WO2023238109A1

WO2023238109A1 - A foldable cabinet

Info

Publication number: WO2023238109A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/055997
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ravinder Kaur
Original assignee: Ravinder Kaur
Priority date: 2022-06-10
Filing date: 2023-06-10
Publication date: 2023-12-14

Abstract

A foldable cabinet 100 is disclosed having a back panel 102, a plurality of shelves 106 pivotally coupled to the back panel 102 and a top panel 104 coupled to a top side of the back panel. The shelves 106 are coupled to the top panel 104 such that pivotally folding of the top panel 104 results in folding of the shelves 106 to a position adjacent the front side of the back panel 102. The cabinet 100 further includes a pair of side panels 108 pivotally coupled to the back panel 102, and front shutters 110 pivotally coupled to the side panels for 270 degrees rotation to enable their rotation to position against respective outer side faces of the side panels 108. A locking mechanism locks the top panel with the side panels in in-use position of the cabinet 100.

Description

A FOLDABLE CABINET

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of cabinets used for storage and display. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a foldable cabinet that can be folded to a small volume for ease of storage and transportation.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Cabinets are well known in the art, many of them are of foldable configuration, primarily to reap the benefit of reduced volume during shipping as folded cabinets may be shipped more easily than non-folding or fully assembled cabinets. In order to minimize the shipping costs during initial shipping, such conventional foldable cabinet are typically designed for one time assembly, which is time consuming with corresponding extra efforts, both during folding and assembly. Therefore, the conventional foldable cabinet do not meet the requirement of cabinets that need to be frequently folded and unfolded/assembled, such as those required for display of products at different locations.

[0004] It would therefore be advantageous if a foldable cabinet can be provided which requires reduced time and effort to fold and unfold, thereby meeting the unfulfilled requirement of foldable cabinets that need to be frequently folded and unfolded/assembled

[0005] Therefore, there is a requirement of an improved foldable cabinet that overcomes the drawbacks of the conventional foldable cabinets.

[0006] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[0007] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0008] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0009] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0010] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A general object of the present disclosure is to overcome drawbacks of the conventional foldable cabinets.

[0012] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a foldable cabinet and a method of folding thereof that can meet the requirement of frequent folding unfolding.

[0013] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved foldable cabinet that requires reduced effort and time during folding and unfolding.

[0014] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a foldable cabinet that comprises a rigid structure and yet needs reduced effort and time during folding and unfolding. [0015] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a foldable cabinet that includes front guards on the shelves to retain the items placed on the shelves, and yet can be folded easily without any extra efforts.

SUMMARY

[0016] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an improved foldable cabinet, and a method of folding thereof, that meet the requirement of folding cabinets needing frequent folding and unfolding. In particular, the disclosed folding cabinet and method of folding thereof, overcome drawbacks of the conventional foldable cabinets that need considerable effort and time to assemble and fold.

[0017] In an aspect, the proposed folding cabinet (hereinafter, also referred to simply as cabinet) includes a back panel; a plurality of shelves pivotally coupled to a front face of the back panel; and a top panel pivotally coupled to a top side of the back panel. In an aspect, the top panel is operatively coupled to the plurality of shelves such that, when the top panel is pivotally moved by 90 degrees, the plurality of shelves too move pivotally to positions adjacent the front face of the back panel. Folding of the shelves results in reducing volume of the cabinet enabling ease of storage and transportation.

[0018] As can be understood, while unfolding the cabinet, the top panel can be moved in reverse direction, which, on account of coupling between the top panel and the shelves, results in unfolding of the shelves. In an aspect, folding and unfolding of the shelves by simply moving the top panel results in reduced effort and time during folding and unfolding.

[0019] In an embodiment, the means for operative coupling between the top panel and the shelves may be a set of linkages provided between the top panel and the plurality of shelves.

[0020] In an embodiment, the cabinet may include a plurality of front guards configured with each of the plurality of shelves located along a front side of the shelves. The plurality of front guards may be fixed to the linkages such that when the linkages move as a result of the top panel being pivotally moved, the front guards move along with the linkages in vertical orientation and become coplanar to the respective shelves at the end of the pivotal movement of the top panel.

