Patent Application
20240298784
A variety of collapsible panel systems are known. Also a variety of collapsible furniture structures are known. Nonetheless, there remains a need for easily transportable collapsible structures, including panel systems that are collapsible and configurable into various useful structures, such as furniture, as well as for components for such systems. In particular, disadvantages of known collapsible furniture and panel systems include the following: difficult to assemble and disassemble, difficult to transport, configurable in only a limited configuration or a few configurations, etc.
According to one aspect, a wrap device for a modular panel system includes a flexible wrap material adapted to selectively wrap stacked panels of the modular panel system for securing and carrying the panels. The flexible wrap material member includes at least two strap attachment features and at least one strap adapted to selectively couple to the at least two strap attachment features.
According to another aspect, a wrap device in combination with a modular panel system includes first and second panel members adapted to be removably connected together to form a predefined assembly in an assembled state or stacked together for transport in a stacked state. The wrap device in combination with the modular panel system further includes a flexible wrap material member configured to selectively wrap the stacked panels when in the stacked configuration and includes at least one strap. The flexible wrap material member includes at least two strap attachment features. The at least one strap is adapted to selectively connect to the at least two strap attachment features of a flexible wrap material member.
According to a further aspect, a wrapping method for a wrap device of a modular panel system includes providing first and second panel members adapted to be removably connected together to form a predefined assembly in an assembled state or stacked together for transport in a stacked configuration and providing a flexible wrap material member configured to selectively wrap the stacked panels when in the stacked configuration. The method further includes stacking the first and second panel members into the stacked configuration and wrapping the flexible material member around the first and second panels in the stacked configuration. The flexible wrap material member is wrapped about lateral sides of the first and second panels.
It should, of course, be understood that the description and drawings herein are merely illustrative and that various modifications and changes can be made in the structures disclosed without departing from the present disclosure. Spatially relative terms may be used to describe an element and/or features relationship to another element(s) and/or feature(s) as, for example, illustrated in the figures. Moreover, any term of degree used herein, such as “substantially” and “approximately”, means a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified word is contemplated such that the end result is not significantly changed.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views,
As shown, in the assembled state in the shade chair configuration, the first panel 12 provides an elevated seating platform, such as for a person (not shown) to sit. The other panels 14, 16, 18 provide at least one of shade, privacy or an enclosure effect to the first panel 12. The modular panel system 10 of the illustrated embodiment is shown including four panels, i.e., panels 12, 14, 16, 18. However, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that fewer than four panels could be included or more than four panels could be included as part of the modular panel system 10 and these could provide other configurations in the assembled state than the illustrated shade chair.
More particularly, each of the panels 12, 14, 16, 18 includes edge portions, particularly including end edge portions (e.g., end edge portions 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b) spaced apart from one another to define a panel length for a particular panel and lateral edge portions (e.g., lateral edge portions 12c, 12d, 14c, 14d, 16c, 16d, 18c, 18d) spaced apart from one another to define a width for the particular panel with each lateral edge portion extending from one of the end edge portions to the other of the end edge portions of a particular panel. In one embodiment, each of the panels 12, 14, 16, 18 can be identical to one another, though this is not required. Specifically, the first panel 12 can include edge portions 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d that include end edge portions 12a, 12b spaced apart from one another to define a panel length for the first panel 12 (i.e., first panel length), and lateral edge portions 12c, 12d spaced apart from one another to define a panel width for the first panel 12 (i.e., first panel width) with each of the lateral edge portions 12c, 12dextending from one of the end edge portions 12a or 12b (e.g., end edge portion 12a) to the other of the end edge portions 12a or 12b (e.g., end edge portion 12b).
In the illustrated embodiment, the second panel 14 can be the same as the first panel 12. Accordingly, the second panel 14 can likewise include end edge portions 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, including end edge portions 14a, 14b spaced apart from one another to define a panel length of the second panel 14 (i.e., second panel length), and lateral edge portions 14c, 14d spaced apart from one another to define a panel width of the second panel 14 (i.e., second panel width) with each of the lateral edge portions 14c, 14d extending from one of the end edge portions 14a or 14b (e.g., end edge portion 14a) to the other of the end edge portions 14a or 14b (e.g., end edge portion 14b). Since the panels 12 and 14 are identical to one another in the illustrated embodiment, the second panel length and second panel width of the second panel 14 are, respectfully, the same as the first panel length and the first panel width of the first panel 12. As will be described in more detail below, the first and second panels 12, 14 are configured to be removably coupled to one another (e.g., by the coupling device 34) by having respective edge portions, particularly edge portions 12a and 14a of each of the first and second panels 12, 14, arranged longitudinally adjacent to one another and removably coupled together. This removable coupling can be enabled by a removable coupling device or member, such as coupling device 34.
