FOLDABLE ARTICLES OF FURNITURE AND METHODS OF ASSEMBLING FOLDABLE ARTICLES OF FURNITURE

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an apparatus comprising a first panel comprising a plurality of foldable portions; a plurality of plates attachable to the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel, wherein the first panel and the plurality of plates are configured to form a first sub-assembly of an article of furniture; and a second sub-assembly configured to attach to or interface with the first sub-assembly to form the article of furniture, wherein the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly correspond to different portions, components, or sub-assemblies of the article of furniture.

Description

BACKGROUND

Articles of furniture may be difficult to transport and assemble if they cannot be easily and intuitively deployed or packed into a smaller volume for carrying or storage purposes. The foldability of articles of furniture is important for assembly, shipping/transport, and storage purposes. Foldable articles of furniture may be designed to provide end users with an intuitive means for assembling and disassembling articles of furniture, without requiring complicated instruction manuals or assembly/disassembly procedures.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides various embodiments for foldable articles of furniture and associated methods of assembling foldable articles of furniture. The foldable articles of furniture may be packable and shippable to consumers or end users in a compact package when in an undeployed configuration. The foldable articles of furniture may be easily and intuitively assembled by the consumers or end users (e.g., by attaching various components of the articles of furniture together and/or performing one or more folding actions). In some cases, the one or more folding actions may involve folding a component of the article of furniture by folding a first portion of the component relative to a second portion of the component. In some cases, the one or more folding actions may involve folding a first component of the article of furniture relative to a second component of the article of furniture. The first component may or may not be attached to the second component.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the foldability of the articles of furniture described herein may enhance the transportability and packability of the articles of furniture without impacting the structural integrity of the articles of furniture when assembled or deployed. The articles of furniture may also comprise a physical configuration that can be intuitively assembled and/or disassembled by end users or consumers without requiring complicated instruction manuals or assembly/disassembly procedures. The components of the foldable articles of furniture described herein may be separable from other components of the foldable articles of furniture to enhance transportability, packability, and ease of assembly/disassembly without comprising on build quality, comfort, or structural integrity/stability. The components may be easily integrated with and/or decoupled from the other components of the foldable articles of furniture, without requiring the use of specialized tools or complex assembly or disassembly procedures.

The foldable assemblies described herein may comprise one or more articles of furniture or one or more components of the one or more articles of furniture. The articles of furniture may comprise, for example a cabinet, a dresser, a desk, a bed, a shelf, or any other type of furniture that is usable to support a load (e.g., a load exerted by an object or an end use/consumer).

Commercially available articles of furniture typically compromise on build quality, comfort, structural integrity or stability, or ease of assembly/disassembly to improve transportability and packability. Recognized herein are various limitations with packable furniture assemblies currently available. The present disclosure aims to address the shortcomings and technical disadvantages of commercially available furniture assemblies by providing apparatuses that can be easily packed into a compact volume for storage or shipping/transport and intuitively assembled or deployed by an end user without comprising on build quality, structural stability, or end user comfort. The foldable assemblies disclosed herein may provide manufactures, shippers, and/or suppliers the ability to pack various components of an article of furniture in a flattened configuration for ease of storage and/or transport. The foldable assemblies disclosed herein may also provide end users (e.g., consumers) the ability to intuitively assemble or deploy the foldable assemblies by performing one or more folding actions.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus comprising a first panel comprising a plurality of foldable portions; a plurality of plates attachable to the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel, wherein the first panel and the plurality of plates are configured to form a first sub-assembly of an article of furniture; and a second sub-assembly configured to attach to or interface with the first sub-assembly to form the article of furniture, wherein the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly correspond to different portions, components, or sub-assemblies of the article of furniture.

In some embodiments, the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel correspond to one or more sections or peripheral edges of the first panel. In some embodiments, the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel comprise one or more hinges or joints attached or coupled to the first panel, wherein the one or more hinges or joints permit a relative movement of the plurality of plates relative to the first panel.