[0021] In an embodiment, the cabinet may include a pair of side panels that are pivotally coupled to two vertical sides of the back panel for pivotal movement to a position adjacent the front face of the back panel.

[0022] In an embodiment, the cabinet may further include a pair of shutters pivotally coupled to the pair of side panels along a front side of the corresponding side panel. A pivotal joint between the side panels and the corresponding shutter may allow 270 degrees rotation of the shutters to a position adjacent to an outer face of the side panels.

[0023] In an embodiment, the cabinet may further include a locking mechanism configured between the top panel and the side panels. The locking mechanism may be configured to lock the top panel and the side panels to each other to prevent pivotal movement of the side panels in in-use position of the side panels.

[0024] In an embodiment, the locking mechanism may be configured to unlock the top panel and the side panels when the top panel is pivotally moved upward away from in-use position of the top panel, thereby allowing the side panels to be pivotally moved. Thus, the locking mechanism that works to lock and unlock the side panels and the top panel to each other simply based on movement of the top panel further reduces time and effort required to fold and unfold the disclosed cabinet.

[0025] In an embodiment, the cabinet may include pivotal joints between the back panel and the pair of side panels, which may be configured to allow pivotal movement of the side panel to the position in front of the front face of the back panel, with the plurality of shelves sandwiched there between and the shutters folded adjacent to an outer face of the side panels.

[0026] In an embodiment, the locking mechanism may include a pair of pins configured with one of the pair of side panels and the top panel and a pair of holes configured with other of the pair of side panels and the top panel, the pin being configure to engage with the corresponding holes in the in-use position of the top panel and the side panels. The pins may be configured to disengage from the corresponding holes when the top panel is pivotally moved upward away from the in-use position, thereby unlocking the top panel and the side panels.

[0027] In an embodiment, the back panel, the plurality of shelves, the pair of side panels and the pair of shutters may be made of any or a combination of steel, aluminum, wood and a plastic material. [0028] An aspect of the disclosure relates to a method for folding a cabinet, the method including the steps of: (i) pivotally moving a top panel of the cabinet, which is pivotally coupled to a back panel of the cabinet, wherein pivotal movement of the top panel results in pivotal movement of a plurality of shelves of the cabinet on account of coupling thereof with the top panel, and wherein pivotal movement of the top panel results in unlocking of a locking mechanism provided between the top panel and a pair of side panels; and (ii) pivotally moving the side panels about a corresponding rear side of the side panels, which rear side of the side panels is pivotally coupled to the back panel, to move the side panels to position in front of the front face of with the back panel, thereby reducing volume of the cabinet.

[0029] In an embodiment, the method may further include the step of: pivotally moving a pair of shutters of the cabinet, which are pivotally coupled to a front side of the corresponding side panels, by 270 degrees to position the shutter adjacent to an outer face of the side panels, before the pivotal movement of the side panels about the corresponding rear sides, thereby positioning the back panel, the plurality of shelves, the pair of side panels and the pair of shutters in a compact configuration.

[0030] In an embodiment, the method may further include the step of: providing a pair of pins configured with one of the pair of side panels and the top panel, and a pair of holes configured with other of the pair of side panels and the top panel, the pin being configure to engage with the corresponding holes in an in-use position of the top panel and the side panels, and wherein the pins are configured to disengage from the corresponding holes when the top panel is pivotally moved upward away from the in-use position, thereby unlocking the top panel and the side panels.

[0031] In an embodiment, the method may further include the step of: providing a set of linkages between the top panel and the plurality of shelves as a means for coupling the top panel with the plurality of shelves.

[0032] In an embodiment, the method may further include the step of: providing a plurality of front guards configured with each of the plurality of shelves located along a front side of the shelves. The front guards may be fixed to the linkages such that when the linkages move as a result of the top panel being pivotally moved, the front guards) move along with the linkages remaining in vertical orientation and become coplanar to the respective shelves at the end of the pivotal movement of the top panel.

