GB2499658A - Market stall that can be collapsed into a flat configuration for storage. - Google Patents

Abstract

The stall comprises a first frame, a support structure for a roof and a prop 30 which can be extended to hold the stall upright. Preferably the first frame comprises left and right frame members with a cross member between onto which the support section is mounted and the prop is mounted to one of the frame members. The stall may comprise telescopic elements for support of an enlarged roof. Also claimed is a market stall comprising: a work top; a support structure for said work top and a prop. The stall may include a lock to ensure the prop is deployed first. Also claimed is a market stall comprising: a first frame with side members and a roof member: a second frame hinged to the first frame and a worktop hinged to the first frame. Also claimed is a market stall with a rear frame and side frames pivotally connected to the rear frame.

Description

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Market Stalls

Field

The present invention relates to stalls for use in a market, in particular to stalls that can easily be deployed from a storage configuration, used and then returned to storage.

Background

For a street market it is desired that the street can be used as such and then as a market with a rapid transition between the two. A number of portable market stalls and shelters are known to facilitate the transition.

An existing stall is known with its frame and body permanently intact, mounted on wheels and which can be moved from a nearby storage location into position. Front, rear and optionally side roof supports are folded outwards from the body. This type of stall is common but heavy and typically requires two people to move it and to assemble it. As it is permanently assembled it is bulky to store. From storage it has to be wheeled into position, which takes time for each stall, meaning setting up a street market with many stalls takes excessive time.

Other stalls are known comprising a multitude of individual components that clip together. These are less bulky to store but when assembled may be flimsy. They have components with many detachable joints, which results in increased likelihood of loss of components and of component damage when being clipped together and taken apart. Some require specific canopies and they can be difficult to assemble by one person. Again, putting up a market having such stalls takes excessive time.

It is also known to use structures that are essentially tents or supported umbrellas. These can be quick and easy to assemble but they do not have tables. When assembled they are also rather flimsy as they tend to require many joints and the supporting frame tend to be made from thin elements that are prone to damage.

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An object of the invention is to provide a shelter or a stall, optionally including a table, which is an alternative to the above and preferably provides advantages in structure, strength and/or assembly. An object of preferred embodiment of the invention is to provide a stall that is easily assembled and then collapsed after use.

Invention

Accordingly, the invention provides, in a first aspect, a stall, which can be unfolded From a flat, storage configuration into an operational configuration and collapsed back into the flat, storage configuration, comprising:-a frame;

support structure for a roof, mounted on the frame; and a prop,

wherein the prop can be extended to hold the stall upright with the roof support structure remaining flat with the frame members and/or hanging from the frame.

Suitably, the frame has left-hand side and right-hand side upright frame members and a crosspiece between the upright frame members; support structure for a roof, mounted on the crosspiece; and a prop, mounted on an upright frame member, wherein the prop can be extended to hold the stall upright with the roof support structure remaining flat with the frame members and/or hanging from the cross piece.

Hence, a flat and easily stored stall can then be conveniently moved from storage into position and left propped upright at or near a position where it is to be used but while remaining more or less flat and unassembled, but stable when upright. From that upright position a single person can complete unfolding of the stall.

A first portion of the roof support structure may be rotatable on the cross piece between a position flat with the frame and a position in which it can support a roof and optionally comprises elements which can then be extended laterally so the structure can support an enlarged roof. A second portion of the roof support structure may be rotatable on the cross piece between a position flat with the frame and a position in which it can support a roof and optionally comprises elements which can then be extended laterally so the structure can support an enlarged roof. Together, the first and second front roof portions can hold

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up a canopy that extends sidewards and forwards over the stall. An advantage is that roof supports may be smaller or lighter than major frame members (e.g. the uprights and the crosspiece), and can be stored inside the stronger major frame members for protection but be deployed as described so as to provide an enlarged roof area over the stall.

The prop can be a single element, separate from other frame components. The stall may also comprise a second frame having two side members and a connecting member, the second frame lying flat with the first or main frame and being hinged to the first frame, so that it can be pivoted into a position to act as a prop for holding the stall upright.

The two side members of the second frame and the two upright frame members of the first frame can constitute four feet of the stall when in its operational configuration. Seen from vertically above, the roof area or footprint of the roof structure may extend beyond the footprint of the four stall feet - giving an enlarged canopy area and providing enhanced weather protection for user and customer. In embodiments illustrated below in more detail, the roof structure has telescopic elements for support of an enlarged roof. The roof structure may alternatively or additionally comprise sliding extendable elements to provide support for an enlarged roof. Rollers can be provided between roof members to ease the sliding movement.

Advantageously, a table or worktop may be provided that lies Flat with the frame members when the stall is in its storage configuration - again it is protected by the frame when in storage. When the prop is unfolded or extended it can hold the stall upright with the worktop remaining flat with the frame members.

The invention further provides, in a second aspect, a stall which can be deployed by hand from a storage configuration, in which it can be stored flat, into an operational configuration, in which it can be used for merchandising; the stall comprising:-

(i) a worktop,

(ii) support structure for supporting the worktop above ground level and for forming side portions and roof portions for the stall, and

(ii) a prop, which can be extended to enable the stall to stand upright in its storage configuration while the worktop is moved into a horizontal position

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The support structure can comprise a first frame member to which said prop is pivotally attached. Preferably, after use of the prop, the support structure subsequently enables said side portions and roof portions to be deployed. A lock on the support structure can be included, to prevent deployment of the stall components without first deploying the prop. The prop can be a frame member or frame members having abutments to support the worktop in its horizontal position.

The support structure may comprise a frame including side members attached together by a roof member. A further frame can be suspended from said roof member, so as to hang inside the side members when the stall is in said upright position, whereby it can rotated upwardly to form a roof support.

The worktop is preferably hinged to the support structure so that it can be rotated from an upright position, flat with the support structure, when the stall is in the storage configuration, into its horizontal position, when the stall is in its operational configuration.

Still further, the invention provides, in a third aspect, a stall which can be deployed by hand, from a storage configuration, in which it can be stored flat, into an operational configuration, in which it can be used for merchandising; the stall comprising:

a worktop;

a first frame with side members and a roof member;

a second frame with side members and a connecting member, the second frame being hinged to the first frame, so that it can be pivoted into a position to act as a prop for holding the frames upright to facilitate deployment by hand;

the worktop being hinged to the first frame, so that it can be pivoted from an upright position, flat with the first frame, into a horizontal position, supported by the second frame, as the stall is deployed.

A third frame may be suspended from said first frame, so as to hang inside the first frame when the stall is in said upright position, whereby it can rotated upwardly and over the frames to form a roof support.

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ln all aspects, the table or worktop can have two or more adjustable height positions.

The stall of the invention can thus be robust, simple and easily assembled. Referring to the first embodiment illustrated below, a stall of the invention can be provided as a flat pack, meaning it reversibly collapses into a flat configuration for storage, which is then unfolded or assembled to form an upright, working stall. It can efficiently be stored and is easy to transport. The table is included as part of the structure and a roof is provided by placing a canopy over the roof supports. It is easy to handle and can be assembled by one person alone.

In use of one example of the invention, the stall is delivered in flat packed, storage configuration on wheels. It is propped upright, with one leg projecting, holding the stall upright and in a stable position. The table is turned over Flat and locked into position. Next, the rear roof support is swung out, the side struts are pulled out and attached to hold the rear roof supports, cables are stretched between the rear roof components and the resultant roof support is under compression in the struts at either end with cable tension in the middle, giving enhanced strength and stability. Unfolding the rear roof supports first prevents overbalancing of the stall, e.g. by an inexperienced user. As an optional safety feature a lock prevents the front being unfolded until the rear has been unfolded. Finally, the front roof is rotated upwards and its two sections slid away from each other sideways, locking each in position and extending the roof sideways. The resultant assembled stall has a roof support area which extends frontwards, rearwards and to both sides of the table. The table can thus be fully covered on all sides by a canopy.

In preferred embodiments, the primary structure, i.e. the frame, goes around the outside of the flat packed other stall components. The frame is thicker and stronger than other elements and protects them, meaning there is reduced damage and wear. Lighter, roof elements sit within the frame and are projected. In assembling the shelter protected roof elements are folded outwards and slid sideways so as to provide a structure to support an overhanging roof or canopy. The frame is outside the roof structure when packed in flat, storage format and the roof structure is outside the frame when the stall is assembled.

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Generally, the canopy is supplied separately and a number of canopies already exist. The canopy is not an essential part of the invention but the roof structure is suitable to support a canopy.

