Workstation

Abstract

A workstation includes a base workstation compartment including a floor, a plurality of side walls, a top member, and a back member, each of the side walls being joined to the floor, the back member, and the top member forming a first cavity with a first depth; at least one multi-fold door rotatably coupled to each of the side walls, wherein the at least one multi-fold door includes a secondary structure and a tertiary structure, wherein the secondary structure is rotatably coupled on a first side to the side walls of the base workstation compartment, the secondary structure defining a secondary compartment that has a second cavity with a second depth; the tertiary structure is rotatably coupled to a second side of the secondary structure; and a base table connected to the first cavity.

Description

BACKGROUND

Many homeowners want a specific place for doing projects but have limited space and finances to build something custom for their needs. This furniture has been adapted for various kinds of projects such as crafting/hobby, sewing, home office, fly fishing etc.

The following design patents illustrate ornamental designs of various desks. U.S. Des. Pat. No. 376,491, issued to James O. Kelley on Dec. 17, 1996, illustrates a computer secretary. The ornamental design includes two separate compartments enclosed by four doors. The compartments include shelves, drawers, and a work surface, but does not include a bifolding door. U.S. Des. Pat. No. 376,496, issued to Kelly, et al. on Dec. 17, 1996, illustrates a computer workplace having one major compartment enclosed by two doors, not bi-fold doors.

The following patents disclose various types of desks and work stations. U.S. Pat. No. 1,099,521, issued to Abbe Sprung on Jun. 9, 1914, describes an office desk including a pigeon hole rack in which letters or papers may be quickly filed. It has an ordinary flat top desk which may raise the pigeon hole rack by a trip element actuated by the operator.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,974, issued to Alan R. Monson on Jun. 16, 1992, describes a computer desk apparatus with parallel walls formed with a front wall defining a central cavity. The central cavity is positioned between a right series of storage drawers and a left storage door positioned hingedly in front of a printer cavity which further includes a medially positioned slide-out drawer. Extending upwardly from a lower desk plate are right and left storage shelves. The upper cavity includes a roll-top member directed over the cavity to provide protection for the organization when not in use.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,940, issued to Michael B. Richard on Jan. 7, 1997, describes a sliding rack cabinet for dressers. The cabinet includes a rectilinearly shaped cabinet member having a peripheral edge wall. The back wall is connected to and spanning the peripheral edge wall. A tie is rack mounted to the peripheral edge wall adjacent to the top edge wall.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,264, issued to David T. Koch on Dec. 9, 1997, describes a portable office unit with an enclosure that includes two hingedly connected shells. U.S. Pat. No. 5,738,422, issued to Welborn, Jr. et al. on Apr. 14, 1998, describes a computer work station which includes a first desk unit with a front tapered edge. The first desk unit has an electrical control panel with surge protected outlets. The work station has a second desk unit, one end of the second desktop being inserted into and supported by a support rail in a bookcase and the other end being placed upon and secured to a file cabinet.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,758, issued to James O. Kelley on Dec. 1, 1998, describes a sky cabinet work station having a pair of opposing side panels which have vertically oriented elongated members. The top includes a transparent or translucent panel which is adapted to transmit light through the panel to illuminate the work station.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,905, issued to James O. Kelley on Oct. 21, 1997, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,833, issued to James O. Kelley on Jul. 27, 1999, both describes a concealed desk which comprises a desktop or work surface with supporting side panels, a kneehole opening, and storage compartments. The front of the desk is enclosable by folding doors mounted on front side edges of the desk's side panels.

When the doors are opened, the doors preferably fold against the side panels of the desk and do not obstruct either the appearance or the use of the desk. The desktop surface of the desk is concealed by an upper storage unit that is mounted on the desktop or that comprises an extension of the desk, above the desktop or work surface. Full lengths doors enclose both the upper and lower portions of the desk to give the furniture the appearance of an armoire. French Pat. No. 2,650,494, published Feb. 8, 1991, describes a work place for a computer having lower shelving and storage units.

Other workstations are disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2008/0030002 issued to Glenn Jankins; 2011/0037360 issued to Glenn Jankins; and 2016/0166057 issued to Wayne Hubert. Each of the above mentioned documents are herein incorporated by reference for all that they disclose.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a workstation includes a base workstation compartment including a floor, a plurality of side walls, a top member, and a back member, each of the side walls being joined to the floor, the back member, and the top member forming a first cavity with a first depth; at least one multi-fold door rotatably coupled to each of the side walls, wherein the at least one multi-fold door includes a secondary structure and a tertiary structure, wherein the secondary structure is rotatably coupled on a first side to the side walls of the base workstation compartment, the secondary structure defining a secondary compartment that has a second cavity with a second depth; the tertiary structure is rotatably coupled to a second side of the secondary structure; and a base table connected slidably connected to the first cavity.

