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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to furniture systems, and more particularly to deployable furniture systems.

BACKGROUND

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the table assembly of FIG. 1 in a flat, collapsed position.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FIG. 10 is an exploded schematic plan view of the table assembly of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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° angle.

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° 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° 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° 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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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® 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.

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.

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.

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.