Modular cabinet

Abstract

An improved modular cabinet has a metallic frame fabricated to a desired configuration and then various components are assembled to the frame to create the cabinet. The frame is created out of at least one pre-fabricated frame member to which a plurality of other components are detachably assembled. Among the components detachably assembled to the frame are those facilitating releasable attachment of components such as panels, shelves, and counters, and, additionally, various hinges or hinge halves are mounted to the frame to facilitate releasable assembly of components such as doors and access openings. Once the frame has been assembled and the brackets and hinges have been releasably assembled thereto, a variety of panels including end panels, shelving mounted within the frame, counters, doors, drawers, and other panels are assembled to the frame to create the modular cabinet. In any modular cabinet, choices are made as to these components when the frame is being assembled and numerous changes can be made in the locations of brackets, hinges, etc. to facilitate use of the same frame in assembling a variety of configurations of cabinet sub-components to create any one of a number of desired configurations, and changing the initially chosen configuration with ease.

1 . An improved modular cabinet, comprising:
 a) a frame including:
 i) at least one frame member having a sub-assembly comprising at least two tube sections permanently secured together to define an angular relationship therebetween; 
 ii) at least one additional tube section releasably connected to said sub-assembly by a tube connector coupling said additional tube section to one of said tube sections of said sub-assembly; 
 iii) a support for supporting said cabinet on a ground surface; 
   b) a plurality of components releasably fastened to said frame, including:
 i) at least one end panel; 
 ii) at least one face frame assembly including an opening for either a door or to provide open access to an interior of said frame; and 
 iii) a counter mounted over a top of said frame. 
   
   
   
       2 . The cabinet of  claim 1 , wherein said support comprises a plurality of spaced feet. 
   
   
       3 . The cabinet of  claim 1 , wherein said tube connector has more couplings than necessary to assemble said frame member such that said tube connector performs a dual function of facilitating assembly of said frame member and coupling it to a further tube section. 
   
   
       4 . The cabinet of  claim 1 , further including a further frame member releasably coupled to said first-mentioned frame member. 
   
   
       5 . The cabinet of  claim 4 , wherein each frame member includes a support comprising a plurality of feet. 
   
   
       6 . The cabinet of  claim 5 , wherein said frame members are releasably coupled together by a plurality of parallel tube sections connected between said frame members by tube connectors. 
   
   
       7 . The cabinet of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one end panel comprises two opposed end panels. 
   
   
       8 . The cabinet of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one face frame assembly includes at least two openings. 
   
   
       9 . The cabinet of  claim 8 , wherein at least one of said two openings receives a door movable between open and closed positions. 
   
   
       10 . The cabinet of  claim 9 , wherein said door is pivotably mounted in a said opening. 
   
   
       11 . The cabinet of  claim 1 , wherein at least one shelf is mounted within said frame. 
   
   
       12 . The cabinet of  claim 10 , wherein at least one shelf is mounted within said frame and accessible in said open position of said door. 
   
   
       13 . The cabinet of  claim 1 , wherein said counter has multiple levels. 
   
   
       14 . The cabinet of  claim 13 , wherein said frame has a stepped upper portion configured to define said counter. 
   
   
       15 . The cabinet of  claim 1 , further including brackets connected between said frame and said components. 
   
   
       16 . The cabinet of  claim 15 , wherein said components include a kick plate. 
   
   
       17 . An improved modular cabinet, comprising:
 a) a frame including:
 i) a plurality of substantially identical frame members having a sub-assembly comprising at least two tube sections permanently secured together to define an angular relationship therebetween; 
 ii) at least one additional tube section releasably connected to each said sub-assembly by a tube connector coupling said additional tube section to one of said tube sections of said sub-assembly; 
 iii) a support for supporting said cabinet on a ground surface including spaced feet; 
 iv) said frame members being releasably interconnected by at least one tube connector and tube section; 
   b) a plurality of components releasably fastened to said frame, including:
 i) at least one end panel; 
 ii) at least one face frame assembly including a plurality of openings for doors or to provide open access to an interior of said frame; and 
 iii) a counter mounted over a top of said frame. 
   
   
   
       18 . The cabinet of  claim 17 , wherein said frame members are releasably coupled together by a plurality of parallel tube sections connected between said frame members by tube connectors. 
   
   
       19 . The cabinet of  claim 17 , wherein at least one of said two openings receives a door pivotable between open and closed positions. 
   
   
       20 . The cabinet of  claim 19 , wherein at least one shelf is mounted within said frame and is accessible in an open position of said door. 
   
   
       21 . The cabinet of  claim 17 , wherein said counter has multiple levels. 
   
   
       22 . The cabinet of  claim 21 , wherein said frame has a stepped upper portion configured to define said counter. 
   
   
       23 . The cabinet of  claim 17 , further including brackets connected between said frame and said components. 
   
   
       24 . The cabinet of  claim 23 , wherein said components include a kick plate.