The base table may include a sliding section, and a pivot section hinged to the sliding section.

The workstation may include a first sliding surface connected to a first side wall of the base workstation compartment and a second sliding surface connected to a second side wall of the base workstation compartment where the sliding section of the base table is slidably attached to the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface.

The workstation may include a first arched surface connected to a first side wall of the base workstation compartment and a second arched surface connected to a second side wall of the base workstation compartment where the pivot section of the base table is movably attached to the first arched surface and the second arched surface.

The workstation may include a pin connected to pivot section of the base table where at least one of the first arched surface and the second arched surface is defined by an arched groove and the pin connects the pivot section to the arched groove.

The pivot section of the base table may include a hinged edge pivotally connected to the sliding section and a back edge opposite of the hinged edge where the pivot section is pivotable with respect to the sliding section so that the back edge is level with the hinged edge when the sliding section is moved forward out of the first cavity and so that the back edge is elevated towards the top member when the sliding section is retracted into the first cavity.

The workstation may include a handle incorporated into the back edge.

The sliding section may include a table cavity defined in a working surface of the sliding section where the table cavity includes a cavity floor spaced below and apart from the working surface at a distance and the cavity floor is connected to the working surface by at least one cavity side wall.

The workstation may include a foldout table foldably connected to the secondary structure.

The foldout table may include a storage position that is sandwiched between the secondary structure and the tertiary structure.

The workstation may include a foldable leg connected to the foldout table where the foldable leg is positioned adjacent to the tertiary structure when the foldout table is sandwiched between the secondary structure and the tertiary structure.

The foldout table may be level with the base table when the foldout table is in an unfolded position.

The tertiary structure may include a tertiary compartment defined at least in part by a tertiary depth of the tertiary structure.

The secondary compartment may include a first height where the tertiary compartment includes a tertiary height that is between ¾ and ¼ the secondary height.

The workstation may include a foldout table connected to the secondary compartment where a bottom edge of the tertiary compartment is located above the foldout table when the foldout table is in an unfolded position.

In one embodiment, a workstation includes a base workstation compartment including a floor, a plurality of side walls, a top member, and a back member, each of the side walls being joined to the floor, the back member, and the top member forming a first cavity with a first depth; at least one multi-fold door rotatably coupled to each of the side walls, wherein the at least one multi-fold door includes a secondary structure and a tertiary structure, wherein the secondary structure is rotatably coupled on a first side to the side walls of the base workstation compartment, the secondary structure defining a secondary compartment that has a second cavity with a second depth; the tertiary structure is rotatably coupled to a second side of the secondary structure; a base table connected slidably connected to the first cavity; and a foldout table connected to the bi-fold door where the foldout table is level with the base table when the foldout table is in an unfolded position.

The tertiary structure may include a tertiary compartment defined at least in part by a tertiary depth of the tertiary structure.

The secondary compartment may include a first height where the tertiary compartment includes a tertiary height that is between ¾ and ¼ the secondary height.

The workstation may include a foldout table connected to the secondary compartment where a bottom edge of the tertiary compartment is located above the foldout table when the foldout table is in an unfolded position.

In one embodiment, a workstation includes a base workstation compartment including a floor, a plurality of side walls, a top member, and a back member, each of the side walls being joined to the floor, the back member, and the top member forming a first cavity with a first depth; at least one multi-fold door rotatably coupled to each of the side walls, wherein the at least one multi-fold door includes a secondary structure and a tertiary structure, wherein the secondary structure is rotatably coupled on a first side to the side walls of the base workstation compartment, the secondary structure defining a secondary compartment that has a second cavity with a second depth; the tertiary structure is rotatably coupled to a second side of the secondary structure; a base table connected slidably connected to the first cavity wherein the base table includes a sliding section and a pivot section hinged to the sliding section; a foldout table connected to the bi-fold door; the foldout table is level with the sliding section of the base table when the foldout table is in an unfolded position; a first arched surface connected to a first side wall of the base workstation compartment; a second arched surface connected to a second side wall of the base workstation compartment; and the pivot section of the base table is movably attached to the first arched surface and the second arched surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present apparatus and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present apparatus and do not limit the scope thereof.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an example of a workstation in a closed position according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of an example of a workstation in an open position according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of an example of a workstation in a closed position according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts a front view of an example of a workstation transitioning from a storage position to an unfolded position according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts a front view of an example of a workstation transitioning from a storage position to an unfolded position according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 depicts a front view of an example of a workstation transitioning from a storage position to an unfolded position according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 depicts a front view of an example of a workstation transitioning from a storage position to an unfolded position according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 depicts a front view of an example of a workstation transitioning from a storage position to an unfolded position according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 depicts a front view of an example of a workstation in an unfolded position according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 depicts a front view of an example of a workstation with one bi-fold door in an unfolded position according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 depicts a front view of an example of a workstation with one bi-fold door in an unfolded position according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of an example of a first cavity of a workstation according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 depicts a view of an example of a base table in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 depicts a view of an example of a base table in accordance with the present disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “aligned” means parallel, substantially parallel, or forming an angle of less than 35.0 degrees. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “transverse” means perpendicular, substantially perpendicular, or forming an angle between 55.0 and 125.0 degrees. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “length” means the longest dimension of an object. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “width” means the dimension of an object from side to side. Often, the width of an object is transverse the object's length.

