Sliding Frame with Concealed Utility Apparatus

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]Not applicable.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002]Not applicable.

PARTY NAMES SUBJECT TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

[0003]Not applicable.

PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR(S)

[0004]Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

[0005]This disclosure relates generally to home furnishings, specifically to laundry apparatuses.

Discussion of the State of the Art

[0006]Traditional utility devices such as clothing drying racks and ironing boards are typically standalone items that present several challenges in modern living spaces. While attempts have been made to integrate these devices into home furnishings, existing solutions fall significantly short. Current market offerings include mirror-fronted cabinets with fold-down ironing boards, or finished wood coverings that swing open, but these designs suffer from numerous drawbacks. The cabinet doors are typically hinged, creating a swinging hazard and requiring substantial clearance space for operation. The visible cabinet outline and hardware remain conspicuous even when closed, detracting from the home's aesthetic appeal.

[0007]Existing wall-mounted solutions employ rudimentary folding mechanisms that have significantly little load bearing capabilities and often become loose over time, leading to wobbling and instability during use. The cabinet-style designs waste valuable storage space with inefficient internal layouts, and the mounting systems of the board internal to the cabinet place excessive stress on wall attachment points.

[0008]Furthermore, these units are strictly limited to ironing functionality, lacking the versatility required in modern homes. Their obvious institutional appearance makes them unsuitable for primary living spaces. The cabinet doors, being on hinges, are prone to sagging over time and require frequent adjustment to maintain alignment.

[0009]Air drying delicate clothes is still a critical necessity in today's fast fashion. Clothing lines have a linear relationship between the length of the line and the amount of clothes they can dry, i.e., the more clothes you want to dry the more distance your clothing line must span. Cheap portable hanging racks are available but take up significant space as their shape is broad and they are not easily broken down.

[0010]What is needed is a space-efficient multi-functional ironing board and drying rack with aesthetic appeal.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0011]Accordingly, the inventor has conceived and reduced to practice, a sliding picture frame with a hidden and deployable utility apparatus which provides a multi-functional device that combines aesthetic appeal with practical utility and optional smart technology integration. The device includes a frame structure that can serve as a traditional picture frame, mirror, or digital display, mounted on a precision-engineered track system that enables smooth vertical movement for revealing a utility apparatus that may be an ironing board, drying rack, desk, or other utility device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a sliding frame with concealed utility apparatus, according to an embodiment.

[0013]FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a sliding frame with concealed utility apparatus.

[0014]FIG. 3 depicts a front view of a sliding frame with concealed utility apparatus showing the frame in its display configuration.

[0015]FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a sliding frame with concealed utility apparatus in its stored configuration.

[0016]FIG. 5 provides a detailed view of the track mechanism, showing the interaction between track, frame, and guide components, according to an embodiment.

[0017]FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of a sliding frame with concealed utility apparatus with the picture frame removed for illustrative purposes.

[0018]FIG. 7 depicts a front view of a sliding frame with concealed utility apparatus with the picture frame removed for illustrative purposes.

[0019]FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a sliding frame with concealed utility apparatus with the frame removed for illustrative purposes.

[0020]FIG. 9 depicts a front view of a sliding frame with concealed utility apparatus wherein the frame is fully lowered.

[0021]FIG. 10 depicts a side view of a sliding frame with concealed utility apparatus wherein the frame is fully lowered.

[0022]FIG. 11 illustrates a clamp assembly secured within a clamp guide.

[0023]FIG. 12 illustrates a cutaway view of a clamp assembly, according to one embodiment.

[0024]FIG. 13 depicts a pivot assembly secured to a utility apparatus.

[0025]FIG. 14 illustrates a retaining clip and the associated retaining clip hole.

[0026]FIG. 15 is an action diagram highlighting at least three lockable positions of the utility apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed Description of Embodiments and Aspects

[0027]The inventor conceived and reduced to practice a wall-mountable sliding frame with a hidden and deployable utility apparatus behind the frame 100. An exploded view of one preferred embodiment is depicted in FIG. 1. This embodiment 100 and many other alternative embodiments disclosed herein—which would be readily known to those with ordinary skill in the art after learning about the disclosed embodiments—generally consists of a means to attach the device to a wall or structure, the concealed utility apparatus, a means to reveal said utility apparatus, and a decorative outer frame.

