Foldable workstation and shelving system

Abstract

A foldable workstation is rendered mobile by a mobile support structure. The mobile support structure comprises a pair of castor support rails, each castor support rail attached to a vertical support. A horizontal member joins the two castor support rails. Castors attached to each support rail provide mobility. To facilitate attachment of the foldable workstation to the mobile support structure, a vertical support cover plate is attached to each rear leg of the foldable workstation. Each cover plate includes a channel for receiving one of the vertical supports. In this manner, the foldable workstation is mobile and can therefore be positioned in any location desired. Castor locks permit the foldable workstation to be securely positioned.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/301,031 filed Nov. 20, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/827,546 filed Apr. 6, 2001 which applications are incorporated herein by this reference thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to workstations and shelves and particularly to a folding workstation that has work surfaces foldable against a wall to provide flat working surfaces for space-constrained and other spaces.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Workstations and workbenches often have flat horizontal surfaces upon which work may be performed. These horizontal surfaces occupy space, often within the confines of a room or building. The use of this space by the workstation or workbench prevents the use of such space for other purposes. This limits the available space adjacent the workstation even though the workstation may only be used on a temporary or intermittent basis.

The flat surfaces of the workstation provide support for a variety of tasks including food preparation in the food service industry, instrument or other object preparation in a surgical theater, and the like. While it is convenient, useful, and perhaps even critical to have the availability of such flat, supporting work surfaces, such horizontally-projecting surfaces occupy space that might be needed for other purposes or that might be better used or made available once the work surface is no longer needed.

A variety of attempts have been made in the prior art with respect to providing foldable and/or collapsible working surfaces. Such earlier developments of the art include the following patents and disclosures:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,408,936 to Tsen discloses a wall-mounted rack assembly having a foldable table like plate member with a U-shaped support leg, and a second foldable shelf-like plate member. Such features are shown in some detail in FIG. 3, particularly elements 41, 43 and 51.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,727,408 to Cady discloses an upwardly folding shelf system having multiple pivotable shelves connected to a pair of legs. FIG. 2 shows the folding operation of the folding shelf.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,622 to Kapteyn discloses a rack having a plurality of shelves that are able to fold upwardly into a storage position. For example, refer to FIG. 2 (elements 12, 34 and 44) for additional detail. FIG. 2 shows in phantom the folding operation. FIG. 3 shows with phantom item 10 the crib-like holding of boxes for inspection.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,758,726 to Webb discloses a shelf and folding table structure whereby the entire structure may be folded into a non-use position. FIG. 1 (elements 7, 10, 11 and 12) shows more detail regarding operation.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,151,576 to Patterson discloses a foldable display stand having plural shelves that can be maintained in selectable positions by use of fastening bolts. FIG. 2 shows to the operation of the shelf trays.

U.S. Pat. No. 945,280 to Lindberg discloses an adjustable shelf bracket that has a removable pin for selectively maintaining the shelf at a desired angle.

Additionally, certain design patents are known for foldable or folding shelf systems and the like. These include:

U.S. Pat. No. Des. 457,027 to. Mullet et al. is directed to a supported shelf system having struts on either side of the shelf panels.

U.S. Pat. No. Des. 225,803 to Moore is directed to a foldable wall shelving unit which has shelves that fold into a bookcase-like frame with the shelves having depressions or wells into which objects may fit.

U.S. Pat. No. Des. 95,043 to Kent is directed to a parcel shelf with an apparent latching mechanism that allows the shelf to unfold from a vertical framework.

PCT International Application PCT/AU91/00030, Publication No. WO 91/11130 is directed to a wall mountable foldable table. This folding table fits into a vertical framework and, as shown in the drawings, provides means by which an ironing board or similar object can be stowed in such a framework. FIGS. 5 and 6 show a folding mechanism for the foldable table.

As can be seen, a number of approaches and attempts to advance the art have been made with respect to providing collapsible or folding work surfaces. Generally, all of these are directed to specific applications and take into account the generally different operating parameters so as to fulfill the need demanding the solution delivered by the respective patented inventions.

