FOLDABLE UNIT AND STACKABLE FRAME HAVING SAME

Abstract

A foldable unit includes a first section, a second section and a connection section. The first and second sections are pivotally coupled with each other at their proximal sides. The connection section has a first side pivotally coupled with a peripheral bar of the first section and a section side for detachably coupling the connection section with a structure. The foldable units can be used to make frames at different widths when unfolded to meet different needs of users and stackable when folded to save spaces.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to Chinese Application CN 202321197243.X filed May 17, 2023. The disclosure of the application is incorporated herein for all purposes by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to frames and, in particular, to foldable units and stackable frames with adjustable widths.

BACKGROUND

Foldable structures (e.g., beds) are more and more popular these days. A typical structure usually includes a foldable frame to support a mattress or a panel. However, many existing foldable frames are fixed in size when unfolded, occupying a large amount of available space when not needed. Also, these frames are often bulky when folded, requiring large storage and transport spaces.

Given the current state of the art, there remains a need for frames that address the abovementioned issues.

The information disclosed in this Background section is provided for an understanding of the general background of the invention and is not an acknowledgement or suggestion that this information forms part of the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides foldable units and stackable frames with adjustable widths.

In various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides a foldable unit including a first section, a second section and a connection section. The first section includes a first peripheral bar. The first section and the second section are pivotally coupled with each other at proximal sides thereof, thereby allowing the first and second sections to fold and unfold with respect to each other. The connection section has a first side and a second side. The first side of the connection section is pivotally coupled with the first peripheral bar of the first section, thereby allowing the connection section to fold and unfold with respect to the first section. The second side is configured to be detachably coupled with a structure when the connection section is unfolded with respect to the first section. The connection section is disposed substantially within an interior defined by the first section when the connection section is folded with respect to the first section.

In some exemplary embodiments, the connection section includes one or more first connectors at the first side of the connection section to pivotally couple the connection section with the first peripheral bar of the first section, and one or more second connectors at the second side of the connection section to detachably couple the connection section with the structure.

In some exemplary embodiments, each of the one or more first connectors is disposed at an interior side of the first peripheral bar when the foldable unit is folded.

In some exemplary embodiments, a respective first connector in the one or more first connectors includes a first portion pivotally connected to the first peripheral bar at an interior side of the first peripheral bar and a second portion abutting a top surface of the first peripheral bar when the connection section is unfolded with respect to the first section.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first portion of the respective first connector is pivotally connected to a pivoting piece that is fixedly disposed or integrally formed at an interior surface of the first peripheral bar.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first and second portions of the respective first connector are substantially perpendicular to each other.

In some exemplary embodiments, the one or more second connectors are configured to detachably couple the connection section with a peripheral bar of the structure.

In some exemplary embodiments, a respective second connector in the one or more second connectors includes a slot to receive at least a portion of the peripheral bar of the structure.

In some exemplary embodiments, the slot includes a portion abutting a top surface of the peripheral bar of the structure when the connection section is coupled with the structure.

In some exemplary embodiments, a respective second connector in the one or more second connectors is secured on the peripheral bar of the structure by a fastener.

In some exemplary embodiments, the connection section includes one or more lateral connection bars, with each of the one or more first connectors disposed at a first end and each of the one or more second connectors disposed at a second end of a corresponding lateral connection bar.

In some exemplary embodiments, the connection section includes a pair of first connectors, a pair of second connectors, and a pair of lateral connection bars. In some such embodiments, the connection section further includes one or more longitudinal connection bars each disposed between and connected to the pair of lateral connection bars.

In some exemplary embodiments, the foldable unit further includes a first leg assembly pivotally coupled with the first section at a distal side of the first section, a second leg assembly pivotally coupled with the second section at a distal side of the second section, and a third leg assembly pivotally coupled with the proximal sides of the first and second sections.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first and second sections are substantially the same.