[0028]FIG. 2 through FIG. 4 show a wall-mountable sliding frame with a hidden and deployable utility apparatus 100 in its stored configuration, while FIG. 6 through FIG. 8 show the same perspective with the frame 102 removed for illustrative purposes. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show the frame 102 slid down to its fully extendable position. FIG. 15 illustrates at least three lockable positions 1502, 1504, 1506 of the utility apparatus 104.

[0029]Referring back now to FIG. 1, according to one embodiment, the means to attach a wall-mountable sliding frame 100 is a set of wall brackets 108a, 108b. The set of wall brackets 108a, 108b also provide the structure from which a utility apparatus 104 is connected—a drying rack in this instance—as well as the track guides FIGS. 5, 502 for the frame 102 to travel on.

[0030]A utility apparatus 104 connects to a set of wall brackets 108a, 108b via a set of clamp assemblies (110a through 113b), each fastened at the top of a support strut 106a, 106b. The set of clamp assemblies (110a through 113b) are inserted through a cutout called a clamp guide 109a, 109b within the set of wall brackets 108a, 108b using clamp screws 112a, 112b. FIG. 1 does not include a view of 109b, but it is conversely mirrored from the opposite wall bracket 108a. The set of clamp screws 112a, 112b are each inserted through a clamp knuckle 110a, 110b and threaded into clamp knobs 113a, 113b. Each clamp knob 113a, 113b is hand adjustable so the utility apparatus can be secured at any angle—see FIG. 15. See FIG. 11 for an assembled close-up view and FIG. 12 for an exemplary cutaway view.

[0031]Referring to FIG. 13, the bottom of each support strut 106a, 106b connects to a pivot knuckle 114a, 114b. A pivot pin 116a, 116b is inserted through a utility apparatus 104 and is threaded into a pivot knuckle 114a, 114b. Referring now to FIG. 14, the bottom of a utility apparatus 104 connects to retaining clips 118a, 118b that clip securely into a retaining clip hole 1402 within the wall brackets 108a, 108b. A retaining clip hole for wall bracket 108b is not shown, conversely a retaining clip hole for wall bracket 108b is mirrored from 108a. Additionally, the four attachment points of the utility apparatus 104 to the wall via the wall brackets 108a, 108b provide load distributing capabilities and anti-sway properties.

[0032]A frame 102 along with a panel 122—the panel 122 comprised of some transparent material allowing something to be displayed in the frame—is accompanied by two or more (four in this embodiment), roller assemblies 102a-d. The roller assemblies 102a-d comprise a damper 120-1, a wheel 120-2, a roller bearing 120-3, a u-groove bushing 120-4, a threaded insert 120-5, and a retaining screw 120-6. As seen in FIG. 5, there is a concave portion, i.e., wheel guide 502, of the wall bracket 108b that allows the roller assembly 120b attached to the frame 102 to slide up and down.

Alternative Embodiments

[0033]The utility apparatus 104 can be configured with various functional surfaces. The ironing board configuration may incorporate a multilayer heat-resistant surface with an integrated ventilation system for steam dispersion and cooling. The drying rack configuration utilizes a series of parallel support bars constructed from corrosion-resistant materials, with strategic spacing to maximize airflow while providing optimal weight distribution for hanging garments. A desk configuration incorporates a rigid work surface supported by an internal reinforcement frame that connects to the pivot system while maintaining stability under variable loads. The apparatus 104 can also be configured as a spice rack with pivoting shelving units that maintain level positioning regardless of the apparatus angle.

[0034]Multiple locking technologies can be implemented to secure the utility apparatus 104 at various angles. A detent mechanism system utilizes spring-loaded engagement points that provide tactile feedback and secure positioning at predetermined intervals. Gas piston systems can be integrated to provide counterbalanced support and position retention through pneumatic pressure resistance. The clamp guide system can incorporate machined engagement surfaces with hardened wearing points to ensure consistent locking force over extended use.

[0035]The utility apparatus 104 may implement a quick-change mechanism through a telescoping tube design where the rear section of the utility apparatus 104 contains a larger diameter tube that accepts a smaller diameter tube from the front section. The tubes are precisely machined to maintain alignment when joined. When assembled, the tubes present the same outer diameter for aesthetic consistency. The connection point incorporates spring-loaded detent balls in the front section that engage with matching recesses in the receiving tube, allowing for secure locking and quick release without tools. This system enables rapid exchange between different front sections such as an ironing board, folding station, drying rack, desk surface, or other utility configurations while the rear drying rack section remains mounted. Release buttons or levers can be integrated to disengage the locking mechanism, allowing for single-handed operation during apparatus exchange.

[0036]Roller assemblies 102a-d may be substituted for drawer slides, linear bearings, worm screws, or other means of linearly moving the frame along the length of the wall brackets.

[0037]The frame 102 can be configured as a typical picture frame, allowing the user to display pictures, art, posters, or similar items behind a glass or plexiglass panel 122. The frame 102 is configured to have a means of retention for the item to be displayed. The retention mechanism may be small pivoting arms around the perimeter of the frame, as is typical in most picture frames. Other retention mechanisms may be used such as magnets or permanent installations of the media. The frame 102 may be configured so that a canvas art fits overtop of the frame, concealing the frame 102.

[0038]The frame 102 can accommodate various display technologies behind its protective surface. Electronic paper display technology can be integrated for low-power operation while maintaining constant visibility. Digital display panels can be incorporated with various brightness and resolution capabilities, including ambient light adaptation.

[0039]Mirror surfaces can be implemented using specialized reflective materials that can transition between display and mirror functionality. The frame can also serve as a traditional art display with specialized mounting systems that maintain proper artwork spacing and protection.

[0040]The sliding frame with concealed utility apparatus 100 can incorporate various electronic systems for enhanced functionality. Environmental monitoring systems can include moisture detection for drying operations and temperature sensing for ironing configurations. Wireless connectivity enables remote monitoring and control through mobile applications, with real-time status updates and notifications. Motion detection systems can be implemented for hands-free operation, utilizing various sensing technologies to recognize specific gestures.

[0041]Voice control systems can be integrated through digital processing units that interface with existing smart home ecosystems. LED status indicators can be incorporated to provide visual feedback about system status and operation modes.

[0042]The mounting system, e.g., wall brackets, can be adapted for various installation orientations while maintaining full or modified functionality. Sideways mounting configurations allow for the ability to slide the frame to either side depending on the rotation of the wall brackets. The utility apparatus 104 can still swing out to be a drying rack, potentially losing the ironing ability.

[0043]Corner installation systems employ specialized bracket designs that maintain proper alignment of all moving components while working within the geometric constraints of corner spaces. Safety systems can be incorporated using both mechanical and electronic locking mechanisms that prevent unintended movement or deployment.

[0044]The sliding frame with concealed utility apparatus 100 can be enhanced through ventilation systems that can be integrated for drying operations, utilizing directed airflow patterns to optimize drying efficiency. According to one embodiment, small-profile fans may be integrated behind the frame to move air upwards towards the drying rack to enhance the drying capabilities.

[0045]The sliding frame with concealed utility apparatus 100 can be adapted to conceal various in-wall storage solutions by removing the utility apparatus 104 while maintaining the track and frame functionality. The wall bracket system may be modified to incorporate reinforced mounting points that interface with in-wall safe frames or structural storage boxes or simply attach to studs in the wall. The concealment system can utilize existing wall cavity space between studs, with trim kits that create a seamless transition from wall surface to storage cavity. The frame maintains its vertical sliding operation to provide access, while incorporating additional sealing elements around the periphery to prevent dust infiltration when closed. Security features can be integrated into the frame's locking mechanism, such as electromagnetic locks, biometric readers, or digital keypads, all concealed within the frame's decorative border. The system can accommodate various depths of wall safes or storage nooks through adjustable bracket offsets while ensuring the frame maintains proper spacing from the wall surface for smooth operation.