US2041481A - Ornamental article and method of fabricating the same - Google Patents

Description

May 19, 1936. J. N. OTAR 2,041,481

ORNAMENTAL ARTICLE AND METHOD OF FABRICATING THE SAME Filed May 25, 1933 kia'ofz Patented May 19, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ORNAIWENTAL ARTICLE AND METHOD OF FABRICATING THE SAME 14 Claims.

This invention relates to articles of an ornamental nature and to the method of fabricating the same.

According to my invention, I fabricate objects and articles, which may be of utilitarian nature or otherwise, and possessing unusual, decorative and artistic appearance, by arranging a plurality of flat, suitably apertured frames, plates, or discs of desired geometric design or perimeter on a common axial member extending through said apertures, in such manner that the frames, plates, or discs,hereinafter termedflat elements, are superimposed on each other in parallel relation and lie flatly against each other. The axial member may have fixed thereto at one end an end plate against which the flat elements are put under suitable compression by an end member secured to the other end of the axial member, whereby the flat elements are axially related on said axial member. Assembly of the flat elements between the end plates in the aforesaid manner and, under suitable compression, causes said elements to frictionally engage against each other and to be restrained against axial displacement, while at the same time they may be turned or twisted relatively to each other about the common axis to expose face portions of adjacent elements, thus to give a desired ornamental or artistic effect to the article.

The axial member on which the flat elements are arranged or threaded may be in the nature of a solid core or stem, as for example where the article is intended for utilitarian use as a candle stick, with the socket for the candle end formed in or on one of the end members, such as the top end plate. Alternatively, the common axial member may be in the nature of a tube or sleeve, with one end closed whereby the axial member in conjunction with its end closure forms a receptacle. Such latter articles may constitute match holders, vases, and the like. A high degree of latitude is permitted in the geometrical design of the flat elements, and the perimeter of the elements, for example, may be triangular, square, rectangular, circular, oval, octagonal, etc., depending upon the ultimate design required. The ornamental effect of the article or object constructed in accordance with the above may be heightened by making the flat elements of different metals of harmonizing or contrasting colors or shades, and alternating such in consistent series, or arranging a series of elements from one metal to alternate with a series of elements formed from another metal.

Referring to the drawing, wherein are illustrated typical examples of articles or objects constructed in accordance with my invention, Fig. 1 is an elevation of an ornamental article according to my invention for use, for example, as a match holder or safe;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the article illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a vertical section taken along lines 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a section through another article constructed in accordance with my invention for use as a cigarette holder;

Figs. 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are plan views of typical flat elements from which articles or objects may be constructed in accordance with my invention; and

Fig. 10 is illustrative of another article, such as a lamp base, constructed in accordance with my invention.

In the drawing, and referring particularly to Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 5, there is illustrated an ornamental article in the nature of a match holder or safe, such article being formed by disposing about a core member comprising a tubular sleeve I0, a sheathing or enclosing body composed by a plurality of apertured flat elements comprising triangular frames II (see Fig. 5), said frames lying flatly against each other in superimposed relation and compressed between bottom and top plates I2, l3 which are preferably of triangular design to correspond in size and appearance to the frame elements I I. By reference to Fig. 3, sleeve i0 is threaded at its lowermost end and. is engaged by threads 14 formed in a central bore or aperture of said end plate I2 whereby the end plate and sleeve are secured in substantially fixed relation. Upon assembly of the frames II on the sleeve I!) through the substantial length of the sleeve, top plate I 3 may be similarly threaded to the upper end of sleeve N, such association putting the frames under a degree of compression, and axially relating the frames with respect to the sleeve. Other forms of connecting the end plates to the core member may be substituted, such as by sweating, brazing, or crimping of the parts; again suitable locking devices may be cooperated with the aforesaid parts with good effect. I

Sleeve I0 is preferably closed at its bottom end by a base or closure plate l1, also of triangular formation, said base plate lying flatly against end plate I2 and being secured thereto by screws I8 arranged near the apices of the triangular plate ll, the said screws being provided with spherical heads 20 which function as supporting pedestals for the article. I

The upper end of sleeve I0 may be closed by a lid or cover 2| having a knob or handle 22, the cover being provided on its under face with a circular shoulder 23 of slightly lesser diameter than that of the sleeve I0, for the purpose of centering the cover on the article proper.

By reference to Figs. 1 and 2, it will be seen that the triangular frames H are turned or twisted relatively to each other about the axis of sleeve ID, the angle of displacement between the bottom and top frames ll being approximately 120. Such twisted arrangement is illustrative of a preferred arrangement giving unusual and ar tistic effects to the article, but such arrangement is typical only, as the frames may be untwisted with relation to each other, that is to say, they may directly overlie each other, or they may be twisted an amount greater than 120 depending on the height of the article.

In Fig. 5 there is illustrated one form of constructing the triangular frames H, such comprising the association of strips Ha, I lb and He in triangular form as illustrated. Such a frame is provided with a triangular aperture, whereby a plurality of such frames may be threaded on an axial member such as sleeve II]. An alternative form of triangular element is illustrated in Fig. 6, such comprising a triangular stamping or plate I Id with a central aperture I la of preferably circular formation.