However, the art is generally lacking in collapsible and foldable workstations that take into account the certain differences in physique of the human body. Generally, the multiple workstations of the prior art did not take into account the need for leg or foot room; as well as the ability to use an expansive horizontal work surface in conjunction with a smaller and upper horizontal work surface.

Consequently, the prior art still requires additional foldable workbenches and workstations that more advantageously fulfill the needs demanded by people working in small or confined areas or such areas that only require temporary workspace. While efficient to maximize the available surface area to the person using the workstation, certain considerations must also be made with respect to the area in which the workstation operates so that when the workstation is folded up or collapses, a minimum horizontal area is displaced such that the surface area when the workstation is unfolded as compared to when it is folded or collapsed is maximized.

Industrial applications such as those present in the food service industry where prep work must be done or the like also demand a workstation that is used on a temporary basis. In preparation for lunch or evening meals, a certain amount of work is done in order to prepare items for cooking and/or serving. Once these items are prepared, the flat work surfaces on which such preparations are made may no longer be necessary and the area may be freed up in order to provide space for other purposes such as foot traffic and the like.

Consequently, a need remains in the art for foldable workstations that tailor themselves to certain specific applications or that may have a more general application and fulfill a wide variety of needs. Additionally, the state of the art would be augmented by a flexible and adaptable foldable workstation that provides a variety of uses and applications for foldable workstations that provide horizontal working surfaces and work space. It would be more advantageous to provide a workbench that only occupied adjacent space when necessary. It would also be advantageous to provide a workbench that provides easy access to and storage of tools.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of foldable or collapsible workstations/workbenches now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new foldable workstation construction wherein the amount of workstation working surface area is maximized in conjunction with providing conveniently located and disposed working surfaces for people using the foldable workstation.

The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a foldable workstation that accommodates the human form for better use and structure. The foldable workstation described herein has many of the advantages of foldable workstations and benches mentioned heretofore and developed previously as well as many novel features that result in a new foldable workstation which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, taught, or even implied by any of the prior art foldable shelves, racks, and the like, either alone or in any combination thereof.

The foldable workstation of the present invention provides a foldable workstation that is attachable to a wall that has three flat horizontal work surfaces upon which work may be performed or items temporarily laid. The bottom shelf or surface is offset from upstanding legs that support a middle work surface in order to provide room for a person's shins and/or feet. While this reduces the surface area available for the lower shelf, it enables a person to better engage the workstation as a whole, thereby providing more advantage and utility. The lower shelf is connected by lateral supports to the upstanding legs supporting the middle shelf.

The middle shelf is generally the larger of the flat surfaces and is generally positioned at the height of a person's hips or waist so that it might be more easily engaged or even possibly leaned into, onto, or against by the person.

Lastly, an upper shelf is provided that is available for supporting objects such as bowls, tools, and the like. The upper shelf is the smallest shelf and is generally approximately half the size of the lower shelf. In doing so, the shorter projection outward made by the upper shelf allows more room for a person to maneuver, enabling the arms to function unobstructed while working on items present on the middle shelf.

All three shelves are pivotally connected to a chassis which enables the flat folding of each of the work-surfaces against a wall or other vertical support upon which the chassis is affixed. Generally, the middle and lower work surfaces fold up toward the chassis while the upper smaller work surface folds down into the chassis.

The table may be made of stainless steel or surgical steel for easy cleaning and sterilization, making it especially advantageous for the food service industry and medical professions.

The present invention provides a folding or foldable workstation that allows flat horizontal workspaces to be provided as needed. The foldable workstation of the present invention also allows the retraction or folding of the flat work surface against a wall or the like to enable the foldable workbench to occupy less space when not in use.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a foldable workstation that accommodates the human form.

It is, another object of the present invention to provide a foldable workstation that efficiently uses space available, providing a small profile when folded or collapsed, yet providing ample workspace when unfolded.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a foldable workstation that may be sterilized for use in the food service or medical areas.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a foldable workbench.

It is another object of the present invention to provide foldable horizontal work and storage spaces.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a review of the following specification and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a right side front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the foldable workstation of the present invention. A pin for use in holding up the top shelf as well as a chain attached thereto are shown in phantom as is lateral bracing;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the foldable workstation shown in FIG. 1. Lateral bracing is shown in phantom;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the foldable workstation shown in FIG. 1. Lateral bracing is shown in phantom;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the foldable workstation of FIG. 1. Lateral bracing is shown in phantom;

FIG. 5 is a right side elevational view of the foldable workstation of FIG. 1. Lateral bracing is shown in phantom;

FIG. 6 is a right front perspective view of the foldable workstation shown in a folded configuration;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the folded foldable workstation in FIG. 6. Lateral bracing is shown in phantom;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the folded foldable workstation shown in FIG. 6. Lateral bracing is shown in phantom;

FIG. 9 is a right side elevational view of the folded foldable workstation of FIG. 6. Lateral bracing is shown in phantom;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the folded foldable workstation of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a right side front perspective view of the foldable workstation of FIG. 1 including the lateral bracing;

FIG. 12a shows the foldable workstation in a retracted position joined to a mobile support structure;

FIG. 12b shows the foldable workstation in an open position joined to the mobile support structure;

FIG. 13 shows the mobile support structure without the foldable workstation in place;

FIG. 14 shows a close-up of the foldable workstation joined to the mobile support structure;

FIG. 15a shows a vertical support cover plate used to facilitate attachment of the foldable workstation to the mobile support structure; and

FIG. 15b shows an end view of the vertical support cover plate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Referring to, the drawing where like numerals of reference indicate like elements throughout it will be noted that the present invention is used in the context of being attached to an ultimate support, such as a wall or other vertical flat surface, or other vertical support such as upstanding, poles or rails that provide support for the foldable work station 100 of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1 the foldable workstation 100 of the present invention has oppositely opposed and generally parallel upstanding frame shields 102 that serve as supports for the working surfaces of the foldable workstation. 100. Upstanding frame shields are generally U-shaped in configuration, having a central slot 104 about which more detail is given below.

The lower shelf 106, middle shelf 108 and upper shelf 110 are generally all pivotally connected to the upstanding frame shields 102. The three shelves pivot on axes that are all generally parallel to one another. The lower shelf 106 may be connected to the upstanding frame shield by two lower lateral supports 120, which extend beyond the lower shelf to attach to the upstanding legs 122. The upstanding legs 122 are pivotally attached to both the lower lateral supports 120 at the distal end of the lower lateral supports 120, as well as to the free end of the middle shelf 108.

As shown in phantom in FIG. 1 and the other drawings, rear lateral bracing 126 may be optionally present in order to space apart the upstanding frame shields 102. The lateral bracing 126 also provides additional support and may be used as a means of attachment for the foldable workstation 100 to the wall or other ultimate support.

Additionally, one or more pins 130 may be used to secure the upper shelf 110 into place in its horizontal position by engaging a hole therein. Such pins 130 may also hold the upstanding legs 122 into place with respect to the upstanding flame shields 102 as shown in FIGS. 6-10. A first hole 132 in the frame shields 102 may serve to allow passage of the pin 130 through the frame shield gap 104 to engage the upper shelf 110. A second hole 134 may serve to uphold the upstanding legs 122 into place when the middle and lower shelves 108, 106 are folded into the space between the frame shields 102. The corresponding hole 136 may be present in the side of each upstanding leg 122 near the top thereof to provide access for the pin 130.

Due to the unique configuration of the foldable workstation 100, and as shown in FIGS. 6-10, the foldable-workstation of the present invention folds into the space between the frame shields 102 in a generally flush fashion in order to provide a minimum profile projecting out from the wall or other ultimate support. Additionally, the forward end 140 of the middle and main shelf 108 rests generally flush with the top of the upstanding frame shields 102, making efficient use of the space used thereby. The same is generally true with respect to the front end of the lower shelf 142. Although it may be fashioned flush with the rear end of the middle shelf, the front end 142 of the lower shelf 106 may also be separated from the rear end of the middle shelf 108 when the two shelves are folded.

