U.S. patent number 3,751,082 [Application Number 05/224,519] was granted by the patent office on 1973-08-07 for connector and modules for structural assemblies.
Invention is credited to Kenneth E. Somerville.
United States Patent |
3,751,082 |
Somerville |
August 7, 1973 |
CONNECTOR AND MODULES FOR STRUCTURAL ASSEMBLIES
Abstract
Modular structure and method for constructing furniture and the
like, wherein inexpensive, resilient connecting means is used to
join together a plurality of normally discarded cans, such as soft
drink and beer cans and the like, to construct useful items such as
household furniture and decorations and the like with the discarded
cans.
Inventors: |
Somerville; Kenneth E.
(Rochester, MI) |
Family
ID: |
22841048 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/224,519 |
Filed: |
February 8, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/182;
220/23.83; 403/42; 403/175; 403/223; 403/305; 47/902; 297/440.14;
52/DIG.9; 248/159; 403/171; 403/220; 403/291; 297/440.24;
403/170 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B
87/0207 (20130101); F16B 12/40 (20130101); F16B
12/00 (20130101); A47B 47/00 (20130101); F16B
12/38 (20130101); Y10T 403/346 (20150115); Y10S
47/902 (20130101); Y10T 403/54 (20150115); Y10T
403/5733 (20150115); Y10T 403/341 (20150115); Y10T
403/28 (20150115); Y10T 403/453 (20150115); Y10S
52/09 (20130101); Y10T 403/342 (20150115); Y10T
403/45 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
A47B
87/02 (20060101); A47B 87/00 (20060101); A47B
47/00 (20060101); F16B 12/40 (20060101); F16B
12/00 (20060101); F16B 12/38 (20060101); F16b
007/04 (); F16b 002/20 () |
Field of
Search: |
;287/54A,54B,54C,126,23,85 ;312/111,258 ;211/182 ;215/100.5
;220/97B,23.4,23.83,23.86 ;297/440,448 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Franklin; Jordan
Assistant Examiner: Shedd; Wayne L.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An article, comprising a plurality of connected together
discarded cans, and a plurality of separate, resilient connecting
members connected to adjacent ends of adjacent cans securing the
cans together in desired relationship, said connecting members
including an angle coupler, said angle coupler comprising a first,
circular, disc-shaped web, an annular, peripheral flange integral
with the web on at least one side thereof and projecting axially
therefrom and engaging and holding the end of a can positioned
within said flange, and at least one other circular, disc-shaped
web integrally joined to said flange at one edge of said first web
in right angular relationship thereto, an annular, peripheral
flange integral with said other web and projecting axially
therefrom and engaging and holding an end of another can positioned
within said flange.
2. An article as in claim 1, wherein an inturned lip is on the edge
of each flange engaging and holding the end of an associated can
behind said flange means.
3. An article as in claim 1, wherein at least another of said
connecting means comprises a reducing coupler joining together a
pair of cans of different diameter, said reducing coupler including
a circular, disc-shaped web increasing in thickness toward the
periphery thereof, an annular peripheral flange extending axially
from one side of said web, a radially inturned lip on the edge of
said flange engaging and holding the end of an associated large can
received behind said flange, and a second, diametrically smaller,
annular flange projecting axially from the other side of said web
and having a radially inturned lip on the edge thereof engaging and
holding the end of an associated smaller can therein.
4. An article as in claim 1, wherein there are three substantially
identically formed connecting members each integrally joined
adjacent one edge thereof with the flange of said first web at
equally spaced points about the circumference thereof, said three
connecting members each comprising a disc-shaped web and an
annular, peripheral flange projecting axially from one side
thereof, said webs lying in planes parallel to the axis of said
first web and with the flanges thereof extending outwardly away
from said first web.
5. An article as in claim 4, wherein a central projection is on the
web of each of said connecting members integrally joined to the
flange of said first web, said projections each in engagement with
an end of an associated can.
