Foldable furniture article and method for assembling a

Abstract

An apparatus comprises: a first panel (101) comprising a plurality of foldable portions (102); a plurality of panels (103) attachable to the plurality of foldable portions (102) of the first panel (101), where the first panel (101) and the plurality of panels (103) are configured to form a first subassembly (100) of an article of furniture; and a second sub-assembly (200) configured to be attached or docked with the first sub-assembly (100) to form an article of furniture, where the first sub-assembly (100) and the second sub-assembly (200) correspond to different portions, components or sub-assemblies of the article of furniture.

Description

Background Art

[0001] If a furniture item cannot be easily and intuitively unfolded or packed into a smaller volume for easy carrying or storage, it may cause transportation and assembly difficulties. The foldability of a furniture item is essential for assembly, shipping / transportation, and storage purposes. Foldable furniture items can be designed to provide an intuitive way for the end user to assemble and disassemble the furniture item without the need for complicated instruction manuals or assembly / disassembly procedures. Summary of the invention

[0002] The present disclosure provides various embodiments of foldable furniture items and related assembly methods of foldable furniture items. The foldable furniture items can be packaged and shipped to a consumer or end user in a compact package in an unfolded configuration. The foldable furniture items can be easily and intuitively assembled by the consumer or end user (e.g., by attaching the various components of the furniture item together and / or performing one or more folding actions). In some cases, one or more folding actions may involve folding a furniture item component by folding a first portion of the furniture item component relative to a second portion of the component. In some cases, one or more folding actions may involve folding a first component of the furniture item relative to a second component of the furniture item. The first component may be attached to or not attached to the second component.

[0003] In any of the embodiments described herein, the foldability of the described furniture articles can enhance the transportability and packability of the furniture articles without compromising the structural integrity of the furniture articles when assembled or unfolded. The furniture articles can also have a physical configuration that enables intuitive assembly and / or disassembly by an end user or consumer without the need for complex instruction manuals or assembly / disassembly procedures. The components of the foldable furniture articles described herein can be separated from other components of the foldable furniture articles to enhance transportability, packability, and ease of assembly / disassembly without compromising build quality, comfort, or structural integrity / stability. These components can be easily integrated and / or decoupled from other components of the foldable furniture articles without the use of special tools or complex assembly or disassembly procedures.

[0004] The foldable assemblies described herein may include one or more furniture items or one or more components of one or more furniture items. Furniture items may include, for example, cabinets, dressers, tables, beds, shelves, or any other type of furniture that can be used to support a load (e.g., a load applied by an object or an end user / consumer).

[0005] In order to improve transportability and packability, commercially available furniture items often compromise on construction quality, comfort, structural integrity or stability, or ease of assembly / disassembly. Various limitations exist with currently available commercially packable furniture assemblies. The present disclosure is intended to address the deficiencies and technical shortcomings of commercially available furniture assemblies by providing a device that can be easily packaged into a compact volume for storage or shipping / transportation, and that can be intuitively assembled or unfolded by the end user without compromising on construction quality, structural stability, or end-user comfort. The foldable assemblies disclosed herein can provide manufacturers, transporters, and / or suppliers with the ability to package the various components of a furniture item in a flat configuration for storage and / or transportation. The foldable assemblies disclosed herein can also enable an end user (e.g., a consumer) to intuitively assemble or unfold the foldable assemblies by performing one or more folding actions.

[0006] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus comprising: a first panel comprising a plurality of foldable portions; a plurality of plates attachable to the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel, wherein the first panel and the plurality of plates are configured to form a first subassembly of a furniture item; and a second subassembly configured to attach or interface with the first subassembly to form the furniture item, wherein the first subassembly and the second subassembly correspond to different parts, components or subassemblies of the furniture item.

[0007] In some embodiments, the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel correspond to one or more sections or peripheral edges of the first panel. In some embodiments, the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel include one or more hinges or joints attached or coupled to the first panel, wherein the one or more hinges or joints allow relative movement of the plurality of panels relative to the first panel.

[0008] In some embodiments, the plurality of panels are configured to form one or more walls, sides, or surfaces of the first subassembly when (i) the plurality of panels are attached to the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel and (ii) the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel are folded relative to one or more other portions of the first panel. In some embodiments, the plurality of panels may be attached to the first panel when the first panel is provided in a flat, unfolded configuration.

[0009] In some embodiments, the device may include one or more fasteners for attaching the plurality of panels to the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel. In some embodiments, the device may also include one or more tracks integrated with or attached to at least one of the plurality of panels. In some embodiments, the device may also include one or more support members attached to a portion of the first panel to provide additional structural support to the furniture item.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first panel comprises a different material than the plurality of panels. In some embodiments, the first panel comprises a sheet material. In some embodiments, the sheet material comprises a metal material.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second subassembly includes: a second panel including a plurality of foldable portions; and one or more additional panels attachable to at least one foldable portion of the plurality of foldable portions of the second panel, wherein the second panel and the one or more additional panels are configured to form a second subassembly of the article of furniture. In some embodiments, the second subassembly can be inserted into and / or removed from the first subassembly.

[0012] In some embodiments, one or more additional panels are configured to form one or more walls, sides, or surfaces of the second subassembly when (i) the one or more additional panels are attached to at least one of the plurality of foldable portions of the second panel and (ii) the at least one foldable portion of the second panel is folded relative to one or more other portions of the second panel. In some embodiments, the one or more additional panels are configured to form the front or front portion of the second subassembly. In some embodiments, the plurality of foldable portions of the second panel are configured to directly form one or more walls, sides, or surfaces of the second subassembly. In some embodiments, the one or more additional panels may be attached to the second panel after the at least one foldable portion of the second panel is folded relative to one or more other portions of the second panel. In some embodiments, the second panel comprises a material different from the one or more additional panels.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second subassembly is configured to engage with the first subassembly via one or more tracks. In some embodiments, the second subassembly is configured to slide along the one or more tracks to allow the second subassembly to extend or contract relative to the first subassembly.

[0014] In some embodiments, the furniture item comprises a cabinet, the cabinet comprising one or more drawers. In some embodiments, the first subassembly comprises a cabinet. In some embodiments, the second subassembly comprises one or more drawers. In some embodiments, the first subassembly comprises a cabinet, a dresser, a table, or a shelf. In some embodiments, the second subassembly comprises a drawer or a door.

[0015] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of forming an article of furniture. The method may include: (a) attaching a plurality of panels to a plurality of foldable portions of a first panel, wherein the first panel and the plurality of panels are configured to form a first subassembly of the article of furniture when the plurality of panels are folded relative to the first panel; and (b) attaching a second subassembly of the article of furniture to the first subassembly to form the article of furniture, wherein the first subassembly and the second subassembly correspond to different portions, components, or subassemblies of the article of furniture. In some embodiments, the first subassembly includes a cabinet and the second subassembly includes one or more drawers.

[0016] In some embodiments, the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel correspond to one or more sections or peripheral edges of the first panel. In some embodiments, the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel include one or more hinges or joints attached or coupled to the first panel, wherein the one or more hinges or joints allow relative movement of the plurality of panels relative to the first panel. In some embodiments, the plurality of panels may be attached to the first panel when the first panel is provided in a flat, unfolded configuration.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the method may further include, prior to (b), forming a second subassembly of the article of furniture by attaching one or more additional panels to at least one foldable portion of the plurality of foldable portions of the second panel.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second panel and the one or more additional panels are configured to form a second subassembly of the article of furniture when the at least one foldable portion of the second panel is folded relative to one or more other portions of the second panel. In some embodiments, the one or more additional panels may be attached to the second panel after the at least one foldable portion of the second panel is folded relative to one or more other portions of the second panel.

[0019] In certain embodiments, attaching the second subassembly to the first subassembly includes engaging the second subassembly with one or more tracks that are integrated with or attached to at least one of the plurality of panels of the first subassembly.

[0020] In some embodiments, the method may further include, after (c), sliding the second subassembly along one or more tracks to extend or retract the second subassembly relative to the first subassembly.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the method may further include, prior to (b), attaching one or more support members to a portion of the first panel to provide additional structural support to the item of furniture.

[0022] Other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be expanded from the following detailed description, in which only exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described. As can be appreciated, the present disclosure may have other different embodiments, and its many details may be modified in various obvious aspects without departing from the present disclosure. Therefore, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as having illustrative properties, rather than restrictive.

[0023] Incorporated by Reference

[0024] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. If publications and patents or patent applications incorporated by reference contradict the disclosure contained in the specification, the specification is intended to supersede and / or take precedence over any such contradictory material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The novel features of the present invention are described in detail in the appended claims. The features and advantages of the present invention may be better understood by referring to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings (also referred to herein as "Figures" or "FIG."), which set forth exemplary embodiments in which the principles of the present invention are utilized, wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A first subassembly of a foldable furniture item according to some embodiments is schematically illustrated.

[0027] Figure 3 and Figure 4 A second subassembly of a foldable furniture article according to some embodiments is schematically illustrated.

[0028] Figure 5 Additional components are schematically shown that may be attached to a first subassembly to form an article of furniture, according to certain embodiments.

[0029] Figure 6 and Figure 7 An article of furniture including a first subassembly and a second subassembly according to certain embodiments is schematically illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these embodiments are provided as examples only. Those skilled in the art may conceive of many variations, changes, and alternatives without departing from the present invention. It should be understood that a variety of alternatives may be employed to implement the embodiments of the present invention described herein.

[0031] Whenever the term "at least", "greater than", or "greater than or equal to" appears before the first value in a series of two or more values, the term "at least", "greater than", or "greater than or equal to" applies to each value in the series. For example, greater than or equal to 1, 2, or 3 is equivalent to greater than or equal to 1, greater than or equal to 2, or greater than or equal to 3.

[0032] Whenever the term "at most (no more than), "less than", or "less than or equal to" appears before the first value in a series of two or more values, the term "at most", "less than", or "less than or equal to" applies to each value in the series of values. For example, less than or equal to 3, 2, or 1 is equivalent to less than or equal to 3, less than or equal to 2, or less than or equal to 1.

[0033] Foldable components

[0034] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus including a foldable assembly. The foldable assembly may include an item of furniture. The item of furniture may include one or more components or subassemblies that together comprise the item of furniture or a portion thereof.

[0035] In some embodiments, an item of furniture may include a cabinet comprising one or more drawers. In some cases, the item of furniture may include a first subassembly and a second subassembly. The first subassembly may include, for example, a cabinet. The second subassembly may include, for example, one or more drawers. The one or more drawers may be used to store items or objects within the cabinet or within a body / housing / frame of the cabinet.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the device may include a first panel 101, wherein the first panel includes a plurality of foldable portions 102. Figure 1 As shown, the device can be initially assembled when the components of the device are provided in a flat, unfolded configuration. Figure 2 As shown, once the components of the device are secured or coupled to one another, the components may be folded to form a portion or subassembly of an item of furniture.

[0037] In some embodiments, the apparatus can include a plurality of panels 103 that can be attached to a plurality of foldable portions 102 of a first panel 101. In some embodiments, the first panel 101 and the plurality of panels 103 can be configured to form a first subassembly 100 of an article of furniture. The plurality of panels 103 can include one or more side panels and a bottom panel 106. The first subassembly 100 of the article of furniture can include a cabinet.

[0038] In some cases, the one or more tracks 104 can be attached, fixed or coupled to the side panels of the first subassembly. The one or more tracks 104 can be configured to engage with at least one member that can extend relative to the one or more tracks 104. The at least one member can include a rolling element (e.g., a wheel or a bearing). The rolling element can allow the at least one member to move relative to the one or more tracks 104. In some cases, the at least one member can be coupled, attached or fixed to another subassembly of the device / article of furniture.

[0039] In some cases, the one or more rails 104 can be spaced apart by a predetermined distance. In some cases, the first set of rails can be attached or secured to the first side panel and the second set of rails can be attached or secured to the second side panel. In some cases, the first set of rails and the second set of rails can be spaced apart by the same distance. The one or more rails 104 can be configured to support the weight or load of another subassembly of the device / article of furniture. The weight or load can be distributed across the first set of rails and the second set of rails.

[0040] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a second subassembly 200 configured to attach or dock with the first subassembly 100 to form an item of furniture. In some embodiments, the second subassembly 200 may include one or more drawers.

[0041] In some cases, the second subassembly 200 can be attached or docked with one or more tracks of the first subassembly 100. In some cases, the member 204 can be attached or fixed to a portion of the second subassembly 200. In some cases, the member 204 can be attached or fixed to the foldable portion 202 of the second subassembly 200. The member 204 can include a bracket or piece configured to engage with one or more tracks of the first subassembly 100.

[0042] In some cases, the second subassembly 200 may be insertable into the first subassembly and / or removable from the first subassembly (e.g., via one or more tracks). In some cases, the member 204 may allow the second subassembly 200 to extend or contract relative to the first subassembly. During such extension or contraction, the first subassembly 100 and the second subassembly 200 may be coupled to each other via one or more tracks attached to the first subassembly 100 and the member 204 attached to the second subassembly 200.

[0043] The furniture items described here may include Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first subassembly 100 and Figure 3 and Figure 4The second subassembly 200 is shown. In some cases, the first subassembly 100 and the second subassembly 200 may correspond to different parts, components or subassemblies of an article of furniture.

[0044] First subcomponent

[0045] In some embodiments, a first subassembly 100 of an article of furniture may be formed using a first panel 101 and a plurality of panels 103. The plurality of panels 103 may be attached to a plurality of foldable portions 102 of the first panel 101. In some embodiments, the first subassembly may include a cabinet, a dresser, a table, or a shelf.

[0046] In some embodiments, the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel may correspond to one or more sections or peripheral edges of the first panel. In some cases, the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel may include one or more hinges or joints attached or coupled to the first panel. In some cases, the one or more hinges or joints may be configured to allow relative movement of the plurality of panels relative to the first panel.

[0047] In some cases, the first panel may include a different material than the plurality of panels. In some embodiments, the first panel may include a sheet material. In some embodiments, the sheet material may include a metallic material, such as a metal sheet.

[0048] In any embodiments described herein, the plurality of panels can be configured to form one or more walls, sides, or surfaces of the first subassembly when (i) the plurality of panels are attached to the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel and (ii) the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel are folded relative to one or more other portions of the first panel. In some cases, the plurality of panels can be attached to the first panel when the first panel is provided in a flat, unfolded configuration.

[0049] Second subcomponent

[0050] In some embodiments, the second subassembly may include: a second panel 201, the second panel including a plurality of foldable portions 202; and one or more additional panels 203, the additional panels being attachable to at least one foldable portion of the second panel 202. In some cases, the second panel 201 and the one or more additional panels 203 may be configured to form a second subassembly 200 of an article of furniture. In some embodiments, the second subassembly may include a drawer or a door.

[0051] In some cases, one or more additional panels may be attached to the second panel after at least one foldable portion of the second panel is folded relative to one or more other portions of the second panel. In some embodiments, the one or more additional panels may be configured to form one or more walls, sides, or surfaces of the second subassembly when (i) the one or more additional panels are attached to at least one foldable portion of the plurality of foldable portions of the second panel and (ii) at least one foldable portion of the second panel is folded relative to one or more other portions of the second panel. In some cases, the one or more additional panels may be configured to form the front or front portion of the second subassembly. In some cases, the plurality of foldable portions of the second panel may be configured to directly form one or more walls, sides, or surfaces of the second subassembly. In some cases, the material of the second panel may include a material different from that of the one or more additional panels.

[0052] In some cases, the device may further include one or more fasteners for attaching the plurality of plates to the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel. The one or more fasteners may include, for example, screws, bolts, nuts, clamps or adhesive materials.

[0053] track

[0054] In some embodiments, the device may further include one or more tracks integrated or attached to at least one of the plurality of panels forming the first subassembly of the furniture item. In some cases, the second subassembly may be configured to engage with the first subassembly via the one or more tracks. In some cases, the second subassembly may be configured to slide along the one or more tracks to allow extension or retraction of the second subassembly relative to the first subassembly.

[0055] Supporting components

[0056] In some embodiments, the device may also include one or more support members. One or more support members may be attached to a portion of the first panel to provide additional structural support to the furniture item. In some cases, one or more support members may include an elongated component. The elongated component may include a beam or member having any cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the elongated component may include a circle, an ellipse, an oval, or any polygon with three or more sides. In some non-limiting embodiments, the polygon may include a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, or an octagon. In some cases, the cross-sectional shape may include one or more linear portions and / or one or more nonlinear or curved portions. In some cases, the cross-sectional shape may include a T-shape, a cross shape, or an L-shape. In some embodiments, the elongated component may include a cylindrical shape or profile. In other embodiments, the elongated component may include a rectangular prism.