According to the principles described herein, the workstation includes a number of advantageous features including, but in no way limited to, a plurality of multi-fold doors for maximizing storage space when open and minimizing storage space when not in use. Such a workstation may include adjustable shelves, clips for removable bins, perforated hardboards, and the like. Further details of the workstation are provided below with reference to the Figures.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the workstation. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present workstation may be practiced without these specific details. Reference in the specification to “one example” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one example of the workstation. The appearance of the phrase “in one example” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment of the workstation.

As mentioned, FIGS. 1-2 illustrate various views of the workstation 100 according to one example. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the workstation 100 have the form of an armoire. The workstation 100 may be made of any appropriate type of material including, but not limited to, metal, wood, plastic, composites, other types of material, or combinations thereof.

When closed, the workstation 100 includes a pair of multi-fold door set 102 with a first door 104 and a second door 106. In some examples, at least one of the doors 104, 106 is equipped with handles. Further, any appropriate type of decorations may be included on the exterior of the workstation 100. For example, the exterior of the workstation may include a facade that provides an aesthetic look. Such a look may be provided by any number of materials including, but in no way limited to, wood, plastic, metal, composites, posters, and/or combinations thereof.

As demonstrated in FIG. 2, the multi-fold doors 104, 106 may be opened to provide access to the storage capacity of the workstation 100. The workstation 100 may include a base workstation compartment 200 that includes a floor 202, a plurality of side walls 204, a top member 206, and a back member 208. Each of the side walls 204 being joined to the floor 202, back member 208, and top member 206 forming a first cavity 210 with a first depth 212. Each of the doors 104, 106 may be rotatably coupled to each of the side walls 204.

At least one multi-fold door 104, 106 may include a secondary compartment 214 and a tertiary compartment 216. The secondary compartment 214 is rotatably coupled on a first side 217 to the side walls 204 of the base workstation compartment 200. In some examples, the secondary compartment 214 is coupled to the base workstation compartment 200 though a continuous hinge, a plurality of discrete hinges, other types of connectors, or combinations thereof. The secondary compartment may include a second cavity 218 with a second depth 220 that is less than the first depth 212.

The tertiary compartment 216 may also be rotatably coupled to a second side 222 of the secondary compartment 214. Likewise, the tertiary compartment 216 may be coupled to the secondary compartment 214 though a continuous hinge, a plurality of discrete hinges, other types of connectors, or combinations thereof. The tertiary compartment 216 may form a third cavity 224 with a third depth 226 that is less than the second depth 220.

When the workstation is in the open position, each of the first cavity 210, the second cavities 218, and the third cavities 224 are accessible to a user from a single side of the workstation 100. To close the workstation, the tertiary compartments 216 are folded into the secondary compartments 214. Then, the multi-fold doors, which collectively include the secondary compartment 214 and tertiary compartment 216, are rotated towards the first cavity 210 of the base workstation compartment 200. The tertiary compartment 216 may include a tertiary height that is less than the first height of the base workstation compartment 200. As such, when the multi-fold doors 104, 106 are closed, the tertiary compartment 216 may enter and reside within the first cavity 210 of the base workstation compartment 200. The secondary height of the secondary compartment 214 may be the same as the first height of the base workstation compartment 200. As such, when the tertiary compartment 216 is brought together with the secondary compartment 214, a step is formed in the multi-fold doors' top surface. However, with the tertiary compartment 216 within the first cavity 210, the step is obscured from view. In the illustrated example, the top surface of the secondary compartment 214 and the top surface of the base workstation compartment 200 are flush with each other when the workstation 100 is closed. Thus, from the outside, the workstation 100 may appear to have just the base workstation compartment 200 and the secondary compartments 214.