6. An article as in claim 1, wherein said angle coupler comprises a
first pair of axially aligned connecting members lying in spaced,
parallel planes, a second pair of axially aligned connecting
members lying in spaced parallel planes on opposite sides of said
first pair of connecting members in perpendicular relationship
thereto and integrally joined to said first pair of connecting
members at adjacent edges thereof, a third pair of axially aligned
connecting members lying in spaced, parallel planes above and below
said first and second pair of connecting members in perpendicular
relationship thereto and integrally joined thereto at the adjacent
edges thereof, each of said connecting members having a disc-shaped
web with an axially projecting annular peripheral flange extending
outwardly therefrom receiving and holding the end of an associated
can therein, and a central projection extending axially from each
web on the same side thereof as the flange, engaging the end of an
associated can to space the web from the end of the can.
7. An article as in claim 1, wherein an annular peripheral flange
projects axially from each of the opposite sides of said first web,
and three connecting members each having a disc-shaped web are
integrally joined at the mid-portion of one side of their webs to
the flange on said first web at three equally spaced points about
the circumference thereof, said connecting members each having an
annular peripheral flange projecting axially from the other side of
said web and each lying in a plane perpendicular to the plane of
said coupler member.
8. An article as in claim 7, wherein a central projection is on the
web of each of said connecting members integrally joined to the
flange of said first web, said projections each in engagement with
an end of an associated can.
9. An article as in claim 1, wherein an annular peripheral flange
projects axially from each of the opposite sides of said first web,
the outer marginal surface of said flanges being rectangular and
having opposite, straight sides, and three connecting members each
having a disc-shaped web integrally joined across the middle
thereof to a respective opposite, straight side of said flange on
said first web, said connecting members each having an annular
peripheral flange projecting axially from one side of the web and
each lying in a plane perpendicular to the plane of said first
web.
10. An article as in claim 9, wherein a central projection is on
the web of each of said connecting members integrally joined to the
flange of said first web, said projections each in engagement with
an end of an associated can.
11. A connecting means as in claim 1, wherein each of said flanges
is elongate in an axial direction and has a rectangular outer
configuration and a circular or cylindrical inner
configuration.
12. An article as in claim 11, wherein a flange projects axially
from each of the opposite sides of said first web.
13. An article as in claim 1, wherein a flange projects axially
from each of the opposite sides of said first web.
14. An article as in claim 1, wherein a central projection is on
said first web on the same side thereof as said flange, said
projection in engagement with the end of the can received in said
flange.
15. An article, comprising a plurality of connected together
discarded cans, a plurality of resilient connecting means connected
to adjacent ends of adjacent cans securing the cans together in
desired relationship, at least one of the connecting means
including a circular disc-shaped web, an annular, peripheral flange
integral with the web on each of the opposite sides thereof and
projecting axially from the opposite sides of the web, each flange
receiving and holding the end of an associated can therein, a
plurality of circumferentially spaced, axially extending grooves in
the circumferential outer surface of the said one connecting means,
said grooves extending completely across the axial extent of said
flanges, and at least one panel means received and held at an edge
portion thereof in one of said grooves, with the plane of said
panel means parallel to the axis of said one connecting means and
said associated cans.
16. An article, comprising a plurality of connected together
discarded cans, a plurality of resilient connecting means connected
to adjacent ends of adjacent cans securing the cans together in
desired relationship, said connecting means including an angle
coupler, said angle coupler comprising a pair of hollow,
cylindrical connectors integrally joined together at one end
thereof in right angular relationship to one another, one end of a
can received and held in each of said cylindrical connectors, a
pair of radially projecting, closely spaced lugs on the outer
surface of the other end of each of said cylindrical connectors,
said pair of lugs lying in substantially the same plane, and a
panel means having a pair of mutually perpendicular edges, said
edges received and held between the respective pairs of lugs.
17. An article as in claim 12, wherein a central projection is on
the web of said end cap on the same side thereof as said flange,
said projection being in engagement with the end of the end most
can to space the web from the end of the can and maintain it in
substantially flat, planar relationship.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to furniture and the like constructed from
cans of the type which normally contain food stuffs or beverages or
other materials and which are normally discarded after the contents
thereof are emptied, and to unique structural modules and method
for joining together a plurality of such normally discarded cans to
form the furniture and the like.
