US20110037360A1

US20110037360A1 - Adaptable bi-fold workstation

Info

Publication number: US20110037360A1
Application number: US12/729,023
Authority: US
Inventors: Glenn Jakins; Darin Davis; Garth Hubert
Original assignee: Glenn Jakins; Darin Davis; Garth Hubert
Current assignee: STORAGE DESIGNS LLC
Priority date: 2006-06-07
Filing date: 2010-03-22
Publication date: 2011-02-17

Abstract

A scrapbook workstation includes a base workstation member including a first plurality of adjustable shelves, at least one bi-fold door rotatably coupled to the base workstation, and a foldaway table fixedly coupled to the base workstation member, wherein the at least one bi-fold door further defines a table recess configured to receive the foldaway table when the workstation is in its closed position.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/811,369, filed on Jun. 7, 2007 and titled “Adapatable Bi-Fold Scrapbook and Craft Workstation” which application also claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/811,497 filed Jun. 7, 2006 titled “Adaptable Bi-Fold Scrapbook Workstation”, which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present system and methods relate to a workstation, and more specifically, a scrapbook, craft, desk or other workstation configured to appear as a fine piece of furniture while maximizing available space for the storage of materials.

BACKGROUND

Compiling scrapbooks or picture albums of memories or artwork has been a tradition in family homes for centuries. There are two common complaints about assembling scrapbooks. One complaint is that there is not enough room to make and work on a scrapbook. Another complaint involves getting all the tools and associated components out to work on the scrapbook or craft and putting it all away each time a person has finished working on their scrapbook, which can be very time consuming. Similarly, people often desire to have a home office including a desk, but simply lack the needed space.
The following design patents illustrate ornamental designs of various desks. U.S. Des. Pat. No. 376,491, issued to James O. Kelley on Dec. 17, 1996, illustrates a computer secretary. The ornamental design includes two separate compartments enclosed by four doors. The compartments include shelves, drawers, and a work surface. U.S. Des. Pat. No. 376,496, issued to Kelly, et al. on Dec. 17, 1996, illustrates a computer workplace having one major compartment enclosed by two doors.
The following patents disclose various types of desks and work stations. U.S. Pat. No. 1,099,521, issued to Abbe Sprung on Jun. 9, 1914, describes an office desk including a pigeon hole rack in which letters or papers may be quickly filed. It has an ordinary flat top desk which may raise the pigeon hole rack by a trip element actuated by the operator.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,974, issued to Alan R. Monson on Jun. 16, 1992, describes a computer desk apparatus with parallel walls formed with a front wall defining a central cavity. The central cavity is positioned between a right series of storage drawers and a left storage door positioned hingedly in front of a printer cavity which further includes a medially positioned slide-out drawer. Extending upwardly from a lower desk plate are right and left storage shelves. The upper cavity includes a roll-top member directed over the cavity to provide protection for the organization when not in use.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,940, issued to Michael B. Richard on Jan. 7, 1997, describes a sliding rack cabinet for dressers. The cabinet includes a rectilinearly shaped cabinet member having a peripheral edge wall. The back wall is connected to and spanning the peripheral edge wall. A tie is rack mounted to the peripheral edge wall adjacent to the top edge wall.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,264, issued to David T. Koch on Dec. 9, 1997, describes a portable office unit with an enclosure that includes two hingedly connected shells. U.S. Pat. No. 5,738,422, issued to Welborn, Jr. et al. on Apr. 14, 1998, describes a computer work station which includes a first desk unit with a front tapered edge. The first desk unit has an electrical control panel with surge protected outlets. The work station has a second desk unit, one end of the second desktop being inserted into and supported by a support rail in a bookcase and the other end being placed upon and secured to a file cabinet.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,758, issued to James O. Kelley on Dec. 1, 1998, describes a sky cabinet work station having a pair of opposing side panels which have vertically oriented elongated members. The top includes a transparent or translucent panel which is adapted to transmit light through the panel to illuminate the work station.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,905, issued to James O. Kelley on Oct. 21, 1997, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,833, issued to James O. Kelley on Jul. 27, 1999, both describes a concealed desk which comprises a desktop or work surface with supporting side panels, a kneehole opening, and storage compartments. The front of the desk is enclosable by folding doors mounted on front side edges of the desk's side panels.
When the doors are opened, the doors preferably fold against the side panels of the desk and do not obstruct either the appearance or the use of the desk. The desktop surface of the desk is concealed by an upper storage unit that is mounted on the desktop or that comprises an extension of the desk, above the desktop or work surface. Full lengths doors enclose both the upper and lower portions of the desk to give the furniture the appearance of an armoire. French Pat. No. 2,650,494, published Feb. 8, 1991, describes a work place for a computer having lower shelving and storage units.
With the increasing popularity of showcasing photos and memorabilia in attractive keepsake albums and scrapbooks, the need for a compact space saving workstation that is visually attractive has increased. However, due to the space needed for supplies, the traditional workstations mentioned above are unable to accommodate the need for space.

SUMMARY

In one of many possible embodiments, the present exemplary bi-fold scrap book and craft workstation includes an armoire type structure including a plurality of bi-fold doors configured to store scrapbook tools and materials. Additionally, the armoire type structure includes a collapsible table therein that not only saves space, but also provides a useable workspace.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the present exemplary bi-fold scrapbook and craft workstation includes a plurality of collapsible bins configured to be collapsed into a single planar geometry for ease of shipping and storing.
According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the present exemplary bi-fold scrap book and craft workstation includes a number of coupling pouches that may be vertically arranged on one of the panels of the bi-fold door.
According to yet another exemplary embodiment, a workstation includes a fixed expandable desk surface configured to be housed within a compartment formed by desk recesses in the workstation doors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present system and method and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present system and method and do not limit the scope thereof.

FIG. 1A is a frontal view of a scrapbook and craft workstation in a closed position, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a frontal view of a scrapbook and craft workstation in an open position, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a scrapbook and craft workstation in an open position, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1D is a top perspective view of a scrapbook and craft workstation in a partially open position, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1E is an exploded perspective view of a scrapbook and craft workstation in an opened position, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2A illustrates an assembled collapsible bin, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded view of a collapsible bin, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 3A through 3D illustrate various views of the collapsible bin being collapsed for storage or transportation, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a frontal and a rear view, respectively, of an adjustable coupling pouch, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5A is a frontal view of a desk workstation in a closed position, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a frontal view of a desk workstation in an open position, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a desk workstation in an open position, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a desk workstation in a partially open position, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a frontal view of a desk workstation in an open position, according to one exemplary embodiment.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present specification describes a scrapbook and craft workstation configured to meet the storage, accessibility, aesthetics, and work space specifications desired for assembling scrapbooks. While the present exemplary workstation may be used to efficiently store any number of materials for any number of purposes including scrapbooking, craft making, and the like, for ease of explanation only, the present exemplary system and method will be described in the context of a scrap book or a picture album workstation.
As mentioned previously, there have been developed a number of traditional desks and workstations. However, normal sized shelves and drawers cannot accommodate the various large sizes of scrapbooks, paper, and equipment used in preparing scrapbooks. Additionally, due to the high quantity of small stamps, punches, brads, rivets, and other decorative elements often associated with scrapbooking, the number of available storage locations in traditional desks and workstations are not sufficient. An ideal work surface would include a large sized work surface with drawers specifically constructed to hold various sized scrapbooks and items. In addition, due to the large quantity of materials and tools needed for scrapbooking, traditional opaque drawers are inconvenient and make it difficult to find a desired tool, paper, or the like. Furthermore,
According to the present exemplary system and method, the present exemplary scrapbook workstation includes a number of advantageous features including, but in no way limited to, a plurality of bi-fold doors for maximizing storage space when open and minimizing storage space when not in use. Additionally, the present exemplary scrapbook workstation includes a plurality of adjustable coupling pouches and collapsible bins configured to allow for customizing of the workstation while minimizing shipping packaging and volume. Further details of the present exemplary scrapbook workstation will be provided below with reference to the Figures.
In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present systems and methods. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present systems and methods may be practiced without these specific details. Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
As mentioned, FIGS. 1A though 1E illustrate various views of the present exemplary scrapbook workstation (100), according to one exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, when closed, the scrapbook workstation (100) includes a plurality of bi-fold doors (110) including one or more handles (120) to facilitate the opening thereof. Additionally, an elegant wood paneling design is formed on the outside of each bi-fold door to add to the aesthetics of the workstation (100). While illustrated with raised panels, the design of each bi-fold door (110) may be modified to assume any number of designs. As shown, the workstation (100) assumes the form of an armoire. According to one exemplary embodiment, the bi-fold doors (110) and the scrapbook workstation (100) in general may be made of any number of materials including, but in no way limited to, wood, plastic, metal, composites, and/or combinations thereof.
