US2559261A

US2559261A - Architectural model construction set

Info

Publication number: US2559261A
Application number: US121713A
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael D Schwartz
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1949-10-17
Filing date: 1949-10-17
Publication date: 1951-07-03
Anticipated expiration: 1968-07-03

Description

July 3, 1951 D. SCHWARTZ ARCHITECTURAL MODEL CONSTRUCTION SET 2 SheetsSheet 1 .F'iled Oct. 17, 1949 ATIOKNE K July 3, 1951 M. D. SCHWARTZ ARCHITECTURAL MODEL CONSTRUCTION SET 2 S heefs-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 1'7, 1949 k INVENTOR.

M/CHAH .D. SC/lWfl/PT Z. BY

AITORNEY.

Patented July 3, 1951 U N ETED STATES ATENT OFFICE Michael D. Schwartz, Brooklyn, N. Y. Application October 17, 1949, Serial No. 121,713

3 Claims. 1

This invention relates to an architectural model construction set.

Architects and other designers of buildings such as private homes, office buildings, club houses, garages and the like, frequently find it difficult to adequately and satisfactorily portray a proposed design to a layman when the sole means at their disposal for illustrating or picturing the design is a series of perspective drawings or scale blueprints which the layman is often unable to read. It has accordingly been proposed to make use of architectural scale models to present the new design to the prospective home owner or builder who cannot otherwise appreciate the new design in its ultimate efiect. Many of these architectural scale models are well executed but they are quite expensive and difiicult to set up, as well as being considerably time-consuming both in their assembling and disassembling processes. Other architectural scale models are exceedingly limited in their application so that a given kit, for example, will sufiice for constructing a single scale model or a series of scale models which are basically similar to each other, but the same kit cannot be used for scale models which are somewhat diiferent in construction or appearance. Thus in some kits complete rooms are provided which cannot be changed in any respect by the architect, except possibly to rearrange the manner in which the several rooms of a given building are interrelated. In other kits, complete walls are prefabricated so that once again the architect is deprived of the ability to satisfactorily present the particular design which he has in mind.

It is accordingly the principal object of this invention to provide an architectural model construction set which can be used by the architect in presenting to his client virtually every design which he is able to create. In the construction set of the present invention, the building units are free from any architectural type, style or period characteristics, except insofar as it may be desired to limit them to any of these characteristics. Each building unit standing alone gives no hint of the architectural design of the building in. which it may be incorporated. It is only when several of the building units are combined'or assembled that the design characteristics of the building become apparent. In other words, the several building units of the present invention are individually devoid of the architectural significance so that they may be used in the building of models of virtually every architectural type, style or period.

Another important objectof the present invention is the provision of an architectural model construction set of the character described which may very readily and quickly be assembledand equally as readily and quickly be disassembled. Some of the parts or units of this construction set may be assembled by simply standingthem adjacent each other.v Other parts or units may be assembled by simply resting themupon other parts or units. Where desired, exceedingly simple clips may be used to hold adjacent parts together. Siding, for example, may be held in line by simply inserting thin dowels into adjacent siding sections.

Still another important object of the presentinvention is the provision of an architecturalmodel construction set of the character described which may be employed in modular planning and designing. The several buildings units comprising this set are all proportional to each other in size, and they are also. proportional to the life size buildings and building units which they simulate.

A further object of this invention is the provision of an architectural model construction set J wherein the inner and outer wall finishes and surfaces as well as the floor and roof finishes and surfaces are interchangeable in any given building model so that the same architectural design may be portrayed and displayed with the varying effects which different wall and floor surfaces and finishes produce. Thus, for example, it is possible to show a given outer wall surface as it would appear in red brick and the same outer wall surface as it would appear in white siding. A given floor may be presented with a linoleum covering and the same floor may be shown with a covering of wood flooring. A roof may be shown with a wooden shingle eifect, and it may also be shown covered with asphalt shingle.

These and other advantages of the present invention will become more clearly apparent from a reading of the specification. It will also appear from the specification that the specific building units which are shown in the drawing are merely illustrative of the many kinds of building units which may be provided and had within the broad scope of the present invention. The several finishes herein presented should also be understood as being merely illustrative of the many finishes which may be had in accordance with the present invention.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a perspective view of a plurality ofbuilding units made in accordance ent invention, showing them in assembled position in the course of constructing a private home.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a corner of said building showing a window mounted therein and one type of wall covering mounted on the wall.

Fig. 3 is a perspective, exploded view of the window and window frame.

Fig. 4 is a perspective assembled view of some a of the roof units of the set.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of one of said roof units and especially of what may be described as the gable thereof.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of one of the clips shown in Fig. 2, by which the window and window frame are aflixed to the wall panels.