The widespread use of cans made of steel, aluminum, tin and the
like for the packaging of food stuffs and beverages and other
materials for merchandizing and sale has resulted in a serious
problem from an ecological standpoint. Heretofore, when the
contents of such cans were emptied, the cans were discarded, and
because of the nondegradable nature of such cans, a serious
disposal problem existed. Such cans are not readily recycled for
further use nor are they capable of being burned in incinerators or
the like, and accordingly, the handling and disposal of such cans
is both expensive and extremely difficult to accomplish, resulting
in substantial damage to the ecology.
With the present invention, cans of the type which normally contain
food stuffs, beverages and other materials and which are normally
discarded after the contents thereof are emptied are usefully
reclaimed by using the cans to make inexpensive furniture and the
like. Therefore, the invention serves not only to eliminate such
cans from the tremendous amount of garbage and other refuse that
accumulates daily in populous areas, and to thus enhance the
ecological balance in such areas but also results in the cans being
used for making useful articles such as furniture and the like.
Moreover, the simplicity and exceptionally low cost of the unique
structural modules of the present invention enables a person to
construct his own furniture or other articles with the use of only
a few simple tools, such as a pair of pliers and a screwdriver.
According to the invention, an unique and inexpensive connecting
means is provided for quickly and easily releasably joining
together a plurality of such cans to form various useful articles
such as household furniture and decorations and the like.
A plurality of modified forms of connecting means and couplers are
taught by this invention, and each of the connecting means and
couplers comprises a resilient disc-shaped web member of one-piece
molded construction and having an integral, axially extending,
annular, peripheral flange or wall on at least one side for
receiving and holding a can therein.
The disc-shaped web member or portion of the couplers or connecting
members extends across the end of an associated can when in use to
reinforce the coupler or connecting member and prevent undesirable
distortion of the annular flange.
According to one form of the invention, the connecting member has
an annular flange or wall on only one side thereof and the web
accordingly serves as an end cap for covering the end of an end
most can in a structure constructed with a plurality of cans and
connecting members or couplers according to the invention. In this
form of the invention, a central spacing button or projection is
formed on the same side of the web as the annular flange and abuts
the end of the can to maintain the web in a substantially flat
planar relationship.
In another form of the invention, the coupler has an annular,
peripheral flange on both sides of the web for joining a pair of
cans together in end-to-end relationship. In this form of the
invention, it is not necessary to provide a button or projection on
the web for engaging the ends of the cans since the web is not
exposed to view.
In yet another form of the invention, the coupler includes a pair
of connecting members joined together in right angular
relationship, with each of the members having an annular flange
thereon for receiving and holding a pair of cans in angularly
disposed relationship with regard to one another. More
particularly, according to this form of the invention, a pair of
cans are held in right angular relationship and more than two
connectors may be joined together in mutually perpendicular
relationship for joining together as many as six cans disposed in
perpendicular relationship to one another.
In still another form of the invention, the outer peripheral
surface of the coupler or connecting member has at least one
channel or notch therein for receiving the edge of a panel or the
like so that a plurality of joined together cans may comprise a
framework for supporting at least one generally flat, rectangular
panel. This form of the invention should be used, for example, to
form a room divider or other similar article wherein at least one
and preferably a plurality of flat rectangular panels are held in
assembled relationship by means of a plurality of cans held
together with a coupling or connecting means as aforedescribed.
Other articles of furniture and the like can readily be made with
the present invention such as, for example, tables, floor lamps,
table lamps, ashtrays, bookshelves, umbrella stands and the like.
Of course, it is readily apparent that there are various other
items which can be made with the unique coupler or connector means
of the present invention and a plurality of cans of the type which
are normally discarded.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide articles of furniture
and other items which are constructed from cans of the type which
normally contain beverages or food stuffs or other materials and
which are discarded after the contents thereof are emptied, said
discarded cans being held together in assembled relationship by
means of resilient coupler or connector means between the ends of
adjacent cans.
Another object of the invention is to provide articles such as
furniture and the like comprising a plurality of normally discarded
cans held together in assembled relationship by connecting means
and to the method of making same.
A further object of this invention is to provide a means for
quickly and economically joining together a plurality of cans of
the type which normally contain food stuffs or beverages or other
materials and which are normally discarded after the contents
thereof are emptied, to form useful items such as furniture or the
like.
An even further object of this invention is to effectively reclaim
and put to a useful purpose cans of the type which normally contain
food stuffs, beverages or other materials and which are discarded
after the contents thereof are emptied and to thus substantially
reduce the problem of disposing of such cans and to accordingly
improve the ecology.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a structure incorporating
a plurality of discarded cans and various types of couplers or
connecting means according to the invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of one of the connecting means of the
invention as used on the end of an end most can in a structure to
provide a cover for the end most can.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view in elevation of a slightly modified
connector of the type shown in FIG. 2.
FIGS. 4 and 5 are sectional views similar to FIG. 3 of further
slightly modified connectors.
FIG. 6 is a view in elevation, shown partly in section, of another
form of connector wherein a plurality of notches are formed about
the periphery thereof for receiving the edge of a panel
therein.
FIG. 7 is a top view of the connector shown in FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a modified form of the
connector shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, wherein a single channel or notch
is on the periphery of the flange for receiving the edge of a panel
therein.
FIG. 9 is a plan view of a coupler which includes a central web, on
the opposite sides of which are formed a pair of radially inwardly
directed annular flanges for receiving the ends of a pair of cans
therein to hold the cans in assembled, end-to-end relationship.
FIG. 10 is a view in section taken along line 10--10 of FIG. 9.
FIGS. 11 and 12 are views similar to FIG. 10 of slightly modified
types of couplers.
FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 of still another
form of coupler, wherein a plurality of channels are formed about
the periphery thereof for receiving the edges of associated
panels.
FIG. 14 is a view in section of still another form of the invention
wherein the coupler comprises a reducing coupler for joining a pair
of cans of different size together in end-to-end relationship.
FIG. 15 is a plan view taken along line 15--15 in FIG. 14.
FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of still another form of the
invention wherein a plurality of connecting members are joined
together in right angular relationship to one another to form an
angle coupler for joining a plurality of cans together in right
angular relationship.
FIG. 17 is a view in section taken along line 17--17 in FIG.
16.
FIG. 18 is a view in elevation, shown partly broken away, of
another form of the invention similar to the form of invention
illustrated in FIG. 16.
FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of still another form of the
invention which is similar to the form of the invention shown in
FIG. 16 except that one of the connecting members comprises a
coupler including flange means on both sides thereof for joining a
pair of cans in end-to-end relationship.
FIG. 20 is a view in section taken along line 20--20 in FIG.
19.
FIG. 21 is a top perspective view of yet another form of the
invention similar to FIG. 19.
FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of a still further form of angle
coupler which comprises a pair of tubular, cup-shaped connecting
members in which the ends of associated cans are received and held
to hold the cans in assembled right angular relationship to one
another.
FIG. 23 is a view in section taken along line 23--23 in FIG.
22.
FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of a portion of a structure
constructed in accordance with the present invention wherein a
plurality of couplers, such as shown in FIG. 8, and a further form
of angle coupler are used to hold a plurality of cans together to
form a framework with a flat, rectangular panel held therein.
FIG. 25 is a view in section taken along line 25--25 in FIG.
24.
FIGS. 26 and 27 are sectional views in elevation of decorative
rings positionable on a can between the ends thereof to enhance the
aesthetic appearance of a structure made in accordance with the
invention.
FIG. 28 is a plan view, shown partly in section, of a modified form
of end cap.
FIG. 29 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 29--29 in
FIG. 28.
FIG. 30 is a plan view, shown partly in section, of a modified form
of coupler.
FIG. 31 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 31--31 in
FIG. 30.
FIG. 32 is a top perspective view of a modified form of angle
coupler.
FIG. 33 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line 33--33 in
FIG. 32.
FIG. 34 is a top perspective view of a further modified form of
angle coupler.
FIG. 35 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 35--35 in
FIG. 34.
FIG. 36 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line 36--36 in
FIG. 35.
FIG. 37 is a view in elevation with a portion thereof broken away
showing a structural module comprising a column of cans coupled
together with couplers of the present invention.