As demonstrated by FIGS. 1B and 1C, the bi-fold doors (110) may be opened to provide access to the storage capacity of the scrapbook workstation (100). As illustrated, the bi-fold doors (110) include an interior panel (112) and an exterior panel (114) coupled together by a rotatable member (116) such as one or more hinges. According to one exemplary embodiment, the rotatable member (116) includes a piano hinge. Additionally, the bi-fold door (110) is coupled to the body (180) of the scrapbook workstation (100) by a rotatable member (116) such as a piano hinge. According to one exemplary embodiment, the body (180) of the present exemplary scrapbook workstation (100) includes a bottom member, a plurality of vertical side and back members, and a top member. Additionally, a number of adjustable shelves (170) may be formed in the body (180) of the scrapbook workstation (100), as will be described in further detail below. While the present exemplary system is described as being connected by a plurality of rotatable members (116) in the form of piano hinges, any number of rotatable members may be used including, but in no way limited to, a plurality of traditional hinges, a compliant rotational member, a bendable polymer strip, and the like.
FIG. 1D illustrates how the interior panel (112) and an exterior panel (114) are coupled together about the rotatable member (116) to form a compact and space saving design. As illustrated, the interior panel (112) rotates about the rotatable member (116) until it is flush against the exterior panel (114). Once the interior panel (112) is flush with the exterior panel (114), both panels may be rotated about another rotatable member (116) until they are both flush with the body (180) of the scrapbook workstation (100). As illustrated, a rabbit or other protrusion may be formed on the body (180) of the scrapbook workstation (100) where the rotatable member (116) couples the exterior panel (114) to the body. According to one exemplary embodiment, the rabbit or protrusion extends from the body (180) a distance substantially equal to the width of the interior panel (112). By matching the width of the interior panel (112) with the width of the protrusion, the entire member formed by the exterior panel (114) and the interior panel (112) can be seated flush with the body (180) of the scrapbook workstation (100) when in a closed position.
Returning again to FIGS. 1B and 1C, one of either the exterior panel (114) or the inner panel (112) is deep, while the other is substantially flat. According to the illustrated embodiment, the exterior panel (114) is the deep panel to facilitate the reception of adjustable shelves (170) and any number of collapsible bins (160). Further, in contrast to the deep panel, the substantially flat panel, or the inner panel (112) in the illustrated embodiment, includes a coupling surface (130) configured to adhere any number of coupling pouches (135) thereto. According to one exemplary embodiment detailed below, the coupling pouches (135) and the coupling surface (130) have mating surfaces forming a hook-and-loop junction. Alternatively, any number of coupling mechanism may be used to attach the coupling pouches (135) to the coupling surface (130) including, but in no way limited to, a metal/magnet interaction, ring and hook interaction, an adhesive interaction, and the like.
Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 1B, 1C, and 1E, the opening of the bi-fold doors (110) allows for the engagement of a folding table (150) disposed within the scrapbook workstation (100). As shown, the folding table (150) includes a plurality of collapsible hinged legs that may be folded substantially parallel with the working surface of the table (150) when stored. Additionally, the back edge of the working surface is hinged to the main body of the scrapbook workstation (100) such that it may be pivotably rotated in and out of position within the workstation. According to one exemplary embodiment, when the bi-fold doors (110) are opened to grant access to the interior of the workstation (100), the front edge of the folding table (150) may be grasped and pulled upward, allowing the collapsible hinged legs to open and support the working surface. Once opened, the working surface will be supported by the collapsible legs and the hinge member coupling the back edge of the working surface to the main body of the scrapbook workstation (100).
As mentioned, the present exemplary scrapbook workstation (100) includes a number of adjustable shelves (170) configured to house the collapsible bins (160), scrapbook tools, picture boxes, and/or any number of scrapbook or picture albums. According to one exemplary embodiment, the adjustable shelves (170) may be supported in the main body of the scrapbook workstation (100) and the bi-fold door (110) by post and hole system. Specifically, a number of evenly spaced holes may be formed on the inner walls of the main body (180) of the scrapbook workstation (100) and the bi-fold door (110). Corresponding cylindrically shaped pins or posts (not shown) may then be selectively inserted into the holes to provide supports to the shelves. Additionally, a rubberized coating or member may be formed on the posts to increase the friction of the surface, thereby securing the adjustable shelves in the workstation (100). The adjustability of the shelves allows for the shelves to be selectively spaced accommodating any number of album sizes and shapes. Furthermore, the present exemplary workstation (100) may include a number of fixed shelves that provide storage space as well as structural support for the workstation.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the present exemplary scrapbook workstation may also include a surge protected power strip (not shown) integrally wired into the workstation (100). According to this exemplary embodiment, the surge protected power strip may provide a convenient location for a person using the workstation to plug-in electronic devices including, but in no way limited to, computers, printers, radios, televisions, and the like.