[0057] In some embodiments, one or more support members 105 may be attached or secured to the first panel 101, such as Figure 1 One or more support members 105 may be attached or secured to the first panel 101 using one or more fasteners or connectors. In some cases, one or more support members 105 may be attached or secured to the first panel in a cross-X configuration.

[0058] In other embodiments, one or more support members 105 can be inserted into a groove or opening on the first panel 101. In some cases, the opening or groove of the first panel can extend along a portion of the first panel. In some cases, the opening or groove of the first panel can extend along the length, width and / or height of the first panel. In some cases, the size and shape of the opening or groove can allow an object (e.g., a support member) to be inserted through the first panel. In some cases, the cross-sectional shape of the opening or groove can include a shape that is the same or similar to the support member of the present disclosure.

[0059] In some embodiments, one or more support members may include multiple support members. In some cases, multiple support members may be positioned and oriented at an angle relative to each other. The angle may be between 0 and 180 degrees. In some cases, multiple support members may be parallel to each other. In other cases, multiple support members may be angled relative to each other. In some cases, multiple support members may be perpendicular or orthogonal to each other. In some embodiments, multiple support members may be interconnected using one or more fasteners or attachment mechanisms described elsewhere herein.

[0060] The support members described and referred to herein can provide support for at least a portion of a device or furniture item. In any embodiments described herein, one or more support members can be configured to provide additional structural support and rigidity to multiple portions of a furniture item (e.g., the top, bottom, front, back, left, and / or right portions of the furniture item). In any embodiments described herein, one or more support members can be configured to provide additional structural support and rigidity to multiple components or subassemblies of a furniture item.

[0061] In any embodiments described herein, one or more support members may include a beam or a rod. In any embodiments described herein, one or more support members may include a beam or a rod that is coupled or attached to at least a portion of a first panel of a first subassembly of the furniture article. The one or more support members may be coupled or attached to a portion of the first panel of the first subassembly using one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts or screws) or an adhesive material. The adhesive material may include, for example, glue, paste, or a sticker.

[0062] Figure 5 The first subassembly is shown in a folded configuration. The side panels 103 of the first subassembly may form an outer portion of the first subassembly. The bottom panel 106 of the first subassembly may form a bottom portion of the first subassembly.

[0063] In some cases, the side panels and / or bottom panel may include one or more openings 503. The one or more openings may allow various components to be attached to the side panels and / or bottom panel.

[0064] For example, the top plate 501 can be attached to the side plate 103 of the first subassembly to form the top portion of the first subassembly. In some cases, the top plate 501 can include a plurality of posts 502 that are fixed to various portions or sections of the top plate 501. The posts 502 of the top plate 501 can be inserted into the openings 503 of the side plate 103 to couple the top plate 501 to the first subassembly.

[0065] In another example, one or more legs 504 can be attached to the base plate 106 of the first subassembly. The one or more legs 504 can be configured to elevate the bottom portion of the furniture item or the first subassembly relative to the surface on which the one or more legs 504 are placed.

[0066] In some cases, the one or more legs 504 may be attached to the base plate 106 using one or more fasteners or connectors. In some cases, the one or more legs 504 may be attached to the base plate 106 by inserting at least a portion of the one or more legs 504 into an opening or recess in the base plate 106. In some cases, the one or more legs 504 may include different cross-sectional dimensions to allow at least a portion of the one or more legs 504 to be inserted into an opening or recess in the base plate 106.

[0067] Figure 6 A side panel 601 is shown that can be attached or secured to a portion of the first subassembly 100. In some embodiments, the side panel 601 can be attached or secured to a portion of the first subassembly 100 before the second subassembly 200 or, for example, a plurality of second subassemblies 200 are coupled, attached, or inserted into the first subassembly 100. In other embodiments, the side panel 601 can be attached or secured to a portion of the first subassembly 100 after the second subassembly 200 or, for example, a plurality of second subassemblies 200 are coupled, attached, or inserted into the first subassembly.

