Joint and foldable structures employing the same

Abstract

A folding joint mechanism for stackably collapsing elongated structural sections includes a plurality of substantially identical brackets pivotably interconnected and rotatable between an extended and a stowed configuration. In the extended configuration, the brackets abut each other against stop protrusions on the top outside surface of each bracket forming foldable extensions that are able to support significant weight by distributing the top-side force. In the stowed configuration, the brackets are compacted to a substantially stacked disposition whereby the brackets are aligned and directly adjacent to one another. The joint and bracket assemblies may be employed in elongated sections of various structures in which compactability may be advantageous for shipping, storage, and user transportation.

1 . A folding joint mechanism, comprising:
 a first bracket and a second bracket, each having a front end and a back end;   said front end having at least one laterally extending stop protrusion projecting from a side of said bracket and having a stop surface, said front end defining a front pivot point, said back end defining a back pivot point and a first edge surface;   said front end of said first bracket being joined to said back end of said second bracket at said pivot points such that said brackets pivot relative to each other between a stowed position in which said first and second brackets are adjacent each other in generally parallel, aligned orientation, and an extended position in which said second bracket is extended linearly relative to said first bracket and said stop surface of said first bracket engages said edge surface of said second bracket; and   in said extended position, said joint withstanding weight loads exerted on said first edge surface.   
     
     
         2 . The joint of  claim 1  further including a fastener rotatably joining said pivot points. 
     
     
         3 . The joint of  claim 1  wherein said projection is disposed on said first end so that upon engaging said first edge surface, said brackets define a stop angle. 
     
     
         4 . The joint of  claim 1  wherein said second end forms a cam lobe. 
     
     
         5 . The joint of  claim 4  wherein said cam lobe is defined by a sloped profile of said first edge from said front end to said rear end, such that said front end and said rear end have approximately the same height. 
     
     
         6 . The joint of  claim 1  wherein said front end and said rear end have approximately the same height. 
     
     
         7 . The joint of  claim 5  wherein a height of said cam lobe is generally equal to a height of said stop protrusion. 
     
     
         8 . The joint of  claim 1  wherein said front end includes a fastener shaft projecting from said pivot point on said side of said bracket from which said stop protrusion extends. 
     
     
         9 . The joint of  claim 1  wherein said pivot point at said back end defines a counterbore. 
     
     
         10 . The joint of  claim 1  further including a biasing element disposed between said joined pivot points for biasing said first bracket relative to said second bracket into said extended position. 
     
     
         11 . A bracket for use in a folding joint mechanism, comprising:
 a planar body having a front end and an opposite back end;   said front end having a normally extending stop protrusion projecting from a side of said bracket and having a stop surface, said front end defining a front pivot point,   said back end defining a back pivot point and a first edge surface; and   a central portion of said body joining said front end to said back end and having a common first edge surface.   
     
     
         12 . The bracket of  claim 11  wherein at least one of said second end and said first end forms a cam lobe defined by a recess formed by said first edge, such that said front end and said rear end have approximately the same height. 
     
     
         13 . The bracket of  claim 11  wherein said first edge has at least one assembly notch. 
     
     
         14 . The bracket of  claim 11  wherein said front and back pivot points are counterbored openings. 
     
     
         15 . A support structure, comprising:
 at least one generally linear support member made up of a plurality of brackets, each said bracket having a front end and a back end;   said front end having a normally extending stop protrusion projecting from a side of said bracket and having a stop surface, said front end defining a front pivot point, said back end defining a back pivot point and a first edge surface;   said front end of said first bracket being joined to said back end of said second bracket at said pivot points such that said brackets pivot relative to each other between a stowed position in which said first and second brackets are adjacent each other in generally parallel, aligned orientation, and an extended position in which said second bracket is extended linearly relative to said first bracket and said stop surface of said first bracket engages said edge surface of said second bracket; and   in said extended position, said joint withstanding weight loads exerted on said edge surface.   
     
     
         16 . The support structure of  claim 15  wherein along said linear support member, said projections are disposed on said corresponding first ends in non-uniform positions to define generally horizontal, generally vertical, and generally oblique portions of said support member. 
     
     
         17 . The support structure of  claim 15  wherein said projections are disposed on said front end so that upon engaging said edge surface, said brackets define a stop angle, and said plurality of brackets include individual groups of brackets defining respective stop angles in the ranges of 180-190° and 130-140°. 
     
     
         18 . The support structure of  claim 16  wherein said brackets include assembly notches in said edge surface between said front and back end for joining adjacent support members in intersecting relationship, defining intersecting angles. 
     
     
         19 . The support structure of  claim 17  wherein said intersecting angles include a first angle in the general range of 40-50°, and a second angle in the general range of 130-140°. 
     
     
         20 . The support structure of  claim 16  further including a grate for use as a grill, and further including corresponding grate notches in said brackets for accommodating said grill.