In addition to the above-mentioned capabilities, the present exemplary scrapbook workstation (100) may, according to one exemplary embodiment, include a number of wheels (140) coupled to the bottom surface thereof. The wheels (140) support the scrapbook workstation (100) and allow for the workstation (100) to be moveable at the owner's request. Consequently, the scrapbook workstation (100) may be stored in a small out of the way location in a user's home, and may then be wheeled to a convenient location for use.
FIGS. 2A through 3D further illustrate the collapsible bins, according to one exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2A, the collapsible bin (160) includes a front panel (210) that is substantially transparent. According to one exemplary embodiment, this allows a user to rapidly locate various items housed in the scrapbook workstation (100). Additionally, the front panel (210) includes a label pouch (220) and a handle (200). During use, a label or other identifier may be placed in the label pouch (220) to facilitate the identification and organization of various scrapbook supplies. Additionally, the handle (200) aids in the selective removal of the collapsible bin (160) during use. The collapsible bin (160) may also include three non-transparent sides (230), according to one exemplary embodiment. The non-transparent sides (230) may be any number of colors and/or materials, including transparent if desired.
FIG. 2B further details the components of the exemplary collapsible bin (160). As shown, the collapsible bin (160) may be separated into a collapsible base (245) portion and a structural bottom panel (240) configured to be disposed within the collapsible base (245). Further, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, the collapsible base (245) includes a collapsible bottom member (250) including a joining seam (260) such as a zipper or a male/female union. According to one exemplary embodiment described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3A through 3D, the two-piece construction allows the collapsible base to be structurally sound when assembled, while providing for dis-assembly and a planar configuration during storage and shipping.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3A through 3D, the collapsible base (245) may include a joining seam (260) such as a zipper or a male/female coupling including a seam actuator (300). As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the seam actuator (300) may be advanced along the joining seam (260) to close the collapsible bottom (250). When in this position, the front panel (210) and the side panels (230) are positionally constrained by the tension of the collapsible bottom (250).
If storage or shipping of the collapsible base (245) is desired, the seam actuator (300) may be actuated, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, causing a separation of the collapsible bottom (250) along the joining seam (260). According to one exemplary embodiment, this reduces the tension of the collapsible bottom (250) and allows for greater freedom of movement of the front panel (210) and the side panels (230).
As illustrated in FIGS. 3C and 3D, the increased freedom of movement of the various panels (210, 230), allows for opposing corners to be joined. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 3C, two opposing corners may be joined together, forming an “L” shape as shown in FIG. 3C. The entire collapsible base (245) may then be folded along the mating corners, allowing the other two corners to be joined, as illustrated in FIG. 3D. When in this final position, the volume of the collapsible base (245) is minimized and shipping and/or storage of the base is greatly facilitated.
Continuing to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a coupling pouch (135) is illustrated. According to one exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A, each coupling pouch (135) includes a substantially transparent front panel (400) and a seam actuator (405) closing the inner volume of the coupling pouch. According to one exemplary embodiment, the seam actuator (405) may include, but is in no way limited to, a zipper, a male/female coupling, buttons, Velcro, and the like.
As shown in FIG. 4B, the back panel (410) of the coupling pouch (135) includes one or more strips of coupling material (420). According to one exemplary embodiment the one or more strips of coupling material (420) are configured to interact with the coupling board (130) of the bi-fold door (110), thereby securely coupling the coupling pouch to the coupling board. According to one exemplary embodiment, this allows a user to selectively couple the coupling pouch (135) to the coupling board (130) as needed. According to one exemplary embodiment, the one or more strips of coupling material (420) may include, but are in no way limited to, Velcro strips, adhesive strips, and/or magnets. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1E, the coupling pouch (135) allows a user to arrange any number of storage solutions and configurations depending on their perceived needs.