In one embodiment, the removable coupling device 34 is one of the coupling devices described in commonly owned U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. XX/XXX,XXX, entitled “MODULAR PANEL SYSTEM, KIT, AND METHOD” (Attorney Docket HRA-53741) that is filed concurrent with the subject application on Mar. 9, 2023, and is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. In other embodiments, the coupling device 34 is one of the coupling devices described in commonly owned U.S. Patent Application Ser. Nos. XX/XXX,XXX, entitled “REMOVABLE COUPLING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR COUPLING PANELS” (Attorney Docket HRA-53743) that is filed concurrent with the subject application on Mar. 9, 2023, or commonly owned U.S. Patent Application Ser. Nos. XX/XXX,XXX, entitled “COUPLING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR COUPLING PANELS” (Attorney Docket HRA-53744) that is filed concurrent with the subject application on Mar. 9, 2023, both expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
As already mentioned, the third and fourth panels 16, 18 can also be identical to the first panel 12. Accordingly, each of these panels 16, 18 includes edge portions, including end edge portions (end edge portions 16a, 16b for the third panel 16 and end edge portions 18a, 18b for the fourth panel 18) spaced apart from one another to define a panel length, and lateral edge portions (lateral edge portions 16c, 16d for the third panel 16 and lateral edge portions 18c, 18d for the fourth panel 18) spaced apart from one another to define a panel width with each of the lateral edge portions extending from one of the end edge portions to the other of the end edge portions. The third panel 16 and the fourth panel 18 are each configured to be removably coupled to the other panels 12, 14, 16, 18 by additional coupling devices 34. For example, in
Since the third panel 16 is the same as the first and second panels 12, 14, the panel length and panel width of the third panel 16 are, respectively, the same as the panel length and panel width of the first panel 12 and the second panel 14.
Similarly, since the fourth panel is the same in size and shape as the first, second, and third panels 12, 14, 16, the panel length and panel width of the fourth panel 18 are, respectively, the same as the panel length and panel width of each of the first panel 12, the second panel 14, and the third panel 16.
In the assembled configuration of
In addition, as shown, the modular panel system 10 can include at least one leg attachment member, such as the illustrated leg attachment members 22, 24. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the at least one leg attachment member includes two leg attachment members 22, 24. Each of these leg attachment members 22, 24 is removably secured to the first panel 12 at the end edge portions 12a, 12b and extends substantially in a second direction illustrated by arrow 26 away from the first panel 12 that is opposite the first direction represented by arrow 20. As shown, the first leg attachment member 22 can be removably secured to a first one of the end edge portions of the first panel 12, namely the end edge portion 12a, and the second leg attachment member 24 can be secured to a second one of the end edge portions of the first panel 12, namely the end edge portion 12b that is opposite the first end edge portion 12a.
The leg attachment members 22, 24 in the illustrated embodiment are each formed as a U-shaped structure. Accordingly, the first leg attachment member 22 includes leg portions 22a, 22b connected together by an attachment portion 22c. The attachment portion 22c is removably coupled to the end edge portion 12a. Likewise, the second leg attachment member 24 can include leg portions 24a, 24b and an attachment portion 24c removably coupled to the end edge portion 12b. The attachment portions 22c, 24c can be removably coupled to the respective end edge portions 12a, 12b of the first panel 12 through any known removable connection as will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, the leg attachment portions 22c, 24c can include a snap-fit removable coupling, a screw-type coupling, a cam-lock type coupling, etc. (none of which are shown). Additionally, the leg attachment members 22, 24, and particularly the leg portions 22a, 22b, 24a, 24bthereof can be or include telescoping legs so as to be height adjustable. In the assembled state and configuration of
With additional reference to
In particular, the flexible wrap material member 52 is configured to selectively wrap the stacked panels 12, 14, 16, 18 when the panels 12, 14, 16, 18 are in a disassembled state and are in the stacked configuration for transport thereof as shown in
More particularly, in one embodiment, the at least two strap attachment features can include first and second loop members 58, 60 disposed on the flexible wrap material member 52. In one embodiment, the loop member 58, 60 are made of the same material as the flexible wrap material member 52. As shown, the first and second loop members 58, 60 can be spaced apart asymmetrically from longitudinal ends 52a, 52b of the flexible wrap material member 52. In particular, the loop members 58, 60 can be positioned more closely relative to the longitudinal end 52a than relative to the longitudinal end 52b as best shown in
Accordingly, and as best shown in
In particular, the first and second loop members 58, 60 can be disposed on the flexible wrap material member 52 to which distal ends 56a, 56b of the second strap 56 are removably connectable for carrying the panel members 12, 14, 16, 18 in the stacked configuration when the flexible wrap material member 52 is selectively wrapped about the panels 12, 14, 16, 18. In one embodiment, each of the first and second straps 54, 56 includes a latching device 66 at each of the distal ends (distal ends 56a, 56b of the second strap 56 and distal ends 54a, 54b of the first strap 54) for removably connecting the respective strap, such as the second strap 56, to the first and second loop members 58, 60. In one embodiment, the latching device 66 is a carabiner. In other embodiments, other fasteners or connecting devices can be used in place of the carabiner 66. Additionally, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, each of the first and second strap 54, 56 can include a movable shoulder pad 68 and/or each of the first and second straps 54, 56 can be adjustable in length.
