Cabinet assembly

Abstract

Cabinet assemblies and cabinet assembly kits are disclosed, including two side panels and a back panel coupled by hinge assemblies. Each hinge assembly includes a first bracket, a second bracket, and a link. The first and second brackets each include a key that alternately creates a key channel when one of the side panels is positioned at approximately a right angle relative to the back panel. Each hinge assembly allows the cabinet assembly to be configured in a folded configuration in which the side panels are parallel to the back panel. A locking bracket includes a locking member sized and shaped to be inserted into the key channel. When the locking member is inserted into the key channel, the locking bracket locks the side panels at a substantially right angle relative to the back panel.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Furniture such as cabinets are often manufactured in separate pieces that are then provided to a purchaser for assembly. Assembly of these cabinets can be cumbersome and time consuming. In some cases, assembly of a cabinet can require multiple people to perform the assembly. It would be desirable to have an improved cabinet assembly that is easy to assemble. SUMMARY

[0002] A cabinet assembly is disclosed. The cabinet assembly includes two side panels and a back panel. A hinge assembly couples the side panels to the back panel. Each hinge assembly includes a first bracket mounted on an interior surface of one of the side panels. The first bracket has a first key and a first pivot head. A second bracket is mounted on an interior surface of the back panel. The second bracket has a second key and a second pivot head. The first key alternates with the second key to create a keyway when one of the side panels is positioned at approximately a right angle relative to the back panel. A link has a first generally circular aperture and a second generally oblong aperture. The first pivot head is positioned within the first aperture to couple the link, the first bracket, and one of the side panels. The second pivot head is positioned within the second aperture to couple the link, the second bracket, and the back panel. The second pivot head is laterally movable within the second aperture. The hinge assembly allows the cabinet assembly to be configured in a folded configuration in which the side panels are parallel to, and coupled with, the back panel. A locking bracket has an outer edge and a locking member extending away from the outer edge. The locking member is sized and shaped to be inserted into the keyway. When the locking member is inserted into the keyway, the locking bracket locks the side panels at approximately a right angle relative to the back panel.

[0003] In some embodiments, the cabinet assembly includes a first opening proximate a back end of an edge of the side panel and a second opening proximate an opposite end of an edge of the back panel. In such embodiments, the first pivot head is a portion of a first pin insertable into one of the first openings and the second pivot head is a portion of a second pin insertable into the second opening.

[0004] A method of assembling a cabinet assembly is also disclosed. The method includes rotating a first side panel of a cabinet sub-assembly from a first folded position to a first installed position. The cabinet sub-assembly includes a back panel coupled to the first side panel via a first hinge assembly and a second side panel coupled to the back panel via a second hinge assembly. The first hinge assembly defines a first channel when the first side panel is in the first installed position. In the first folded position, the first side panel is substantially parallel to the back panel. The method includes rotating the second side panel from a second folded position to a second installed position. The second hinge assembly defines a second channel when the second side panel is in the second installed position. In the second folded position, the second side panel is substantially parallel to the back panel. The method includes inserting a first locking bracket into the first channel. The first locking bracket locks the first side panel substantially at a right angle relative to the back panel when the second locking member is inserted into the first channel. The method also includes inserting a second locking bracket into the second channel. The second locking bracket locks the second side panel substantially at a right angle relative to the back panel when the second locking member is inserted into the first channel.

[0005] In some embodiments, the bottom and toe-kick sub-assembly are inserted into recesses in the side panels, and the face frame is secured to the side panels by brackets. Drawer slides are mounted on the side panels, and drawers are inserted.

[0006] In some embodiments, the method can include securing the side panels to the back panel by, for example, screwing the side panels to the back panel. In some embodiments, fastening the side panels and the back panel can provide additional security against accidental disassembly of the cabinet assembly.