In some embodiments, the plurality of plates are configured to form one or more walls, sides, or surfaces of the first sub-assembly when (i) the plurality of plates are attached to the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel and (ii) the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel are folded relative to one or more other portions of the first panel. In some embodiments, the plurality of plates are attachable to the first panel when the first panel is provided in a flat, unfolded configuration.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may comprise one or more fasteners for attaching the plurality of plates to the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel. In some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise one or more rails integrated with or attached to at least one of the plurality of plates. In some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise one or more support members attached to a portion of the first panel to provide additional structural support for the article of furniture.

In some embodiments, the first panel comprises a different material than the plurality of plates. In some embodiments, the first panel comprises a sheet material. In some embodiments, the sheet material comprise a metallic material.

In some embodiments, the second-sub assembly comprises: a second panel comprising a plurality of foldable portions; and one or more additional plates attachable to at least one foldable portion of the plurality of foldable portions of the second panel, wherein the second panel and the one or more additional plates are configured to form the second sub-assembly of the article of furniture. In some embodiments, the second sub-assembly is insertable into and/or removable from the first sub-assembly.

In some embodiments, the one or more additional plates are configured to form one or more walls, sides, or surfaces of the second sub-assembly when (i) the one or more additional plates are attached to the at least one foldable portion of the plurality of foldable portions of the second panel and (ii) the at least one foldable portion of the second panel is folded relative to one or more other portions of the second panel. In some embodiments, the one or more additional plates are configured to form a front face or a front portion of the second sub-assembly. In some embodiments, the plurality of foldable portions of the second panel are configured to directly form one or more walls, sides, or surfaces of the second sub-assembly. In some embodiments, the one or more additional plates are attachable to the second panel after at least one foldable portion of the second panel is folded relative to one or more other portions of the second panel. In some embodiments, the second panel comprises a different material than the one or more additional plates.

In some embodiments, the second sub-assembly is configured to engage with the first sub-assembly via the one or more rails. In some embodiments, the second sub-assembly is configured to slide along the one or more rails to permit an extension or a retraction of the second sub-assembly relative to the first sub-assembly.

In some embodiments, the article of furniture comprises a cabinet comprising one or more drawers. In some embodiments, the first sub-assembly comprises the cabinet. In some embodiments, the second sub-assembly comprises the one or more drawers. In some embodiments, the first sub-assembly comprises a cabinet, a dresser, a desk, or a shelf. In some embodiments, the second sub-assembly comprises a drawer or a door.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for forming an article of furniture. The method may comprise: (a) attaching a plurality of plates to a plurality of foldable portions of a first panel, wherein the first panel and the plurality of plates are configured to form a first sub-assembly of an article of furniture when the plurality of plates are folded relative to the first panel; and (b) attaching a second sub-assembly of the article of furniture to the first sub-assembly to form the article of furniture, wherein the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly correspond to different portions, components, or sub-assemblies of the article of furniture. In some embodiments, the first sub-assembly comprises a cabinet and the second sub-assembly comprises one or more drawers.

In some embodiments, the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel correspond to one or more sections or peripheral edges of the first panel. In some embodiments, the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel comprise one or more hinges or joints attached or coupled to the first panel, wherein the one or more hinges or joints permit a relative movement of the plurality of plates relative to the first panel. In some embodiments, the plurality of plates are attachable to the first panel when the first panel is provided in a flat, unfolded configuration.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise, prior to (b), forming the second sub-assembly of the article of furniture by attaching one or more additional plates to at least one foldable portion of a plurality of foldable portions of a second panel.

In some embodiments, the second panel and the one or more additional plates are configured to form the second sub-assembly of the article of furniture when the at least one foldable portion of the second panel is folded relative to one or more other portions of the second panel. In some embodiments, the one or more additional plates are attachable to the second panel after at least one foldable portion of the second panel is folded relative to one or more other portions of the second panel.

In some embodiments, attaching the second sub-assembly to the first sub-assembly comprises engaging the second sub-assembly with one or more rails integrated with or attached to at least one of the plurality of plates of the first sub-assembly.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise, subsequent to (c), sliding the second sub-assembly along the one or more rails to extend or retract the second sub-assembly relative to the first sub-assembly.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise, prior to (b), attaching one or more support members to a portion of the first panel to provide additional structural support for the article of furniture.

Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein only illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described. As will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. To the extent publications and patents or patent applications incorporated by reference contradict the disclosure contained in the specification, the specification is intended to supersede and/or take precedence over any such contradictory material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings (also “Figure” and “FIG.” herein), of which:

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 schematically illustrate a first sub-assembly of a foldable article of furniture, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 schematically illustrate a second sub-assembly of a foldable article of furniture, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates additional components that may be attached to the first sub-assembly to form the article of furniture, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 schematically illustrate an article of furniture comprising a first sub-assembly and a second sub-assembly, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed.

Whenever the term “at least,” “greater than,” or “greater than or equal to” precedes the first numerical value in a series of two or more numerical values, the term “at least,” “greater than” or “greater than or equal to” applies to each of the numerical values in that series of numerical values. For example, greater than or equal to 1, 2, or 3 is equivalent to greater than or equal to 1, greater than or equal to 2, or greater than or equal to 3.

Whenever the term “no more than,” “less than,” or “less than or equal to” precedes the first numerical value in a series of two or more numerical values, the term “no more than,” “less than,” or “less than or equal to” applies to each of the numerical values in that series of numerical values. For example, less than or equal to 3, 2, or 1 is equivalent to less than or equal to 3, less than or equal to 2, or less than or equal to 1.

Foldable Assembly

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus comprising a foldable assembly. The foldable assembly may comprise an article of furniture. The article of furniture may comprise one or more components or sub-assemblies that collectively form the article of furniture or a portion thereof.

In some embodiments, the article of furniture may comprise a cabinet comprising one or more drawers. In some cases, the article of furniture may comprise a first sub-assembly and a second sub-assembly. The first sub-assembly may comprise, for example, the cabinet. The second sub-assembly may comprise, for example, the one or more drawers. The one or more drawers may be used for storage of items or objects within the cabinet or a body/housing/frame of the cabinet.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a first panel 101 comprising a plurality of foldable portions 102. The apparatus may be initially assembled when the components of the apparatus are provided in a flat, unfolded configuration, as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, once the components of the apparatus are affixed or coupled to each other, the components may be folded to form a portion or a sub-assembly of an article of furniture.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a plurality of plates 103 attachable to the plurality of foldable portions 102 of the first panel 101. In some embodiments, the first panel 101 and the plurality of plates 103 may be configured to form a first sub-assembly 100 of an article of furniture. The plurality of plates 103 may comprise one or more side plates and a bottom plate 106. The first sub-assembly 100 of the article of furniture may comprise a cabinet.

In some cases, one or more rails 104 may be attached, affixed, or coupled to the side plates of the first sub-assembly. The one or more rails 104 may be configured to engage with at least one member that is capable of extending relative to the one or more rails 104. The at least one member may comprise a rolling element (e.g., a wheel or a bearing). The rolling element may permit a movement of the at least one member relative to the one or more rails 104. In some cases, the at least one member may be coupled, attached, or affixed to another sub-assembly of the apparatus/article of furniture.

In some cases, the one or more rails 104 may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance. In some cases, a first set of rails may be attached or affixed to a first side plate and a second set of rails may be attached or affixed to a second side plate. In some cases, the first set of rails and the second set of rails may be spaced apart by a same distance. The one or more rails 104 may be configured to support a weight or a load of another sub-assembly of the apparatus/article of furniture. The weight or the load may be distributed across the first set of rails and the second set of rails.

Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a second sub-assembly 200 configured to attach to or interface with the first sub-assembly 100 to form the article of furniture. In some embodiments, the second sub-assembly 200 may comprise one or more drawers.

In some cases, the second sub-assembly 200 may attach to or interface with one or more rails of the first sub-assembly 100. In some cases, a member 204 may be attached or affixed to a portion of the second sub-assembly 200. In some cases, a member 204 may be attached or affixed to a foldable portion 202 of the second sub-assembly 200. The member 204 may comprise a bracket or piece that is configured to engage with the one or more rails of the first sub-assembly 100.

