US2221854A - Predetermined bend line - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 19, 1940. P. zALKlND PREDETERMINED BEND LINE Filed Oct. 19, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 lNyENToR 9D/21190 ,aikzlzd BY MNH P. zALKlND 2,221,854

PREDETERMINED BEND LINE Filed Oct. 19, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY Patented Nov. 19, 1940 UNITED sTATEs PATENT OFFICE v PREDETERi'iZINEmlSBENn-Lmr: i

Application October 19, 1935, Serial No. 45,710 9 Claims, 01. 13s- 34) My invention relates to novel structural mem-f bers, and more particularly, relates tq metallic members having incorporated therein a line of weakness which serves as a predetermined line on which the member may be manually bent.

My invention is particularly applicable in connection with sheet material such as corrugated board, chip board, wood ply board, and similar materials; and in connection with such sheet material may be used for connecting such sheet material, or it may be used as reinforcement for such sheet material, or it may be used in a combined connecting and reinforcing member. However, I do not limit my invention to use in connection with fibrous sheet material, as it may be'used in a metallic sheetforming the bending line therein.

In Serial Number 693,841 filed October 16, 1933 of which the application is a continuation in part, there is shown a collapsible casing and drawer to which my invention is applied in several modiflcations.

I have discovered that by a no-vel'fabrication i of metal, I can bend it along predetermined lines, such fabricated metal thereafter having a variety of uses. Among other uses, such members may be used to secure two parts to each other; to' reinforce casing edges; etc. In the latter case, the members are permanently secured to the edges of the casings and ,are bent over the casing edge along predetermined lines to form a reinforcing member.

As above mentioned, I have shown such uses in Serial Number 693,841 in relation to casings and drawers. Applications of my invention are shown in relation to cabinets in Serial Number 739,962 filed August 15, 1932. Also further applications in connection with casings and drawers are shown in my applications led coincidentally with this application and entitled: Roller casing, Serial No. 45,715; Three sided casing, Serial No. 45,714; Panels, Serial No. 45,708; Container fastening means, Serial No. 46,316; End fold casing, Serial No. 45.713; and Clips, Serial No. 45,712.

Further uses of my invention may be in connection with decorative tables, hampers, ice cream shipping containers, etc. constructed primarily of fibrous sheet material; or with decorative screens,

wall panels, column casings, or similar applications of sheet material, either entirely metallic,-fir partly metallic and partly fibrous.

Accordingly, objects of my invention are to provide a novel fabricated metal; a novel method of and means for bending metal along predetermined lines; a metal in which a differential -if fiexure is produced along a line for predetermining the shape of the metal; a metal weakened along a line for predetermining the bend of the metal there along; a metal member fabricated as for reinforcing casings; metal of the type described above for securing members to each other; a reinforcing member for casings which is permanently secured to the casings and which does not prevent collapse of the casing for shipment; a metal member adapted to secure the free edges of a casing for forming performing and securing adjacent sides of a oontainer.

In some instances it isdesirable'to reinforce the grid line. I have found that this may be done with an additional strip of metal which may either be lighter or heavier than the metal of the grid. At the same time, I have discovered that I may provide reinforcing of the bend line in several modifications and thereby obtain a smooth, unpierced surface over the line of bend without departing from the utility of my invention. In certain of these modications the formation of the line of bend itself serves as means for retaining the covering Iin positioned relationship to the bend lines'.

Such instances as are indicated above may include adaptations such as those where the grid is used to connect panels of a casing or cabinet where imperviousness is a desirable feature. f Such imperviousness may be secured with my modified grid as the additional metal strip will cover the perforation made in the grid to determine -the bend line. An impervious joint is particularly obtained with one form of my invention which is described in greater detail later and in which a thin metal sheet is clinched over the bending strip with a layer of fibrous material interposed therebetween. These three layers thus formed may be substantially continuously adhesively united with each other whereby the grid perforations become effectively sealed.

