed to the interior surface of the opposing panels 26. The bottom
brace 40 has fold lines 48 or other hinging means adjacent to the
free end portions 46 and in the brace's intermediate area 50 that
spans between the opposing panels 26. These fold lines 48 allow the
bottom brace to automatically fold essentially in half when the
base 16 is moved from the expanded position (FIG. 4) to the
collapsed position (FIG. 2). Accordingly, when the table assembly
12 is in the deployed position, with the base 16 in the expanded
position, the middle fold line 48A is substantially unfolded, and
the outer fold lines 48B are at an approximately 90.degree.
angle.
[0028] When the table assembly 12 is in the collapsed position,
with the base 16 flat and collapsed, the bottom brace 40 can fold
so as to project away from the base's interior area 42, as shown in
FIGS. 2 and 6. In this configuration, the bottom brace 40 is folded
at an approximately 180.degree. angle at the middle fold lines 48A,
but the free end portions 46 at the outer fold lines 48B are
substantially unfolded and planar (i.e., 0.degree. orientation). In
another embodiment, shown in FIG. 9, the bottom brace 40 can fold
so as to project into the base's interior area 42. In this
configuration, the bottom brace 40 is folded at an approximately
180.degree. angle at each of the fold lines 48A and 48B. In this
configuration with the bottom brace 40 extending into the interior
area 42, the table assembly 12 in the flat, collapsed position has
a smaller shape, which reduces the space needed for storing or
shipping the table assemblies 12 in the flat, collapsed
configuration.
[0029] In one embodiment, the bottom brace 40 can be configured
with the hinged, folding areas, at the fold lines 48A and 48B, so
the bottom brace 40 only folds in one direction. The middle hinged
area can also be configured as an over-center hinge so that when
the table assembly 12 is in the deployed position, the bottom brace
40 must be released at the middle hinged area before the table
assembly 12 will be allowed to move from the deployed position
(FIG. 1) through the intermediate position (FIGS. 3 and 7) to the
collapsed position (FIGS. 2, 6, and 9).
[0030] The table assembly 12 also has a top brace 60 securely
connected to the same pair of the base's opposing panels 26 to
which the bottom brace 40 is attached. When the base 16 is in the
expanded position, the top brace 60 spans across the base's
interior area 42 adjacent to the top portion 24 of the base 16. The
top brace 60 is also formed by a sheet of corrugated paper-based
laminate with its free end portions 62 adhered or otherwise fixed
to the interior surface of the opposing panels 26. The top brace 60
has fold lines 64 or other hinge means adjacent to the free end
portions 62 and in the brace's intermediate area 68 that spans
between the opposing panels 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the
top brace's free end portions 62 are securely adhered or otherwise
fixedly attached to the top portions of the opposing panels 26. The
top brace 60 is also adhered or otherwise fixedly attached to the
bottom surface 22 of the top panel 14. As seen in FIG. 10, the
intermediate area 68 of the top brace has an attachment portion 70
between the middle fold line 64A and one of the end portions 62.
This attachment portion 70 is permanently attached to the top
panel's bottom surface 22 at an off-center location, such that the
edge of the top panel 14 overlaps or is immediately adjacent to the
top edge 30 of the base 16. This configuration with the base 16,
the top brace 60, and the top panel 14 facilitates the automatic
deployment or collapse of the table assembly 12.
[0031] When the table assembly 12 is in the flat, collapsed
position, the top brace 60 is folded and projects outwardly away
from the interior area 42 of the base 16, such that the top brace
60 is essentially folded in half. In this configuration, the end
portions 62 of the top brace 60 are positioned immediately adjacent
to each other along with the side panels 26 to which the end
portions 62 are attached. In this configuration, the top brace's
attachment portion 70 is parallel with the longitudinal axis 18 of
the base 16, thereby holding the top panel 14 in a flat orientation
parallel with the longitudinal axis 18. The table assembly 12 is
configured to automatically deploy from the collapsed position to
the deployed position when the panels 26 are positioned on the
ground or other support surface at a selected angle or orientation
so that gravity and the weight of the table assembly 12 causes the
table assembly to easily and automatically open and deploy without
requiring manual intervention.
