Fold up dormitory apparatus, system and method

“The Fold Up Dormitory” is intended for use in situations where living and working quarters for a small or large number of people are required on short notice or irregular intervals. The apparatus is made of wood, steel and premanufactured hardware, and comprises components for sleeping, working and storage of small items. It is mobile, simple to operate and offers many options to those who use it. The apparatus comprises: a central core; a pair of folding frames, each pivotally connected to the central core on opposite sides thereof, for rotation about vertical frame-to-core axes of connection; a bed platform pivotally connected to a first side of the central core, for rotation about a horizontal bed-to-core axis of connection; a desk surface pivotally connected to a second side of the central core, for rotation about a horizontal desk-to-core axis of connection; and storage shelving within the central core.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When people suddenly become displaced from their homes in disaster situations, or when there is an excess of people in a given location that cannot accommodate enough inhabitants, there is a often a need to provide living and working quarters for an unknown amount of time. Often, school gymnasiums or auxiliary rooms in dormitory buildings are converted into living quarters, with sleeping cots or surplus furniture set up to accommodate the basic needs of large numbers of people. When those people are displaced for long periods of time, or in situations where long-term accommodations demand needs for daily living beyond sleeping, such accommodations may not be suitable.

The prior art shows a number of fold-up living spaces and multi-functional devices, but these are not suitable for providing the necessary accommodations mentioned above, with suitable flexibility, utility, and compactness for storage.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,866,365, for example, appears to disclose a mobile enclosure, much like a “pop-up” tent used for camping. The patent itself deals mostly with the spring and hinged mechanisms used to open and close the floor and ceiling panels that unfold to enclose a small space. This invention is meant to be hauled around as a vehicle trailer, and it merely provides space without any particular functionality to meet daily living needs.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,070,715 appears to disclose a bed/sleeping platform, a desk, and storage. The height of the bed is considered as a fundamental design feature and the mechanism involved in raising and lowering the bed platform changes the height of the desk when the bed is flipped up and then lowers the desk to allow the bed to rest at an optimal height. However, this invention only permits one usable height can only be used either as a bed, or as a desk, but not a bed and desk simultaneously. It would be desirable to provide both a bed and a desk for simultaneous use. Additionally, this device does not fold up compactly for storage and easy mobility when not in use. Additionally, this device is constructed as a box-like piece of furniture that inherently weighs more than is desirable for compact storage and easy portability, and comprises a series of rectangular frames made stiff with rigid “moment connections” at all corner connections that further highlight that this device cannot be compactly folded and stored. Fundamentally this device is a bed/desk convertible which does not permit simultaneous use of both bed and desk and which cannot be compactly folded for storage and easy movement.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,084,276 is an installation piece rather than a mobile unit and provides only an operable sleeping surface without portability. Similarly, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,103,373 and 5,875,502 are for sleeping only, and are designed to save space for other functions in a room when not being used for sleeping. They do not provide multifunctional capability or portability, and are attached in a fixed location.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,958,874, like U.S. Pat. No. 3,866,365, is used to provide a flexible enclosed space for any number of functions, but does not provide specific sleeping and working functionality with that space. This device must be towed by a large vehicle and certainly cannot be moved by one individual human being without additional external power.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,999,865 contains a storage space, and unfolds to provide a sleeping platform. However, it does not have a distinct working surface or desk and is more like a storage cabinet with a compartment for a bed similar to many fold-out couches. When this device is collapsed it provides storage but not increased mobility since it remains a large wooden box sitting on the floor. It cannot be collapsed into a thin, substantially hexahedronal configuration and easily rolled away.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,769, for a combination bed and desk, is similar to U.S. Pat. No. 4,999,865, but it also contains a desk surface. This device, however, has a stationary desk surface that is unchanged by any deployment or storage of the sleeping surface, which does not at any time fold up for storage. Also, this device demands the displacement of the two large storage units before the bed can deploy. One must first change the singular desk unit into 3 separate parts disconnected from one other to enable its sleeping function. It does not remain connected as one cohesive unit throughout its transformation from compact upright box to deployed multifunctional dormitory, as would be desirable for efficient deployment for use and compaction for storage between uses.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,940,911 discloses an adjustable bed for rehabilitation or leisure purposes that, when deployed, gives access to some storage space. The sleeping platform is intended to be fully adjustable in terms of levelness, height, form and position, because of its intended use for rehabilitation purposes. A system that is not intended for such use can be greatly simplified. Importantly, this invention requires a mechanical motor to operate whereas it is desirable to enable operation for a foldable dormitory space with multiple utilitarian functions solely by human power, i.e., omitting any type of external power to convert between said closed configuration for storage and said open configuration for use, except as provided by a human being.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,401,276 contains a desk surface and a sleeping surface both of which can be stowed away for compactness. However, only the desk or sleeping surface can be used at any given time. They cannot be used simultaneously. This is evident because the desk actually provides the structural support for the bed platform. It is preferred to have the desk and the bed deploy and be available independently, for simultaneous use.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,508,526, for a convertible bed with computer desk, contains a desk/computer surface that can be deployed or hidden away, a sleeping platform that can be deployed and stowed, and variable storage space contained within the overall unit. However, the bed surface deploys by swinging down over the desk, work surface and storage space hence rendering them unusable. As with some of the previously cited prior art, this prohibits simultaneous use of all components while the device is in open and in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