In various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides a foldable frame including a first foldable unit and a second foldable unit disposed side by side. Each of the first and second foldable units includes a first section, a second section and a connection section. The first section includes a first peripheral bar, and the second section includes a second peripheral bar. The first section and the second section are pivotally coupled with each other at proximal sides thereof, thereby allowing the first section and the second section to fold and unfold with respect to each other. The connection section has a first side and a second side. The first side of the connection section is pivotally coupled with the first peripheral bar of the first section, thereby allowing the connection section to fold and unfold with respect to the first section. When the connection section of each of the first and second foldable units is unfolded, the second side of the connection section of the first foldable unit is detachably coupled with the second peripheral bar of the second section of the second foldable unit, and the second side of the connection section of the second foldable unit is detachably coupled with the second peripheral bar of the second section of the first foldable unit, thereby producing the foldable frame at a first width. When the connection section of each of the first and second foldable units is folded, the first peripheral bar of the first section of the first foldable unit is detachably coupled with the second peripheral bar of the second section of the second foldable unit, and the second peripheral bar of the second section of the first foldable unit is detachably coupled with the first peripheral bar of the first section of the second foldable unit, thereby producing the foldable frame at a second width.

In some exemplary embodiments, the connection section of the first foldable unit includes one or more first connectors at the first side of the connection section to pivotally couple the connection section with the first peripheral bar of the first section of the first foldable unit, and one or more second connectors disposed at the second side of the connection section to detachably couple the connection section with the second peripheral bar of the second section of the second foldable unit.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first and second foldable units are substantially the same.

In some exemplary embodiments, for each of the first and second foldable units, the connection section is disposed substantially within an interior defined by the first section when the connection section is folded with respect to the first section.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first and second foldable units are stackable when folded.

In various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides a foldable frame including a first foldable unit and a second foldable unit. Each of the first and second foldable units includes a first section, a second section and a connection section. The first section includes a first peripheral bar. The second section includes a second peripheral bar. The first section and the second section are pivotally coupled with each other at proximal sides thereof, thereby allowing the first section and the second section to fold and unfold with respect to each other. The connection section has a first side and a second side. The first side of the connection section is pivotally coupled with the first peripheral bar of the first section, thereby allowing the connection section to fold and unfold with respect to the first section. When the connection section of each of the first and second foldable units is unfolded, the second side of the connection section of the first foldable unit is detachably coupled with the second peripheral bar of the second section of the second foldable unit, and the second side of the connection section of the second foldable unit is detachably coupled with the second peripheral bar of the second section of the first foldable unit. For each of the first and second foldable units, the connection section is disposed substantially within an interior defined by the first section when the connection section is folded with respect to the first section such that the first and second foldable units are stackable when folded.

The foldable units and frames of the present disclosure have other features and advantages that will be apparent from, or are set forth in more detail in, the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and the following Detailed Description, which together serve to explain certain principles of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the Detailed Description, serve to explain the principles and implementations of exemplary embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an exemplary foldable unit in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an exemplary foldable frame in an unfolded state at a first width in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view taken along circle A of the foldable frame of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the foldable frame of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the foldable frame of FIG. 2 in an intermediate state in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the foldable frame of FIG. 2 in another intermediate state in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view taken along circle B of the foldable frame of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a partially dissembled view schematically illustrating the foldable frame of FIG. 2 in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view taken along circle C of the foldable frame of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the foldable frame of FIG. 2 in an unfolded state at a second width in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged view of the foldable frame of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the foldable frame of FIG. 2 in a folded and stacked state in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

As will be apparent to those of skill in the art, the components illustrated in the figures described above are combinable in any useful number and combination. The figures are intended to be illustrative in nature and are not limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to implementation of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference indicators will be used throughout the drawings and the following detailed description to refer to the same or like parts. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the following detailed description is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the present disclosure will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having benefit of this disclosure.

In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It will be appreciated that, in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions are made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with application- and business-related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Many modifications and variations of the exemplary embodiments set forth in this disclosure can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The specific exemplary embodiments described herein are offered by way of example only, and the disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Embodiments of the present invention are described in the context of foldable units and stackable frames with adjustable widths. The units and frames can be used to make beds or the like. In addition, the units and frames can be made of various materials including but not limited to metals (e.g., iron, steel, and aluminum), plastics and woods. In some exemplary embodiments, some components of a unit or frame are made of metals or the like while some other components are made of plastics, rubbers or the like.