Fig. 6a is a top view, partly in section, showing how said clips are connected to the window and wall panels.

Fig. '7 is a perspective view of another clip shown in Fig. 2, by which an inner wall surface may be attached to a wall panel.

Fig. 8 is another perspective view of a clip shown in Fig. 4, by which the roof units may be connected to the gables.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view through the roof assembly showing how the clip of Fig. 8 holds the roof and gable together.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a'door and door frame assembly showing the use of clips similar to those shown in Figs. 2, 6 and 6a.

Fig. 11 is a perspective, exploded view of said door and door frame.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of another building unit shown in Fig. 1, this unit constituting a corner of the house.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of another building unitshown in Fig. 1, this unit constituting the wall panel under one of the windows.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of one of the wall .panel finishing materials.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a pair of siding sections, showing how they are aligned by means of a dowel.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a simulated brick wall section.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a wood panel type of wall section.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a modified door and door frame construction.

Fig. 19 is a fragmentary sectional view thereof.

The building construction herein claimed has no structural framework. The walls support the upper structure, whether it be a second story or the roof itself, and the several parts of the construction are merely placed one upon the other, or side by side, with no tying means whatsoever holding the several parts together, with the sole exception of a few clips which hold certain parts together. The principal structural elements, therefore, are the wall panels, such as the 4 X 8 panels 20, the 2 X 8' panels 2|, the 4' x 4' panels 22, the 2 X 4 panels 23, the 2' x 6' panels 24, the 2' X 8' panels (these panels are 2 high and 8 long whereas the previously mentioned 2 x 8 panels 2! are 8 high and 2' wide), and the 2' X 12 panels 26. These dimensions relate to the actual size of the proposedbuilding and not to the size of the model. The scale of the model is /8" to the foot so that an 8 wall is only 3" high'in the model.

The panels which are 8 high are floor to ceiling wall panels. The panels which are either 2' or 4' high extend from the fioor to the winwith the presdows, some windows being full length and others being positioned 2, 4 or 6 above the floor. A typical wall panel is shown in Fig. 13. The wall panel therein shown is the 2 x 4 panel which has above been identified by means of the reference character 23. It will be seen in said Fig. 13 that this panel comprises a wall portion 2311 which extends vertically, and a floor portion 23b which extends horizontally, the two portions being integral with each other and constituting an angular member wherein the two panels 230. and 231) are perpendicular to each other. Vertical portion 23a constitutes the wall panel proper and horizontal portion 23b constitutes a supporting stand therefor. It is, therefore, possible to erect the wall panel by simply standing it upon a table or other suitable horizontal surface. There is no need to nail it down, or cement it or affix it in any other way, either to the table itself or to any adjacent parts of the model structure. All of the walls are built in the. same manner, with the sole exception of the corner walls to which reference will now be made.

It will be seen in Fig. 1 that several corner walls are provided: a 2' X 82 x 8' corner panel 30, a 2' X 8'l X 8 corner panel 3|, a 4 X 8'- 4' X 8' corner panel 32, a 4' x 8- 6 X 8 corner panel 33, a 4' x 88 X 8' corner panel 34, and a 6 x 8-8 X 8 corner panel 35. Corner panel 33 is clearly shown in Fig. 12 and it will there be seen that it comprises a 4' x 8' panel 330. and a 6' x 8 panel 3%, both panels extending vertically and being connected to each other in perpendicular relationship. There is no need for a horizontal portion to support this corner panel since the mere fact that it comprises two vertically extending panels which are normal to each other is sufficient to render it self-supporting on any suitable horizontal surface.

It will be understood that the wall panel sizes above mentioned are merely illustrative of the several sizes which would be appropriate in a construction kit of the character described. A

somewhat more complete list of sizes follows:

These wall sizes are applicable not only to the wall panels having horizontal stands but also to the wall panels which constitute the corner walls of the construction.

It will be understood from the dimensions above given, that the construction set herein described and claimed is suitable for modular planning. The proportions which have been followed in designing the wall panels have also been followed in designing the other elements of the present model construction set so that all of its parts are based upon the modular principle.

It will also be observed from the foregoing that there is no basic difference between the wall panels and the corner walls. In both cases there are two panels which are integral with each other and they are disposed at right angles with respect to each other. In practical effect, both comprises a rectangular piece of sheet metal or other suitable material folded once: in the wall panel construction, the folding line is horizontal, in the corner wall construction the folding line is vertical. The words folding line are used broadly, since the use of certain materials and methods of production would avoid a folding operation. Reference is here had to plastics material molded to required shape.