“The Fold Up Dormitory,” is intended for use in situations where living and working quarters for a small or large number of people are required on short notice or irregular intervals. The Fold Up Dormitory is a device, preferably but without limitation, made of wood, steel and premanufactured hardware. However, a device which meets the functional requirements disclosed here, constructed with any materials whatsoever, is considered to fall within the scope of this disclosure and its associated claims irrespective of the particular choice of materials. The Fold Up Dormitory comprises components for sleeping, working and storage of small items. It is mobile, simple to operate and offers many options to those who use it.

This apparatus and associated method comprises: a central core; a pair of folding frames, each pivotally connected to the central core on opposite sides thereof, for rotation about vertical frame-to-core axes of connection; a bed platform pivotally connected to a first side of the central core, for rotation about a horizontal bed-to-core axis of connection; a desk surface pivotally connected to a second side of the central core, for rotation about a horizontal desk-to-core axis of connection; and storage shelving within the central core. This storage shelving may be detached and affixed to select other parts of the device.

When the apparatus is compacted into the closed configuration for storage, the central core, the frames, the bed platform, the desk surface, and the storage shelving are all are contained within a hexahedronal space—for a single bed unit (as opposed to double bed, queen bed, king bed, etc. units)—not exceeding 24″ thick, 45″ wide and 81″ high. This is based fundamentally on the dimensional size of a standard single bed mattress, and will vary for other mattress sizes.

When the apparatus is expanded into the open configuration for use: the folding frames are attached to the central core on one side of the bed platform and the desk surface, and are oriented in a substantially vertical plane; the bed platform is attached to the first side of the central core and oriented in a substantially horizontal plane; the desk surface is attached to the second side of the central core and oriented in a substantially horizontal plane, and is simultaneously usable together with the bed platform; and the storage shelving is accessible for use simultaneously with the bed platform and the desk surface.

The apparatus is configured such that all of the folding frames, the bed platform and the desk surface remain pivotally connected to the central core without disconnection, while the apparatus is compacted into the closed configuration for storage, while the apparatus is expanded into the open configuration for use, and while the apparatus is converted between the closed configuration for storage and the open position for use.

In some varied embodiments, this apparatus also contains a secure locker for storage of small items, contains standard electrical outlets, and hooks to affix a privacy curtain between the extents of the unfolded rectangular supports.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The“The Fold Up Dormitory;” is intended for use in situations where living and working quarters for a small or large number of people are required on short notice or at irregular intervals. “The Fold Up Dormitory” is a device made of wood, steel and premanufactured hardware, comprising components for sleeping, working and storage of small items. It is mobile, easy to store, simple to operate and offers many options to those who use it.

The several drawings illustrating this invention and its use contain various elements which are denoted with the following reference numerals and written descriptions:101—Central core102—Folding frames103—Hinge for supports104—Rigid steel corner connections105—Bed platform106—Folding legs107—Foldable desk surface108—Storage shelving109—Electrical outlets110—Secure locker111—Leveling feet112—Privacy barrier113—Mattress or cushion114—Notch115—Electrical chase116—Mounting bracket117—Bed raising hardware201—Electrical hookup202—Steel handle203—Curtain hooks204—Heavy duty wheels1001—Chair1002—Computer1501—Repair kit1502—Bicycle hook w/lock1503—Mirror1504—Cup holder1505—Additional supports for larger, encompassing privacy curtain/bug net/changing area1506—Drawers to increase functionality of storage1507—Lighting integrated with electrical chase1508—Cable/internet data port1509—Under bed curtain for hiding belongings stowed under bed1510—Additional hanging hooks1511—Towel drying rod1512—Engraved number plaque1513—Fold-out seat pivotally connected to the central core1514—Dry erase message panel (e.g., magnetic)1515—Rat screen TV/computer screen1516—Microphone and webcam