A foldable unit of the present disclosure generally includes a first section, a second section and a connection section. The first section and the second section are pivotally coupled with each other at proximal sides thereof, thereby allowing the first and second sections to fold and unfold with respect to each other. The connection section has a first side and a section side. The first side of the connection section is pivotally coupled with a peripheral bar of the first section to allow the connection section to fold and unfold with respect to the first section. The second side of the connection section is configured to be detachably coupled with a structure (e.g., another foldable unit) when the connection section is unfolded with respect to the first section. In some exemplary embodiments, the connection section is disposed substantially within an interior defined by the first section when the connection section is folded with respect to the first section. The foldable units of the present disclosure can be used to make frames at different widths when unfolded to meet different needs of users and stackable when folded to save spaces.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is depicted an exemplary foldable unit 100 in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Foldable unit 100 includes a first section, such as first section 110, and a second section, such as second section 120. The first and second sections can be but do not necessarily have to be identical or symmetric with respect to each other. As a non-limiting example, FIG. 1 illustrates that first section 110 and second section 120 are substantially the same and disposed symmetrically with respect to each other. In some exemplary embodiments, the first section includes a first peripheral bar, such as peripheral bar 112, and generally defines a first interior, such as interior 114. In some exemplary embodiments, the second section includes a second peripheral bar, such as peripheral bar 122, and generally defines a second interior, such as interior 124.

The first section and the second section are pivotally coupled with each other at their proximal sides, for instance, by one or more couplers. This allows the first section and the second section to fold and unfold with respect to each other as illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 12. As used herein, the sides at which the first and second sections are connected to each other are referred to as their proximal sides, and the sides opposite the proximal sides are referred to as their distal sides. For instance, in FIG. 1, the proximal sides of the first and second sections are in the middle of the foldable unit. The distal sides correspond to the upper-left and lower-right sides of the figure. It should be noted that the term “middle” as used herein does not necessarily mean the center of the foldable unit, and the term “side” does not necessarily mean an outmost edge of the foldable unit.

In some exemplary embodiments, the foldable unit includes one or more leg assemblies to support the first and second sections when the foldable unit is unfolded. For instance, in some exemplary embodiments, the foldable unit includes a first leg assembly 131, a second leg assembly 132, and/or a third leg assembly 133. The first leg assembly is pivotally coupled with the first section at a distal side of the first section, thereby allowing the first leg assembly to fold and unfold with respect to the first section The second leg assembly is pivotally coupled with the second section at a distal side of the second section, thereby allowing the second leg assembly to fold and unfold with respect to the second section. The third leg assembly is pivotally coupled with the proximal sides of the first and second frames. In some exemplary embodiments, when the foldable unit is folded, the first, second and third leg assemblies are disposed between the first and second sections as illustrated in FIG. 12.

In some exemplary embodiments, the foldable unit includes one or more supporting assemblies to control the rotation of the one or more leg assemblies. For instance, in some exemplary embodiments, the foldable unit includes a first supporting assembly 141 and a second supporting assembly 142. The first supporting assembly is coupled with the first leg assembly and first section to control the rotation of the first leg assembly with respect to the first section. When the foldable unit is unfolded, the first supporting assembly also helps to stabilize the first leg assembly (e.g., by limiting the rotation of the first leg assembly to prevent accidental folding of the first leg assembly) and/or to support the first section. The second supporting assembly is coupled with the second leg assembly and second section to control the rotation of the second leg assembly with respect to the second section. When the foldable unit is unfolded, the second supporting assembly also helps to stabilize the second leg assembly and/or to support the second section.

In various exemplary embodiments, the foldable unit includes a connection section, such as connection section 150. The connection section has a first side, generally designated 151. The first side of the connection section is pivotally coupled with the first peripheral bar of the first section, thereby allowing the connection section to fold and unfold with respect to the first section. In some exemplary embodiments, the connection section is disposed substantially within the interior (e.g., interior 114) defined by the first section when the connection section is folded with respect to the first section as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11.

The connection section also includes a second side, generally designated 152. The second side is configured to detachably couple the connection section with a structure when the connection section is unfolded with respect to the first section. For instance, in some exemplary embodiments, the second side is configured to detachably couple the connection section with a peripheral bar of another foldable unit, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, which will be described in more detail later.