The Wall panels and corner walls hereinabove described and hereinafter collectively referred to as walls or-wall panel's may be provided with suitable covering, both on the inside and on the outside. Inside finishes .are illustrated in Figs. 2, l4 and 17. In Fig. 2 an inside panel is shown clipped to one of the wall panels by means of a U-shaped clip 4|, best shown in Fig. 7. Inside panel 40 has a stippled effect to simulate plastered .wall with paint surfaces. It may be colored in accordance with any interior decorating scheme. The inside panel shown in Fig. 2 is a 4' X 8 panel. In Fig. 14, a 6 x 8' inside panel 42 is shown .and this panel may be clipped to a 6 X 8 wall panel by the .same means used in attaching panel 40 to the corner wall panel shown in Fig. .2. Inside finishing panel 42 is simply a painted panel and, of course, it may be painted in anysuitable color. It .may be used as an outside panel equally as well, when it is desired to effect va plain, solid colored outer wall, such as a poured concrete wall. Inside panel 43, shown in Fig. 17, simulates wood paneling and, asa matter of fact, it may be made of a sheetof suitable plywood cut to appropriate size and shape. Fig. 16 shows an outside panel 44 with a simulated brick finish. This, of course, is purely illustrative since the finish may just as well be of simulated stone,

such as field-stone, if so desired. Again, this panel may be attached to anywall panel of corresponding dimensions by simply clipping it there- :to by means of the U -shaped clip 4|. Panels 45 shown in Fig. 15 simulate horizontal siding. These panels may be made of corrugated cardboard since the corrugations provide the desired effect. These boards or panels maybe .attached to the wall panels in the manner above described, and to assist in aligning them horizontally, dowels 46 may be inserted into aligned corrugations of adjacent panels.

The .floors are simply rectangular boards, sheets or panels laid fiat upon the horizontally extending portions of the wall panels. They may, if desired, comprise sheets of single thickness or sheets -.of double thickness. In Fig. l, .a .floor panel 50 is shown comprising two plies, the lower ply 50a comprising a sheet of metal or other suitable material and the upper ply 5% comprising a sheet of lineoleum or material which simulates linoleum. This, of course, is purely illustrative since the upper ply or panel may be made to simulate wood flooring, or carpeting, or any other suitable andappropriate type of floor covering. Floor panel or board 50 shown in Fig. 1 is an 8 X 16' panel. There are other floor panels shown in the same figure, to wit floor panels 5] which are 8 X .16 in dimension, but extending in different directions, and floor panels 52 which are 16' X 16' in dimension. It will be noted in Fig. 1 that the horizontal portions of the wall panels are of different sizes, that is, of different lengths, their widths corresponding to the widths of their respective vertical portions. The taller wall panels are provided with longer horizontal portions to stabilize them but this has no effect upon their respective ability to support the floor panels, and it will clearly be seen in said Fig. 1 that the floor panels completely cover and conceal the horizontal portions of the wall panels so that a uniform and pleasing efiect is thereby produced.

The door construction is best shown in Fig. 11 where the two parts thereof are shown in un- -'6 assembled condition and in Fig. 10 said parts are shown assembled. The door construction comprises a door frame 60 having avertically extending portion 60a with a doorway 60b formed therein, and a horizontally extending portion =6llc. Horizontal portion 600 corresponds to horizontal portion 231) shown in Fig. '13, and it is provided for the purpose of supporting the verticalportion or doorframe proper 60a. The door itself 6| may be mounted in the doorway 60b in the manner shown in Fig. 1.0.v A door panel 52 may be'connected to the doorto simulate any suitable or desirable door finish. Clips .63 may be attached to the door in .the manner shown in Fig.310 -,(see also Fig. 6a). A perspective view-of one of said clips 63 is shown in Fig. 6 and it :will there be seen that said clip comprises a narrow, 'U-shaped member" whose links or arms 63a and 63b, respectively, are bent at right angles intermediate their ends so. as to form a .substantially L-sha-ped clip. That portion of the .clip, which lies between the yoke and the bends in the legs engages the posts of the door and that portion which lies between said bends in the legs and the free ends of said legs engages the wall panelsada jacent the door. Although Fig. 2 and Fig. 6a relate to the window construction, the use of clips 63 is therein clearly shown.