Also provided by the invention are shelters, also referred to generally as stalls that unpack from storage having similar benefits to those described above. Accordingly, in another embodiment of the invention there is provided a stall of a flat pack construction and having components that can be deployed by hand from its flat pack configuration into its operational configuration, in which it can be used for merchandising; the stall comprising a rear Frame, side frames pivotally connected to the rear frame and a roof frame pivotally connected to the rear frame, whereby the side frames can be opened in sequence to form the two sides of the stall; the pivotal connection being such that one of the side frames can be deployed to act as a prop to stabilize the structure prior to opening of the other side frame and the roof frame.

Preferably, a lock is provided to ensure the roof Frame can not be deployed until both side frames have been opened.

Extendable or telescopic roof elements can also be provided so the roof frame area can be enlarged after deployment.

Stalls of the invention are suitable for display and/or sale of merchandise such as in a market. Stalls of the invention are also suitable for other external or internal uses as will be appreciated by the skilled person.

In a specific example, shows below in more detail, a walk-in stall or shelter is hence provided, with no table but having a protected trading space. In use it is delivered flat and can be propped upright by opening one side frame. From here, one person can assemble the shelter by fully opening the side, if not done already, opening the other side, then folding up the roof and locking it in position. The roof can then be extended and an enlarged canopy draped over the canopy support structure. It is one piece, supplied in flat storage configuration.

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In known structures it is known for the roof to open up first from the main frame, with the doors then hanging down or clipping onto the roof. Therefore, the order of unpacking of the shelter of the invention is different and facilitates assembly by one person.

Specific embodiments of the invention are now described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-

Fig. 1 shows a view from the front, side and above of a stall of a first embodiment of the invention in flat, stored configuration;

Fig. 2 shows a further view of the fig. 1 stall, propped upright;

Fig.s 3 to 14 show further views and detail of the stall of fig. 1, in varying stages of being unfolded;

Fig. 15 shows a view from the front, side and above of a stall of a second embodiment of the invention in flat, stored configuration;

Fig. 16 shows a further view of the fig. 15 stall, propped upright; and

Fig.s 17 to 23 show further views and detail of the stall of fig. 1, in varying stages of being unfolded.

Fig.s 1 to 14 show a market stall (10) of a first embodiment of the invention. In fig.s 1 and 6 the stall (10) is in a flat, storage configuration. It is shown standing upright for ease of seeing how in storage it can be flat, e.g. with several stalls closely packed next to each other though it practice it may also be stored flat lying horizontally.

Referring generally to fig.s 1 to 14, the stall (10) has a frame composed of two upright frame members being respectively a left-hand side upright (12) and a right-hand side upright (14) linked by a cross piece (16). A foldable trading / display table or worktop (18) is mounted on the uprights on pivots (20, 22), lying flat against the frame in storage and rotatable in use to be held up by stops (24, 26) on each side frame member to form a horizontal work surface. Support structure for the roof is provided by front roof support (27) and rear roof support (28), mounted on the frame via the crosspiece. When fully opened the roof frame extends forwards, backwards and to both sides, onto which a canopy can be attached for weather protection, to shelter both stallholder and customer.

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From the flat storage position of fig. 1, left-hand and right-hand legs (30, 31) joined by connecting member (32) are folded out to prop the stall in otherwise flat configuration but now stable in an upright position. The front roof portions can be clipped into position so as to remain flat with the frame; here they are not clipped but hang down from the crosspiece on pivotal connectors (34). The stall can be fully opened from here by one person. At the bottom of each of the two uprights and the two legs are feet (33a, b, c and d) each with a wheel (35a, b, c and d) for motility and minor stall repositioning. Using the wheels on the uprights the stall can also be wheeled in flat, upright configuration.

When one or many stalls are being positioned for use, it is convenient for the upright stored stall to be delivered to a single stall holder in the market, propped up as shown and left in the propped up position, stable and ready to be fully unfolded by the stallholder.

The worktop can be folded down to provide a level surface for display or trading - see fig. 3 - and locked in place - see detail of lock (39) in fig.s 9 and 10.

