FURNITURE OBJECTS FOR STORING FOLDABLE BEDS

Abstract

A chest including a front panel, side panels and a top panel, the front panel including a front panel, side panels and a top panel, the front panel including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the front panel being hingably connected to a base of the chest, and the second portion of the front panel connected to the first portion of the front panel via a pair of A-frame hinges such that the second portion of the front panel is configured to rotate relative to the first portion of the front panel to transition a sleeping platform between a folded state to an unfolded state.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 29/857,689, filed on Oct. 25, 2022 and is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/747,336, filed on May 18, 2022, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/145,660, filed on Jan. 11, 2021, which is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/519,687, filed on Jul. 23, 2019, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/828,913, filed on Dec. 1, 2017 and a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/429,477, filed on Jun. 3, 2019, which is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/983,347, filed on May 18, 2018, which is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/809,736, filed on Jul. 27, 2015, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/999,876 filed on Aug. 8, 2014, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to furniture objects configured to store foldable beds.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

Often, furniture apparatuses capable of more than one function are used in environments (e.g., residential, commercial, etc.) where space is limited. For example, futon beds or other like foldable beds may be used in such environments as sitting furniture (e.g., couches, sofas, etc.) and lying and/or sleeping furniture (e.g., beds, etc.). In these environments, futon beds may make more efficient use of the limited space and may relieve the need for additional furniture. However, even futon beds may take up too much space in certain environments.

SUMMARY

Some example embodiments relate to a chest.

In some example embodiments, the chest includes a front panel, side panels and a top panel, the front panel including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the front panel being hingably connected to a base of the chest, and the second portion of the front panel connected to the first portion of the front panel via a pair of A-frame hinges such that the second portion of the front panel is configured to rotate relative to the first portion of the front panel to transition a sleeping platform between a folded state to an unfolded state.

In some example embodiments, the pair of A-frame hinges are secured within grooves in side rails of the front panel.

In some example embodiments, the first portion of the front panel includes a first pair of the side rails and the second portion of the front panel includes a second pair of the side rails, a first one of the pair of A-frame hinges is connected between a first one of the first pair of the side rails attached to the first portion of the front panel and a first one of the second pair of the side rails attached to the second portion of the front panel, and a second one of the pair of A-frame hinges is connected between a second one of the first pair of the side rails attached to the first portion of the front panel and a second one of the second pair of the side rails attached to the second portion of the front panel.

In some example embodiments, a thickness of the side rails is greater than a rest of the front panel such that the side rails of the front panel and the pair of A-frame hinges form a movable support structure of the front panel configured to support a load applied to the sleeping platform when the sleeping platform is in the unfolded state.

In some example embodiments, the second portion of the front panel is stored within an enclosure formed by at least the first portion of the front panel, the side panels and the top panel when the sleeping platform is in the unfolded state.

In some example embodiments, the chest further includes foldable rear legs attached to the first portion of the front panel and configured to support at least a portion of the sleeping platform when the sleeping platform is in the unfolded state.

In some example embodiments, the chest further includes flat springs attached to an interior of the first portion of the front panel, the flat springs configured to urge the foldable rear legs to remain unfolded until a sufficient pressure is applied thereto.

In some example embodiments, the second portion and the first portion of the front panel form a lower portion and a middle portion of the sleeping platform, respectively, when the sleeping platform is in the unfolded state, and an interior of the base of the chest forms an upper portion of the sleeping platform when the sleeping platform is in the unfolded state.

In some example embodiments, the chest is configured to store a foldable mattress in an interior of the chest when the chest is in a closed position.

In some example embodiments, when the chest is in the closed position, an outer surface of the first portion of the front panel is visible, and when the chest is in an open position, the sleeping platform is configured to support the foldable mattress such that the foldable mattress rests on an interior of the base of the chest, an inner surface of the first portion of the front panel and the second portion of the front panel, the inner surface of the first portion of the front panel being opposite the outer surface.

In some example embodiments, the chest further includes a back panel connected to the side panels, the back panel configured as a headboard of the sleeping platform when the chest is in an open position.

In some example embodiments, the back panel is hingably connected to the side panels.

Some example embodiments are directed to a desk.

In some example embodiments, the desk includes a chest including a front panel, side panels and a top panel, the front panel including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the front panel being hingably connected to a base of the chest, and the second portion of the front panel connected to the first portion of the front panel via a pair of A-frame hinges such that the second portion of the front panel is configured to rotate relative to the first portion of the front panel to transition a sleeping platform between a folded state to an unfolded state. The top panel includes a plurality of corners and each of the corners of the top panel extend beyond the side panels in a length direction of the desk and front ones of the corners of the top panel extend beyond the front panel in a depth direction of the desk when the sleeping platform is in the folded state.

In some example embodiments, the desk further includes support legs attached to respective ones of the plurality of corners of the top panel.

In some example embodiments, the desk further includes side shelves extending in a width direction of the desk and supported by the support legs.

In some example embodiments, the pair of A-frame hinges are secured within grooves in side rails of the front panel.

In some example embodiments, the first portion of the front panel includes a first pair of the side rails, and the second portion of the front panel includes a second pair of the side rails, a first one of the pair of A-frame hinges is connected between a first one of the first pair of the side rails attached to the first portion of the front panel and a first one of the second pair of the side rails attached to the second portion of the front panel, and a second one of the pair of A-frame hinges is connected between a second one of the first pair of the side rails attached to the first portion of the front panel and a second one of the second pair of the side rails attached to the second portion of the front panel.

In some example embodiments, a thickness of the side rails is greater than a rest of the front panel such that the side rails of the front panel and the pair of A-frame hinges form a movable support structure of the front panel configured to support a load applied to the sleeping platform when the sleeping platform is in the unfolded state.

In some example embodiments, the desk further includes a handle attached to the first portion of the front panel, wherein when the sleeping platform is in the unfolded state the handle is configured to contact a ground to support at least a portion of the sleeping platform.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description and figures provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate a chest configured to store a foldable bed in a closed position according to example embodiments;

FIGS. 5 to 18 illustrate a method of unfolding a chest from a closed position to an open position according to example embodiments;

FIGS. 19 to 24 illustrate an A-frame hinge used to connect parts of the front panel of the chest together according to example embodiments;

FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate hinges used to connect parts of the front panel of the chest together according to other example embodiments;

FIG. 27 illustrates foldable rear legs of the chest according to example embodiments;

FIGS. 28 to 30 illustrate a strap and a latch used to secure the chest in the closed position according to example embodiments;

FIGS. 31 to 34 illustrate a foldable portion of the chest according to some example embodiments;

FIGS. 35 to 38 illustrate a desk configured to store a foldable bed according to other example embodiments;

FIGS. 39 to 48 illustrate a method of unfolding the desk from a closed position to an open position according to example embodiments;

FIGS. 49 to 52 illustrate an A-frame hinge used to connect parts of the front panel of the desk together according to example embodiments; and

FIGS. 53 to 55 a strap and a latch used to secure the desk in the closed position according to example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.).

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, portions, and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, portions, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, portion, or section from another element, component, region, portion, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, portion, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, portion, or section without departing from the scope of the example embodiments.

Certain terminology is used herein for purposes of reference only, and thus is not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “top,” “bottom,” “upward,” “downward,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” “forward,” “rearward,” and the like refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “front,” “back,” “rear,” “bottom,” “side,” and the like describe the orientation of portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Similarly, the terms “first,” “second,” and other such numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example embodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Example embodiments relate to a furniture object configured to store a foldable bed. Example embodiments provide that the furniture object may be a chest, cabinet, coffer, trunk or any other like furniture object configured and/or adaptable to store a foldable bed. The furniture object described herein may be constructed, manufactured, or otherwise built in a variety of shapes including any rectangular shape, square shape, and/or any other like shape. The furniture objects described herein may be constructed, manufactured, or otherwise built using a variety of materials, such as wood, plastic, metal, minerals and/or any combination thereof.

FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate a chest configured to store a foldable bed in a closed position according to example embodiments;

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a chest 100 includes side panels 110, a top panel 120, a front panel 130, a back panel 140, and a base 150, each of which may be visible when the chest 100 is in the closed position. The side panels 110 may be provided in plural such that one of the side panels 110 is provided on each side of the chest 100 and the top panel 120 may be connected to each of the side panels 110.

As discussed in more detail below, the side panels 110 may be hingably connected to the back panel 140 within a factory and shipped as a kit in compacted form while simplifying setup of the chest 100 by a user.

The front panel 130 includes an outer front panel (e.g., a first portion) 130A and an inner front panel (e.g., a second portion) 130B. The outer front panel 130A may be connected to the base 150 via a hinge 135. In some example embodiments, the hinge 135 may be a piano hinge. However, example embodiments are not limited thereto.

At least the top surface of the base 150, the inside surface of the outer front panel 130A and the inner front panel 130B may together form the sleeping platform to support a weight of the mattress thereon when the outer front panel 130A is folded a downwards direction (e.g., 90 degrees) and the inner front panel 130B is unfolded (e.g., 180 degrees).

The outer front panel 130A may include one or more handles 136 provided to assist in transitioning a sleeping platform of the chest 100 from the closed position to the open position. The handles 136 may be any type of handle, knob, latch, hook or and/or any other like protrusion or void that allows an operator to manually grip onto the outer front panel 130A. Further, the outer front panel 130A may include foldable legs 160 therein. For example, the outer front panel 130A may include a pair of the foldable rear legs 160 in upper corners thereof. As will be discussed in more detail below, the foldable rear legs 160 may be secured by pivot points to, for example, the outer front panel 130A.

The chest 100 in the closed position is configured store a foldable mattress in an enclosure formed by the side panels 110, the top panel 120, the front panel 130, and the back panel 140. The foldable mattress may be in a folded state when stored in the enclosure.

The chest may further include a clasp 170 and a safety strap 180 that selectively allow the sleeping platform of the chest 100 to transition from the closed position in which the outer front panel 130A is parallel to a surface of the base 150, to a downward position in which the outer front panel 130A is perpendicular to the surface of the base 150. The safety strap 180 may be attached between the inner front panel 130B and the inside of the top panel 120.

When the chest 100 is in the open position, the back panel 140 may function as a headboard for the foldable mattress.

The inner front panel 130B may include stationary legs 190 attached thereto. In some example embodiments, the inner front panel 130B may include four stationary legs 190 at each of the corners of the inner front panel 130B.

In some example embodiments, the stationary legs 190 may be sufficiently short to allow the upper pair of the stationary legs 190 to clear the top panel 120 when the chest 100 is folded to the closed position. As such, the height of the base 150 may also be sufficiently short so that the rear portion of the outer front panel 130A is at the same height as the inner front panel 130B when the chest 100 is in the open position. However, example embodiments are not limited thereto.

When the sleeping platform is in the unfolded state, the stationary legs 190 and the foldable rear legs 160 may contact a ground and the combined weight of the sleeping platform and the mattress may be supported by the stationary legs 190, the foldable rear legs 160 and the base 150 of the chest 100. Further, when the chest 100 is in the open position, the front surface of the outer front panel 130A is folded downwards such that the front surface is parallel to a surface of the ground and perpendicular to a position of the front surface when the chest 100 is in the closed position.

As discussed in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 19 to 22, to assist in unfolding the inner front panel 130B, the inner front panel 130B may be attached to the outer front panel 130A via an A-frame hinge 200. The A-frame hinge 200 may include two similarly sized arms that are attached together via a cross brace so that the A-frame hinge 200 forms the shape of an uppercase letter “A” when the chest 100 is closed. By utilizing the A-frame hinge 200 rather than other types of hinges to connect the inner front panel 130B and the outer front panel 130A allows for a space between rails of the outer front panel 130A and the inner front panel 130B, which reduces the potential for injuries due to a user's fingers getting pinched between the inner front panel 130B and the outer front panel 130A and allows for siderails of the front panel 130 to have an increased strength. For example, the outer front panel 130A and the inner front panel 130B may include side rails 132 each connected via a respective A-frame hinge 200 with a plank attached to the side rails 132 such that the thickness of the plank spanning between the side rails 132 is less than that of the side rails 132.

The side rails 132 and the A-frame hinge 200 may form a movable support frame of the front panel 130 that provides sufficient support for the sleeping platform without requiring, for example, a separate support to extend from within the chest 100 to support the outer front panel 130A.

FIGS. 5 to 18 illustrate a method of unfolding a chest from a closed position to an open position according to example embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 18, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8, in a first operation to unfold the chest 100, the outer front panel 130A along with the inner front panel 130B attached thereto may be folded downwards from a first position in which the outer front panel 130A is substantially parallel with the front of the base 150 and tilted outwards to allow access to the interior of the chest 100 to allow the safety strap 180 to be disconnected to release the front panel 130 from the top panel 120. Prior to releasing the safety strap 180, the foldable rear legs 160 may be unfolded from the outer front panel 130A.

Note also, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 8, that due to the height of the stationary legs 190, a sufficient clearance may be secured to allow the inner front panel 130B including the stationary legs 190 to extend from within the chest 100 without interacting with the top panel 120.

Thereafter, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 12, in a second operation, the outer front panel 130A may be folded downwards towards a second position in which the outer front panel 130A is perpendicular to the front of the base 150 with the weight of the front panel 130 resting on the unfolded foldable rear legs 160.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13-16, in a third operation to unfold the sleeping platform of the chest 100, a user may unfold the inner front panel 130B with the use of the A-frame hinge 200 between the inner front panel 130B and the outer front panel 130A.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, after performing the first to third operations to unfold the sleeping platform of the chest 100, the sleeping platform will be formed as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 with the outer front panel 130A and the inner front panel 130B connected via the A-frame hinge 200 in a single horizontal plane to form a portion of the sleeping platform that supports the mattress.

To fold the chest 100, a user may perform a reversal of the process discussed above with regards to unfolding the sleeping platform of the chest 100. For example, in a first operation associated with folding the chest 100, the user may provide an upward force lifting the inner front panel 130B and fold the inner front panel 130B onto the outer front panel 130A.

Thereafter, in a second operation associated with folding the chest, the user may lift the front panel 130 to move the front panel 130 back towards a vertical position as the chest 100 is closed.

Before the chest 100 is fully closed, in a third operation, the user may connect the safety strap 180 to secure the front panel 130 to the top panel 120, and then lock the clasp 170. Before or after connecting the safety strap, the foldable rear legs 160 may be retracted back into the outer front panel 130A.

FIGS. 19 to 24 illustrate an A-frame hinge used to connect parts of the front panel of the chest together according to example embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 19 to 24, the outer front panel 130A and the inner front panel 130B may be connected via a pair of the A-frame hinges 200. More specifically, each A-frame hinge 200 may include first and second arms 210 and 220 connected via a cross brace 230. Each of the first and second arms 210 and 220 may include a plurality of holes therein that are configured to align with corresponding holes on the sides of the outer front panel 130A and the inner front panel 130B when the A-frame hinge 200 is inserted within grooves 131 within the side rails 132 of the outer front panel 130A and the inner front panel 130B, respectively. For example, the first arm 210 of each of the A-frame hinge 200 may be secured within a corresponding groove 131 of the side rails 132 of the outer front panel 130A and the second arm 220 of each of the A-frame hinge 200 may be secured within a corresponding groove 131 of the side rails 132 of the inner front panel 130B.

