US3028197A

US3028197A - Nestable combination table and bench structure

Info

Publication number: US3028197A
Application number: US751791A
Authority: US
Inventors: Kermit H Wilson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1958-07-29
Filing date: 1958-07-29
Publication date: 1962-04-03
Anticipated expiration: 1979-04-03

Description

April 1962 K. H. WILSON 3,028,197

NESTABLE COMBINATION TABLE AND BENCH STRUCTURE Filed July 29, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 P /5 ii. /6 /2 a5 39 7 f; .35 /7 ML INVENTOR. KER/WT HVWLso/v ATTORNEQ/S W April 3, 1962 K. H. WILSON 3,028,197

NESTABLE COMBINATION TABLE AND BENCH STRUCTURE Filed July 29, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 I I III! INVENTOR.

' KERM/T H VV/Lso/v ATTORNEYS April 3, 1962 K. H. WILSON 3,023,197

NESTABLE COMBINATION TABLE AND BENCH STRUCTURE Filed July 29, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet a INVENTOR. KERM/rHT V/LsoN Es. 7 BY April 5 K. H. WILSON 3,028,197

NESTABLE COMBINATION TABLE AND BENCH STRUCTURE Filed July 29, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. KER/m7- H MLS o- A T TORNE VS United States atent A 3,$Z3,l97 Patented Apr. 3, 1962 3,028,197 NESTABLE COMBINATION TABLE AND BENCH STRUCTURE Kermit H. Wilson, Sico Manufacturing Co., 5215 Eden Ave. S., Minneapolis, Minn. Filed July 29, 1958, Ser. No. 751,791 6 Claims. (Cl. 297-124) My invention relates to a combination table and bench structure; and more particularly, an improved combination table and bench structure wherein a plurality of such structures may be easily nested together in a relatively confined area.

An object of my invention is to provide a novel and improved combination table and bench structure; the parts of which are readily and easily moved between operative positions either as a bench structure or as a table structure, and a stored position; and wherein at the stored position of the structure, a plurality of these combination table and bench structures may be easily nested together in a relatively confined space.

It is a further object of my invention to provide a table and bench combination as aforementioned which is stable in all of its positions, which frictionally engages the floor at its bench or table positions but which is readily portable at its storage position.

It is a further object of my invention to provide such a combination table and bench structure which does not require locks and latches to maintain the parts thereof in their various positions but which is constructed to be substantially automatic or self-locking to maintain the parts thereof in their desired positions.

It is a still further object of my invention to provide a novel and improved combination bench and table structure which is easily operated, attractive in design, and not complex in structure or operation but having the advantages and objectives aforementioned.

The above and further objectives and advantages of my invention will become apparent in the course of the following specification, claims and attached drawings.

Referring to the drawings wherein like characters indicate like parts throughout the severalv-iew's:

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of an embodiment of my novel and improved table and bench structure;

FIG. 2 is a view in perspective of the structure of FIG. 1 but taken from a different side thereof;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing the parts thereof in different positions;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary View in side elevation, some parts being broken away, taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a view in elevation showing a plurality of the table and bench structures of FIG. 1 in stored position and in nested relationship;

FIG. 7 is a view in side elevation taken 'on the line 7-7 of FIG. 6 and showing the front one of the table and bench structures in its storage position; and

FIG. 8 is a top view of the nested table and bench structures as shown in FIG. 6.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, an embodiment of my novel and improved combination table and bench structure is indicated in its entirety by the general reference numeral 10. Table andbench structure 10 has a frame structure, indicated generally by the numeral 11, which comprises a pair of laterally spaced generally vertically disposed generally parallel floor-engageable side frames, indicated generally by the numeral 12.