Alternative Embodiment

Similar to the exemplary workstation illustrated above, FIGS. 5A through 7 illustrate exemplary adaptable workstations according to various exemplary embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, an exemplary workstation may be smaller or larger than those illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 4. FIG. 5A illustrates a desk station (500) according to one embodiment. As shown, the desk station includes a plurality of bi-fold doors (110) and a fold top (510) in a compact closed configuration. As illustrated, the exemplary desk station (500) could be located in any number of rooms while occupying little more room than a small cabinet.
FIG. 5B illustrates the exemplary desk station (500) in a first opened position, according to one exemplary embodiment. As shown, the bi-fold doors (110) have been pivoted about a rotatable member (116) such as a piano hinge or other type of rotational configuration. Once the exterior panel (114) of the desk station (500) is opened, it is clear that the desk station (500) shares a number of features with the scrapbook workstation described above. Specifically, like the scrapbook workstation (100) described above, the exemplary desk station (500) includes a main body (180) formed on an optionally wheeled base including wheels (140). As shown, the exterior panel (114) includes an interior panel (112) formed on the upper portion of the exterior panel (114) to form a tri-fold door. Additionally; a rotatable member (116) may be formed on the outer edge of the exterior panel (114) to allow for the opening of the interior panel (112). Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, the desk station (500) includes a basket (540) on the extreme lower portion of the exterior panel (114). According to one exemplary embodiment, any number of features may be formed on the extreme lower portion of the interior panel (112) including, but in no way limited to, another interior panel (112) configured to rotate about a rotatable member as illustrated.
Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, the interior portion of the main body (180) includes a plurality of adjustable shelves (170) configured to selectively house any number of materials including, but in no way limited to, collapsible bins (160). However, unlike the exemplary embodiment illustrated above, the illustrated desk station (500) does not include a folding table (150; FIG. 1B) pivotably coupled to the body (180). Rather, as illustrated, a stationary foldaway table (550) is fixedly coupled to the main body (180) to form a stable desk surface. According to this exemplary embodiment, the foldaway desk (550) protrudes from the main body (180) a distance slightly less than the depth of the bi-fold doors (110). That is, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, a space if formed on the bi-fold doors (110) defined by the upper interior panel (112) and the lower basket (540). According to this exemplary embodiment, the foldaway desk (550) protrudes from the main body (180) a distance substantially equal to the depth of the bi-fold doors (110) minus the thickness of the exterior panel (114). As illustrated, when the bi-fold doors (110) are rotated about the inner rotatable member (116), the protruding foldaway desk (550) is received in the table recess (530) with out causing an interference between the features.
Once the bi-fold doors are opened, the foldaway desk (550) may be expanded to maximize desktop area and allow for enhanced functionality. Specifically, according to one exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the foldaway desk (550) includes a plurality of folding leafs (554) rotatably coupled to the top surface of the foldaway desk (550). According to this exemplary embodiment, the folding leafs (554) are rotatably coupled to the outer edge of the top surface so that they may be rotated to a horizontal position extending the horizontal dimension of the foldaway desk (550). Furthermore, as illustrated, one or more rotatable table supports (552) are coupled to the body (180) beneath the folding leafs (554). According to this exemplary embodiment, when the folding leafs are rotated to their horizontal position, they engage the rotatable table supports (552) to add weight bearing support and to maintain the horizontal positioning of the folding leafs (554).
Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 5B and 5C, a keyboard tray (520) may be coupled to the main body (180) or the foldaway desk (550) such that the keyboard tray (520) can be slideably translated to provide access to the keyboard. For example, according to one exemplary embodiment, the keyboard tray (520) is coupled to the main body via a sliding coupler such as a bearing slider mount (580).
FIG. 5C further illustrates the interior panel (112) opened, displaying the adjustable shelves (170) disposed on the exterior panel (114). As illustrated, a coupling surface (130) configured to receive the coupling pouches (135) may be formed on the interior panel (112), similar to the scrapbox workstation (100) above. Additionally, a coupling surface (130) may be formed on the back surface of the exterior panel (114) to facilitate the selective mounting of coupling pouches (135).
FIG. 6 illustrates how the interior panel (112) and an exterior panel (114) are coupled together about the rotatable member (116) to form a compact and space saving design. Furthermore, FIG. 6 illustrates how the table recess (530) mates with and engages the protruding portion of the foldaway desk (550). As illustrated, the interior panel (112) rotates about the rotatable member (116) until it is flush against the exterior panel (114). Once the interior panel (112) is flush with the exterior panel (114), both panels may be rotated about another rotatable member (116) until they are both flush with the body (180) of the desk station (500). As illustrated, a rabbit or other protrusion may be formed on the body (180) of the scrapbook workstation (100) where the rotatable member (116) couples the exterior panel (114) to the body. According to one exemplary embodiment, the rabbit or protrusion extends from the body (180) a distance substantially equal to the width of the interior panel (112). By matching the width of the interior panel (112) with the width of the protrusion, the entire member formed by the exterior panel (114) and the interior panel (112) can be seated flush with the body (180) of the scrapbook workstation (100) when in a closed position. Additionally, as noted above, when the bi-fold doors (110) are rotated about the inner rotatable member (116), the protruding foldaway desk (550) is received in the table recess (530) with out causing an interference between the features.
FIG. 7 illustrates the fold top (510) in its deployed state, thereby maximizing the top surface of the desk station (500). Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the interior panel (112) may be removed along with the protruding portion of the side members forming the body (180). According to this exemplary embodiment, the exterior panel (117) fits flush with the body (180) while concealing the foldaway desk (550) in the table recess (530).
Additionally, a number of modifications may be made to the exemplary desk station (500) without straying from the teachings thereof. For example, according to one exemplary embodiment, the foldaway desk (550) may also include a translatable tray configured to facilitate the raising and/or lowering of a sewing machine or other device. Similarly, additional features and modifications may be made to the foldaway desk (550) to enable additional uses.
In conclusion, the present exemplary workstations are configured to provide adequate storage solutions and workspace location while minimizing storage space requirements. Specifically, according to one exemplary embodiment, the present exemplary system and method includes a base workstation member including a plurality of adjustable shelves and a plurality of rabbits or protrusions to allow for a bi-fold door system. This allows for compact storage when in a closed position. Additionally, as mentioned previously, the coupling and configuration of the bi-fold doors allows for an expansive storage wall or vertical space to be compactly stored when not in use. Furthermore, the present exemplary system and method includes a plurality of adjustable shelves configured for space-efficient storage, shipping and use. Additionally, according to one exemplary embodiment, a collapsible table is coupled to the base workstation member to provide a useable workspace when in an opened position and folding to provide compact storage. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, a fixed and protruding compact table is coupled to the base member with a mating recess in the panels.
The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe embodiments of the present scrapbook workstation. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