As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the A-frame hinge 200 may maintain a gap of at least 25 mm between the two portions of the front panel 130. For example, when the inner front panel 130B and the outer front panel 130A are folded, the gap between the two panels 130A, 130B may be at least 29 mm, and when the inner front panel 130B and the outer front panel 130A are unfolded to form a portion of the sleeping platform, the gap between the two panels 130A, 130B may be at least 31 mm. However, example embodiments are not limited thereto.

Benefits of the A-frame Hinge 200 include but are not limited to that the A-frame hinge 200 has a vertical face orientation when installed into the groove 131, which gives the A-frame hinge 200 a relatively large structural rigidity than a hinge laid horizontally since beam strength is largely a function of vertical face height. Further, the a-Frame hinge arms 210 and 220 are not directly connected to each other but rather are each connected to the plate 230, utilizing twin pivot points separately positioned at a significant distance, thereby increasing movement flexibility and providing further finger safety as compared to a hinge with a single pivot pin, or even double-pin hinges in which the two pins are positioned closely together as in a typical Folding Table Hinge. Further, the A-frame hinge 200 does not protrude above the rails 132 but rather is fully embedded into the rail 132 and, thus, will not interfere with a mattress and bedding placed on the sleeping platform.

By utilizing the A-frame hinge 200 rather than other types of hinges to connect the inner front panel 130B and the outer front panel 130A allows for a space between rails of the outer front panel 130A and the inner front panel 130B, which reduces the potential for injuries due to a user's fingers getting pinched between the inner front panel 130B and the outer front panel 130A and allows for siderails 132 of the front panel 130 to have an increased strength.

For example, as discussed above, the side rails 132 and the A-frame hinge 200 may form a movable support frame of the front panel 130 with a plank attached to the side rails 132 such that the thickness of the plank spanning between the side rails 132 is less than that of the side rails 132. The movable support frame may provide sufficient support for the sleeping platform and mattress without requiring, for example, a support to extend from within the chest 100 to support the outer front panel 130A.

FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate hinges used to connect parts of the front panel of the chest together according to other example embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, while example embodiments above discuss the hinge between the connecting the two portions of the front panel 130 as being the A-frame hinge 200, example embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the hinge connecting the two portions of the front panel 130 may be any hinge that can sufficiently support the weight of the sleeping platform while maintaining the distance between the two portions of the front panel 130 at a distance of at least 25 mm apart. Example hinges include a Folding Table Hinges 200-1 which is a double pin hinge designed with no upward protrusions or a Strap Hinges 200-2 which benefits structurally from long flanges horizontally oriented thereby providing a greater surface area with multiple connection points on the long flanges of the Strap Hinges 200-2 to connect the Strap Hinges 200-2 to the surface of the side rails 132.

FIG. 27 illustrates foldable rear legs of the chest according to example embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 27, the outer front panel 130A may have a pair of the foldable rear legs 160 attached thereto. For example, each of the foldable rear legs 160 may include a block that is connected to the outer front panel 130A via a pivot point 162. Further, the foldable rear legs 160 may include a gripper 161 that allows the user to grab onto the foldable rear legs 160 to manually cause the foldable rear legs 160 to unfold.

The foldable rear legs 160 may be held in the open position via a flat spring 163, which is attached to the side rail of the outer front panel 130A and is made of a flexible material, such as plywood. The flat spring 163 bends when the foldable rear legs 160 are pivoted from the folded position to the unfolded position and provides pressure to urges the foldable rear legs 160 to remain in the unfolded position until sufficient pressure is applied to cause the flat spring 163 to bend and allow the foldable rear legs 160 to fold.

By utilizing the foldable rear legs 160 attached to the side rail of the outer front panel 130A, the outer front panel 130A with the thick side rails may be directly self-supported on the ground without requiring for example, a separate support to extend from within the chest 100 to support the outer front panel 130A.