With the base workstation compartment 200, the secondary compartments 214, and the tertiary 216 in the arrangement as described above, the workstation 100 can occupy a small space when the workstation 100 is in the closed position. However, when open, the workstation 100 makes accessible all of the compartments 200, 214, 216 in an expanded space that makes a large amount of storage space accessible to the user from a single side of the workstation 100.

In alternative examples, at least one of the multi-doors includes a quaternary compartment, a quinary compartment, a senary compartment, another type of compartment, or combinations thereof. Such additional compartments may sequentially fold in with the secondary and tertiary compartments 214, 216 or fold in different directions than the secondary and tertiary compartments 214, 216.

FIG. 3 depicts an example of a workstation 300 in a closed position. The first multi-fold door 302 and the second multi-fold door 304 are in storage positions to where each of these doors 302, 304 are adjacent to one another. In this example, the top member 306 extends over the first and second multi-fold doors 302, 304.

FIGS. 4-7 depict an example of a workstation 300 transitioning from the storage position to an unfolded position. As can be seen in these figures, the first and second multi-fold doors 302, 304 each include a secondary structure of walls that include a secondary height 310 that is similar to the height of the base workstation compartment 308. Also, each of the multi-fold doors 302, 304 include a secondary depth 312 that defines in part the secondary cavities of the multi-fold doors 302, 304. Each of the multi-fold doors 302, 304 include a storage face side 314 and an unfolded access side (316, FIG. 6).

The tertiary structure 318 is connected to the unfolded access side 316 of the secondary structure. In this example, the tertiary structure 318 is connected to the second side 320 of the secondary structure through a plurality of hinges 322. In this example, the tertiary structure 318 includes a tertiary height 324 that is less than the secondary height 310. In this illustrated example, the tertiary height 324 is approximately half the secondary height 310 and the tertiary structure 324 is connected to the top portion of the secondary structure.

As the first and second multi-fold doors 302, 304 move from the storage position to the unfolded position, the multi-fold doors 302, 304 move away from a location that is subjacent to the top member 306.

FIG. 5 depicts the multi-fold doors 302, 304 moved out farther from the storage position. In this example, the tertiary depth 500 of the tertiary structure 318 is depicted. In this example, the tertiary depth 500 is less than a quarter of the secondary depth 312.

Additionally, components, such as shelves 502 and a base table 504 of the base workstation compartment 308, are visible thought the opening between the multi-fold doors 302, 304. Also, in this example, a light 506 is depicted on the underside of the top member 306.

FIGS. 6 and 7 depict shelves 502 in the secondary compartment 600. The tertiary structure 318 is positioned in a storage position, even though the secondary structure is almost transitioned away from its storage position to its unfolded position. In this storage position, the tertiary structure 318 is in front of and obscures at least a portion of the secondary compartment 600. The tertiary structure 318 includes a tertiary storage face 602 that is visible in the example of FIG. 6. The tertiary structure 318 also includes a tertiary access side (800, FIG. 8) that is opposite the tertiary storage face 602. In some cases, the tertiary storage face 602 includes a blackboard, a dry erase board, another type of writing surface, hangers, pictures, or the like.

FIG. 8 depicts an example of the secondary structure in an unfolded position and the tertiary structure 318 in an unfolded position. In this example, the tertiary access sides 800 of the tertiary structure 318 are depicted. The tertiary depth 500 defines, in part, a tertiary compartment. The tertiary compartment may include shelves, hangers, fasteners, sliding drawers, and so forth.

Additionally, the secondary compartment also includes shelves. In other examples, the secondary compartment may include hangers, fasteners, sliding drawers, and so forth. A foldout table 802 is connected to each of the secondary compartments. In this example, the foldout tables 802 are in a storage position and the underside 804 of the foldout tables 802 are aligned with the secondary height 310 of the secondary structure. A foldout leg 806 is attached to the underside 804 of the foldout table 802. In some examples, the foldout table 802 is hinged to the secondary compartment.

While this example depicts the foldout table attached to the secondary structure, in other examples the foldout table may be attached to the tertiary structure. Further, while the illustrated example depicts the distal end of the foldout table elevated above a hinged end of the foldout table when the foldout table is in the storage position, in other examples the foldout table may fold downward so that the distal end is proximate the bottom of the secondary compartment when in the storage position.