Fig. '7 is illustrative of a flat member having an alternative geometric design as contemplated by me, in which the flat member 25 is rectangular and is provided with a circular aperture 26. A plurality of rectangular plate members 25 are associated in the fabrication of an ornamental article which may be in the nature of the cigarette holder illustrated in Fig. 4, the said plates 25 being disposed about the axially extending sleeve 21 and axially related thereto between end plates 28, 30 in the manner previously described. Sleeve 21 is closed at its bottom end by a rectangular plate 3| lying flatly against end plate 28 and secured thereto by corner screws 32 having ball or spherical heads 33, on which the article is supported. The sleeve 21 is of sufficient diameter to receive a cup or receptacle 35, into the end wall of which is secured a stem 36 which extends to the top of sleeve 21 and is threaded into a cover or lid 31 and a handle or knob 38. The lid 37 is suitably shouldered as at 40 whereby it may be centered. Sleeve 21 is of sufficient depth that articles, such as cigarettes supported in the cup or receptacle 35, may be accommodated within the sleeve, it being understood that, as knob 38 is grasped and the lid and receptacle 35 raised through the medium of stem 36, the cigarettes are projected above the top open end of the sleeve 21.

In the Fig. 4 construction, the plates 25, as with the Fig. 1 construction, may be turned or twisted about the axis of sleeve 2! approximately throughout the length of sleeve 21. Or, as illustrated, they may be arranged to directly overlie each other, or they may be twisted throughout a greater angle, say for the length of the sleeve 21. The Fig. 4 construction indicates a further possible arrangement of elements permitted by the present invention, such comprising the association of groups of the plates 25 in directly overlying relation, with groups instead of individual elements turned with respect toeach other about the axis of sleeve 21.

As previously indicated, the ornamental effects of articles constructed in accordance with my invention may be heightened by constructing certain of the triangular or rectangular plate or frame members, as described, of one metal such as copper, and other frame or plate elements from another metal such as brass. The elements of brass may be alternated with the elements of copper as is diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 1 wherein triangular frame A may represent frames formed of copper strips with the next adjacent frames B representing a frame of brass strips. Alternatively, a series of copper elements A, as indicated in Fig. 4, may be alternated with a series of brass elements B. It will again be understood that mention of copper or brass elements is representative of a typical arrangement, as other combinations of metals providing distinct color effects may be used. Incidentally, the plate or frame elements may be fabricated from any metal stock suitable for the manufacture of articles of the character described, and are preferably highly polished and treated to resist atmospheric conditions for long periods of time.

In addition to the geometrical design of the flat elements illustrated in Figs. 5, 6 and '7, Figs. 8 and 9 are representative of flat elements having other geometrical design or configuration, all as contemplated by the present invention. Fig. 8 is representative of an oval disc provided with a central aperture whereby the disc may be disposed over the central core or axial member, and Fig. 9 represents a rectangular plate element similarly provided with a centering aperture. It will be appreciated that geometrical designs other than those mentioned above or illustrated may be utilized, it being preferable, however, that the design of an element be such that different portions of its perimeter are at different distances from the axis of the core or axial member.

In Fig. 10, I have illustrated another article fabricated in accordance with the present teaching, such comprising a lamp 50 having its base formed by axially relating on a central core, which may be hollow to receive the wire for bulb 5|, a plurality of flat triangular frame or plate elements 52. Said elements may be progressively reduced in dimension from a plate or frame intermediate the height of the base, and to form stepped base and top portions, as illustrated, although other arrangements may be found desirable for different ornamental effects. The elements 52 may be axially related on the core by end securing means which may form part of the lamp structure or otherwise, and may be twisted or turned about the axis of the core, as previously described.

While it is preferable to fabricate the flat elements of whatever geometrical design to be utilized from metal stock, it will be apparent that other materials might be substituted, such as heavy paper stock suitably formed or stamped and colored and thereafter associated to form an article or articles of the above nature, and all such arrangements are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

In the foregoing description, I have described and illustrated certain articles identified as match and cigarette holders, and also a plurality of plate or frame elements of differing geometric design. It will be understood that such articles are typical of many articles capable of fabrication with the principle of the present invention, and further that plate or frame elements of other geometric design than those illustrated may be associated in the fabrication of all such articles capable of being fabricated Within the spirit of the present invention. Further, I do not wish to be limited in the size of the articles or of the elements making up the same, as such will depend on the particular design, article and/0r ornamental effect desired.

Without further analysis the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of this invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting certain features that, from the standpoint of the prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention, and therefore such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalency of the following claims.

I claim:

1. An ornamental article including an axially extending member and operatively related thereto a plurality of flat elements engaging flatly on each other and each provided with an opening through which said member extends, whereby the elements provide a built-up body about said member, the elements being each so related to said axially extending member that different portions of the perimeter of an element are at different distances from the axis of said member, and certain of the elements being turned with respect to other elements to expose face portions of said other elements.

