US3550540A - Collapsible voting compartments - Google Patents

Description

I United States Patent 1 13,550,540

[72] Inventors Leonard N.Albrecht 2,747,957 5/1956 Lencioni 108/36 Mill Valley; 2,961,280 1 H1960 Jentzen 108/60X Joseph P. l-larris, Berkeley, Calif. 3,326,147 6/1967 Toney 108/60X 121] App1.No. 747,743 3,339,502 9/1967 Fyffe 108/60X [22] Filed July 25, 1968 3,389,947 6/1968 Kelley et a1. 108/60X [45] Patented Dec. 29, 1970 P E I A C l [73] Assignee Modern Election Equipment Co. Anmary mmmer an Berkely Calm ttorney-Lothrop & West a corporation of California [54] COLLAPSIBLE VOTING COMPARTMENTS ABSTRACT: Voting compartments are used by voters in recording their votes and is comprised of a table having a top and means of attaching thereto partition panels adapted to form several individual voting compartments, screening voters from observation of their choices by others present at the polling place. The table top provides the surface on which voters may place a paper ballot while recording their choices or, alternatively, may secure a punch card voting device in correct voting position for use by voters in recording their choices. The table top is supported. by legs which may be moved when not in use to a stowed position underneath the table top. The partition panels may consist of foldable sheets of initially flat material which may be opened to form three sides of a rectangle or may consist of separate connectable, segments erected above and temporarily connected to the table top to form mutually supporting voting compartment walls. At least one partition panel may have a projecting shelf engageable by a voting device. Clamps may engage and hold adjacent partition panels together and also support lights for the voting compartments.

PATENTED DEC 29 I970 SHEET 1 [IF 4 W M: w 2% W? W vfiM WMP. 0% my 3 a lrroewim COLLAPSIBLE VOTING COMPARTMENTS In the conduct of elections it is necessary to provide from time to time various voting compartments serving to position the ballot for the convenience of the voter and effective to shield the voting activity and the ballot from observation by others than the voter. A voting compartment requires a horizontal surface to support a ballot or particularly to support a voting device and likewise requires a number of walls so that the voting activity at any compartment is protected from view from adjacent areasv Customarily a polling place is of a temporary nature. Voting facilities including booths must necessarily be supplied and erected specially for an election and thereafter removed to free the premises. Between uses the booths and other equipment must be at least partially dismantled, transported and stored, a costly, cumbersome operation requiring skilled or semiskilled labor and involving considerably more time than is reasonably justified. The storage of bulky voting booths between elections presents a further problem and expense.

It is therefore an object of our invention to provide collapsible voting compartments that can be supplied complete and in desired numbers to polling places in a compact form and with a minimum number of separate packages.

Another object of the invention is to provide voting compartments which can be easily and quickly erected or disassembled by the unskilled labor normally available.

Another object of the invention is to provide voting compartments in which portions which may be subject to extraordinary wear or deterioration can readily and economically be replaced.

Another object of the invention is to provide voting compartments which require only small space at the voting site, provide secrecy in voting and which are stable and sturdy.

A further object of the invention is to provide voting compartments effective to position voting devices for efficient use.

Another object of the invention is to provide voting compartments manipulable to form a package including a planar table and having space to receive partitions, lights and other accessories.

A still further object of the invention is in general to provide improved voting compartments which are economical to manufacture, store, use and transport.

Other objects together with the foregoing are set forth in the embodiments of our invention described in the accompanying description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one form of voting compartments constructed pursuant to the invention and illustrated in erected form;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view showing the voting compartments of FIG. 1 in stowed condition for portability;

FIG. 3 is a plan of the table and container portion of the structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross section, the plane of which is indicated by the line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view, partly diagrammatic, and showing a pair of partition walls as in FIG. 1 in position for as sembly, a portion of one of the partition walls being broken away to disclose the interior;

FIG. 6 is a cross section, the plane of which is indicated by the line 6-6 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another form of voting compartments constructed pursuant to the invention illustrated in erected form; and

FIG. 8 is a cross section, the plane of which is indicated by the line 83 of FIG. 7.