In some cases, the second sub-assembly 200 may be insertable into and/or removable from the first sub-assembly (e.g., via the one or more rails). In some cases, the member 204 may permit an extension or a retraction of the second sub-assembly 200 relative to the first sub-assembly. During such extension or retraction, the first sub-assembly 100 and the second sub-assembly 200 may be coupled to each other via the one or more rails attached to the first sub-assembly 100 and the member 204 attached to the second sub-assembly 200.

The articles of furniture described herein may comprise the first sub-assembly 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the second sub-assembly 200 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In some cases, the first sub-assembly 100 and the second sub-assembly 200 may correspond to different portions, components, or sub-assemblies of the article of furniture.

First Sub-Assembly

In some embodiments, the first sub-assembly 100 of the article of furniture may be formed using a first panel 101 and a plurality of plates 103. The plurality of plates 103 may be attachable to a plurality of foldable portions 102 of the first panel 101. In some embodiments, the first sub-assembly may comprise a cabinet, a dresser, a desk, or a shelf.

In some embodiments, the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel may correspond to one or more sections or peripheral edges of the first panel. In some cases, the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel may comprise one or more hinges or joints attached or coupled to the first panel. In some cases, the one or more hinges or joints may be configured to permit a relative movement of the plurality of plates relative to the first panel.

In some cases, the first panel may comprise a different material than the plurality of plates. In some embodiments, the first panel may comprise a sheet material. In some embodiments, the sheet material may comprise a metallic material, for example, sheet metal.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the plurality of plates may be configured to form one or more walls, sides, or surfaces of the first sub-assembly when (i) the plurality of plates are attached to the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel and (ii) the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel are folded relative to one or more other portions of the first panel. In some cases, the plurality of plates may be attachable to the first panel when the first panel is provided in a flat, unfolded configuration.

Second Sub-Assembly

In some embodiments, the second-sub assembly may comprise a second panel 201 comprising a plurality of foldable portions 202 and one or more additional plates 203 attachable to at least one foldable portion of the plurality of foldable portions 202 of the second panel 201. In some cases, the second panel 201 and the one or more additional plates 203 may be configured to form the second sub-assembly 200 of the article of furniture. In some embodiments, the second sub-assembly may comprise a drawer or a door.

In some cases, the one or more additional plates may be attachable to the second panel after at least one foldable portion of the second panel is folded relative to one or more other portions of the second panel. In some embodiments, the one or more additional plates may be configured to form one or more walls, sides, or surfaces of the second sub-assembly when (i) the one or more additional plates are attached to the at least one foldable portion of the plurality of foldable portions of the second panel and (ii) the at least one foldable portion of the second panel is folded relative to one or more other portions of the second panel. In some cases, the one or more additional plates may be configured to form a front face or a front portion of the second sub-assembly. In some cases, the plurality of foldable portions of the second panel may be configured to directly form one or more walls, sides, or surfaces of the second sub-assembly. In some cases, the second panel may comprise a different material than the one or more additional plates.

In some cases, the apparatus may further comprise one or more fasteners for attaching the plurality of plates to the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel. The one or more fasteners may comprise, for example, a screw, a bolt, a nut, a clamp, or an adhesive material.

Rails

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise one or more rails integrated with or attached to at least one of the plurality of plates forming the first sub-assembly of the article of furniture. In some cases, the second sub-assembly may be configured to engage with the first sub-assembly via the one or more rails. In some cases, the second sub-assembly may be configured to slide along the one or more rails to permit an extension or a retraction of the second sub-assembly relative to the first sub-assembly.

Support Members

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise one or more support members. The one or more support members may be attached to a portion of the first panel to provide additional structural support for the article of furniture. In some cases, the one or more support members may comprise an elongated component. The elongated component may comprise a beam or member having any cross-sectional shape. For example, the elongated component may have a cross-sectional shape comprising a circle, an ellipse, an oval, or any polygon having three or more sides. In some non-limiting embodiments, the polygon may comprise a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, or an octagon. In some cases, the cross-sectional shape may comprise one or more linear portions and/or one or more non-linear or curved portions. In some cases, the cross-sectional shape may comprise a T-shape, a cross shape, or an L-shape. In some embodiments, the elongated component may comprise a cylindrical shape or profile. In other embodiments, the elongated component may comprise a rectangular prism.