In some exemplary embodiments, the connection section includes one or more first connectors, such as connector 160, at the first side of the connection section to pivotally couple the connection section with the first peripheral bar of the first section. In some exemplary embodiments, connector 160 is configured such that it is disposed at an interior side of the first peripheral bar when the foldable unit is folded. For instance, referring in particular to FIGS. 7 and 9, in some exemplary embodiments, connector 160 includes a first portion, such as first portion 161, and a second portion, such as second portion 162. In some exemplary embodiments, the first and second portions of connector 160 are substantially perpendicular to each other. In some exemplary embodiments, the first and second portions of connector 160 are configured to collectively form a cut, such as cut 164, in between. In some exemplary embodiments, connector 160 also includes a third portion, such as third portion 163. In some exemplary embodiments, the first, second and third portions of connector 160 collectively form a slot to receive at least a portion of the first peripheral bar of the first section when the connection section is unfolded with respect to the first section (e.g., when the connection section is to be coupled with the structure).

The first portion of connector 160 is pivotally connected to the first peripheral bar at an interior side of the first peripheral bar. For instance, in some exemplary embodiments, the first portion of connector 160 is pivotally connected to a pivoting piece, such as pivoting piece 115, that is fixedly disposed (e.g., welded) or integrally formed at an interior surface of the first peripheral bar. This allows the first and second portions of connector 160 to rotate relative to the first peripheral bar. When the connection section is unfolded (e.g., is coupled with the structure), the second portion abuts a top surface of the first peripheral bar as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4. This ensures that the connection section is supported at the first side by the first peripheral bar of the first section. When the foldable unit is folded, the first and second portions of connector 160 are disposed at the interior side of the first peripheral bar as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. This allows the connection section to be disposed within the interior defined by the first section, which in turn allows folding of the first and second sections of a single foldable unit and stacking of multiple folded units.

In some exemplary embodiments, the connection section includes one or more second connectors, such as connector 170, at the second side of the connection section to detachably couple the connection section with the structure (e.g., peripheral bar 122 of another foldable unit). In some exemplary embodiments, connector 170 is configured to receive at least a portion of the peripheral bar of the structure. For instance, referring in particular to FIGS. 3 and 11, connector 170 includes a slot, such as slot 171, configured to receive at least a portion of the peripheral bar of the structure. In some exemplary embodiments, the slot includes a portion, such as portion 172, abutting a top surface of the peripheral bar of the structure when the connection section is coupled with the structure. This ensures that the connection section is supported at the second side by the structure. In some exemplary embodiments, connector 170 is further secured on the peripheral bar of the structure by a fastener or the like. As a non-limiting example, it is illustrated that connector 170 is further secured on the peripheral bar of the structure by bolt 173 and nut 174 via through hole 175.

Referring back to FIG. 1, in some exemplary embodiments, the connection section includes one or more lateral connection bars, such as connection bar 153. The connection section can have any suitable number of lateral connection bars, including but not limited to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more than 5 bars. In some exemplary embodiments, connector 160 is disposed at a first end of the lateral connection bar and connector 170 is disposed at a second end of the lateral connection bar. For instance, in some exemplary embodiments, third portion 163 of connector 160 is fixedly coupled or formed with the first end of connection bar 153. In some exemplary embodiments, the connection section includes a pair of first connectors, a pair of second connectors, and a pair of lateral connection bars. In some exemplary embodiments, the connection section further includes one or more longitudinal connection bars, such as connection bar 154. In some exemplary embodiments, connection bar 154 is disposed between and connected to the pair of lateral connection bars.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-12, there is depicted an exemplary foldable frame 200 in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Foldable frame 200 includes a first foldable unit 210 and a second foldable unit 220. The first and second foldable units can be identical to or different from each other. In some exemplary embodiments, the first and second foldable units are substantially the same. In some exemplary embodiments, the first or second foldable unit is the same as or similar to foldable unit 100 disclosed herein. For instance, in some exemplary embodiments, each of the first and second foldable units includes a first section (e.g., first section 110), a second section (e.g., second section 120) and a connection section (e.g., connection section 150).