2. An ornamental article including an axially extending member and operatively related thereto a plurality of flat elements engaging flatly on each other and each provided with an opening through which said member extends, whereby the elements provide a built-up body about said member, the elements having perimeters of uniform design and being so related to said axially extending member that different portions of the perimeter of an element are at different distances from the axis of said member, and certain of the elements being turned with respect to other elements to expose face portions of said other elements.

3. An ornamental article including an axially extending member and operatively related thereto a plurality of flat elements engaging flatly on each other and each provided with an opening through which said member extends, whereby the elements provide a built-up body about said member, the elements being each so related to said axially extending member that different portions of the perimeter of an element are at different distances from the axis of said member, each of the elements being turned equally with respect to an adjacent element to expose face portions of the adjacent element.

4. An ornamental article including an axially extending member and operatively related thereto a plurality of flat elements engaging flatly on each other and each provided with an opening through which said member extends, whereby the elements provide a built-up body about said mem ber, the elements having their perimeters of uniform design and being so related to said axially extending member that different portions of the perimeter of an element are at different distances from the axis of said member, each of said ele ments being turned equally with respect to an adjacent element to expose face portions of the adjacent element.

5. An ornamental receptacle including an axially extending receptacle member and operatively related thereto a plurality of flat elements engaging flatly on each other and each provided with an opening through which said receptacle member extends, whereby the elements provide a sheathing about said receptacle member, the elements being each so related to said receptacle member that different portions of the perimeter of an element are at different distances from the axis of said receptacle member, certain of the elements being turned with respect to other elements to expose face portions of said other elements.

6. An ornamental receptacle including an axially extending receptacle member and operatively related thereto a plurality of flat elements engaging flatly on each other and each provided with an opening through which said receptacle member extends, whereby the elements provide a sheathing about said receptacle member, the elements having perimeters of uniform design and being so related to said receptacle member that different portions of the perimeter of each element are at diiferent distances from the axis of said receptacle member, and certain of the elements being turned with respect to other elements to expose face portions of said other elements.

7. An ornamental receptacle including an axi-' ally extending receptacle member and operatively related thereto a plurality of flat elements engaging flatly on each other and each provided With an opening through which said receptacle member extends, whereby the elements provide a sheathing about said receptacle member, the elements being each so related to said receptacle member that different portions of the perimeter of each element are at different distances from the axis of said receptacle member, and. each of the elements being turned equally with respect to an adjacent element to expose face portions of the adjacent element.

8. An ornamental receptacle including an axially extending receptacle member and operatively related thereto a plurality of flat elements engaging flatly on each other and each provided with an opening through which said receptacle member extends, whereby the elements provide a sheathing about said receptacle member, the elements having perimeters of uniform design and being so related to said receptacle member that different portions of the perimeter of each element are at different distances from the axis of said receptacle member, and each of the elements being turned equally with respect to an adjacent element to expose face portions of the adjacent element.

9. An ornamental article including an axially extending member, end plates secured to said member, and a plurality of flat elements disposed flatly on each other and each provided with an opening through which said member extends, said elements being held in frictional engagement by and between said end plates, the elements being each so related to said axially extending member that different portions of the perimeter of each element are at different distances from the axis of said member, the elements being turned with relation to each other to expose face portions of adjacent elements.

10. An ornamental receptacle or the like including an axially extending receptacle member, end plat-es secured thereto, and a plurality of flat elements disposed flatly on each other and each provided with an opening through which said receptacle member extends, said elements being held in frictional engagement by and between said end plates, the elements being each so related to said receptacle member that different portions of the perimeter of an element are at different distances from the axis of said receptacle memher, and the elements being turned with respect to each other to expose face portions of adjacent elements.

11. An ornamental receptacle or the like including an axially extending tubular member, end plates secured at the ends of said tubular member, means for closing one end of said tubular member, and a plurality of fiat elements disposed flatly on each other and each provided with an opening through which said tubular member extends, said elements being held in frictional engagement by and between said end plates, the elements being each so related to said tubular member that different portions of the perimeter of an element are at different distances from the axis of said tubular member, and the elements being turned with respect to each other to expose face portions of adjacent elements.

12. An ornamental receptacle or the like including an axially extending tubular member, end plates secured to said member, a closure plate operatively related to one end of the tubular memher and secured to an end plate, and a plurality of fiat elements disposed flatly on each other and each provided with an opening through which said tubular member extends, said elements being held in frictional engagement by and between said end plates, the elements being so related to said tubular member that different portions of the perimeter of an element are at different distances from the axis of said tubular member, and the elements being turned with respect to each other to expose face portions of adjacent elements.

13. The method of fabricating ornamental articles which consists in the steps of relating a plurality of apertured flat elements in superimposed relation and about an axially extending member in such manner that portions of the perimeter of each element are at different distances from the axis of said member, and turning the elements with respect to each other and about said axis whereby to expose face portions of adjacent elements.

14. The method of fabricating ornamental articles which consists in the steps of relating a plurality of apertured flat elements in superimposed relation and about an axially extending member in such manner that portions of the perimeter of each element are at different distances from the axis of said member, actuating said elements into frictional engagement with each other whereby to position said elements axially with respect to said member, and turning the elements with respect to each other and about the axis of said member whereby to expose face portions of adjacent elements.

JOHN NICHOLAS OTAR.

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