Abstract:
A structure having a number of components adapted for in a first mode to be assembled in such a way that any one of at least two different supporting structures can be formed. In a second mode the structure is assembled in such a way that a storage structure can be formed. The structure includes a base having two halves each with a panel bridging a frame. The two base halves are connectable with each other in at least a first position where the panels are mainly flush and in at least a second position where the free edges of the frames are adjacent to each other. The structure further comprises at least two sets of elongated members adapted for in the first mode being assembled with the base in its first position and in the second mode being assembled with the base in its second position. The invention thereby provides a structure which is easy to transport and can be transformed into any one of the least two different supporting structures with little effort. Furthermore the structure provides a sturdy and solid construction.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation of International application PCT/DK2004/000471 filed Jul. 2, 2004, the entire content of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference thereto.  
       BACKGROUND ART  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to a structure having a number of components adapted for in a first mode to be assembled in such a way that any one of at least two different supporting structures can be formed and in a second mode to be assembled in such a way that a storage structure can be formed.  
         [0003]     Many different kinds of structures that are changeable from a supporting structure to a storage structure are known. Such structures can for example be folding chairs and folding tables which can be folded for easy storage.  
         [0004]     As an example, British patent application GB 2375293 can be mentioned wherein a foldable table is disclosed. This can be easily folded for easy storage.  
         [0005]     However it is often the case that even though the structures can be folded, they are not easy to transport. This is especially true if a car or the like is unavailable and the structures have to be transported by foot or by bicycle, as is the case in many larger cities.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,482 discloses a wagon, which can be folded to an easy-to-store structure. Although the wagon is easy to transport in urban areas and is foldable so that it takes little room when stored, it is not adapted to be converted into any other supporting structure, such as e.g. a table. Thus, the present invention seeks to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     In one aspect of the invention, a structure is provided that can be transformed into a storage structure and that is easy to transport. This structure with little effort can be transformed into any one of at least two different supporting structures, each having a sturdy and solid construction. Also, the components of the transformable structure have a low production cost.  
         [0008]     The structure according to the invention is formed with a base consisting of two halves, each comprising a panel bridging a frame, whereby the two base halves are connectable with each other in at least a first position where the panels are mainly flush and in at least a second position where the free edges of the frames are adjacent to each other, and at least two sets of elongated members adapted for in the first mode being assembled with the base in its first position and in the second mode being assembled with the base in its second position.  
         [0009]     Thereby a structure is obtained that can easily be transformed from one of the at least two different supporting structures into another one and can moreover also be transformed into a storage structure.  
         [0010]     In an advantageous embodiment the two base halves can be pivotally connected to each other about a hinge between the first position and the second position and the hinge can be mounted on a side wall of each frame, whereby the base is folded into a suitcase for easily storing the components in such a way that they are easy to transport.  
         [0011]     For being able to build the different supporting structures the first set of elongated members can be mounted mainly perpendicular to the base, and the second set of elongated members can be adapted for crosswise and/or in extension to be connected with the first set of elongated members.  
         [0012]     Furthermore a set of third elongated members adapted for crosswise and/or in extension to be connected with the first set of elongated members and/or crosswise and/or in extension to be connected with the second set of elongated members can be provided to the supporting structure adding to the various types of support structures possible to form.  
         [0013]     In a preferred embodiment the peripheral edge zone of the panel can extend beyond the periphery of the frame whereby at least some of the components of the structure advantageously can be mounted within the limitation of the panel in at least some of the different support structures which the structure can occupy, whereby incisions in the panel can be shaped to allow elongated members attached to the frame to pass the panel.  
         [0014]     In addition to the components already mentioned, more components can be added resulting in an even larger number of support structures. Such components could by way of example be wheels for mounting on the frame opposite the panel whereby a wagon can be built.  
         [0015]     Other components could form a handle adapted for mounting on at least one of the frame halves whereby the wagon mentioned above could be pulled or the structure could in its storage structure be carried as a suitcase.  