Claims

1. A compact workstation, comprising:

a base workstation member including a bottom member, a plurality of side members, and a top member, all joined at right angles, wherein said base workstation member further includes a first plurality of adjustable shelves;

at least one door rotatably coupled to at least one of said side members of said base workstation, wherein said at least one door includes a first panel having a front surface and a back surface, said first panel being rotatably coupled on a first side to said at least one of said side members of said base workstation, said first panel being configured to accept and support a second plurality of adjustable shelves; and

a fixed foldaway desk protruding from said base workstation member;

wherein said second plurality of adjustable shelves extend partially down said back surface of said at least one door and defines a table recess configured to receive said fixed foldaway desk when said door is closed;

wherein said fixed foldaway desk protrudes from said base workstation member a distance substantially equal to a depth of said at least one door minus a depth of said first panel;

wherein when said compact workstation is in a closed position, said back surface of said front panel is rotated adjacent to said fixed foldaway desk.

2. The workstation of claim 1, further comprising a keyboard tray slideably coupled to said base workstation under said foldaway desk.

3. The workstation of claim 1, further comprising a rotatably coupled fold top member coupled to said top member of said base workstation, said fold top member being configured to double a surface area of said top member of said base workstation.

4. The workstation of claim 1, wherein said top member and said bottom member of said base workstation have a first depth dimension and wherein said plurality of side members of said base workstation have a second dimension, said second dimension being larger than said first depth dimension, wherein said plurality of side members each form at least one protrusion extending a distance equal to said first depth dimension subtracted from said second depth dimension out from said base workstation an entire length of said plurality of side members; and

wherein said at least one door comprises at least one bi-fold door rotatably coupled to each of said at least one protrusion of said base workstation, wherein said at least one bi-fold door includes a first panel rotatably coupled on a first side to said at least one protrusion of said base workstation, said first panel including a second plurality of adjustable shelves, and a second panel roatably coupled to a second side of said first panel associated with said second plurality of adjustable shelves.

