opvouwbare

Opvouwbare is a Dutch adjective meaning foldable or collapsible, used to describe objects that can be folded, collapsed, or unfolded for easier storage or transport. It is commonly found in product descriptions and naming, as in opvouwbare tafel (folding table), opvouwbare stoel (folding chair) and opvouwbare kast (folding cabinet). The term derives from opvouwen (to fold up) combined with the suffix -baar, indicating capability. It is often used in compounds to specify a particular folding function.

Folding mechanisms vary and can include hinges, bi- or tri-fold structures, telescoping legs, and sliding parts. Materials range from lightweight aluminium and steel to wood composites and durable plastics. Many opvouwbare designs incorporate locking devices, latches, or spring-assisted systems to provide stability when in use and safety during folding or transportation.

Applications of opvouwbare products span camping gear, portable furniture, display and exhibition systems, and travel equipment. In urban settings, foldable items support flexible living arrangements and compact storage, while in outdoor or event contexts they enable portable solutions that are easy to transport.

Advantages of opvouwbare designs include space-saving storage, easier transport, and modularity. Disadvantages can include wear at joints, higher maintenance requirements, potentially reduced rigidity, limited load capacity, and often higher cost compared with permanent alternatives.

In Dutch usage, the adjective agrees with the noun it describes (de opvouwbare stoel, een opvouwbare stoel). The term reflects a broad category in design and consumer products, emphasizing portability and efficient use of space.