In some exemplary embodiments, the first section includes a first peripheral bar (e.g., peripheral bar 112), and the second section includes a second peripheral bar (e.g., peripheral bar 122). The first section and the second section are pivotally coupled with each other at proximal sides thereof, thereby allowing the first section and the second section to fold and unfold with respect to each other. The connection section has a first side (e.g., first side 151) and a second side (e.g., second side 152). The first side of the connection section is pivotally coupled with the first peripheral bar of the first section, thereby allowing the connection section to fold and unfold with respect to the first section. For instance, in some exemplary embodiments, the connection section of the first foldable unit includes one or more first connectors (e.g., connector 160) at the first side of the connection section to pivotally couple the connection section with the first peripheral bar of the first section of the first foldable unit. Similarly, the connection section of the second foldable unit includes one or more first connectors (e.g., connector 160) at the first side of the connection section to pivotally couple the connection section with the first peripheral bar of the first section of the second foldable unit.

The second side of the connection section of the first foldable unit is configured to be detachably coupled with the second peripheral bar of the second section of the second foldable unit, and the second side of the connection section of the second foldable unit is configured to be detachably coupled with the second peripheral bar of the second section of the first foldable unit. For instance, in some exemplary embodiments, the connection section of the first foldable unit includes one or more second connectors (e.g., connector 170) disposed at the second side of the connection section to detachably couple the connection section with the second peripheral bar of the second section of the second foldable unit. Similarly, the connection section of the second foldable unit includes one or more second connectors (e.g., connector 170) disposed at the second side of the connection section to detachably couple the connection section with the second peripheral bar of the second section of the first foldable unit.

Using the first and second foldable units, the frame can be configured at different widths to meet different needs and preferences of users. For instance, as a non-limiting example, FIG. 2 illustrates the foldable frame at a first width where the connection section of each of the first and second foldable units is unfolded, the second side of the connection section of the first foldable unit is detachably coupled with the second peripheral bar of the second section of the second foldable unit, and the second side of the connection section of the second foldable unit is detachably coupled with the second peripheral bar of the second section of the first foldable unit. In some exemplary embodiments, the foldable frame at the first width is a frame for a queen size bed, a king size bed or the like. In some exemplary embodiments, for each of the first and second foldable units, the connection section has a lateral dimension generally equal to or greater than 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8 or 0.9 of a width of the first section of the first or second foldable unit. Together, the connection section of the first foldable unit and the connection section of the second foldable unit serve as an extension, significantly enlarging the supporting area and size of the frame.

As another non-limiting example, FIG. 10 illustrates the foldable frame at a second width where the connection section of each of the first and second foldable units is folded, the first peripheral bar of the first section of the first foldable unit is detachably coupled with the second peripheral bar of the second section of the second foldable unit, and the second peripheral bar of the second section of the first foldable unit is detachably coupled with the first peripheral bar of the first section of the second foldable unit. In some exemplary embodiments, the foldable frame at the second width is a frame for a full size bed, a queen size bed or the like.

While a pair of foldable units is illustrated, it should be noted that a single foldable unit can be used alone to make a frame for a bed. In some exemplary embodiments, the single foldable unit is a frame for a twin size bed, a full size bed or the like. It should also be noted that three, four or more foldable units can be connected in a similar fashion disclosed herein to make a frame for larger size beds if desired.

In some exemplary embodiments, for each of the first and second foldable units, the connection section has a lateral dimension generally smaller than a width of the first section of the first or second foldable unit and a longitudinal direction generally smaller than a length of the first section of the first or second foldable unit. In some exemplary embodiments, for each of the first and second foldable units, the connection section is disposed substantially within the interior (e.g., interior 114) defined by the first section when the connection section is folded with respect to the first section. This ensures that each foldable unit is compact when folded and allows multiple units to be stacked as illustrated in FIG. 12. As a result, this reduces the space for storage and transportation.