In some embodiments, the one or more support members 105 may be attached or affixed to a first panel 101 as shown in FIG. 1. The one or more support members 105 may be attached or affixed to the first panel 101 using one or more fasteners or connectors. In some cases, the one or more support members 105 may be attached or affixed to the first panel in a cross X configuration.

In other embodiments, the one or more support members 105 may be inserted into a groove or an opening on the first panel 101. In some cases, the opening or groove of the first panel may extend along a portion of the first panel. In some cases, the opening or groove of the first panel may extend along a length, a width, and/or a height of the first panel. In some cases, the opening or groove may be sized and shaped to permit an object (e.g., the support member) to be inserted through the first panel. In some cases, a cross-sectional shape of the opening or groove may comprise a same or similar shape as the support members of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the one or more support members may comprise a plurality of support members. In some cases, the plurality of support members may be positioned and oriented at an angle relative to each other. The angle may range from 0 degrees to 180 degrees. In some cases, the plurality of support members may be parallel to each other. In other cases, the plurality of support members may be angled relative to each other. In some cases, the plurality of support members may be perpendicular or orthogonal to each other. In some embodiments, the plurality of support members may be coupled to each other using one or more fasteners or attachment mechanisms as described elsewhere herein.

The support members described and referred to herein may provide support for at least a portion of the apparatus or the article of furniture. In any of the embodiments described herein, the one or more support members may be configured to provide additional structural support and rigidity for multiple portions of the article of furniture (e.g., the top, bottom, front, back, left, and/or right portions of the article of furniture). In any of the embodiments described herein, the one or more support members may be configured to provide additional structural support and rigidity for multiple components or sub-assemblies of the article of furniture.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the one or more support members may comprise a beam or a bar. In any of the embodiments described herein, the one or more support members may comprise a beam or a bar that is coupled or attached to at least a portion of the first panel of the first sub-assembly of the article of furniture. The one or more support members may be coupled or attached to a portion of the first panel of the first sub-assembly using one or more fasteners (e.g., a bolt or a screw) or an adhesive material. The adhesive material may comprise, for example, a glue, a paste, or a sticker.

FIG. 5 illustrates the first sub-assembly in a folded configuration. The side plates 103 of the first sub-assembly may form the outer portions of the first sub-assembly. The bottom plate 106 of the first sub-assembly may form a bottom portion of the first sub-assembly.

In some cases, the side plates and/or the bottom plates may comprise one or more openings 503. The one or more openings may permit attachment of various components to the side plates and/or the bottom plates.

For instance, a top plate 501 may be attached to the side plates 103 of the first sub-assembly to form a top portion of the first sub-assembly. In some cases, the top plate 501 may comprise a plurality of posts 502 affixed to various portions or sections of the top plate 501. The posts 502 of the top plate 503 may be inserted into the openings 503 of the side plates 103 to couple the top plate 501 to the first sub-assembly.

In another instance, one or more legs 504 may be attached to the bottom plate 106 of the first sub-assembly. The one or more legs 504 may be configured to raise the bottom portion of the first sub-assembly or the article of furniture relative to a surface on which the one or more legs 504 are placed.

In some cases, the one or more legs 504 may be attached to the bottom plate 106 using one or more fasteners or connectors. In some cases, the one or more legs 504 may be attached to the bottom plate 106 by inserting at least a portion of the one or more legs 504 into an opening or a groove of the bottom plate 106. In some cases, the one or more legs 504 may comprise different cross-sectional dimensions to permit the insertion of at least a portion of the one or more legs 504 into an opening or a groove of the bottom plate 106.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side panel 601 that may be attached or affixed to a portion of the first sub-assembly 100. In some embodiments, the side panel 601 may be attached or affixed to a portion of the first sub-assembly 100 before the second sub-assembly 200 or multiple instances of said second sub-assembly 200 are coupled with, attached to, or inserted into the first sub-assembly 100. In other embodiments, the side panel 601 may be attached or affixed to a portion of the first sub-assembly 100 after the second sub-assembly 200 or multiple instances of said second sub-assembly 200 are coupled with, attached to, or inserted into the first sub-assembly 100.