FIGS. 28 to 30 illustrate a strap and a latch used to secure the chest in the closed position according to example embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 28 to 30, the safety strap 180 may include a female clip 181 attached to a first flexible portion 183 and a male clip 182 attached to a second flexible portion 184. Each of the first and second flexible portions 183 and 184 may be attached to respective ones of the outer front panel 130A and an interior of the top panel 120 via respective ones of first and second blocks 185 and 186.

Further, the clasp 170 may include a first portion 171 and a second portion 172. The first portion 171 of the clasp may be attached to the surface of the outer front panel 130A and the second portion 172 of the clasp may be attached to the edge of the top panel 120. However, example embodiments are not limited thereto. The clasp 170 may further include a handle 173 that may be manually actuated by the user to disconnect the first and second portions 171 and 172.

By utilizing the safety strap 180, after the clasp 170 is opened, the user may have sufficient time to lower the foldable rear legs 160 before the front panel 130 is unfolded.

FIGS. 31 to 34 illustrate a foldable portion of the chest according to some example embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 31 to 34, in some example embodiments, the back panel 140 may be hingably connected to the side panels 110 via hinges 111. For example, both end portions of the back panel 140 in the length direction may have at least one hinge, for example three hinges thereon, that are hinged to respective end portions of the side panels 110.

Such a configuration allows a kit to be formed for shipping the chest 100 in a compacted form while simplifying setup of the chest 100 by a user. During such setup, the user may unfold the side panels 110 from the back panel 140 and connect each of the base 150 and top panel to the side panels 110 and the back panel 140. Thereafter, the user may further install the front panel 130 to the base 150 to form the chest 100.

The hingable connection between the back panel 140 and the side panel 110 is not limited to the specific designs of the chest 100 disclosed herein. Instead, the hingable connection between a back panel and side panels may be incorporated into kits for various other chests, dressers and the like, irrespective of whether these kits include a sleeping platform therein.

FIGS. 35 to 38 illustrate a desk configured to store a foldable bed according to other example embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 35 to 38, in some other example embodiments a desk 300 may store the foldable bed. For example, compared to the chest 100 the desk 300 may include a larger top panel 320 that extends beyond the edge of the body of the desk 300 in at least three directions including a forward direction and two side directions perpendicular to the forward direction. Further, the sides of the desk 300 may include a pair of legs 310 on each side that extend vertically from the top panel 320 towards the ground with side shelves 311 supported thereby such that a back surface of the shelves abuts the side panels 110 of what would be the chest 100.

Further, the desk 300 include a base 350 having a reduced height as compared to the base 150 such that the height of the chest portion of the desk 300 is lower than that of the chest 100 to allow the desk 300 to be at a height sufficient for that of a standard desk, for example, a standing desk.

A front panel 330 of the desk 300 may not have foldable rear legs extending therefrom. Instead, one or more handles 336, for example a pair of handles 336 may be attached to the front panel 330. The handle 336 may allow the user to open the front panel 330 similar to that of the front panel 130. However, when the first portion 330A of the front panel 330 is lowered, the handles 336 rest directly on the ground due to the lower clearance of the base 350.

Likewise, the second portion 330B of the front panel 330 includes nubs 390 thereon, for example four nubs 390 in each of the corners thereof. The nubs 390 have the same height as the handles 336 so that, when the sleeping platform is in the unfolded state, the combined weight of the sleeping platform and the mattress may be supported by the nubs 390, the handles 336 and an interior of the bottom surface of the desk 300. Items illustrated but not described with reference to the desk 300 may operate substantially the same as similar items illustrated and discussed in detail with reference to the chest 100.

FIGS. 39 to 48 illustrate a method of unfolding the desk from a closed position to an open position according to example embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 39 to 48, as illustrated in FIGS. 39 and 42, in a first operation to unfold the sleeping platform of the desk 300, the outer front panel 330A along with the inner front panel 330B attached thereto may be folded downwards from a first position in which the outer front panel 330A is upright and tilted outwards to allow access to the interior of the desk 300 to allow the safety strap 380 to be disconnected to release the front panel 330 from the top panel 320. In this embodiment, there are no foldable legs to unfold before lowering the front panel 330.