FIG. 1illustrates the Fold Up Dormitory apparatus from the front oblique view after basic deployment of all features. Bed platform105is shown at full height, attached to a first side of central core101and oriented in a substantially horizontal plane. Storage units108are shown in their basic, default positions (contrastFIG. 10). Desk surface107is deployed but not expanded, attached to a second side of central core101, and oriented in a substantially horizontal plane. Privacy barrier112(preferably an opaque curtain) is shown in a cutaway view, attached to a pair of folding frames102. Also shown is a secure locker110, central structural core101, bed raising hardware117(such as but not limited to ratchets for raising and lowering the locus of attachment between bed platform105and central core101), external shelving mounting bracket116, electrical chase115, electrical outlets109, a notch114built into the folding frames102to accommodate adjustable feet106when these are folded, and rigid steel connections104on the folding frames102.

FIG. 2illustrates this same apparatus in the same configuration, from the rear oblique view. Bed platform105is shown at full height, storage units are all in their basic default positions, the foldable desk surface107is deployed but not fully expanded (again contrastFIG. 10), and the privacy barrier112is shown in a cutaway view. Also shown is a single electrical hookup201for connection to a power source, sturdy wheels204affixed proximate the bottom rear corner of the central core101, and steel handle202affixed to the upper outer rear face of central core101, for easy movement of the device (seeFIG. 14).

FIGS. 3 through 6illustrate the method by which this Fold Up Dormitory apparatus is converted from a closed configuration for storage to an open configuration for use.

FIG. 3illustrates the device fully folded in an upright position for storage. In this configuration, central core101, frames102, bed platform105, desk surface107, and storage shelving108are all are contained within a hexahedronal space not exceeding 24″ thick, 45″ wide and 81″ high, for a single bed configuration. It is important to emphasize that this size limitation is to accommodate a “Long Twin mattress” typical in college dormitories, with dimensions of 36″×80″. Other size limits would be based on other standard mattress sizes with the device changing size to roughly match the size of other standard bed sizes. Variations of this device could have maximum dimensions with the length of standard bed size and width (including additional width margin of about 6 inches wider than the mattress size), of “Full size” 54″ (+6)×75″, “queen size”60″ (+6)×80″ or “king 76″ (+6)×80″.

FIG. 4illustrates pair of folding frames102made of wood or light gauge steel, on opposite sides of central core101, being deployed to stabilize the Fold Up Dormitory apparatus for further expansion and use. The folding frames102outwardly pivot around a hinge103(preferably comprising steel or a strong metal) providing vertical frame-to-core axes of pivotal connection. Adjustable stabilizing feet111are adjusted to level the apparatus at this stage of deployment. Folding frames102are also used for supporting a privacy barrier112which is preferably, but not limited to, a substantially opaque curtain. As an alternative, for example not limitation, folding frames102may be fully integrated with a substantially opaque material such as wood, providing privacy barrier112, though the curtain is preferred because it is of lighter weight.

FIG. 5illustrates bed platform105being deployed with the legs106still folded and without the mattress or cushion113, preferably separately supplied. This deployment occurs by downwardly rotating bed platform105about a horizontal bed-to-core axis of pivotal connection. Bed platform105may comprise a rigid material such as but not limited to wood, or alternatively, a light, built-in cushion, such as but not limited to a thick foam pad, or a series of bed springs such as are conventionally used in rollaway beds.

FIG. 6illustrates the Fold Up Dormitory from the front oblique view after basic default deployment of all features. Bed platform105is shown moved up to full height with a mattress113placed thereon, and storage units108are in their basic, default positions. Specifically, bed platform105can be unlatched, flipped down as inFIG. 5, and then set at one of three heights (FIGS. 5,6and13) using the ratcheting bed raising hardware117and the folding legs106proximate the foot of the bed platform105. Desk surface107is deployed by downwardly rotating desk surface107about a horizontal desk-to-core axis of pivotal connection. As illustrated here, desk surface107is not yet not foldably expanded as inFIG. 10. Privacy barrier112is now also deployed by attachment to folding frames102using curtain hooks203. The folding frames102, oriented in a substantially vertical plane, are shown in the open and locked position, attached to central core101on one side (the rear side in this view) of bed platform105and desk surface107.

It is important that the conversion just described inFIGS. 3 through 6, between the closed and opened configurations, can be performed by a single individual human without any externally provided motors or power.

To convert the dormitory apparatus from the open configuration for use back to the closed configuration for storage, the steps outlined inFIGS. 3 through 6are merely reversed.

FIG. 7illustrates from an aerial view, the possible arrangements of more than one Fold Up Dormitory apparatus for accommodating pairs or small groups of people, using the privacy curtain and relative arrangement of apparatus functions to provide a relative sense of enclosure and privacy.