FIG. 9 depicts an example of the workstation 300 in an unfolded position. In this example each of the secondary structures and tertiary structures 318 are in unfolded positions. The base table 504 is slid into an extended position and the foldout tables are in unfolded positions. In the unfolded position, foldable legs 806 of the base table 504 and the foldout tables 802 are unfolded to support the underside of their respective tables. In some examples, the base table 504 does not include a leg under its sliding section, but is supported through the structure of base workstation compartment in other ways. While this example has been described with reference to having foldable legs to support the tables, other types of legs may be used. For example, in those cases where the tables are supported with legs, the legs may be detatchable legs, telescoping legs, other types of legs, or combinations thereof. Further, in some cases, the tables may cantilever out so that their distal ends are not supported by legs, but are supported through the workstation's structure in other ways.

In the illustrated example, the base table 504 and the foldout tables 802 are flush or level with each other when in their respective extended and unfolded positions. This may allow the user to have a continuous work surface from one type of table to the other. In some of these cases, a gap exists between the base table and at least one of the foldout tables 802, but in other examples, these tables are fitted side by side to one another. In some cases, a locking mechanism may be used to lock these different tables together. In other examples, these tables are at different heights.

The top member 306 may include a light is that is positioned to provide optimal lighting on the surface of the sliding section of the base table 504 when the base table 504 is in the extended position. In some cases, the top member 306 cantilevers out over the base table 504 when the base table 504 is in the extended position.

The base table 504 may include a sliding section 900 and a pivot section 902. In some cases, the pivot section 902 is connected to the sliding section 900. The first side wall 904 of the base workstation compartment may include an arched surface 906 in which a pin or other feature of the pivot section 902 may move against when the sliding section 900 of the base table 504 slide out. The arched surface 906 may be incorporated in a groove defined in the first side wall 904. In other examples, the arched surface may be provided with a separate component that is affixed to the first side wall 904. The second side wall 908 of the base workstation compartment may also include an arched surface 906.

In a storage position, the sliding section 900 of the base table 504 is located within a depth of the base workstation compartment, and the pivot section 902 is folded upwards and is transversely oriented with respect to the sliding section 900. As the sliding section 900 of the base table 504 is extended outward, the arched surface 906 may guide the pivot section 902 from a storage position where the pivot section 902 is transversely oriented with respect to the sliding section 900 of the base table 504 to an extended position where the pivot section 902 is aligned with the sliding section 900.

In alternative embodiments, the first and second side walls 904, 908 of the base workstation compartment do not provide guides to force the pivot movement of the pivot section 902. In these examples, the pivot section 902 may still fold upwards into the base workstation compartment, but the user may have to fold the pivot section 902 upwards rather than having the assistance of the arched surface.

In embodiments with an arched surface and in those embodiments without an arched surface, the distal side 910 of the pivot section 902 may include a handle to provide the user with a gripping point to assist with moving the pivot section 902. Although, in other examples, the pivot section 902 does not include a handle.

The base table 504 may also include a table cavity 912 defined in a working surface 914 of the base table 504. The table cavity 912 may include at least one cavity side wall 916 connected to a cavity floor 918. The cavity floor 918 may close off the table cavity 912 and provide a support surface for equipment, like sewing machines 920. In some cases, it may be desirable to have the sewing machine 920 resting on a surface, such as the cavity floor 918, that is lower than the working surface 914 to assist with moving the fabric through the sewing machine 920. In some cases, pads may be used to raise or lower the height of the support surface in the table cavity 912 to accommodate different types of sewing machines.

The workstation may include a number of adjustable shelves or permanently fixed shelves. Each adjustable shelf may be secured to brackets that are connected to back members of any of the compartments. The shelves may be in the base workstation compartment, the secondary compartment, the tertiary compartment, or combinations thereof.

The adjustable shelves may be positioned according to the type of object that is desired to be stored on the shelves. For example, tools, papers, scrapbooking materials, sewing equipment, fabric, or other objects that has a height of two feet while resting on a shelf may dictate that a space between shelves be at least two feet to accommodate that object. However, other objects with shorter heights may allow other shelves to be spaced closer together. Additionally, the width of the object may also dictate whether the adjustable shelf for that object is secured within the secondary compartment, the tertiary compartment, or the base workstation compartment. For example, the secondary compartment has a greater depth than the tertiary compartment. Thus, a user may select the secondary compartment to store objects that can benefit from the compartment's greater depth.