Another application of my covered grid lies in instances Where a relatively heavy compressive load is to be sustained. In such instance it may be that if the grid were made suiiiciently heavy to sustain such load, it would not readily be manually bendable. The'reinforcing applied to the grid will provide compressure strength to the grid member without detracting from the manual bendability if the proper form of my modified grid is used.

Further applications of my covered grid lies in instances where the grid is to be passed through a lithographing press before it is applied to the structure. It is diiilcult in the standard lithographing press .to utilize material of #24 gauge or heavier, with my covered grid, it becomes an easy matter to lithograph 'thegrid as the grid combination may include a heavy perforated sheet which may be undecorated, united with alight covering sheet which may be decorated. This advantage accrues also when a plating is to be used as the plating may be provided on the cover sheet only. f

a tube; a metal member for Accordingly, further objects of my invention are to provide a novel fabricated metal having a covered bend line; a smooth covering' affixed to the bending line; a form of bending line adapted to retain a covering for the bend line; and a gridded bend line to which imperviousness has been restored.

Other objects of my invention will be apparent in the detailed description following in connection with the drawings which form a part of these specifications, and in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of my novel metal construction applied to a shape suitable for reinforcing the front open end of a cabinet.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of -my novel metal construction applied to a shape suitable for securing a closed end in a container.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of my novel metal construction applied to a shape suitable for connecting sheet material.

Figure 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of the construction shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a collapsible container showing the shapes of Figures l and 2 applied thereto.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary, perspective view showing two sheets of material joined by the shape shown in Figure 3.

Figure '1 is a cross section illustrating the shape into which the construction of Figure 1 may be formed.

Figure 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view similar to Figure 4, but with a covering partly broken oi applied thereto and secured thereby.

Figure 9 is similar to Figure 'I but illustrates the bend line shown in Figure 8.

Figure 10 shows the construction of Figure 8 when the sheet has been bent over on both sides of the bend line in an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view. y

Figure 11 shows a modified form of covering applied to the construction of Figure 3.

Figure 12 is an enlarged, fragmentary. perspective, view of a. modified form of covering.

Figure 13 is an enlarged fragmentary, perspective, view of a modication of my novel metal construction showing the method of applying the covering of Figure 12.

Figure 14 is a cross section similar to Figure '1 but using the covered construction shown in Figure 13.

.Figure 15 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view similar to Figure 4 showing a modied form of grid.

Figure 16 is an enlarged cross sectional view on the plane I6-I6 of Figure 15.

Figure 17 is an enlarged cross sectional view on the plane |1-I1 of Figure 15.

In Figure 1, I have illustrated the application of the principle to a metal reinforcing member which is used in connection with an improved casing having the general construction of the casing shown in my application Serial No. 693,841 filed October 16, 1933.

As shown, the member 20 is provided with a pluralty of securng prongs 2l, formed by punching these prongs from the metal so that the prongs protrude at right angles to the surface of the metal. Two pockets 22 and 22 formed by slitting and embossing the metal are located at opposite ends of the member 20. Along one edge ofthe member 20 is the embossing 23 for form- -carrying a roller 25.

ing a rabbet. upon which .is mounted a pin 24 Extending alon the member 2U, Figure 1, are two rows of slots 6 and 21 shown in greater detail in Figure 4 as viewed from the sideopposite that shown in Figure l. The slot 26 is formed by punching slits 26, 29'and 30, and -the slot 21 is formed by similar punched slits 28', 26' and 30'. Each of these three sets of slits is formed by punching the metal along three sides of a rectangle, the same punching operation also bending the metal into an arcuate shape as shown at 3l and 3|. In the punching operation, none of the metal need be removed to form the slits and slots.

As will be evident, in such a member. there is a differential of the resistance to flexure along a line parallel with the row of slots 26 and 21.

If therefore a force is applied to bend the metal longitudinally at right angles to the plane of the member of the Figure 1, the metal will have less resistance to the bending along the lines of slits 26 and 21 than at other longitudinal sections of the blank. It is therefore possible to provide a predetermined shaping of the member 20, bent along thesections 26 and 21 as illustrated in Figure '1.