[0033] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIGs. 1A and IB illustrate exemplary front and side views respectively of the disclosed folding cabinet, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIGs. 2A to 2C illustrate exemplary side views showing different stages of folding of a plurality of shelves of the disclosed folding cabinet, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIGs. 3A-3D illustrate exemplary top views showing different stages of folding of a plurality of shelves of the disclosed folding cabinet, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of the disclosed folding cabinet showing folding of the cabinet in process, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method flow diagram for the disclosed method for folding a cabinet, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0041] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[0042] Various terms are used herein. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0043] Embodiments explained herein relate to a foldable cabinet, and a method of folding thereof, that meet the requirement of folding cabinets needing frequent folding and unfolding. In particular, the disclosed folding cabinet and method of folding thereof, overcome drawbacks of the conventional foldable cabinets that need considerable effort and time to assemble and fold.

[0044] In an embodiment, the proposed folding cabinet is based on coupling of a plurality of shelves of the cabinet to a top panel of the cabinet such that, when the top panel is folded by pivotal movement about a rear side of the top panel, the shelves also undergo folding by pivotal movement about respective rear sides to fold adjacent a front face of the back panel.

[0045] In another embodiment, side panels of the cabinet are pivotally movable about a respective rear side that is coupled to the back panel such that the side panels can be folded in front of the front face of the back panel with the folded shelves sandwiched between the back panel and the back panel.

[0046] In yet another embodiment, shutters of the cabinet are coupled to the side panels such that they can be rotated by 270 degrees such that the shutters can be folded adjacent to an outer face of the side panels, thereby making a compact configuration of the folded cabinet with the shelves, the side panels and the shutters folded over the back panel in that order.

[0047] In still another embodiment, the cabinet includes pins and holes based locking mechanism to lock the side panels with the top panel in in-use position of the cabinet. Engagement of the pins configured with the top panel with holes provided in the side panels results in locking of the side panels with the top panel thereby providing a rigid structure of the cabinet. When the top panel is pivotally moved /lifted up, the pins disengage from the respective holes to unlock the locking of the side panels with the top panel, making them free for pivotal movement for folding. As can be appreciated, automatic unlocking of the side panels with the top panel when the top panel is lifted up as first step of folding, results in reduced time and effort required for folding the cabinet.

[0048] In yet still another embodiment, the cabinet includes a plurality of front guards configured with each of the plurality of shelves located along a front side of the shelves. The front guards are fixed to a set of linkages that are provided between the top panel and the plurality of shelves as a means for coupling the top panel with the plurality of shelves. Fixing the front guards with the linkages results in movement of the front guards along with the linkages when the linkages move as a result of the top panel being pivotally moved, and remain in vertical orientation, finally becoming coplanar to the respective shelves at the end of the pivotal movement of the top panel.

[0049] Referring now to FIGs. 1 A to FIG. 4, where different views of the proposed foldable cabinet are shown, the cabinet 100 can include a back panel 102; a plurality of shelves, such as shelves 106-1, 106-2, ...2 etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as shelves 106); a top panel 104, a pair of side panels, such as left side panel 108-1 and right side panel 108-2 (hereinafter collectively referred to as side panels 108) and a pair of shutters, such as left side shutter 110- 1 and right side shutter 110-2 (hereinafter collectively referred to as shutters 110). The shelves 106 can be pivotally coupled to a front face of the back panel 102 to enable lifting of the respective front side of the shelves 106 up by the pivotal movement about the respective rear sides to position them in generally vertical position in front of the front face of the back panel 102. Likewise, the top panel 104 can also be pivotally coupled to a top side of the back panel 102 to enable lifting of a front side of the top panel 104 by the pivotal movement about the rear side to position the top panel in generally vertical position above the back panel 102.

[0050] In an aspect, the top panel 104 can be operatively coupled to the plurality of shelves 106 such that, when the top panel 104 is pivotally moved to vertical position, i.e., by 90 degrees, the plurality of shelves 106 also move pivotally to positions adjacent the front face of the back panel 102. Coupling mechanism coupling the top panel 102 to the shelves 106 can be, but not limited to, a linkages based coupling mechanism, comprising a set of linkages, such as linkages 114, provided between the top panel 104 and the shelves 106, as shown in FIG. 2B.

