This application is related to claim the priority under Ser. No. 202006018492.9, filed 2006 Dec. 5 and entitled “Modular cabinet” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety in this application.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a modular cabinet and particularly to a modular cabinet or rack furniture that can be coupled and assembled in various fashions to form different combinations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Modular cabinets are known in the art. A wide variety of modular cabinets are available on the market. Among them the design adopted a frame structure is commonly deemed most reliable. On that structure modular elements are hung and fastened to the frame. The modular elements can be coupled and assembled through suitable means according to different functions (such as open or closed racks, drawers or the like) to form varying combinations. The frame provides steadiness during assembly. The frame also provides a basic structural specification. The modular elements can be interchanged and replaced as long as they conform to the structural specification. In order to achieve a desired mechanical firmness, the modular elements have to be fastened securely to the frame.
However, the structure of the aforesaid conventional modular cabinets often is too complicated and assembly and installation are quite difficult. They mostly require tools to aid assembly and installation. Moreover, the front side of the modular cabinet often is divided by transverse bracing racks to reinforce the steadiness. Hence the overall aesthetic appeal suffers.
German Patent Publication No. 4136307A1 discloses a rack system equipped with a support frame (referring to FIG. 9 of that patent). The support frame has a base board to seal the bottom thereof. The base board is slidable in the longitudinal direction of the support frame. There is a fixed ridge to provide radial protection. It also has an anchor tool on the support frame to protect the base board. There is a spacer on the base board to provide upright support and a desired spacing interval. The spacer is nailed or bonded to the support frame, or screwed on the support frame through bolts.
To position targeted elements on the frame at least the targeted elements at two ends have to be fastened through a fastening tool. This issue is not being explained in the patent specification.
Another European Patent Publication No. 0750869A1 discloses a rack structure which has a track and separable holding elements. The holding elements are engaged with a frame to anchor the base board. The track has a hook structure on the back side to hold a holding element. Thereby anchoring can be formed by surrounding. But one holding element can fasten only one base board or element, and cannot fasten a plurality of base boards or elements at the same time.
Yet another PCT Patent Publication WO2005/111328A1 discloses a structure which has one element fastened to a vertical frame through a connection element. It also can fasten only one element, and cannot fasten a plurality of elements at the same time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The primary object of the present invention is to provide a modular cabinet that can be constructed easily and rapidly by coupling fewer modular elements without using tools.
The modular cabinet according to the invention includes a plurality of elongated and parallel posts and a plurality of targeted elements stacking along the posts. The posts form a frame to hold the target elements that is preferably formed in an upright structure. The targeted elements can be directly stacked over one another or spaced from one another through a spacer element.
Each of the posts has a first coupling portion. Each targeted element has a plurality of second coupling portions slidably engaging with the first coupling portion. Each second coupling portion has a retaining element to form a positioning relationship with the first coupling portion. The first coupling portion also has a fixing element to anchor and support the targeted elements at two ends of the posts. Thereby all the targeted elements can be fastened to the posts.
According to the invention the targeted elements are hung on the first coupling of the posts by sliding and movable longitudinally on the posts. The targeted elements can be spaced from one another directly or through the spacer element and held in the longitudinal direction of the posts. Installation of the invention does not need any tools. The targeted element can be mounted through a distal end of the posts in the first coupling portion and moved to a desired elevation, and spaced form each other. The second coupling portion of the targeted element does not have to be mounted through the distal end of the post, but can be directly positioned through the spaced interval of the first coupling portion.
The second coupling portion of the targeted element has a desired length relative to the first coupling portion. By mating and engaging the first and second coupling portions, a desired strength is formed to prevent the posts of the frame from tilting.
The post also has a fixing element installed on the distal end to prevent the stacking targeted elements from slipping out from the posts so that that all the installed targeted elements can be held securely on the posts.
In principle the posts can be held on sides walls of targeted elements at any positions desired. However, the preferably installation locations are corners of the targeted elements, while the side walls of the targeted elements can serve ornamental purpose. In general the posts located at the lateral sides of modular cabinet are presented in a fashion without spoiling the aesthetic appeal, and have the first coupling portion formed at one side to hold the targeted element. The first coupling portion has a transverse ridge to form a sliding track to couple with the corner of the target elements. Such a structure also can increase the structural strength and prevent the frame constructed through the posts from tilting.