[0007] A cabinet assembly kit is also disclosed. The kit includes a cabinet assembly. The cabinet assembly includes two side panels and a back panel. Hinge assemblies couple the side panels to the back panel. Each hinge assembly includes a first bracket mounted on an interior surface of one of the side panels. The first bracket has a first key and a first pivot head. A second bracket is mounted on an interior surface of the back panel. The second bracket has a second key and a second pivot head. The first key interdigitates with the second key to create a key channel when one of the side panels is positioned substantially at a right angle relative to the back panel. A link has a first generally circular aperture and a second generally oblong aperture. The first pivot head is positioned within the first aperture, thereby coupling the link, the first bracket, and the one of the side panels. The second pivot head is positioned within the second aperture, thereby coupling the link, the second bracket, and the back panel. The second pivot head is laterally movable within the second aperture. The hinge assemblies allow the cabinet assembly to be configured in a folded configuration in which the side panels are parallel to, and coupled to, the back panel. A locking bracket has an outer edge and a locking member extending away from the outer edge. The locking member is sized and shaped to be inserted into the key channel. The locking bracket locks the side panel substantially at a right angle relative to the back panel when the locking member is inserted into the key channel.

[0008] In some embodiments, the cabinet assembly includes a first aperture proximate a rear end of an edge of the side panel and a second aperture proximate an opposite end of an edge of the rear panel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings throughout the following written description.

[0010] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a cabinet assembly including a drawer and a cabinet door according to various embodiments;

[0011] Figure 1B is a perspective view of a cabinet assembly without a drawer and a cabinet door according to various embodiments;

[0012] Figure 1C is an enlarged view of a corner of a cabinet assembly according to various embodiments;

[0013] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of a cabinet assembly according to various embodiments; Figure 1A

[0014] Figures 3A-3C is a perspective view of a hinge assembly of a cabinet assembly in a varying configuration according to various embodiments; Figure 1A

[0015] Figure 3D is a perspective view of a locking bracket according to various embodiments;

[0016] Figure 3E is an end view of a hinge assembly and a locking bracket of a cabinet assembly according to various embodiments; Figures 1A-1C

[0017] Figures 4A-4C illustrates an example of a folded configuration for a cabinet subassembly according to various embodiments;

[0018] Figures 5A-5F illustrates a drawing of various states in a method of assembling a cabinet assembly according to various embodiments; Figures 1A-1C

[0019] Figure 6 illustrates a cabinet assembly kit according to various embodiments;

[0020] Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method of assembling a cabinet assembly according to various embodiments; Figures 1A-1C

[0021] Like reference numbers in different drawings denote corresponding or like parts.​​​​​ DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Assembly of furniture, such as a cabinet or the like, can be difficult. For example, different pieces of a cabinet can be shipped in the form of a kit that includes various component parts. In other words, a cabinet assembly can typically be sold in one or more boxes that include various component parts (e.g., fasteners, etc.) and cabinet components (e.g., a back panel, side panels, a front panel, etc.). Assembly of the component parts and cabinet components can be cumbersome for a single person. As a result, multiple assemblers can be hired to assemble the cabinet, or the process can be time consuming from start to finish.

[0023] Various embodiments provide an improved cabinet assembly that includes one or more subassemblies that include pre-assembled components. For example, a back panel and one or more side panels can be interlocked by hinged corners that can be simply repositioned and locked into an assembled configuration. Other components, such as a front panel, can be attached to the side panels via a similar locking manner as the side panels and back panel. As a result, assembly can be simplified and relatively faster compared to existing cabinets. In some embodiments, the cabinet assembly can be simplified in a manner that a single person can more easily assemble the cabinet.

[0024] As used herein, pre-assembled components refer to one or more components that are assembled (at least partially) during manufacture of the cabinet assembly and prior to packaging of the cabinet assembly.

[0025] Various cabinet assemblies described herein generally represent a freestanding cabinet assembly. In some embodiments, the cabinet assembly can be referred to as a base cabinet or the like. In other words, the cabinet assembly can be intended for use on a solid surface (e.g., a floor). It should be appreciated that the cabinet assembly can alternatively be hung on a wall (i.e., elevated above the floor) in accordance with the principles described herein. In such embodiments, the cabinet assembly can be referred to as an upper cabinet or the like.

[0026] Figures 1A-1C A cabinet assembly 10 in accordance with various embodiments is shown. The cabinet assembly 10 can generally include various sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, square, or the like). The cabinet assembly 10 can be referred to as a base cabinet assembly or the like, and can generally represent a cabinet assembly for mounting on a solid surface (e.g., a floor). The size and geometry of the cabinet assembly 10 is not intended to be limiting and can vary. The materials used for the cabinet assembly 10 can also vary. In some embodiments, various components (to be discussed in greater detail below) can be made of wood, medium density fiberboard (MDF), or the like. The materials used for the cabinet assembly 10 are not intended to be limiting and can vary.

[0027] Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference Figures 1A-1C .

[0028] The cabinet assembly 10 of the illustrated embodiment includes two side panels 15A, 15B, a back panel 20, a face frame 25, a cabinet door 30, a bottom 35, a toe kick 40, and a drawer 45. Figure 1B ).

[0029] The side panels 15A, 15B and the back panel 20 are connected by hinge assemblies 65. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two visible hinge assemblies 65 (on each upper rear corner of the cabinet assembly 10). There can be two additional hinge assemblies 65 on each lower rear corner of the cabinet assembly 10. The hinge assemblies 65 are secured to the interior surfaces of each of the side panels 15A, 15B and the back panel 20. The hinge assemblies 65 will be discussed in greater detail below in accordance with Figures 3A-3E .

[0030] Although the embodiments described herein have hinge assemblies 65 that couple the side panels 15A, 15B to the back panel 20, with the face frame 25 being attached to the side panels 15A, 15B, it should be understood that any two or more sides of the cabinet assembly 10 can be coupled via hinge assemblies 65.

[0031] In some embodiments, the cabinet assembly 10 can also include an opposing surface (not shown). It should be understood that the opposing surface can be separate from and can be installed separately from the cabinet assembly 10. In some embodiments, the cabinet assembly 10 can be part of a cabinet assembly kit (shown and described in greater detail below in accordance with Figure 6 .

[0032] Figure 1C Partial views of a corner of the cabinet assembly 10 are shown in accordance with various embodiments. As Figure 1C shown, with the hinge assembly 65 removed from the upper rear corner of the cabinet assembly 10, an aperture 67 is visible in the side panel 15B and the back panel 20. Similarly, an aperture 67 can be present in the opposite upper rear corner of the cabinet assembly 10 on the opposite end of the side panel 15A and the back panel 20. In other embodiments, the aperture 67 can not be included.

[0033] In some embodiments, the aperture 67 can receive a pin (not shown) that provides a pivot head for the hinge assembly 65. However, in other embodiments, the pivot head (not shown) can be Figures 3A-3C . Figures 3A-3C) can be integral with the hinge assembly 65, in which case the aperture 67 is not needed in the cabinet assembly 10. In the illustrated embodiment, a cutout 69 is formed in the side panels 15B and the back panel 20 to enable the hinge assembly 65 to be placed flush with the top surface of the cabinet assembly 10. In some embodiments, the cutout 69 enables the hinge assembly 65 to be placed relatively lower than the top surface of the cabinet assembly 10. In some embodiments, the cutout 69 can not be present on the side panels 15B or the back panel. It should be appreciated that the cutout 69, if present, would be present on both the side panels 15B and the back panel 20 to align different portions of the hinge assembly 65.

[0034] Figure 2 An exploded view of the cabinet assembly 10 of FIG. 1 is shown, according to various embodiments. The cabinet assembly 10 can be divided into different subassemblies. For example, the two side panels 15A, 15B and the back panel 20 can be pre-assembled (i.e., during manufacturing and prior to packaging) as a first subassembly 50. The bottom 35 and the kick 40 can be pre-assembled as a second subassembly 55. The drawer 45 can be a third subassembly 60. The face frame 25 and the cabinet door 30 can be pre-assembled as a fourth subassembly 62.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the second subassembly 55, the third subassembly 60, and the fourth subassembly 62 can be optional. In other words, in some embodiments, the drawer 45 can not be pre-assembled, the combination of the bottom 35 and the kick 40 can not be pre-assembled, the face frame 25 and the cabinet door 30 can not be pre-assembled, or a combination thereof. In such embodiments, additional assembly steps beyond those described herein would be required to construct the second subassembly 55, the third subassembly 60, and the fourth subassembly 62.

[0036] In Figure 2 the second subassembly 55, which includes the pre-assembled bottom 35 and the kick 40, is visible. As Figure 2 shown, because the side panels 15A, 15B and the back panel 20 are connected by the hinge assembly 65, the first subassembly 50 can be free-standing (e.g., able to stand on its own) when assembling the cabinet assembly 10.

[0037] As in Figure 2As can also be seen, the side panels 15A, 15B can include brackets 70 on the interior surfaces of the side panels 15A, 15B (and corresponding components on the face frame 25) for securing the face frame 25 and the door 30 to the side panels 15A, 15B. The brackets 70 can be present at the upper front corner and the lower front corner of the cabinet assembly 10. It should be appreciated that the side panel 15B includes similar brackets 70. In some embodiments, the brackets 70 can not be included, and the face frame 25 and the door 30 can be connected to the side panels 15A, 15B via fasteners such as screws or the like. In some embodiments, the brackets 70 can be secured to the face frame 25 and the side panels 15A, 15B prior to packaging of the cabinet assembly 10 to reduce the work of assembling the cabinet assembly 10.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the side panels 15A, 15B include recesses 75 formed in the interior surfaces of the side panels 15A, 15B for guiding the bottom 35 into place in the cabinet assembly 10. In some embodiments, the recesses 75 and the securing of the face frame 25 to the side panels 15A, 15B can hold the bottom 35 and the kick 40 in an assembled configuration. In some embodiments, additional fasteners (e.g., screws or the like) can be used to further secure the bottom 35 and the kick 40 in the assembled state.

[0039] Figure 3A A perspective view of the hinge assembly 65 is shown in accordance with various embodiments. The hinge assembly 65 includes a first bracket 80 and a second bracket 85 that are linked together via a link 90. The link 90 enables the first bracket 80 and the second bracket 85 to move relative to one another, which in turn enables the side panel 15A, 15B and the back panel 20 to be rotated from a folded configuration (e.g., a shipping configuration) to an assembled configuration, as described in more detail below in accordance with various embodiments. Figures 5A-5F The hinge assembly 65 is shown and described in more detail.

[0040] The first bracket 80 is secured to the interior surface 16 of the side panel 15A (e.g., via screws or the like) and includes one or more keys 95. The second bracket 85 is secured to the interior surface 21 of the back panel 20 (e.g., via screws or the like) and likewise includes one or more keys 95 that are positioned in an alternating configuration relative to the one or more keys 95 of the first bracket 80. Although the illustrated embodiment shows a single key 95 in the first bracket 80 and two keys 95 in the second bracket 85, it should be appreciated that the first bracket 80 and the second bracket 85 can include different numbers of keys 95.

[0041] The keys 95 generally have a hook shape such that a locking bracket Figure 3C ) can engage with the keys 95 to maintain the hinge assembly 65 in a locked state.

[0042] The link 90 includes a first aperture 105 that is generally circular. As used herein, generally circular refers to a circle that is affected by manufacturing tolerances or the like. The link 90 also includes a second aperture 110 that is generally oblong in shape. As used herein, generally oblong refers to an oblong shape that is affected by manufacturing tolerances or the like. Thus, the link 90 can rotate about a pivot head 115 in the first bracket 80, with the pivot head 115 serving as an axis of rotation for the link 90 about the first bracket 80. In some embodiments, the pivot head 115 extends from the first bracket 80 and forms a one-piece integral structure with the first bracket 80. In some embodiments, the pivot head 115 can be part of a separate piece, such as a pin, that is inserted into an aperture formed in the first bracket 80. The link 90 can also move laterally with respect to a pivot head 120 in the second bracket 85, such that the pivot head 120 serves as a second axis of rotation for the link 90 about the second bracket 85. In some embodiments, the pivot head 120 extends from the second bracket 85 and forms a one-piece integral structure with the second bracket 85. In some embodiments, the pivot head 120 can be part of a separate piece, such as a pin, that is inserted into an aperture formed in the second bracket 85.

[0043] In some embodiments, the pivot heads 115 and 120 are part of separate pieces, such as pins, that are separate from the first and second brackets 80 and 85. In such embodiments, there can be apertures 67 Figure 1C ) associated with the pivot heads 115 and 120 that can be received in the apertures 67 Figure 1C ) of the side panel 15A and the rear panel 20. Due to the generally oblong shape, the side panel 15A can also move relatively closer or further away with respect to the rear panel 20. The combination of the apertures 105, 110 and the link 90 with the pivot heads 115, 120 can thus enable the side panel 15A to rotate with respect to the rear panel 20 from a folded configuration (see below Figure 5A ) to an assembled configuration. The folded configuration can also be referred to as a packaged configuration, a shipping configuration, or the like.

[0044] The first and second brackets 80 and 85 include a protrusion 99. The protrusion 99 is shown at about a middle distance along the length of the brackets 80, 85. It should be understood that the protrusion 99 can be moved along the length of the first bracket 80 or the second bracket 85.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge assembly 65 is mounted on the top surfaces of the side panel 15A and the rear panel 20. As described above with respect to Figures 1A-1CAs shown and described, the side panel 15A and the back panel 20 can include a cutout 69 proximate to the back edge of the side panel 15A and the back panel 20 that enables the hinge assembly 65 to be disposed flush with the top surface of the side panel 15A and the back panel 20. In other words, the cutout 69 acts as a counterbore for the hinge assembly 65. In some embodiments, this can enable the surface of the cabinet assembly 10 to be flat for the installation of a countertop or the like.

[0046] Figure 3B A perspective view of the hinge assembly 65 in an assembled and unlocked state is shown in accordance with various embodiments. In the assembled and unlocked state, the plurality of spaced apart keys 95 of the first bracket 80 and the keys 95 of the second bracket 85 are alternately disposed to form a channel 122 therebetween. Figure 3B

[0047] Figure 3C A perspective view of the hinge assembly 65 in an assembled and locked state is shown in accordance with various embodiments. In the assembled and locked state, the locking bracket 96 is securely inserted into the channel 122 Figure 3C Figure 3B ) between the keys 95 of the first bracket 80 and the second bracket 85.

[0048] The height H of the locking bracket 96 extends generally from the upper flange 98 of the locking bracket 96. This height H corresponds to the dimension of the key channel 122 Figure 3B ) between the keys 95 of the first bracket 80 and the second bracket 85. In some embodiments, H is greater than the length of the key channel 122. In some embodiments, H can be selected based on the size of the first bracket 80 and the second bracket 85.

[0049] Figure 3D A perspective view of the locking bracket 96 is shown in accordance with various embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking bracket 96 includes a locking member 125 and a detent 101 on adjacent sides of the locking member 125. It should be appreciated that some embodiments can include the detent 101 on one side of the locking member 125 but not the other. In some embodiments, more than one detent 101 can be included on the sides of the locking member 125. The locking member 125 extends from the outer edge 97 of the locking bracket 96. The locking member 125 includes a first member 106 and a second member 107 extending from the outer edge 97. The second member 107 can have a substantially tri-prismatic geometry. As used herein, substantially tri-prismatic includes tri-prismatic subject to manufacturing tolerances or the like. It should be appreciated that the geometry is exemplary and can vary so long as the locking member 125 is insertable into the channel 122 Figure 3B ) between the keys 95 of the first bracket 80 and the second bracket 85. The first member 106 is sized to be insertable between the ends of the keys 95 such that the second member 107 is disposed within the channel 122.

[0050] ​​The locking part 101 is configured to engage with the first bracket 80 ( Figure 3B ) and second support 85 ( Figure 3B ) protrusion 99 ( Figure 3B The locking portion 101 secures the hinge assembly 65 in a locked state when the locking bracket 96 is installed by mating with the protrusion 99. In some embodiments, the locking portion 101 and the protrusion 99 can provide a state in which the cabinet assembly 10 is difficult to disassemble, for example, to prevent accidental disassembly. Each locking portion 101 generally includes two protrusions 102 spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the size of the protrusion 99, thereby forming a chamber 103 to receive the protrusion 99. The protrusions 102 extend from the outer edge 97 of the locking bracket 96. The protrusions 102 may have a beveled surface 104 to facilitate the installation of the locking bracket 96 to the hinge assembly 65. For example, the beveled surface 104 may allow the protrusions 102 to slide more easily over the protrusions 99 during the installation of the locking bracket 96.

[0051] Figure 3E A bottom end view of a locking bracket 96 assembled with a hinge assembly 65 according to various embodiments is shown. The locking bracket 96 includes a locking member 125 positioned relatively away from the outer edge 97 of the locking bracket 96. The locking member 125 is configured to select an extension distance D based on the size of the channel formed by the alternating keys 95 of the hinge assembly 65. Thus, when mounted to the hinge assembly 65, the surface 130 of the locking member engages with the keys 95.

[0052] Figures 4A-4C Examples of folding configurations for subassembly 50 according to various embodiments are shown. Subassembly 50, including side panels 15A, 15B, rear panel 20, and hinge assembly 65, can be folded into various configurations due to hinge assembly 65. Figure 4A The diagram shows a folding configuration in which both side panels 15A and 15B are folded to the front of the rear panel 20. Figure 4B The diagram shows a folding structure in which both side panels 15A and 15B are folded to the back of the rear panel 20. Figure 4C The diagram shows a folding configuration in which side panel 15A is folded to the front of rear panel 20 and side panel 15B is folded to the rear of rear panel 20. Figure 4C The illustrated implementation may be referred to as an interlaced configuration or a "Z-form". In some implementations, the folding configuration may depend on the size of the side panels 15A, 15B relative to the rear panel 20. For example, if the side panels 15A, 15B are wider than the rear panel 20, then... Figure 4A and 4Bthe folding configuration can not be feasible. The hinge assembly 65 is capable of being unfolded to assemble the cabinet assembly 10, and due to the configuration of the hinge assembly 65, misalignment of the side panels 15A, 15B and the rear panel 20 can be prevented when assembling the cabinet assembly 10.

[0053] Figures 5A-5F diagrams illustrating various states in a method of assembling a cabinet assembly 10 according to various embodiments are shown. Figure 1A , 1B diagrams illustrating various states in a method of assembling a cabinet assembly 10 according to various embodiments are shown.

[0054] Figure 5A diagrams illustrating various states in a method of assembling a cabinet assembly 10 according to various embodiments are shown. Figures 4A-4C

[0055] Figure 5B diagrams illustrating various states in a method of assembling a cabinet assembly 10 according to various embodiments are shown.

[0056] Figure 5C diagrams illustrating various states in a method of assembling a cabinet assembly 10 according to various embodiments are shown.

[0057] Figure 5D diagrams illustrating various states in a method of assembling a cabinet assembly 10 according to various embodiments are shown.

[0058] Figure 5E ​A perspective view of the hinge assembly 65 in an assembled and unlocked state is shown in accordance with various embodiments. In the assembled and unlocked state, the hinge assembly 65 is ready to be locked in place, and thus the side panel 15A and the back panel 20 are disposed perpendicular to and adjacent to one another so that the locking bracket 96 can be installed.

[0059] Figure 5F A perspective view of the hinge assembly 65 in an assembled and locked state is shown in accordance with various embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking bracket 96 is secured in place on the hinge assembly 65. Thus, the side panel 15A and the back panel 20 are secured together.

[0060] The above description is with respect to the side panel 15A and the back panel 20. To simplify the present description, the side panel 15B and the back panel 20 are assembled in the same manner, but in some embodiments, the side panel 15B and the back panel 20 are mirrored with respect to one another so that the side panel 15B is rotated in a clockwise direction. In other embodiments, the side panel 15B can be positioned along an opposite side of the back panel 20 from the other side panel 15A when in the folded position.

[0061] Figure 6 A cabinet assembly kit 200 is shown in accordance with various embodiments. The cabinet assembly kit 200 generally represents a package in which the cabinet assembly 10 can be sold. Thus, the cabinet assembly kit 200 includes the cabinet assembly 10 of FIG. 1.

[0062] In the cabinet assembly kit 200, the first section 205 includes the subassembly 50, and the second section 210 includes the other subassemblies 55, 60, and 62, as well as hardware for locking the components during assembly. It should be appreciated that an installation manual 215 can be included. The kit 200 can be divided differently, or can include only a single section in which all of the components are included. In the illustrated embodiment, the section 210 is inserted into the section 205. In some embodiments, the section 205 can be sealed (e.g., taped or the like) to contain the cabinet assembly kit 200. In the illustrated embodiment, additional packaging material 220, 225 can be included in the cabinet assembly kit 200 to reduce shifting of the cabinet assembly 10, reduce the likelihood of damage to the cabinet assembly 10, or the like.

[0063] Figure 7is a flowchart of a method 300 for assembling a cabinet assembly 10 (FIG. 1) according to various embodiments. At block 305, a first side panel (e.g., side panel 15A) of a cabinet subassembly (e.g., first subassembly 50) is rotated from a first folded position to a first installed position. At block 310, a second side panel (e.g., side panel 15B) is rotated from a second folded position to a second installed position. At block 315, a first locking bracket (e.g., locking bracket 96) is inserted into a first channel (e.g., channel 122) formed by a hinge assembly (e.g., hinge assembly 65). At block 320, a second locking bracket 96 is inserted into a second channel 122 formed by a second hinge assembly 65. After block 320, the subassembly 50 can be in an assembled configuration. In some embodiments, after block 320, third and fourth locking brackets are inserted into third and fourth hinge assemblies 65.

[0064] At block 323, a bottom (e.g., bottom 35) and a toe kick (e.g., toe kick 40) of a subassembly (e.g., subassembly 55) can be inserted into the first subassembly 50 by inserting the subassembly 55 into recesses (e.g., recesses 75) in the side panels 15A and 15B. At block 325, a face frame (e.g., face frame 25) is secured to the side panels 15A, 15B. At block 325, the face frame 25 can be secured to the side panels 15A, 15B via bracket assemblies (e.g., bracket assemblies 70) in four corners where the face frame 25 meets the side panels 15A, 15B.

[0065] At block 330, drawer slides can be installed on the side panels 15A, 15B, and then a drawer (e.g., drawer 45) is inserted into the cabinet assembly 10. In some embodiments, the method 300 can include securing the side panels 15A, 15B to the back panel 20 (block 335), for example, by screwing the side panels 15A, 15B to the back panel 20. The fastening (block 335) is optional, as the cabinet assembly 10 is securely assembled without screws or other fasteners. In some embodiments, the screws can provide additional security to prevent accidental disassembly of the cabinet assembly 10.

[0066] Accordingly, embodiments provide a cabinet assembly 10 formed from pre-assembled subassemblies according to a simplified assembly process. The subassemblies, and particularly the first subassembly 50, can make it easier for a single person to assemble the cabinet assembly, as the hinge assemblies 65 reduce the difficulty of aligning the side panels 15A, 15B and the back panel 20. Additionally, the pre-assembled subassemblies can help reduce or completely prevent misalignment or misplacement of the cabinet assembly when assembling the cabinet assembly. Furthermore, the foldable cabinets disclosed herein allow for more compact packaging and thus involve lower shipping costs.

[0067] The terminology used herein is intended to describe embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. Unless otherwise explicitly provided, the terms "a," "an" and "the" are also inclusive of two or more. As used in this description, the terms "include," and / or "comprise," mean "comprising but not limited to," and do not exclude other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components.