What has been said of the door construction is substantially true of the window construction. Each window comprises a window frame 1013,1161 a window or sash 1|. The window frame has an opening '12 formed therein which accommodates the window or sash. The window or sash H is adapted to rest upon one of the shorter wall panels as Fig. 2 clearly shows. Clips 63 are used to fasten the window or sash to the adjacent wall panels in the same manner that the door frame is fastened to the adjacent wall panel. The window and door may be made of any suitable material, such as metal, stamped and bent to ap: propriate form. The window frame and door frame may also be made of any suitable material, such as die-cut cardboard. I

The final construction element is the roof which, in the drawing, is of pitched or peaked shape. This is, of course, merely illustrative of the many roof forms which may be provided in a construction kit made in accordance with the present invention. As shown in Fig. 4, the roof comprises a sheet bent to simulate a pair of roof panels BI and .82, respectively, which rest upon a pair of gables 83. Tie-rods or bands 84 are provided for supporting the gables and for affixing the roof panels ,to said gables. Each tierodor tie-band comprises an elongated strip of material such as metal, whose two ends are bent upwardly and backwardly upon the main body thereof, the angle between said bent ends and the main body of the tie-rod corresponding to the pitch of the roof. Clips 85 are provided to position the gable ends with respect to the roof panels as Fig. 8 Will show that said clips comprise a strip of metal or other suitable material Which is bent over on itself, in spaced relation, and is then bent outwardly at right angles thereto, the main portion thereof being designated by means of the reference character 85, the first bent portion by the reference character 85b and the third bent portion by the reference character 85c. The two portions 85a and 85b receive the roof panel between them and portion 850 provides a backrest or back stop for the gable 83.

Figs. 18 and 19 show another form of door and door frame construction. It will be understood '7 that although these figures relate to a door and door frame, the principle which they disclose is equally applicable to a window and window frame construction. More specifically, a door frame 90 is provided having a flange 9| on all sides thereof, that is, said flange projects upwardly from the top of said door frame, downwardly from the bottom of said door frame, and sidewardly from the two sides of said door frame. It is, in effect, a rectangular panel having a rectangular opening formed therein to accommodate the door frame proper. A similar rectangular panel 92 having a similar rectangular opening 93 formed therein, is also provided, but whereas rectangular panel or flange 9| may be fixedly attached to the door frame 90, or integral therewith, rectangular panel or flange 92 is a completely separate entity which may be mounted upon the door frame in the manner shown in Fig. 19. Flange 92 is a removable member'which may be mounted on the door frame or removed therefrom as and when desired.

It will be noted that this construction obviates the need of clips, such as clips 63 shown in Fig. 10.

Flanges

91 and 92 serve as two retaining walls between which a panel 95 may be placed. Panel 95 may comprise any suitable wall panel or similar member and the sole connection'between said wall panel and the door frame would be the connection provided by said rectangular panels or flanges 9| and 92.

The window frames are provided in modular sizes, representing increments of two feet:

The door frames are also made in modula sizes, as follows:

4' x 8 4' X 8 double casement door comprising two 2- doors.

As has above been stated, the foregoing is descriptive of a, preferred form of this invention and modifications and additions may be incorporated therein within the broad scope and coverage of the invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In an architectural model construction set, a plurality of wall panels which are self-supporting, each wall panel comprises a pair of panel members which are disposed at right angles to each other, and a roof which rests upon said wall panels, said roof comprising a pair of gables, a pair of roof panels resting on said gables, and a pair of tie-bands supporting said gables and securing the roof panels thereto, said tie-bands comprising elongated bands whose ends are bent backwardly upon the main body of the bands at an angle corresponding to the pitch of the roof.

2. In an architectural model construction set, a plurality of wall panels which are self-supporting, each wall panel comprising a pair of panel members which are disposed at right angles to each other, and a'roof which rests upon said wall panels, said roof comprising a pair of roof panels resting upon a pair of gables, clips being provided to affix the roof panels to the gables, including clips which have horizontal U-shaped portions which engage the roof panels and downwardly extending vertical portions which serve as back stops for the gables.

3. In an architectural model construction set, a plurality of wall panels which are self-supporting, each wall panel comprising a pair of panel members which are disposed at right angles to each other, a plurality of said panels when contiguously placed constituting a wall, said wall having openings therethrough and a plurality f windows and doors clipped to said wall in said openings, said doors and windows each comprising 21. facing sheet of material adapted to overlap and lie against adjacent wall panels, an opening through said sheet material, a frame fabricated of sheet material to fit within said opening perpendicularly to the plane of the facing sheet and extending rearwardly thereof, U-shaped clips being provided to clip the windows and doors to the wall panels,-each said U-shaped clip comprising spaced arms defining a bight portion there'- between, the arms of said U shaped clips being bent intermediate their respective ends at right angles to the main body of the clips to substantially L shape, the bight portion of the clips embracing the frame, and the arms of the clips re ceiving between them the wall panels.

MICHAEL D. SCHWARTZ.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS