US2894643A - Shelving unit - Google Patents

Description

L. MASLOW July 14, 1959 ELVING UNIT 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 27, 1955 INVENTOR.

' 3 \9 2| LOUIS MASLOW L. MASLOW SHELVING UNIT July 14, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 27, 1955 LOUlS MASLOW I INVENTOR.

"MAM

July 14, 1959 MASLOW 2,894,643

SHELVING UNIT Filed Jan. 27, 1.955 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

LOUIS MASLOW EMA United States This invention relates to furniture, such as cabinets, shelves, bookcases, or the like which can be rapidly assembled, collapsed or modified to provide a varied assortment of structures.

Conventional housefold furniture of the above class, in addition to being expensive, is generally not conveniently portable. Moreover such furniture is usually fixed in shape permitting no future modifications for the purposes of function, appearance, or portability.

Consequently it is the primary object of this invention to provide an inexpensive furniture construction, especially adapted for fabrication by mass-production techniques, which can readily be assembled, collapsed into identical portable units, or modified readily into a varied assortment of shapes by an unskilled person using only a common household tool such as a screwdriver.

Another inventive object is the provision of an inexpensive structural unit designed particularly for massproduction techniques wherein a plurality of these units can readily be removably interconnected to provide a large variety of sturdy stylish furniture and wherein the units are designed to be interconnected by an unskilled person using an ordinary household tool such as a screwdriver.

A further inventive object is the provision of furniture fabricated from a plurality of identical units which can readily be dismantled, or assembled without special skill or tools, and wherein the dismantled units can be stacked into portable bundles occupying a minimum of space.

' A still further inventive object is the provision of an inexpensive latticed furniture construction, comprising an assemblage of identical latticed structural units interconnected terminally with securing means which can be readily secured or removed by unskilled persons, equipped with only a screwdriver or the like.

A still further inventive object is the provision of latticed furniture of the foregoing class, wherein the units are flat rectangular sections which can be removably coupled longitudinally, laterally or transversely, to form a large variety of sturdy useful and stylish furniture.

Further objects and advantageous features of this invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, appended claims and annexed drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of the latticed unit from which the various pieces of furniture are assembled;

Figure 2 is an end view thereof;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary assembly made from the units;

Figure 4 is the other end view of the unit;

Figure 5 is a side view of the unit;

Figures 6 through 8, and through 14 are exploded perspectives of the numerous joints attainable with the coupling means provided by the latticed unit; and

Figure 9 is a side view of the joint shown in Figure 7.

Referring now to Figures 1 through 5 the latticed units are seen to comprise a series of parallel equally spaced ribs 10, integrally joined by welding or the like to a atent O "ice series of equally spaced transverse support rods 11, 12 and 13. As better seen in Figure 2, the ribs 10 are preferably rectangular in section, and are joined to the end rods 11 and 13 and intermediate rod 12 along one side thereof. The said rods are in turn each terminally welded to pairs of side bars 14 and 15, the bars in each pair being separated to receive the ends of the rods (see Figure 5). It is evident from Figure 2 that the rod ends do not project outwardly beyond the exterior side bar edges, thereby avoiding the creation of injury hazards and providing a pleasing finish for the unit.

As seen in Figure 1, each pair of side bars are provided with fixed U-shaped clamps 16 and 17 welded to similar end projections 18 respectively, each of which extend axially beyond the rod '11 a specified distance. The opposite ends 19 and 20 of the side bars 14 and 15 respectively, extend a similar distance beyond rod 13 and are provided on both sides with notches 21 and 22 respectively, the walls of the notches being normal to the plane of the latticed unit.

From Figures 1 and 4 it can be seen that the clamps 16 and 17 are square shaped, comprising flat central por tions 23 and 23a and curved flanges 24 which envelop the exterior halves of the side bar peripheries. In Figures l and 5 the inner ends 25 of the clamps are seen to abut the outer edge of the rod 11 and are secured thereto by spot weld. Thus in the fabrication process the clamps are accurately located by merely placing them against the *said rod. When so positioned, holds 26 and 27 centrally formed through the clamps 16 and 17 respectively will have their transverse diameters in alignment with the side bar ends. The holes 26 and 27 are tangent respectively to the opposing pairs of edges of each pair of side bars permitting a bolt or screw to be inserted therethrough.