         [0016]     In an even further embodiment a piece of cloth can be extended between the sets of elongated members, providing a windshield or functioning as a supporting surface.  
         [0017]     To ensure that the components are not loosely arranged in the storage structure with the risk of losing or destroying them there can on the inside the frame be provided a form molded to fit the components. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]     The invention will be explained in greater details below where further advantageous properties and example embodiments are described with reference to the drawings, in which  
         [0019]      FIG. 1  shows, in perspective, a number of typical components for assembling a structure according to the invention,  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  shows another support structure according to the invention,  
         [0021]      FIG. 3  shows a third support structure according to the invention,  
         [0022]      FIG. 4  shows a storage structure according to the invention,  
         [0023]      FIG. 5  shows the storage structure from  FIG. 4  in an open position,  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  shows a fourth support structure according to the invention,  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  shows a fifth support structure according to the invention, and  
         [0026]      FIG. 8  shows a second storage structure according to the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0027]      FIG. 1  shows, in perspective, typical components of a structure  1  according to the invention. The structure consists of a base  2  divided into two halves  3   a , 3   b  each consisting of a frame  4   a , 4   b  bridging a panel  5   a , 5   b.  The two bases are connected by a hinge  6  mounted on the edge of the frames opposite the panel.  
         [0028]     A first set of elongated members  7   a , 7   b , 7   c , 7   d  can be mounted in channels  8   a , 8   b , 8   c , 8   d  provided on the frame halves perpendicular to the base  2 . A second set of elongated members  9   a , 9   b , 9   c , 9   d  can be mounted crosswise to the first set of elongated members and a third set of elongated members  10   a,   10   b  can be mounted in extension of the second elongated members.  
         [0029]     In order to mount the elongated members in the channels, a locking mechanism is provided consisting of a first set of engagement holes  11   a,   11   b , 11   c,   11   d  (only some of which are visible in the figure) provided on the base halves  3   a , 3   b  and threaded shafts  12   a , 12   b , 12   c , 12   d  (only some of which are visible in the figure) provided on the first set of elongated members. The threaded shaft is inserted through the first set of engagement holes and fixed by means of a nut (not shown).  
         [0030]     However the first elongated members  7   a , 7   b , 7   c , 7   d  could be mounted to the base halves  3   a , 3   b  by a spring connection (not shown). This makes it possible to pull the first elongated member out from the frame  4   a , 4   b  thereby tensioning a spring (not shown) provided on the inside of the frame, rotating it to the desired position and releasing it whereby it will snap back alongside the frame as the spring extends.  
         [0031]     The first elongated members  7   a , 7   b , 7   c , 7   d  are connected to the second elongated members  9   a , 9   b , 9   c , 9   d  by inserting the protrusions  13   a , 13   b , 13   c , 13   d  through a first set of insertion holes  14   a , 14   b , 14   c , 14   d  (only some of which are visible in the figure) whereby a second set of flexible splits  15   a , 15   b , 15   c , 15   d  (only some of which are visible in the figure) engages with a second set of engagement holes  16   a , 16   b , 16   c , 16   d  (only some of which are visible in the figure).  
         [0032]     The components shown in  FIG. 1  can be assembled to any one of the different supporting structures. The different structures all have a sturdy construction since the sets of elongated members interlock and therefore stabilize each other.  
         [0033]     When assembled the structure  1  can have a piece of cloth  17  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ) extending between the elongated members. This makes the structure suitable for many different applications, an example of which is a baby crib.  
         [0034]      FIG. 2  shows a table  18  built with the components of the structure  1  shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0035]     In this embodiment the first set of elongated members  7   a , 7   b , 7   c , 7   d  is mounted perpendicular to the panel  5   a , 5   b  extending outwards from the same side of the panel  5   a , 5   b  as the frame  4   a , 4   b  of each base half  3   a , 3   b.    