Depending upon the need for foot or shin space, the lower shelf may extend towards or retract from the upstanding legs 122 or alternatively, a center portion of the lower shelf 106 may be removed in order to provide leg space while the side areas of the lower shelf 106 extend towards the upstanding legs 122. Additionally, a number of alternative embodiments may be achieved through propitious construction of the lower shelf 106.

In folding up towards the frame shields 102, the upper and lower shelves 108, 106 may somewhat dispose the upstanding legs 122 at an angle. This slight angle is due to the disposition between the two shelves and their pivotal arrangement with the frame shields 102. Additionally, the inner panel 150 of the frame shields 102 may project outwardly to a smaller degree and a lesser extent than the outer panel 152 in order to accommodate the upstanding legs 122. Generally, the upstanding legs 122 as shown in FIG. 6 do not project out past the outer panel 152 in a preferred embodiment and may come to rest between the two frame shield panels 150, 152.

This provides for a diminished profile for the foldable workstation 100 in its folded configuration. This is a unique aspect of the foldable workstation 100 of the present invention, as the manifestation of such a minimal profile with significant available horizontal workspace surface area delivers unique advantages coupled with the ergonomic designs allowing for foot room for the lower shelf 106 as well as arm and shoulder room for the upper shelf 110. Particularly with limited wall space, the foldable workstation 100 can be configured to accommodate any width of wall space such that a thin foldable workstation or even square foldable workstation could be used for corners while a longer foldable workstation could be used when space so allows. Generally, the distance between the front end of the middle shelf 140 and the frame shields 102 and/or the lateral bracing 126 (when the foldable workstation 100 is unfolded) is generally that of a person's reach because the foldable workstation 100 is meant to accommodate the workings of the human body and the like. Consequently, the general width of the foldable workstation 100, as indicated by the distance between the upstanding legs 122, may be variable and adapted to specific applications.

Ergonomic design is also present in the distance the upper shelf 110 extends outwardly from the wall or rear of the foldable workstation. The upper shelf 110 is designed to enable clear and free working of a person's hands, arms, and shoulders such that the upper shelf 110 does not interfere with turning, moving, and preparing or working upon items resting upon the middle shelf 108. Consequent, the foldable workstation 100 set forth herein provides distinct advantages over those in the prior art, as it accommodates working situations not previously addressed.

Additionally, the upstanding frame shields 102 are generally slanted and not squared at their lower ends 160 as shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 6 and 9. This provides certain manufacturing advantages as otherwise unneeded material is not used. Additionally, an abrupt and sharp corner 170 is avoided such that the projecting corner present the lower end of the frame shields 102 provides & softer angle that is less disposed to causing injury as a right angle squared off corner would be.

In order to provide additional support for the middle shelf 108 reinforcing supports 164 may be present below and underneath the middle shelf 108. Such reinforcing supports may take the form of bars, hollow half girder structures, or the like extending laterally below the middle shelf 108. As shown in FIG. 6, these supports are generally welded into the down turned sides 172 of the middle shelf 108 and are shaped in the form of a broad U-shape such that a conveniently manufactured means is provided by which the otherwise possibly thin and flexible upper shelf 108 work surface can be reinforced so that heavier items may be placed upon the middle shelf 108 and adequately supported thereby.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the foldable workstation 100 is folded into its folded configuration, the pin 130 may engage the associated upstanding leg 122 via the upstanding leg hole 134, passing through the associated frame shield 102.