[0032] When the base 16 moves from the collapsed position to the
expanded position, the side panels 26 are moved away from each
other, thereby pulling the top brace from the folded position, to
an unfolded position, and thereby causing the top panel 14 to pivot
relative to the base 16 away from the parallel orientation with the
longitudinal axis 18. As the base 16 reaches the fully expanded
position, the intermediate portion 68 of the top brace 60 is
positioned substantially in a single plane spanning across the
interior area 42, thereby pulling the top panel 14 into engagement
with the top edge 30 of the base 16 so the top panel 14 is
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 18 of the base. In this
position, the base 16 structurally supports the top panel 14 in the
deployed position. When the base 16 is allowed to move away from
the expanded position, the opposing side panels 26 move toward each
other, causing the top brace 60 to fold at the middle fold line
64A, which causes the top panel 14 to automatically pivot relative
to the base 16 and to the tipped position parallel with the
longitudinal axis 18.
[0033] This arrangement with the base 16, the top brace 60, and the
top panel 14 is also such that the table assembly 12 can also be
automatically moved between the collapsed and deployed position by
simply pivoting the top panel 14 relative to the base 16. When, as
an example, a person grasps the top panel 14 and pivots it relative
to the base 16, this pivoting motion pushes or pulls on the top
brace 60 causing the top brace to automatically fold or unfold,
thereby moving the opposing side panels 26 of the base away from
each other (toward the expanded position) or toward each other
(toward the collapsed position). This movement also automatically
moves the bottom brace 40 as the base 16 is expanded or collapsed.
As a result, the table assembly 12 can be automatically, quickly,
and easily deployed or collapsed in a single motion.
[0034] As seen in FIG. 9, the table assembly 12 of the illustrated
embodiment has a fastening mechanism 74 connected to the top panel
14 and to the top brace 60 to releasably retain the top panel 14 on
the base 16 when the table assembly 12 is in the deployed position.
In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening mechanism 74 is
Velcro.RTM. or other hook-and-loop fastener with one portion 76
affixed to the bottom surface 22 of the top panel 14, and the other
portion 78 affixed to the top brace 60 between the middle fold line
64A and the outer fold line 64B opposite the attachment portion 70.
These two fastening portions 76 and 78 engage each other when the
base 16 is in the deployed position to securely retain the top
panel 14 in engagement with the base 16. The two fastening portions
76 and 78 are out of engagement with each other when the base 16 is
in the flat, collapsed position. While the illustrated embodiment
has a hook-and-loop fastener, other embodiments can utilize other
retention members to releasably hold the top panel 14 on the base
16 when the table assembly 12 is in the deployed position.
[0035] The table assembly 12 in the illustrated embodiment is made
of a lightweight, durable, corrugated cardboard, or other
corrugated paper-based substrate. The automatically deployable,
foldable furniture system 10, however, can be made of a selected
plastic material having the capacity for living hinges (i.e.,
polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.). The automatically deployable,
foldable furniture system 10 of other embodiments, however, can be
constructed of other biodegradable materials, such as materials
suitable for a living hinge application, such as PLA (polylactide
acid which comes from Corn) or Mirel (which contains no
phthalates). In yet other embodiments, the furniture system can be
made of natural woods and other conventional materials that, with
the application of joint hinges to attach the panels to each other,
are suitable for operation of the automatically deployable or
collapsible system.
[0036] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific
embodiments of the invention have been described herein for
purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be
made without deviating from the invention. Additionally, aspects of
the invention described in the context of particular embodiments or
examples may be combined or eliminated in other embodiments.
Although advantages associated with certain embodiments of the
invention have been described in the context of those embodiments,
other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages. Additionally,
not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to
fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention
is not limited except as by the appended claims.
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