         [0036]     On the second set of elongated members  9   a , 9   b , 9   c , 9   d,  a second set of insertion holes  19   a , 19   b , 19   c , 19   d  and a third set of engagement holes  20   a , 20   b , 20   c , 20   d  are provided in order to mount the second set of elongated members  9   a , 9   b , 9   c , 9   d  in extension of the first set of elongated members  7   a , 7   b , 7   c , 7   d.  This is carried out by inserting the protrusions  13   a , 13   b , 13   c , 13   d  into the second set of insertion holes  20   a , 20   b , 20   c , 20   d  whereby the flexible splits  15   a , 15   b , 15   c , 15   d  engage with the third set of engagement holes  20   a , 20   b , 20   c , 20   d.    
         [0037]     The third set of elongated members  10   a,   10   b  is mounted between two elongated members from the second set  9   a , 9   b , 9   c , 9   d.  The third set of elongated members  10   a, , 10   b  is in this case shown fixedly mounted to the second set of elongated members  9   a , 9   b , 9   c , 9   d  from the production line, however it could just as well be mounted by other mounting means such as the releasable means described above.  
         [0038]     By mounting the third set of elongated members  10   a, , 10   b  across the second set of elongated members  9   a , 9   b , 9   c , 9   d,  the table is suitable for outdoor use since the legs will not sink into soft ground, such as sand, making it much more stable.  
         [0039]     Furthermore the side walls  21   a , 21   b  of each frame  4   a , 4   b  abut against each other stabilizing the structure such that the table  18  will resist collapse due to pressure exerted on the panel  5   a , 5   b  from the side of the panel opposite the frame  4   a , 4   b,  making the table  18  even more stable and capable of carrying a considerable load.  
         [0040]      FIG. 3  shows a wagon  22  built with the components of the structure  1  shown in  FIG. 1  in co-operation with some additional components. The additional components include a handle  23 , four wheels  24   a , 24   b , 24   c , 24   d  (only some of which are visible in the figure) and a piece of cloth  19  thereby.  
         [0041]     Instead of a handle  23  as shown in  FIG. 3 , a bar (not shown) for connecting the wagon to a bicycle could be provided. This transforms the wagon into a bicycle trailer for easy transport in urban areas.  
         [0042]      FIGS. 4 and 5  shows the structure  1  in a second mode where it is transformed to a storage structure  25 .  
         [0043]     As shown in  FIG. 4  the two halves  3   a,    3   b  of the base  2  are folded together so that the edges opposite the panels  5   a , 5   b  of each frame halves  4   a , 4   b  abut against each other.  
         [0044]     The panels  5   a , 5   b  of the base halves  3   a , 3   b  have a periphery extending over the frame  4   a , 4   b  in some areas thereby creating a periphery zone  26   a , 26   b.  This zone serves to protect the set of elongated members  7   a , 7   b , 7   c , 7   d , 9   a , 9   b , 9   c , 9   d , 10   a , 10   b  mounted on the outside of the frame  4   a , 4   b  from damage.  
         [0045]     In order to properly secure the sets of elongated members, ridges  27  are provided on the frames  4   a , 4   b.  The ridges extend along the circumference of the frame. A locking mechanism in the shape of a flexible tab  28   a , 28   b , 28   c , 28   d  snaps the elongated members into place between the ridges  27 .  
         [0046]     An additional handle (not shown) could be provided for making the storage structure  25  easy to carry.  
         [0047]     In  FIG. 5  the two base halves  2   a , 3   b  have been pivoted around the hinge  6  to an open position. Inside the frames  4   a , 4   b  forms  29   a , 29   b  have been arranged for safely mounting some of the components in such a way that it is easy to carry the storage structure around without risking that the components tumble around compromising the balance and handling of the storage structure  25 .  
         [0048]     As it can be seen the forms  29   a , 29   b  are provided with mountings  30  for holding components such as the wheels  24   a , 24   b , 24   c , 24   d  and the handle  23  described above.  
         [0049]     The forms provided in each frame  4   a , 4   b  can be made of a plastic material and have a shape suitable for keeping the different components of the structure in place in the storage structure  25 .  