[0068] In some embodiments, the side panel 601 can be configured to snap into place when pressure is applied to a portion of the side panel 601. In some cases, the side panel 601 can be attached or secured to the side portion of the first subassembly 100 using one or more fasteners or coupling mechanisms. Such coupling mechanisms can include, for example, releasable coupling mechanisms that can be engaged or disengaged by physical action in three-dimensional space (e.g., twisting, turning, pushing, pulling, or any other lateral or rotational movement).

[0069] In some cases, the coupling structure may include a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may allow a user to selectively allow or limit the movement of one component or subassembly of a device relative to another component or subassembly of the device. The locking mechanism may allow a user to provide an input (e.g., a thrust, or in some alternative embodiments, a pulling force or a rotational force) to unlock the one or more coupling mechanisms, thereby allowing relative movement of one component or subassembly relative to another component or subassembly. In some cases, when a user provides a first input to lock the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism may lock or limit the movement of various components or subassemblies of the device, and then when the user provides a second input to unlock the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism allows the movement of various components or subassemblies of the device. The first input and the second input may include opposite movements or movements in relative / reversed directions. In some cases, the first input and the second input may include similar inputs or input types.

[0070] Figure 7A furniture item 700 is shown that can be assembled using the various components and subassemblies described herein. In one example, the furniture item 700 can include a cabinet and one or more drawers that are engaged and connected to the cabinet via one or more tracks attached to the inner wall of the cabinet. The inner wall of the cabinet can correspond to the side panels of the first subassembly 100. As described elsewhere herein, one or more drawers can be formed by the second subassembly 200. In another example, the furniture item 700 can include any other type of furniture that can be formed or assembled by folding one or more parts, sections, components or subassemblies of the furniture item. Some non-limiting examples of the furniture items include, for example, drawers, tables, shelves, etc.

[0071] method

[0072] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for assembling a furniture item. The method may include: (a) attaching a plurality of panels to a plurality of foldable portions of a first panel. The plurality of panels may be attached to the first panel when the first panel is provided in a flat, unfolded configuration. In some cases, the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel may correspond to one or more sections or peripheral edges of the first panel. In other cases, the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel include one or more hinges or joints attached or coupled to the first panel. In this case, the one or more hinges or joints may be configured to allow relative movement of the plurality of panels relative to the first panel. In any embodiments described herein, the first panel and the plurality of panels may be configured to form a first subassembly of the furniture item when the plurality of panels are folded relative to the first panel.

[0073] In some embodiments, the method may further include: (b) attaching a second subassembly of the furniture article to the first subassembly to form the furniture article. In some cases, the first subassembly and the second subassembly may correspond to different parts, components, or subassemblies of the furniture article. In some embodiments, the first subassembly may include a cabinet and the second subassembly may include one or more drawers.

[0074] In some embodiments, the method may further include, prior to (b), forming a second subassembly of the article of furniture by attaching one or more additional panels to at least one foldable portion of the plurality of foldable portions of the second panel. The one or more additional panels may be attached to the second panel after the at least one foldable portion of the second panel is folded relative to one or more other portions of the second panel. In some cases, the second panel and the one or more additional panels may be configured to form the second subassembly of the article of furniture when the at least one foldable portion of the second panel is folded relative to one or more other portions of the second panel.

[0075] In some cases, attaching the second subassembly to the first subassembly may include: engaging the second subassembly with one or more tracks that are integrated or attached to at least one of the plurality of panels of the first subassembly. In some cases, the method may further include, after (c), sliding the second subassembly along the one or more tracks to extend or retract the second subassembly relative to the first subassembly.

[0076] In some embodiments, the method may further include, prior to (b), attaching one or more support members to a portion of the first panel to provide additional structural support to the furniture item. As described elsewhere herein, the one or more support members may be attached to a portion of the first panel using one or more fasteners or connectors.

[0077] In some embodiments, the method may further include attaching one or more top panels and / or one or more side panels to the first subassembly. The one or more top panels and / or one or more side panels may be attached to the first subassembly using one or more fasteners or connectors. In some cases, the one or more top panels and / or one or more side panels may be attached to the first subassembly using a tool-free method or a snap-fit ​​mechanism or any other coupling mechanism.