Side frames 12 are preferably formed of tubular stock; and each comprises a generally vertically disposed supporting portion or frame member 13 and horizontal transversely extending frame portions 14. Frame portions 14 are preferably longitudinally extended horizontally disposed tubular members each flattened at each of its ends, indicated by the numeral 15. Each of the ends 15 of frame portions 14 is connected to a substantially conventional caster element 16 which need not be further described and which provides anti-friction floor engageable elements. Frame members 13 also comprise longitudinally extended tubular members which are welded or otherwise rigidly secured at their lower ends 17 each to a different one of the frame portions 14 intermediate the ends 15 thereof. Preferably, as shown in the drawings, frame members 13 are disposed generally centrally intermediate the ends 15 of frame portions 14. Frame members 13 are disposed in common vertical planes and frame portions 14 extend transversely, preferably at right angles as shown, to the vertical planes of supporting portions or membersllv on either side thereof to dispose their casterequipped ends or end portions 15 in laterally outwardly spaced relationship with frame members 13 on either side thereof. There are of course a variety of modifications which might be made to my preferred frame structure 11 as aforementioned. Merely for example, the parts of frame portions 14 which extend transversely on one side of frame members 13 might be vertically spaced with respect to the parts of frame portions 14 extending transversely on the other side of frame members 13. Also, one part of the frame portions 14 of each side frame 12 might be formed integrally with the supporting portions 13 and a part of frame portions 14 extending to one side of frame member 13 might be secured to said integral member.

Frame structure 11 further comprises a supporting cross member 18 which is a longitudinally extended tubular member in the shape of an inverted U having laterally spaced vertically disposed side rails 19 and an intermediate connecting rail 20. The free ends of U-shaped cross member 18 which are the lower ends of rails 19 are each welded or otherwise rigidly secured to a different one of the frame portions 14 in laterally spaced relationship to frarne members 13. Ends 15 of frame portions 14 define the lateral limits of the frame structure 11; and cross member 18 is disposed inwardly spaced from the lateral limits of frame structure 11 or laterally inwardly of the adjacent ends 15. Frame members 13 extend vertically upwardly beyond the upper limits of cross member 18 or vertically upwardly beyond horizontal connecting rail 20 thereof. A pair of horizontally disposed cross braces Zlla'are welded or otherwise rigidly secured each at its opposite ends to a different one of the frame members 13 and the adjacent side rail 19 in vertically upwardly spaced relation to frame portions 14 for strengthening frame structure 11.

I provide a longitudinally extended combination benchback and table-top member 21 which has connected to the underside thereof a generally rectangular mounting frame 22 formed of metallic U-shaped channel material with the channel thereof opening laterally inwardly. I provide a pair of laterally spaced cross pieces 23 formed of the same channel material as mounting frame 22, which extend at right angles to the longitudinal dimension of bench and top member 21 etween opposed portions of mounting frame 22 and are rigidly secured to the mounting frame 22 by welding or the like or may be rigidly anchored to the underside of the bench and top member 21 in any suitablemanner. Each of the cross pieces 23 is connected to bench and top member 21 adjacent a different end of bench and top member 21 but inwardly .spaced therefrom. Cross pieces 23 are laterally spaced at distance substantially equal to the spacing between side frames 12 and form mounting braces for connecting bench and top member 21 to supporting frame members 13.

Each of the cross pieces 23 has a longitudinally extending slot 24 which is enlarged at one end as indicated by the numeral 25. Each of the frame members 13 is fiatten ed at its upper end and apertured to receive a mounting pin 26. Each of the mounting pins 26 is mounted in a different one of the slots 24 for relative movement'therein for mounting back and top member 21 to the upper ends of frame members 13 for movements between a supported generally horizontal table-top position, shown in FIG. 3, and a generally vertically disposed bench-back position, shown in FIG. 4. Each of the pins 26 is providedwith a head at one end and a nut or the like at the other to anchor it in position. For guiding the movements of back and top member 21 between the positions aforementioned, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, I provide a pair of control links 27 each pivotally connected at one end to 'a different one of the frame members 13 intermediate the ends thereof and at its opposite end to its associated cross piece 23 adjacent the outwardly disposed longitudinal edge of back and top member 21. Enlarged end 25 of slot 24 is disposed adjacent the other or inward longitudinal edge of back and top member 21; and slot 24 extends therefrom toward the pivotal connection of the associated control link 27 to the same cross piece 23.

Rigid control links 27 pivot about their pivotal connection toframe members '13 on a common horizontal axis between the positions shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 to control the movements of back and top member 21 between its table-topposition as shown in FIG. 3 and its bench-back position as shown in FIG. 4. At the table-top position of back and top member 21, pins 26 are disposed in the enlarged ends 25 of slots 24'to lock back and top memer 21 at its table-top position. As mentioned, enlarged ends 25 are disposed adjacent the inward longitudinal edge of back and top member 21 so that supporting frame members 13 underlie back and top member 21 adjacent the inward longitudinal 'edge thereof and control links 27 support the outer longitudinal edge thereof to provide 'a'stable support for back and top member 21 at its tabletop position. Further, it should be noted that back and top member 21 at its table-top position overlies frame portions with floor-engaging caster elements 16 underlying generally the outer longitudinal edge of back and top member 21 which further provides a stable structure. A relative upward movement of the inner longitudinal edge of back and top member 21 when it is at its tabletop position moves pins 26 out of enlarged ends 25 of slots 24 to release back and'top member 21 from its tabletop position and permit relative movement of pins 26 in theslots 24 to the other ends thereof as shown in FIG. 4. Control links 27are pivotally moved from their inclined positions of FIG. 3 to generally vertical positions of FIG. 4, substantially in the same vertical planes as frame members 13 when back and top member 21 is at its benchback position of FIG. 4. It should be noted that when back and top member 21' is at its bench-back position, both it and its mounting means, including links 27, mounting frame 22 and cross pieces 23, are disposed closely adjacent supporting frame member 13 and in inwardly spaced relationship from the outward limits of frame structure 11 as defined by ends 15 of frame portions 14.

I provide a longitudinally extended seat 28 which is pivotally connected adjacent its inner longitudinal edge to connecting rail by hinge elements 29 for swinging movements about the horizontal axis defined by connecting rail 20 between the supported generally horizontal operative position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and the upstanding inoperative position shown in FIG. 6. A generally vertically disposed inverted U-shaped leg structure 30, formed of tubular stock material, is pivotally connected by hinge elements 31 to the outer longitudinal edge of seat 28 and depending therefrom. The lower or outer free ends of leg structure 30-comprise friction feet 32, which may be rubber or the like, adapted to frictionally engage the supporting floor at the operative 'position of seat 28 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. By referring to FIG. 6, it will be noted that at the inoperative position of seat 28, friction feet 32 are vertically upwardly spaced from and out of engagement with the supporting floor so that my combination table and bench structure 10 is easily portable since the only floor-engaging elements are the caster elements 16. Whenthe table and bench struc ture 10 is in use, however, friction feet 32 frictionally engage the floor to fix the table in position. This eliminates the necessity of any caster locks or the like; and is a very desirable feature of my invention.

I provide 'a pair of brace rods 33 forcontrolling the movements of leg structure 30 during movements of seat 28. Each of the brace rods 33 is pivotally connected at one end to a different one of the laterally spaced leg portions 34 of leg structure '36 by outwardly turning one end of each of therods 33 which are journalled in leg portions 34 and secured in position by a nut 01' the like. The opposite ends of rods 33, indicated by the numeral 35, are inturned each to be -'joi1rnalled in a different one of the side rails 19 of cross member 18 adjacent frame portions 14; and further, ends 35 are journalled adjacent posed; however, the ends of rods 33 connected to leg portions 34 are raised slightly vertically with respect to ends 35 thereof. This acts to place rods 33 under tension when seat 28 is in a vertical position and which acts as a lock when seat 28 goes over center, to its slightly inclined inoperative position'as shown in FIG. 6. Seat 28 at its inoperative position, shown'in FIG. 6, engages back and top member 21 in face'to face relationship when back and top member isat its bench b'a ck position.

U-shaped arm 36 comprises laterally spaced parallel link portions 37 ands generally horizontal connecting portion 38. A longitudinally extended kneeler 39 is pivotally connected adjacent its inner longitudinal edge by hinge elements 40 to connecting portion 38 of arm 36. The operative position ofkneeler 39 is shown in FIG. 4, where- 'in kneeler 39 is disposed'horizontally and overlies frame portions 14 at the side of frame members 13 away from seat 28, and is supported by frame portions 14.

otal connection of arm 36 to side rails 19 and frame members 13 sufficient to dispose the inner or trailing longitudinal edge of kneeler 39 laterally outwardly spaced from frame members 13 When the leading longitudinal edge thereof engages the lower ends of frame members 13. This acts to self-lock kneeler 39: in itsinoperative generally vertical position so that the kneeler must be lifted vertically and then pulled out along its leading or outward longitudinal edge in order to be moved from its inoperative position to its operative position.