[0051] As can be understood, while unfolding the cabinet 100, the top panel 104 can be moved in reverse direction, which, on account of coupling between the top panel 104 and the shelves 106, results in unfolding of the shelves 106. In an aspect, folding and unfolding of the shelves 106 by simply moving the top panel 104 results in reduced effort and time during folding and unfolding.

[0052] In an embodiment, the cabinet 100 can include a plurality of front guards, such as front guards 122-1, 122-2, ....etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as front guards 122) provided at a front side of the shelves 106. The front guards 122 can be fixed to the linkages 114. The fixing of the front guards 122 with the linkages 114 results in the front guards 122 moving along with the linkages 114 and remaining in vertical orientation, as shown in FIGs. 2A and 2B. At the end of 90 degrees rotation of the top panel 104, the front guards 122 become coplanar to the respective shelves 106, as shown in FIG. 2C. Thus, no extra effort is required to fold the front guards 122.

[0053] In an embodiment, the side panels 108 can be pivotally coupled to two vertical sides of the back panel 102 for pivotal movement to a position adjacent the front face of the back panel 102, and the shutters 110 can be pivotally coupled to a front side of the side panels 108. In an embodiment, the pivotal joint between the side panels 108 and the corresponding shutter can allow 270 degrees rotation of the shutters 110 to a position adjacent to an outer face of the side panels 108.

[0054] In an embodiment, the pivotal joints between the back panel 102 and the pair of side panels 108 can be configured to allow pivotal movement of the side panel to the position in front of the front face of the back panel 102, with the plurality of shelves 106 sandwiched there between and the shutters 110 folded adjacent to an outer face of the side panels 108, as shown in FIGs. 3A to 3D.

[0055] In an embodiment, the side panels 108 can include wheels, such as caster wheels 112 provided at lower end of the side panels 108. The wheels can support as well as allow movement of the side panels 108 when being folded to the position adjacent the front face of the back panel 102. The wheels 112 can also allow movement of the cabinet 100 in its in-use position.

[0056] In an embodiment, the cabinet 100 may further include a locking mechanism 116 configured between the top panel 104 and the side panels 108. The locking mechanism 116 can be configured to lock the top panel 104 and the side panels 108 to each other to prevent pivotal movement of the side panels 108 in in-use position of the side panels 108, thereby providing rigidity to the cabinet 100.

[0057] In an embodiment, the locking mechanism 116 can be configured to unlock the top panel 104 and the side panels 108 when the top panel 104 is pivotally moved upward away from in-use position of the top panel 104. The unlocking can allow the side panels 108 to be pivotally moved. Thus, the locking mechanism 116 that works to lock and unlock the side panels 108 and the top panel 104 to each other simply based on movement of the top panel 104 further reduces time and effort required to fold and unfold the disclosed cabinet 100.

[0058] In an embodiment, the locking mechanism 116 may include a pair of pins 118 configured with one of the pair of side panels 108 and the top panel 104 and a pair of holes 120 configured with other of the pair of side panels 108 and the top panel 104, the pin being configure to engage with the corresponding holes 120 in the in-use position of the top panel 104 and the side panels 108. The pins 118 may be configured to disengage from the corresponding holes 120 when the top panel 104 is pivotally moved upward away from the in- use position, thereby unlocking the top panel 104 and the side panels 108.

[0059] As can be appreciated, depending on the requirement, the back panel 102, the plurality of shelves 106, the pair of side panels 108 and the pair of shutters 110 may be made of any or a combination of steel, aluminum, wood and a plastic material, without any limitations. Likewise, the disclosed concept for the foldable cabinet 100 can be of adapted for cabinet of any size without any limitations whatsoever.