The foldable units and stackable frames with adjustable widths of the present disclosure are easy and convenient to use. For instance, to make a frame at a first width as illustrated in FIG. 2, a user can unfold each of the first and second foldable units first (e.g., unfolding the first/second sections and the first/second/third leg assemblies). A user can then place the unfolded first and second foldable units side by side at a distance corresponding to the lateral dimensions of the connection sections of the first and second foldable units. After that, a user can couple the second side of the connection section of the first foldable unit with the second peripheral bar of the second section of the second foldable unit, and the second side of the connection section of the second foldable unit with the second peripheral bar of the second section of the first foldable unit as illustrated in FIG. 5.

To fold the frame at the first width as illustrated in FIG. 2, a user can decouple the second side of the connection section of the first foldable unit from the second peripheral bar of the second section of the second foldable unit, and the second side of the connection section of the second foldable unit from the second peripheral bar of the second section of the first foldable unit as illustrated in FIG. 5. A user can then fold the connection section of each of the first and second foldable units as illustrated in FIG. 10. After that, a user can fold each of the first and second foldable units separately, and if desired, stack the first and second foldable units as illustrated in FIG. 12.

To make a frame at a second width as illustrated in FIG. 10, a user can unfold each of the first and second foldable units first (e.g., unfolding the first/second sections and the first/second/third leg assemblies). A user can then place the unfolded first and second foldable units side by side adjacent to each other as illustrated in FIG. 10. Optionally or additionally, a user can detachably couple the first peripheral bar of the first section of the first foldable unit with the second peripheral bar of the second section of the second foldable unit, and the first peripheral bar of the first section of the second foldable unit with the second peripheral bar of the second section of the first foldable unit, using connector 230 illustrated in FIG. 8 or any other suitable means. In some exemplary embodiments, connector 230 is disposed at the first peripheral bar of the first section of the first or second foldable unit and configured to be detachably coupled with the second peripheral bar of the second section of the first or second foldable unit. In some exemplary embodiments, connector 230 is configured to be detachably coupled with both the first peripheral bar of the first section of the first or second foldable unit and the second peripheral bar of the second section of the first or second foldable unit. In some exemplary embodiments, connector 230 includes a first slot to receive at least a portion of the first peripheral bar of the first section of the first or second foldable unit and a second slot to receive at least a portion of the second peripheral bar of the second section of the first or second foldable unit.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to be limiting of the claims. As used in the description of the implementations and the appended claims, 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 understood that the terms “top” or “bottom”, “lower” or “upper”, and etc. are used to describe features of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the positions of such features as displayed in the figures. It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first bar could be termed a second bar, and, similarly, a second bar could be termed a first bar, without changing the meaning of the description, so long as all occurrences of the “first bar” are renamed consistently and all occurrences of the “second bar” are renamed consistently.

Claims

1. A foldable unit comprising: a first section comprising a first peripheral bar;a second section, wherein the first section and the second section are pivotally coupled with each other at proximal sides thereof, thereby allowing the first and second sections to fold and unfold with respect to each other; anda connection section having a first side and a second side, wherein: the first side of the connection section is pivotally coupled with the first peripheral bar of the first section, thereby allowing the connection section to fold and unfold with respect to the first section;the second side is configured to be detachably coupled with a structure when the connection section is unfolded with respect to the first section; andthe connection section is disposed substantially within an interior defined by the first section when the connection section is folded with respect to the first section.

2. The foldable unit of claim 1, wherein the connection section comprises: one or more first connectors at the first side of the connection section to pivotally couple the connection section with the first peripheral bar of the first section; andone or more second connectors at the second side of the connection section to detachably couple the connection section with the structure.

3. The foldable unit of claim 2, wherein each of the one or more first connectors is disposed at an interior side of the first peripheral bar when the foldable unit is folded.

4. The foldable unit of claim 2, wherein a respective first connector in the one or more first connectors comprises a first portion pivotally connected to the first peripheral bar at an interior side of the first peripheral bar and a second portion abutting a top surface of the first peripheral bar when the connection section is unfolded with respect to the first section.

5. The foldable unit of claim 4, wherein the first portion of the respective first connector is pivotally connected to a pivoting piece that is fixedly disposed or integrally formed at an interior surface of the first peripheral bar.

6. The foldable unit of claim 4, wherein the first and second portions of the respective first connector are substantially perpendicular to each other.