Next the rear roof support (28) is rotated into position, this order of assembly meaning that the centre of gravity of the stall remains inside the footprint of the 4 feet, when viewed vertically from above. Rear bar or crosspiece (36) rotates backwardly on side struts (37, 38) attached to the frame on pivots (40, 41). In doing so, cables (43, 44) are pulled from the recoiling housings in the crosspiece. The two side bars (46, 47) that lie flat and inside the frame in storage are telescoped inside the rear crosspiece and are pulled outwardly from either side of the rear crosspiece, rotated about the rear crosspiece and inserted into fittings (52) in the main frame crosspiece, this action holding the rear crosspiece of the rear roof in position and providing strength and support for the rear roof and also providing a roof area that extends backwardly from the foot print of the 4 feet and also sidewards, thus supporting an enlarged roof. The roof support is seen extending backwards in fig. 8 and sidewards in at least fig.s 4 and 5.

The front roof support, suspended from the frame in fig.s 2-4, can next be rotated into position, its two respective roof frames (48, 49) being rotated upwards then slid laterally, which action both extends the supportable roof area laterally and also locks them in the unfolded position shown e.g. in fig. 5 and 8. More detail is seen in fig. 13, showing the two

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front roof frames suspended and then in fig. 14 with the two frames deployed, having been moved outwardly and locked, with front bar (50) connecting the two frames.

This sequence of assembly can also be carried out in reverse by one person alone.

In the flat storage configuration smaller, lighter framework sections (e.g. roof side struts, front roof frames) are positioned inside the larger framework sections of the main frame. This allows the larger more robust main frame to protect the lighter smaller framework sections from physical damage during storage and transportation.

The roof frames have rounded outer edges to minimise damage to canopies applied to the frame. In the fully unfolded market stall configuration (e.g. Fig. 5) all roof planes are inclined to allow ease of water run-off from any applied canopy.

The stall allows trading in 2 primary configurations:

• with the trader situated at the back, protected by the rear extended roof, with the extended front providing protection to their customers and additional displayed wares.

• with the trader and additional stored wares, protected by the front extended roof, with the rear extended roof providing protection for the customer

Fig.s 15 to 23 show a stall frame or stall (60) of a second embodiment of the invention have three wall frames and a roof. In fig.s 15 and 20 the stall (60) is in a flat, storage configuration. It is shown standing upright for ease of seeing how in storage it can be flat, e.g. with several stall closely packed next to each other though it practice it may also be stored flat lying horizontally.

Referring generally to fig.s 15 to 23, on a rear frame (62) are pivotally mounted left-hand side and right-hand side frames (64, 65), being the three walls, and a roof frame (66), such that the roof frame can not be pivoted away from the rear frame until both side frames have been opened. Wheels (67a, b, c and d) are at the bottom of the rear frame and one on each of the side frames.

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The first side frame is opened, acting as a prop to hold the stall in an upright position, in which position the remainder of the unfolding can be carried out by one person. The second side frame is then unfolded.

Next the roof frame (66) can be rotated upwardly into position, and front telescopic roof elements (68a, b, c and d) slid forwardly to provided a roof area extended forwards and in excess of the footprint of the side and rear frames - see fig. 22. A lock (70) - see detail in fig. 23 - is deployed to hold the roof and sides securely, to hold the roof up and stabilize the whole stall. A canopy can then be placed over the roof frame for weather protection.

The assembly steps can be reversed by a single person, who can collapse the stall single-handed. In the flat storage configuration smaller, lighter framework sections (e.g. roof side struts, front roof frames) are positioned inside the larger framework sections of the main frame. This allows the larger more robust main frame to protect the lighter smaller framework sections from physical damage during storage and transportation. The roof frames have rounded outer edges to minimise damage to canopies applied to the frame. In the fully unfolded market stall configuration (e.g. Fig. 22) all roof planes are inclined to allow ease of water run-off from any applied canopy.

In contrast with known heavy and bulky, pre-assembled stalls, a stack of stalls of the invention, lying flat against each other, can be placed and/or stored (potentially at a distant storage location) on the back of a trailer or lorry. They can be quickly placed into and removed from the market location, instead of being wheeled into place from storage. Putting up and taking down the market is then quick and easy.

The invention thus provides market stalls that can easily be unfolded and assembled for use, then folded back in flat, storage configuration.

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Claims (23)

Claims

1. A market stall, which can be unfolded from a flat, storage configuration into an operational configuration and collapsed back into the flat, storage configuration, comprising:-

a frame;

support structure for a roof, mounted on the frame; and a prop,

wherein the prop can be extended to hold the market stall upright with the roof support structure remaining flat with the frame members and/or hanging from the frame.

2. A market stall according to claim 1, comprising:-

a first frame, comprising left-hand side and right-hand side upright frame members and a cross piece between the upright frame members;

support structure for a roof, mounted on the cross piece; and a prop, mounted on an upright frame member,

wherein the prop can be extended to hold the market stall upright with the roof support structure remaining flat with the frame members and/or hanging from the cross piece.

3. A market stall according to claim 2, wherein a first portion of the roof support structure is rotatable on the cross piece between a position flat with the frame and a position in which it can support a roof and optionally comprises elements which can then be extended laterally so the structure can support an enlarged roof.

4. A market stall according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a second portion of the roof support structure is rotatable on the cross piece between a position flat with the frame and a position in which it can support a roof and optionally comprises elements which can then be extended laterally so the structure can support an enlarged roof.

5. A market stall according to any of claims 1 to 4, comprising a second frame having two side members and a connecting member, the second frame being hinged to the first frame, so that it can be pivoted into a position to act as a prop for holding the stall upright.

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6. A market stall according to claim 5, wherein the two side members of the second frame and the two upright frame members of the first frame constitute four feet of the market stall when in its operational configuration.

7. A market stall according to claim 6, wherein the footprint of the roof structure extends beyond the foot print of the four stall feet.

8. A market stall according to any previous claim, wherein the roof structure comprises telescopic elements for support of an enlarged roof.

9. A market stall according to any previous claim, comprising a worktop that lies flat with the frame members when the stall is in its storage configuration, wherein the prop can be extended to hold the market stall upright with the worktop remaining flat with the frame members.

10. A market stall which can be deployed by hand from a storage configuration, in which it can be stored flat, into an operational configuration, in which it can be used for merchandising; the stall comprising:-

(i) a worktop,

(ii) support structure for supporting the worktop above ground level and for forming side portions and roof portions for the stall, and

(ii) a prop, which can be extended to enable the stall to stand upright in its storage configuration while the worktop is moved into a horizontal position

11. A market stall according to claim 10, in which the support structure comprises a first frame member to which said prop is pivotally attached, and in which the support structure subsequently enables said side portions and roof portions to be deployed.

12. A market stall according to claim 10 or 11, in which the support structure includes a lock to prevent deployment of the stall components without first deploying the prop.

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13. A market stall according to any of claims 10 to 12, in which said prop is a frame member having abutments to support the worktop in its horizontal position.

14. A market stall according to any of claims 10 to 13, in which said support structure comprises a frame including side members attached together by a roof member.

15. A market stall according to claim 14, in which a further frame is suspended from said roof member, so as to hang inside the side members when the stall is in said upright position, whereby it can rotated upwardly to form a roof support.

16. A market stall according to any of claims 10 to 15, in which said worktop is hinged to the support structure so that it can be rotated from an upright position, flat with the support structure, when the stall is in the storage configuration, into its horizontal position, when the stall is in its operational configuration.

17. A market stall which can be deployed by hand, from a storage configuration, in which it can be stored flat, into an operational configuration, in which it can be used for merchandising; the stall comprising:

a worktop;

a first frame with side members and a roof member;

a second frame with side members and a connecting member, the second frame being hinged to the first frame, so that it can be pivoted into a position to act as a prop for holding the frames upright to facilitate deployment by hand;

the worktop being hinged to the first frame, so that it can be pivoted from an upright position, flat with the first frame, into a horizontal position, supported by the second frame, as the stall is deployed.

18. A market stall according to claim 17, in which a third Frame is suspended from said first frame, so as to hang inside the first frame when the stall is in said upright position, whereby it can rotated upwardly and over the frames to form a roof support.

19. A market stall of a flat pack construction and having components that can be deployed by hand from its flat pack configuration into its operational configuration, in which

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it can be used for merchandising; the stall comprising a rear frame, side frames pivotally connected to the rear frame and a roof frame pivotally connected to the rear frame, whereby the side frames can be opened in sequence to form the two sides of the stall; the pivotal connection being such that one of the side frames can be deployed to act as a prop to stabilize the structure prior to opening of the other side frame and the roof frame.

20. A market stall according to claim 19, wherein the roof frame can not be deployed until both side frames have been opened.

21. A market stall according to claim 19 or 20, comprising telescopic roof elements so the roof frame area can be enlarged after deployment.

22. A market stall substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 1 to 14.

23. A market stall substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 15 to 23.