In principle the first and second coupling portions may be formed in any types of shaped materials presently known. It the invention a T-shaped cross section is selected for the coupling portions to form a closed coupling. Thereby the targeted elements get automatic protection in the upright and longitudinal direction of the posts.
In another embodiment of the invention the side walls of the stacking targeted elements are connected and anchored through corresponding latch notches and lugs. The lugs are held in the notches to form a closed coupling. Hence the side walls of each targeted element have a larger and closed lateral area without transverse support and divided by like elements. As a result, the overall aesthetic appeal of the modular cabinet improves. Moreover, the closed connection of the notches and lugs can further enhance the firmness of the modular cabinet. After the targeted elements have been coupled the side walls form closed and neat lateral areas at the inner side and outer side to make cleaning easier.
In yet another embodiment of the invention the targeted element may have a base board to allow the stacking targeted element to become a box type furniture. In this embodiment the targeted element includes a substantially U-shaped side wall and an entry opening at the front side of the modular cabinet. A closing lid also is provided to seal the entry opening. The closing lid is preferably a pivotal element. To facilitate installation without tools and reducing the number of elements, the base board has a hinge portion to be coupled with an axle of the pivotal element. The base board also has swivel stoppers to control open and closed positions of the pivotal element. The pivotal element may be a drawer or a swivel door.
In one aspect the post has a distal end coupled with a fixing element so that the targeted elements do not slip out through the first coupling portion and can be held securely. As previously discussed, another distal end of the post is coupled with the retaining element. To set the posts at a selected length to be adaptable to different requirements it is preferable to have the two distal ends thereof to be coupled with a corresponding fixing element.
In still another embodiment of the invention the second coupling portion has at least a number of retaining elements to hold the targeted element on the first coupling portion by friction in a closed manner. The retaining element is a clamping element, preferably a clipping element, to be pressed to the post or a side wall of a corresponding targeted element through a fastening element.
In yet another embodiment of the invention each post has at least two or more first coupling portions formed at a selected angle and distance. Thus two targeted elements can be coupled in series longitudinally and vertically on the post, and two neighboring modular cabinets can be coupled at the selected angle and distance.
In yet another aspect the posts are preferably shaped materials made of light metal, especially extruded aluminum (aluminum shaped material). They may be cut to a desired length according to different requirements. The targeted elements and second coupling portion are preferably made from plastics, formed by injection is especially desirable.
The foregoing, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1A through 1D are schematic views of a first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the posts and targeted elements according to FIG. 1D in a coupling condition.
FIGS. 3A through 3C are perspective views of the post, spacer element and targeted element.
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary schematic view of a second embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 5A and 5B are a top view and a bottom view of a drawer body serving as a targeted element.
FIGS. 6A and 6B are a top view and a bottom view of a holding rack serving as a targeted element.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are a top view and a bottom view of a hollow frame serving as a targeted element.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are a top view and a bottom view of a drawer of the invention.
FIGS. 9A and 9B are a top view and a bottom view of a wedge board of the invention.
FIGS. 10A and 10B are a front view and a rear view of a swivel door of a chest type modular cabinet.
FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic views of a third embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 11C is a perspective view of the modular cabinet in the third embodiment according to FIG. 11B.
FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C are schematic views of a fourth embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 12D is a perspective view of the modular cabinet in the fourth embodiment according to FIG. 12C.
FIG. 12E is a detailed schematic view of the fourth embodiment according to FIG. 12D.
FIGS. 13A and 13B are schematic views of a post and a targeted element in a coupling condition.
FIGS. 13C, 13D and 13E are sectional views according to FIG. 13A in coupling conditions.
FIG. 14 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the invention showing a caster to be coupled with a post.
FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C are schematic views of yet another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Please refer to FIGS. 1A through 1D, the invention mainly includes a plurality of posts 4 to be disposed at corners of a targeted element (such as a holding rack 5 shown in the drawings). Each diagonal corner 52 of the holding rack 5 has a T-shaped second coupling portion 13 to be held in a first coupling portion 45 of the post 4 in a closed manner. More specifically, the second coupling portion 13 is slidable longitudinally on the post 4 through the first coupling portion 45 and held thereon. By wedging the holding rack 5 through a distal end of the post 4 into the first coupling portion 45, the holding rack 5 can be moved until reaching a desired elevation. As shown in FIG. 1A, the posts 4 are located at the corners of the holding rack 5. They also may be located in the middle portion of side walls 51 of the holding rack 5 (not shown in the drawings). The posts 4 are formed at a length at least the same as the height of the holding rack 5 or multiple times of the minimum height thereof. In addition, the first coupling portion 45 may be formed in a spaced manner in the longitudinal direction of the posts 4. Thereby the holding rack 5 can be engaged with the first coupling portion 45 through the spaced location without through the distal end of the posts 4.
Referring to FIGS. 1B, 1C and 1D, a spacer element 10 may be disposed in the first coupling portion 45 to space the holding rack 5. The spacer element 10 is formed at a length same as the minimum height of the targeted element, and formed in a T-shaped structure to be engaged with the first coupling portion 45. It has a ridge 11 (as shown in FIG. 3B). After the spacer element 10 is disposed in the first coupling portion 45, another holding rack 5 can be mounted through the distal end of the posts 4, referring to FIG. 1C. Such a process can be repeated until a modular cabinet 1 is formed as shown in FIG. 1D. In this embodiment the modular cabinet 1 has four holding racks 5 stacking in a spaced manner in the longitudinal direction of the posts 4 through the spacer element 10 with a same interval space 28 formed between the holding racks 5.
Referring to FIG. 2, the distal end of each post 4 has an axial bore 41 to be coupled with a plugging sleeve 32 to hold a fixing element 35. The plugging sleeve 32 may be coupled with an accessory such as a caster strut 102 which has a shaft 103 and an axle 101 to hold a caster 100, or a pedestal to form a rack modular cabinet. The second coupling portion 13 has a retaining element 16 to form a retaining relationship with the first coupling portion 45. The retaining element 16 may be a clamping element to be fastened to the corner 52 of the holding rack 5 through a fastening element 18 which runs through notches 14 and 15 of the second coupling portion 13 and a connection element 12 thereof. Namely, a frictional force for coupling is generated between the second coupling portion 13 and the first coupling portion 45 through the retaining element 16.
The post 4 also has a jutting plank 42 which has an inner wall with a transverse ridge formed thereon to divide the first coupling portion 45 into a sliding track 46 (referring to FIG. 3A). The spacer element 10 is slidably located on the sliding track 46.
Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3C, the sliding track 46 has a side wall 43 pointing to the targeted element. During wedging the outer wall of the corner 52 is located at an upper distal end of the jutting ridge 42 or the side wall 43 to further strengthen the structure. Through the retaining element 16 the diagonal corner 52 of the holding rack 5 can be clamped firmly at the diagonal position of the sliding track 46 on the post 4 to provide reinforced effect. Such a structure can prevent the structure from tilting. As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, when the second coupling portion 13 is extended from the holding rack 5, the structure previously discussed also can increase the structural strength.
In principle, the retaining element 16 can anchor all the targeted elements to be coupled on the post 4 in a closed manner by friction. In another embodiment of the invention, the interval space 28 is formed through the spacer element 10 (as shown in FIG. 1C) to form a desired positioning at an upper side or lower side thereof.
Referring to FIG. 4, the post 4 may have two jutting planks 42 to form two first coupling portions 45 to hold two neighboring holding racks 5 and form a parallel gap 29. The two jutting planks 42 may also be formed at other angles such as 30 or 45 degrees.
Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the targeted element is a drawer body 7 which includes a base board 70 and an U-shaped side wall 71. The side wall 71 has corners 73 with the second coupling portion 13 formed respectively thereon. The drawer body 7 may be formed at a height twice the height of the holding rack 5 (referring to FIG. 1A). The drawer body 7 has a front side which may be covered by a swivelable drawer 8 (referring to FIG. 8A) or a swivel door 9 (referring to FIG. 10A). The drawer body 7 has a hinge portion 74 to hold the a pivotal element mentioned above. The side wall 71 has a vertical ridge 72 on an inner side to form a closed element for an actuating portion 85 of the drawer 8 or an ornamental edge. Similarly, the vertical ridge may also serve as a closed element for an actuating portion 95 of the swivel door 9 or an ornamental edge thereof.