It will be noted in Figure 4 that due to the.

bending out 'of the arcuate wings 3l and 3l' a series of openings forming the slots 26 and 21 appear in the unbent blank. However, when the blank is bent into position as shown in Figure '1, these slotsl are substantially completely closed due to the metal of the member 20 bending around the wings 3| and 3|' and coming into contact with the edgesof these wings.

As shown inFigure 4 there are a number of .nat straps I9. One of these straps is located between each pair if slots 26 and 21, ending at 29 and and an adjacent pair of'similar slots. These straps act to hold the sheet as a unitary struc-ture and also act to support the bent out wings 3l and 3|'.

When the structure is produced from thin metal, I find that greater rigidity of the unit may be obtained if in the punching operation these connecting straps are formed out of the plane of the sheet, as shown in Figures 15, 16 and 17, where the connecting straps I9 are formed into an arcuate shape by dies. I also find that by properly positioning the bent out portion of the straps so that the end I8 of the bent out portion of the strap i9 lies just inside of the edge 26 of the slot 26 and that the edge I8 of the bent out portion of the strap I9' lies just inside of the edge 28 of the slot 21, the bend line may be more accurately predetermined than where the connecting straps are at as shown in Figure 4.

With such a metal suitably secured as by prongs 2| to a supporting base such as the walls of a casing, a force applied at right angles to the plane of the member will invariably bend it into an arc formed by the two rows of slots 26 and 21 due to the `diierential in the bending resistance of the metal, as illustrated at 32 in Figure 7. Thus, as the metal is bent, it automatically assumes a predetermined curved shape with the edges of the slitted metal and the edges of the main section in engagement with each other. v In Figure 2, I have shown a modification suitable for use as a means of holding in place the rear panel of a collapsible container, such as is shown in my copending application Serial No. 693,841. Figure 2 has the same form of bending line as has Figure 1. The difference between the 'tion suitable for uniting two portions of sheet material along a bending line. lAs shown member 34 is provided with a plurality of securing prongs 2|, formed by punching these prongs from the metal so that the prongs protrude at right angles, as has been explained. Two rows of these prongs are shown, one at and the other at 35'..

Lying between these two rows of prongs are two rows of slots 26 and 21 as' shown in greater detail in Figure 4, which slots have been described in4 detail.

In Figure 6, I have shown member 34 of Figure 3 applied to two pieces of sheet material 36 and 36'. The member 34 is unltedlto sheet 36 by the row of prongs 35 and to sheet 36 by the row of prongs 35'. Each ofthe prongs 2| are clinched over on the sheet material in the manner shown at 31 in Figure 7, thereby firmly uniting the three members 34,-36 and 36', in a manner such that the rows of slots 26 and 21 form a manually bendable joint at the junction of members36 and 36".

It is of course obvious that the fragmentary view of Figure 4 need not be part of a relatively narrow strip of inetal such as is shown in Figures 1,. 2 and 3, but it may have a fragment of a relatively wide sheet of metallic material havingone or more rows of pairs of slots 26 and 21 which form predeterminedlines upon which the-sheet may be bent manually. Such a sheet may be used for various construction purposes, either without a backing of non-metallic material ailxed thereto, or by itself as a metallic sheet.

In the examples so far described, the Joint produced at the bending line has been one having the appearance of aregular line of grids, both before or after, the member has been bent along the bending line; and while after bending, the slots are substantially closed they are not entirely so. Moreover, as has been explained for some uses a considerable compressive strength is required in the grid member.

I have found that, I may modify my novel construction in such a manner that additional compressive strength may be provided, a substantially impervious sheet may be secured, and a smooth unbroken surface may be obtained over the bending'line. Besides having these structural advantages, the construction lends itself to various decorative purposes.