In some embodiments, the side panel 601 may be configured to snap into place when pressure is applied to a portion of the side panel 601. In some cases, the side panel 601 may be attached or affixed to a side portion of the first sub-assembly 100 using one or more fasteners or coupling mechanisms. Such coupling mechanisms may comprise, for example, a releasable coupling mechanism that can be engaged or disengaged by a physical motion e.g., a twist, a turn, a push, a pull, or any other lateral or rotational motion in three-dimensional space.

In some cases, the coupling mechanisms may comprise a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may permit a user to selectively permit or restrict a movement of one component or sub-assembly of the apparatus relative to another component or sub-assembly of the apparatus. The locking mechanism may permit a user to provide an input (e.g., a pushing force, or in some alternative embodiments, a pulling force or a rotational force) to unlock the one or more coupling mechanisms, thereby allowing a relative movement of one component or sub-assembly relative to another component or sub-assembly. In some cases, the locking mechanism may lock or restrict a movement of various components or sub-assemblies of the apparatus when a user provides a first input to lock the locking mechanism, and may subsequently permit a movement of the various components or sub-assemblies of the apparatus when the user provides a second input to unlock the locking mechanism. The first input and the second input may comprise counteracting movements or movements in an opposite/reverse direction. In some cases, the first input and the second input may comprise similar inputs or types of inputs.

FIG. 7 illustrates an article of furniture 700 that may be assembled using the various components and sub-assemblies described herein. In one example, the article of furniture 700 may comprise a cabinet and one or more drawers that are engaged with and coupled to the cabinet via the one or more rails attached to the inner walls of the cabinet. The inner walls of the cabinet may correspond to the side panels of the first sub-assembly 100. The one or more drawers may be formed from the second sub-assembly 200 as described elsewhere herein. In another example, the article of furniture 700 may comprise any other type of furniture that can be formed or assembled by folding one or more portions, sections, components, or sub-assemblies of the article of furniture. Some non-limiting examples of such articles of furniture include, for instance, drawers, desks, shelves, and the like.

Methods

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for assembling an article of furniture. The method may comprise (a) attaching a plurality of plates to a plurality of foldable portions of a first panel. The plurality of plates may be attachable to the first panel when the first panel is provided in a flat, unfolded configuration. In some cases, the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel may correspond to one or more sections or peripheral edges of the first panel. In other cases, the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel comprise one or more hinges or joints attached or coupled to the first panel. In such cases, the one or more hinges or joints may be configured to permit a relative movement of the plurality of plates relative to the first panel. In any of the embodiments described herein, the first panel and the plurality of plates may be configured to form a first sub-assembly of an article of furniture when the plurality of plates are folded relative to the first panel.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise (b) attaching a second sub-assembly of the article of furniture to the first sub-assembly to form the article of furniture. In some cases, the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly may correspond to different portions, components, or sub-assemblies of the article of furniture. In some embodiments, the first sub-assembly may comprise a cabinet and the second sub-assembly may comprise one or more drawers.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise, prior to (b), forming the second sub-assembly of the article of furniture by attaching one or more additional plates to at least one foldable portion of a plurality of foldable portions of a second panel. The one or more additional plates may be attachable to the second panel after at least one foldable portion of the second panel is folded relative to one or more other portions of the second panel. In some cases, the second panel and the one or more additional plates may be configured to form the second sub-assembly of the article of furniture when the at least one foldable portion of the second panel is folded relative to one or more other portions of the second panel.