In one form of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the voting compartments consist of a table with a top and with legs which fold underneath when the table is not in use and a plurality of separators or shields in the form of partition panels or walls which when placed on the table top form one or more voting compartments, and when not in use are folded or separated and placed in space provided for then on the under side of the table. Lights are provided not only to illuminate the voting compartments, but also to help support the shields or separators of the individual voting compartments and hold them in correct position. Space is provided on the under side of the table for storage of the lights when the voting compartments are not in use. A table for voting compartments of this form may be used as a carrying or storage case, the accessories placed underneath the table top being held securely by means of the table legs when folded. Alternatively, there may be a separate carrying and storage case in which the table and accessories in folded position may be placed when being stored or transported.

In another form of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. I -6, the voting compartments of the invention include a container which when closed appears to be substantially like an ordinary suitcase and can as readily be transported. The container has a number of perforations in a planar portion thereof which can serve as a table top so that when the container is opened and its contents are removed and assembled all of the parts for voting compartments are present. The container has supporting legs which can move from a stowed position beneath and against the table top into an erected position extending normal thereto for supporting the open container on the floor. In one form, the partition panels as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 consist of a number of foldable, initially flat sheets, for example, of fiberboard having tabs thereon can be erected into positions corresponding with three sides of a rectangle and the tabs can be inserted into the perforations in close juxtaposition to each other so asto afford a number of separate voting compartments. In addition, at least one of the sheets has a section which extends over a portion of the table top and is provided with tabs also to engage in some of the perforations to provide a positioner for holding a voting device in a favorable location. If desired, clips can engage adjacent sheets and can likewise support electric lights.

The form of voting compartments shown in FIGS. 1-6 when normally stored or being transported include a dual-purpose container 3. This is preferably comprised of a pair of metal pans 4 and 6 each having a table with a planar surface or top 7 of rectangular configuration The table is bounded by normal flanges 8 on all four sides. The flanges on adjacent sides of the two pans are interconnected by a hinge 9 for relative rotation. One of the pans has a carrying handle II thereon. Both of the container members 4 and 6 are provided with a number of perforations 12 in the table top 7. The perforations may be of different sizes and are arranged in particular patterns, the perforations 12 being elongated transversely of the container, whereas other, similar perforations 13 are arranged longitudinally of the container. Fasteners 14 are provided opposite the hinge 9 in order to hold the two container portions 4 and 6 in closed position when engaged. When the container is unfolded or opened about the hinge 9, the adjacent sides 8 of the pans 4i and 6 about each other and afford a generally horizontal, planar surface.

The size of the container 3 is such that its height, as seen in FIG. 2, is sufficient for the transverse dimension of two voting compartments, whereas its length when opened, as seen in FIG. 1, is sufficient for three voting compartments on each side of the table. This is only an illustrative arrangement, as one or more compartments can be provided for on the same principle. Four voting compartments, as in FIG. 7 and six voting compartments as in FIG. 1, are the usual preferences. Preferably the partition panels are arranged so as to provide voting compartments on the opposite elongated sides of the table in order to provide needed stability and to reduce the space required at the polling places.

Pivoted within the container by pins 16 engaging the flanges 8 and adapted to be stowed completely within the container when folded are supporting means in the nature of tubular legs 2] connected by appropriate permanent braces 22 and 23. Toggle straps 24 are pivoted to the legs and to the flanges 8 and when folded hold the legs within the confines of the individual pans. When the legs move about pivot axes 26, the toggles 24 are unfolded and locked in straight position to hold the legs securely. There is afforded a firmly supported panel or table, as appears in FIG. 1.

Readily stowed within the container 3 in addition to the legs 21 are initially flat sheets 27 preferably of fiberboard or comparable material. Each of the sheets when flat is substantially an elongated rectangle and has a pair of scored lines 28 and 29 about which the sheet can be folded. When unfolded, the

resulting structure corresponds to three sides of a rectangle and affords two sidewalls 31 and 32 or partition panels and a back wall 33 or partition panels. Each of the walls has one or more tabs 34 adapted'to be received within the perforations 12 in the horizontal table top. Preferably the back wall 33 has a pair of the tabs 34 designed to fit within registering ones of the slots 12, whereas each of the sidewalls 31 and 32 has a single tab 34 designed to mm the registering perforations 13. Other means of positioning and removably securing the walls or partition panels in erected position on the table top can be provided, for example, adhesive angles or tapes, clamps, grommets, snaps, Velcro fasteners, etc. so long as the desired functions are performed.

Preferably most of the perforations l2 and 13 are of sufficient width or size to receive two of the tabs 34 side by side when the sheets 27 are positioned adjacent each other. The sheet thickness with respect to the size of the perforations is such that the tabs 34 are well positioned within the perforations. The upstanding walls forming shields or separators for voting compartments thus defined are in close juxtaposition and serve mutually to support each other.

There has recently come into use a voting device employing a card to be punched by the voter. This is a compact structure about the size of a briefcase and has supporting feet in use resting upon a horizontal surface with the device itself in a horizontal attitude. Since the device itself is relatively small (compared to some of the previously used paper ballots), the area of the voting compartments can be correspondingly diminished.

Particularly for use in connection with such voting devices it is preferred to provide the back wall 33 with a special projecting section 36 (FIG. This is bent outwardly at an inclination from the back wall 33 and is provided with a pair of tabs 38 and 39 designed to fit into appropriate registering perforations in the table top. The section 36 has a downturned flange 41 designed to rest on the table top to afford a substantial support and is provided with a pair of perforations 42 and 43 to receive the buttonlike feet of a voting device 44 (FIG. 1). The section 36 elevates the rear portion of the voting device, and the engagement of the feet in the perforations 42 and 43 holds the voting device in proper position. The section 36, being out of the plane of the back wall 33, acts as an extra reinforcement and stabilizing brace therefor and is urged into holding position by the weight of the voting device. Thus each part contributes to the stability and positioning of the other parts.

The panels 31 and 32 project beyond the margin of the table top so as to afford secrecy to the voter from the sides. The height of the various panels 31, 32 and 33 is such that the choices of the voters using the voting compartments cannot be observed by other persons As an added means for maintaining stability of the upright walls of the voting compartments, it is preferred, as shown in FIG. 6, to provide removable, springy clips 51 extending over and rather tightly engaging the adjacent upper margins of the back walls 33. The walls are stiff enough to afford a good support, so the clips 51 are conveniently utilized to hold a pair of electric lights 52 and 53 on a bracket 54 secured on the clip 51. The lights afford good illumination within the voting compartments.

After the voting compartments have been utilized for an election it is easy for even an unskilled attendant to remove the clips 51, to remove the various voting devices 44, to lift the walls from the perforations, and to fold the walls flat onto themselves. All of the detached structure, including the voting devices and the lights as well as the walls, can be stowed within the container 3 and the legs 21 can be moved from their supporting position into their stowed position. The container 3 can be closed and latched ready to be hauled away for storage pending reerection for the next election.

In some instances. as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. it is preferred to provide a table 61 ofa construction similar to that of FIGS. l6 but without any hinge. The horizontal panel 62 or table top and the downturned flanges 63 as well as the perforations 64 are as before, as are the folding legs 66. The area of the table top is appropriate for four voting compartments each defined by removable sheets 67. Each of these is initially flat and is folded on score lines 68 to define a rear wall 71 and sidewalls 72 and 73. Tabs 74 on the lower edges of the walls enter into the perforations 64.

The rear wall 71 has an extending section 76 with perforations 77 therein adapted to receive the feet 78 of the voting device. This does not elevate but does locate and position the voting device.

The sidewalls 72 and 73 extend substantially beyond and overhang the edge of the table top and are preferably doubled back upon themselves. The free edges are joined by staples 79 or other fastening to the body of the sidewalls This arrangement does not interfere with folding but does provide extra stiffness and rigidity, especially to the overhanging portions of the walls, and presents a rounded edge to the approaching voter.

The adjacent or abutting back walls 71 of neighboring compartments are held together, at least temporarily, by clips 81 that also support electric lights 82, the lights in adjacent compartments being connected in circuit by a conductor 83.

In both principal forms of the invention there are made available voting compartments of compact and collapsible na ture that fulfills all of the objects of the invention and that greatly simplifies and economizes the provision of voting compartments particularly for use with voting devices.