FIG. 8illustrates five fold up dormitories, fully upright and folded in the closed configuration ofFIG. 3, for storage. Visible are the sturdy wheels204, electrical hookup201, central core101, folded bed platform105without mattress, Steel handle202, folded supports102and hinges103.

FIG. 9illustrates the apparatus in closed configuration, fully upright from the side, showing how the internal components of the device are fully accessible for cleaning repair or partial use when folded, in the embodiment where privacy barrier112comprises a removable curtain.

FIG. 10illustrates the apparatus fully expanded from a front oblique view. Some of the storage units108have been rearranged from their basic, default positions ofFIG. 6, and attached to mounting bracket116on the outer front face of central core101. The foldable desk surface107has been expanded to its full length after unfolding about a hinged axis (the unfolding is illustrated by the thin-lined desk section shown in intermediate orientation). The apparatus is also shown with a separately-provided laptop computer1002and desk chair1001, merely for illustration of use.

FIG. 11illustrates a close-up view of the desk107and central core101area fully expanded and personalized with storage rearranged and stocked with personal belongings, together with laptop computer1002on desk surface107, secure locker110, electrical chase115and electrical outlets109.

FIG. 12illustrates a close-up view of the rear base of the device showing the sturdy wheels204, electrical hookup201, bed platform folded105, hinge for folding frames103, electrical outlet109and the central structural core.

FIG. 13illustrates the basic functions of the device deployed with the bed platform and legs at their optional lower height. This setting is achieved by unfolding the short legs106and positioning the bed platform105with bed raising hardware117.

FIG. 14illustrates the apparatus being wheeled by an individual for storage or positioning. The locations of the sturdy wheels204and steel handle202are designed for the apparatus to be tilted back and rolled in this manner by one person by gripping the handle and imparting lateral force. It is important that the device is lightweight enough, and compact enough in this closed configuration, to be moved in this manner by a single person.

FIG. 15illustrates the apparatus outfitted with numerous other optional accessories designed to increase the functionality of the “fold up dormitory.” These additional accessories include but are not limited to a repair kit1501, bicycle hook with lock1502, durable minor1503, cup holders1504, additional supports for a full curtain/bug-net/changing area1505, Drawers1506to increase functionality of storage space, integrated lighting1507, cable/Internet data port1508, under-bed curtain for partially obscured storage space1509, all purpose hooks1510, towel drying rod1511, engraved number plaque for administrative purposes or to help provide a temporary address for displaced people using the device1512, a fold out seat1513as an alternative, or in addition to using an external seat pivotally connected with the central core101, magnetic and dry erase message panel1514, flat screen television/computer screen1515and a built in microphone and web cam1516for communication purposes.

Fold out seat1513, which although optional is a particularly desirable feature for maximizing living comfort and making available basic living necessities, is connected to the second side of said central core101, for rotation about a horizontal seat-to-core axis of connection, at a height and position in relation to desk surface107to provide seating at the desk surface107. This (downward) rotation about the horizontal seat-to-core axis is illustrated by the broken-line arc inFIG. 15. Given that when in use it must support the weight of a person, seat1513is supported by a strong hinge and rotation stop at the junction with central core101, and is itself preferably fabricated from an unbreakable material such as metal or steel. In one embodiment, it is also supported by at least one cable in tension, illustrated but unnumbered. In another embodiment, it is supported by a fold-out seat support, illustrated by the unnumbered broken straight line toward the lower right ofFIG. 15. Other configuration alternatives for strengthening support so that seat1513can sustain a person's weight without breakage will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill and are regarded to be within the scope of this discourse and its associated claims.

The Fold Up Dormitory apparatus is intended to convert from the“closed position” for storage into an“open position” for use as living and working space, through a series of simple operations, as earlier described in connection withFIGS. 3-6. In the“closed position” the device resembles an upright bookcase with hexahedronal dimensions of, for example, not limitation, 18″ thick×45″ wide×81″ high, with the length and width not much more than (at least) the length and width of a customary 72″×40″ single bed, but a thickness dimension no more than about 24″ and preferably no more than 21″ and more preferably no more than 18″ and most preferably no more than 15″, enabling highly compact storage. Small wheels204are provided on the bottom rear corner of central core101and a sturdy steel handle202is provided at a convenient height on the upper outer rear face of central core101so the entire apparatus can be tipped back and rolled away by one person (FIG. 14). When closed, many of these devices can be stored together in a relatively small space until they are needed (FIG. 8). When fully opened, the device provides a simultaneously-usable bed platform105, adjustable shelving108, an electrical chase115with outlets109for task lighting, a compact desk107and a small secure locker110for storing valuables.