In Figure 8, I have shown an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view similar to that shown in Figure 4. As in Figure 4 there are two rows of slots 26 and 21 in the metal member 33. Each slot 26 is formed by slits 28, 29, and 38, and each slot 21 is formed by slits 28', 29', and 38'. Each of these three sets of slits is formed by punching the metal along three sides of a rectangle. In the same punching operation the metal is bent into an arcuate shape inone direction as shown at 3| and 3| or into-an arcuate shape in the other direction as shown at 31 and 31. Ihe wings 3| and 3|' are for the same purpose as the wings shown in Figure 4. The wings 31 and 31', however, also serve to mount the open box like channel member 38, which is preferably of somewhat lighter metal than that of the member 39. 'I'he channel member 38 is firmly clinched over the is shown as applied 38 but the grids formed by the punchings are covered with a strip of metal securely fastened to the punched member, and lthis fastening is through the means of the punchings themselves, as is shown clearly in Figures 8, 9 and 10. It will be understood that the member 36 may be plain `polished metal, or it may be painted, enameled,-

lacquered, embossed, or otherwise nished as may be required to llt in with the finish and design of the article of which the member 38 is to form a part.

While I have shown three sets of wings turned in the direction of the wings 3| and 3|' for each set of wings turned inthe direction of wings 31 and 31', itis of course obvious that this ratio may be varied as desired so long that each of the wings 31 and 31' are suiiiciently close to a set of similar wings that the channel 38 receives adequate support. Moreover, it may be desirable in certain instances to turnall of the wings in the direction of wings 31 and 31'; and thus to make each set of wings a supporting and securing means for the channel 38.

- In Figure 11, I have shown a modified method of covering the bending line. In the ligure, I have shown a form similar to that shown in Figure 3, and I cover not only the line of the grid like openings 26 and 21 but also the openings left in the metal in the production of the prongs 2|. In the gure the metallic member 34, which is the same as that shown and described in connection with Figure 3, is preferably covered with a sheet of card beard 4|. 'I'his sheet 4| is of substantially the same width as member 34, and is retained -in place by the metallic covering 42. This covering is preferably of somewhat thinner material than is member 34. This member 42 has the facing 46, the two anges 43 and 43' and the two iange extensions 44 and 44'. The flanges and the flange extensions t tightly around the members 34 and 4| and thus bind all three pieces (34, 4| and 42) securely together. In addition to this binding action, adhesive may be used between the various surfaces, or the various layers may be combined solely by adhesive means.

The purpose ofthe yielding member 4| interposed between the grid member 34 and the cover member 42 is to prevent the shape of the grids 26 and 21 and .the prong perforations `showing through the cover when the member is bent in themanner as has been described, as may occur when the member 42 is of thin metal. The purpose is also to prevent piercings of under-layer effecting thin over-layer from blow of the tool in attaching press. When member 42 is not so thin that the grids the cover, even'if yielding member 4| is omitted, this member 4| may be left out of the combination; which will then consist of the grid member 34 and the cover member 42.

Where the yielding member is included, the crease or score lines 45 and 45' may be provided in the member 4|. These score lines are superposed substantially upon the slot lines 26 and 21, and assist the slot lines 26 and 21 in forming a predetermined bend line upon which the sheet may be manually bent.

A further modification of my covered grid construction is shown in Figures 12, 13 and 14.

Figure 12 shows the grid cover from the rear view. This consists of the cover 41 in the general form of a channel, having the flanges 48 and 48' and the flange extensions 49 and 49. The flanges 49 and 49' are punched so as to form sets of four lugs 50a, 50D, 50c, and 50d.

These outer edges of these lugs are spaced slightly from the face of the flanges 48 and 48' so that when the cover member 41 is placed over the holes 5i of the member 52, Figure 13 the holes 5I will be fully covered; In this modification the bending is controlled by the line of rectangular holes 5I in the member 52.

The sets of lugs 50a, 50h,- 50c, and 50d are so spaced that when the member 41 is superposed upon member 52, each set of lugs will enter into 'and fit closely within one of the series of holes 5i. After the cover lugs have been tted within the holes 5i they are clinched over as shown at 50a', 50h',- 50c' and 58d of Figures 13 and 14.