Clamp 17 is secured to the outer edges of side bars 15 with its flanges 24 projecting towards the other clamp 16; whereas clamp 16 is secured to the inner edges of side bars 14, with the flanges projecting away from the other clamp 17.

Since the flat central portions 23 (see Figure 4) are arranged at right angles to the rods, the longitudinal axis of the clamps is parallel to the axis of the side bars and also substantially in alignment therewith. Moreover by securing both the rods and the side bars to each of the clamps a sturdy construction is insured. Each pair of side bars is further provided with notches 28 intermediate the rod 11 and the holes 26 and 27 respectively for purposes to be disclosed (see Figure 5).

The assembled cabinet 29 of Figure 3 is exemplary of a furniture piece which can be erected from a multiplicity of the units described above. By now referring to Figures 6 through 14, the formation of the various joints which are required to interconnect the units will be more fully understood.

Figure 6 represents a joint connecting two adjoining side bar clamps 30 and 31 which project from two latticed units arranged at right angles to each other, such as, for example, units 32 and 33 of Figure 3. Since the width of each unit is identical, an adequate connection can only be had by offsetting the longitudinal axis of the units whereby each set of adjoining clamps will be laterally displaced. This can be seen in Figure 3 wherein the ribs 34 and 35 of units are slightly out of alignment, Thus the clamps 30 and 31 of Figure 6 will adjoin each other with portions of the side bar ends transversely in overlapping relationship. If we consider clamp 31 as the exterior clamp and clamp 30 as the interior clamp then on the other side of the adjoining ends of the units (not shown) the adjoining clamps will be in reverse relationship; that is the clamp secured to the same unit as 31 will be the interior clamp, and the clamp secured to Q the same unit as clamp 30 will be the exterior clamp. Consequently for brevity only one set of adjoining interconnected ends are shown in Figures 6 through 14; the relationship between the other set being identically reversed.

Since the holes through the clamps 30 and 31 must be in alignment to receive a securing screw therethrough only two opposing side bar ends will overlap each other. For example in Figure 6 only the lower side bars 36 and 37 will overlap each other with the notches 38 and 39 interlocking respectively.

Only one of the holes through the clamps of each latticed unit is threaded since for any connection between two units one clamp becomes the exterior side of the resulting joint and the other clamp becomes the interior side of the opposite resulting joint. Consequently in joining two units together the clamps with the threaded holes are located to comprise the interior sides of the joints and the unthreaded holes are located on the exterior sides of the joints. For example in Figure 6 the interior clamp 36 (far side) would have the threaded hole and the exterior clamp 31 (near side) would have the unthreaded hole. Thus with the holes aligned the joint is secured with a screw having threads fitting the threaded clamp hole. Due to the foregoing arrangement each joint can be easily serviced from the accessible exterior sides of the units with an ordinary screwdriver. It should be understood however that the substitution of other securing means, such as bolts for example, would not be a departure from the inventive scope disclosed herein.

The joint shown in Figure 8 corresponds to the connection between the clamp end of unit 40 and an intermediate portion of the side bars of unit 33, in Figure 3. This relationship occurs when the user wants to construct shelves half the height of the length of one unit. As is seen in Figure 8 the intermediate portions of side bars 41 extend transversely across the fixed clamp 42 projecting from the side bars 43, The space between the bars 41 is bisected by the unthreaded hole 44 of the clamp 42 and a loose clamp 45 is adjusted along the bars 41 to a position wherein a threaded hole 46 is in alignment with the hole 44. Thus clamp 42 becomes the exterior clamp and the loose clamp 45 becomes the interior clamp. At the other side of the adjoining ends of the units (not shown) the relationship is reversed With the loose clamp comprising the exterior side and incorporating an unthreaded hole. Since the said loose clamps form both exterior sides and interior sides, they are provided With threaded and unthreaded holes.

As better seen in Figure 9, the interior side bar 41 fits snugly into the notches 47 of side bars 43 providing a firm connection.

Figure 7 represents a joint similar to that shown in Figure 6, excepting that one pair of side bar ends 48 correspond to the ends which do not have a clamp and which shall be referred to as the free ends. This particular type of joint is the one generally used to connect the adjoinin" ends of any two transverse units. If we substitute the loose clamp 49 for the fixed clamp 3t of Figure 6, the description recited in connection with the joint of Figure 6 is applicable to the joint shown in Figure 7. Consequently depending upon the intent of the user, the unit ends having fixed clamps can be intercom nected or one fixed end and one free end can be interconnected.

In the joints of Figures 6, 7 and 8, the opposing clamps whether free or fixed are in alignment as is indicated by the dotted guide lines. Consequently the rods 50 (Figures 8 and 6) will abut at the interior clamp of the adjoining units. This relationship is made clearer in Figure 10, which is a front view of the joint of Figure 8, wherein the fixed clamp 4-2 abuts the rod 59 along an interior edge. Since the clamps are square and in alignment, the free clamp 45 (Figure 8) will also abut the rod 50. The

abutting relationship between the clamps and the rods in combination with the interlocking coaction between the side bars and the notches cause a more sturdy coupling. As is seen in Figures 9 and 10, an ordinary screw 51 is used to urge the clamps together locking the side bars therebetween.

Figure 11 depicts a three way connection comprising free side bar ends 52, clamped side bar ends 53 which form axial extensions of the ends 52, and transverse clamped side bar ends 54. The assembly of Figure 3 does not include a joint of this type. However if the user should want to extend the shelf unit 40 of Figure 3 axially beyond the vertical unit 33, the necessity of such a joint would occur. Excepting for the inclusion of the free ends 52, the joint of Figure ll is similar to the joint of Figure 6. The free ends 52 are inserted between the fixed clamps 55 and 56 with the ends of bars 52 abutting the ends of bars 53. When so positioned the notch 57 of the lower bar 52 interlocks With the left hand bar 54. The joint is then secured with a screw inserted through the aligned holes.

The joint of Figure 12 is exactly similar to that of Figure 11 except that the units are rotated in space to illustrate that the same connection can be used to extend the structure in any desired direction. For example the connection shown in Figure 12 could be used to extend the vertical unit 58 vertically beyond the horizontal unit 59.

Figure 13 represents a four way joint connecting four intersecting units. The free ends 60 form an axial extension of the clamped ends 61 in one direction and the free ends 62 form an axial extension of the clamped ends 63 in a transverse direction. The intersecting side bar ends each form interlocking engagements with the notches of the adjoining bars.

Thus far the joints cited provide either longitudinal extensions or" the ribs 143 or transverse projections therefrom. Consequently the width of the resulting furniture structure would be restricted to the Width of one of the units, that is, substantially the length of the rods of Figure 1. The assembly of Figure 3 represents a structure so restricted in width. However the basic latticed unit disclosed herein can be further used to erect furniture of greater widths comprising multiples of the width of the latticed unit. In Figure 14, for example, a joint is shown for interconnecting two units to provide a lateral extension having the width of two units. When so connected the rods it, 12 and 13 of the connected units are substantially in axial alignment. As seen in Figure 14 the pairs of side bars 6 3 and 65 are disposed adjacently parallel with the side bar spacing in alignment. A set of loose clamps 66 and 67 are placed along the outer faces of the bars with the flanges extending inwardly towards each other and the holes 68 and 69 in alignment. A screw 70 is then inserted through the holes with the inner end of the screw coacting with the threaded hole 69. As discussed in relation to the other joints the hole in the exterior clamp (near side) is unthreaded and the hole in the interior clamp (far side) is threaded. By use of the foregoing coupling method, the horizontal units such as 4t), or the vertical units such as 33 of Figure 3 can be extended laterally to provid structures of multiple widths.

The assembled structures, such as the assembly of Figure 3 are supported at the base by the pads 71 which are provided with recesses to snugly receive the side bar ends of the vertically disposed units. Referring to Figure the ends 19 would be placed into the recesses of the pads '71 until the rod 13 contacts the top surface of the pads. Consequently to connect the lowermost unit 72 (Figure 3) to the vertical unit 33, the side bar clamps 0t '72 are placed upon the rod 13 and a loose clamp is properly aligned on the side bars of the vertical unit. At the other end of the horizontal unit, the free ends of the horizontal side bars also hear on the rod 113 and a loose clamp is used to make the connection to a fixed clamp of the vertical side bars. These connections adjacent the pads are not shown in Figures 6 through 14 which show in detail the other types of joints.

It should be particularly noted that although an extensive variety of structures are attainable from the basic unit, the said unit is of simple construction. To fabricate the unit only three diiferent bar sizes are involved, namely the rods 11, 12 and 13, the ribs and the side bars 14 and 15. Therefore mass-production techniques can be efficiently applied to reduce costs to a minimum.

Moreover the dismantling and erection operations can be executed by even the most unskilled operators. All that is required is a screwdriver and the ability to use a screwdriver.

Since the basic units are identical flat rectangular objects, an assembly can be torn down and stacked into neat bundles of any desired weight and size for transporting purposes. Furthermore geometric configurations can be attained which will blend pleasingly into the surrounding environment according to the users taste.

Although preferably the units are fabricated from steel rods and bars secured by welding, it should 'be apparent that other conventional materials such as, copper, brass, aluminum, plastic wood, etc. can be substituted within the inventive scope.

The embodiment disclosed herein is a preferred form, however, many changes, additions and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed herein and defined in the appended claims.

Having disclosed the details of the invention, a grant of Letters Patent is desired for the following, which is claimed as new:

1. A structural unit adapted for connection to similar units to form collapsible furniture assemblies, each unit comprising a planar thin body including opposite end rods, both of said end rods being secured to parallel spaced side bars projecting equally outwardly from each end rod in axial alignment, the spaced side bars from one end rod having a plate secured tangentially thereto and including a hole whose axis transversely bisects the space between the bars, the ends of the spaced side bars being in alignment with a diameter of the holes,

whereby the unit side bars including the said plates can be secured removably to the side bar ends of other similar units both longitudinally and transversely.

2. A structural unit as in claim 1 wherein the plate includes flanges projecting at right angles towards the side bars, whereby the flanges engage and partially surround the side bars.

3. A structural unit adapted for connection to similar units to form collapsible furniture assemblies, each unit comprising a latticed body formed of parallel spaced ribs and spaced transverse rods, said rods and ribs being secured to each other at their junctures said rods including end rods disposed along the ends of the body, each side of said body being comprised of a pair of parallel spaced side bars, the end portions of each pair of side bars being in axial alignment and extending beyond the end rods, the ends of each pair of side bars adjacent one of the end rods having a plate secured tangentially thereto, said plate being provided with an aperture whose axis transverse y bisects the space between the pair of side bars, said ends of said pairs of sides bars being in alignment with a diameter of the holes, whereby said side bar ends including said plates can be secured removably to the ends of the side bars of other similar units.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 325,696 Post Sept. 8, 1885 1,002,859 McFarlane Sept. 12, 1911 1,124,526 Richter Jan. 12, 1915 1,309,240 Chappuis July 8, 1919 1,569,358 Cross Jan. 12, 1926 1,587,090 Tweed June 1, 1926 1,661,687 Benjamin Mar. 6, 1928 1,747,028 Phillips Feb. 11, 1930 1,968,273 Wegner July 31, 1934 2,316,560 Causey Apr. 13, 1943 2,397,241 Causey Mar. 26, 1946 2,639,817 Ehret May 26, 1953 2,645,545 Rozafiy July 14, 1953 2,683,329 Kobler July 13, 1954 2,738,883 Wineman March 20, 1956

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