In addition to the adjustable shelves, a detachable bins may be secured to hooks incorporated into the back members of any of the compartments. In some cases, the hooks are secured to just one of the tertiary compartments. The bins may be sized based on the desired objects to be stored within the bins. For example, a small bin may be selected to be secured with the hooks for small objects such as specific types of nails, screws, other types of fasteners, washers, sewing needles, cloth pins, sewing thread, fabric, scissors, stamps, hole punches, measuring tapes, other objects, or combinations thereof. Such small bins may use a single hook when being secured to the back members. In other examples, larger bins to store larger objects, may use multiple hooks, such as multiple hooks on a single row, when being secured to the back member.

Further, a perforated hardboard may be incorporated into any of the compartments. The perforated hardboard may be secured to the back member of the selected compartment. Preformed holes, such as pre-drilled holes, may be spaced throughout the perforated hardboard. The holes may be used to accept pegs or hooks that can be used to support various items, such as sewing threads, needles, yarn, fabric, other types of tools, other types of supplies, or combinations thereof. The perforated hardboard may be made of any appropriate type of material, such as metal, plastic, wood, composites, other types of materials, or combinations thereof.

While this example has been described with reference to the adjustable shelves, brackets, bin hooks, and perforated hardboard being located in specific compartments of the workstation, each of the adjustable shelves, brackets, bin hooks, and perforated hardboard may be located collectively or individually with the different compartments of the workstation. In some examples, all of the compartments include the perforated hardboard while in other examples just a subset of the compartments includes the perforated hardboard. In yet other examples, none of the compartments include the perforated hardboard. Likewise, all of the compartments include the adjustable shelves while in other examples just a subset of the compartments includes the adjustable shelves. In yet other examples, none of the compartments include the bin hooks. Similarly, all of the compartments include the bin hooks while in other examples just a subset of the compartments includes the bin hooks. In yet other examples, none of the compartments include the bin hooks. While the examples above have been described with reference to specific types of mechanism for storing tools and supplies in the various compartments of the workstation (e.g. the shelves, hooks, and perforated hardboard), other types of mechanisms for storing tools and/or supplies in the compartments of the workstation may be used in accordance with the principles described in the present disclosure.

In some cases, the workstation may also include a power strip (not shown) integrally wired into the workstation. In some examples, a surge protected power strip may provide a convenient location for a person using the workstation to plug-in electronic devices including, but in no way limited to, grinders, power tools, saws, welders, computers, printers, radios, televisions, sewing machines, cloth irons, surgers, and the like.

In some examples, a light fixture is incorporated into the top member of the base workstation compartment. In such examples, the light fixture may be positioned over the folding table to provide light to the user utilizing the table during his or her project.

In another example, the back member of the base workstation compartment includes at least one opening to receive a screw or another type of fastener for securing the workstation to a wall. Such fasteners may prevent against theft.

In addition to the above-mentioned capabilities, the workstation may include a number of wheels coupled to the bottom members of the compartments. The wheels may support the workstation and allow for the workstation to be movable as desired by the user. Consequently, the workstation may be stored in a small out of the way location in a user's home and may then be wheeled to a convenient location for use.

FIGS. 10 and 11 depict an example of the workstation 300 partially in an unfolded position and partially in a storage position.

FIG. 12 depicts an example of the base workstation compartment 1200 without multi-fold doors for illustrative purposes. In this example, the base table is also removed for illustrative purposes. The first side wall 1202 includes a sliding surface 1204 and an arched surface 1206.

The sliding surface 1204 may include protrusion where the top surface of the protrusion is the sliding surface. In other examples, the sliding surface 1204 may be formed by a groove integrally formed in the first side wall 1202. In other examples, a component may be affixed to the first side wall 1202 that provides the sliding surface 1204.

The sliding section of the base table may ride on top of the sliding surface. In some cases, the sliding section of the base table is interlocked with the sliding surface to limit the movement of the sliding surface to bi-directional movement aligned with the sliding surface and just within a sliding range that is determined, in part, by the length of the sliding surface. In other examples, the sliding section of the base table is not interlocked with the sliding surface. In at least some of these examples, the sliding section is movable in more directions than just the bidirectional movements aligned with the sliding surface.

The arched surface 1206 may include protrusion where the top surface of the protrusion is the sliding surface. In other examples, the arched surface 1206 may be formed by a groove integrally formed in the first side wall 1202. In other examples, a component may be affixed to the first side wall 1202 that provides the arched surface 1206.

The pivot section of the base table may ride on top of the arched surface. In some cases, the pivot section of the base table is interlocked with the arched surface to limit the movement of the sliding surface to movement aligned with the arched surface and just within a range that is determined, in part, by the length of the arched surface. In other examples, the pivot section of the base table is not interlocked with the arched surface. In at least some of these examples, the pivot section is movable in more directions than just the movements restricted to the arched surface.

