PORTABLE CABINET

Abstract

A portable cabinet can provide kitchen or other facilities that can be quickly, and/or temporarily, installed in a user's premises. The portable cabinet may be customized for a variety of uses throughout its life cycle and may also have a structural design that facilitates relocation and transportation from one location to another. A portable cabinet may include a sink or appliances that make use of electrical, plumbing and venting connections.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to the fields of portable cabinetry. In particular, the present application relates to a portable cabinet with utilities that may be easily transported and installed in a variety of situations.

BACKGROUND

While most homes include kitchens and bathrooms having at least a sink and lighting, there is often an interest in providing these features in non-traditional locations in and around a house or other residence. In addition, these features may be needed on a temporary basis, without requiring extensive remodeling or a permanent installation, as is typical for a kitchen or bathroom.

For example, a family member may move into a home temporarily and request a small kitchen in a bedroom or similar location. A college dorm may have a need to create temporary housing in lobbies or other locations where students would need to be able to prepare meals individually. Other locations may benefit from a portable cabinet having power, lighting and water, such as a bar, a garden shed or a fish cleaning station, for example. In addition, a user may have interest in repurposing the portable cabinet by changing its configuration for different uses.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

A portable cabinet may provide facilities that can be quickly, but temporarily, installed. It may be customized for a variety of uses throughout its life cycle, and may also have a structural design that facilitates relocation and transportation from one location to another.

In a first aspect, a portable cabinet may include a body having a height H, a width W and a depth D, wherein a diagonal of H and W is less than eight feet and D is less than 25 inches, said body further comprising a floor and a ceiling having a width W and a depth D, two side walls having a height H and a depth D, and a back wall having a height H and a width W; a first shelf secured to the side walls, the first shelf having a depth approximately equal to D; a first interior wall secured to the floor and the first shelf at a position approximately equidistant between the side walls, the first interior wall having a depth D and a height of approximately 30 to 37 inches; a second shelf secured to the side walls, the second shelf having a depth D₂ of approximately 12-20 inches; a second interior wall secured to the ceiling and the second shelf at a position approximately equidistant between the side walls, the second interior wall having a depth D₂ and a height of approximately 25-32 inches; and first and second doors having height H, width

$\frac{W}{2}$

and a depth D₃, said first and second doors hinge-ably attached to the side walls; wherein the first shelf, first interior wall, second shelf and second interior wall provide structural support when the portable cabinet is moved.

In a further aspect, a portable cabinet may include any or all of a sink secured to the first shelf, the sink further comprising a plumbing conduit and a waste conduit, and an optional light strip attached to a surface interior to the body and a power strip.

In another aspect, the back wall of the cabinet may include openings for providing ventilation.

In additional aspects, the portable cabinet may include any or all of shelves securely mounted inside the body, a shelf mounted on slides under the first shelf and a plurality of drawers mounted inside the body.

In another aspect, the depth of the doors is between approximately 3 and 10 inches and forms an interior space within the doors, one or more retaining devices are detachably mounted inside the interior space of the doors.

The cabinet is especially helpful in small spaces due to its minimal footprint and nice aesthetics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A depicts a portable cabinet, in embodiments.

FIG. 1B depicts an interior view of the portable cabinet of FIG. 1A, in embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the interior view of FIG. 1A, in embodiments.

FIG. 3A is a plan view of the portable cabinet of FIG. 2, in embodiments.

FIGS. 3B and 3C are cross-sectional views of the portable cabinet of FIG. 3A, in embodiments.

FIG. 4A is a face view of the portable cabinet of FIG. 1A, in embodiments.

FIGS. 4B-4D are cross-sectional views of the portable cabinet of FIG. 4A, in embodiments.

FIG. 5 depicts internal features of the portable cabinet of FIG. 1B, in embodiments.

FIG. 6 is an alternative view of the portable cabinet of FIG. 1B, in embodiments.

FIGS. 7A-7C depict an alternative base for use with any portable cabinet, in embodiments.

FIGS. 8A-8B are front and plan views of a portable cabinet with the doors closed, in embodiments.