My invention is particularly adapted to be used in schools, churches or the like wherein a plurality of my combination table and bench structure 10' are used. together. Generally, back and top member 21 when it is at the table-top position of FIG. 1, is used in conjunction with the seat of an adjacent table and bench it might be so used if desired. When back and top member 21 is at its bench-back position of FIG. 4, it is used with the seat 28 of the same structure 10. Thus, seat 28 at its operative position is in normal cooperating seat relationship with the back and top member 21 of the same structure when the latter is at its bench-back position, and seat 28 is at a height coincident with a seat relationship with said back and top member 21 at its table-top position sothat seat 28 is disposed at its height relative to the table-top position of back and top member 21 so that it can be used with an adjacent structure 10.

When back and top member 21 is at its bench-back position, shown in FIG. 4, when seat 28 is at its inoperative position, shown in FIG. 6, and when kneeler 29 is also at its inoperative position, my combination table and bench structure 10 is at its storage position. It should be particularly noted that when seat 28 is at its inoperative position of FIG. 6, seat 28 and its associated sup porting and mounting means, including leg structure 30, rods 33, cross member 18, and the connecting hinge elements, are all disposed adjacent to generally vertical planes of said back and top member when it is at its bench-back position; and in fact, seat 28 is in actual engagement with back and top member 21 at this position. It is also true that kneeler 39 at its inoperative position is disposed adjacent to frame members 13 or adjacent generally vertical planes of the back and top member when it is at its bench-back position.

It is a feature of my invention that seat 28 and back and top member 21 are positionable, together with their associated mounting and supporting means in a relatively confined space defined by adjacent laterally spaced generally vertical planes which are intermediate the lateral limits of side frames 12 and defined by ends of frame portions 14. The portions of frame structure 11 laterally outwardly of said vertical planes, which includes the ends 15 of frame portions 14 and adjacent portions thereof and caster elements 16, are free of cross connections, that is, the space therebetween is free and unobstructed, and said portions of the side frames 12 are at a height to permit nesting of a plurality of the table and bench structures 10 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8. It is clear that by straddling the side frames 12 of adjacent table and bench structures 10 as particularly shown in FIG. 8, the compact relatively confined seat 28, back and top member 21, and associated supporting structure of one table and bench structure 10 may be moved into closely adjoining relationship with an adjacent structure 10 as shown in FIG. 6. This permits nesting of a plurality of table and bench structures 10 in a relatively confined space. My table and bench structures It permit an area of a school, church, or the like, to be used as an auditorium when the structures 10 are in their bench positions or as a lunchroom, when the structures 10 are in their table positions, or the area may be cleared for other activities by storing the structures 10 in their nested storage positions.