In the example of FIG. 12, the arched surface 1206 is defined by a groove 1208 defined in the first side wall 1202, which forms a track. A pin or other type of attachment to the pivot section of the base table may be at least partially disposed with the track, which guides the movement of the pivot section. The groove 1208 may include first end 1210 that corresponds with a storage position of the base table, and a second end 1212 that corresponds with an extended position of the base table.

In some embodiments, as the sliding section of the table slides outward from the first cavity of the base workstation compartment, the movement of the sliding section pulls the hinged edge of the pivot section with the sliding section. As the hinged edge is pulled outward, the entire pivot section is moved, but the movement is restricted by the pin that interlocks the pivot section to the arched surface. Thus, the pivot section is forced to pivot about the pin in the groove 1208 as well as the pivot about the hinges connecting the pivot section to the sliding section. The dual pivot movement causes the orientation of the pivot section to transition from a transversely oriented position with respect to the sliding section to an orientation that is more closely aligned with the sliding section. The pivot section is also moved forward with the sliding section that also pulls the pin along the groove 1208 from the first end 1210 to the second end 1212.

Conversely, as the sliding section is pushed back into the base workstation compartment towards the back member, the pin slides back from the second end 1212 to the first end 1210, and the pivot sections pivots about both the pin and the hinges causing the pivot section to transition between the aligned orientation to the transverse orientation.

FIGS. 13 and 14 depict an example of a base table 1300. In this example, the base table includes a sliding section 1302 and a pivot section 1304. In this example, the sliding section 1302 is connected to a hinged edge 1306 of the pivot section 1304 with at least one hinge 1308. The pivot section 1304 also includes a distal edge 1310 opposite the hinged edge 1306. As the sliding section is moved outward, the pivot section 1304 can rotate about the axis.

The sliding section 1302 includes at first flange 1312 and a second flange 1314. In some cases, the undersides of the first and second flanges 1312, 1314 may make contact with the sliding surfaces of the side walls. In other cases, the flanges 1312, 1314 may include a geometry that interlocks with the sliding surface. In yet another example, the flanges may form a bridge that connects the working surface 1318 of the base table 1300 with the surfaces of the foldout tables connected to the secondary compartments.

The sliding section 1302 may also include a cavity 1316 formed in the working surface 1318 of the base table 1300. In this example, the volume of the cavity 1316 is filled with a plurality of mats that can be used to adjust the depth of the cavity 1316. In those examples where it is desirable to use a sewing machine at a depth that is lower than the level of the working surface 1318, at least some of the mats may be removed, and the sewing machine may be positioned within the cavity. In other examples, it may be desirable to have the entire working surface be at the same level. In such an example, enough mats may be disposed within the cavity so that the surface of the top most mast may be level with the working surface 1318.

While the workstation above has been described with reference to specific locks, compartments, bins, hooks, perforated hardboards, and other features, any appropriate type of feature may be used in accordance with the principles described in the present disclosure. For example, more or less wheels may be used to support various compartments of the workstation. Likewise, more or less locks may be used to lock the entire workstation or just specific compartments of the workstation. Further, while the description of the workstation above makes reference varying heights of the different compartments, in other examples, all of the compartments have the same height or the tertiary and secondary compartments have the same height.

The workstation may be used for appropriate task. A non-exhaustive list of applications that the workstation may be used for include, but are not limited to, scrapbooking, sewing, hobbies, assembly components, cleaning components, handyman projects, food preparation, scientific research, polishing, manufacturing, 3D printing, games, other types of application, or combinations thereof.

The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe embodiments of the present workstation. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

Claims

1. A workstation, comprising: a base workstation compartment including a floor, a plurality of side walls, a top member, and a back member, each of the side walls being joined to the floor, the back member, and the top member forming a first cavity with a first depth;at least one multi-fold door rotatably coupled to each of the side walls, wherein the at least one multi-fold door includes a secondary structure and a tertiary structure, wherein the secondary structure is rotatably coupled on a first side to the side walls of the base workstation compartment, the secondary structure defining a secondary compartment that has a second cavity with a second depth;the tertiary structure is rotatably coupled to a second side of the secondary structure; anda base table connected to the first cavity;a working surface of the base table including a first section connected to a hinged edge of a second section with at least one hinge.

2. The workstation of claim 1, wherein the base table includes: a sliding section; anda pivot section hinged to the sliding section.

3. The workstation of claim 2, further including: a first sliding surface connected to a first side wall of the base workstation compartment;a second sliding surface connected to a second side wall of the base workstation compartment;wherein the sliding section of the base table is slidably attached to the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface.

4. The workstation of claim 2, further including: a first arched surface connected to a first side wall of the base workstation compartment;a second arched surface connected to a second side wall of the base workstation compartment;wherein the pivot section of the base table is movably attached to the first arched surface and the second arched surface.

5. The workstation of claim 4, further including: a pin connected to the pivot section of the base table;wherein at least one of the first arched surface and the second arched surface is defined by an arched groove; andwherein the pin connects the pivot section to the arched groove.

6. The workstation of claim 2, wherein the pivot section of the base table further includes: a hinged edge pivotally connected to the sliding section;a back edge opposite of the hinged edge;wherein the pivot section is pivotable with respect to the sliding section so that the back edge is level with the hinged edge when the sliding section is moved forward out of the first cavity and so that the back edge is elevated towards the top member when the sliding section is retracted into the first cavity.

7. The workstation of claim 6, further including a handle incorporated into the back edge.

8. The workstation of claim 7, wherein the sliding section further includes a table cavity defined in a working surface of the sliding section; wherein the table cavity includes a cavity floor spaced below and apart from the working surface at a distance;the cavity floor being connected to the working surface by at least one cavity side wall.

9. The workstation of claim 1, further including a foldout table foldably connected to the secondary structure.

10. The workstation of claim 9, wherein the foldout table includes a storage position that is sandwiched between the secondary structure and the tertiary structure.

11. The workstation of claim 10, further including a foldable leg connected to the foldout table, wherein the foldable leg is positioned adjacent to the tertiary structure when the foldout table is sandwiched between the secondary structure and the tertiary structure.

12. The workstation of claim 9, wherein the foldout table is level with the base table when the foldout table is in an unfolded position.

13. The workstation of claim 1, wherein the tertiary structure includes a tertiary compartment defined at least in part by a tertiary depth of the tertiary structure.

14. The workstation of claim 13, wherein the secondary compartment includes a secondary height; wherein the tertiary compartment includes a tertiary height;wherein the tertiary height is between ¾ and ¼ of the secondary height.

15. The workstation of claim 14, further including a foldout table connected to the secondary compartment; wherein a bottom edge of the tertiary compartment is located above the foldout table when the foldout table is in an unfolded position.

16. A workstation, comprising: a base workstation compartment including a floor, a plurality of side walls, a top member, and a back member, each of the side walls being joined to the floor, the back member, and the top member forming a first cavity with a first depth;at least one multi-fold door rotatably coupled to each of the side walls, wherein the at least one multi-fold door includes a secondary structure and a tertiary structure, wherein the secondary structure is rotatably coupled on a first side to the side walls of the base workstation compartment, the secondary structure defining a secondary compartment that has a second cavity with a second depth;the tertiary structure is rotatably coupled to a second side of the secondary structure;a base table connected to the first cavity;a working surface of the base table including a first section connected to a hinged edge of a second section with at least one hinge anda foldout table connected to the at least one multi-fold door;wherein the foldout table is level with the base table when the foldout table is in an unfolded position.

17. The workstation of claim 16, wherein the tertiary structure includes a tertiary compartment defined at least in part by a tertiary depth of the tertiary structure.

18. The workstation of claim 17, wherein the secondary compartment includes a secondary height; wherein the tertiary compartment includes a tertiary height;wherein the tertiary height is between ¾ and ¼ of the secondary height.

19. The workstation of claim 18, wherein a bottom edge of the tertiary compartment is located above the foldout table when the foldout table is in an unfolded position.

20. A workstation, comprising: a base workstation compartment including a floor, a plurality of side walls, a top member, and a back member, each of the side walls being joined to the floor, the back member, and the top member forming a first cavity with a first depth;at least one multi-fold door rotatably coupled to each of the side walls, wherein the at least one multi-fold door includes a secondary structure and a tertiary structure, wherein the secondary structure is rotatably coupled on a first side to the side walls of the base workstation compartment, the secondary structure defining a secondary compartment that has a second cavity with a second depth;the tertiary structure is rotatably coupled to a second side of the secondary structure; anda base table connected to the first cavity;a working surface of the base table including a first section connected to a hinged edge of a second section with at least one hinge;wherein the foldout table is level with the sliding section of the base table when the foldout table is in an unfolded position;a first arched surface connected to a first side wall of the base workstation compartment; anda second arched surface connected to a second side wall of the base workstation compartment;wherein the pivot section of the base table is movably attached to the first arched surface and the second arched surface.