Note also, as illustrated in FIGS. 39 and 40, that due to the height of the nubs 390, a sufficient clearance may be secured to allow the inner front panel 330B including the nubs 390 to extend from within the desk 300 without interacting with the top panel 320.

Thereafter, as illustrated in FIGS. 43 and 44, in a second operation, the outer front panel 330A may be folded downwards towards a second position in which the outer front panel 330A is perpendicular to the position the front panel 330 was in when it was closed with the weight of the front panel 330 resting on the handles 3336.

As illustrated in FIGS. 46 and 47, in a third operation to unfold the sleeping platform, a user may unfold the inner front panel 330B with the use of the A-frame hinge 200 between the inner front panel 330B and the outer front panel 330A.

Referring to FIGS. 48 and 49, after performing the first to third operations to unfold the sleeping platform, the sleeping platform will be formed as shown with the outer front panel 330A and the inner front panel 330B connected via the A-frame hinge 200 in a single horizontal plane to form a portion of the sleeping platform that supports the mattress.

To fold the sleeping platform, a user may perform a reversal of the process discussed above with regards to unfolding the sleeping platform. For example, in a first operation associated with folding the sleeping platform, the user may provide an upward force lifting the inner front panel 330B and fold the inner front panel 330B onto the outer front panel 330A.

Thereafter, in a second operation associated with folding the sleeping platform, the user may lift the front panel 330 to move the front panel 330 back towards a vertical position as the desk 300 is closed.

Before the desk 300 is fully closed, in a third operation, the user may connect the safety strap 380 to secure the front panel 330 to the top panel 320, and then lock the clasp 370.

FIGS. 49 to 52 illustrate an A-frame hinge used to connect parts of the front panel of the desk together according to example embodiments, and FIGS. 53 to 55 a strap and a latch used to secure the desk in the closed position according to example embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 49 to 55, the outer front panel 330A and the inner front panel 330B may be connected via a pair of the A-frame hinges 200 similar to that of the chest 100 with the pair of A-frame hinges 200 inserted with grooves 331 within side rails 332 of the outer front panel 330A and the inner front panel 330B. Therefore, repeated description thereof is omitted for the sake of brevity.

By utilizing the A-frame hinge 200 rather than other types of hinges to connect the inner front panel 330B and the outer front panel 330A allows for a space between rails of the outer front panel 330A and the inner front panel 330B, which reduces the potential for injuries due to a user's fingers getting pinched between the inner front panel 330B and the outer front panel 330A and allows for siderails 332 of the front panel 330 to have an increased strength.

For example, as discussed above, the side rails 332 and the A-frame hinge 200 may form a movable support frame of the front panel 330 with a plank attached to the side rails 332 such that the thickness of the plank spanning between the side rails 332 is less than that of the side rails 332. The movable support frame may provide sufficient support for the sleeping platform and mattress without requiring, for example, a support to extend from within the desk 300 to support the outer front panel 330A.

Further, the desk 300 may include a safety strap a clasp 170 and a safety strap 180, where the clasp 170 selectively allows the sleeping platform to transition from the folded state by allowing the front panel 330 to move relative to the top panel 320 and the safety strap 180 restricts an amount of such movement until the safety strap 180 is disconnected.

While the desk 300 may not include foldable rear legs 160, the safety strap 180 may prohibit the front panel 330 from crashing down before the user is ready to lower the same.

The description of the disclosure is merely an example and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A chest, comprising:

a front panel, side panels and a top panel, the front panel including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the front panel being hingably connected to a base of the chest, and the second portion of the front panel connected to the first portion of the front panel via a pair of A-frame hinges such that the second portion of the front panel is configured to rotate relative to the first portion of the front panel to transition a sleeping platform between a folded state to an unfolded state.