Table and bench structures have been built and tested and commercially produced in accordance with the embodiment of my invention as specifically shown in the drawings and described. My table and bench structures 10 have proven to be highly desirable commercially and found to be completely satisfactory for the accomplishment of the objectives of my invention. shown a preferred embodiment of my invention, it would be clear to one skilled in the art that my invention as herein specifically shown in the drawings and described is capable of changes and modification without departing from the scope and spirit-of my invention. Therefore, I Wish it to be understood that I intend to be limited solely to the scope and spirit of my invention as set forth in the following claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a combination table and bench structure, a pair of forwardly and rearwardly elongated rigid end frames While I havev disposed in laterally spaced parallel relationship to one another, each of said end frames being confined within closely adjacent generally vertical parallel planes whereby said end frames are relatively thin, rigid connecting structure extending between and rigidly connecting said end frames to fixedly maintain the said relative positions thereof, said connecting structure being disposed intermediate the forward and rearward ends of said end frames, a longitudinally extended seat disposed to extend between said end frames, means swingably connecting the seat to the end frames for swinging movements from a generally horizontally disposed operative seating position wherein the rear edge thereof is disposed intermediate the vertical planes of the forward and rearward ends of the end frames to a generally upstanding storage position wherein the entire seat is disposed intermediate the vertical planes of the forward and rearward ends of the end frames, said end frames each comprising an upstanding portion extending above the upper plane of the seat in all positions of the latter'and disposed intermediate the vertical planes of the forward and rearward ends of the end frames, a longitudinally extended combination bench-back and table-top member extending between and swingably connected to said upstanding end frame portions for movements from a generally horizontal operative table-top position adjacent the upper limits of said end frame portions to a generally vertical benchback position at the side of said'end frame portions adjacent the seat, and means for connecting said table-top member to said end frame portions comprising structure rigid with said table-top member defining a pair of laterally spaced parallel longitudinally extended slots disposed in planes parallel to said end frames and each disposed adjacent a different one of said end frame portions, a pair of pivot pin portions each rigid with a different one of said end frame portions and having a common axis transverse to said end'frames, said pivot pin portions each being slidably mounted in the adjacent slot for longitudinal and swinging movements relative to said table-top member, each slot having an upwardly directed notch formed therein adjacent one end which is adjacent the inner longitudinal edge of said table-top member, each slot extending from its notch in a direction toward the outer longitudinal edge of said table-top member, said pivot pin portions being disposed in their said respective associated notches when said table-topmember is at its horizontal table-top position to releasably latch said table-top member at said position, and a pair of rigid links each pivotally connected adjacent one end to a different one of said end frame portions below the planes of said table-top member at its horizontal position and each pivotally connected adajacent its opposite end to said table-top member intermediate the outer longitudinal edge thereof and the adjacent ends of said slots, said links being pivotally swingable relative to said end frame portions and table-top member about axes generally parallel to said pivot pin portions, and said links extending diagonally at the horizontal position of said table-top member for supporting said member adjacent its outer longitudinal edge and said links guiding the swinging movements of said table-top member, said seat at its storage position and said bench-back and table-top memher at its bench-back position being juxtaposed in a generally confined space defined by adjacent forwardly and rearwardly spaced generally vertical planes which space is adjacent said connecting structure and intermediate the vertical planes of the forward and rearward ends of the end frames, and the portions of said end frames at one side of said space being free and unobstructed therebetween and below the horizontal planes of said seat at its storage position and said table-top member at its bench-back position to permit nesting of a plurality of said table and'bench structures by disposing the table-top member and seat of one table and bench structure adjacent the table-top member and seat of an adjacent table and bench structure with the end frames thereof in overlapping relationship.

2. The structure defined in claim 1 in further com.- bination with a longitudinally extended kneeler engaging and supported by horizontal portions of said end frames in over-lying relationship at one side of said end frame portions, and means connecting said kneeler to said end frames for movements between a generally horizontal operative position and an upstanding inoperative position intermediate the vertical planes of the forward and rearward ends of the end frames and adjacent said confined space.

3. The structure defined in claim 2 in which said end frame portions extend vertically upwardly from said horizontal portions of the end frames and in which said lastmentioned means comprises a pair of laterally spaced arms each pivotally connected at one end to the trailing longitudinal edge of said kneeler and at its opposite end to said end frames in spaced relation to said end frame portions in a direction away from said kneeler for pivotal movement of said arms with respect to said end frames about a generally horizontal axis generally coplaner with said horizontal portions of the end frames, said arms being longer than the distance between theirpivotal connection to said end frames and said end frame portions so that at the inoperative position of said kneeler the leading edge thereof engages said end frame portions and the trailing edge thereof is laterally spaced therefrom, whereby said kneeler is self-locking in its inoperative position through its connection to said end frames.

4. In a bench structure, a pair of forwardly and rearwardly elongated rigid end frames disposed in laterally spaced parallel relationship to one another, rigid connecting structure extending between and rigidly connecting said end frames to fixedly maintain the relative positions thereof, said end frames each comprising an upstanding portion intermediate the vertical planes of the forward and rearward ends of the end frames and a horizontal portion at one side of the upstanding portion thereof, said upstanding portions being in common generally vertical planes and said horizontal portions being in common generally horizontal planes, a longitudinally extended kneeler engaging and supported by said horizontal portions in overlying relationship, means connecting said kneeler to said end frames for movements between a generally horizontal operative position and an upstanding inoperative position adjacent said upstanding portions, said means comprising a pair of rigid laterally spaced arms each pivotally connected adjacent one end adjacent the trailing longitudinal edge of the kneeler and adjacent its opposite end each to a different one of said end frames in spaced relation to said upstanding portions in a direction away from said kneeler for pivotal movements about generally horizontal axes, the distance between the pivotal connections of each arm being longer than the distance between its pivotal connection to its associated end frame and the upstanding portion thereof so that at the inoperative position of said kneeler the leading edge thereof engages said upstanding portions and the trailing edge thereof is laterally spaced therefrom, whereby said kneeler is self-locking in its inoperative position. I