FIGS. 9A-9B are front and plan views of a portable cabinet of FIGS. 8A-8B with the doors open, in embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

An individual may have an interest in providing storage, cooking, cooling, sink and lighting/power facilities in a variety of non-traditional locations. Further, the requirements may change over time. For example, there may be an interest in providing kitchen facilities in a basement or other areas of a house or used in an auxiliary dwelling unit or tiny house. Cabinet 100 of FIG. 1A may be installed to provide a supplemental kitchen by attaching connections to a sink in cabinet 100 to water and drainage conduits in the house. Subsequently, the kitchen may no longer be needed, at which time cabinet 100 transferred to, for example, a garden shed where the sink may be attached to a garden hose and drain into a rain barrel or bucket. Likewise, cabinet 100 may be adapted to a variety of uses, such as a bar, a fish cleaning station or a kitchen in a temporary housing situation, such as a college dormitory. In places where drainage cannot be accommodated, an auxiliary sump pump may be added to drain the sink. Other uses for cabinet 100 may or may not include a sink hobby work area, office desk, sewing station, gun cabinet, fly lure tying station,

In any of these situations, cabinet 100 may provide facilities that can be quickly, but temporarily, installed. Cabinet 100 may also have a structural design that facilitates relocation and transportation from one location to another throughout its period of use. Although various features are described in the following embodiments, these are to illustrate principles of cabinet 100 and other embodiments are contemplated. For example, cabinet 100 may be used in a way that does not require connections to plumbing or electricity.

FIGS. 1A and 1B shows a portable cabinet 100 with the doors closed and open. FIGS. 1A and 1B are best viewed together in the following description. FIG. 1A shows cabinet 100 with doors 102 in a closed position. Doors 102 are hinge-ably attached to body 112 along line 104 so they may open and close. FIG. 1B shows cabinet 100 with doors 102 in an open position. As shown in FIG. 1B, cabinet 100 includes a body 112 that is configured for use as a kitchen, although other uses are contemplated. In embodiments, various appliances may be installed in cabinet 100 and are representative of the type of devices that may be included in a cabinet, such as refrigerator 106, microwave 108 and hot plate 110. Cabinet 100 is not limited to this set of devices and more, different or fewer devices may be integrated depending on the intended use of cabinet 100.

In embodiments, sink 114 is provided with a plumbing conduit and a waste conduit, not shown. A plumbing conduit extends from the faucet of sink 114 to the exterior of cabinet 100 where it may be releasably connected to a water supply such as pipes inside a house, an outdoor hose, etc. A waste conduit extends from a drain of sink 114 to the exterior of cabinet 100 where it may be releasably connected to an external sewage line or drain or other mechanism for allowing the contents of sink 114 to be removed. Different sizes of sinks, up to 44″ wide may be installed, depending on usage.

As shown in FIG. 1B, doors 102 include a variety of shelves, racks and storage devices for storing items of use in a kitchen, including utensils, paper towels and knives, for example. In embodiments, a user may adapt cabinet 100 to another use by switching the devices to include, for example, wine racks, gun scallops, fishing rod holders. The user will also be able to change the location of accessories within the unit. Doors 102 may be removed from body 112 while moving or transporting cabinet 100.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the interior view of cabinet 100. FIG. 2 illustrates an interior structure for demonstrating principles disclosed herein but other arrangements and positions of walls and shelves are contemplated. Cabinet 100 has a body 112 having a height H, a width W and a depth D such that it may fit through a standard size doorway. Height H and width W are selected to meet the condition that

$\sqrt{H^2+W^2}<H_{\mathrm{MAX}},$

where H_MAX may be approximately 8 ft. The measurement H_MAX is selected so that cabinet 100 may be tilted on one side and moved through a standard size doorway. In an embodiment, H may be approximately 82 inches and W may be approximately 48 inches, although other dimensions are contemplated. Doors 102 have the same height H as body 112, and a width approximately equal to

$\frac{W}{2},$

in this case, approximately 23 inches. The depth D of cabinet 100 will be discussed in connection with FIG. 3.

In embodiments, body 112 of cabinet 100 includes structural features that provide support for cabinet 100 while it is being moved. A counter shelf 115 has dimensions of approximately depth D and spans width W of body 112. It may be secured to side walls 116. An interior wall 118 may be secured between counter shelf 115 and a floor 120 of body 112. The T-shaped structure formed by shelf 155 and interior wall 118 provides structural support when cabinet 100 is moved or transported. An inverse T-shaped structure is formed by shelf 122 and interior wall 124, also providing structural support. Shelf 122 and interior wall 124 may have a depth D₂ that is less than D, for example, approximately 25-32 inches.