It will be further `understood that, while in the gures I have shown a set of four lugs for each of the openings 5|, it is not necessary that a set of lugs be provided for each of the openings 5|, and neither is it necessary that four lugs be provided in any opening. Either the pairs of lugs 50a and 50d or the pairs of lugs 50h and 50c are sufficient to join the two members 41 and 52 and to properly position them relative to each other. Furthermore, it is not even necessary that a pair of lugs be provided for each opening that is fitted with a lug; but if only one lug is provided in a single opening, the lu s of different openings must be positioned in diffeernt relative positions, as for instance, one opening being provided with a lug 50a and another opening with a lug 50d.

It will be further understood that I may use the type of grid with the open holes as shown in Figure 13 with the type of grid cover shown in Figure 11. Thus the plate 52 with the opening 5i may be substituted in Figure 11 for the plate 34 with the two lines of slots 20 and 21.

It can readily be understood that while each type of covering that I have shown is described in connection with a particular embodiment of my metallic bending structure, a covering of proper form may be applied to any of the bending structures.

I claim:

1. In combination; a rst strip of metallic material having a predetermined bend line along which said strip may be bent manually and a second strip of material in cooperative relation with said rst strip for adding strength to said iirst strip at the relatively weakened bend line; lugs integral with and extending from said second strip; said strips being joined to each other by said lugs.

2. In combination; a rst.material having a line of three sided slits, the slits being juxtaposed in suiicientiy close relation so as to form a stress resistance differential in adjacent sections to provide a predetermined bending line along which said material may be bent manually, and a second material covering said line of slots joined to said rst blank material by means of integral conformations on said second material cooperating with portions of 'said rst material.

3. In combination; a rst material having aline of slits, the slits being juxtaposed in sumciently close relation so as to form a stress resistance differential in adjacent sections to provide a predetermined bending line along which said material may be bent manually, and a metallic covering i'or said line of slits, said covering being united with said ilrst material by means of integral bent out portions of said -covering clamping over portions of said first material.

4. A bent sheet material having a line of three sided slits formed therein, the slits being juxtaposed in sufiiciently close relation so that the material within said slits, being originally deformed out of the plane of said material, forms a line of wings comprising the bent out material and a line of slots comprising the openings left in the material on bending out said wings, said line of slots forming a stress resistance differential in adjacent sections on either side of a bend therebetween and extending along the lin'e of said bend, said wings being united with said sheet material along a line parallel to said line of slots.

5. A bent sheet material having a line of three sided slits formed therein, the slits being juxtaposed in sumciently close relation so that the material within said slits, being originally deformed out of the plane o f said material, forms a line of wings comprising the bent out material and a line of slots `comprising the openings left in the material on bending out said wings, said line of slots forming a stress resistance differential in adjacent sections on either side of a bend therebetween and extending along the line of said bend, said Vwings being united with said sheet material on a line parallel to said line of slots and substantially filling said slots when said material is bent on said predetermined bending line.

6. A bent sheet material having a line of three sided slits formed therein, the slits being juxtaposed in sufciently close relation so that the material within said slits, being originally deformed out of the plane of said material, forms aline of wings comprising the bent out material and a line of slots comprising the openings left in the material on bending out said Wings, said line of slots forming a stress resistance differential in adjacent sections on either side of a bend therebetween and extending along the line of said bend, said wings being united with said sheet material on a line parallel to said line of slots and substantially filling said slots when said material is bent on said predetermined bending line.

7. lnqcombination; a bendable sheet of metallic material and a strip of material in cooperative 8. In combination; a bendable sheet of metallic material having a line of three sided slits along the bendable portion thereof; and a metallic strip covering said line offslits and joined to said bendable sheet by means of integral conformations on said strip cooperating with portions of said bendable sheet;

9. In combination; a bendable sheet of metallic material having a line of slits along the bendable portion thereof, and a metallic covering for said line of slits, said covering being united with said bendable sheet by means of integral bent out portions of said covering clampingr over portions of said bendable sheet.

PHILIP ZALKIND.

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