The partition panels or walls which help to form the voting compartments may be constructed not only in the form of foldable sheets as shown in the drawings, but also of discrete flat sheets which may be connected when positioned for voting and separated when stowed. Also, other means than that shown in the drawings may be used to position and temporarily attach the partition panels to the planar panel, such as screws, clamps, grommets, adhesive tape, etc.

We claim:

1. Voting compartments comprising a table having a planar top, supporting legs secured to said table top and movable between a stowed position adjacent to said table top and a supporting position normal to said table top, partition panels removable from said table top and consisting of sheets of relatively stiff material fitting above said table top when erected in voting position, and means on said partition panels to engage complementary means on said table top at predetermined locations to form the rear and two sides of individual voting compartments, said partition panels being of a size fitting within the underside of said table top when removed therefrom and placed in stowed position.

2. Voting compartments comprising a table having a planar top provided with perforations, supporting legs secured to said table top and movable between a stowed position adjacent said table top and a supporting position normal to said table top, partition panels removable from said table top and consisting of relatively stiff material having paralleled fold lines, said panels when in one folded position fitting above said table top in an upright position thereon, and tabs located on the bottom edge of said partition panels and adapted when said panels are in said folded position to interengage corresponding perforations at predetermined locations on said table top to hold said panels in said folded position forming the rear and two sidewalls of individual voting compartments and to release said panels to assume another folded position to be stowed on the underside of said table top.

3. Voting compartments as in claim 2 in which at least one of said partition panels includes a section hinged with respect to the remainder of said panel to occupy a projected position extending over a portion of said table top, and tabs on said section adapted to occupy'some of said perforations in said table top when said section is in said projected position.

4. Voting compartments as in claim 3 in which said section has perforations in position to engage the feet of a voting device on said table top.

5. Voting compartments as in claim 2 in which some sec tions of said partition panels are arranged parallel to and abutting each other with said tabs of the abutting portions of said sections occupying certain ones of said perforations, and means are provided for temporarily fastening together the top edges of at least some of said abutting sections.

6. Voting compartments'as in claim 5 in which said plurality of partition panels when erected have at least some portions arranged in paralleled abutting juxtaposition and providing two thicknesses in mutual supporting relationship.

7. Voting compartments as in claim 2 in which the sidewalls of said partition panels when erected on and rising above the table top have portions projecting beyond the edge margin of said table top.

8. Voting compartments as in claim 2 in which said perforations on said table top to engage and position said partition panels are arranged to coincide with three sides of a rectangle.

9. Voting compartments as in claim 2 in which at least some of said perforations in said table top are each designed to receive said tabs of both adjoining partition panels.

10. Voting compartments as in claim 2 in which said table top is part of a container which, in closed position, is adapted to receive said supporting means in said stowed position and to receive all of said partition panels.

11. Voting compartments as in claim 2 wherein at least some of said partition panels are so arranged as to provide vot ing compartments on opposite sides of said table top 12. Voting compartments as in claim 11 wherein the rear walls of opposing voting compartments are attached to said table top in back-whack position and braced against each other by clip or other means.

13. Voting compartments as in claim 12 in which said clip means supports an electric light.

14. Voting compartments comprising:

a table structure comprising a table top and leg means adapted to support said table top in a substantially horizontal position above'a horizontal floor;

partition panels comprising a rear wall and two sidewalls connected together for movement about parallel fold lines between a folded position and an erected position with said three walls at right angles to each other; and

means to attach said rear and sidewalls to said table top in substantially vertical positions extending above said table top, leg means being movable from a position supporting said table top to a position substantially parallel to said table top, and said partition panels when in said folded position being a substantially flat configuration having a width and a length less than the width and length respectively of said table top.

15. Voting compartments as in claim 14 wherein the means to attach said partition panels to said table top comprise a plurality of projections extending from the lower edge of said rear and sidewalls into perforations in said table top.

16. Voting compartments as in claim 14 wherein said rear and sidewalls are formed from a single sheet of relatively stiff material such as cardboard with fold lines impressed at the common edges of said rear and sidewalls

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