Interior wall 118 may have a height H₂<H_MAX such that counter shelf 115 is positioned at a height above the floor approximately equal to a typical kitchen counter height, such as 36-38 inches. One or both of the T-shaped structures formed within body 112 provide structural support so that a back wall of body 112 may be made of a thinner material for easier transportation.

Other structures may be formed within body 112, including shelves 130 and drawers 132, as shown. Structures may be secured in a variety of ways, whether more permanently through screws or flexibly, through the use of pegs. In embodiments, sliding shelf 126 may be mounted on rails that allow it to be moved from a position underneath counter shelf 115 to a position extended outward from body 112.

Cabinet 100 may be made from a variety of materials, including cores of particle board, medium density fiberboard (MDF), high density fiberboard, or plywoods, including indoor, outdoor, honeycomb core, or marine grade. Core coverings may include wood veneers, acrylics, textured melamine, simulated and real stone, concrete, or metals. In embodiments, counter shelf 115 may have an upper surface of a composite laminate such as Formica®. Counter shelf 115 may also include an opening for receiving a sink 114. Other spaces within body 112 may be sized to receive a refrigerator 106 or microwave 108, as shown in FIG. 1B. Cabinet 100 may be provided with a base 128 to raise body 112 off the floor or ground. In embodiments, base 128 is provided with leveling mechanisms. The height of counter shelf 115 and/or base 128 may be selected to increase comfort and convenience of a user of cabinet 100.

FIG. 3A is a plan of view cabinet 100 of FIG. 2. FIGS. 3B and 3C are cross-sectional views of cabinet 100. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of cabinet 100 along the line 3B-3B of FIG. 3. FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of cabinet 100 along the line 3C-3C of FIG. 3A. FIGS. 3B and 3C further illustrate internal structures of FIG. 2 from a side view of cabinet 100.

FIG. 3A shows a plan view of body 112 and doors 102. In embodiments, body 112 is shown with a width W of approximately 48 inches and a depth D of approximately 24 inches. Doors 102 have a depth D₃ of approximately 6 inches and a width of

$\frac{W}{2},$

approximately 24 inches. As noted above, dimensions are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of cabinet 100 and other dimensions are contemplated.

FIG. 3B shows internal structures on one side of cabinet 100, including counter shelf 115 and sliding shelf 126 mounted beneath it. Rails may be provided underneath or along the sides of sliding shelf 126 to enable a sliding motion. Sliding shelf 126 may also include one or more ridges or notches in a front edge to enable a user to grasp sliding shelf 126 to extend it out of body 112 during use. Sliding shelf 126 may be made from various materials, including laminate such as described for counter shelf 115, or material to serve as a cutting board, for example. Shelf 122 having a depth D₂ is shown. One or more additional shelves 130, also having an approximate depth D₂, may be provided. In embodiments, drawers, bins or other storage structures may be used in place of shelves.

FIG. 3C shows internal structures of the other side of cabinet 100. Sink 114 is installed in an opening in counter shelf 115. One or more drawers 132 may be slidably attached to rails 133 underneath counter shelf 115. One or more shelves 130 having a depth D₂ may be secured above shelf 122. Although an arrangement of shelves and drawers is shown, this is for purposes of illustrating various embodiments and is not limiting. Although two sides of cabinet 100 are shown, any of the features described herein may be located on either side, embodiments are not limited to the specific arrangement shown.

FIG. 4A is a face view of cabinet 100, in embodiments. FIGS. 4B-4D are cross-sectional views of cabinet 100 along lines 4B, 4C and 4D respectively.

FIG. 4B shows an area in an upper half of cabinet 100. Shelves 122 and 130 have a depth D₃ that is smaller than depth D of body 112. This provides additional comfort for a user of features in the lower half of cabinet 100. An opening 134 for receiving sink 114 is partially obscured by shelf 130. FIG. 4C shows an area at approximately a midpoint of cabinet 100. Opening 134 in counter shelf 115 for receiving sink 114 is fully shown. In embodiments, opening 134 may be positioned on either side of counter shelf 115, and fully shown in FIG. 4C. An area in a lower half of cabinet 100 below counter shelf 115 is shown in FIG. 4D. A drawer 132 may be located on the side of cabinet 100 below opening 134. As above, one or more drawers 132 may be positioned on either side of cabinet 100. The area below counter shelf 115 may also be open to receive an appliance like a small refrigerator, for example.