         [0050]      FIG. 5  further shows the wheel mountings  31   a , 31   b , 31   c , 31   d  wherein the wheels can be mounted in order to generate the wagon shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0051]      FIG. 6  shows a second embodiment of the structure according to the invention, where the components of the structure, when assembled, form a second wagon  30 .  
         [0052]     Like the previous embodiment of a wagon, the second embodiment  30  of the structure is comprised of a second base  32  which consists of two second halves  33   a , 33   b.  Each second half consists of a second frame  34   a , 34   b  bridging a second panel  35   a , 35   b.  The two bases are connected together via a second hinge  36 .  
         [0053]     In each half, two through-going holes  37   a , 37   b , 37   c , 37   d  are provided which are perpendicular to the second base  32 . Each hole is formed to receive a socket  38   a , 38   b , 38   c , 38   d  and the socket is formed to receive a first end  39   a , 39   b , 39   c , 39   d  of an elongated member of a fourth set of elongated members  40   a , 40   b , 40   c , 40   d.    
         [0054]     On the second ends  41   a , 41   b , 41   c , 41   d  of the elongated members of the fourth set of elongated members there is provided engagement keys  42   a , 42   b , 42   c , 42   d  for engaging with engagement slots  43   a , 43   b , 43   c , 43   d  provided on a fifth set of elongated members  44   a , 44   b.  Each key is provided with a locking pin  45   a , 45   b , 45   c , 45   d,  which locks with a corresponding locking hole  46   a , 46   b , 46   c , 46   d  provided in the engagement slot.  
         [0055]     The fifth set of elongated members is mutually connected via a sixth set of elongated members  47   a , 47   b.  The sixth set of elongated members engages with the fifth set of elongated members with engagement keys and holes (not shown) as described above.  
         [0056]     On the side of the base, opposite the fourth, fifth and sixth set of elongated members, are mounted four wheels  24   a , 24   b , 24   c , 24   d,  two on each half of the base.  
         [0057]     A handle  48 , for pulling the wagon, is connected to one of the base halves via a bar  49  and a third hinge  50 . The bar consists of a seventh set of elongated members  51   a , 51   b , 51   c  mutually connected to each other with engagement keys and slots (not shown) as described above.  
         [0058]     Furthermore, a set of slits  52   a , 52   b , 52   c , 52   d , 52   e , 52   f  is formed on the two halves. These are for mounting a child seat (not shown) according to the ISOFIX standard. Said standard is well known in the automobile industry for safely and quickly mounting a child seat inside a car.  
         [0059]     In  FIG. 7  the components of the second embodiment of the structure have been assembled into a table  31 .  
         [0060]     This is realized by mounting the fourth set of elongated members in the sockets, which are then mounted in the through going holes  37   a , 37   b , 37   c , 37   d  in the base from the opposite side of this than in the structure shown in  FIG. 6 . The engagement members of the fourth elongated members then engage with engagement slots  53  of the fifth elongated members, where the locking pins of the engagement member of the fourth elongated members locks with locking holes  54  on the fifth elongated members.  
         [0061]     In  FIG. 8  the two halves of the base are closed about the second hinge so that the second frames abut each other, thereby forming a second storage structure  55 .  
         [0062]     Furthermore, the handle is mounted between the two frames, whereby the storage structure is easy to carry around. Locking elements  56  are provided to keep the two halves together when the structure is transported.  
         [0063]     It should be noted that all the components of the structure are dimensioned so that they can be stored inside the second storage structure.  
         [0064]     It should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes since many other embodiment could be provided within the scope of the invention.  
         [0065]     Within the scope of the present invention the components of the structure can be produced of a wide range of appropriate materials such as plastics, metal, or wood, to mention just a few possibilities.  
         [0066]     Furthermore the different mounting means described are not limiting to the invention as any mounting mean applicable to the present invention and known to the person skilled in the art can be used.