5. A nestable combination table and bench structure comprising frame structure including a pair of laterally spaced forwardly and rearwardly elongated rigid end frame members having upstanding supporting portions disposed generally centrally of the forward and rearward ends thereof, an elongated normally horizontal seat extending between said end frame members, means pivotally connecting said seat adjacent its inner longitudinal edge to said frame structure below the level of the upper ends of said upstanding supporting portions for swinging movements of said seat between a horizontal position and a generally upstanding storage position at one side of said supporting portions, an elongated table-top and benchback member extending between said upstanding supporting portions, means including said upstanding supporting portions for supporting said table-top member in a generally horizontal position adjacent the upper ends of said upstanding supporting portions, means pivotally connecting said table-top and bench-back member to said upstanding portions for both swinging movements and transverse movements thereof relative to said upstanding portions between its generally horizontal table-top position and a generally vertical bench-back position at the same side of said supporting portions as said seat and adjacent the inner longitudinal edge of the seat at its horizontal position and to be disposed adjacent said upstanding portions andbetween-said upstanding portions and the upfolded seat, whereby said seat and said table-top member will be brought into generally vertical juxtaposition intermediate the forward and rearward ends of said end frame members, and said end frame members defining therebetween an unobstructed space adapted to receive corresponding end framemembers in overlapping relationship to permit nesting of a plurality of said table and bench structures.

6. Ane'stable combination table and bench structure comprising frame structure including a pair of laterally spaced forwardly andrearwardly elongated rigid end frame members having upstanding supporting portions disposed generally centrally of the forward and rearward ends thereof, an elongated normally horizontal seat extending between said end frame members, means pivotally connecting said seat adjacent its inner longitudinal edge to said frame structure below the level of the upper ends of said upstanding supporting portions for swinging move ments of said seat between a horizontal position and a generally upstanding storage position at one side of said supporting portions, an elongated table-top and benchback member extending between said upstanding supporting portions, means for supporting said table-top and bench-back member in a generally horizontal position adjacent the upper ends of said upstanding supporting portions and for pivotally connecting said table-top and bench-back member to said upstandingportions for both swinging movements and transverse movements thereof relative to said upstanding'portions between its generally horizontal table-top position and 'a generally vertical bench-back position at the same side of said supporting portions as said seat and adjacent the inner longitudinal edge of the seat at its horizontal position and to be disposed adjacent said upstanding portions and between said upstanding portions and the upfolded seat, said last-mentioned means comprising said upstanding supporting portions wherein said table-top and bench-back member at its horizontal position overlies the upper ends of said upstanding supporting portions with said upper ends being disposed adjacent the longitudinal edge of said table-top and bench-back member nearest the seat and said last-mentioned means comprising a pair of links each pivotally connected at one end to said upstanding portions and at the other end to said table-top and bench-back member adjacent the other longitudinal edge of said member, said table-top and bench-back member being movable between its said positions over the upper ends of said upstanding supporting portions, whereby said seat and said table-top and bench-back member will be brought into generally vertical juxtaposition intermediate the forward and rearward ends of said end frame members, and said end frame members defining therebetween an unobstructed space adapted to receive corresponding end frame members in overlapping relationship to permit nesting of a plurality of said table and bench structures.

(References on following page) 10 References Cited in the file of this patent 2,509,556 Zim1 nerman May 30, 1950 UN STATES PATENTS 2,548,093 Clam! P 1951 Re 3 456 Chandler et al May 25 1869 2717631 Howe Sept 1955 1151839 French 'June 13, 1871 5 2174514 May 1956 364,094 Dressler May 31, 1887 FOREIGN PATENTS 645102 Jennings Mar. 13 1900 V 550 Great Bntam 1871 1,792,737 Greenstreet -7 Feb. 17, 1931 437,985 Germany Dec. 1, 1926 1,894,502 Taylor Jan. 17, 1933 2,146,932 Boman 14, 1939 10 451,214 Great Bntam y 1936