Optionally, and as shown in
In the same or another embodiment, the at least two strap attachment features can include eyelet apertures 70, 72, 74, 76 disposed respectively at each corner 52e, 52f, 52g, 52h of the flexible wrap material member 52. These attachment features can be in addition or in the alternative to the loop members 58, 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the eyelet apertures 70, 72, 74, 76 are in addition to the loop members 58, 60. The latching devices, such as carabiners 66, of the straps 54, 56 disposed at distal ends 54a, 54b of the first strap 54 and 56a, 56b of the second strap 56 are provided for selectively securing to the eyelet apertures 70, 72, 74, 76, or more particular to the flexible wrap material member 52 disposed adjacent the eyelet aperture 70, 72, 74, 76 at the corners 52e, 52f, 52g, 52h of the flexible wrap material member 52.
As shown in
As shown in
Additionally, the flexible wrap material member 52 includes a securing device (e.g., securing devices 80, 82) on at least one of the longitudinal ends 52a, 52b thereof for securing flexible wrap material member 52 in the wrapped configuration about the stacked panels 12, 14, 16, 18 when in the stacked configuration. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the flexible wrap material member 52 includes a pair of securing devices 80, 82 for securing the flexible wrap material member 52 in the wrapped configuration wherein the flexible wrap material member 52 is wrapped around the stack panels 12, 14, 16, 18. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the flexible wrap material member 52 includes a first securing device 80 disposed at the longitudinal end 52a of the flexible wrap material member 52 and a second securing device 82 disposed at the longitudinal end 52b of the flexible wrap material member 52, as best shown in
More particularly, each of the securing devices 8082 can be or include at least one tab extending from the longitudinal end 52a of the flexible wrap material member 52. Further the securing devices 80, 82 can each include a securing feature (e.g., hook and loop fastener 80a, 82a) for securing the flexible wrap material member 52 in the wrapped configuration when wrapped around the stacked panels 12, 14, 16, 18. For example, the first securing device 80 can be formed as a tab extending from the longitudinal end 52a of the flexible wrap material member 52 and can include a hook and loop fastener type arrangement 80a thereon that engages to the flexible wrap material member 52. Likewise, the second securing device 82 can be formed as a tab extending form the longitudinal end 52b of the flexible wrap material member 52 and can include a hook and loop fastener type arrangement 82a thereon that engages to the flexible wrap material member 52.
In the illustrated embodiment, a longitudinal length of the flexible wrap material member 52 (i.e., a dimension extending from the longitudinal end 52a to the longitudinal end 52b of the flexible wrap material member 52) can substantially match a wrapping dimension of the stacked panels 12, 14, 16, 18. In particular, and as shown in
With reference to
A wrapping method for a wrap device of a modular panel system will now be described. In particular, the wrapping method shown in
At 102, the flexible wrap material member 52 can be provided, wherein the flexible wrap material member is configured to selectively wrap the stacked panels 12, 14, 16, 18 when in the stacked configuration as described hereinabove. At 104, the panels, including at least the first and second panels 12, 14 and optionally additionally including the third and fourth panels 16, 18, are stacked into the stacked configuration.
At 106, the flexible wrap material member 52 can be wrapped around the panels, including at least the first and second panels 12m 14 and optionally further including the third and fourth panels 16, 18, in the stacked configuration. Specifically, as described hereinabove and best illustrated in
Still further, at 106, the method can include removably connecting distal ends of at least one strap, for example, distal ends 54a, 54b of the first strap 54 and/or distal ends 56a, 56b of the second strap 56 to strap attachment features disposed on the flexible wrap material member 52 to enable the at least one strap (e.g., one of straps 54, 56) to be used to carry the panels, including at least the first and second panels 12, 14 and optionally further including the third and fourth panels 16, 18), in the stacked configuration. As already described herein, this can include securing the distal ends 54a, 54b of the first strap 54 to the eyelet apertures 70, 72 and 74, 76 as shown in
It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives or varieties thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.