7. The foldable unit of claim 2, wherein the one or more second connectors are configured to detachably couple the connection section with a peripheral bar of the structure.

8. The foldable unit of claim 7, wherein a respective second connector in the one or more second connectors comprises a slot to receive at least a portion of the peripheral bar of the structure.

9. The foldable unit of claim 8, wherein the slot comprises a portion abutting a top surface of the peripheral bar of the structure when the connection section is coupled with the structure.

10. The foldable unit of claim 7, wherein a respective second connector in the one or more second connectors is secured on the peripheral bar of the structure by a fastener.

11. The foldable unit of claim 2, wherein the connection section comprises one or more lateral connection bars, wherein each of the one or more first connectors is disposed at a first end and each of the one or more second connectors is disposed at a second end of a corresponding lateral connection bar.

12. The foldable unit of claim 11, wherein the connection section comprises a pair of first connectors, a pair of second connectors, and a pair of lateral connection bars, and further comprises one or more longitudinal connection bars each disposed between and connected to the pair of lateral connection bars.

13. The foldable unit of claim 1, further comprising: a first leg assembly pivotally coupled with the first section at a distal side of the first section;a second leg assembly pivotally coupled with the second section at a distal side of the second section; anda third leg assembly pivotally coupled with the proximal sides of the first and second sections.

14. The foldable unit of claim 1, wherein the first and second sections are substantially the same.

15. A foldable frame comprising: a first foldable unit and a second foldable unit disposed side by side, each of the first and second foldable units comprising: a first section comprising a first peripheral bar;a second section comprising a second peripheral bar, wherein the first section and the second section are pivotally coupled with each other at proximal sides thereof, thereby allowing the first section and the second section to fold and unfold with respect to each other; anda connection section having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side of the connection section is pivotally coupled with the first peripheral bar of the first section, thereby allowing the connection section to fold and unfold with respect to the first section;wherein when the connection section of each of the first and second foldable units is unfolded, the second side of the connection section of the first foldable unit is detachably coupled with the second peripheral bar of the second section of the second foldable unit, and the second side of the connection section of the second foldable unit is detachably coupled with the second peripheral bar of the second section of the first foldable unit, thereby producing the foldable frame at a first width; andwherein when the connection section of each of the first and second foldable units is folded, the first peripheral bar of the first section of the first foldable unit is detachably coupled with the second peripheral bar of the second section of the second foldable unit, and the second peripheral bar of the second section of the first foldable unit is detachably coupled with the first peripheral bar of the first section of the second foldable unit, thereby producing the foldable frame at a second width.

16. The foldable structure of claim 15, wherein the connection section of the first foldable unit comprises: one or more first connectors at the first side of the connection section to pivotally couple the connection section with the first peripheral bar of the first section of the first foldable unit; andone or more second connectors disposed at the second side of the connection section to detachably couple the connection section with the second peripheral bar of the second section of the second foldable unit.

17. The foldable structure of claim 15, wherein the first and second foldable units are substantially the same.

18. The foldable structure of claim 15, wherein for each of the first and second foldable units, the connection section is disposed substantially within an interior defined by the first section when the connection section is folded with respect to the first section.

19. The foldable structure of claim 15, wherein the first and second foldable units are stackable when folded.

20. A foldable frame comprising: a first foldable unit and a second foldable unit, each comprising: a first section comprising a first peripheral bar;a second section comprising a second peripheral bar, wherein the first section and the second section are pivotally coupled with each other at proximal sides thereof, thereby allowing the first section and the second section to fold and unfold with respect to each other; anda connection section having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side of the connection section is pivotally coupled with the first peripheral bar of the first section, thereby allowing the connection section to fold and unfold with respect to the first section;wherein when the connection section of each of the first and second foldable units is unfolded, the second side of the connection section of the first foldable unit is detachably coupled with the second peripheral bar of the second section of the second foldable unit, and the second side of the connection section of the second foldable unit is detachably coupled with the second peripheral bar of the second section of the first foldable unit; andwherein for each of the first and second foldable units, the connection section is disposed substantially within an interior defined by the first section when the connection section is folded with respect to the first section such that the first and second foldable units are stackable when folded.