5. A compact workstation, comprising:

at least one door rotatably coupled to at least one of said side members of said base workstation, wherein said at least one door includes a first panel having a front surface and a back surface, said first panel being rotatably coupled on a first side to said at least one of said side members of said base workstation, said first panel including a second plurality of adjustable shelves; and

a fixed foldaway desk protruding from said base workstation member in its foldaway configuration;

a keyboard tray slideably coupled to said base workstation under said foldaway desk;

a rotatably coupled fold top member coupled to said top member of said base workstation, said fold top member being configured to double a surface area of said top member of said base workstation;

wherein said second plurality of adjustable shelves extend partially down said at least one door and defines a table recess configured to receive said fixed foldaway desk when said bi-fold door is closed;

6. The workstation of claim 5, wherein said top member and said bottom member of said base workstation have a first depth dimension and wherein said plurality of side members of said base workstation have a second dimension, said second dimension being larger than said first depth dimension, wherein said plurality of side members each form at least one protrusion extending a distance equal to said first depth dimension subtracted from said second depth dimension out from said base workstation an entire length of said plurality of side members; and

7. A compact workstation, comprising:

a base workstation member including a bottom member, a plurality of side members, and a top member all joined at right angles, wherein said top member and said bottom member have a first depth dimension and wherein said plurality of side members have a second dimension, said second dimension being larger than said first depth dimension, wherein said plurality of side members form at least one protrusion from said base workstation, and wherein said base workstation member further includes a first plurality of adjustable shelves;

at least one bi-fold door rotatably coupled to said at least one protrusion of said base workstation, wherein said at least one bi-fold door includes a first panel rotatably coupled on a first side to said at least one protrusion of said base workstation, said first panel including a second plurality of adjustable shelves, and a second panel roatably coupled to a second side of said first panel; and

a fixed foldaway desk protruding from said base workstation member;

wherein a height of said at least one protrusion is substantially equivalent to a width of said second panel; and

wherein a front surface of said compact workstation is free of hinges when in said closed configuration.

8. The workstation of claim 7, wherein said base workstation further comprises a plurality of wheels disposed on a bottom portion of said base workstation member.

9. The workstation of claim 7, further comprising a plurality of collapsible bins disposed on said first and said second plurality of adjustable shelves.

10. The workstation of claim 9, wherein said plurality of collapsible bins each comprises:

a collapsible base member including a plurality of side panels, a front panel, and a collapsible bottom including a joining seam; and

a planar structural bottom panel configured to be disposed in said collapsible base member.

11. The workstation of claim 10, wherein said collapsible base further comprises:

a handle disposed on said front panel; and

a label pouch disposed on said front panel;

wherein said front panel is constructed of a transparent material.

12. The workstation of claim 7, wherein said pouch coupling surface formed on said second panel of said at least one bi-fold door comprises a hook-and-loop panel.

13. The workstation of claim 7, wherein said pouch coupling surface formed on said second panel of said at least one bi-fold door comprises a metallic panel configured to interact with a magnetic pouch.

14. The workstation of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of coupling pouches configured to be removably coupled to said coupling board formed on a second panel of said bi-fold door, wherein said plurality of coupling pouches includes a hook and loop material.

15. The workstation of claim 14, further comprising a plurality of coupling pouches configured to be removably coupled to said coupling board formed on a second panel of said bi-fold door, wherein said plurality of coupling pouches includes at least one magnet.

16. The workstation of claim 7, wherein said system is in the form of a cabinet.

17. The workstation of claim 7, wherein said second plurality of adjustable shelves extend partially down said at least one bi-fold door and defines a table recess configured to receive said fixed foldaway desk when said bi-fold door is closed.

18. The workstation of claim 17, wherein said fixed foldaway desk protrudes from said base workstation member a distance substantially equal to a depth of said at least one bi-fold door minus a depth of said first panel.

19. The workstation of claim 17, further comprising a translatable sewing machine tray formed in said foldaway desk.

20. The workstation of claim 17, further comprising a rotatably coupled fold top member coupled to a top surface of said base workstation, said fold top member being configured to double a surface area of said top surface of said base workstation.