[0078] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, these embodiments are provided as examples only for those skilled in the art. It is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific examples provided in the specification. Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above description, the description and illustration of the embodiments herein are not meant to be interpreted as limiting. Many variations, changes and alternatives may be conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the present invention. In addition, it should be understood that all aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific examples, configurations or relative proportions described herein, which depend on various conditions and variables. Therefore, it should be understood that various alternatives may be adopted when practicing the present invention. It is thus envisioned that the present invention should also cover any such alternatives, modifications, changes or equivalents. The following claims are intended to define the scope of the present invention, and methods and structures falling within the scope of these claims and their equivalents are covered by them.

Claims

1. A device comprising: a first panel comprising a plurality of foldable sections; a plurality of panels attachable to the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel, wherein the first panel and the plurality of panels are configured to form a first subassembly of an article of furniture; as well as A second subassembly is configured to attach or interface with the first subassembly to form the article of furniture, wherein the first subassembly and the second subassembly correspond to different parts, components or subassemblies of the article of furniture.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first subassembly comprises a cabinet, a dresser, a table, or a shelf.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the second subassembly comprises a drawer or a door.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second subassembly comprises: a second panel comprising a plurality of foldable sections; as well as One or more additional panels are attachable to at least one foldable portion of the plurality of foldable portions of the second panel, wherein the second panel and the one or more additional panels are configured to form the second subassembly of the article of furniture. 5 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the second subassembly is insertable into and / or removable from the first subassembly. 6 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel correspond to one or more sections or peripheral edges of the first panel.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel include one or more hinges or joints, the one or more hinges or joints being attached or coupled to the first panel, wherein the one or more hinges or joints allow relative movement of the plurality of panels relative to the first panel.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first panel comprises a sheet material.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the sheet material comprises a metallic material.

10. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of plates are configured to form one or more walls, sides or surfaces of the first subassembly when (i) the plurality of plates are attached to the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel and (ii) the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel are folded relative to one or more other portions of the first panel.

11. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the one or more additional panels are configured to form one or more walls, sides or surfaces of the second subassembly when (i) the one or more additional panels are attached to at least one foldable portion of the plurality of foldable portions of the second panel and (ii) the at least one foldable portion of the second panel is folded relative to one or more other portions of the second panel.

12. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the one or more additional plates are configured to form a front face or front portion of the second subassembly.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more fasteners for attaching the plurality of plates to the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more rails integrated with or attached to at least one of the plurality of panels, wherein the second subassembly is configured to engage with the first subassembly via the one or more rails.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the second subassembly is configured to slide along the one or more tracks to allow extension or retraction of the second subassembly relative to the first subassembly.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels are attachable to the first panel when the first panel is provided in a flat, unfolded configuration.

17. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the one or more additional panels are attachable to the second panel after at least one foldable portion of the second panel is folded relative to one or more other portions of the second panel.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more support members attached to a portion of the first panel to provide additional structural support to the item of furniture.

19. A method comprising: (a) attaching a plurality of panels to the plurality of foldable portions of a first panel, wherein the first panel and the plurality of panels are configured to form a first subassembly of an article of furniture when the plurality of panels are folded relative to the first panel; as well as (b) attaching a second subassembly of the article of furniture to the first subassembly to form the article of furniture, wherein the first subassembly and the second subassembly correspond to different parts, components or subassemblies of the article of furniture.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising, before (b), forming the second subassembly of the article of furniture by attaching one or more additional panels to at least one foldable portion of the plurality of foldable portions of the second panel.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the second panel and the one or more additional panels are configured to form the second subassembly of the furniture item when the at least one foldable portion of the second panel is folded relative to one or more other portions of the second panel.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein the plurality of foldable portions of the first panel correspond to one or more sections or peripheral edges of the first panel.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein the plurality of panels are attachable to the first panel when the first panel is provided in a flat, unfolded configuration.

24. The method of claim 20, wherein the one or more additional panels are attachable to the second panel after at least one foldable portion of the second panel is folded relative to one or more other portions of the second panel.

25. The method of claim 19, wherein the first subassembly comprises a cabinet and the second subassembly comprises one or more drawers.

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