[0060] Referring now to FIG. 5 where a method flow diagram for the proposed method for folding a cabinet is disclosed, the method 500 can include at step 502: pivotally moving a top panel 104, which is pivotally coupled to a back panel 102 of the cabinet 100. The pivotal movement of the top panel 104 results in pivotal movement of a plurality of shelves 106 of the cabinet 100 on account of coupling thereof with the top panel 104. Further, the pivotal movement of the top panel 104 also results in unlocking of a locking mechanism 116 provided between the top panel 104 and a pair of side panels 108. Step 504 of the method 500 can be to pivotally move the side panels 108 about a corresponding rear side of the side panels 108, which is pivotally coupled to the back panel 102, to move the side panels 108 to position in front of the front face of with the back panel 102. The folding of the shelves 106 and the side panels 108 over a front face of the back panel 102 results in reduced volume of the cabinet 100. [0061] In an embodiment, the method can further include the step 506 of: pivotally moving a pair of shutters 110 of the cabinet 100 by 270 degrees to position the shutter adjacent to an outer face of the side panels 108, thereby positioning the back panel 102, the plurality of shelves 106, the pair of side panels 108 and the pair of shutters 110 in a compact configuration.

[0062] In an embodiment, the method 500 can further include the step 508 of: providing a pair of pins 118 configured with one of the pair of side panels 108 and the top panel 104, and a pair of holes 120 configured with other of the pair of side panels 108 and the top panel 104, the pin being configure to engage with the corresponding holes 120 in an in-use position of the top panel 104 and the side panels 108. The pins 118 can be configured to disengage from the corresponding holes 120 when the top panel 104 is pivotally moved upward away from the in- use position, thereby unlocking the top panel 104 and the side panels 108.

[0063] In an embodiment, the method 500 can further include the step 510 of providing a set of linkages 114 between the top panel 104 and the plurality of shelves 106 as a means for coupling the top panel 104 with the plurality of shelves 106.

[0064] In an embodiment, the method 500 can further include the step 512 of providing a plurality of front guards 122 configured with each of the plurality of shelves located along a front side of the shelves 106, the plurality of front guards 122 being fixed to the linkages 114 such that when the linkages 114 move as a result of the top panel 104 being pivotally moved, the front guards 122 move along with the linkages 114 in vertical orientation and become coplanar to the respective shelves 106 at the end of the pivotal movement of the top panel 104. [0065] Thus, the present disclosure provides an improved foldable cabinet that requires reduced time and effort to be folded and unfolded. In particular, coupling of the top panel 104 with the shelves 106 and the locking mechanism 116, result in automatically folding of the shelves 106 as well as simultaneous unlocking of the side panels 108 to enable subsequent folding of the side panels 108 along with shutters 110 over the front face of the back panel 102 making a compact configuration of the folded cabinet 100.

[0066] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0067] The present disclosure provides an improved foldable cabinet that overcome drawbacks of the conventional foldable cabinets.

[0068] The present disclosure provides a foldable cabinet and a method of folding thereof that can meet the requirement of frequent folding unfolding.

[0069] The present disclosure provides an improved foldable cabinet that requires reduced effort and time during folding and unfolding.

[0070] The present disclosure provides a foldable cabinet that comprises a rigid structure and yet needs reduced effort and time during folding and unfolding.

[0071] The present disclosure provides a foldable cabinet that includes front guards on the shelves to retain the items placed on the shelves, and yet can be folded easily without any extra efforts.

Claims

: A folding cabinet (100) comprising: a back panel (102); a plurality of shelves (106) pivotally coupled to a front face of the back panel (102); and a top panel (104) pivotally coupled to a top side of the back panel (102); wherein the top panel (104) is operatively coupled to the plurality of shelves (106) such that, when the top panel (104) is pivotally moved by 90 degrees, the plurality of shelves (106) too move pivotally to positions adjacent the front face of the back panel (102), thereby reducing volume of the cabinet (100) enabling ease of storage and transportation, wherein the coupling of the top panel (104) with the plurality of shelves (106) is by means of a set of linkages (114) provided between the top panel (104) and the plurality of shelves (106), and wherein the folding cabinet (100) comprises a plurality of front guards (122) configured with each of the plurality of shelves located along a front side of the shelves (106), the plurality of front guards (122) being fixed to the linkages (114) such that when the linkages (114) move as a result of the top panel (104) being pivotally moved, the front guards (122) move along with the linkages (114) in vertical orientation and become coplanar to the respective shelves (106) at the end of the pivotal movement of the top panel (104). The folding cabinet (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a pair of side panels (108) pivotally coupled to two vertical sides of the back panel (102) for pivotal movement to a position adjacent the front face of the back panel (102). The folding cabinet (100) as claimed in claim 2, comprising a pair of shutters (110) pivotally coupled to the pair of side panels (108) along a front side of the corresponding side panel; wherein a pivotal joint between the side panels (108) and the corresponding shutter allows 270 degrees rotation of the shutters (110) to a position adjacent to an outer face of the side panels (108). The folding cabinet (100) as claimed in claim 2, comprising a locking mechanism (116) configured between the top panel (104) and the side panels (108), the locking mechanism (116) being configured to lock the top panel (104) and the side panels (108) to each other to prevent pivotal movement of the side panels (108) in in-use position of the side panels (108).

5. The folding cabinet (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the locking mechanism (116) is configured to unlock the top panel (104) and the side panels (108) when the top panel (104) is pivotally moved upward away from in-use position of the top panel (104), thereby allowing the side panels (108) to be pivotally moved.

6. The folding cabinet (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein a pivotal joint between the back panel (102) and the pair of side panels (108) is configured to allow pivotal movement of the side panel to the position in front of the front face of the back panel (102), with the plurality of shelves (106) sandwiched there between and the shutters (110) folded adjacent to an outer face of the side panels (108).

7. The folding cabinet (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism (116) includes a pair of pins (118) configured with one of the pair of side panels (108) and the top panel (104) and a pair of holes (120) configured with other of the pair of side panels (108) and the top panel (104), the pin being configure to engage with the corresponding holes in the in-use position of the top panel (104) and the side panels (108), and wherein the pins are configured to disengage from the corresponding holes when the top panel (104) is pivotally moved upward away from the in-use position, thereby unlocking the top panel (104) and the side panels (108).

8. The folding cabinet (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the back panel (102), the plurality of shelves (106), the pair of side panels (108) and the pair of shutters (110) are made of any or a combination of steel, aluminum, wood and a plastic material.

9. The method (500) for folding a cabinet (100), the method comprising the steps of: pivotally moving (502) a top panel (104) of the cabinet (100), the top panel (104) being pivotally coupled to a back panel (102) of the cabinet (100), wherein pivotal movement of the top panel (104) results in pivotal movement of a plurality of shelves (106) of the cabinet (100) on account of coupling thereof with the top panel (104), and wherein pivotal movement of the top panel (104) results in unlocking of a locking mechanism (116) provided between the top panel (104) and a pair of side panels (108); pivotally moving (504) the side panels (108) about a corresponding rear side of the side panels (108), which rear side of the side panels (108) is pivotally coupled to the back panel (102), to move the side panels (108) to position in front of the front face of with the back panel (102), thereby reducing volume of the cabinet (100); providing a set of linkages (114) between the top panel (104) and the plurality of shelves (106) as a means for coupling the top panel (104) with the plurality of shelves (106); and providing a plurality of front guards (122) configured with each of the plurality of shelves located along a front side of the shelves (106), the plurality of front guards (122) being fixed to the linkages (114) such that when the linkages (114) move as a result of the top panel (104) being pivotally moved, the front guards (122) move along with the linkages (114) in vertical orientation and become coplanar to the respective shelves (106) at the end of the pivotal movement of the top panel (104).

10. The method (500) as claimed in claim 9, comprising the step (506) of pivotally moving a pair of shutters (110) of the cabinet (100), which shutters (110) are pivotally coupled to a front side of the corresponding side panels (108), by 270 degrees to position the shutter adjacent to an outer face of the side panels (108), before the pivotal movement of the side panels (108) about the corresponding rear sides, thereby positioning the back panel (102), the plurality of shelves (106), the pair of side panels (108) and the pair of shutters (110) in a compact configuration.

11. The method (500) as claimed in claim 9, comprising the step (508) of providing a pair of pins (118) configured with one of the pair of side panels (108) and the top panel (104), and a pair of holes (120) configured with other of the pair of side panels (108) and the top panel (104), the pin being configure to engage with the corresponding holes in an in-use position of the top panel (104) and the side panels (108), and wherein the pins are configured to disengage from the corresponding holes when the top panel (104) is pivotally moved upward away from the in-use position, thereby unlocking the top panel (104) and the side panels (108).