In addition, the drawer body 7 has a lower plate 77 with a notch 78 formed thereon closed by the lower plate 77 from outside. The notch 78 holds a jutting strut 79. The side wall 71 has an upper plate 75 with a lug 76 extended therefrom to mate the notch 78 of another drawer body 7 to form a closed and smooth surface. Referring to FIG. 6B, the holding rack 5 has a base board 50 corresponding to the drawer body 7 and a hinge portion 54, a lower plate 57, a notch 58 and a jutting strut 59.
Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the drawer body 7 may be coupled with the targeted element (such as a hollow frame 6) as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The hollow frame 6 includes a side wall 60 and has corners 61 with the second coupling portion 13 formed thereon. The side wall 60 has an inner side with a vertical ridge 64 formed thereon to serve as a closing element or ornamental plate. The hollow frame 6 also has an upper plate 65 with a jutting lug 66 formed thereon and a support portion 62 with a notch 68 mating the lug 66.
Referring to FIGS. 5A and 7B, when the hollow frame 6 is held in the drawer body 7, the jutting lug 76 is held in the notch 68 to form a closed manner. Thus a box type container at a greater height can be formed.
Similarly, referring to FIG. 5B, the hollow frame 6 may also be held in the drawer body 7 as shown in FIG. 7A, the lug 66 is moved between the notch 78 of the lower plate 77 and the jutting strut 79 until being fully held in the notch 78. Then the strut 79 presses the lug 66 on the side wall 71 of the notch 78 in an elastic manner to latch the hollow frame 6 in the drawer body 7.
The support portion 62 of the hollow portion 6 may hold a wedge base board 23 as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. The wedge base board 23 is substantially held fully by the support portion 62. The base board 23 has diagonal corners 25 designed according to corners 61 of the hollow frame 6, and also has at least one transverse ridge 27 to engage with a notch 63 formed on the support portion 62. The base board 23 further has a ridge plank 26 at a front edge 24 to facilitate grasping.
Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the drawer body 7 may be a swivelable drawer 8 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B that has a base board 80, a front wall 81, two side walls 83 and an arched side wall 82. The front wall 81 has an actuating portion 85 indented inwards and a handle 84. The drawer 8 also has an axle 87 to be coupled with the hinge portion 74 of the drawer body 7 and held on the base board 70 of the drawer body 7. When closed the vertical ridge 72 and the actuating portion 85 are aligned smoothly at the bottom.
Referring to FIGS. 5B and 6B, the base board 50 of the holding rack 5 and the base board 70 of the drawer body 7 have a swivel stopper 31. The corner 86 of the left side wall 83 has another pivotal axle 87 to be stopped by the swivel stopper 31 when the drawer is opened or closed to form a corresponding maximum swivel position during opening and closing. With the drawer 8 held in the targeted element which has the base boards 50 and 70 as shown in FIG. 8B, the base board 80 has an arched guiding rib 88 corresponding to and slidable on the base board 70 of the drawer body 7 or an U-shaped guiding track (not shown in the drawings) located on the base board 70.
Moreover, referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the swivel door 9 is hinged on the drawer body 7 and has an edge 91 with an axle 97 formed thereon to provide support. The swivel door 9 also has a cover plate 90 with an actuating portion 95 and a handle 94 formed thereon. The actuating portion 95 and the handle 94 form a trough 93 therebetween. There is a magnet 20 located at the back side of the actuating portion 95 to keep the swivel door 9 at a closed position.
Refer to FIG. 11C for another embodiment that has a drawer body 7 of a drawer 8 and a holding rack 5. The holding rack 5 is held on the posts 4 (not shown in the drawing) through the retaining element 16. The retaining element 16 may also be located on the second coupling portion 13 of the drawer body 7. Refer to FIG. 11A for the installation process. First, dispose the drawer body 7 on the posts 4; next, dispose the drawer 8 in the drawer body 7 with the axle 87 held in the hinge portion 74; place the holding rack 5 on the posts 4 and wedge in the drawer body 7 to form an assembly condition as shown in FIG. 11B.