As also shown in FIG. 6, both the middle shelf 108 and lower shelf 106 may have handle like front ends 140, 142 so that the foldable workstation 100 is more easily gasped and set into its folded configuration. In so doing the pins 130 are disengaged from the upper shelf 110, which is then fold downwardly into the space between the frame shields 102. The middle and lower shelves 108 are then folded also into the frame shields 102 as the pivotal connections between the middle and lower shelves 108, 106 and their corresponding pivotal connections with the upstanding legs 122 and the frame shields 102 form a parallelogram enabling the upstanding legs 122 to travel towards the frame shields 102 when the middle and lower shelves 108, 106 are pivoted upwardly.

In a preferred embodiment, the foldable workstation 100 is constructed of stainless steel or other sterilizable material. This makes the foldable workstation 100 particularly advantageous in the preparation of food as foodstuffs may come into contact with the working surfaces 106, 108, 110 and such surfaces may be sterilized easily by harsh chemicals or other means. The same is similarly true for use of the foldable workstation 100 in the medical profession. Surgical instruments and the like may come into contact with the sterilized working surfaces 106, 108, 110, yet the foldable workstation 100 folds towards the wall in order to reduce its footprint, making preparation tasks and duties in the surgical theater otherwise simpler, easier and safe.

In an alternative embodiment, a pegboard may be used between the upper shelf 110 and the middle shelf 108 to which tools may be attached as with pegs or the like. Such a pegboard may be disposed between the frame shields 102 and sufficient room may be possible to allow the presence of such tools, even though the foldable workstation 100 is placed into a folded configuration. Alternatively, an indentation or well in the wall supporting the unit may serve to support the pegboard and accompanying tools.

In order to accommodate the lower and upper shelves 106, 108, the pivotal connection of these parts may be placed forward of the rear of the frame shields 102. This allows room for the upper shelf 110 to fold down and behind the middle shelf 108. The upper shelf 110 is generally pivotally connected to the upstanding frame shields 102 and a rear portion thereof generally at the top of the frame shields 102.

The foldable workstation 100 may also be made of steel as well as stainless steel. Alternative embodiments include the external application of corrosion resistant materials or the construction by corrosion resistant materials so that the foldable workstation may be both strong and durable. Pinch points present in the foldable workstation 100 may be reduced and fasteners for the foldable workstation 100, such as those used to attach the unit to a wall or to provide pivotal connection between the different parts, may be those that are now known in the art or developed in the future. The foldable workstation 100 may be constructed such that the middle shelf 108 may safely hold 230 pounds. The lower and upper shelves 106, 110 may likewise be constructed to hold similar weights for their sizes. Where sterilization is not necessary, the components of foldable workstation 100 may have a powder coated finish. In one embodiment, the foldable workstation 100 may be approximately 49 inches wide, 27 inches deep and 60 inches high when fully extended and weigh approximately 70 pounds. In its closed or folded configuration, such a foldable workstation 100 would have a width of approximately 49 inches, a depth of approximately 5½ inches and a height of approximately 60 inches. As indicated above, the foldable workstation folds easily against the wall when not in use and may install easily in approximately half an hour. When sent or transported to the ultimate user, some assembly may be required, but generally none that would require special tools or special knowledge in the art.

Any person or organization that needs to maximize the utilization of space may find the foldable workstation 100 a significant addition to their infrastructure. Such users may include hotels, motels, hospitals, factories and warehouses, offices, retail stores, auto repair shops, delivery companies, gyms, libraries, laboratories, and fire and police stations, to name but a few. Additional applications of the foldable workstation 100 include use in loading docks, in both staging and receiving areas, will-call areas, as attachments to pallet racks and end caps, janitorial closets, garages, mail rooms, kitchens and other food preparation areas, restaurant busboy stations, locker rooms, laundry rooms, storage areas, cleaning rooms, retail displays, maintenance engineering departments, delivery vans and trucks, or any other place where the utilization of space in an efficient manner is important.

As shown in the several Figures, the elements providing utility and novelty to the present invention include the ability of flat working surfaces to fold flat against a wall. For the folding shelves shown in the figures, a number of flat working shelf surfaces are provided. The depth of the shelves or other flat surfaces coupled with the distance between such flat surfaces affects the ability of the flat surfaces to fold flat against a wall or other vertical structure.