FIG. 5 depicts additional internal features of cabinet 100. In embodiments, one or more light strips may be provided within body 112 of cabinet 100. As depicted in FIG. 5, light strip 136 may be mounted inside body 112 just under the ceiling. Light strip 138 may also be mounted under shelf 122, for example, or under floor 120 of body 112 (not shown). In embodiments, one or all of the light strips shown in FIG. 5 may be included in cabinet 100. Back wall 140 of body 112 may be provided with pre-cut openings for electrical, plumbing and venting connections. For example, cutout 142 may allow for plumbing connections for sink 114 (not shown). Cutout 144 may allow for electrical connections and cutout 146 may provide for venting for a refrigerator appliance. Cutout 148 provides access through the back of cabinet 100 to a microwave or similar appliance. The shapes and locations of cutouts 142, 144, 146 and 148 are for purposes of illustration only, other configurations and locations within cabinet 100 are contemplated, such as in either sidewall or the top of body 112.

Base 128 may extend across the width of body 112 as shown in FIG. 4A. In embodiments, base 128 may include feet 150 spaced along the width of body 112. Further feet 150 may be bars within base 128 that extend the across the full depth of body 112 to provide additional support for cabinet 100.

In embodiments, a light source for the interior of cabinet 100 may be any flexible or rigid strip light, although any conveniently mounted lights may be used. A light strip may include a strip of one or more LED lights, or individual lights mounted as a unit. Light strips may be electrically connected to a switch mounted inside or outside cabinet 100. Light strips may also be connected to a hinge-mounted switch so they are turned on when one or both doors are opened and turned off when one or both doors are closed. Light strips may include one or more outlets for providing an electrical connection to various appliances, such as a microwave, refrigerator or hot plate. Further, a separate outlet strip may be provided for use by appliances installed in cabinet 100. Wiring may be accomplished through internal conduit or raceways provided for customer wiring, or pre-installed conduit, raceways, junction boxes, and outlet boxes. Lighting transformers, if used, may be affixed to the inside or outside of the assembly. A combination of 120V AC, 220V AC, 12V DC or 24 V DC may be used for lighting or accessory power.

FIG. 6 is a view of a portable cabinet 200, in embodiments. Cabinet 200 is similar to cabinet 100 with an alternative internal configuration to illustrate the principles discussed herein. As shown in FIG. 6, shelf 122 has a width of approximately

$\frac{W}{2}.$

This allows the installation of an undermount microwave, which may be attached to shelf 152. This embodiment may be used, for example, with a microwave having a vent/fan on its lower surface. Alternatively, the embodiment of FIG. 6 allows for the use of an appliance requiring more space, such as a hotplate 154 as shown, or a taller appliance such as a coffeemaker or stand mixer, for example.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a base 160 for use with any portable cabinets disclosed herein. FIG. 7B is a plan view of base 160 and FIG. 7C is a perspective bottom view of base 160. FIGS. 7A-7C are best viewed together in the following description.

Base 160 includes leveling hardware 166 so that base 160 may be leveled prior to installation of cabinet 100. As shown, leveling hardware 166 is located in the corners of base 160, but it could be positioned in other locations within base 160, as well. Support beams 164 provide structural support for cabinet 100. In embodiments, one or more bubble levels 163 may be used to level base 160. Although five bubble levels are shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, any number and positioning of levels may be provided as needed. After base 160 is leveled, any of the portable cabinets disclosed herein may be secured to base 160 using mounting holes 162 and corresponding mounting holes in the floor of body 112, for example.

FIGS. 8A-8B are front and plan views of an alternative portable cabinet with the doors closed, in embodiments. Additional features may be used with cabinet 100. For example, a shelving unit 170 may be attached to one side of body 112. Shelving unit 170 may have the same height H as body 112 or a different height. The depth D₄ of shelving unit 170 is selected so that doors 102 may fold flat against shelving unit 170 when opened, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, the optional shelving unit and fold-down table. A fold-down table 172 may also be hinge-ably attached to a side wall of body 112. Fold-down table 172 may rest flat against the side wall of body 112, then be opened in the direction of array 174 when in use. In embodiments, fold-down table 172 may have a variety of widths as long as fold-down table 172 clears the floor when in a folded position. A support bar or other mechanism (not shown) may be used to maintain fold-down table 172. In embodiments, fold-down table 172 has a depth D₄ similar to that of shelving unit 170 to allow for opening door 102.