Refer to FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C for yet another embodiment. It includes the drawer body 7 and the hollow frame 6. As shown in FIG. 12C, the bottom of the whole structure is closed through the drawer body 7. In principle, it also may be closed by one holding rack 5. Referring to FIGS. 12B and 12C, the base board 23 is wedged in the support portion 62 of the hollow frame 6, and the swivel door 9 is hinged on the hinged portion 74 of the drawer body 7. In addition, referring to FIG. 12D, one holding rack 5 is mounted onto the top of the posts 4 (not shown in the drawings), with one drawer body 7 and two hollow frames 6 located thereunder. Referring to FIG. 12E, there is a boss 30 located at a lower side of the holding rack 5 with a magnetic stopper 21 located thereon to attract the magnet 20 on the swivel door 9.
Referring to FIGS. 13A through 13E, the notch 14 of the second coupling portion 13 may hold one retaining element 16 with an internal screw thread 17 formed thereon to receive a fastening element 18 which runs through the corner 52 to fasten by screwing. Through an adjustment tool 19 tightening and loosening can be done at the inner side of the holding rack 5. The fastening element 18 has an external screw thread engageable with the internal screw thread 17 of the retaining element 16 to make the retaining element 16 to press the bottom side of the sliding track 46.
Referring to FIGS. 13C, 13D and 13E, with the internal screw thread 17 formed in the retaining element 16, in a tightening condition, the front end of the fastening element 18 directly presses the bottom side of the sliding track 46. Meanwhile, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 13E, the back side of the retaining element 16 presses the transverse ridge 44 of the sliding track 46. In addition, the retaining element 16 may have a sunken hole (not shown in the drawings) with the bottom side pressed by the front end of the fastening element 18. And the retaining element 16 presses the bottom side of the sliding track 46.
The distal end of the post 4 can be closed through the fixing element 35 to provide axial protection of the elements on the sliding track 46. Referring to FIG. 14, first, insert the plugging sleeve 32 into the axial bore 41 of the post 4 until the edge of the axial bore 41 is extended outside the stopping element 33 of the plugging sleeve 32; next, couple a stamped fixing element 35 which has a holding plate 37 in close contact with the jutting plank 42 of the first coupling portion 45 to form a light clamping to prevent the targeted elements held in the first coupling portion 45 from sliding out; the fixing element 35 is connected to the plugging sleeve 32 through a desired tool, such as a shaft 103 running through openings 36 and 34 of the plugging sleeve 32; the shaft 103 is located at one side of the caster strut 102 which has the axle 101 at another side to couple with the caster 100. Of course, the caster 100 may also be replaced by a pedestal or the like.
Refer to FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C, the upper distal end of the post 4 may be fastened to one fixing element 35 to couple with one end 105 of a lamp set. The end 105 has a detent portion 106 pressing on the fixing element 35. In the drawings the lamp set has a rotary joint 107, a body 108 and a transverse bracket 109 at a lower side, and a rope 110 to fasten the lamp set at a desired position. As shown in FIG. 15B, the fixing element 35 may also be coupled with the end 105 of a handle bar 111 with the detent portion 106 pressing the fixing element 35. Referring to FIG. 15C, the axial bore 41 of the post 4 may also receive the plugging sleeve 32 made of solid metal so that a cover plate 38 can cover the first coupling portion 45. The cover plate 38 has an anchor strut 39 extended from a lower end to latch on the corner 52 of the holding rack 5.
To those skilled in the art, based on the principle previously discussed, the targeted elements can be coupled and assembled through varying approaches to form the modular cabinet 1. While the embodiments set forth above adopt the upright posts 4, the posts may be formed horizontally with the drawer 8 openable downwards without using tools. Assembly and installation can be easily accomplished. The design is elegant and aesthetic appealing. The front panel and lateral sides are formed with fewer elements. In addition, the modular cabinet of the invention provides a greater structural strength. It has a greater strength by itself even without the target elements fastened to the posts 4. The posts 4 are preferably made of a light weight metal, especially continuous shaped material formed by aluminum extrusion and cut at desired lengths according to required functions. The targeted elements are preferable made from plastics, especially by extrusion process. The second coupling portion 13 and the targeted elements may also be formed in an integrated manner.
While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been set forth for the purpose of disclosure, modifications of the disclosed embodiments of the invention as well as other embodiments thereof may occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to cover all embodiments which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Patent Application
20080129160