In some cases, attaching the second sub-assembly to the first sub-assembly may comprise engaging the second sub-assembly with one or more rails integrated with or attached to at least one of the plurality of plates of the first sub-assembly. In some cases, the method may further comprise, subsequent to (c), sliding the second sub-assembly along the one or more rails to extend or retract the second sub-assembly relative to the first sub-assembly.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise, prior to (b), attaching one or more support members to a portion of the first panel to provide additional structural support for the article of furniture. As described elsewhere herein, the one or more support members may be attached to a portion of the first panel using one or more fasteners or connectors.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise attaching one or more top panels and/or one or more side panels to the first sub-assembly. The one or more top panels and/or the one or more side panels may be attached to the first sub-assembly using one or more fasteners or connectors. In some cases, the one or more top panels and/or one or more side panels may be attached to the first sub-assembly using a snap fit mechanism or any other attachment mechanism or method that does not require the use of a tool.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. It is not intended that the invention be limited by the specific examples provided within the specification. While the invention has been described with reference to the aforementioned specification, the descriptions and illustrations of the embodiments herein are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Furthermore, it shall be understood that all aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific depictions, configurations or relative proportions set forth herein which depend upon a variety of conditions and variables. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the invention shall also cover any such alternatives, modifications, variations or equivalents. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising: a first panel comprising a plurality of foldable portions;a plurality of plates attachable to the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel, wherein the first panel and the plurality of plates are configured to form a first sub-assembly of an article of furniture; anda second sub-assembly configured to attach to or interface with the first sub-assembly to form the article of furniture, wherein the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly correspond to different portions, components, or sub-assemblies of the article of furniture.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first sub-assembly comprises a cabinet, a dresser, a desk, or a shelf.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second sub-assembly comprises a drawer or a door.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second-sub assembly comprises: a second panel comprising a plurality of foldable portions; andone or more additional plates attachable to at least one foldable portion of the plurality of foldable portions of the second panel, wherein the second panel and the one or more additional plates are configured to form the second sub-assembly of the article of furniture.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second sub-assembly is insertable into and/or removable from the first sub-assembly.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel correspond to one or more sections or peripheral edges of the first panel.

7. (canceled)

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first panel comprises a sheet material.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the sheet material comprises a metallic material.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of plates are configured to form one or more walls, sides, or surfaces of the first sub-assembly when (i) the plurality of plates are attached to the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel and (ii) the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel are folded relative to one or more other portions of the first panel.

11. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the one or more additional plates are configured to form one or more walls, sides, or surfaces of the second sub-assembly when (i) the one or more additional plates are attached to the at least one foldable portion of the plurality of foldable portions of the second panel and (ii) the at least one foldable portion of the second panel is folded relative to one or more other portions of the second panel.

12. (canceled)

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more fasteners for attaching the plurality of plates to the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more rails integrated with or attached to at least one of the plurality of plates, wherein the second sub-assembly is configured to slide along the one or more rails to permit extension or a retraction of the second sub-assembly relative to the first sub-assembly.

15. (canceled)

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of plates are attachable to the first panel when the first panel is provided in a flat, unfolded configuration.

17. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the one or more additional plates are attachable to the second panel after at least one foldable portion of the second panel is folded relative to one or more other portions of the second panel.

18. (canceled)

19. A method, comprising: (a) attaching a plurality of plates to a plurality of foldable portions of a first panel, wherein the first panel and the plurality of plates are configured to form a first sub-assembly of an article of furniture when the plurality of plates are folded relative to the first panel; and(b) attaching a second sub-assembly of the article of furniture to the first sub-assembly to form the article of furniture, wherein the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly correspond to different portions, components, or sub-assemblies of the article of furniture.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising, prior to (b), forming the second sub-assembly of the article of furniture by attaching one or more additional plates to at least one foldable portion of a plurality of foldable portions of a second panel.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the second panel and the one or more additional plates are configured to form the second sub-assembly of the article of furniture when the at least one foldable portion of the second panel is folded relative to one or more other portions of the second panel.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel correspond to one or more sections or peripheral edges of the first panel.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein the plurality of plates are attachable to the first panel when the first panel is provided in a flat, unfolded configuration.

24. (canceled)

25. The method of claim 19, wherein the first sub-assembly comprises a cabinet and the second sub-assembly comprises one or more drawers.