By providing horizontal working space in a manner that folds flat vertically, the foldable workbench and foldable shelf system of the present invention enable people to rely upon the flat working surfaces when needed yet allow such surfaces to occupy less space when not needed.

In another embodiment, the foldable workstation 100 is mobile. More particularly, as shown in FIGS. 12-13, a mobile support structure 200 comprises a pair of castor support rails 202, a pair of vertical supports 204, a horizontal support rail 206 and four castors 208.

Once constructed, the mobile support structure 200 is joined to the workstation 100. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, two vertical support cover plates 210 (shown in FIGS. 15a-15b) are attached directly to the rear legs 102 of the workstation 100 such that the vertical supports 204 are received by channels 212 in the vertical support cover plates 210. A lip 211 extends to a bottom of the castor support rails 202 to completely conceal the vertical support 204. In this manner, the workstation 100 is rigidly attached to the mobile support structure 200 but easily removed when desired. In other words, it is only a matter of lifting the foldable workstation 100 such that the vertical supports 204 exit the confines of the channels 212.

In the embodiment shown, the vertical support cover plates 210 are attached to the rear legs 202 with nuts and bolts 214. However, the vertical supports 204 may be attached to the rear legs 102 using any suitable means, including rivets, pins or the like.

Construction of the mobile support structure 200 comprises attaching each vertical support 204 to a castor support rail 202 and attaching two rubber-wheeled castors 208 to each castor support rail 202. Again, nuts and bolts are shown to attach the individual pieces to one another. However, any suitable means is possible. The two fabricated vertical support devices are then attached to one another by means of a horizontal support rail 206. Then, the vertical supports 204 are inserted into channels 212 of the vertical support cover plates 210 which have been attached to the rear legs 102 of the foldable workstation 100.

While any type of castors or wheels may be used to provide mobility, ideally the castors 208 incorporate locking means 216 so that the workstation 100 may be securely positioned in any desired location. In other words, without locking means 216 the workstation 100 may tend to shift during use.

Also, any suitable material may be used to fabricate the mobile support structure. For example, aluminum, steel, tin, plastic and similar rigid materials are suitable.

While the present invention has been described with regards to particular embodiments, it is recognized that additional variations of the present invention may be devised without departing from the inventive concept.

Claims

1. A support structure for a foldable workstation comprising:

a pair of support rails;

a vertical support attached to each support rail;

a horizontal member having two ends wherein each end is attached to one of said support rails;

a plurality of mobility devices attached to said support rails; and

wherein the two vertical support members are insertable into two vertical support cover plates attached to said foldable workstation.

2. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the plurality of mobility devices are castors.

3. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the two vertical support cover plates are attached to rear legs of the workstation.

4. The support structure of claim 3 wherein channels of the support cover plates partially encase the vertical support members between the support cover plates and the rear legs of the workstation frame.

5. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the mobility devices may be locked.

6. In combination, a support structure and foldable workstation comprising:

a foldable workstation;

a pair of support rails;

a vertical support attached to each support rail;

a horizontal member joining said pair of support rails;

a plurality of wheels attached to said support rails; and

a vertical support cover plate attached to said workstation, each said support cover plate including a channel for receiving one of said vertical supports.

7. The combination of claim 6 wherein the vertical support cover plates are attached to a pair of rear legs of the workstation.

8. The combination of claim 6 further comprising locking means for locking the wheels.

9. A mobile foldable workstation comprising:

two rear legs;

two horizontal members;

two vertical supports, one of said vertical supports attached to each one of said horizontal members;

a lateral member attached to, and extending between, said horizontal members;

two castors attached to an underside of each horizontal member; and

two vertical support cover plates, one of said vertical support cover plates attached to each one of said rear legs such that a channel in said vertical support cover plate receives one of said vertical supports.

10. The mobile foldable workstation of claim 9 further comprising locking means for locking said castors.