The process of transforming the apparatus from the closed position to the open position is quite simple. First the Fold Up Dormitory is moved to the desired location and set down so that it rests on the heavy duty wheels204and adjustable feet111(FIG. 3). Next the folding frames102are opened, fully pivoting around hinges103affixed to the central core101(FIG. 4). At this point the device is well stabilized and any instability due to uneven ground can be tempered with the adjustable feet111. The further deployment of various components is dependent on the needs of the user. As noted earlier, bed platform105can be unlatched, flipped down and set at one of three heights (FIGS. 5,6and13) using the ratcheting bed hardware117and the folding legs106proximate the foot of the bed platform105. (Note fromFIG. 5, that when the legs are not use, one of these heights is simply“on the floor.”) The desk107can be flipped down as inFIG. 6, and if desired can be flipped open, unfolding for a larger working surface as shown inFIG. 10. The storage shelving108can be used in its default position inside the structural core101or can be rearranged by removing it and attaching it to the shelving mounting brackets116on the outside of the core and insides of the folding frames (FIGS. 10 and 11). Personal belongings that need to be kept secure can be locked in the secure locker110and personal electronics can be powered with various electrical outlets109once the Fold Up Dormitory is connected to a power source via the electrical hookup201, which electrically connects and distributes power to outlets109.

Since the Fold Up Dormitory may be used in situations ranging from over-enrollment of students at a university that suddenly needs additional housing, to a disaster where hundreds of people are displaced, there are a number of accessories integrated into the apparatus to enhance its normal function. Accessories include but are not limited to: a privacy barrier112, shelving108with bracketing116that can be personalized through various arrangements. Alternative embodiments include but are not limited to versions of the Fold Up Dormitory that sacrifice the work surface for an additional bed platform, storage that provides more security110for belongings, and varying different electrical outlets109for use in different parts of the world.

The Fold Up Dormitory is specifically designed with a directional bias, meaning that all of the functions are on “one side” of the device allowing the back side, with privacy barrier112(preferably a removable opaque curtain) to become a wall that provides some privacy to the user. This feature allows for multiple fold up dormitories to be arranged such that they can accommodate reduced privacy among individuals, pairs or small groups that prefer to cohabitate, while giving more privacy to those who wish to have their own space (FIG. 7). In a large gymnasium, many different arrangements could be achieved providing a sense of personal space, privacy, and choice that is not available in most emergency relief or temporary housing situations.

In contrast to other devices, this invention allows for three bed heights rather than one. When the legs are kept folded, the bed platform105sits on the ground. When the small legs106are deployed while the long legs remain folded it is low but off the ground. When the longer legs106are deployed the bed is raised high off the ground. It should be apparent that an alternative embodiment of this invention could supply more than three possible bed heights. Importantly, the bed and desk are deployed, adjusted, and may be used simultaneously. The Fold Up Dormitory is extremely mobile, and collapses via various pivots discussed above into an optimally small size for storage without disconnecting and reconnecting its various elements.

The desk surface107also folds into the core whenever it is not needed, it can be deployed and used regardless of the position of the bed (and vice versa, i.e., the desk can be used absent deployment of the bed), and it has the ability to become a larger or smaller working surface by unfolding or folding as illustrated inFIG. 10. Electrical outlets109are integrated into the structure of the Fold Up Dormitory such that one electrical hookup201supplies power and multiple electrical devices can therefore be plugged into the provided electrical outlets109.

The knowledge possessed by someone of ordinary skill in the art at the time of this disclosure is understood to be part and parcel of this disclosure and is implicitly incorporated by reference herein, even if in the interest of economy express statements about the specific knowledge understood to be possessed by someone of ordinary skill are omitted from this disclosure. While reference may be made in this disclosure to the invention comprising a combination of a plurality of elements, it is also understood that this invention is regarded to comprise combinations which omit or exclude one or more of such elements, even if this omission or exclusion of an element or elements is not expressly stated herein, unless it is expressly stated herein that an element is essential to applicants combination and cannot be omitted. It is further understood that the related prior art may include elements from which this invention may be distinguished by negative claim limitations, even without any express statement of such negative limitations herein. It is to be understood, between the positive statements of applicants invention expressly stated herein, and the prior art and knowledge of the prior art by those of ordinary skill which is incorporated herein even if not expressly reproduced here for reasons of economy, that any and all such negative claim limitations supported by the prior art are also considered to be within the scope of this disclosure and its associated claims, even absent any express statement herein about any particular negative claim limitations.

Finally, while only certain preferred features of the invention have been illustrated and described, many modifications, changes and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.