FIG. 38 is an enlarged view in elevation, with portions thereof
broken away, of a floor lamp constructed in accordance with the
invention from modules such as shown in FIG. 28.
FIG. 39 is a top perspective view of a table constructed in
accordance with the invention.
FIGS. 40 and 41 are front and edge views, respectively, of a
bookshelf constructed in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 42 is a view in elevation, with a portion thereof broken away,
of a room divider constructed in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 43 is a view in section taken along line 43--43 in FIG.
42.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring more specifically to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, a
structure comprising a plurality of cans C joined together by a
simple inline coupler S and an angle coupler A, with a pair of end
caps E and E' at the opposite ends thereof, is shown in exploded
relationship in FIG. 1.
The end cap E, as seen best in FIGS. 1-5, comprises a disc-shaped
web 1 with an integral annular wall or flange 2 projecting
substantially perpendicularly from one side of the web 1 about the
peripheral marginal edge thereof. A relatively short cylindrical
button or projection 3 is in the center of the web on the same side
thereof as the flange 2 and engages the end of an associated can C
when in use to space the web 1 from the end of the can and maintain
it substantially flat and planar. The edge of the flange 2 is
turned radially inwardly to define an annular lip 4 which engages
behind the flanged or beaded end of a can positioned therebehind as
seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5.
The outer surface of the end cap or connector E of FIGS. 1 and 2 is
of relatively straight cylindrical shape, whereas in FIG. 3, the
outer surface is rounded; in FIG. 4, the outer surface has a cove
shape; and in FIG. 5, the outer surface is beaded.
In FIG. 8, a modified end cap or connector E' is shown and is
identical in every respect with the end cap or connector E of FIG.
1 except that a pair of radially projecting lugs or ears 5 and 6
project from the outer surface of the annular flange 2 and define a
groove or channel 7 therebetween for receiving the edge of a flat
rectangular panel.
In FIGS. 6 and 7, a still further form of end cap or connector E"
is shown, and includes a web 1 and a central button or projection 3
for spacing the web from an end of an associated can C. In this
form of the invention, a plurality of equally spaced tabs or
projections 8 project radially outwardly from the outer surface of
the annular flange 2 and define a plurality of notches or channels
9 therebetween for receiving the edge of a panel P. The web 1
extends radially outwardly beneath the notches or channels 9 to
define a stop 10 for the bottom edge of the panel P.
In FIGS. 1 and 9 through 13, the simple inline coupler S is shown
and comprises a flat, disc-shaped web 1' with an annular peripheral
flange 2' projecting substantially perpendicularly from each side
thereof about the marginal edge of the web 1'. The edge of each
flange 2' is turned radially inwardly to define an annular
retaining lip 4 for gripping and holding the flanged or beaded end
of a can C therebehind when the coupler S is placed over the ends
of adjacent cans.
In FIG. 1, the coupler S has a relatively straight cylindrical
outer peripheral surface and in FIGS. 9 and 10, the outer
peripheral surface of the coupler S is semi-circular. In FIG. 11,
the outer surface of the coupler is cove shaped, and in FIG. 12,
the outer surface is beaded.
In FIG. 13, a modified coupler S' is shown and is substantially
identical with the form of the invention shown in FIG. 1, except
that a plurality of radially outwardly projecting ribs or flanges
12 are formed on the outer surface of the flange 2' to define a
plurality of equally spaced channels 13 therebetween for receiving
the edge of a panel P. A radially inwardly directed lip 4 is on
each flange as in the previously described embodiments of the
coupler S for receiving and holding the flanged or beaded ends of
cans C therein on opposite sides of the web 1'.
Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a further form of in-line coupler SR
is shown, and in this form of the invention, the coupler comprises
a reducing coupler for joining two cans of different size together
in end-to-end relationship. The reducing coupler SR comprises a
disc-shaped web 14 increasing in thickness toward its outer
peripheral edge and having an annular peripheral flange 15 formed
integrally with the web 14 at the peripheral edge thereof and
extending substantially perpendicularly from one side of the web.
The edge of the flange 15 is turned radially inwardly to define a
lip 16 for gripping and holding the beaded or flanged end of a can
C' therebehind. The size of the web 14 and flange 15 is such as to
accommodate a typical one gallon can C'. A plurality of notches 17
are formed in the lip 16 about the circumference thereto to enable
air to escape from behind the flange 15 when the end of the can C'
is placed in operative position against the web 14 and behind the
lip 16. A diametrically smaller flange 18 is integrally formed on
the other side of web 14 generally concentrically with the axis of
the coupling SR and the edge of the flange 18 is turned radially
inwardly to define a lip 19 for receiving and holding the beaded or
flanged end of a can C placed therebehind. The size of the flange
18 is substantially the same as the size of the flanges 2 and 2'
previously described for holding and receiving the end of a typical
can such as a food or beverage can or the like.
In FIGS. 1 and 16 through 23, various forms of angle couplers are
shown for joining together a plurality of cans in angular
relationship to one another.
In FIG. 1, a first form of angle coupler A1 is illustrated, and the
coupler A1 comprises an in-line coupler S integrally joined at one
edge thereof with the mid-portion of the back of the web 1 of a
connector E. The coupler A1 thus comprises a tee coupler for
joining a plurality of cans C together in the shape of a T.
A second form of angle coupler A2 is shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 and
comprises a plurality of substantially disc-shaped, integrally
joined together connectors 20, 21, 22 and 23, each of substantially
the same construction as the end cap or connector E disclosed in
FIG. 1, in that each of the connectors 20, 21, 22 and 23 comprises
a web 1, an annular peripheral flange 2, and a central projection
3. Each of the connectors 21, 22 and 23 is integrally joined at one
edge thereof to the connector 20 at points spaced approximately 90
degrees apart about the periphery of the flange 2 on connector 20,
and connectors 21, 22 and 23 face outwardly while connector 20
faces inwardly. Additionally, each of the connectors 21, 22 and 23
has a plurality of aligned projections or tabs 24, 25 and 26 on the
back of the webs 1 thereof for engaging the side of a can C
received within and held by the flange 2 of connector 20 to
maintain the connectors 21, 22 and 23 in substantially parallel
relationship with the axis of the can C held by connector 20. With
this form of the invention, the connector 20 would be placed over
the end of the end most can in a stack or row of cans and the end
of a can would be positioned behind and held within the flange 2 of
each of the connectors 21, 22 and 23 so that three rows or
assemblies of cans would extend perpendicularly from the top of the
first row of cans at points spaced 90.degree. apart about the axis
of the first row of cans.
In FIG. 18, a third form of angle coupler A3 is illustrated, and
this form of the invention is substantially the same as that form
of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 except that the
connector 21' faces outwardly and two additional connectors 27 and
28 are integrally joined at their edges to the edges of connectors
20' 21 and 23 to form a six-sided angle coupler having six
connectors thereon disposed perpendicular to one another for
receiving and holding the ends of a plurality of cans C therein
with the cans C disposed in perpendicular relationship to one
another.
A fourth form of angle coupler A4 is illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20
and is similar to the angle coupler A2 illustrated in FIGS. 16 and
17 except that the connector 20 is omitted, and an in-line coupler
29 of substantially the same construction as the in-line coupler S
is integrally joined at three points spaced 90 degrees apart about
its periphery with the mid portion of the back of the webs 1 of
three connectors 30, 31 and 32 of substantially the same
construction as end caps E. Further, an oblong spacing projection
33 is formed in the center of web 1 rather than the circular
projection 3. The connectors 30, 31 and 32 are disposed
perpendicular to the plane of the coupler 29.
A fifth form of angle coupler A5 is shown in FIG. 21 and is
substantially identical with the angle coupler A4 illustrated in
FIGS. 19 and 20 except that the central in-line coupler 29' has a
substantially rectangular configuration as opposed to the circular
configuration of the in-line coupler 29 in the angle coupler
A4.
In FIGS. 22 and 23, a different type of angle coupler A6 is shown
and in this form of the invention, a pair of substantially
cup-shaped connectors 34 and 35 are joined together in right
angular relationship. The length of each of the cup-shaped
connectors 34 and 35 is substantially the same as their diameter,
and the cup-shape connector 35 is integrally joined to the side 36
of cup-shaped connector 34 with the axes of the connectors 34 and
35 disposed at a right angle to one another. The side wall 36 of
cup-shaped connector 34 comprises the end wall of cup-shaped
connector 35. The end wall 37 of cup-shaped connector 34 has a
central projection 38 therein which engages the end of a can C
inserted within the cup-shaped connector to space the end wall 38
of the connector from the end wall of the can to maintain the end
wall 38 substantially flat and planar. The open ends of the
cup-shaped connectors are turned radially inwardly to define lips
40 and 41 for engaging and gripping the sides of a can inserted
therein.
As seen in phantom lines in FIG. 23, a web 43 and flange 44 may be
provided in either one or both of the cup-shaped connectors
intermediate the ends thereof for engaging and holding a can
inserted therein, and thus the can need not be inserted fully into
a cup-shaped connector as shown in full lines.
An elbow coupler 45 is shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 and comprises a
pair of tubular connectors 46 and 47 integrally joined together at
adjacent ends thereof and extending perpendicularly from one
another.
Retaining flanges 48 and 49 of substantially the same construction
as the flange 2' shown in FIG. 8, for example, are on the outer
ends of each of the connectors 46 and 47, respectively, and a pair
of radially projecting lugs or ears 50 and 51 project from each of
the retaining flanges 48 and 49 for receiving the edges of a panel
P.
Two forms of decorative rings R1 and R2 are shown in FIGS. 26 and
27, respectively. The rings R1 and R2 are positionable about a can
C intermediate the ends thereof to enhance the aesthetic effect of
a structure made in accordance with the invention.
A modified form of end cap E" is illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29 and
has a substantially flat, planar disc-shaped end wall 1 with a
central axially projecting button or stop 3 as in the first
described form of end cap, but rather than a short cylindrical
flange or wall 2 as in the first described form of end cap, the end
cap E" has a long wall 2" with a circular or cylindrical inner
configuration O and a rectangular outer configuration. The lower or
open end of the side wall 2" is turned radially inwardly to define
a lip or flange 4 as in the previous embodiment and a plurality of
notches or grooves 17 are formed through the lip to enable air to
escape from the interior of the end cap when it is placed over the
end of the can C.
A modified coupler S" is illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31 and is
substantially identical to the coupler S except that relatively
long walls or flange 2" extend from opposite sides of the central
web 1' and the outer or open ends of the walls 2" are turned
radially inwardly as at 4 to define a retaining flange for holding
the end of an associated can therebehind. The configuration of the
coupler S" is similar to the configuration of the end cap E" in
that the hollow interior of the coupler has a circular or
cylindrical configuration as at O and the exterior of the coupler
has a rectangular or square configuration. Notches or slots 17 are
formed through the lip 4 for enabling air to escape from the
interior of the coupler when cans C are inserted thereinto.
In FIGS. 32 and 33, a modified angle coupler A6' similar to the
angle coupler A6 is illustrated, and this form of angle coupler is
substantially identical to the angle coupler A6 except that the
exterior configuration of the angle coupler A6' is rectangular or
square in shape and comprises a first connector 34' joined in right
angular relationship to a second connector 35', each of the
connectors having circular or cylindrical openings or bores O
therein for receiving an associated can C. The connectors have
elongated walls or flanges 2" thereon which surround the end
portion of a can C inserted within the cylindrical bores or
openings O.
In FIGS. 34, 35 and 36, a modified form of angle coupler A1' is
illustrated and is similar to the angle coupler A1 shown in FIG. 1.
The angle coupler A1' differs from the angle coupler A1 in that it
has relatively long walls or flanges 2" extending in opposite
directions from the web 1', and the outer configuration of the
coupler A1' is rectangular rather than circular as in the form of
coupler shown in FIG. 1.
In FIG. 37 a modular structural element 52 for use in constructing
articles of furniture and the like is illustrated and comprises a
plurality of cans C superposed one upon the other and releasably
joined together in end-to-end relationship by a plurality of the
unique coupler means S. An end cap E is positioned over the outer
end of the end most cans in the column of cans, and the bottom most
can may be filled with a suitable ballast material 53, such as sand
or the like, if desired. The structural element 52 may be used as a
standard or base for supporting an item such as an ashtray, table
top, lamp, or the like, as illustrated in FIGS. 38 through 43.
A lamp L constructed in accordance with the invention is shown in
FIG. 38, and comprises a plurality of cans C joined together in
superposed, end-to-end relationship by a plurality of couplers S. A
relatively large can, such as a typical one gallon can C' comprises
the bottom most can in the lamp and is joined to the remaining cans
C by a reducing coupler SR'. Suitable ballast 53 such as sand or
the like is in the bottom can C' to prevent tipping of the
lamp.
In FIG. 39, a table T is shown constructed in accordance with the
invention and includes four legs or columns 54, each comprising a
plurality of cans C joined together in superposed end-to-end
relationship by a plurality of the in-line couplers S. An angle
coupler A1 is connected between the bottom most and the next
adjacent can in each column or leg 54, and a brace 55, comprising a
plurality of cans C connected together in end-to-end relationship
by a plurality of in-line couplers S, is connected at its opposite
ends with the angle coupler A1 in the legs at the opposite ends of
the table.
A further brace 56 extends between the brace 55 at the opposite
ends of the table and is joined to the braces 55 intermediate the
ends thereof by a pair of angle couplers A1.
A bookcase or bookshelf B is shown in FIGS. 40 and 41 and comprises
a plurality of pairs of cans C connected together in end-to-end
relationship by in-line couplers S, with two pairs of cans C
arranged in parallel, spaced apart relationship between pair of
shelves 57, such as boards or planks, at spaced intervals along the
length of the shelves 57. The pairs of cans C have end caps E on
the opposite ends thereof in engagement with the shelves 57, and as
many alternate layers of cans C and shelves 57 can be provided as
desired to obtain a particular size bookcase. a plurality of single
cans C with end caps E on opposite ends thereof are arranged
beneath the bottom shelf 57 in supporting relationship thereto.
Different numbers of cans arranged end-to-end, or different size
cans can be used between the shelves 57 to effect different spacing
between the shelves, as desired.
A room divider or screen or the like D is shown in FIG. 42 and is
comprised of a plurality of columns of cans C connected together in
end-to-end superposed relationship by means of a plurality of
couplers S'", each of which has a pair of protruding ears or lugs 5
and 6 thereon between which are received the opposite edges of a
plurality of panels P. Horizontally arranged pairs of
interconnected cans also extend between the adjacent columns of
cans for engaging the top and bottom edges, respectively, of the
panels P, and the horizontally disposed cans are joined to the
columns of vertically disposed cans by means of angle couplers A1.
The number and arrangement of the cans can be varied to effect
different designs of the room divider.
In FIG. 43, a yieldable spacer means 58 is shown and comprises a
pair of telescopically engaged members 59 and 60 resiliently biased
apart by a spring 61 interposed therebetween. The spacer means 58
is connected with the top most can C in the columns of cans by an
in-line coupler S. The spacer 58 serves to permit the room divider
or screen or the like D to be positioned between the floor and
ceiling of a room, for example, wherein the telescopically engaged
members 59 and 60 may be either moved toward one another or allowed
to be urged apart to accommodate different dimensions or distances
between the floor and ceiling or the like. The yieldable spacer
insures a snug, friction-tight fit of the columns of cans between
the floor and ceiling or the like of a room and the screen or
divider D is accordingly securely supported in operative
position.
Articles of furniture and the like constructed in accordance with
the invention can be given different aesthetic effects, as desired,
by painting the cans and connectors and the like with a suitable
paint or the cans may be covered with a Contac Paper or similar
material for giving the cans a desired texture and appearance, such
as a wood grain appearance, or the cans may be left in their
original condition with the labels showing to achieve a desired
effect.
As this invention may be embodied in several forms without
departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, the
present embodiment is therefore illustrative and not restrictive,
since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims
rather than by the description preceding them, and all changes that
fall within the metes and bounds of the claims or that form their
functional as well as conjointly cooperative equivalents are
therefore intended to be embraced by those claims.
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