FIGS. 9A-9B are front and plan views of a portable cabinet of FIGS. 8A-8B with the doors open, in embodiments. Doors 102 are open and folded flat against shelving unit 170 and fold-down table 172. In embodiments, the positions of shelving unit 170 and fold-down table 172 may be reversed. Further, a shelving unit 170 may be positioned on both sides of body 112. Additionally, fold-down table 172 or other features may be positioned on either or both sides of body 112.

A variety of construction techniques may be used to assemble any portable cabinet disclosed herein. In embodiments, these techniques may include screws, pegs, nails, tongue and groove, etc. Further, construction techniques may include connectors that can be assembled or disassembled, such as Lamello Clamex® P-14 connectors. In embodiments, any of the portable cabinets disclosed herein may be provided to a user in an assembled or disassembled state. If a cabinet is provided to a user in a disassembled state, ready to assemble connectors may be used at fixed joints.

In embodiments, any portable cabinet as disclosed herein may include anti-tip brackets in the base, back, or top of the cabinet. Further, anti-tip straps at the back or top of the cabinet to secure the cabinet to a wall or other permanent structure.

Changes may be made in the above methods and systems without departing from the scope hereof. Any of the devices described herein may be removed or replaced, and other devices and accessories may be added to cabinet 100, such as wine glass rack, show rails, paper towel hanger, knife racks, towel hooks, drying racks, cutlery cups, gun scallops, fishing rod holders, peg boards, garden implement holders and magnetic strips, for example. Any number of shelves may be mounted on rails so them may be extended to increase workspace.

It should thus be noted that the matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Herein, and unless otherwise indicated: (a) the adjective “exemplary” means serving as an example, instance, or illustration, and (b) the phrase “in embodiments” is equivalent to the phrase “in certain embodiments,” and does not refer to all embodiments. The following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features described herein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present method and system, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

1. A portable cabinet, comprising: a body having a height H, a width W and a depth D, wherein a diagonal of L and W is less than eight feet and D is less than 25 inches, said body further comprising a floor and a ceiling having width W and depth D, two side walls having height H and depth D, and a back wall having height H and width W;a first shelf secured to the side walls, the first shelf having a depth approximately equal to D;a first interior wall secured to the floor and the first shelf at a position approximately equidistant between the side walls, the first interior wall having depth D and a height of approximately 30 to 37 inches;a second shelf secured to the side walls, the second shelf having a depth D2 of approximately 12-20 inches; anda second interior wall secured to the ceiling and the second shelf at a position approximately equidistant between the side walls, the second interior wall having depth D2 and a height of approximately 25-32 inches; andfirst and second doors having height H, width

2. The portable cabinet of claim 1, further comprising: a sink secured to the first shelf, the sink further comprising a plumbing conduit and a waste conduit.

3. The portable cabinet of claim 1, further comprising at least one light strip attached to a surface interior to the body.

4. The portable cabinet of claim 1, further comprising a power strip secured inside the body.

5. The portable cabinet of claim 1, wherein the back wall further comprises openings for providing ventilation.

6. The portable cabinet of claim 1, further comprising a third shelf mounted on slides under the first shelf.

7. The portable cabinet of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of drawers mounted inside the body.

8. The portable cabinet of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of additional shelves securely mounted inside the body.

9. The portable cabinet of claim 1, wherein the depth D3 of the first and second doors is between approximately 3 and 10 inches and forms an interior space within the first and second doors.

10. The portable cabinet of claim 9, wherein one or more retaining devices are mounted inside the interior space of the first and second doors.

11. The portable cabinet of claim 10, wherein the one or more retaining devices are detachably mounted.

12. The portable cabinet of claim 1, further comprising a fold-down table hinge-ably attached to an exterior surface of a side wall of the body.

13. The portable cabinet of claim 1, further comprising a shelving unit attaches to an exterior surface of a side wall of the body.

14. The portable cabinet of claim 1, the back wall further comprises a plurality of cutouts for providing electrical, plumbing and venting connections.

15. The portable cabinet of claim 1, further comprising a base for supporting the floor of the portable cabinet.

16. The portable cabinet of claim 15, wherein the base further comprises leveling hardware.

17. The portable cabinet of claim 16, further comprising anti-tip brackets in at least one of the base, the back wall, or a top of the portable cabinet.

18. The portable cabinet of claim 17, further comprising anti-tip straps at the back wall or top of the portable cabinet.