2. The chest of claim 1, wherein the pair of A-frame hinges are secured within grooves in side rails of the front panel.

3. The chest of claim 2, wherein the first portion of the front panel includes a first pair of the side rails and the second portion of the front panel includes a second pair of the side rails,

a first one of the pair of A-frame hinges is connected between a first one of the first pair of the side rails attached to the first portion of the front panel and a first one of the second pair of the side rails attached to the second portion of the front panel, and

a second one of the pair of A-frame hinges is connected between a second one of the first pair of the side rails attached to the first portion of the front panel and a second one of the second pair of the side rails attached to the second portion of the front panel.

4. The chest of claim 3, wherein a thickness of the side rails is greater than a rest of the front panel such that the side rails of the front panel and the pair of A-frame hinges form a movable support structure of the front panel configured to support a load applied to the sleeping platform when the sleeping platform is in the unfolded state.

5. The chest of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the front panel is stored within an enclosure formed by at least the first portion of the front panel, the side panels and the top panel when the sleeping platform is in the unfolded state.

6. The chest of claim 1, further comprising:

foldable rear legs attached to the first portion of the front panel and configured to support at least a portion of the sleeping platform when the sleeping platform is in the unfolded state.

7. The chest of claim 6, further comprising:

flat springs attached to an interior of the first portion of the front panel, the flat springs configured to urge the foldable rear legs to remain unfolded until a sufficient pressure is applied thereto.

8. The chest of claim 1, wherein

the second portion and the first portion of the front panel form a lower portion and a middle portion of the sleeping platform, respectively, when the sleeping platform is in the unfolded state, and

an interior of the base of the chest forms an upper portion of the sleeping platform when the sleeping platform is in the unfolded state.

9. The chest of claim 1, wherein the chest is configured to,

store a foldable mattress in an interior of the chest when the chest is in a closed position.

10. The chest of claim 9, wherein,

when the chest is in the closed position, an outer surface of the first portion of the front panel is visible, and

when the chest is in an open position, the sleeping platform is configured to support the foldable mattress such that the foldable mattress rests on an interior of the base of the chest, an inner surface of the first portion of the front panel and the second portion of the front panel, the inner surface of the first portion of the front panel being opposite the outer surface.

11. The chest of claim 1, further comprising:

a back panel connected to the side panels, the back panel configured as a headboard of the sleeping platform when the chest is in an open position.

12. The chest of claim 11, wherein the back panel is hingably connected to the side panels.

13. A desk, comprising:

the chest of claim 1, wherein the top panel includes a plurality of corners and each of the corners of the top panel extend beyond the side panels in a length direction of the desk and front ones of the corners of the top panel extend beyond the front panel in a depth direction of the desk when the sleeping platform is in the folded state.

14. The desk of claim 13, further comprising:

support legs attached to respective ones of the plurality of corners of the top panel.

15. The desk of claim 14, further comprising:

side shelves extending in a width direction of the desk and supported by the support legs.

16. The desk of claim 13, wherein the pair of A-frame hinges are secured within grooves in side rails of the front panel.

17. The desk of claim 16, wherein the first portion of the front panel includes a first pair of the side rails, and the second portion of the front panel includes a second pair of the side rails,

a first one of the pair of A-frame hinges is connected between a first one of the first pair of the side rails attached to the first portion of the front panel and a first one of the second pair of the side rails attached to the second portion of the front panel, and

a second one of the pair of A-frame hinges is connected between a second one of the first pair of the side rails attached to the first portion of the front panel and a second one of the second pair of the side rails attached to the second portion of the front panel.

18. The desk of claim 17, wherein a thickness of the side rails is greater than a rest of the front panel such that the side rails of the front panel and the pair of A-frame hinges form a movable support structure of the front panel configured to support a load applied to the sleeping platform when the sleeping platform is in the unfolded state.

19. The desk of claim 13, further comprising:

a handle attached to the first portion of the front panel, wherein when the sleeping platform is in the unfolded state the handle is configured to contact a ground to support at least a portion of the sleeping platform.