[0068] It is to be understood that detailed changes can be made in the construction materials, and the shape, size, and arrangement of the parts without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The description and the described embodiments are examples, and the true scope and spirit of the disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cabinet component, comprising: Two side panels; Rear panel; Hinges for attaching the side panels to the rear panels, each hinge assembly including: A first bracket, which is mounted on the inner surface of one of the side panels, has a first key and a first pivot head; The second bracket is mounted on the inner surface of the rear panel, and the second bracket has a second key and a second pivot head; Wherein, when one of the side panels is positioned approximately at a right angle relative to the rear panel, the first key and the second key alternate to create a key channel; and A connecting rod having a first generally circular orifice and a second generally oblong orifice. The first pivot head is located within the first orifice, thereby connecting the connecting rod, the first bracket, and one of the side panels. The second pivot head is located within the second orifice, thereby connecting the connecting rod, the second bracket, and the rear panel. The second pivot head is capable of lateral movement within the second orifice. The hinge assembly allows the cabinet components to be configured as a folding structure, in which the side panels are parallel to and connected to the rear panel; and A locking bracket having an outer edge and a locking member extending away from the outer edge. The locking component is sized and shaped to be inserted into the keyway. When the locking member is inserted into the keyway, the locking bracket locks the side panel at approximately a right angle to the rear panel.

2. The cabinet assembly of claim 1, further comprising: The base, kick feet, front frame, cabinet doors, and drawers.

3. The cabinet assembly of claim 2 further includes a bracket for securing the front frame to the two side panels.

4. The cabinet assembly of claim 3, wherein, The bracket secures the faceplate to the two side panels in a position opposite to the rear panel.

5. The cabinet assembly of claim 2, wherein, The bottom and kicker form sub-components.

6. The cabinet assembly of claim 2, wherein, The drawer is a sub-component.

7. The cabinet assembly of any one of claims 2-6, wherein, The front frame and cabinet door are pre-assembled sub-components, or the front frame and cabinet door are formed into sub-components through additional assembly steps.

8. The cabinet assembly of any one of claims 1-6, wherein, One or more of the following conditions exist: the first pivot head is an integral part of the first support; The second pivot head is an integral part of the second support.

9. The cabinet assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, Each of the side panels includes a first opening at a rear end near the edge of the side panel, wherein the rear panel includes second openings at opposite ends near the edge of the rear panel, wherein the first bracket includes a third aperture aligned with a corresponding first opening in one of the side panels, wherein the second bracket includes a fourth aperture aligned with a corresponding second opening in the rear panel, and wherein each hinge assembly further includes: Including a first pin of a first pivot head, the first pin is inserted into a first orifice, a third orifice, and a corresponding first opening, thereby connecting the connecting rod, the first bracket, and the side panel; and The second pin, including the second pivot head, is inserted into the second orifice, the fourth orifice, and one of the second openings, thereby connecting the link, the second bracket, and the rear panel.

10. The cabinet assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The cabinet component is the lower cabinet.

11. The cabinet assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The first bracket includes a first protrusion, and the locking bracket includes a locking portion having a chamber configured to receive the first protrusion, wherein the first protrusion is received in the chamber when the locking bracket locks the side panel substantially at a right angle relative to the rear panel when the locking member is inserted into the key channel.

12. A method for assembling a cabinet, comprising: The first side panel of the cabinet sub-assembly is rotated from a first folded position to a first mounting position, wherein the cabinet sub-assembly further includes a rear panel connected to the first side panel via a first hinge assembly and a second side panel connected to the rear panel via a second hinge assembly, wherein when the first side panel is in the first mounting position, the first hinge assembly defines a first channel, and wherein, in the first folded position, the first side panel is substantially parallel to the rear panel. The second side panel is rotated from the second folded position to the second mounting position, wherein, when the second side panel is in the second mounting position, the second hinge assembly defines the second channel, and wherein, in the second folded position, the second side panel is substantially parallel to the rear panel. The first locking member of the first locking bracket is inserted into the first channel, wherein, when the first locking member is inserted into the first channel, the first locking bracket locks the first side panel at approximately a right angle relative to the rear panel; and The second locking member of the second locking bracket is inserted into the second channel, wherein when the second locking member is inserted into the second channel, the second locking bracket locks the second side panel at approximately a right angle relative to the rear panel.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising securing the rear panel to the first and second side panels by additional fasteners.

14. The method of claim 12 or 13, further comprising inserting the bottom and kick plate assembly into recesses in the first and second side panels.

15. The method of claim 12 or 13, further comprising securing the faceplate to the side panel.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising mounting a drawer slide to a side panel and inserting the drawer through the front panel.

17. A kit comprising a cabinet component according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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